CFMoto has made some minor tweaks to its 650GT for 2022. As its name suggests, the motorcycle is a sport-touring model, and the updates include minor tweaks that make it better suited for long-distance rides.
These include color-matched side panniers and two USB charging ports. In addition to these features, the 650GT will also be available with a new Nebula Black colorway, which is a nice addition considering that most of CFMoto’s other color schemes are bright and bold. The rest of the bike remains essentially unchanged.
The 650GT continues to be powered by the 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin that produces 62.5hp at 9,000rpm and 43.1lb-ft of torque at 7,000rpm. Hardware components like the 38mm KYB telescopic fork and monoshock have been carried over from the previous year’s model.
Other features include a 5.0-inch TFT display with two layouts — Touring and Sports, a height-adjustable windscreen, and full-led lighting.
RideApart also reports that the new CFMoto 650GT retails for €6,440, or the equivalent of $7,471. CFMoto has been busy the last few months, launching multiple new motorcycles and announcing plans to expand to new markets like the US. Some of the models expected to reach American shores include the 300 NK, 300SS (300SR), 650NK, 650 MT, 700 CL-X Classic, 700 CL-X Sport, and Papio 125.
The source mentions that the 650GT isn’t on the list of models to be launched in the US. However, it might make its way there later.
Until Remy Gardner joined the Moto2 class in 2016, Australian representation in Moto2 had been largely somewhat sporadic, and the same goes for Moto3. With Remy Gardner’s looming promotion to MotoGP it is likely that Moto2 will not have any Aussie riders in the category for season 2022.
Remy Gardner – Portimao 2021
Darwin based teenager Joel Kelso joins the full-time ranks of Moto3 next year, but in previous seasons there has been the odd Aussie wildcard as a once or twice off, but in some years not even that. We have to go back to 2015 for the last time we had a full-time Aussie in the Moto3 ranks, and that was Remy Gardner.
Joel Kelso – Portimao 2021
We have to go further back to 2014, at Indianapolis, for the most recent occasion where Aussies clinched points across all classes, before Portimao last weekend of course.
Broc Parkes at Indy in 2014
At that 2014 event Broc Parkes claimed a single point in MotoGP, Anthony West bagged seven-points for a ninth place finish in Moto2 and Jack Miller scored a podium in Moto3.
Jack Miller on the Moto3 grid at Indy in 2014 – Image AJRNAnthony West also took victory at Assen in 2014 – Image AJRN
That trio actually managed it twice that year. The 2014 season opener at Qatar witnessed Broc Parkes card a point for 15th, Anthony West was ninth in Moto2 and Jack Miller won the Moto3 race. There was also at least one instance a couple of years earlier than those 2014 instances, but West was later removed from the official records that season thus, as far as the official race results sheets go as they stand today, we have to go back much further again…
Jack Miller celebrates a win at Qatar in 2014
The next most recent instance we have found was way back at Catalunya in 2004 with Andrew Pitt scoring a couple of points in MotoGP, Anthony West ninth in 250 and Casey Stoner fourth in 125.
Andrew Pitt had some MotoGP wildcard appearances in 2004 with Moriwaki and scored points – Image 2snap
Earlier that season (2004) at Mugello there were also three Aussies in the points, Stoner second in 125, Anthony West tenth in 250 and Troy Bayliss fourth in MotoGP.
Casey Stoner on the podium at Mugello in 2004 – Image 2snap
They also did it at Le Mans in 2004 with Casey eighth in 125, Westy sixth in 250 and TB eighth in MotoGP.
Troy Bayliss at Le Mans in 2004 – Image 2snap
In 2003 at the Rio de Janeiro motorcycle Grand Prix Troy Bayliss finished tenth in MotoGP, Anthony West eighth in 250 and Casey Stoner was second to Jorge Lorenzo in the 125 race.
Casey Stoner finished second to Jorge Lorenzo at Rio in 2003 – Image 2snapTroy Bayliss pictured in the pits at Rio in 2003 – Image 2snap
A little over five years ago Yamaha introduced one of the most soul-stirring motorcycles introduced in recent times in the MT-10.I have always been a huge fan of the cross-plane crankshaft YZF-R1 engine. It’s soulful gravelly voice is more sonorous than Stevie Nicks and the wheelies on the MT-10, oh my god, the wheelies.. It’s like it was designed for them.
