Monster Energy Yamaha officially launch their 2023 campaign

Lin Jarvis, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team Principal & Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director: “Last year our team achieved numerous successes whilst facing high-level competition and challenges. One of the highs that stood out, however, was the extension of our partnership with Monster Energy Company at the Catalan GP, which Fabio went on to win. In that moment, we were not only delighted to express our thanks for Monster Energy’s continuous support and their faith in our team, but we also felt excited to look to a future exploring new opportunities to make the bond between Yamaha and Monster Energy even stronger. This year, we are entering our eleventh year with Monster Energy as our sponsor and our fifth season with them as our title sponsor. This occasion deserved a new livery and a fresh start that matches our military-like focus as we fight for the 2023 MotoGP title. As a part of the strong global alliance between Yamaha and Monster Energy, the new look-and-feel will also be adopted by Yamaha’s factory teams in MX and Supercross, showing our unity.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Moto Morini Enters U.S. Market with Headquarters in California

Moto Morini

The Italian motorcycle brand Moto Morini recently announce the company’s entrance into the American market. The addition of the United States increases Moto Morini’s global presence, which already included operations in Italy, India, and Asia.

Founded in 1937 by motorcycle designer Alfonso Morini, Moto Morini has its European headquarters in Milan. Facing various struggles in the 1980s, the company was first sold in 1987 and changed hands numerous times in the subsequent years before most recently being purchased in 2018 by the Zhongneng Vehicle Group.

Moto Morini

According to a press release from Moto Morini, the company “brings decades of master craftsmanship, exceptional Italian design, premium quality and unparalleled performance to the United States with a portfolio of motorcycles to meet and exceed the demands of today’s riders on and off the road.”

Although the press release didn’t specify which motorcycles would be introduced in the U.S. market, a search of the NHTSA manufacturer information database shows two model VINs that would indicate 650cc and 750cc engines. The former would match the current offerings from Moto Morini: the X-Cape adventure motorcycle and the naked Seiemmezzo STR and SCR, all of which have a liquid-cooled 649cc inline-Twin making a claimed 61 hp at 8,250 rpm and 40 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm and which is said to be derived from an engine of the same configuration manufactured by CFMOTO.

See all of Rider‘s CFMOTO coverage here.

Moto Morini

The X-Cape has a 19-inch front wheel shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, 50mm adjustable Marzocci fork, Brembo brakes (dual discs in the front, single in the rear), and switchable ABS. Seat height is adjustable between 32.3 inches and 33 inches, and the bike has an windscreen that is adjustable with one hand. It has a 4.75-gal fuel tank and dry weight of 470 lb.

Moto Morini X-Cape in Red Passion
Moto Morini X-Cape in Red Passion
Moto Morini X-Cape in Smoky Anthracite
Moto Morini X-Cape in Smoky Anthracite

The Seiemmezzo has 18-inch and 17-inch front/rear wheels, also with Pirelli tires (MT60RS on the SCR and Angel GT on the STR), Brembo brakes with ABS, fully adjustable Kayaba suspension, a 31.9-inch seat height, 4.2-gal fuel tank, and dry weight of approximately 441 lb.

Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR in Smoky Anthracite
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR in Smoky Anthracite
moto morini seiemmezzo SCR in Navy Green
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR in Navy Green

The new Moto Morini American headquarters in Irvine, California, is in the heart of the U.S. motorcycle industry and will service dealers nationwide. Moto Morini is now accepting new dealer application and hiring sales management, dealer development, and product support personnel. Please email [email protected] for more information.

For more information, visit the Moto Morini website.

The post Moto Morini Enters U.S. Market with Headquarters in California first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Iberian Escape | IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour Review

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
On Day 1, riding the “Goat Road” (A-4050) through Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park on our way to Granada.

