Category Archives: Motorcycle News

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review | Video

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride

The updated 2024 BMW F 900 GS adventure bike seeks to reinvigorate BMW’s middleweight platform. Upgraded from the F 850 now with a larger 895cc parallel-Twin that delivers 105 hp, a ready-to-ride low weight of 483 lb, a lower and more svelte profile, and upgraded suspension, the 2024 BMW F 900 GS just might be the best parallel-Twin adventure bike ever offered from the German company.

To see how the 2024 BMW F 900 GS performs, we travel to Málaga, Spain, for a full day of on-road and off-road riding. Watch the video below to see the F 900 GS in action, and read our full review here.

2024 BMW F 900 GS Specs 

  • Base Price: $13,495   
  • Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles  
  • Website:BMWmotorcycles.com 

ENGINE  

  • Type: Liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.  
  • Displacement: 895cc  
  • Bore x Stroke: 86.0 x 77.0mm  
  • Horsepower: 105 hp @ 8,500 rpm (factory claim)   
  • Torque: 68.6 lb-ft @ 6,750 rpm (factory claim)  
  • Compression Ratio: 13.1:1  
  • Valve Insp. Interval: 12,000 miles  
  • Fuel Delivery: EFI w/ throttle-by-wire, 48mm throttle bodies  
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch  
  • Final Drive: Chain 

CHASSIS 

  • Frame: Tubular-steel trellis frame & subframe, aluminum swingarm  
  • Wheelbase: 62.6 in.  
  • Rake/Trail: 28.0 degrees/4.7 in.  
  • Seat Height: 34.3 in.  
  • Suspension, Front: 43mm inverted fork, fully adj., 9.1 in. travel 
  • Rear: Single linkage shock, w/ adj. spring preload & rebound, 8.5 in. travel  
  • Brakes, Front: Dual 305mm discs w/ 2-piston axial calipers & cornering ABS  
  • Rear: Single 265mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper & cornering ABS  
  • Wheels, Front: Cross-spoke w/ aluminum rims, 2.15 x 21 
  • Rear: Cross-spoke w/ aluminum rims, 4.25 x 17  
  • Tires, Front: 90/90-21  
  • Rear: 150/70-17   
  • Wet Weight: 483 lb  
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.8 gal.  

Gear Up  

The post 2024 BMW F 900 GS Review | Video appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 KTM 990 Duke Review | First Ride 

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
The 2024 KTM 990 Duke 96% new and replaces the 890 Duke R. We tested it in the mountains of southern Spain as part of KTM’s “30 Years of Duke” launch that included the 390 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R Evo. (Photos by Francesc Montero & Sebas Romero)

What’s the magic number? When the first Duke debuted 30 years ago, it was 602cc, which was packed into a single-cylinder engine that made 58 hp. These days (in the U.S. market), Dukes range in displacement from 249cc in the Duke 250 to 1,350cc in the 1390 Super Duke R Evo. In between, KTM offers the 390 Duke (399cc), 790 Duke (799cc), and 990 Duke (947cc). For this KTM 990 Duke review, we take one of the newest Dukes on a test ride in the mountains of southern Spain.

Related: 2024 KTM 390 Duke Review | First Ride

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
Evolution of the Duke. Front and center is the 1994 KTM 620 Duke. Behind it to the left is the 990 Duke, in the middle is the 1390 Super Duke R Evo, and behind it to the right is the 390 Duke. They are surrounded by other milestone Duke models from the past 30 years.

With its displacement approaching a liter, the new 990 Duke resides in the so-called “super middleweight” class. It replaces the 890 Duke R, but there’s more to it than just a 58cc bump in engine size. According to KTM reps at the global launch in Spain, the 990 Duke is 96% new and “more like a smaller Super Duke.”

Powering the 990 Duke is KTM’s liquid-cooled LC8c parallel-Twin with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder – the same engine platform found across the 790/890/990 Adventure and Duke lines. Only the 990 Duke has the 947cc version that makes a claimed 123 hp at 9,500 rpm and 76 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm (up from 121 hp and 73 lb-ft on the 890 Duke R). The intake mixture is fed through a 46mm throttle body and compressed at a ratio of 13.5:1, the Bosch engine management system uses throttle-by-wire, and the 6-speed transmission is mated to a PASC slip/assist wet clutch. Spent gasses exit through a new stainless-steel exhaust that’s Euro 5+ compliant.

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
The liquid-cooled LC8c parallel-Twin is a workhorse engine that powers all KTM 790/890/990 Adventure and Duke models. The frame, subframe, and swingarm are new.

Wrapped around the 990 Duke’s engine is a new frame, subframe, and swingarm. The chromoly steel frame, which uses the engine as a stressed member, is stiffer for added stability and wider at the back to pass outside rather than inside the swingarm. To compensate for the stiffer frame, the diecast aluminum subframe allows more flex, and it now houses the airbox. The swingarm, which is constructed using gravity diecast aluminum and uses a closed-lattice rather than the previous open-lattice design, is 3.3 lb lighter than the 890 Duke R’s. Curb weight with the 3.8-gallon tank fuel is a svelte 395 lb.

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
The KTM 990 Duke has a stiffer frame while its swingarm allows more flex. The net result is more responsive handling.

Gear Up | KTM 990 Duke Review

Like the 890 Duke R, the 990 Duke is equipped with adjustable WP Apex suspension, but it has a new 43mm inverted open-cartridge fork with 5.5 inches of travel and a single gas-assisted rear shock that’s mounted directly to the top of the swingarm and has 5.9 inches of travel. Convenient fork-top adjusters offer five-click adjustability for compression (left leg) and rebound (right leg). The shock also has a five-position adjuster for rebound that requires a flat-blade screwdriver, and preload is adjustable using a spanner (both tools are in a kit under the seat; compression cannot be adjusted).

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
The KTM 990 Duke’s front wheel is shared with the 1390 Super Duke R Evo, and a new rotor mount saves 2.2 lb of unsprung weight. The 4-piston calipers are made by J.Juan.

The 990 Duke rolls on 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels shod with Bridgestone Battlax S22 tires (the latest S23s weren’t yet available for homologation). The front wheel is the same as the 1390 Super Duke R Evo’s, but the rear is slightly different because the 990 has a two-sided swingarm and the 1390 has a single-sided swingarm. Slowing things down are the same 4-piston radial front calipers with 300mm discs and 2-piston rear calipers with a 240mm disc as on the 890 Duke R, but a lighter connection between the front rotors and the wheel saves roughly 2.2 lb of unsprung weight. Cornering ABS with a rear-off Supermoto mode is standard.

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
The 5-inch TFT display uses intuitive graphics that show how different settings affect the motorcycle’s behavior.

In terms of technology, the 990 Duke has a new 5-inch color TFT display with a scratch- and glare-resistant bonded-glass screen, redesigned menus, and optional KTMconnect for smartphone pairing to allow access to navigation, audio, and phone calls. All lighting is LED and there’s a USB-C charging port. Rider electronics include three standard ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain) and two optional ride modes (Performance and Track) that adjust throttle response, lean-sensitive traction control, and wheelie control. Track mode enables a10-level rear-wheel slip adjuster that can be adjusted on the fly, launch control, a lap timer, and telemetry functions. Cruise control, Motor Slip Regulation, and an up/down quickshifter are optional.

