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Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. at Road America 2024

July 2, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. Road America — We traveled to Road America in Wisconsin to catch the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. races and learn more about the program. Photos courtesy Royal Enfield.

Women in motorcycle racing have always been the exception, not the norm. To change that, Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. was created as a one-of-its-kind program that invites women riders to build their own Royal Enfield motorcycle and prepare it for racing, train with professional coaches, and compete in a series of races in either flat-track or roadracing.

Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. hopefuls send in their applications each season, and those who are chosen compete for one or two seasons. In the roadracing category, the women are given Royal Enfield Continental GT 650s, while the flat-trackers get INT650s. At the end of their time in the program, the competitors keep their bikes. One of the goals of BTR is to provide women with a starting point from which they can launch a career in racing.

The 2024 season includes four races and 10 competitors for flat-track and five races with 13 competitors for roadracing. The second roadracing event of the season was held June 1-2 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and we were happy to accept Royal Enfield’s invitation to the Royal Enfield Experience Center in Milwaukee to find out more about the series and ride to Road America to see the action.

The Royal Enfield Experience Center is located in a brick building that was once a dealership. Upon entering, you’ll notice significant historical Royal Enfield motorcycles and memorabilia displayed around the room, as well as examples of the current lineup. In the back of the building, bikes were on stands being worked on. It doesn’t take long to tour this small center, but if you’re a Royal Enfield fan, a visit and some riding in the area are well worth the trip.

With the other journalists who would be joining the ride gathered, we each swung a leg over a bike in front of the Experience Center and took off through the streets of Milwaukee. I was mounted on a Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, a bike I’d ridden and reviewed before in Dallas, Texas.

GEAR UP

Helmet: Scorpion EXO Covert FX
Jacket: Joe Rocket Wicked
Gloves: Fly Racing Street Brawler
Pants: Alpinestars Daisy V2 Women’s Riding Denim
Boots: Highway 21 Axle Leather Waterproof

We took a scenic route up to Elkhart Lake, following flowing roads through the countryside and weaving into and out of forests and farmland. It’s a beautiful ride and another great reason to visit Road America for the MotoAmerica events. About halfway through our ride, rain began to fall, and it would continue falling throughout the day, resulting in a wet track for those competing.

When we arrived at Road America and the Royal Enfield paddock, motorcycles screaming down the track drowned out the sounds of Royal Enfield racers and crew members checking over the bikes and discussing the upcoming races. Build. Train. Race. was scheduled for later in the day, so we had a few hours to chat with the competitors, explore the track, and watch the other races.

The first thing I noticed in the Royal Enfield paddock was the sense of friendship and community. The racers and crew members joked with each other as they checked over the bikes. Everyone was there to compete, but they were also there to enjoy the experience, improve themselves, and learn.

Shea MacGregor is new to roadracing this year. A motocross racer for most of her riding life, she came to the Build. Train. Race. roadracing series to try something new.

“We’re all very competitive and we all want to win, but it’s a great community,” said MacGregor. “Everybody wants everybody else to be here too because we all want to race. I crashed this morning, and as soon as I got back, everybody was like, ‘How can I help you? What do you need?’”

Another newcomer this year, Lucy Blondel, has been riding on street for seven years and started racing last year. Blondel is a picture of resilience, and even though she had a rough opening weekend at Barber, she showed up to the races at Road America ready to try again.

“Barber was really awful for me. I didn’t expect how intense it was going to be,” said Blondel. “I was having panic attacks, and I was just done. I’ve worked through that since. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I come from a family where that’s always been a thing, and you think through that failure if you don’t meet the expectations you set for yourself. So I’m just mentally prepared to be in the race by myself, improve my times, and then I’ll eventually get in the race with everyone else.”

Mikayla Moore is the dominating force in BTR. During her first year in the BTR program in 2023, she won every race. The opening double-header at Barber in May continued that streak with two more victories for Moore. But as I walked around the paddock on Saturday, Moore was noticeably absent.

I found out that Moore, who was also planning to debut in the BellissiMoto Twins Cup class that weekend, had an accident in the Twins Cup qualifying rounds that caused an injury to her thigh. X-rays showed no broken bones, but her muscle was injured.

As the women rolled into pit lane to begin their warm-up laps, the rain had slowed to a light sprinkle, but the track wouldn’t have a chance to dry before the race. Moore joined the riders in pit lane for the warm-up lap, but she dismounted the bike after one lap while shaking her head, clearly not feeling up to a race that day.

