Holland Calling
Just read a test in NLs bike rag.
The bloke behind this project ran a firm prepping 'bikes for RTW trips.
He says he once made a 60l. 'tank for an Africa Twin(!)
So he wanted to make something which didn't need to carry so much fuel / weight..
'His' engine is the DCX unit from the Smart Diesel.
Being a diesel, it has a narrow rev range, for this reason (and compactness)
he chose a CVT gearbox. The clutch is centrifugal.
The bevel box is from a BMW R1200cs. With no steps in acceleration / gear jerk-changes, it doesn't use / need the parellogram rear of, say, a GS.
The 'bike mag's stats vary a bit from the web site. The article says 50hp and 120Nm. They say it's not as fast as R1200GS or KTM Adv., but on a par with a 650SV. So probably similar to an 11XX.
With moderate use, it can return "1 op 45" ie, a liter to 45 klicks - or 125mpg
And at 175Km/h "1 op 21" ie
58mpg.
With its 22l tank, 600+ miles are possible.
No offence Tarka, but that is different to your Enfield.
In use, the lack of engine braking via the CVT is something that's takes time to get used to. With no clutch lever, you can spec a rear brake lever instead of a foot pedal if you wish.
Price. For now they are only selling in their home market (NL) and have 40 orders. The E17500 price is inclusive of the dreaded local 'BPM' tax. A purchase tax on new vehicles.
As a reference this makes a 1200GS E15000 (compared with in Belgium @
E13300). So not as expensive as it looks to British buyers. Albeit still not cheap..
B.
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