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
The 2024 KTM 990 Duke is nicknamed “The Sniper” and is available in orange or black.

The 990 Duke has also been restyled, with a more muscular, hunched-forward stance like the 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Both share a unique headlight design with stacked low and high beams in the center that are framed by a pair of DRLs shaped like curved talons. Compared to the 890 Duke R, the 990 Duke’s seat is angled up more in the front to prevent the rider sliding forward, is flatter, has new foam, and sits at 32.4 inches, down from 32.8 on the 890. The pillion seat was moved up by 0.8 inch to give the passenger a better view and more legroom.

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
Spain is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe and it has fantastic twisty roads.

My test ride on the 990 Duke was a romp in mountains above Almería, Spain, on a cold, clear February morning that was part of the “30 Years of Duke” press launch that included the 390 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R Evo. When we did a comparison test of KTM’s full Duke lineup in 2021, the 890 Duke was a staff favorite, “a standout machine that encourages you to test its handling and your nerve, and it consistently rewards the rider with confidence-inspiring feel and agility or a gentle prod where lesser machines fall short.” We described it as “a mustang, wild at heart, straining at the bit, and embodies the essence of the Duke series: immediate power and razor-sharp cornering stripped down to the barest of essentials.”

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
The KTM 990 Duke has a unique headlight design that’s shared with the 1390 Super Duke R Evo.

Is the 990 Duke even better? Yes and no. It is an exciting machine that provides a thrilling rush of power and has a light and balanced feel, a responsive chassis, and an excellent electronics package. The Duke’s steady evolution from the 790 to the 890 to the 990 is obvious, but the 990 feels like it just turned 40, suddenly thrust into middle age. As a seven-tenths scale Super Duke (at least in terms of engine displacement; the 990’s 123 hp is 65% as much as the 1390’s 190 hp), it demands more respect and has lost a bit of its free-spiritedness.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just a shift in focus, and with the 790 Duke back in KTM’s lineup, it makes sense.

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
The KTM 990 Duke, all grown up and serious as a heart attack.

Our launch base camp was the Circuito de Almería, located in an arid region near the southern Spanish coast where many Spaghetti Westerns were filmed. From the track, we rode north into the mountains, climbing rapidly on a road with so many hairpins it felt like riding the Alps minus the tour buses. On such a tight, technical road, the 990 Duke felt like overkill. The 390 Duke we rode the previous day would have made more sense, or perhaps KTM’s 690 SMC R supermoto.

After we did our photo passes on a 1st-gear hairpin where I struggled to find my groove, we continued climbing to the top of the mountain. Down the other side, the curves opened up and the 990 Duke felt more in its element.

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
The KTM 990 Duke is light, powerful, and agile.

On a short ride on public roads, some of which were wet or lightly glazed with ice, I didn’t try out the Performance or Track modes, or the new launch control. The Street and Sport modes provided plenty of excitement, and the more I rode the 990 Duke, the more I fell under its spell. Allow me to reiterate two key specs: 123 hp and 395 lb. That power is delivered in a direct but very manageable way to the rear wheel, which is attached to a lightweight motorcycle with a retuned chassis that ensures steering inputs hit the bullseye. Admirable qualities, but also ones that encourage a high rate of speed.

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
Compared to the 890 Duke R, the KTM 990 Duke’s seat is flatter and 0.4 inch lower.

I’ve tested enough KTMs to become accustomed to its menus and appreciate the intuitive illustrated motorcycle graphics that show how different settings affect vehicle dynamics. The new switchgear on the 990 Duke is easy to use, but there are too many steps involved in changing modes and settings on the fly. A simple “mode” button that would allow a rider to quickly toggle between ride modes would simplify the process.

So 990 may be the magic number. Nearly 20 years ago, the KTM 990 Super Duke was the first big-bore streetbike made by a small Austrian company known for its dirtbikes. Since then, KTM has become Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, the Super Duke has gotten super-er, and the 990 Duke honors that legacy.

2024 KTM 990 Duke review
2024 KTM 990 Duke

2024 KTM 990 Duke Specs

  • Base Price: $12,500
  • Website: KTM.com
  • Warranty: 2 yrs., 24,000 miles
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
  • Displacement: 947cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 92.5 x 70.4mm
  • Horsepower: 123 hp @ 9,500 rpm (factory claim)
  • Torque: 76 lb-ft @ 6,750 rpm (factory claim)
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Wheelbase: 58.1 in.
  • Rake/Trail: 24.2 degrees/3.9 in.
  • Seat Height: 32.5 in.
  • Wet Weight: 395 lb (factory claim)
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.9 gal.
  • Fuel Consumption: 50 mpg (factory claim)

The post 2024 KTM 990 Duke Review | First Ride  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

A Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride in Autumn

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran West Bluff
On the northern tip of Keweenaw Peninsula, West Bluff provides a sweeping view of Lake Superior and Copper Harbor, Michigan – a great spot to stop along this Michigan Upper Peninsula motorcycle ride. Photos by the author and Craig Moll.

As a resident of Minnesota with incurable wanderlust, I’ve visited Michigan’s Upper Peninsula a few times, including doing the 1,300‑mile Lake Superior Circle Tour twice. But one area of the Upper Peninsula – known locally as the “U.P.” – I had yet to explore is the Keweenaw Peninsula, a 150‑mile‑long wedge of land that looks like a long dorsal fin jutting into Lake Superior. Before Old Man Winter brought an end to the riding season, my friend Craig and I squeezed in a mid‑October ride, making a big loop around the U.P. where we enjoyed the area’s rich history, unparalleled scenery, and excellent motorcycling roads.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran REVER map

Scan QR code above or click here to view the route on REVER

We met up just east of Minneapolis in Hudson, Wisconsin, on a cool, clear autumn day. Craig was on his KTM 890 Adventure, and I was on my Harley‑Davidson Pan American, which I call “Dirt Glide.” With no rain in the forecast, we were excited to hit the road.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran Lake Superior
Lake Superior, which is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third largest by volume, forms the northern shoreline of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

We crossed into Michigan on U.S. Route 2 and continued northeast on M‑28 to Lake Gogebic, the state’s largest inland lake. The long, finger‑shaped lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities year‑round. It has 13,380 acres of good fishing water, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, hunting, camping, and winter sports. Surrounded by vast hardwood forests, it’s a great place to see fall colors. It also gets an annual snowfall of nearly 300 inches and has an excellent snowmobile trail system.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Chuck Cochran and Craig Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Chuck and Craig at Sand Point on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

For motorcyclists, a loop around Lake Gogebic is an enjoyable scenic ride. M‑64 hugs the western shore, and East Shore Road hugs the other side, and there are parks, lodges, and dining options dotted along the nearly 40‑mile route. At the lake’s northern end at the junction of M‑28 and M‑64 is Bergland, which has places to eat, drink, and stay, as well as a museum highlighting the local history of mining, logging, and sports.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran U.S. Route 41
U.S. Route 41 runs the length of the Keneewaw Peninsula, from Baraga to Copper Harbor. In the fall, the changing leaves create a tunnel of color. Photo credit Danita Delimont / Adobe Stock.