With Moore out of the race, an opportunity opened for someone else to score her first victory of the season. Moore quickly changed out of her leathers and joined the crew in pit lane to cheer on the others, while those still mounted on bikes put their heads down and got ready. These women who were so jovial in the paddock a few hours ago were now serious competitors determined to cash in a win.

Off the start, first-year racer Cassie Creer leapt ahead of the pack and continued putting distance between herself and those behind her, gaining up to a 5-second lead. However, Emma Betters continued improving her lap times and slowly closing the gap. Many of these racers were unfamiliar with racing in wet conditions, but they continued improving and gaining confidence on each lap of the 4.05-mile, 14-turn track.

When Creer crossed the checkered line, Betters had gotten within 0.225 second of her for a close 2nd-place finish. Camille Conrad, another first-year racer, finished in 3rd.

At the podium, Mikayla Moore was the first one to congratulate the racers and give everyone a pat on the back. All the BTR ladies smiled widely as Creer, Betters, and Conrad took their podium spots. Just as quickly as the women had gotten serious and competitive when the race started, they became convivial friends again once the race was over.

While I was on a flight back home the next day, the BTR ladies headed onto the track for the second race of the weekend. Moore, with a full day of rest to recuperate and a dry track beneath her tires, took the victory ahead of Aubrey Credaroli and Cassie Creer. Moore is leading in the standings with 75 points, but her absence from Saturday’s race allowed Emma Betters and Camille Conrad to narrow the gap, both with 65 points.

The Royal Enfield Build. Trian. Race. roadracers compete again on June 30 at Ridge Motorsports Park in Whelton, Washington. They’ll have the chance to catch their breath before the final race of the season on Aug. 18 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

If you haven’t seen the BTR action in person, I encourage you to get out to the races and see it for yourself. You’ll be witnessing the early stages of a greater diversity in motorcycle racing, and once BTR graduates are competing in other classes with bigger stakes, you’ll be able to say you saw them at their beginnings. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on where these ladies go next.

Visit the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. website for more information.

The post Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. at Road America 2024 appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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2025 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm Review | First Ride

June 11, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT — The Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R and GT are cruising into 2025 with 180 hp on tap.

Riding a motorcycle automatically makes you stand out in a crowd of vehicles. And when you want to set yourself apart from that condensed crowd, no other production machine does it better or bolder than the Triumph Rocket 3.

“It’s a bucket-list bike,” said Triumph’s senior design engineer, Alistair Fisher, at the launch of the 2025 Rocket 3 Storms, available in R and GT versions.

It all starts with the gargantuan 3-cylinder engine, which outguns the powerplant in my Honda family car, with 2,458cc to my Accord’s 2,354cc. My car keeps up with traffic quite well, with 177 hp pulling around roughly 3,300 lb.

For 2025, Triumph’s motor gets a boost to 180 hp, and the bike weighs a relatively paltry 700 lb – that’s just 3.9 lb/hp to the Accord’s 18.6, which translates into a speed-bending rocket. The Rocket also outpaces the Honda in terms of torque, with 166 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm compared to 161 lb-ft at 4,300. Triumph’s Triple is a beast and unlike anything else on the market.

2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R — A Storm is on the horizon…

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm | Rocket Roots

The first Hinckley-based Rocket III entered production in 2004 and remained in the lineup for a decade in various model trims. Then, in 2019, a completely new aluminum-framed Rocket 3 (note the absence of a Roman numeral) burst onto the moto scene, about 90 lb lighter and with finish detailing that shamed the original’s uninspired appearance. Despite its outsized proportions and premium prices, more than 18,000 second-gen Rockets have been sold.

2004 Triumph Rocket III — The first generation of Hinckley-based Triumph’s Rocket III made a big splash when it debuted in 2004. The second-gen Rocket 3s are far superior in performance and beauty.

Heartened by the model’s success and its unique place in the market, Triumph has added the “Storm” nomenclature and has updated the two versions. The R is intended for sportier riders, while the GT has more of a cruiser ergonomic layout along with a small windscreen and a passenger backrest.

Accompanying the new Storm monicker is a slathering of black-anodized finishes to give the bike a darker, moodier appearance, including the fork, hand and foot controls, and aluminum subframe. It still rolls on cartoonishly fat tires (150/80-17 front, 240/50-16 rear), but new wheels trim about 1 lb from each end for a reduction in unsprung weight.

The Storm’s headlining update is to its massive motor, which receives its newfound extra power not from lumpier cams or intake mods but simply from electronic tuning. Engineers told me the throttle valves of the previous engine didn’t open completely, limiting power to ensure adequate durability.

