Motorbike stories in brief
KTM EXPANDS HORIZONS
KTM's newly launched quad bikes have made their UK debut at the Dirt Bike Show in Coventry, and could go on sale in UK and Ireland next year, depending on reaction to the wild-looking race-ready machines.
The 450 XC and 525 XC use single-cylinder, four-valve, dry sump bikes engines (in 448cc and 510cc capacities) with a new five-speed semi-close ratio gearbox (plus reverse).
KTM's long-awaited Audi-powered X-Bow sports car is also expected to be launched in 2008, while the Austrian firm is also rumoured to be developing a baby brother to the wild new RC8 superbike.
If it makes production, the sportbike would use an all-new chassis and be powered by an 80hp engine based on the LC4's 690cc single. It would compete against four-cylinder 600cc rivals, but its lower weight should help it claw back its performance disadvantage.
NEW TRACKING SYSTEM FOR IRELAND
A hi-tech new tracking system has just been launched here. The Omniscout LT200 uses patented GPS technology to locate just about anything that goes missing, and its products are used by North American law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DEA.
The Omniscout LT200 pinpoints its location using satellites, and then relays its position via text message or e-mail over the local phone network. It uses new technology to ensure it is capable of getting a satellite fix even when inside buildings.
It is one of the smallest tracking devices on the market and its lithium ion battery is good for up to two days of usage, but there are optional extended battery packs, wiring kits and waterproof magnetic cases making it ideal for use on motorbikes. www.omniscout.ie
ARIEL TO MAKE BIKES AGAIN?
British sportscar maker Ariel could return to motorcycle production, according to a report in Motorcycle News. Ariel made penny-farthings over 150 years ago, and produced cars and motorcycles at the beginning of the last century. It was eventually swallowed up by BSA before the name was killed off in the 1960s.
It was revived by automotive designer Simon Saunders in the late 1990s and used to name his new lightweight sportscar, the Atom.
Buoyed by the success of his Honda-powered sportscar, he is said to be thinking about going into motorcycle manufacturing as well - a Honda-powered streetfighter, possibly with a supercharger (just like the Atom), and an electric bike based on the carbon fibre Enertia electric bike built by Brammo in the US (they already make Ariel Atoms for the American market).
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