AND OFF-ROAD YOU GO:The KLX 450 R is Kawasaki's new lightweight and tough, mean, green motocross machine. For the off-road biker this purpose-built version of Kawasaki's World Supercross Championship winning four-stroke motocrosser delivers the same high performance features as the KX model, but with improved durability, comfort, and range.
This machine certainly won't make heavy weather of traversing a gruelling, undulating, muddy course with its high-traction torque and advanced throttle control for low-speed manoeuvring.
The KLX 449cc has a liquid-cooled, four-stroke single engine and five-speed transmission with gears that have been specifically selected for off-road competition.
Stalling in the mud shouldn't be a problem either with its electric starter and kick-starting capability. The KLX takes its top-of-the-line suspension from the KX450F. The fuel tank is plastic and adheres to all environmental regulations, with a 2.1-gallon capacity and the petcock is fitted with a reserve. The new lime-green Kawasaki weighs in at a dry weight of just 253.5lb.
According to Kawasaki, no price for this particular model has been agreed yet and it will be available in the UK in May.
And, says Angela Griffin of Bikeworld, a lot of people buying motocross bikes will go to the UK because there is a wider choice available. "You don't have to pay VRT anymore to buy a bike in the UK so this saves a lot of hassle for people and makes it much easier."
STARTING LINE
Don't miss the start of this year's perilous and exciting road racing season. The 2007 season kick starts this Saturday, April 28th with the Cookstown 100 National Road Races in Northern Ireland.
BONHAMS FOR BIKES
Bonhams auctioneers has announced the sale of the Peter McManus motorcycle collection. This unique collection consists of over 150 machines including rare examples of Triumphs from the 1920s to the present day.
Big names from Britain's post-war motorcycle industry will be represented including models from Connaught, Campion, New Imperial, Nimbus, Omega, Douglas and Bradshaw.
There will also be a wide variety of scooters, including a very large and rare Maico Mobil.
Peter McManus served as an engineering apprenticeship with Fletcher and Co in Derby during the second World War, and later worked on aeroengine development for Rolls Royce.
He is also a keen amateur motorcycle historian and author of One Man's Motorcycles: 1939-1949, a one-time best-selling title at the National Motorcycle Museum. This auction will take place on July 1st: for more details e-mail ben.walker@bonhams.com
If you have motorbike news, e-mail motorbikes@irish-times.ie