2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650 and XT Adventure First Look Preview

The V’s namesake V-twin carries on in the platform for at least another year.

The V’s namesake V-twin carries on in the platform for at least another year. (Suzuki/)

While word of a new parallel-twin-powered V-Strom 650 has been floating around the internet for a while, it’s now safe to say that 2023 is not the year for the big change. Suzuki has officially announced its 2023 V-Strom 650, and the durable V-twin lives to see another production line.

Related: 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure First Look Preview

Suzuki’s middleweight adventure-tourer continues to rely on its liquid-cooled 645cc 90-degree V-twin engine in a beak-clad chassis for all of its trims, which includes the base model, V-Strom 650XT, and V-Strom 650XT Adventure. This engine can happily chug along at very low speeds, thanks to the low-rpm assist feature, and can smoothly deliver the ponies when asked. The traction control system has three modes of varying levels of intervention: Off disengages all TC features, Mode 1 offers the lowest level of intervention, and Mode 2 is for low-traction surfaces such as rain-soaked roads. The V-twin is still mated to a precise six-speed transmission.

Take the long way home. With a large 5.3-gallon fuel tank the V-Strom is ready to clock many miles before a fill-up.

Take the long way home. With a large 5.3-gallon fuel tank the V-Strom is ready to clock many miles before a fill-up. (Suzuki/)

When the reins of the Wee-Strom are pulled, two Tokico calipers grab 310mm discs (front) and a Nissin, one-pot caliper grabs the single 260mm disc (rear) to bring the bike to a stop. ABS is standard equipment at both ends. To limit beak bobbing and back-end bottoming there’s a 43mm telescopic fork with 5.9 inches of travel and a link-type shock with 6.3 inches of travel. Both are adjustable for preload; the rear also includes rebound adjustability.

The V-Strom 650XT flaunts spoked gold-anodized rims.

The V-Strom 650XT flaunts spoked gold-anodized rims. (Suzuki/)

Related: 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Review—An Exercise in Adventure Purity

The base model keeps a plain-and-simple silhouette, whereas the XT and XT Adventure progressively load on more adventure-ready equipment. The XT features wire-spoked rims, hand guards and lower engine protection. These features are also seen on the XT Adventure, but it adds 37-liter aluminum side cases, handlebar cross-brace, and an engine accessory bar.

Protect the engine, protect the hands. A lower engine cowl and hand guards come standard with the XT.

Protect the engine, protect the hands. A lower engine cowl and hand guards come standard with the XT. (Suzuki/)

Pearl Vigor Blue is a new color for the base model, but arguably the more exciting color is the Pearl Brilliant White with gold-anodized rims to match the gold accents on the beak and tank. The accessorized XT Adventure retains the Glass Sparkle Black of 2022.

A beaked front end is a classic design cue on the V-Strom. The windshield above the stacked halogen headlight is adjustable.

A beaked front end is a classic design cue on the V-Strom. The windshield above the stacked halogen headlight is adjustable. (Suzuki/)

Pricing comes in at $9,104 for the base model, $9,599 for the XT, and $10,799 for the XT Adventure.

The XT Adventure, shown here, features a handful of accessories that aren’t stock on the base or XT trims.

The XT Adventure, shown here, features a handful of accessories that aren’t stock on the base or XT trims. (Suzuki/)

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650/XT/XT Adventure Technical Specifications And Price

PRICE: $9,104 (base) / $9,599 (XT) / $10,799 (XT Adventure)
ENGINE: 645cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled V-twin
BORE x STROKE: 81.0 x 62.6mm
COMPRESSION RATIO: 11.2:1
FUEL DELIVERY: Fuel injection, SDTV-equipped
CLUTCH: Wet, multiplate
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE: 6-speed/chain
FRAME: Twin-spar aluminum
FRONT SUSPENSION: 43mm telescopic fork, preload adjustable; 5.9 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION: Link-type shock, rebound and preload adjustable; 6.3 in. travel
FRONT BRAKE: Tokico 2-piston calipers, dual 310mm hydraulic discs w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE: Nissin 1-piston caliper, 260mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR: Cast (base) / spoked (XT, XT Adventure); 19 in. / 17 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR: Bridgestone Battlax; 110/80-19 / 150/70-17
RAKE/TRAIL: 25.0°/4.2 in.
WHEELBASE: 61.4 in.
SEAT HEIGHT: 32.9 in.
FUEL CAPACITY: 5.3 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT: 470 lb. (base) / 476 lb. (XT) / 528 lb. (XT Adventure)
WARRANTY: 1 year, limited
AVAILABLE: Now
CONTACT: suzukicycles.com

