Suzuki’s new GSX-S1000GX+ is further evidence of the evolution in the sport-touring class. The marketing materials for ADVs regularly show the bikes being ridden in desolate areas on unpaved terrain, inspiring our sense of adventure. However, ADVs are often used like crossover SUVs, with personas of rugged adventure but most often used on paved roads. Hot on the heels of Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GT+, our 2022 Motorcycle of the Year, is the new GX+ version that has a more open riding position, blending attributes of an ADV with a sport-tourer. Suzuki calls it the “supreme sport crossover.”
Suzuki didn’t have to start from scratch to create the GSX-S1000GX+. In a nutshell, the GX is a GT with a longer-travel suspension that automatically adjusts damping settings based on IMU-informed electronics. It has 1.2 inches more fork travel relative to the GT and 0.8 inches extra shock stroke – both just 0.4 inch less than the V-Strom 1050 adventure bike. Add in some new bodywork and a stronger subframe, and you’ve got the GX. Watch the video to see the 2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ in action and read our full review here.
Following up on the success of Triumph’s other middleweights, including the Trident 660 roadster and the Tiger Sport 660 adventure sport-tourer, Triumph has revealed a new Triple-powered middleweight sportbike for 2024, the Triumph Daytona 660.
At the unveiling of the Daytona 660, Alastair Fairgrieve, Triumph’s global product marketing manager, said the name was originally chosen to honor Buddy Elmore’s victory on a Triumph in the 1966 Daytona 200, where Elmore came from the 46th on the grid to win the race.
The name has appeared in various iterations of Triumph motorcycles over the subsequent years and returns in 2024 with the Daytona 660, which features a liquid-cooled 660cc inline-Triple with DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, and a 240-degree firing order. It makes a claimed 94 hp at 11,250 rpm (17% higher than the Trident 660), with redline at 12,650 rpm, and 51 lb-ft of torque at 8,250 rpm (9% more than the Trident), with more than 80% of the torque available from 3,125 rpm.
The bike has a 6-speed gearbox, throttle-by-wire, a slip/assist clutch, and 3-into-1 exhaust with a low stainless-steel silencer. Triumph’s Shift Assist is available as an accessory fit for clutchless up- and downshifts.
2024 Triumph Daytona 660 in Snowdonia White
Stuart Wood, chief engineer of concept and electrical at Triumph, said the Dayton 660 is focused for “real-world use.”
“Everything we do inspires us,” Wood said. “(With) everything we do at the highest level … we’re learning, and we’re getting more into the engine. We’re looking for better economy, cleaner, and more performance all the time. And I think we’ve delivered fairly well on this one.”
The Triumph Daytona 660 has three ride modes – Sport, Road and Rain – each offering a different throttle response and level of traction control intervention, with Sport mode geared toward more aggressive road riding or track sessions. The traction control system can be turned off for riders who prefer complete freedom from electronic intervention, and a new Emergency Deceleration Warning system activates the hazard lights to alert other drivers during heavy braking.
Stopping power comes from twin 4-piston radial calipers biting 310mm floating discs up front and a single-piston sliding caliper and 220 fixed disc in the rear. ABS is standard. An inverted nonadjustable Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork-Big Piston) fork provides 4.3 inches of travel, and a Showa rear monoshock offers 5.1 inches of travel and preload adjustability. When asked about the lack of adjustment on the front fork, Triumph Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent said that when supersport bikes evolved to become more track-focused, they became more tech- and spec-laden.
“The price point moved up to a point where the (middleweight) class really kind of disappeared because they got to a price point where they were not that far away from the cost of going to a larger capacity machine,” he said. “But they weren’t delivering the same kind of performance.”
Sargent said it became a question of delivering the balance between the specification and the price that a customer really wants.
“So that’s the way we’ve ended up with this bike,” he said. “We think this really hits the mark.”
