Kawasaki has pulled the covers off its new motorcycle line for '09, and there's lots to discuss. A revised, lithe ZX-6R sheds about 20 pounds, much of it from the engine itself. It also gets updated Showa Big Piston forks and a new look based on its big brother, the ZX-10R. Speaking of which, Kawi's literbike sees only a few changes for '09, most notably a new green, white and black color scheme that looks excellent. Moving from the top of the performance ladder, the middleweight Ninja 650 gets a new fairing that brings it more in line with the rest of the Ninja line, plus a few engine mods to meet new emissions regulations. In a bit of really cool news, the U.S. finally gets the ER6-n, essentially a naked version of the popular Ninja 650 -- we likey. On another sporty note, Team Green has unveiled the KLX250SF, a supermoto bike with a 250cc four-stroke engine, grippy 17-inch tires and long suspension travel. The 'moto is based on the KLX250S, a small-bore dual-sport bike that's finally 50-state emissions legal for '09. On a surprising note, the venerable Super Sherpa is back, along with its 250cc engine and old-school looks. Cruisers are still big sellers in the U.S., so the new 1700 Vulcans are likely to be a hit with a new V-Twin engine derived from Vulcan 2000's monster mill. The rest of the Vulcan line, along with the Versys, ZX-14 and Concours 14 see no real changes for '09 other than some new colors. And that about wraps it up.
Faralli and Mantazzi aren't through reinterpreting classically handsome design cues and proportions. Their Antas GT will appear in the upcoming Speed Racer movie, and while that car is a mash-up of Morgan, Talbot-Lago, classic Alfas and even a touch of Bugatti, the firm's new ride, the Vulca, goes in a different direction. The V12 Vulca is still an homage to the past in a curvaceous and muscular fasion, but it's more infused with Ferrari and Aston Martin, and even hints of C2 and C3 Corvette than its stablemate.
There are only ten copies planned, which is a prudent move as a possible economic implosion could take the wind out of the sails of the market for cars like these. The 2+2 rides on its own chassis, rather than borrowing from Maserati's Quattorporte like the Antas. More than one 12-pot is offered, starting with a 6.0 liter unit and topping out with a 7.5 liter top dog laying down about 600 HP. While the Vulca will undoubtedly be thrilling with its 12-cylinder powerplants, the aluminum coachwork is so beautiful that it could be powered by an Iron Duke for all we cared.