After enjoying the scenery of the lake, we continued up M‑64 to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan’s largest state park and home of the Lake of the Clouds. Covering 60,000 acres with 35,000 acres of old‑growth forest, the park has waterfalls, rivers and streams, hiking trails, a campground, and miles of scenic Lake Superior shoreline.

Our ride up to the Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook was rewarded with a kaleidoscope of fall colors and scenery that lives up to the lake’s name. After a few photos, we were back on the bikes and followed M‑64 along the southern shore of Lake Superior to Ontonagon, where we turned inland on M‑38 to M‑26, which runs up the center of the Keweenaw Peninsula, also known as the Copper Country region.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran Lake of the Clouds
Located in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park along the shore of Lake Superior, Lake of the Clouds is idyllic.

At Houghton, we crossed the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and continued north on U.S. Route 41. With the sun fading, we rode to our overnight destination at the AmericInn in Calumet. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, stores, and the Keweenaw National Historic Park, which showcases the area’s 7,000‑year history of copper mining.

See all of Rider‘s Midwest U.S. motorcycle rides here.

We wandered through Calumet, a small town that was in the heart of Michigan’s copper mining industry. Its historic downtown has gift shops, galleries, coffee houses, saloons, and restaurants. We made our way to the Michigan House Cafe & Red Jacket Brewing Co., which is in the former Hotel Michigan that was opened by Bosch Brewing in 1905. Today, it’s a restaurant and brewpub, and the Oatmeal Express stout was the perfect choice for a fall evening.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran Eagle River
In the mid-1800s, Eagle River was a thriving mining town on the north shore of the Keneewaw Peninsula. We enjoyed a scenic shoreline ride on M-26 from there to Copper Harbor.

The next morning, we availed ourselves of the AmericInn’s complimentary breakfast and trudged out to our frost‑covered bikes. We continued riding on U.S. 41 in a northeasterly direction to Phoenix, where we turned due north on M‑26, which curves its way along the Lake Superior shore, offering amazing views and passing through nature and wildlife sanctuaries.

Before the town of Copper Harbor, we turned on to Brockway Mountain Drive, which gradually climbs up and over an eroded volcanic prominence that rises 720 feet above Lake Superior’s waterline. At West Bluff, we stopped to admire an unbelievable vista of the big lake to the north and the fall‑colored forest to the south. 

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran Cinder Pond Marina
Cinder Pond Marina is part of the charming waterfront in Marquette.

We cruised back downhill to Copper Harbor, Michigan’s northernmost town, which overlooks its namesake port near the outer tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Surrounded by Lake Superior, its microclimate is cool in the summer and relatively mild in the winter. Copper Harbor has a fascinating history, and the town is a great base camp for exploring the peninsula or a launching point for trips to Grand Isle National Park.

After gassing up, we headed south on U.S. 41 and then Gay Lac La Belle Road to the Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve and the southern shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula. We stopped for lunch in Houghton, which is located on the Keweenaw Waterway that cuts across the peninsula and was once at the epicenter of the region’s copper industry.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran Lower Harbor Ore Dock
The massive concrete-and-steel Lower Harbor Ore Dock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Marquette. Photo credit ehrlif / Adobe Stock.

We rode south on U.S. 41, which runs along the western shore of Portage Lake and then Keweenaw Bay to L’Anse, where we returned to the mainland of the U.P. We followed U.S. 41 east to Marquette, a Lake Superior port city known for shipping iron ore from the Marquette Iron Range. With a population of 20,000 and home to Northern Michigan University, Marquette is the largest city on the U.P. We pulled into the Hampton Inn Marquette/Waterfront, which lives up to its name with an amazing view of sailboats and other vessels carving up the bay. Being a lively college town, Marquette has numerous bars and restaurants to choose from. We had dinner at the historic Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery, named after Martin Vierling, who built the building in 1883 and ran a “gentlemen’s saloon” at the location until Prohibition. Renovated and reopened in the 1980s, the establishment has a historic wooden bar with large windows overlooking the harbor. 

Firing up the bikes the next morning, we rode east on M‑28 to Munising and then on H‑58 for a few miles to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We rode up to Sand Point, which has nice views across the water to Grand Island, a national recreation area.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran Whitefish Point
More ships have been lost in the vicinity of Whitefish Point, also known as the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes,” than anywhere else on Lake Superior.

The road to Munising and Sand Point was good, but the winding curves of H‑58 rivaled some of the best roads we’ve ever ridden, with extensive twists and turns carved through the forest and along the Lake Superior shore. We continued east to M‑123 to visit Tahquamenon Falls State Park, which covers 50,000 acres. The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River and is about 200 feet across and drops 50 feet. The Lower Falls are a series of smaller falls cascading in many directions.

East of the park, we made our way up to Whitefish Point, which is known as the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes” and home of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. There have been 550 known shipwrecks in the area, and at least 200 of them are off Whitefish Point, including the famous SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in 1975 and was memorialized in a popular song by Gordon Lightfoot.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran Fayette State Park
On the southern, Lake Michigan side of the Upper Peninsula, Fayette State Park is a restored 19th century iron-smelting village with 22 historic buildings, a museum, and a visitor center.

We made our way to the southern side of the U.P. on the northern shore of Lake Michigan, where we spent the night in Manistique, a recreational mecca for boating, fishing, camping, and snowmobiling. In the morning, we rode south on the Garden Peninsula to Fayette State Park, which overlooks Big Bay De Noc and was home to one of the U.P.’s most productive iron‑smelting operations during the 19th century. When the iron market declined, the Jackson Iron Company shuttered its operation in 1891.

Our return route west on U.S. 2 took us to Iron Mountain, home of the Pine Mountain Ski Jump and the annual Continental Cup, one of the world’s best ski jumping events.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park has 35-plus miles of trails and multiple viewpoints for the Upper and Lower falls.

Next we wanted to check out an interesting phenomenon called the Paulding Light, a mysterious light that appears at the end of a deadend road in a valley located between the towns of Pauling and Watersmeet off U.S. Route 45. The light has been reported since the 1960s, and various legends claim the light is the result of paranormal activity, the ghost of either a railroad brakeman who died in a train collision, a murdered mail courier, or a Native American dancing on powerlines.

Craig and I arrived at the location at dusk and waited for the light. At first we saw nothing, and then…wait…what’s that? Sure enough, a faint light appeared off in the distance above the tree line. Off and on it went, so we decided to pursue this mystery for ourselves. We rode down a steep, sandy, rock‑strewn powerline road to a narrow, rickety bridge that crossed a creek. As I hit the partially rotted bridge, I thought, Pan Am, don’t fail me now! Charging up the hill on the other side, we attempted to find the source of the light but to no avail. In 2010, students at Michigan Tech said they solved the mystery, claiming the Paulding Light is caused by headlights on a faraway highway. I like the ghost stories better.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Cochran
One of our favorite parts of touring around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was the many roadside waterfalls, creeks, and overlooks where we could stop and take a few quiet moments to appreciate nature’s beauty.

