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| CCM's GP450 |
Designed and built in the UK, CCM says the new GP450 is the only mid-range adventure bike geared up for long-distance travel straight out of the crate. It has a long-range tank, a Kymco-made engine previously seen in the BMW G450, and a host of accessories, including soft-luggage and hard luggage options and a low-seat, low suspension option.
The bike is expected to appeal to riders wanting something more manageable offroad than the large-capacity adventure bikes made popular by the exploits of Ewan McGregor and Charley Borman in their Long Way Round series. The low seat option and light weight of only 135kg is also expected to make the GP450 a hit with female riders, as well as those craving more off-road ability from their adventure bike.
CCM director Austin Clews explains: ‘For a long time the trend in the adventure sector has been for the bikes to get bigger and heavier. Not everyone wants that and so we have designed and built an adventure bike that can be used and ridden in difficult conditions without the fear of dropping it and not being able to pick it up. It will also cruise on the motorway and even prove ideal on the daily commute.’
CCM claims the Bond-Lite frame on the GP450 Adventure bike sets it aside from other manufactures. The frame is made up of 13 forged aluminium components, CNC precision machined and bonded together using aerospace technology. CCM says it is the first motorcycle manufacturer to use this technique to achieve a lightweight chassis with consistent flex and stress properties, leading the way with the new lightweight revolution.
In recent months the team has been busy showcasing the bike to prospective buyers and journalists, working with them to improve and refine the product ahead of its launch at the annual bike show in Birmingham. The bike was first seen at the Motorcycle Trade EXPO in pre-production form in January 2013.
The GP450 Adventure is set to cost £7995. CCM is taking orders and has a special offer at the NEC, where test rides will be available.
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Well done Austin and team. About time, I may add. I switched from my 604 CCM some years back to the Honda XR400R for all the reasons above.
ReplyDeletePS was the press shot taken in the Lake District? Looks like the same spot we used for the old CCM 604 test ride/shoot for TBM.