Ergonomics also reflect the idea of “real-world use.” Clip-on bars are positioned above the top yoke, and footpegs have been moved slightly up and back for a balance of comfort and cornering clearance. Separate rider and passenger seats, with a rider seat height of 31.9 inches and a narrow stand-over make the Daytona 660 manageable for riders of all sizes, and an accessory low seat is also available, lowering the seat height almost an inch to 30.9 inches. The bike rides on five-spoke cast aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin’s new Power 6 tires.
The Daytona 660 has twin LED headlights that incorporate a central air intake, as well as a contoured LED taillight. The bike has a color TFT screen integrated into a white-on-black LCD display that is compatible with the accessory fit My Triumph Connectivity System, which enables turn-by-turn navigation plus phone and music interaction.
2024 Triumph Daytona 660 in Satin Granite
The 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 will come in Carnival Red, Satin Granite, and Snowdonia White starting at $9,195, available in dealers in March 2024.
The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro traverses topography you wouldn’t think was possible for a bike of this size.
The 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 adventure bike has been revamped just four years after its introduction, gaining a 13% boost in power from its inline-Triple, plus new TFT instrumentation, sharper styling, and updated electronics. The GT and GT Pro versions skew toward the sport-touring market, and the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is intended for tackling off-road terrain using a 21-inch front tire and riding on wire-spoke wheels.
To give us a chance to put the Tigers through their paces, Triumph invited us to southern Spain for two days of riding. The first day would be entirely on asphalt in the hills north of Málaga, while the second day was spent almost entirely off-road on some amazingly twisty and scenic trails in El Torcal de Antequera nature preserve. Watch the video to see the 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 in action and read our full review.
Triumph Motorcycles has already hit the road running – or rather rolling – in 2024, with a host of all-new bikes in a variety of segments, returning favorites, and limited-edition models. To give motorcycle enthusiasts a look at the bikes, the 20-city “British Invasion Tour” will showcase new Triumph models, including selections from each of the company’s model families as well as the new TF 250-X off-road motorcycle. The first stop is in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, coinciding with the unveiling of a new 660. All tour stops are free to the public, but guests must register to attend. For more information, read the press release from Triumph below.
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, Triumph Motorcycles America kicks off a 20-city tour that will showcase an impressive array of all-new motorcycles. In 2024, Triumph is introducing an incredible amount of all-new motorcycles and is poised to make a major impact in the North American motorcycle market, reminiscent of when British rock bands took America by storm in the ’60s.
To celebrate the large wave of new model motorcycles, Triumph is hosting 20 “British Invasion Tour” events across the United States in January and February, where each of the new models will be showcased. At every event, Triumph enthusiasts will gather for an exclusive one-night-only first look at the new 2024 models, which are not yet in dealerships, while also enjoying live entertainment, a variety of activities, and some light food and beverages.
“It’s been a few years since Triumph has planned a tour like this,” said Adam VanderVeen, marketing director for Triumph Motorcycles America, “but with a lineup like Triumph is bringing for 2024, the time is right to host a series of new model release parties like only Triumph can, because every one of these game-changing new motorcycles deserves to be showcased. In addition to offering enthusiasts the chance to see the latest new models, the best part of these tour events is creating a premium brand experience for our owners and fans to come out and enjoy an evening together as a Triumph community.”
The British Invasion Tour will feature a curation of Triumph’s exciting new model year 2024 motorcycles, including the following:
All-New Triumph TF 250-X
Triumph Motorcycles has officially launched the new TF 250-X, revealing a class-leading power to weight ratio and the most complete specification package ever to launch into the ultra-competitive 250cc motocross market.
Developed entirely by Triumph in close collaboration with racing champions including Ricky Carmichael and Iván Cervantes, the new four stroke competition model is an all-new ground-up design. The performance racing powertrain and unique aluminum chassis are ultra compact and super light, with all the best components on the market, already fitted out of the crate.
Born into a peerless bloodline, the Speed 400 joins Triumph’s most successful modern classic lineup, the Speed Twin 900 and 1200, while the Scrambler 400 X takes its rugged design cues from the Scrambler 900 and 1200, with an off-road pedigree that goes back to the first factory Scramblers of the 1950s.
