The updatedVR6 roadster announced in late June has been officially unveiled by Horex Motorcycles GmbH in Frankfurt. Presented in a collectible Silver Edition, the Germanmotorcycle with the patented six-cylinder VR6 engine marks the return of Horex afterbeing saved from bankruptcy in early 2015.
The new VR6keeps close to the design that was first introduced in 2010 when the companywas resurrected after a dormant period of almost 50 years. Following a secondround of financial hardship in 2014, German company 3C-Carbon Group took overHorex and stayed true to its promises for a prompt return to production with anupdated model.
Thepatented 1,218 cc (74.3 cu in) engine is the inescapable focal point of themotorcycle. The unique layout of six cylinders arranged in two banks ofthree with a steep 15-degree angle between them, makes for a tight block notmuch wider than that of a typical in-line four-cylinder.
With three overheadcamshafts and three valves per cylinder, the engine produces 170 hp (125 kW) and 138 Nm (101.8 lb-ft) of torque. That would be 10 hp (7.5kW) more than the previous model and a milder increase of 3 Nm (2.2lb-ft) in torque. Horex has not specified how this extra power has come about,nor at which rpm these figures reach their maximum values.
The VR6 isequipped with quintessential top-of-the-shelf parts, such as the fullyadjustable pair of Ohlins suspension that includes 43 mm inverted forks and a TTX36shock absorber. Braking is handled by two Brembo CNC P4 radial four-piston calipersoperating on 320 mm wave discs.
As the newparent company specializes in carbon fiber manufacturing, it was expected thatthis light and strong material would be used abundantly in the new VR6. TheGermans opted for a more exclusive touch of innovation in the form of a unitstructure rear subframe made entirely from carbon fiber. This supports a plushleather saddle that sits the rider at 780 mm (30.7 in), some 20 mm (0.8 in)lower than the preceding model. We also find some more selective doses of carbonin the instrument casing, the rear hugger and the chain guide.
Thetechnical specs confirm another pledge that Horex made in June. Thenew VR6 is lighter than the previous model by no less than 29 kg (63.9 lb), with its dry weight now reduced to 221 kg (487.2 lb).
The modelthat was presented yesterday at Frankfurt is the Silver Edition, owing its nameto the Heritage Silver color that dominates the body of the motorcycle and extends to the forks, calipers and stainless steel exhausts.
With LEDlights all around, ABS in its standard equipment and no other electronicgadgets to spoil the character of a pure roadster, the VR6 Silver Edition willbe limited to a production run of just 33 – curiously enough, the exactnumber of VR6 Café Racer specials that were expected in 2014 had the companynot defaulted. Pricing has not been announced as yet, but the first bikes areexpected to roll out of production this year.
Interestedparties will have to wait until Horex finalizes the details of its new model, but in the meantime a subscription page on the officialwebsite promises to keep people informed on proceedings. Just follow the linkbelow and click on the VR6 Silver Edition tab.
Source:Horex