The next day, we returned home. It’s always bittersweet when a fun motorcycle trip comes to an end, but the great thing about exploring a new area is knowing we can always come back for more. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers seemingly endless opportunities for riding and recreation, with a rich vein of history that runs through the area like its deep deposits of copper and iron.

See all of Rider‘s motorcycle rides here.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride Resources

The post A Michigan Upper Peninsula Motorcycle Ride in Autumn appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review | Gear

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review

Over the past couple years, German helmet maker Schuberth has completely redesigned its lineup of motorcycle helmets. In the past, we’ve reviewed Schuberth’s modular helmets: the C5 and ADV-style E2. The S3 is a full-face helmet based on the same architecture, its shell manufactured using directly processed fiberglass combined with a special resin that’s compressed in a vacuum at high pressure. Like the C5 and E2, the S3’s shell also has a basalt layer for added strength and impact absorption.

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review
Photo by Kevin Wing

Designed to meet Europe’s latest ECE 22.06 helmet safety standard, the S3 reaches high benchmarks for protection and has a large eyeport for better visibility (the S3 is also DOT approved). Inside the shell is a dual-density EPS liner, an intermediate-oval head shape, and a new comfort liner with customizable pads. Optional “sport” and “comfort” cheek pads and replaceable rear pads can make the interior more round or more oval. The S3 also has the Schuberth Rescue System, which allows first responders to extract the cheek pads to facilitate removal of the helmet.

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review

Other features include an optically correct faceshield with a Pinlock anti-fog insert, a repositioned chinstrap to reduce pressure near the throat, an anti-roll-off system, a double chin air intake with an exchangeable filter, a new rear spoiler with an air extractor, and a new V-lock sunshield mechanism.

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review

The S3 is also prewired for the optional SC2 Bluetooth 5.0 communicator (sold separately), which is made by Sena and based on the 50S with voice activation and mesh networking. HD speakers and an antenna are built into the helmet. A remote-control unit clicks into the left side of the helmet, and the SC2 main unit with a rechargeable battery plugs into the back of the helmet.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

Fit and comfort are excellent, and weight is reasonable: The size Medium we tested is 3 lb, 14 ounces. While testing naked bikes for a comparison test, the S3’s slippery shape moved through the air with no buffeting, and during head checks to the side there was no unpleasant noise or wind pressure. Thanks to the aerodynamic shell and well-padded neck roll, the inside of the helmet remains reasonably quiet. The only issue I had with the S3, as well as the C5 and E2, is that it’s easy to inadvertently knock the vent on the chinbar closed when putting on the helmet or opening/closing the faceshield.

Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review

The Schuberth S3 comes in Concrete Gray (shown), Matte Black, or Glossy White for $599, as well as the Storm graphic in three colorways (blue, silver, or orange) for $699. Available sizes are XS-3XL.

The post Schuberth S3 Motorcycle Helmet Review | Gear appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

April 2024

In this issue, we review the updated Royal Enfield Himalayan, a 450cc adventure bike we tested in the Himalayas of northern India.

Kickstarts has first looks at the new 2025 CFMOTO Ibex 450 adventure bike and 450CL-C cruiser, the new 2024 Moto Morini Calibro cruiser, and the updated 2024 Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorers.

As the spring riding season gets underway, we help you prepare with our Buyers Guide showcasing cool gear and products, as well as our semi-annual Rides & Destinations Guide to help you find your next motorcycle getaway.

This issue includes three On the Road features about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Route 66 in Arizona, and great roads in Alaska. And our Favorite Ride is a scenic loop ride around Casa Grande, Arizona.

Our Exhaust Note comes from Grace Butcher, Rider’s first female columnist, and Quinn Redeker discusses cornering techniques in Motor School. Celebrating Rider’s 50th anniversary, our Rider Rewind section showcases some of our favorite ads from 1974 to 1999.

Additional stories in the April issue of Rider:

  • 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan | First Ride
  • Spring Buyers Guide
  • Rides & Destinations Guide
  • To Keweenaw and Beyond | On the Road
  • Meandering the Mother Road | On the Road
  • Alaskan Adventure | On the Road
  • Tiny Cars, Tall Cactus, and Time in the Big House | Favorite Ride
  • Favorite Ads, 1974-2024 | Rider Rewind
  • And more!

The post April 2024 appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and INT650 Review | First Look 

2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Apex Gray
2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 in Apex Gray

In addition to earlier news about the all-new 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, the company has now released information and pricing on the 2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and INT650, both of which receive upgrades and new colors for the same MSRP as the 2023 versions. Also included in the announcement is the price of the Shotgun 650. 

Related: 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Review | First Look 

2024 Royal Enfield INT650 Barcelona Blue
2024 Royal Enfield INT650 in Barcelona Blue

“We’re excited to be bringing some updates to the Continental GT 650 and INT650 that make them more comfortable and stylish,” said Mark Wells, chief of design at Royal Enfield. “The new Twins have the same old-school cool factor that fans have come to expect, but with some more premium touches.” 

2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Slipstream Blue
2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 in Slipstream Blue

True to the Royal Enfield brand, the Continental GT 650 cafe racer and INT650 roadster feature retro-inspired aesthetics that lean on their 1960s origins. They’re both powered by an air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-Twin that makes a claimed 46.4 hp at 6,250 rpm and 38.6 lb-ft of torque at 5,150 rpm and with electronic fuel injection – the same engine also found on the Shotgun 650 and Super Meteor 650. 

Related: 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 | First Ride Review 

2024 Royal Enfield INT650 Black Pearl
2024 Royal Enfield INT650 in Black Pearl

Both bikes also feature a Harris Performance steel-tubular frame. Up front is a telescopic fork, and suspension in the rear is provided by piggy-back gas-charged twin shocks with preload adjustability. Braking comes in the form of a 2-piston front caliper with a 320mm disc and a 1-piston rear calipeer with a 240mm disc, and ABS is standard. 

2024 Royal Enfield INT650 Cali Green
2024 Royal Enfield INT650 in Cali Green

Upgrades to the Continental GT 650 and INT650 include LED headlights, improved CEAT tires, and an improved seat design with foam-mesh material. Also included are new aluminum switch cubes, handlebar grips, and adjustable brake and clutch levers. 

2024 Royal Enfield INT650 Black Ray
2024 Royal Enfield INT650 in Black Ray

These two models also get six new color options for 2024, each with their own style and personality. The 2024 Continental GT 650 will be available in two blacked-out variants: Apex Gray and Slipstream Blue. The 2024 Royal Enfield INT650 will be available in two blacked-out variants and two with a traditional chrome finish. The blacked-out color options are Barcelona Blue and Black Ray, and the colors with chrome finish are Cali Green and Black Pearl. 

The 2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 has an MSRP of $6,349, and the 2024 Royal Enfield INT650 starts at $6,149. The 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 has an MSRP of $6,899. All three models are on sale now at Royal Enfield dealerships throughout North America. 