Every international motorcycle tour is special, but none is as memorable as your first one. For my wife, Carrie, and me, our first international tour was in 2010 – a two-week tour of Spain and Portugal with IMTBike, a motorcycle tour and rental company based in Spain with office locations in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Málaga, and Lisbon, Portugal.

Carrie and I have had the good fortune to go on many international motorcycle tours together. Riding two-up, mostly on a big BMW GS, we’ve explored a dozen countries in Europe, as well as Canada and Ecuador. We got engaged at the top of Stelvio Pass in the Alps and spent our honeymoon on a tour in Norway. But for that first tour, our guides were Scott Moreno, IMTBike’s founder and CEO, and “Super” Chano Lorenzo, IMTBike’s longest serving guide, who’s been with the company since 1998.

Related: Scott Moreno: Ep. 30 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Like old friends, Scott and Chano shared their unabashed love and deep knowledge of Spain and Portugal with everyone in our group, treating each one of us as special and taking time to get to know us so they could tailor the tour experience to our particular needs or desires.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Chano is part toro.

Wake-Up Call

Of all the tours Carrie and I have been on, our most embarrassing moment happened on Day 1 of that first tour in 2010 – before we had even gotten on the bike. While enjoying ourselves at the festive welcome dinner the night before, we imbibed a bit too much vino tinto. When we got back to the hotel, feeling the effects of jetlag and the wine, we decided to wake up early to pack and get ready for the tour. I set my alarm, and we went to bed.

With the curtains drawn to block out the city lights of Madrid, I was jolted awake by the phone. It was Chano. “Buenos dias, Greg! It’s nine o’ clock, and everyone is on the bus, waiting to go. Are you ready?”

Mierda! I had gotten the a.m./p.m. mixed up on my phone’s alarm.

“I’m soooooo sorry! We overslept!”

“Don’t worry, that means you were relaxed! Scott will head over on the bus with the others and start the bike handover. I’m downstairs with everyone’s luggage in the van. I’ll wait for you.”

Hungover with throbbing headaches, our pulses racing, we threw everything into our luggage and suited up in our riding gear as fast as we could. Carrie and I are both fastidious Type A people, and we hate being late. We did the walk of shame out to the van, only to find Chano with a big smile on his face as he reassured us, “Is no problem!”

And it wasn’t. As embarrassed as we were, Chano and Scott just rolled with the situation. Our blunder was the source of playful ribbing throughout the tour, an inside joke we still share to this day. And we learned our lesson – in nearly 100 days we’ve spent on overseas motorcycle tours since that first morning, we have not been late once, and we’re often the first people on the bikes in the morning, ready to go.

A Very Good Year

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
The rolling hills in the Andalusia region are covered with millions of olive trees. (Photo by Carrie Drevenstedt)

Like all motorcycle tour companies, the pandemic was a gut punch to IMTBike. Covid restrictions meant the company couldn’t run tours for more than a year, but Moreno kept his team on the payroll, and they used the downtime to refresh, refine, and expand their tour offerings. IMTBike specializes in tours of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), but it also offers tours in France, Italy, the Alps, and Morocco, as well as MotoGP tours (Catalunya, Jerez, and Valencia) and tours in Turkey, Thailand, Japan, and New Zealand.

IMTBike resumed its tours in 2021, the same year it earned a coveted Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award. In 2022, IMTBike celebrated its 25th anniversary, and Scott personally invited Carrie and me to join him and Chano on the Southern Spain Andalusia tour.

Related: Perfect Pyrenees Tour with IMTBike

Amazing Andalusia via IMTBike

As much as we were looking forward to getting the band back together for a reunion tour, a family emergency precluded Scott from joining us. Chano served as head guide, and our consolation prize was Paolo Pezzoli, a young, energetic Italian who was new to the IMTBike team.