Over the years, Triumph discovered the engine could be pushed harder without sacrificing dependability, so we now have a fully unrestricted powerplant that delivers 180 hp at 7,000 rpm, up 15 ponies, as well as a 500-rpm higher rev limit. Torque gets a 3 lb-ft nudge to 166 lb-ft.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm | The Cannes Can

The Cannes Film Festival is world-famous, but a few weeks earlier, the French city hosted the launch for the Rocket 3 Storms. We tested the R and GT variants on the variety of hilly roads near the Mediterranean coast.

The Rockets look imposing in the flesh, for both their enormous size and their new black finishes. If Darth Vader could ride a motorcycle around the Death Star, he’d probably choose a Rocket 3 Storm. The finish detailing is exceptional, from the black powdercoated intake cover to the hydro-formed exhaust headers.

Several brushed-aluminum components provide classy accents, including the fuel cap, oil cap, and coolant cap, as well as the tank strap running the length of the 4.76-gallon fuel cell. Lovely aluminum caps finish off the handlebar ends and serve as mounting locations for the mirrors. I also must give a shout-out to the innovative pillion footrests that fold into themselves to nearly disappear.

2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R and GT — While not as colorful as some high-end instrument panels, the tiltable TFT screen on the Rockets supplies a wealth of information. It includes a power port, augmented with a USB outlet under the seat.

Facing the rider is a color TFT instrument panel with a mount that allows it to be tilted to suit different rider sizes. Hands are greeted by adjustable levers and quality-feeling switches that are conveniently backlit. A joystick on the left switch housing makes navigating the electronics relatively simple. Riders have their choice of two information layouts, and self-indulgent ones can personalize the start-up screen message with their name.

The Storms are equipped with three ride modes (Road, Sport, and Rain), and a custom map configurable to a rider’s specific preferences. They alter the throttle map and the traction-control settings, as well as the cornering ABS, all informed by an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). Hill Hold prevents the bike rolling backward when stopped by applying the rear brake until the rider re-engages the clutch.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT: Giant Tremendous

I first climbed aboard the Rocket 3 Storm GT, happy to enjoy the warmth from its standard heated grips (optional on the Storm R) and the modest wind protection provided by its windscreen. The GT’s nicely stitched seat is placed at 29.5 inches to allow most legs to reach the ground flat-footed, and its footpegs are placed more forward than the R’s. Triumph engineered the GT’s foot controls to be adjustable to three positions over a 2-inch horizontal range – a nice feature.

I stuck the bike’s remote fob into my pocket and enjoyed the convenience of keyless ignition. The engine ignites quickly and twising the throttle gently rocks the bike sideways as the big crankshaft rotates below. It’s an easy reach to the handlebar, which is 4.9 inches closer to the rider than the R’s.

Considering the immense size of the powerplant, it’s startling how little effort is required to work the Torque Assist clutch. Not that the burly engine requires much clutch work, as it has the deepest well of power in motorcycling. The gearbox is smooth but notchy, and it’s a bit surprising that a quickshifter is not standard equipment on a bike that retails for $25,795 (one is available as an option).

Riding the Storms made me think of the way skilled but overweight dancers can move on a dance floor. This big ballerina weighs 705 lb and has a rangy 66-inch wheelbase, but it handles like a more diminutive machine. The motor’s low longitudinal crankshaft orientation plays a role, as do the lighter wheels.

GEAR UP

Helmet: Arai Regent-X
Jacket: Alpinestars Hoxton V2 
Gloves: Alpinestars GPX V2 
Boots: Alpinestars Oscar Grange

Both Storms share the same suspension package. Up front is a beefy 47mm Showa inverted fork with tunable damping in both directions and fixed preload, with 4.7 inches of travel. The Showa shock has 4.2 inches of stroke and is fully adjustable, including a hand-twistable spring preload adjustment. The bike proved to be plusher over bumps than expected, especially considering how much area the wide tires are covering with every rotation.

Naturally, the engine is the bike’s dominant component, pulling strongly from low revs and then building to a walloping whoosh as the big Triple gains revs. The engine is coarse but lovable, sounding like a mix of a Porsche flat-Six’s howl and a voracious vacuum cleaner.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R: Ridiculous

Switching over to the Storm R provided a sportier riding position, with a much lower handlebar and mid-mount foot controls vertically adjustable to two positions 0.6 inch apart. The seat is narrower than the GT’s and a bit higher at 30.4 inches. It’s priced $800 less than the GT and does without heated grips unless they’re ordered as an accessory. Curb weight is stated at 699 lb.