Designed from the ground-up with a new single-cylinder, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine platform at their heart, these new models are designed to deliver a fun, agile, and confidence-inspiring ride for riders of all ages and experience levels.
Updated Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE & All-New Scrambler 1200 X
The cool and capable Scrambler 1200 XE hits the road in the new year sporting updates including latest-generation Brembo Stylema calipers, new suspension with enhanced adjustability, enhanced styling details, and improved touring capability.
The new Scrambler 1200 X delivers the same exceptional core capability, commanding riding position, and torque-rich performance Scrambler customers love, combined with a generous specification of equipment and technology. Built to be more accessible, the Scrambler 1200 X has a seat height of 32.28 inches, reduced to 31.29 inches with the accessory low seat, and dedicated specification that offers exceptional functionality at a more competitive price.
Fully updated Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro & GT Pro
Delivering more power, torque, capability, and comfort, the new Tiger 900 range from Triumph Motorcycles is raising the bar for middleweight adventure bikes in 2024. The new lineup includes the Tiger 900 GT, GT Pro, and Rally Pro, each providing a significant step-up in performance and specification.
Celebrated as the ultimate café racer since 1964, the Triumph Thruxton will finish its final production run.
In a fitting farewell to this award-winning motorcycle, Triumph has unveiled the Thruxton Final Edition, an exclusive and striking motorcycle with incredible specification, performance, capability, and timeless style.
Available for one year only, the new Triumph Stealth Edition models are an exclusive collection of eight beautiful Bonneville motorcycles. Each model features its own unique tank design which showcases a dramatic hand-painted finish that intensifies in the light to reveal vivid color.
A new legend is about to hit the streets. On Jan. 9, an all-new 660 Triumph motorcycle will be announced and will be on display at the kick-off British Invasion Tour event in Los Angeles, California.
The British Invasion Tour is free and open to all. Guests must register to attend. All guests may RSVP and find details about each tour location at the Triumph Motorcycles Events webpage.
Our associate editor sports the Joe Rocket Turbulent motorcycle jacket at the launch for the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S.
As motorcycle gear technology evolves and improves, a lot of riding gear has become hyper-specific for a certain type of riding or certain weather conditions. We can’t all have a different motorcycle jacket for every day of the month, and the Joe Rocket Turbulent Jacket provides good adjustability, fit, and protection for most everyday riding.
The Turbulent has a water-resistant Rock Tex outer shell, which feels tough and rugged. I’ve been wearing this jacket for a few months now, and the outer shell still holds its shape. Included is CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows, plus removable spine armor. The shoulder and elbow armor is easy to access from exterior zippered pockets, meaning you don’t have to burrow up inside of the sleeves if you want to remove the armor to wash the jacket.
The Turbulent’s full-sleeved insulated liner provides good warmth for cooler rides, is less bulky than layering a sweatshirt under my riding jacket, and is easily removable via interior zippers and snaps inside the sleeves. For those days when it’s cool in the morning but warm by the afternoon, I’ll start out with the liner and later remove it and stow it in the jacket’s large lower-back pocket.
When the temperatures continue to rise, the Variable Flow ventilation system allows for nice airflow. There are zippered vents on the sleeves and on both sides of the back that can be opened to let streams of cooling air flow through the jacket.
The Turbulent jacket comes in men’s and women’s versions, and there are some differences in the fit and adjustment between the two. I’ve been wearing the women’s version, and I enjoy its adjustment capability. The Full Flex back expansion panels make the jacket easy to put on or take off. There are also adjustment points at the hips and forearms that allow me to loosen or tighten the jacket as needed.
In addition to the large storage pocket on the back, there are two handwarmer pockets with the zippers tucked from view, an internal chest pocket, and a pocket inside the insulated liner. The Turbulent also comes with an 8-inch zipper for attachment to pants, reflective piping in the front and rear, and a reflective Joe Rocket logo on the shoulder.
I’ve found this jacket to be a great everyday jacket that suits a wide range of needs. The water-resistant outer shell prevents light rain from getting through, the adjustment options allow for a custom fit, and the liner lets me adjust the jacket for temperature changes throughout my ride.