The Southern Spain Andalusia tour hits the sweet spot – not too short or too long, not too easy or too challenging, and just right in terms of daily mileage, choice of roads, scenery, sightseeing, and accommodations. The tour is nine days, with six riding days, one rest day, and travel days on each end. It starts and ends in Málaga, a city on Spain’s Mediterranean Costa Del Sol (Sun Coast), and includes stops in Granada, Córdoba, Seville (rest day), Arcos de la Frontera, and Ronda.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour

Carrie and I arrived a day early to shake off our jetlag and spend a day exploring Málaga, which was founded in 770 B.C. and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. IMTBike booked a modern, stylish hotel that’s a short walk to the heart of the city. We visited the 19th-century Atarazanas Market, the 14th-century Cathedral of Málaga, and the 11th-century Alcazaba, a Moorish palatial fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city and coast.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
The Renaissance-style Cathedral of Málaga was built between 1528 and 1782 but is technically unfinished since the tower on the right is incomplete.

After our walking tour – which included a stop at a busy sidewalk cafe for tapas, sangria, and people-watching – we met the tour group in the hotel’s bar. Over beers and wine, we met Lonny and Linda, a couple from Idaho; Kobus and Magda, a couple from South Africa; Bernard, a solo rider from Canada; and Oliver, a solo rider from Dominican Republic. Each of us took turns telling the group a little about ourselves, and Chano gave us an overview of the tour and rules of the road in Spain.

To keep us connected, IMTBike set up a group on WhatsApp so we could send text messages, live locations, photos, and more via Wi-Fi. We also received links to the tour’s daily routes on Google Maps and to a Google Drive folder so we could upload and share our photos.

Following the briefing, we walked to dinner. Spain is known for its afternoon siestas and late-night dinners, and in the evenings, the streets of cities we visited were bustling with locals and tourists, young and old and everything in between. Our tour was in October, with mild days and cool nights – ideal for strolling on cobblestoned and tiled sidewalks that are hundreds of years old, their surfaces worn smooth by millions of footsteps. Our welcome dinner was at a restaurant handpicked by IMTBike, and Chano got us started by ordering Iberian ham, cheese, and wine for the table. Everyone was in good spirits as we broke bread and got to know each other.

Up, Up, and Away

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Our crew (plus Paolo behind the lens) enjoying a short break overlooking Arcos de la Frontera. We stayed in a historic Parador situated on the edge of the cliff in the background. (Photo by Paolo Pezzoli)

Carrie and I woke up early, enjoyed a decadent breakfast at the hotel, brought our luggage down, and walked outside to find two R 1250 RTs, three R 1250 GSs, and an F 850 GS lined up on the sidewalk. IMTBike is an official partner of BMW Motorrad, and it owns the world’s largest fleet of BMW motorcycles (more than 200 at last count). Bikes available to rent range from the G 310 R to the K 1600 GT, and all are outfitted with a top case and side cases; a GPS unit is optional. Our group was followed by a support van that carried luggage and a spare bike.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Grazalema is one of the many Pueblos Blancos (White Towns) tucked into the mountains of Andalusia.

On our first tour in 2010, Carrie and I described Spain as “California with castles.” The coastal areas of Southern Spain and Southern California have mild Mediterranean climates as well as rugged mountains that rise dramatically from the sea. Within minutes of leaving Málaga, we climbed up, up, up into the mountains on a tight, steep, endlessly curving road that kept us on our toes. After a midmorning coffee stop, we rode back down to the coast to have delicious paella right next to the beach. We ascended into the mountains again on a narrow lane carved into the rock known as the “Goat Road,” arriving in Granada in time to explore the city’s old quarter before meeting up for a gourmet dinner at one of the best restaurants in the city.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Paella, made with rice, saffron, seafood, and chicken, is one of Spain’s most emblematic dishes.

From Granada, we got full use of our tires and leaned deeply through the curves of a shaded canyon before popping out into the high plains, where we got a bird’s eye view of the village of La Peza from an overlook. We rode through endless olive groves and visited the Núñez de Prado organic olive oil factory in Baena, where the olives are crushed by enormous stone mills to extract the “flower” and first cold pressing of extra virgin olive oil.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Large cone-shaped stones are used to crush olives at the Núñez de Prado olive oil factory in Baena.