Visit the Royal Enfield website for more information. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and INT650 Review | First Look  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Rocker MC at Bard College: New School Meets Old School

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock
Rocker MC regulars, clockwise from far left: Luck Henderson, Jason Stafford, Jake Aloia, Amanda Bury, Monk Schane-Lydon, Tyler Farnsworth, Messiah Vision, and Helen Cohen. (Photos by Gregory Cherin and Dan Carp)

Some think the face of motorcycling is aging. Not so in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where one man is bringing the biker zeitgeist to Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Known as “The Rock,” it’s an early college that gives 10th and 11th graders the experience of post-secondary life at a tender age. Many students graduate with a bachelor’s degree at age 20, which I did in the ’80s, and it was the smartest decision I ever made.

Monk Schane-Lydon hopes students will also leave the school with a love of heavy metal thunder. Monk, a former Air Force helicopter crew chief, is an adjunct instructor and advisor to the Simon’s Rock Motorcycle Club, or “Rocker MC,” a self-funded club that restores old bikes.

“Our first bike was a Honda CX500,” Monk told me. “It came in boxes and was essentially a $100 donation of parts.”

A couple years ago, the Rockers hosted me for a reading during my national book tour for Spirit Traffic. I was so inspired and impressed by their passion that I chased them down for a series of phone interviews.

Related: Riding From Gunnison, Colorado, to Hovenweep National Monument,
by C. Jane Taylor

Rocker MC, or just “Club” as the students call it, is the brainchild of Sean Lamoureux, who brought bikes to students for a spring term workshop in 2015. Later, Bill Powers, a parent who wanted his kids to get out of their dorm rooms and work with their hands, bought the club its first motorcycle lift. Since then, Monk has been slowly accumulating tools.

Monk said only two students currently ride. “The ‘over-my-dead-body mom’ is still a reality for some. Tyler even named his bike ‘The Mother Disappointer.’ Our students are ages 15-19, so they must have permission to ride. But it’s not about riding for most of them; it’s more about building and creating.”

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Monk Schane-Lydon
Adjunct faculty member and club adviser Monk Schane-Lydon teaches students how to use tools and the ins and outs of maintaining, repairing, and rebuilding motorcycles.

Monk added that besides mechanical skills, bodywork, and painting, students also learn patience. “These things are not done overnight. They also learn self-confidence. We had a fork seal that needed to be replaced. I said, ‘Okay, Helen and Jake, take that front end off. The book is right there.’ In two hours, they had taken it entirely apart and replaced the front seal. They were so satisfied with their work. Students here learn to complete their goals.”

“When I show them bodywork,” Monk continued, “I tell them to close their eyes and feel it. Being able to dial in and trust your feelings is a talent.”

In addition to advising Club, Monk teaches graphic design. “One of my students, Luck Henderson, created graphics for a Virago to give it some attitude,” he said. “I taught them how to use Photoshop and Illustrator. Another student, Ava, took off mechanically and tackled her Mazda Miata, pulling the rear end and putting her own brakes on. She [did it] on her own in her driveway. The wild thing is her dad was not mechanically inclined at all.”

What are the big takeaways for Club students? “You’ll have to ask them.” 

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Helen Cohen
Rocker MC teaches students to solve problems. Here, Club member Helen Cohen rewires the headlight bucket on a 1978 Honda CX500. Later, she’ll test the new indicator lights for the turnsignals, neutral, high beam, and oil pressure.

Helen Cohen is an 18-year-old psychology major. She doesn’t ride motorcycles (her mom “has quite an aversion” to them) and steered clear of Club until the second semester of her junior year, when a friend invited her to join. 

HC: [Club] appealed to me. I wanted more technical experience and a better understanding of how machines work. I drive an old car – a 2006 Volvo S60. I wanted a better understanding of how to keep it going.

Listen to Rider Magazine Insider Podcast Episode 45 with C. Jane Taylor

CJT: What are you getting out of Club?

HC: Confidence and an appreciation for the machines that take us places. There is so much involved, but it’s not as complicated as I thought. When I first walked in there, the only thing I was brave enough to mess with was sanding a gas tank. I later learned how to solder and am learning more about auto mechanics. Motorcycle knowledge can apply to cars. The skills give you a way of thinking, so you’re not quite so concerned by things like blown fuses. 

I feel much more confident now. And it’s a way to learn about motorcycling and the motorcycle community.

It’s fun. Being in Club demystifies things and makes me feel like I can take an active role in repairing things. It has already saved me from having to call roadside assistance. It has nothing to do with my career, but that confidence will follow me forever.

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Jake Aloia
Under the watchful eye (and camera) of advisor Monk Schane-Lydon, Club member Jake Aloia tightens down the rocker arms on a 2004 Triumph Bonneville T100 after adjusting the valves.

Jake Aloia is also 18. He is a double major in psychology and criminology. During the summer before starting at The Rock, he took an MSF course with his dad. They got their motorcycle endorsements together, and they share a Triumph Street Twin. Jake joined Club as soon as he got to school and has been part of it ever since. “Such a niche club at a niche school. It felt so perfect. I showed up at my first meeting; it took me less than an hour to fall in love,” he said. 

CJT: How’s Club going for you?

JA: I get a lot out of it. A big part is having space to work with my hands. It’s meditative. Creating something with your hands is a nice step away from the hustle and bustle of being a student. Showing up and tinkering is therapeutic. At the same time, you gain so much knowledge. Every time you go, you have a new problem to solve. Having the limitations of a not-decked-out shop gives you better problem-solving skills. 

CJT: What are your biggest takeaways? 

JA: Two. Every problem has a solution. In life when you don’t know the solution, you want to give up. You think, ‘This is too complicated.’ But you don’t have to be an expert. Every problem can be solved in one way or another.

The second is: Less is more. You don’t need every tool to solve these problems or repair these bikes. You can do a lot with a little. Each time, we must ask ourselves: How can we do it with what we have?

I’m much more confident as a rider and troubleshooter. If something happens, I might be able to take care of it myself. It all boils down to confidence, problem-solving, and understanding how the machine works. 

CJT: How will this experience influence your life?

JA: It is monumental for me. I have always loved working in this kind of mechanical setting, and I’ve gained a big enjoyment of it in Club. Being able to maintain my own vehicles, being able to carry that confidence, knowing the machine is not in control of me, and knowing what is happening under me as I ride make me a safer and smarter rider. For as long as I ride, I will feel that. 

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Messiah Vision Helen Cohen Monk Schane-Lydon Rosie Echols
Left to right: Messiah Vision, Helen Cohen, Monk Schane-Lydon, and Rosie Echols work on Rocker MC’s 1978 Honda CX500.

Tyler Farnsworth is a 20-year-old biology major. He has been in Club for three years and initially joined because he was interested in riding and realized he did not know much about how engines work. He wants to apply that knowledge to other things, namely his car.

CJT: What are you getting out of Club?

TF: Obviously knowledge in terms of mechanical skills, but possibly more important than that is friends. I met people here I would not have met otherwise. I met my roommate, Jake, who is now my best friend.

I have always been interested in
mechanical stuff. I wanted to try the robotics team in high school, but the kids were not willing to teach you what you didn’t already know – that is the opposite of Club. Even if a student only comes once or twice, they are still going to learn something and meet some really cool people. 