The women’s Turbulent comes in black, blue, gray, hi-viz, and pink in sizes XS-2XL starting at $169.99, while the men’s version comes in black, red, blue, gray, hi-viz, or orange in sizes S-3XL starting at $179.99. The men’s jacket also comes in black up to 5XL and M-3XL Tall.
MOTUL Summer Night Series hosted by St. George MCC Sydney Motorsport Park – Gardner GP Circuit Round Two We can’t yet talk publicly about the plans Troy Herfoss has to race overseas this season, as the team he has signed for will make an official announcement later this month. However, we can tell you that […]
The Trace through Land Between the Lakes offers scenic picnic areas for a mid-ride break.
These days, I’ve become so enthralled by all the great motorcycle roads around the world and on my bucket list that I forget about the ones close to home. For this ride, I retraced steps from my early riding days with a 140‑mile Tennessee motorcycle loop around my hometown of Dover, which is located on the Cumberland River about 30 miles west of Clarksville and, as the crow flies, a little over 60 miles northwest of Nashville.
We started out at the Dyers Creek boat ramp, just across the river from downtown Dover. Then we rode across U.S. Route 79 and onto Bumpus Mills Road. This road has some of the best curves of the loop – the perfect way to get our blood pumping at the beginning of the ride.
When we got to the end of the road at the junction with State Route 120, we turned north and stopped at the family‑owned Bumpus Meals Diner. We had hoped to pop in for a bite of their handmade desserts and a cup of coffee, but the diner was closed that day as the family and staff were enjoying the Thanksgiving weekend.
My husband, Jake, and I revisited many of the roads we explored as high schoolers with fresh driving licenses.
Oh well, onwards we went. The next stretch of the ride took us into Kentucky on State Route 139. It can be tempting to pick up the speed on this road, but we knew we couldn’t get too carried away. Much of this land is farmed by Amish communities, and you never know when you’ll run up behind a horse‑drawn buggy just over the next hill.
An optional spur is to take a right on State Route 164 and visit the Oak Ridge Country Store. We love their homemade cheeses, deli sandwiches, and local canned and pickled foods. There are other stops along the road where you can purchase smoked meats, honey, fresh produce, and other goods.
We continued our Tennessee motorcycle loop north until we came to U.S. Route 68, where we turned west for 15 miles and rode over the Cumberland River and into Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. We turned south at the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, also known as The Trace (not to be confused with the Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs between Nashville and Natchez, Mississippi).
State Route 232 has nice sweepers and little traffic, allowing us to ride at our own pace without having to worry much about other drivers.
The Trace is a beautiful road that runs right through the center of LBL. Along the way are the Golden Pond Visitors Center and Planetarium, picnic areas, a bison range, campgrounds, the Turkey Bay OHV Area, and the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum.
We continued through LBL and back toward Dover. At the end of The Trace, we turned west on U.S. Route 79 and popped in at Brien Dill’s Piggly Wiggly. I worked at this grocery store throughout high school and college and still enjoy stopping by to visit with past coworkers and the owner, Brien, who rides a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and loves chatting about motorcycles.
My first employer, Brien Dill, always has a smile and loves chatting about bikes.
Down the highway about 6 miles, we turned south onto State Route 232, also known as the “Baby Dragon.” Unlike the famous 11‑mile road in East Tennessee with a similar name, the Baby Dragon doesn’t have tight, technical curves, but it has plenty of long sweepers with good visibility. By the time we got to the end of the Baby Dragon, we were getting hungry, so we stopped at Southernaire Motel & Restaurant for a meatloaf plate with turnip greens and black‑eyed peas.
Cruising down the “Baby Dragon.”
After a tasty lunch, we continued east through the towns of Stewart, Tennessee Ridge, and Erin until we got to Cumberland City, where candy‑striped steam stacks from the TVA power plant stretch up into the sky. We rode down to the ferry, paid 75 cents (tickets are $1 for out‑of‑state motorcycles), and hopped over the river.
Southernaire has an extensive menu, but you can’t go wrong with the meatloaf plate.