After lunch in the Baena town square, we rode to Córdoba, home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other city. It was a hot afternoon, so we cooled off in the rooftop pool overlooking the Guadalquivir River and the city. We explored the narrow, cobblestoned streets and visited the stunning Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. At an outdoor cafe, Carrie and I joined Lonny and Linda for sangria, and then we enjoyed a family-style dinner with the group at a local restaurant.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Inside the incomparable Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends Moorish and Renaissance architectural styles.

On our third day, we rode from Córdoba to Seville on a series of backroads that seemed tailor-made for motorcyclists. Spain is a motorcycle-mad country, and you can’t help but think that civil engineers said to themselves, “Let’s make these curves flow with a nice rhythm. We’ll give them a consistent radius, good banking, and smooth pavement. Riders will love it!”

After winding through farmland with rolling hills filled with oak and cork trees, herds of sheep, and black Iberian pigs (the source of highly prized jamón pata negra), we rode over the Sierra Morena mountains and back down into the Guadalquivir River valley and the magnificent city of Seville.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Plaza de España in Seville.

We arrived with a few hours to unwind, relax, and explore before dinner. We walked from the hotel to an old restaurant decorated with bullfighting memorabilia, and we enjoyed vino tinto and plates of jamón, queso, ensalada mixta, and other delicacies, all topped off with a variety of diet-busting sweets and little glasses of house-made liqueur.

Caves, Coffee, and Cava … IMTBike Style

After a rest day exploring the wonderful city of Seville and a mesmerizing flamenco show, we continued our meandering lap around Andalusia. We rode through rolling hills of olive trees and passed several of the region’s iconic Pueblos Blancos (White Towns), where all the houses and buildings have whitewashed walls and terra cotta tile roofs. We stopped for lunch in Setenil de las Bodegas, a town built along a small canyon with houses and shops built into the hollowed out limestone caves on both sides of the river.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Houses and shops in Setenil de las Bodegas are built into limestone caves along the river.

Next up was the most impressive road of the trip, an Alps-like climb from the valley to 4,452-foot Palomas Pass. We descended an equally winding and scenic road and made our way to Arcos de la Frontera, an old town built high on a limestone promontory. De la Frontera means “on the frontier,” so named because Arcos was on the frontlines of Spain’s 13th-century battle with the Moors. Perched on the edge of the cliff overlooking the Guadalete River, our hotel was a Parador, one of roughly 100 hotels managed by Spain that are in buildings of historical, artistic, or cultural interest.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
The winding road up to Palomas Pass reminded us of the Alps.

Leaving Arcos de la Frontera, we rode under the flying buttresses of the cathedral and descended steep, narrow cobblestone streets made damp by overnight rains. We continued our ride along La Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos (Route of the White Towns) where whitewashed villages on the mountainsides stand out like large polka dots on the green landscape. We rode into Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and wound our way up to El Boyar Pass on our way to our morning coffee stop in a bustling town square.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
In Arcos de la Frontera, we stayed in a Parador across from the 15th-century Basílica de Santa María de la Asunción. Its flying buttresses tower over the narrow road that leads into the town’s old quarter.

Every day, we rode up and down on small mountain roads and through idyllic agricultural plains. Traffic was minimal, and the rugged, old-world scenery was enchanting. On our fifth riding day, we enjoyed more fast and fun roads in the afternoon as we made our way to Ronda, a city perched high on both sides of the Tajo gorge carved by the Guadelevin River. We stayed in a Parador on the edge of a cliff overlooking the “new” 300-year-old bridge over the gorge (the old bridge was built during the Roman Empire).

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Our second clifftop Parador of the tour was in Ronda, overlooking the “new” bridge and the Tajo gorge.