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

“Please don’t crash”

So can Marquez follow in the footsteps of the likes of Sheene, Criville, Doohan and Lorenzo. Of course he can but while he has been away the opposition has got both stronger and younger, beware of those young pretenders at the next three Grand Prix in Motegi, Buriram and Phillip Island. The eight-time World Champion won the last MotoGP™ races to be held at all three. Stand by for the fireworks.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Triple crown in touching distance as Ducati claim hat-trick

After a couple of early season struggles, Ducati once again have plenty to celebrate as their GP22 and GP21s run riot on circuit, with at least one bike on the podium in every race so far this season. Bastianini opened up the season with victory at Qatar and has claimed three more in Austin, Le Mans and Aragon since. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) has six 2022 wins to his name, coming in Jerez, Mugello, Assen, Silverstone, Austria and Misano. Pramac duo Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin have played their part too with five podiums between them, with the Frenchman claiming one more than his younger teammate. Those came in Indonesia, Argentina, Portugal, Catalunya and Germany, with all contributing to the overall points tally.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Is Bastianini a legitimate threat for the 2022 title?

“The championship is important. Now I’m more close to Fabio, to Pecco, to Aleix. But, this for me is not a pressure for the moment because I have to recover a lot of points. What I say, I have to see this race by race what happens. The most important for me is to start on the top like in the last three races and in the first row or second row, because if you are behind, it’s difficult to do a great job during the race. My goal for the moment is the race, not the championship.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R | First Look Review

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R
KTM announces 2023 890 Adventure R with rally-inspired upgrades.

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R was launched at KTM’s 2022 Adventure Rider Rally in Idaho this month, a fitting event for a bike whose upgrades are rally-inspired in both looks and capabilities. Two years after the 890 Adventure R’s debut, the 2023 model still has a liquid-cooled 889cc transverse parallel-Twin, but the bike has been improved to enhance off-road performance and versatility. Boasting several new features and rider aids, the 2023 model allows riders the ability to fine-tune the bike to meet the exact needs of the rider. Price has not yet been announced.

Related Story: 2021 KTM 890 Adventure R | (Off) Road Test Review

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

What’s New on the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R?

The 890 Adventure R takes inspiration from the Dakar-winning KTM 450 Rally for upgrades that enhance this bike’s off-road capabilities and performance, as well as giving the bike a rally aesthetic. The redesigned bodywork, new fairing, lower windscreen, and cowling improve aerodynamics and ergonomics while protecting the rider and the bike from the elements.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R
The 2023 model features new off-road capabilities.

On top of the bodywork, the 890 Adventure R also takes after the KTM 450 Rally through a retuned WP suspension package with a fully-adjustable WP XPLOR 48mm fork and a WP XPLOR rear shock with new settings. The rear shock uses KTM’s progressive damping system, which KTM says reduces fatigue on rough trails.

Related Story: 2023 KTM 450 SMR | First Look Review

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

The 2023 model also comes with upgraded ABS control that takes readings from the 6D sensor, which informs CMU on the angle, pitch, and speed of the motorcycle to apply the right amount of braking force based on the situation. When in the Offroad mode or the optional Rally mode, the Offroad ABS is automatically applied.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R
The LED headlight, brake light, and turn indicators increase visibility.

Speaking of riding modes, the 2023 890 Adventure R also comes with a new Demo mode. While using the Demo mode, riders get to experience all the specs and options of different ride modes and rider aids for the first approximately 932 miles (1,500 km) before deciding which features fit the rider’s needs and riding style. Ride modes for the 2023 890 Adventure R include Street, Offroad, Rain, and Rally (optional). Rider aids include Motorcycle Traction Control, Motor Slip Regulation, and the quickshifter (optional). Heated grips, a heated seat, and cruise control are also optional.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R
With a variety of ride modes and rider aids, the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R allows riders to choose their own riding style.

The new 5” TFT display includes USB connectors and features a new appearance with colored pictograms and graphics. New features in the display include a turn-by-turn navigation system and a phone call-out function that allows riders to set 10 favorite numbers.