2022 Yamaha MT-10
The looks, well, they are certainly polarising, and not all that tasty to my palate, but hey, you don’t look at the mantlepiece when you’re stoking the fire, and the MT-10 has plenty of fire.While stoking that fire though there are some visible changes from the cockpit that now includes a new 4.2-inch colour TFT.
New full-colour display derived from the R1
Externally, the look of the MT-10 is tweaked for 2022 but they are lighting and minor detail changes, there is still no mistaking that it is nothing else but an MT-10.
2022 Yamaha MT-10
For 2022 Yamaha has significantly updated the MT-10, the impetus is of course looming Euro 5 legislation but that’s no bad thing as generally the more precise design and tuning needed to meet those standards also produces more power and torque. And that’s the story in the case of the MT-10 too.
2022 Yamaha MT-10
Exact official figures are hard to come by but it seems the increase amounts to around six ponies, bringing the stable up to 164 hp along with a modest increase in torque. Yamaha also claims that mid-range torque is boosted between 4,000 and 8,000 rpm. Yay, more wheelies…
2022 Yamaha MT-10
The sound is a big part of the MT-10 experience and here Yamaha are also claiming improvements via a new air-box with three different intake ducts with different lengths and cross-sections to give the harmony more dynamic range.Yamaha have even fitted new Acoustic Amplifier Grilles that are positioned on the front left and front right of the 17-litre fuel tank. These amplifiers transmit the tuned induction sound directly to the rider, and the vibration of the grilles themselves also contributes to the ensemble, according to Yamaha.
2022 Yamaha MT-10
A new titanium exhaust is used on the MT-10, and this lightweight system features a newly designed titanium downpipes and muffler. Like the new tuned intake, the exhaust has been designed to emit a deep and distinctive sound that emphasises the bike’s uneven 270-180-90-180 firing sequence at lower rpm before the intake roar takes over as the revs rise.
2022 Yamaha MT-10
Yamaha claim improvements in comfort from both ergonomics and seat padding.
2022 Yamaha MT-10
A new Brembo radial master-cylinder is claimed to improve braking performance and tactility while the once optional quick-shifter now becomes standard equipment.
2022 Yamaha MT-10
A six-axis IMU enables the suite of electronic aids to perform at a much higher level. Lean sensitive traction and ABS are augmented with more advanced engine braking management and wheelie control. The menu system allows the parameters to be changed across all these systems independently. You can also set a speed limiter pegged to what ever rate of knots you desire.
2022 Yamaha MT-10
43mm fully adjustable KYB front forks offer 120mm travel and can be set up to match personal riding preferences. At the rear a fully adjustable KYB rear shock can be easily adjusted to handle varying loads and riding styles.
What would have been really nice to see would have been a larger fuel tank. When playing silly buggers the 17-litre tank of the MT-10 is lucky to last 200 kilometres, and for runs in the Aussie countryside a little more range would be welcome.
2022 Yamaha MT-10
Yamaha Australia will not know exactly what colour schemes will be coming to our shores until later this month, and the same goes for pricing. Watch this space…
Black Dog Ride Australia (BDRA) is seeking the views of riders to determine its future direction after a couple of “ruff” years due to changes in leadership and the pandemic.
BDRA was started by Steve Andrews after his solo ride around Australia in 2009 to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
Black Dog Ride founder Steve Andrews
His shock retirement in 2017 was followed by a series of changes in leadership, board membership and administrative staff that the organisation admitted in 2019 had left them “in a state of flux”.
Over the past two years, Covid lockdowns have forced the cancellation of the annual Ride to the Red Centre.
Now, BDRA seems to be searching for a new direction in 2022 and is asking riders to complete a short online survey.
It starts by asking whether you agree that their mission statement should change from raising awareness of “depression and suicide prevention” to “mental health and suicide prevention”.
It also asks about how you currently support the event and the cause, plus basic info about your age and which state you come from.
There are only four questions so it takes about a minute to fill out.
Last year, the emphasis went from riding your motorcycle to work to simply riding your bike due to the lockdown meaning many people had to work from home.
It appears that is how the initiative will continue at least for this year’s event from November 29 to December 5, instead of the usual dates in September.
However, the official Facebook page still goes by the ungainly title of “Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week”!