The last leg of this route goes through Indian Mound, the part of Stewart County where I grew up. Maybe I’m biased, but this is my favorite portion of this favorite ride. The roads through the Mound rise up over ridges and snake down along creeks and past fields of cattle. The last road is Old Highway 79, the curviest road of the loop.
The TVA power plant employs many local residents, including my dad, and the ferry just south of the plant offers a quick jump across the river.
At the end of Old Highway 79, you’ll find yourself back on U.S. Route 79 and just a stone’s throw away from the boat ramp where we began this route. Revisiting these roads and stops that have always been a part of my life gave me a renewed appreciation for my community and town. Sure, there are places in the world with more dramatic views and more exciting roads, but at the end of the day, these are the roads I’ll always come back to.
When it comes to stock motorcycles, the two items that owners are most likely to change – especially those who like to pile on the miles – are the windscreen and the seat. Folks typically want windscreens that offer more protection and seats that offer more comfort. The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is no exception.
We recently published our review of the Yamaha T7, an off-road-focused adventure bike with a long, narrow dirtbike-style seat. The stock seat has two parts: a long rider portion that slopes down from the tank to a low point and then up toward the separate passenger seat. The rider and passenger seats form a uniform surface, but it’s sloped rather than flat and is narrow and firm.
The Yamaha Ténéré 700 stock seat (photo by Kevin Wing)
Yamaha Ténéré 700 saddle from Seat Concepts
The rider portion height is 34.4 inches. Yamaha makes an accessory low seat ($129.99) that reduces seat height by 0.8 inch, but the lower height is achieved by eliminating much of what is already minimal padding. Yamaha’s accessory rally seat ($219.99) is 1.6 inches taller than stock, and it has a flatter surface and thicker padding. However, both of Yamaha’s accessory seats are just as narrow as the stock seat.
Seeking more comfort, we turned to Seat Concepts, a company based in Idaho that makes replacement seats for adventure and dual-sport bikes. I’ve had a Seat Concepts saddle on my KTM 690 Enduro R for the past five years, and thanks to its extra width under my bum and more supportive foam, I can do 300-mile days without ever thinking about the seat.
For the Yamaha Ténéré 700, Seat Concepts offers 12 different saddles, including Comfort, Comfort Sport Touring, Rally, and Rally Hard Adventure models, most in Standard, Low, and Tall heights with prices ranging from $264.99 to $389.99. Like the saddle on my KTM, the Comfort models are narrow in front where the rider stands over the seat during stops but wider in the back where they sit during normal seated riding.
We opted for the Tall Comfort One-Piece model ($369.99), which is 11 inches wide (1 inch wider than stock) and 35.7 inches tall (1.25 inches taller than stock). There are three cover options, all with faux carbon-fiber sides: Sand Paper Grip Top (our choice), Semi-Grip Top, or Diamante Vinyl Top.
After using the key release to unlock and remove the stock seat, the Seat Concepts saddle clicked perfectly into place, and it has a high-quality look and feel. Even with the grippy top, moving fore and aft is easy to do when wearing riding gear or jeans. The wider seating area spreads the rider’s weight over a larger area, providing a much more comfortable place to sit, yet it isn’t so wide that it interferes with moving back and forth during stand-up riding. The foam is firm yet supportive and holds up well even after long hours in the saddle.
The Seat Concepts saddle is a great addition to the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and will serve as a comfortable perch during our long-term test.
Rally for Rangers, a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to protect the world’s special places by empowering rangers around the world with new motorcycles and equipment,” has announced its 2024 rally dates and locations. Rally for Rangers has provided 160 motorcycles to rangers in 16 parks in Mongolia, Argentina, Nepal, Bhutan, Peru, and Namibia. In September of last year, the organization held its first U.S. rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota (read about it in the sidebar of Brad Gilmore’s article about riding the Black Hills BDR-X).
Rally for Rangers in Peru. (Photo by TopTop Studio)
For more information on Rally for Rangers, visit the Rally For Rangers website or listen to our interview with Rally for Rangers co‑founder Tom Medema on the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast. For details on the 2024 rallies, read the press release below.