If you’re looking for a versatile, off-road-ready adventure bike, the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R might be just your thing. A variety of ride modes and rider aids allow you to fine-tune the bike to your own riding style so that when you go on your next big adventure, you know the adventure will truly be your own.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

For more information, visit KTM’s website.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R Specifications

Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, 4-Stroke, DOHC

Displacement: 889 cc

Bore/Stroke: 90.7 / 68.8mm

Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated PASC assist-and-slipper clutch

Fuel System: DKK Dell’Orto, 46mm throttle body

Ignition: Bosch EMS with throttle-by-wire

Frame: Chromoly Tubular Steel, Engine as Stressed Member

Subframe: Chromoly Steel Trellis

Suspension, Front: 48mm WP XPLOR USD fork, full adj. w/ 9.4 in. travel

Rear: WP XPLOR Single shock w/ progressive damping, fully adj. w/ 9.4 in. travel 

Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 320 / 260 mm

Front/Rear Wheels: 2.50 x 21 in., 4.50 x 18 in. 

Front/Rear Tires: 90/90-21; 150/70-18 Continental TKC 80

Wheelbase: 60.2 in.

Ground Clearance: 10.4 in

Seat Height: 34.6 in

Tank Capacity: 5.3 gals

Dry Weight: Approx 432 lbs

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

The post 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R | First Look Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

TALKING POINTS – Aragon: “A crazy start”

Catch up on some of the hottest topics from MotorLand, including Lap 1 mayhem, missing mojo and LCR’s injury worries

The Aragon Grand Prix was choc-full of action, with fans treated to an incredibly dramatic affair across 23 laps which saw big names exit early and a last lap overtake deny an historic five in a row! MotorLand certainly kicked off the triple header in sensational fashion, and it has left plenty up in the air for discussion, so these are some of the biggest talking points from the weekend gone by.

“A crazy start” – Lap 1 drama has riders talking

Marc Marquez: “I’m sorry to Fabio. He is fighting for the Championship. It was a complete race incident as he said. At Turn 3 I saw in front there was contact between Aleix [Espargaro]and [Enea] Bastianini. I was trying to catch the grip, not to overtake, just to find position. I had a small slide, but Fabio was very close to me because I think he was trying to overtake at Turn 4 or 5 and it was completely unlucky. I’m very sorry to him.

“Then everything was a consequence. At Turn 5 I felt something strange but then the point arrived at Turn 7. I saw some people who misunderstand say I went to Nakagami, I mean, I was completely straight. I’m not a guy who goes to the left when I’m completely straight. The problem is at Turn 7, I engaged the rear device and when I did that, Fabio’s fairing was inside my wheel. When I engaged the device, I felt the bike and rear tyre lock and it then went to the left side and decreased the acceleration.

The reason why Nakagami and Marquez clashed after T7

Fabio Quartararo: “Many riders lose the rear, and some riders cut the line a bit and I just hit Marc in the back and that’s what happened. Nothing heavy, just burned the front [of my body] a bit. Nothing broken.

Aleix Espargaro: “I feel bad for Fabio. I didn’t see the crash but luckily, he is ok physically. Now the Championship is very close”

Marco Bezzecchi: “I don’t know really what happened. I just saw Fabio on the middle of the track and then the bike. But where I lost the most, it was during the Taka Nakagami incident, because his bike stayed in the middle of the track. I chose the outside line, but his bike was sliding so fast. So, to avoid it, I had to release the break, overtake the bike and then go wide into T8. Fortunately, I could survive let’s say. This first lap was a bit crazy.”

Drama on lap 1 as Quartararo and Marquez collide!

Franco Morbidelli: “The beginning of the race was a mess. I needed to avoid the mess with Fabio and then two corners later I saw another bike on the ground in the middle of the track, so I lost some time there.”

Darryn Binder: “It was a really crazy start to the race. Obviously with the crashes at the beginning with bikes on track, unfortunately when Taka had his crash, the bike was sliding right next to me on the track and I had to go off the track to be able to rejoin and I lost time on that which was a little bit unfortunate.”

“I seem to have lost my flow” – Is Morbidelli missing his mojo?

Franco Morbidelli: “I became a rider that is pretty quick and fast in tight conrers and brakings, but I seem to have lost my flow into fast corners… I hope it’s a problem with the bike [and not from me]. I like to make fast corners. I hope I haven’t lost one of my strong points from the past.”

Problems mount for LCR

LCR boss Lucio Cecchinello has a headache going into the Japanese GP, with both his riders sustaining injuries at MotorLand. Takaaki Nakagami’s resulted from the collision with Marc Marquez, while the younger Marquez brother Alex also cast doubt on his participation after admitting to a pain in his hand after a big Warm Up crash on Sunday.

Takaaki Nakagami: “I’m now going to Barcelona to check the wound on the fourth and fifth fingers on my right hand. I will keep everyone updated and really appreciate all the support from my fans.”