There are already many people riders out and about as lockdowns have lifted recently in several states and more are expected in coming weeks as some inter-state borders open up.
However, we suggest you check each state’s health department websites for details before attempting any border crossings.
For example, riders crossing from NSW to Queensland during Ride Your Motorcycle Week must be fully vaccinated and return a negative COVID 72 hours before the crossing.
Ride your Motorcycle Week will be supported by an advertising campaign reminding riders of the efficiency and ease of riding a bike, as well as promoting riding’s positive impact on mental health.
FCAI Chief Executive and newbie rider Tony Weber says “there’s nothing else like” riding.
Tony Weber
“But life gets in the way. Ride Your Motorcycle Week is just a little extra push to get your bike serviced ahead of riding season, take the bike to work or take the long way home, take day the off and reconnect or just go and have an adventure. This is the week to start doing it,” he says.
“COVID has obviously changed the way Australians think about commuting, but the name change is about more than acknowledging working from home. The off-road segment has boomed during the last two years, and this is acknowledged in the campaign’s name change.
The event also aims to draw attention to two-wheeled transport as a potential solution in COVID-19 recovery.
“Riding has a real role to play in helping Australia get back to work, offering socially distanced transportation and alleviating congestion and parking issues. As ever, our secondary goal is to capture the attention of policy makers who to often overlook riding in developing transportation infrastructure,” Tony says.
Although the track is regarded as quite small, the pit complex contains 48 garages whilst the stadium-style grandstands can seat up to 150,000 spectators. The circuit layout which allows all parts of the circuit to be seen from any stand helps to create a unique atmosphere enjoyed by Spanish and international riders alike and as the last race of the season, there is always a party feeling to the Grand Prix, which was voted best GP of 2005 by IRTA.
The BMW R 18 “The Wal” by Shinya Kimura, the third R 18 custom in BMW’s Soulfuel collaboration series. (Photos courtesy BMW Motorrad)
BMW’s R 18 platform is the German company’s first foray into the large-displacement, traditionally styled cruiser segment. To showcase the platform’s versatility, BMW has partnered with some of the top names in motorcycle customization. The latest R 18 custom is called “The Wal,” and it was designed by well-known Japanese customizer Shinya Kimura and is the third R 18 build in BMW Motorrad’s “Soulfuel” collaboration series.
The first R 18 custom was unveiled in late 2018, when BMW and Japanese builder Custom Works Zon presented an industrial-looking custom called “Departed” at the Mooneyes Show in Yokohama, Japan. Enormous cylinder heads covered in cooling fins jutted out from each side, providing the first look at what would come to be known as the “Big Boxer” engine – a flat opposed Twin that is all buy synonymous with the BMW brand.
In April 2019, Revival Cycles pulled the covers off The Revival Birdcage at the Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas. The minimalist custom bike, with a delicate-looking “birdcage” frame wrapped around the Big Boxer made the engine look even bigger, and BMW confirmed it would eventually power a production model cruiser.
A month later, at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, BMW presented the BMW Motorrad Concept R18. It was done in-house, and lead designer Bart Janssen Groesbeek drew inspiration from classic BMW models such as the R5, R50 and R60.
Next, in late 2019, came the Concept R18 /2, a classic cruiser in design, with modern flowing lines, a small headlight cowl, and a slightly bobbed rear fender. It had cast wheels – 19-inch front, 16-inch rear, Brembo brakes, and a gorgeous Candy Apple Red paint job. BMW confirmed that the Big Boxer displaced 1,800cc – by far the largest boxer Twin offered by the company.
BMW finally announced the production R 18 in early 2020, but due to the pandemic we didn’t have a chance to test it until later that year. The standard R 18 cruiser was soon joined by the R 18 Classic, which added a windshield and saddlebags.
The first R 18 custom in BMW’s “Soulfuel” collaboration series came from Roland Sands Design. Called the R 18 Dragster, a long and low hot rod with open exhausts and a fat drag-racing slick out back. We had a chance to see – and hear! (what?) – the R 18 Dragster at the Americade rally in September.
The second Soulfuel build was announced in January 2021. Called the BMW announced the R 18 “Spirit of Passion,” it was an Art Deco-style custom built by designer German Dirk Oehlerking. It was followed by two new R 18 production models, the R 18 B bagger and the R 18 Transcontinental tourer.