Club proves that anybody can work on and learn about this type of stuff. It doesn’t matter who you are. Even if you never ride or never need to work on your own car, you’ll learn problem-solving skills that will apply to many different areas of your life. 

What makes it fun and interesting is that every time you show up, it’s never the same. I’ve done electrical work, I’ve taken apart a carburetor, replaced parts, and done bodywork.

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Rosie Echols
Rosie Echols uses a grinder to modify the rear frame loop of a Yamaha Virago, which is being converted from a cruiser to a bobber. No mechanical knowledge or experience is required to join Club. All students are welcome to learn and have fun.

CJT: Do you ride?

TF: I have a license but no bike. My dad doesn’t want to deal with my mom’s anxiety about it. But once I have a job and my own place…

CJT: What’s your dream bike?

TF: There are a lot of bikes out there. Right now, my dream is to finish the [Honda] CX500. I am graduating at the end of this semester, so maybe that will happen! 

Related: C. Jane Taylor Rides 6,000 Miles on National Book Tour

CJT: How will your experience at Club influence your life?

TF: When I showed up for the first time, I was new at Simon’s Rock and did not feel good about doing things by myself. I came to Club alone and felt okay about being on my own, meeting new people, and making new friends.

At Club, I felt more affirmed that I can try something on my own, that I will be accepted and welcomed. I was talking about how anybody can and should show up – it’s important that you mention that I am transgender. Nobody ever mentions it. I want to encourage people that ride motorcycles – and everyone else – to embrace who they are and be themselves.

Are these smart young early-college students the new face of motorcycling? All signs point to a resounding “yes.” They share a love of motorcycles, individualism, and kinship with all generations of bikers. The future of our two-wheeled family looks bright indeed.

C. Jane Taylor is the author of the moto memoir Spirit Traffic, published in 2022. Her second book, Riding the Line, and her Sunday Love Letters are available on Substack. Subscribe here.

The post Rocker MC at Bard College: New School Meets Old School appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review | First Ride

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The BMW F 900 GS has received major upgrades for 2024, including a significant weight loss and a punchier engine. Photos courtesy BMW.

The adventure-bike market is the hottest segment in motorcycling, with new models being introduced every year. The middleweight ADV category has been dominated by Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 and KTM’s various 790/890 Adventure models, but new or updated models from Aprilia (Tuareg 660), Honda (XL750 Transalp), Suzuki (V-Strom 800), and Triumph (Tiger 900) are enticing riders to reevaluate their options.  

Meanwhile, BMW has been selling mid-weight ADVs for almost two decades. The F 800 GS was introduced in 2009 but was often overshadowed by its boxer-powered bigger brothers, culminating in the recent glowingly reviewed R 1300 GS. 

Related: 2024 BMW R 1300 GS Review | First Ride 

For 2024, BMW expects the new F 900 GS to draw a brighter light to its reinvigorated middleweight platform. After testing it on roads and on dirt, we can safely say this is the best parallel-Twin adventure bike ever offered from the German company.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The Brembo 2-piston caliper front brakes are merely adequate relative to its competition in the middleweight ADV class.

What’s New? 

Quite a lot, actually. The F 850’s motor has been punched out to 895cc and now delivers 105 hp, up 10 ponies from the older mill. The former cast pistons have been cast aside for forged pistons that are 2mm larger than before.  

Additionally, 31 lb of weight has been shaved off for this new iteration, now scaling in at 483 lb with its 3.8-gallon tank full. The fuel cell swaps steel for plastic to pare down about 10 lb, and a new Akrapovič muffler trims 3.7 lb. A lower tailsection trims another 5 lb, while the trellis steel frame remains unchanged.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
BMW offers several seating options for the GS.

The F 900 GS also benefits from a lower and more svelte profile that eliminates much of the bulkiness of its F 850 predecessor. The bike not only looks smaller, its design language looks fresh and contemporary, aided by full LED lighting and rear turnsignals that serve double duty as brake lights.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The 6.5-inch TFT panel is a literal bright spot on the new F 900 GS.

The F 900 GS is well-equipped in its base form, with a starting price of $13,495. Standard equipment includes a six-axis IMU and two riding modes (Rain and Road), plus ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control. A vibrant 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity is part of the package, as are hand guards, heated grips, an adjustable aluminum shift lever, and self-canceling turnsignals.  

The 900’s suspension has been upgraded, now with a fully adjustable 43mm Showa fork holding a 21-inch front wheel. The rear damper includes adjustable preload and rebound damping to control bumps acting on a slightly lighter aluminum swingarm. Suspension travel is a generous 9.1 inches in front and 8.5 at the rear, resulting in a 34.3-inch seat height. An accessory low seat brings height down to 32.9 inches.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The GS’s 43mm inverted fork has full adjustability: preload, as well as compression and rebound damping.

BMW offers a similar but lower-spec (and more street-oriented) F 800 GS for only $10,495, with its 895cc motor downgraded to 87 hp, but it wasn’t available for testing. Also not tested was the Adventure version of the F 900 GS, which includes a 6.1-gallon fuel tank, Dynamic ESA, a luggage rack, and an aluminum bash plate. It has a starting price of $14,890. 

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
Rebound damping can be adjusted by the gold knob ahead of the shock’s remote reservoir. Preload is adjusted hydraulically via a knurled handle on the other side of the bike.

Options Temptations 

As is typical for BMW, there are a plethora of options for the F 900 GS. Ride Modes Pro supplies access to Dynamic, Enduro, and Enduro Pro rides modes, as well as Engine Drag Torque Control, which varies the amount of engine braking.  

Then there’s the Premium Package that includes Ride Modes Pro, along with keyless ignition, an up/down quickshifter, tire-pressure monitoring, cruise control, and the long-lasting M Endurance Chain. It costs an extra $1,750.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The biggest improvement of BMW’s GS is found in its parallel-Twin powerplant that features a 10-hp boost along with improved torque. It includes BMW’s Active Knock Control that allows use of lower-grade fuels.

Riders who enjoy traipsing on dirt roads will be interested in the $1,495 Enduro Pro package, which includes Ride Modes Pro, fully adjustable suspension, the M Endurance chain, and a taller handlebar that is more comfortable for stand-up riding.  

Other optional equipment includes protective bars, windscreens of various sizes, higher or lower seats, Intelligent Emergency Call, and a full complement of luggage options.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The windscreen seen on GS Trophy colorways is the GS’s standard-size screen, but the ones coming to the U.S. won’t have the smoked finish seen on these European-market bikes.

GS en España 

BMW invited us to Málaga, Spain, to sample the F 900 GS, and in a coincidental twist, we stayed at the same hotel as during Triumph’s Tiger 900 launch just two months prior! It was illuminating to test these 900cc ADVs in the same area of southeastern Spain. 

We first straddled Sao Paulo Yellow versions of the F 900 GS for a morning ride on some of Spain’s countless twisty roads. This “Passion” style colorway adds $275 to the price of the base GS, which has a black colorway. Our bikes had other options that raised their MSRP to $16,215.  