Celebrating 10 years of supporting rangers and protecting parks one motorcycle at a time, 2024 will see a “Greatest Hits” of our decade of adventure. We hope you’ll consider joining us or otherwise supporting these critical efforts to aid park rangers in their important work!
Peru: May 18-30, 2024
Photo by TopTop Studio
Beginning in May, we will return to Peru for a road-based tour of parks from the Pacific to the Amazon.
Photo by TopTop Studio
We will be visiting world renowned parks like Machu Picchu along the way and reaching heights of 16,000 feet as we traverse the stunning Andes range on Peru’s famous winding mountain roadways.
July will see our return to where it all began: Lake Hovsgol National Park. The Mongolia rally is SOLD OUT and will be our first all-alumni event to celebrate this historic milestone. Waitlist signups are still available. Learn more.
Black Hills: Sept. 18-22, 2024
Photo by Kirsten Midura
Following our successful first venture in the U.S., next September we will return to the stunning and historic Black Hills. This rally will support not only the Oglala-Sioux Park Rangers but also rangers of the Northern Cheyenne.
Photo by Kirsten Midura
The event has a broad mix of riding options, from full pavement tours of parks and monuments to the off-road challenges of the Black Hills BDR-X. You get to choose! More details in early 2024.
Bhutan: Nov. 3-16, 2024
Photo by TopTop Studio
The Kingdom of Bhutan welcomes our return in 2024 to support parks and rangers that protect an incredible array of endangered species such as tigers, elephants, and so much more.
Photo by TopTop Studio
This primarily road-based trip is suited for intermediate and advanced riders. Learn more and sign up.
Here at Rider magazine, we believe that joke should never get old. Something else we hope never gets old is passion for all-things-motorcycles, and in 2023, we were pleased to see our readers continuing to carry that torch.
While Rider publishes a wealth of detailed gear reviews, travel stories that make you want to leave your day job, entertaining and informative features, and the latest in motonews, when it came to 2023, most readers came to our site looking for what Rider does best: motorcycle coverage.
So check out the Rider Magazine Top 11 Stories of 2023 below, and keep the rubber side down.
Whether you’re a shorter rider, a new rider, or an experienced rider who loves zipping around on small bikes, there are plenty of options out there for you. In this list, we’ve collected the best motorcycles for smaller riders with seats under 30 inches and selling for less than $17,000.
The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR is a new track-focused sportbike powered by a 399cc inline-Four with ride modes, traction control, and more. MSRP is $9,699.
Rider‘s 2024 motorcycle buyers guide features new and updated motorcycles, including photos and details, as well as links to videos, first looks, first rides, and road tests.
Honda has announced the return of the Gold Wing family of motorcycles for 2023, three of which feature Honda’s exclusive Dual Clutch Transmission, starting at $25,600.
2023 Suzuki GSX-R750 in Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Matte Stellar Blue
Suzuki Motor USA has announced its first group of 2024 motorcycles: the GSX-R750 sportbike, the DR650S and DR-Z400S dual-sports, and the DR-Z400SM supermoto.
Honda has announced two new beginner-friendly dual-sport motorcycles for model year 2023: the all-new XR150L and the new low-seat CRF300LS. Models returning for 2023 include the CRF300L, CRF300L Rally, and Navi.
Honda has announced more returning motorcycles for 2023, including the CBR650R and CBR500R sportbikes; the CB1000R, CB650R, and CB500F naked bikes; the CB500X adventure bike; the XR650L dual-sport; and the Fury cruiser.
The 2023 KTM Adventure 390 returns with a 4-stroke DOHC 373cc Single, but the small-displacement adventure bike has been given a new look and increased off-road capability.
The Honda XL750 Transalp returns to the U.S. market with a new 755cc parallel-Twin, a 6-speed gearbox, a quickshifter, and five ride modes, all starting at $9,999.
Joining the company’s Modern Classics lineup, the all-new 2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X feature a liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder engine making a claimed 39.5 hp and 27.7 lb-ft of torque.
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