We started our last day of the tour with a beautiful sunrise over Ronda. We rode east into the rugged granite mountains of Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, winding our way through canyons and over passes toward El Burgo.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Sunrise over Ronda.

It was Saturday, and we stopped for coffee at a popular meet-up spot for motorcyclists, its tables abuzz with riders and its parking lot full of bikes. The final highlight of the tour was a ride up to El Torcal de Antequera, a mountain ridge covered in unusual karst rock formations that reminded us of Joshua Tree National Park seen through the eyes of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Having fun during a coffee stop.

We descended more narrow, twisty roads back to Málaga, where we turned in our BMWs at IMTBike’s warehouse and toasted a celebratory glass of cava. After drinks and laughs on the hotel’s patio, we enjoyed a festive farewell dinner at another wonderful restaurant.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Admiring the view from El Boyar Pass in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. The Mediterranean Sea is visible on a clear day.

The week went by fast, a sure sign of how much fun we had. Chano and Paolo were a constant source of charm and good humor, and they did a lot of work behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Our small group bonded quickly, and even months after the tour, we still send messages via WhatsApp to stay in touch.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
Lonny and Linda, a delightful couple from Idaho, enjoy a scenic ride through Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

If you love good roads, good food and wine, and nice accommodations, as well as history, architecture, and rugged mountain scenery, this tour is for you. Just try not to oversleep.

IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour
On the last day of the tour, we rode through El Torcal de Antequera, a natural reserve that protects a mountaintop covered in unusual rock formations.

The 2023 Southern Spain Andalusia tours run March 11-19, April 15-23, and Oct. 14-22. Visit the IMTBike website for more info.

The post Iberian Escape | IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Shinko White Wall SR777 Tires | Gear Review

Shinko White Wall SR777 Tires

Whitewall tires like those offered by companies like Shinko were not the first thing that came to mind when I considered new tires for my 2011 Harley-Davidson Blackline. Normally I look for a black set that balances the line between cheap and reliable, but the whitewalls pulled me in like a tractor beam, so I thought I would give them a shot.

Most of the riding I do is cruising around rural roads in western Minnesota, and these new tires required a test that only our fair state could offer. Cold winters and hot summers are tough on our roads, creating plenty of bumps and potholes for riders to evade.

See Rider‘s North Central U.S. touring stories here. 

When the Shinko White Wall SR777 tires arrived, since it was my first time with whitewalls, it came as a shock to find that the white was actually a vibrant blue. Turns out the “blue” was a thin layer of soapy material that protects the whitewalls during shipping. My set was installed by Motoprimo Motorsports, and they cleaned the tires before installation. 

Shinko White Wall SR777 Tires 2011 Harley-Davidson Blackline
Shinko White Wall SR777 Tires on a 2011 Harley-Davidson Blackline

The install was just in time for a three-day, 1,000-mile ride up through the center of Minnesota, from Minneapolis to International Falls. Conditions included rain and mist, temperatures of 50-85 degrees, and even a few gravel farm roads. The tires delivered a comfortable ride and provided much-needed confidence that I didn’t know I was missing. Cornering felt smooth – as did swerving, especially when evading road obstructions and the occasional deer. The tires dealt with the distressed roads well, dampening the worst of the bumps and buckled asphalt. Wet roads did not have a negative effect on grip, though I didn’t feel the need to push that threshold too much.

Shinko White Wall SR777 Tires front
Shinko White Wall SR777 Tires rear

When new, the white on the tires is bright, and it stayed that way for the duration of my trip, which was surprising considering the dust and debris that accumulated on them. Though the tires require a little more maintenance to keep clean, it is well worth it if you want your bike to stand out amongst the common rabble.  

See all of Rider‘s tire reviews here.

Shinko tires are designed in Japan, manufactured in South Korea, and distributed by Western Power Sports. Shinko constructs a range of street, off-road, dual-sport, and scooter tires. SR777 cruiser tires are available in White Wall and Black Wall versions in a wide range of sizes starting at $96.95 for front tires and $156.95 for rears.