Alex Marquez: “I have a pain in the hand. It’s not really clear what I have, if I have a small fracture or not, I’m not really sure. One hour before the race I was still deciding if I could race or not. I did two warm up laps just to see my body and it was not really good.”

You can read more about their injuries HERE.

“In the last races he’s doing some, let’s say, not so respectful things”

Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro pulled off quite the salvage job in Saturday’s qualifying, coming through Q1 after a tough weekend which helped build the platform for his podium success. However, not everyone was pleased with the number 41 during the session, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) feeling that he interrupted his chances of setting a time attack. 

“I think in the last races he’s doing some, let’s say, not so respectful things. Because for example this one, it’s quite clear he was in the middle of the line when his lap was gone… I had to completely close the throttle, because if not, I will go up his rear end.”

The incident was looked into by the stewards, and they cleared Espargaro of any wrongdoing in this case. 

VideoPass allows you to watch every single second of every single sector LIVE and OnDemand

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

2023 Suzuki Burgman 400 First Look Preview

Keeping dress shoes unscuffed since 1998.

Keeping dress shoes unscuffed since 1998. (Suzuki/)

Button up the tailored suit and polish those dress shoes: Suzuki’s luxury scooter, the Burgman 400, has returned to serve the commuter community.

The “Elegant Athlete” features a recently updated 400cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder engine that’s both efficient and compliant to emissions standards, yet responsive and powerful enough to realistically carry two riders. Freeway jaunts do not have to be entirely written off either.

With an automatic centrifugal clutch and fully automatic CVT, around-town riding is a hand-fatigue-free experience with the Burgman’s simple twist-and-go throttle application.

The long 62.2-inch wheelbase and large 15-inch front wheel help this scooter maintain stability when passing shiny black sedans with dark-tinted windows. The 481-pound claimed curb weight may sound somewhat hefty, but in traditional scooter fashion its weight is carried low in the chassis. To come to a stop the Burgman makes use of two 260mm front discs and a single 210mm rear disc, all ABS equipped. Traction control is also standard.

Its practicality isn’t limited to two-up-ready power and a fully automatic transmission; the Burgman can also hold a significant amount of cargo. The 42 liters (11 gallons) of illuminated storage space under the seat can accommodate two helmets. An additional 2.8 liters (0.7 gallon) and 3.5 liters (0.9 gallon) in two front compartments provide plenty of room for personal items for both pilot and riding companion. The larger front compartment features a DC outlet for charging electronics on the go.

Luxury is inseparable from great comfort. With that in mind, the Burgman has 3.1-inch-thick padding on the stepped seat with an adjustable backrest that can be adjusted by half an inch to a full inch fore and aft via a lever. The rider is protected from the wind by a large, upswept windscreen. The passenger has their own portion of the sculpted seat, with fold-down footrests and ergonomic grab bars.

Last year the Burgman received a revised camshaft, new dual-spark technology ignition system and starter button, traction control, a more compact ABS system, and a new color. This year Suzuki has sheathed the Metallic Matte Sword Silver and replaced it with Solid Iron Gray. Price has gone up, but only by $100, bringing the 2023 MSRP to $8,599.

LED lighting at both ends is nicely integrated into the Burgman’s Solid Iron Gray bodywork.

LED lighting at both ends is nicely integrated into the Burgman’s Solid Iron Gray bodywork. (Suzuki/)

2023 Suzuki Burgman 400 Technical Specifications And Price

PRICE: $8,599
ENGINE: 400cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
BORE x STROKE: 81.0 x 77.6mm
COMPRESSION RATIO: 10.6:1
FUEL DELIVERY: Fuel injection
CLUTCH: Automatic, centrifugal clutch
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE: CVT/V-belt drive
FRAME: N/A
FRONT SUSPENSION: 41mm telescopic fork, coil spring, oil damped; 4.3 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION: Link-type single shock, coil spring, oil damped
FRONT BRAKE: Dual 260mm discs w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE: 210mm disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR: Cast; 15 in. / 13 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR: 120/70-15 / 150/70-13
RAKE/TRAIL: 25.0°/4.0 in.
WHEELBASE: 62.2 in.
SEAT HEIGHT: 29.7 in.
FUEL CAPACITY: 3.6 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT: 481 lb.
WARRANTY: 1 year, limited
AVAILABLE: Now
CONTACT: suzukicycles.com

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R Unveiled at KTM Rally in Idaho

Attendees of this year’s KTM Rally in Idaho got a first look at the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R. 

