Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/615690
IN THE WIND P48 KTM'S DAKAR TEAM T he 2016 Dakar in South America marks a new beginning for the factory Red Bull KTM team. With the retirement of multi-time race winner Marc Coma, the KTM team will see sophomores Toby Price, and Matthias Walkner front the starting podi- um in Argentina alongside World Enduro Champion Antoine Meo and Dakar veteran Jordi Viladoms. Price in particular has a lot of eyes on him, after the Australian sensationally finished third in his de- but as part of a private Australian entry in the 2015 Dakar. KTM has just released this short video so you can get to know the four riders that make up the 2016 factory Red Bull KTM rally team a little better. CN VICTORY SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTS V ictory Motorcycles has un- leashed the final installment of their 1200cc concept series, dubbed the Combustion. The new bike has been con- structed by the skilled hands of Zach Ness, a long-time Victory builder, in the Arlen Ness Motor- cycles shop in Dublin, California. The Combustion follows the Ignition concept, made by Swiss builder Urs Erbacher, that made its public debut at EICMA in Milan last month and represents a shift to- wards the power cruiser segment of the market Ducati is currently targeting with the XDiavel. "Our family has a long-stand- ing relationship with Victory Motorcycles customizing many Victory production bikes in the past," says Zach Ness, third generation custom builder and grandson of the "Godfa- ther of Customs," Arlen Ness. "It's always fun to look into the future—so to have the trust of Victory to create a more conceptual bike has been great. Also, as one of the first to ride this new en- gine; it absolutely rips!" Both the Ignition and Combustion concept bikes are powered by the same 60°, four-valve V-twin en- gine that will power a new Victory machine in 2016. "This new engine platform offers the most versatility in American motorcycling," says Motorcycle Product Director Gary Gray. "Both concepts, Ignition and Combustion, are intended to show what this mo- tor is capable of in very distinct, visual forms. While the bikes are very different, the powertrain is capable of delivering the perfor- mance required of the look in both cases. "Victory Motorcycles have taken a strong positioning as the Modern American Muscle brand," says Steve Menneto, President of the Polaris Motor- cycles Division. "We are excited about our path for this brand. Our latest work will complement the existing lineup of motorcy- cles powered by the award-win- ning Freedom 106 design." CN (From left) Cory Ness, Zach Ness and Max Ness with the new Ignition. Will this be the new Victory production bike for 2016?