They feature an aramid belt, and a Heavy Duty version with a reinforced carcass is also available. For riders who want a stylish, sturdy, and comfortable tire, they’re a good choice.

The post Shinko White Wall SR777 Tires | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

The 2023 MotoGP™ crew chief jigsaw puzzle

Mir’s long-time crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, heads to Gresini Racing MotoGP™ to work with sophomore Fabio Di Giannantonio, whose 2022 crew chief, Donatello Giovanotti, moves to the other side of the garage to work with Alex Marquez. Rins’ former crew chief, Manu Cazeaux, will join Maverick Viñales in the Aprilia Racing box.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

2023 Junior Talent Team line-up confirmed

The 2023 Junior Talent Team line-up can now be confirmed, with Thai rider Tatchakorn Buasri, Brit Eddie O’Shea, Malaysia’s Danial Shahril and Indonesian rider Arbi Aditama all set to return and continue their journey in Finetwork FIM JuniorGP™ on the Road to MotoGP™.  

They will each race with a different number in 2023:

#5 Tatchakorn Buasri – Honda Racing Thailand
#8 Eddie O’Shea – British Talent Team
#57 Danial Shahril – Asia Talent Team
#93 Arbi Aditama – Astra Honda Racing Team 

Promoting and providing opportunities for young talent from different paths on the Road to MotoGP™, the JTT unifies four team names under the same umbrella. It unites the efforts of Dorna Talent Promotion initiatives, as well as the sponsors and partners who provide important backing to young riders and teams. Key partners Honda, Kushitani, Astra Honda, Honda Racing Thailand and Sepang International Circuit all remain on board in 2023 as the JTT continues to prove a valuable opportunity for young riders on the Road to MotoGP™. 

Get to know the line-up below! 

Tatchakorn Buasri 
Experienced Thai rider Buasri, an alumnus of the ATC, returns for his fourth season in FIM JuniorGP™ in 2023. Now a race winner and established frontrunner, he’ll be looking to add more visits to the podium and top step this season as he seeks to put together a consistent campaign at the front.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

New Gear: Amsoil V-Twin Oil Change Kit

Amsoil-V-Twin-Oil-Change-Kit

Amsoil’s V-Twin Oil Change Kit includes everything you need to perform an oil change on most 1999-up Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Read all of Rider‘s Harley-Davidson coverage here.

Included in the kit are four quarts of Amsoil 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil, one Amsoil Motorcycle Oil Filter, and one drain plug O-ring. The kit is available for 1999-2016 Harley-Davidsons with a chrome oil filter for $92.40 or a black filter for $87.70. For 2016-present models, the kit is available with a chrome filter for $109 or a black filter for $104.75. Visit the Amsoil V-Twin Oil Change Kit webpage for a complete list of kits and fitments.

The post New Gear: Amsoil V-Twin Oil Change Kit first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Honda Announces More 2023 Returning Models

2023 Honda CB1000R non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB1000R in Black (non-U.S. model)

In addition to previous announcements from Honda about new and returning models for 2023, including the all-new 2023 Rebel 1100T DCT “bagger” model, the company recently confirmed the return of eight motorcycle models across the sport, standard, adventure, dual-sport, and cruiser categories.

Related: 2023 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT and Returning Models | First Look Review

The eight returning models include the CBR650R and CBR500R sportbikes; the CB1000R, CB650R, and CB500F naked bikes; the CB500X adventure bike; the XR650L dual-sport; and the Fury cruiser. Honda says that taken as a whole, the group highlights the diversity of the company’s motorcycle offerings.