The F 900’s parallel-Twin motor emits a rumbly note through its new Akrapovič muffler. Its crankshaft journals are offset by 90 degrees to create a 270/450-degree firing interval that sounds a lot like a 90-degree V-Twin. A pair of counterbalancers (one in front of and one behind the crankshaft) minimize objectionable vibrations.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The F 900 GS is fully capable of traversing unpaved trails. Hand guards are standard equipment, as are heated grips and adjustable hand levers.

Responses from this invigorated mill are much punchier than before. It pulls cleanly from as low as 2,000 rpm and builds to a meaty midrange that thrusts the Beemer forward with satisfying alacrity, aided by lower final-drive gearing. Torque swells in the 6,000-rpm range to its 68.6 lb-ft peak at 6,750 rpm then yanks harder on the way to its 105-hp zenith at 8,500 rpm.  

For comparison, Triumph’s upgraded 888cc three-cylinder motor in the Tiger 900 cranks out 106.5 hp, while the output of KTM’s respected 890 parallel-Twin produces 103.6 ponies. It’s remarkable how closely the engines of these middleweight ADVs match up.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
Dirt roads were tamed by the Metzeler Karoo 4 tires fitted for our ride. The rear sprocket now has 47 teeth instead of 44, lowering the overall final-drive ratio.

My 30-inch inseam was a little intimidated by the relatively tall 34.3-inch seat height, but it wasn’t a problem after my weight was aboard and the suspension compressed. The bike proved to be adept at navigating city streets on the way to mountain roads, with a light clutch pull and the assistance of the quickshifter fitted to our bikes.  

The cockpit of the GS is pleasing to the eye, with an attractive 6.5-inch color TFT display front and center. It includes smartphone connectivity and can easily be navigated with BMW’s innovative Multicontroller wheel on the left grip. A 12-volt socket and a USB port ensure your devices will be charged while out on the road. 

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The F 900 GS proved to be very competent when bounding through the brush.

Riding on a highway section revealed a foible in the GS. Unlike the Tiger’s, the BMW’s windscreen isn’t adjustable. The accessory screen, which is 2 inches taller than stock, fitted to our test bikes induced buffeting on my helmet at higher speeds, and the lack of adjustability forced me to endure it. Any bike intended for travel should have a simple system for on-the-fly windscreen adjustments.  

The GS proved to be remarkably adroit on the twisty sections of our ride. Turn-in response isn’t quite as brisk as on the Tiger due to the GS’s more relaxed steering geometry, with a 28-degree rake and 4.7 inches of trail, but the GS’s weight loss and its wide handlebar helps it carve corners adeptly. The 21-inch front tire (Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41) slightly diminishes sporty front-end feedback, as is always the case, but not enough to inhibit acute lean angles. For what it’s worth, I was able to drag footpegs on the Tiger Rally Pro, but I didn’t on the BMW.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
Cooperative throttle response allows riders to dial in the precise amount of wheelspin desired.

The long-travel suspension of the GS proved to be plush over various road surfaces, but several riders noted the rebound damping of the shock felt too loose, with the rear bouncing up excessively after hitting bumps. At a coffee stop, we all dialled in additional rebound damping on the shock, and the revised settings offered much better control. The shock’s spring preload is adjustable, but its compression-damping circuit is not.  

The fully adjustable inverted fork performed well, but less impressive are the GS’s brakes. Up front are Brembo calipers, but they’re low-spec 2-piston units rather than 4-piston clampers that are typically employed on bikes in this price range. They offer plenty enough power to adequately slow the bike, sure, but they’re not up to the high standards of the class. Cornering ABS is a welcome safety feature that is included as standard equipment.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
A revised handlebar arrangement places riders in a more comfortable posture while standing.

Gear Up  

There were several opportunities on our ride to twist the throttle wide open and stretch speed limits. The newfound punchiness of the motor again impressed the seat of my pants, pulling hard enough to make me feel that a 1,200-plus-cc engine might be overkill for an ADV. Clutchless upshifts were clicked off smoothly, but snicking into lower gears without using the clutch was harsher than with the Tiger’s faultless transmission. 

We were having so much fun unwinding Spain’s sinuous backroads on the GS that we didn’t want to bother stopping for lunch.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The F 900 GS feels very manageable when riding off-road.

Dirty Work 

After some delicious tapas, we climbed aboard bikes in the GS Trophy colorway with BMW’s red and blue colors atop a white base coat, sure to be the likely choice for Beemerphiles. These bikes were fitted with knobbier Metzeler Karoo 4 tires better suited for the off-roading adventures in front of us. BMW’s cross-spoke wheels allow tubeless tires.  

Like a well-engineered ADV should, the F 900 GS seems to shed weight when ridden off-road. Simply point it in the right direction and keep the throttle open, and it tractors up nearly any obstacle. While most of our off-roading was on non-technical terrain, we came across a few technical sections with rocks and hills that gave the GS a good test. Its suspension performed without complaint from the bike or its rider, and its punched-out motor again proved its worthiness in ADV situations, able to be lugged low in its powerband where optimum traction is delivered.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The taller accessory windscreen fitted to the bikes on our street ride induced buffeting. We wish the bike included a windscreen adjustment of some form.

I spent the entire afternoon with the bike in its Enduro Pro mode, which disables ABS at the rear tire and loosens the limits of traction control. Eventually, I switched off traction control completely, as I preferred my right hand to be fully in charge of managing traction.  

The brakes that felt underwhelming on the street were nearly perfect in the dirt. They weren’t grabby or overly sensitive like some high-powered braking systems, shedding speed in precise and easy to control amounts. However, I felt the front ABS kick in on a rocky, technical downhill section, an unnerving situation. A ride mode with the name “Pro” in it should have looser parameters for ABS intervention.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
Although intended to handle unpaved roads, BMW’s new GS also makes a capable sport-tourer.

On the way back into town, I was pleased that the standard-height windscreen eliminated the buffeting condition I felt at higher speeds with the taller screen. The narrow seat, however, was less pleasing, and I’d consider sourcing a different saddle if I was piling on hundreds of miles. On the plus side, a generous amount of steering lock makes the GS easy to maneuver in tight spaces, whether it’s dodging trees in a forest or Teslas in a crowded parking lot.  

Best GS Yet? 

Well, that would depend on what you want from a GS. The new R 1300 GS is magnificent and has a broader range of capabilities along with a more powerful engine. But after a short spin on a 1300 during a transit stage of our off-road ride, I preferred the 900’s relative agility and the way its rear tire grabbed for traction relative to the 1300’s shaft-drive arrangement.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
We think the new GS looks much more attractive than the older one. The red subframe on the Sao Paulo Yellow colorway is a nice touch.

The F 900 GS faces stiff competition in the marketplace. The Tiger 900 Rally Pro is in some respects more appealing than the Beemer, with its engaging 3-cylinder engine, Brembo Stylema brakes, and adjustable windscreen. Combined with a larger fuel tank and a comfier stock seat, the Tiger is a worthy adversary.  

But the BMW F 900 GS is appealing in its own right, flying the BMW flag high for aficionados of the brand. The Beemer is built in Germany, the land of technocrats and precision engineering, while the Tiger is produced in Thailand, for whatever that’s worth to ya.  