The GT is quite capable when unwinding canyon roads, but the R’s more active riding position encourages sportier behavior, and its footpegs drag a degree or so later. The bike is more agile than you’d expect, but its sporting prowess is limited by an understeer condition felt when leaned over. Despite peg-grinding lean angles, the shoulders of the 150mm-section Metzeler Cruisetec front tire remained entirely unscuffed.

Velocities build quickly with 180 horses champing at the bit, so it’s reassuring to see Triumph fit top-shelf Brembos for the braking system. Up front is a pair of radial-mount Brembo Stylema monoblock 4-piston calipers biting on 320mm discs. They don’t feel as potent as usual here, so maximum deceleration is achieved with a stomp on the rear Brembo M4.32 4-piston monoblock caliper and its 300mm rear rotor, a diameter bigger than the front brake setup on some bikes.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm | Storming Home

As our group descended the mountain roads onto a local highway, I set the standard cruise control and reflected on my day in the saddle of the Rockets.

I shouldn’t like this bike. It’s too big and bulky for my tastes. I don’t like bikes with long wheelbases and extra-fat tires, and I certainly don’t need a motorcycle with a 2.5-liter engine. I’m not a fan of giant motorcycles, and the Rocket 3 is like a caricature.

And yet I can’t deny how much the Rockets impressed me. I was spellbound by the engine’s omnipresent grunt, and I was endlessly pleased with the careful attention to detail lavished on the bike from tip to tail. This is a machine that can hold its head high at any rider hangout, standing apart from anything else in motorcycledom.

A Rocket 3 might not be the ideal choice for a single-bike garage, but it would be a brilliant addition to sit alongside a more practical bike. It’s truly unique, which is one thing. But it’s also excellent, which puts the Rocket 3 in an exclusive class of one.

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

2025 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R (GT) Specifications

Base Price: $24,995 ($25,795)
Website: TriumphMotorcycles.com  
Warranty: 2 yr., unltd. miles  
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, longitudinal inline-Triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.  
Displacement: 2,458cc  
Bore x Stroke: 110.2 x 85.9mm  
Horsepower: 180 @ 7,000 rpm (factory claim)  
Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (factory claim)  
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulic-actuated slip/assist wet clutch  
Final Drive: Shaft 
Wheelbase: 66.0 in.  
Rake/Trail: 27.9 degrees/5.3 in.  
Seat Height: 30.4 in. (29.5 in.)  
Wet Weight: 699 lb (705 lb) (factory claim)  
Fuel Capacity: 4.76 gal.

The post 2025 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm Review | First Ride appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition Preview

June 4, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Triumph has unveiled a limited-edition Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR, which will be made in collaboration with the Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling. The 2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition will be limited to only 270 units, and Breitling will also launch a special Triumph watch in conjunction with the motorcycle.

This special-edition motorcycle is a top-of-the-range model with high-end components. It will feature a bespoke paint scheme with premium gold hand-painted detailing, a leather seat with French stitching, a high-spec Akrapovič silencer, and lightweight carbon fiber parts. It will also include a custom Breitling start screen, the Breitling logo laser-etched onto the machined rear wheel finisher, and a gold Breitling badge on the tank.

These special parts are in addition to the Speed Triple 1200 RR’s standard quality components, including Öhlins semi-active suspension, Brembo brakes, 5-inch TFT instrumentation, and signature single rounded headlight.

Learn more about the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR

“Teaming up with Breitling, we’ve united two worlds, delivering our shared passions for precision, speed, and impeccable style,” said Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO.

Together with Triumph’s launch of this limited-edition model, Breitling will launch the Chronomat B01 42 Triumph watch, which is made of titanium and 18k red gold with an anthracite dial and a perforated brown leather strap. Those who purchase the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition will also have the option of purchasing the made-to-order Chronomat B01 42 Triumph Owners Exclusive watch, which uses a carbon dial and has a brown alligator strap, in addition to the motorcycle’s unique model number engraved on the caseback.

“The Chronomat and the Speed Triple 1200 RR exemplify our joint devotion to the highest standards of design and performance,” said Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “With Triumph, we share a rugged spirit that combines artistry with adventure.”

The 2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition will be available starting in June 2024 with an MSRP of $25,995. The Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Triumph watch will be available for $10,900, and the made-to-order Chronomat B01 42 Triumph Owners Exclusive will be available for $11,900.

Find more information on Triumph’s website.