2023 Honda CB1000R

2023 Honda CB1000R non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB1000R in Black (non-U.S. model)

Honda says the CB1000R “touts both flair and function.” The bike features a 998cc DOHC four-cylinder engine, throttle-by-wire, three-level adjustable quickshifter, four ride modes (Standard, Rain, Sport, and User), and three levels of Engine Power (P), Engine Brake (EB), and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

Related: 2018 Honda CB1000R | Road Test Review

The 2023 Honda CB1000R has a 32.7-inch seat height, adjustable Showa suspension, dual 310mm floating discs and 4-piston calipers up front matched to a 2-piston caliper and 256mm disc in the rear, and two-channel ABS. It has a 4.3-gal fuel tank, and curb weight is a claimed 470 lb. 

The 2023 Honda CB1000R will come in Black and be available in February starting at $12,999.

2023 Honda CBR650R

2023 Honda CBR650R non-U.S.
2023 Honda CBR650R in Grand Prix Red (non-U.S. model)

The 2023 Honda CBR650R sportbike has a 649cc DOHC 16-valve inline-Four that Honda says has been tuned to deliver good power above 10,000 rpm, with peak power arriving at 12,000 rpm and peak torque delivered at 8,500.

The bike has a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) that can be turned off should the rider choose. It features a 31.9-inch seat height and adjustable Showa suspension. Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work on 310mm floating discs and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm discs. Two-channel ABS is standard. It has a 4.1-gal fuel tank and 456-lb curb weight.

The 2023 Honda CBR650 will come in Grand Prix Red and be available in February starting at $9,899.

2023 Honda CB650R

2023 Honda CB650R non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB650R in Matte Gray Metallic (non-U.S. model)

Honda says the 2023 Honda CB650R middleweight naked bike has excellent emissions performance, stylish aesthetics, and comfortable ergonomics, making it “ideally suited for everything from daily commutes to weekend outings on canyon backroads.”

Related: 2019 Honda CB650R vs. Kawasaki W800 Cafe vs. Suzuki SV650X | Comparison Review

Like it’s CBR650R stablemate, the CB650R has a 649cc DOHC 16-valve inline-Four mated to a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), as well as the same adjustable Showa suspension and stopping power. It has a 4.1-gal fuel tank and 445-lb claimed curb weight.

From an ergonomic standpoint, a 21.9-inch tapered handlebar is set forward and positioned to offer a “sporty yet comfortable” riding position, as is the foot-peg position. Seat height is 31.9 inches. The 2023 Honda CB650R comes in Matte Gray Metallic starting at $9,399.

2023 Honda CBR500R

2023 Honda CBR500R Grand-Prix-Red non-U.S.
2023 Honda CBR500R in Grand Prix Red (non-U.S. model)

Whether you’re a beginning looking for your first bike or a veteran rider looking for a fun ride, Honda says the 2023 CBR500R, originally launched in 2013, offers “the excitement of a sportbike in a smaller package.”

The light-middleweight sportbike has an 8-valve 471cc parallel-Twin with crankshaft pins phased in at 180 degrees, working together to create what Honda says is good low-to-midrange power and torque in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range.

2023 Honda CBR500R Sword-Silver-Metallic non-U.S.
2023 Honda CBR500R in Sword Silver Metallic (non-U.S. model)

The CBR500R features a Showa SFF-BP fork and an adjustable ProLink single-tube shock absorber found on larger-capacity sport bikes. Braking is provided by dual 296mm petal-style discs and radial-mounted Nissin two-piston calipers in the front and a single-piston caliper and 240mm petal-style disc in the rear. It has a 4.5-gal tank and 423-lb curb weight.

The CBR500R has straight, wedge-like feature lines and extended lower fairings, and the rider’s seat pad and seat unit – plus the upper and side fairings – are narrow to improve ergonomics and movement. The 2023 Honda CBR500R comes in Grand Prix Red and Sword Silver Metallic and will be available summer 2023 starting at $7,299.