The third Soulfuel build is Shinya Kimura’s “The Wal.” Known for customizing older motorcycles and the originator of the “Zero Style,” Kimura has recently devoted himself to projects involving modern bikes.
“The basis is the R 18, powered by the latest and greatest engine I have ever worked on,” said Kimura. “It all started with a visit with the BMW Motorrad R 18 development team in Germany. I got to know the unbounded passion and innovative power that prevails at BMW Motorrad.
“Finally, in February 2021 in California, I rode the standard R 18 for a few hundred kilometers to get to know the character of the bike. Following a whole series of conversations, this eventually led to my personal interpretation of the R 18, in which I applied the entire range of my activities as a customizer.”
Shinya Kimura’s approach to craftsmanship is “hands on” – there are no sketches, drawings, blueprints, or mockups during the building process.
“I built the R 18 entirely for myself,” he said. “When I rode the production R 18, I thought it might suit my build and riding preferences better if I designed it to be a little more front-facing with a fairing.
“I decided to adopt the frame, wheels, and tires as well as suspension elements and brakes because I didn’t feel the need to change them after I had ridden the bike. I also wanted to be able to ride for long distances with my R 18 while feeling and enjoying the legendary boxer engine.
“It was very important to me to preserve the two characters of the R 18 as I experienced them when riding. Thanks to its mighty engine, the bike is wild and has almost inexhaustible power on the one hand, yet it is completely good-natured on the other. Just like a whale, hence the German animal name for this R 18, which for me is something like a ‘Sports Endurancer,’” Kimura explains.
“The Wal” has a redesigned fuel tank that is larger than the original, an elongated, rounded seat hump, and a half-shell fairing.
“I also moved the footrests back about 2 inches to have more flexibility for positioning the legs,” Kimura said. “At the same time, I lowered the handlebars and changed the seat to my liking. The seat cushion was also designed by me and then handmade by Backdrop Leathers in Japan. It all added up to the very natural posture that I like.”
The semi-shell fairing houses two asymmetrically arranged headlights that almost look like eyes and, with a little imagination, give Kimura’s R 18 the appearance of a whale together with a set of teeth underneath. The color scheme and coarsely textured paintwork also match the whale theme.
“What I like best about my version of the R 18 is that I was able to change the style and seating position to my liking without destroying the excellent original functionality of the R 18,” Kimura explains. “But drastically changing the seating position and adding my own style and taste was a big challenge in my interpretation of the BMW Heritage. Besides, all these computerized systems and wiring were quite new to me, and I learned a lot.”
Facts about the BMW R 18 “The Wal”:
Handlebars: 8 inches narrower, 6 inches lower.
Fuel tank: Made longer to move the seating position rearward and gain additional fuel capacity of about 1 gallon for longer trips.
Seat pad designed by Kimura himself, handmade by Backdrop Leathers in Japan in bucket style for more bottom support.
Seat designed so that it creates a natural flow from the seat cushion and leads to the round rear light.
Semi-shell fairing for comfortable handling at high speed.
The side covers have been designed in such a way that they do not destroy the look of the original frame.
Special paint finish in the form of a bronze powder coating, after the components have previously been hammered to give the surface texture.
After Kimura had completed all the bodywork, he decided to keep the classic symbolic shape of the standard exhaust system but painted it black.
KTM’s big, gnarly LC8 engine isn’t going anywhere. We should all be thankful for that.
Begin press release:
Few people knew that KTM were throttling something special on the dyno back in the factory’s R&D department towards the end of the last century. In 2003 they finally took away the covers and unveiled the very first KTM 950 ADVENTURE with the growling V-twin LC8 as the vibrant force at its center.
Two years on, mass production of the distinctive KTM 990 SUPER DUKE cemented the LC8’s stature and since then it has been mined, refined, improved, and re-invented. It initially provided the rasping performance for the KTM RC8 and then the expansive output needed for the superlative KTM SUPER ADVENTUREs and the gut-wrenching torque and fun of the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKEs. A bike labelled THE BEAST simply must have rhythm and thunder in its soul.