For my money, on a per-dollar value, I believe the BMW F 900 GS is the best GS yet.  

2024 BMW F 900 GS Review First Ride
The new GS has a smaller and lower profile than the previous version. The new Akrapovič muffler looks sweet and is claimed to shave 3.7 lb.

2024 BMW F 900 GS Specs 

  • Base Price: $13,495   
  • Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles  
  • Website:BMWmotorcycles.com 

ENGINE  

  • Type: Liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.  
  • Displacement: 895cc  
  • Bore x Stroke: 86.0 x 77.0mm  
  • Horsepower: 105 hp @ 8,500 rpm (factory claim)   
  • Torque: 68.6 lb-ft @ 6,750 rpm (factory claim)  
  • Compression Ratio: 13.1:1  
  • Valve Insp. Interval: 12,000 miles  
  • Fuel Delivery: EFI w/ throttle-by-wire, 48mm throttle bodies  
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch  
  • Final Drive: Chain  

CHASSIS 

  • Frame: Tubular-steel trellis frame & subframe, aluminum swingarm  
  • Wheelbase: 62.6 in.  
  • Rake/Trail: 28.0 degrees/4.7 in.  
  • Seat Height: 34.3 in.  
  • Suspension, Front: 43mm inverted fork, fully adj., 9.1 in. travel 
  • Rear: Single linkage shock, w/ adj. spring preload & rebound, 8.5 in. travel  
  • Brakes, Front: Dual 305mm discs w/ 2-piston axial calipers & cornering ABS  
  • Rear: Single 265mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper & cornering ABS  
  • Wheels, Front: Cross-spoke w/ aluminum rims, 2.15 x 21 
  • Rear: Cross-spoke w/ aluminum rims, 4.25 x 17  
  • Tires, Front: 90/90-21  
  • Rear: 150/70-17   
  • Wet Weight: 483 lb  
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.8 gal.  

The post 2024 BMW F 900 GS Review | First Ride appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

FastTrack Riders Track Day at Laguna Seca, March 16-17

FastTrack Riders Laguna Seca

Looking for something to do this weekend? Itching for a track day at an epic track? Join FastTrack Riders this weekend, March 16-17, at Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, where there will be a rare “no sound limit” weekend. To find out more, read the following press release.


Hello, FastTrack Riders!

As we gear up for our upcoming event at Laguna Seca, we wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stepped up in response to our call for assistance. Your support has been truly overwhelming, and thanks to your efforts, we are nearly at our target rider numbers for maintaining the small group sizes we all value. As a result, there are currently only a handful of spots left in each group. This collective effort has made a significant difference, and it’s clear that our community is stronger than ever because of individuals like you.

FastTrack Riders Laguna Seca

We’ve noticed an increased number of questions and inquiries regarding the Pro Active Coaching offered during our events. To ensure there’s no confusion, we’d like to clarify that this coaching is entirely optional. It’s an added benefit for those looking to hone their skills with professional guidance, but it’s not a requirement to enjoy the day. For those who love the thrill of a traditional track day, feel free to embrace the experience as always. Our commitment to keeping group sizes small, with an average of 20 riders per group, guarantees plenty of open track time for everyone, regardless of whether you opt for coaching or not.

Related: 10 Most Significant Motorcycles of the Last 50 Years

Additionally, to clarify some of the top FAQs:

  • Group Size: Averaging around 20 riders per group. That’s your squad. Not too crowded, not too lonely. Just perfect for drafting and making new pit lane pals.
  • Sound Limit: 105 dB is the magic number. Remember, after unlimited sound, this is your chance to be loud and proud.
  • 105 dB Weekends: Yes, only a precious few exist each year. Catch it while you can!
  • Paddock Camping: It’s free. Bring your tent or camper Friday and Saturday nights.

Now, for the moment that many of you have been eagerly awaiting—the weather update. We’re happy to report that the forecast is looking fantastic for our event! With great weather on the horizon, we’re all set for an incredible day of riding. Perfect conditions mean not only a more enjoyable experience but also the opportunity for everyone to push their limits safely and confidently.

Related: 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide: New Street Models

In closing, we want to thank you again for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. It’s what makes our Fastrack Riders community so special. We’re excited to see you at the track, ready to make the most of the fantastic weather and the camaraderie that defines our events.

Ride on,

The FastTrack Riders Team

“Rewiring riders to ride Faster, Safer, Smarter”


For more information or to register, visit the FastTrack Riders website.

The post FastTrack Riders Track Day at Laguna Seca, March 16-17 appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 Moto Guzzi Experience Tour Schedule

2024 Moto Guzzi Experience North America

Moto Guzzi fans can enjoy a ride in some of America’s most picturesque destinations during the Moto Guzzi Experience in 2024. Riders can bring their own Moto Guzzi or rent a Moto Guzzi Stelvio, V100 Mandello, or V85 for use during the event. Adding to the list of past tours, the Moto Guzzi Experience now includes four rides ranging from three to five days in length.

Related: 2024 Moto Guzzi Stelvio Review | First Ride

Related: 2022 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello Review | First Look

Related: 2024 Moto Guzzi V85 Range Review | First Look

“We are excited to invite Moto Guzzi enthusiasts to join us on the 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience,” said Marco d’Acunzo, president and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. “This event series promises to be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the beauty of the United States while experiencing the thrill of riding our latest Moto Guzzi models on some of the most iconic routes in this beautiful country.”

The experience is open to riders of all skill levels, but spaces are limited, so participants are encouraged to reserve their spot early.

2024 Moto Guzzi Experience North America

Find the 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience tour schedule below, and click the links to access ticket information and reserve your spot. Tickets are $1,500 if you bring your own Moto Guzzi bike or $2,500 to rent a motorcycle.

2024 Moto Guzzi Experience North America

2024 Moto Guzzi Experience Tours

Rocky Mountains – June 5-9 (3-day ride)

Traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the southern Rocky Mountains, taking in sweeping vistas, towering peaks, and winding mountain passes throughout Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado.

Click here to reserve your spot.

2024 Moto Guzzi Experience North America

Pacific Northwest – July 15-21 (5-day ride)

Explore the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest from the lush forests and mountains of Oregon’s Cascade region out to the Blue Mountains alongside the meandering riverways of Eastern Oregon.

Click here to reserve your spot.

2024 Moto Guzzi Experience North America

Yellowstone – July 31 – Aug. 5 (4-day ride)

Embark on an epic journey inside and around Yellowstone National Park, where geysers, hot springs, and wildlife await amidst the stunning backdrop of the northern Rocky Mountains on a tour that features exaggerated summits and exploits the breathtaking roads of Montana and Wyoming.

Click here to reserve your spot.

2024 Moto Guzzi Experience North America

Smoky Mountains – Sept. 11-16 (4-day ride)

Conquer the legendary Tail of the Dragon and experience the thrill of riding some of the country’s most technical and exhilarating roads on a tour that takes you back and forth between Eastern Tennessee and North Carolina around the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains’ best roads.

Click here to reserve your spot.

For more information, visit the Moto Guzzi website.

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Source: RiderMagazine.com