2023 Honda CB500F

2023 Honda CB500F non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB500F in Matte Gray Metallic (non-U.S. model)

Similar to the CBR500R, the CB500F naked bike was also launched in 2013 and features an 8-valve 471cc parallel-Twin and crankshaft pins firing at 180 degrees. It also shares the suspension and braking power of its stablemate.

However, Honda says the naked form of the CB500F “exudes aggression.”

“Led by the sharply chiseled headlight with extra-powerful LEDs, the machine’s stance is low-set and ready for action,” Honda states, adding that the side shrouds interlock with the fuel tank and “fully emphasize the engine, while the side covers and seat unit continue the theme of muscular angularity.” The compact front fender is drawn directly from the CB650R.

Related: 2017 Honda CB500F | First Ride Review

The 2023 Honda CB500F has a 4.5-gal fuel tank, and the lack of fairings shave the curb weight down to 416 lb. It will be available in February in Matte Gray Metallic starting at $6,799.

2023 Honda CB500X

2023 Honda CB500X non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB500X in Pearl Organic Green (non-U.S. model)

Rounding out Honda’s light-middleweight family featuring the 8-valve 471cc parallel-Twin, the CB500X was also introduced in 2013. A 2016 upgrade included a larger fuel tank and more wind protection via an adjustable screen (56.9 inches and 55.5 inches). The bike also gained LED lighting, a spring preload-adjustable fork and an adjustable brake lever. Another evolution happened in 2019, with a switch to a 19-inch front wheel (from 17 inches) and longer travel suspension. The CB500X received additional improvements for the 2022 model year and is back for 2023.

Related: 2019 Honda CB500X | First Ride Review

Related: National Cycle Extreme Adventure Gear for Honda CB500X

The 2023 Honda CB500X will come in Pearl Organic Green and will be available in February starting at $7,299.

2023 Honda XR650L

2023 Honda XR650L
2023 Honda XR650L in White.

Honda says that with its Baja heritage, the XR650L continues to be a hit with dual-sport customers, as it “opens doors to adventure on single-track trails, dirt roads and backroads, while also delivering capable and affordable transportation in the city.”

The XR650L has a 644cc SOHC four-stroke engine, Radial Four-Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC), and 42.5mm constant-velocity (CV) carburetor. It has a Pro-Link Showa single-shock in the rear with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustability, and 11.0-inch travel rear shock, and in the front is a 43mm Showa fork featuring 16-position compression damping adjustability. 

It has a 21-inch front wheel, an 18-inch rear wheel, a 37-inch seat height, and 13 inches of ground clearance. With a topped off 2.8-gal fuel tank, all standard equipment, and fluids, it comes in at a curb weight of 346 lb.

The 2023 Honda XR650L is now available in White starting at $6,999.

2023 Honda Fury

2023 Honda Fury
2023 Honda Fury in Pearl Yellow.

The 2023 Honda Fury represents Honda’s cruising chopper-style design and features a liquid-cooled 1,312 52-degree V-Twin with a single-pin crankshaft and three-valve dual-plug combustion chamber. It has adjustable front and rear suspension, a 336mm disc with a twin-piston caliper up front, and 296mm disc with single-piston caliper in the rear. ABS is standard. With a 32-degree rake, hard-tail styling, and 26.9-inch seat height, Honda calls the Fury a “rolling work of art.”

Related: Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights Under 30 Inches

The 2023 Honda Fury is now available in Pearl Yellow starting at $11,499.

For more information, visit the Honda website.

The post Honda Announces More 2023 Returning Models first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Yamaha Team Presentation to launch 2023 campaign

With a new year comes new opportunities, and the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team is ready to tackle the upcoming season with renewed vigour. Aiming to put some of 2022 disappointments behind them, the Iwata factory will unveil their brand-new team colours on Tuesday, January 17th at the Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing’s 2023 ‘3S Dealer Meeting’ in Jakarta, Indonesia. The presentation will take place at 10:00 local time (GMT +7).

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

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