The LC8 is perhaps best known for its 1301cc 75-degree V-twin inside the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, where luckily advances with electronics mean that cornering motorcycle traction control (Cornering MTC) and anti-wheelie can help tame some of the 140 Nm of torque. The hype is not only about the LC8’s current 180 hp and eye-watering top speed. It’s about the reams of bottom-end grunt that gives each KTM STREET and ADVENTURE model such a strong identity. The LC8 allows KTMs of a certain breed to be completely READY TO RACE but the practicality – and synergy with KTM’s latest generations of ride modes and aids – permit a range of character: from docile dependability to long-range reliability thanks to 15,000 km service intervals. The LC8 can breathe fire on the track or pull anyone up the side of a mountain, scaling all manner of obstacles on the way.
2021 saw a significant chapter in the evolution of the LC8 as the engine was converted to meet Euro5 emissions regulations. KTM engineers were fully convinced by the potential of the technology and their own R&D skill to re-invent the LC8 for a fresh era and to maintain the unique READY TO RACE brutality. The development came through dedicated work with valve and exhaust system efficiency as the LC8 shape-shifted once more. To also shed over 1.5 kg of weight at the same time further enforced the engine’s position as one of the lightest and fiercest motors in any motorcycle dealership. The newest form of the LC8’s architecture included thinner engine cases, new pistons for even better longevity, a new oil line, twin spark ignition and titanium inlet valves, new air intakes and more, all helping to trim kilos and retain key power figures.
The result? Naked bike riders can profit from the improved handling, stability, and output, while also knowing a small twist of the throttle would both drop jaws and open minds. Sports Tourers and Adventurers have the same thrilling access to power, performance, and weight, as well as the reassurance that the bike would be able to take them wherever and whenever without qualm.
Versatility was also paramount. In recent long-term tests conducted by the factory, with almost double service intervals accumulated – touching 30000km – the LC8 of a KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S spent nearly 40% of this period running at under 3500 rpm. This means that the LC8’s torque and efficiency in the low rev range was essential for nearly half of the total distance covered. The total usability and generosity of the LC8 was also highlighted by the fact that just 1% of the test distance was spent above 6500 rpm. KTM therefore remain steadfast in their conviction of the V-twin architecture and its benefits. No matter the road, pass, or trail, whatever the conditions, whatever the demands, the LC8 is primed for the challenge.
Looking ahead and to future incarnations of the KTM SUPER DUKEs and SUPER ADVENTUREs, the LC8 will be the envy of everyone on the tarmac or the trail for a long while to come.
Adriaan Sinke, Head of Motorcyle Product Management:“As we come up to almost twenty years of the LC8 we felt it’s important to highlight how important and just how impressive this piece of engineering has been for both our R&D and of course some of the flagship bikes in our portfolio. Our goal was to have one of the lightest but most powerful V-twins on the market and the fact that we’ve been able to turn to the LC8’s basic outline again and again, flip it around and still push it to new limits is testament to its brilliance. Riders are mostly using all that amazing low-end torque that the LC8 generates: that’s another strong asset and such a mark of KTM’s DNA. We’re looking forward to bringing riders and KTM petrolheads many more visions of how we can use the LC8 in the years ahead.”
Rockford Fosgate, the industry leader in high-performance audio systems, is excited to share its newest corporate video, titled “Purpose Built Audio.” The video premiered simultaneously across the company’s social media channels, YouTube channel, and website rockfordfosgate.com, and it was shared live at Rockford Fosgate’s National Sales meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The team at Rockford traveled across the country collecting footage and experiences from Rockford brand ambassadors, enthusiasts, and partners. A few of the people sharing their passion for Rockford Fosgate are car audio guru Brent Levitt of lownotegarge.com, skateboarder, motorcycle rider, and UTV enthusiast Danny G, UTV racer RJ Anderson, and Skinny Fish Captain Bjorn Gunnlaugsson.
About Rockford Corporation Setting the standard for excellence in the audio industry, the Rockford Corporation markets and distributes high-performance audio systems for the mobile, motorsport, and marine audio aftermarket and OEM market. Headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., Rockford Corporation is a publicly traded company and manufactures or distributes its products under the brand: Rockford Fosgate. For more information, visit rockfordfosgate.com.
A dramatic Sunday at the Brembo Algarve Grand Prix saw Moto2™ Championship leader Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) extend his title advantage over teammate Raul Fernandez to 23 points heading into the season finale. It puts one hand on the trophy for the Australian, but it isn’t game over just yet as the Motul Valencia Grand Prix hosts the intermediate class’ second match point.
