THE WESTERN FRONT By Patrick Lambie
...tearing up the twisties of the Rocky Mountains on the week- end, laying down laps at local track days...
One trip to a local shopping mall filled with Christmas decora-
tions and frantic shoppers confirms that the holiday season is upon us. During this time of year it seems quite easy to lose yourself in the creation of lists of the dream gifts we would like to both give and receive. Based on the timing of this issue, sharing a recently created list of the motorcycles I would like to find under the tree on Christmas morning seemed appropriate. With the endless back roads of the Rocky Mountains and epic ad-
ventures such as the Alaska and Dempster highways beckoning, an adventure bike is likely on the wish lists of many a rider in western Canada. While there are numerous brands and models competing in this class, each with its own unique approach to this utilitarian style of motorcycle, the KTM 990 Adventure, with its ideal balance of weight, power and durability, is the one that makes the top of the list. Of course the bike needs to be appropriately outfitted, and a trip to the Touratech website makes it easy to add all the acces- sories required to protect man and machine, as you set off to travel wherever your imagination takes you throughout the west and be- yond. Next on the list, a purpose-built touring machine dedicated to
the open highways, whether for a weekend trip to Whistler or a full 14-day trip down the west coast. Descended from a long history of stellar touring machines and benefitting from the BMW engineer- ing wunderkind, the BMW K1600 GTL fits nicely on this wish list. While the lengthy list of amenities which come standard on this model ensures that rider and – very important for long trips – pas- senger will travel in style and comfort, the inclusion of an inline six- cylinder engine producing 160 hp should be sufficient to satisfy most wrist-twisting enthusiasts. It doesn’t hurt that the BMW han- dles like a sport bike, too. A wish list would not be complete without the inclusion of a classic collector’s item. The Triumph Bonneville is a part of pop cul-
ture, having made countless appearances in movies, television shows and photographs. The Bonneville has been the motorcycle of choice for both famous and infamous personalities such as Steve McQueen and Evil Knievel. Malcolm Uphill won the Isle of Mann Production TT race aboard a Bonneville in 1969, and the 650cc T120r of that year is often referred to by collectors as the best Bon- neville ever. Not to be overlooked when choosing collectables is the extremely
rare 1948 Harley Davidson Panhead. In addition to being the inau- gural year of the panhead engine, 1948 also marked the last produc- tion year of the springer front end (at least until Harley reintroduced it in 1988), as the 1949 Hydra Glide debuted the new telescopic forks making 1948 a one of a kind “Panhead and Springer” model year. The collectable nature of this motorcycle is further enhanced by the use of the “rat trap” shift mechanism which was the Harley Davidson standard until 1952. Finally, the over the top design and style of MV Agusta’s new
675cc F3 middleweight sport bike makes it the absolute must-have motorcycle whether your requirement is tearing up the twisties of the Rocky Mountains on the weekend, laying down laps at local track days or just making your friends jealous. Conveniently, just in time for Christmas, the limited edition top-spec Serie Oro model, with lightweight magnesium wheels and enough carbon fibre to make a grown man cry, along with upgraded Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes is being shipped this December in advance of the upcoming 2012 release of the standard trim models. The price tag of almost $30,000 confirms that this is indeed a wish list item. Hopefully you have your own wish lists up to date and at the
ready when your friends and family ask the age-old question: “What would you like for Christmas?” In the meantime, to those of you fortunate enough to get out for a ride during the holidays: Ride smart and be safe.
22 HOLIDAY BUYERS’ GUIDE 2011
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