Begin Press Release: 


DO YOU DARE? THE 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R BREAKS NEW GROUND

MURRIETA, Calif. – For all those who dare to adventure, KTM North America, Inc. introduces the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, here to break travel barriers on or off the beaten track. Featuring a host of technical upgrades, this reworked machine enters a new era of rally-inspired aesthetics and performance.

Harnessing attributes of KTM’s pure READY TO RACE legacy, the hyper-focused development goals of the new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R are clear: further offroad excellence, dependability and suitability for whatever lies on the road ahead. Launched in the diverse landscape of western Idaho at the 2022 KTM Adventure Rider Rally, the next-level capability and mettle of the reshaped KTM 890 ADVENTURE R was witnessed in the heart of the Idaho mountains by adventurers from all over the world.

Taking cues from the KTM 450 RALLY setup, the WP suspension package on the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, with fully-adjustable WP XPLOR forks and a WP XPLOR PDS rear shock, was retuned to provide improved feeling and damping to ensure riders reach the end of each stage with reduce fatigue. Further influence from the Factory Rally bike is evident in the redesigned bodywork with a new fairing, fuel tank and cowling, improving aerodynamics and ergonomics, respectively enhancing protection from the elements and the bike’s already amazing agility. The fact that the 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R is ready for action is also made clear through the new lower windshield, high front fender and engine protector, for those tricky technical moments.

The new 5” TFT display—equipped with USB-C connecters— features a completely new appearance with colored pictograms and intuitive graphics that allow for easy navigation through the menus. In addition, the latest upgrades include a developed turn-by-turn plus navigation system that allows riders to select their preferred destination from the bike’s menu. A new phone call-out function also allows a favorites call option, with a maximum of 10 numbers, or the option to call one of the 10 last numbers called.

To take the software and hardware potential of the electronics suite to new levels, KTM has also included the next generation of ABS control unit that takes readings from the 6D sensor — which continually informs the CMU on the angle, pitch, speed and general behavior of the motorcycle — to apply the correct amount of braking force for any given situation. Riders opting to try the bike’s potential off the beaten track can count on OFFROAD ABS as an integrated element of OFFROAD MODE, or the optional RALLY MODE, without the need to select the OFFROAD ABS separately.

When the trail widens and the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R wants to clock the miles, the 2023 edition provides comfort through the single-piece seat with new colors, which still emphasizes mobility and grip. Adventurers can also be seen with new LED style indicators that complement the revitalized graphic set for 2023.

KTM has taken advantage of the growing electronic capacity of the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R to install a new DEMO MODE, seen for the first time on this 2023 model. The new KTM 890 ADVENTURE R will allow riders to take advantage of all the specs and options for the first 1,500 kilometers, before the rider decides which pack or features to acquire. Thanks to the DEMO MODE setting, adventurers can feel and experience the areas of the bike they prefer or rely on while in the thick of throttle-wringing action.

2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R – HIGHLIGHTS

// Reworked bodywork and fairing inspired by the KTM 450 RALLY
// New windshield offering improved airflow
// Reworked suspension settings for reduced long-distance fatigue
// Upgraded 5” TFT display with USB connection
// Improved ABS components with new modulator (9.3 MP)
// OFFROAD ABS linked with OFFROAD MODE and (optional) RALLY MODE
// Updated turn-by-turn plus navigation system
// Introducing the DEMO MODE functionality
// Handlebar switch with hazard warning
// New LED indicators
// New engine protector

The 2023 KTM 890 ADVENTURE R pushes extremes a little further while inviting riders from across the world to #Dare2ADV. This new model will be available at authorized KTM dealers from December onward. For further information, go to KTM.com.












2023 KTM 890 Adventure R


The post 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R Unveiled at KTM Rally in Idaho appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Round 4 of the Global Series heads for Asia!

Fans can watch on motogp.com and esport.motogp.com, on selected TV broadcasters, and across social media platforms including YouTube (via the MotoGP™ and MotoGP™ eSport channels), MotoGP™ eSport TwitterInstagram, Facebook (via MotoGP™ and MotoGP™ eSport pages) and Twitch via MotoGP™ and MotoGP™ eSport.

Who can steal a march on their rivals during Round 4? Don’t miss the live broadcast on Friday, September 23rd at 12.00 (GMT +9) as the battle to become the 2022 MotoGP™ eSport Champion reaches its critical phase!

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Salmela, Veijer take Rookies Cup victories in Aragon

Crucially, points leader José Rueda, the 16-year-old Spaniard, flashed across the line 6th, just 0.183 seconds behind Veijer. That narrow margin though represents 15 points. So now Rueda is just 11 ahead going into the last 2 races in Valencia at the beginning of November where 50 points are still up for grabs.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

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