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

The post 2025 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR Breitling Limited Edition Preview appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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2024 MV Agusta Enduro Veloce Video Review

May 20, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

The MV Agusta Enduro Veloce marks the Italian brand’s entrance into the adventure-touring market, competing against bikes like the Ducati Multistrada V2, Triumph Tiger 900, and BMW F 900 GS. The Enduro Veloce is powered by a 931cc inline-Triple that delivers 124 hp and 75.2 lb-ft of torque. It has 8.3 inches of wheel travel front and rear, 9 inches of ground clearance, a 34.3-inch seat height, and Brembo brakes, as well as a sophisticated electronics suite.

To test the Enduro Veloce, we traveled to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where we logged miles on the island’s best routes to get a taste of what the Enduro Veloce has to offer. By the end of the day, we were impressed with the bike’s nimble handling, engine performance, and artistry.

Read our full review of the 2024 MV Agusta Enduro Veloce

2024 MV Agusta Enduro Veloce Specs

Base Price: $22,998
Warranty: 4 yrs., unltd. miles
Website: MVAgusta.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse inline-Triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 931cc
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 x 60.2mm
Horsepower: 124 hp @ 10,000 rpm (factory claim)
Torque: 75.2 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (factory claim)
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated slip/assist wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: High-tensile steel double cradle
Wheelbase: 63.4 in.
Rake/Trail: NA/4.6 in.
Seat Height: 33.5/34.3 in.
Suspension, Front: 48mm inverted fork, fully adj., 8.3 in. travel
Rear: Single shock, fully adj., 8.3 in. travel
Brakes, Front: Dual 320mm discs w/ 4-piston radial monoblock calipers & ABS
Rear: Single 265mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Spoked tubeless, 21 x 2.15 in.
Rear: Spoked tubeless, 18 x 4.0 in.
Tires, Front: 90/90-21
Rear: 150/70-18
Ground Clearance: 9.1 in.
Dry Weight: 494 lb (factory claim)
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal.

Gear Up

Helmet: Arai XD-4
Jacket: Klim Latitude
Gloves: Klim Baja S4 Gloves
Pants: Klim Latitude
Boots: Spidi XPD X-Trail Outdry

The post 2024 MV Agusta Enduro Veloce Video Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Review | First Ride

April 30, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

KTM is celebrating “30 Years of Duke” this year, and we’ve already reviewed two updated models, the 390 Duke and 990 Duke. We’ve saved the best – and biggest – for last, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Known for years as “The Beast,” the Super Duke gets a displacement bump from 1,301cc to 1,350cc (hence the evolutionary name change from 1290 to 1390) and other upgrades for 2024. KTM says it’s 60% new.

To achieve the larger displacement, KTM bored out the Super Duke’s twin cylinders from 108mm to 110mm but left stroke the same at 71mm. There’s also a new cam shift system that alternates between two different valve lifts above and below 5,700 rpm, allowing for both a deep well of low-end torque and a screaming top end rather than having to compromise between the two. The 1390 Super Duke R Evo’s liquid-cooled, 75-degree LC8 V-Twin now makes a claimed 190 hp (up from 180) at 10,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque (up from 103) at 8,000 rpm, all while meeting Euro 5+ homologation.

Other engine changes include a redesigned airbox with a reduced stack height due to shorter throttle bodies, a larger throttle body inlet diameter (60mm, up from 56), a repositioned top-feed injector for better atomization of the fuel-air mixture, and revised 5th and 6th gears. Improvements in durability have enabled longer service intervals, with valve inspection checks now required every 60,000 km (37,282 miles).

2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo in stock trim

The redesigned air intake and airbox allowed KTM to increase the volume of the fuel tank from 4.2 to 4.6 gallons. Refreshed bodywork includes revised tank spoilers with new winglets that produce downforce at speed, a slimmer subframe cover, and a new, 1.5-lb-lighter LED headlight unit that’s shared with the 990 Duke.

KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo | GEAR UP

Helmet: Shoei X-Fifteen
Suit: Alpinestars Missile V2
Airbag Vest: Alpinestars Tech-Air 5
Gloves: Alpinestars SP-8 V3 Air
Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R Vented

As before, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo has a chromoly-steel trellis main frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, and holding up the tailsection is a cast-aluminum/composite subframe. The updated WP Apex semi-active suspension consists of a 48mm inverted fork and a rear shock with multiple modes (Auto, Comfort, Street, Sport, and Rain). The optional Suspension Pro package adds Track and Pro modes, automatic preload leveling, anti-dive, and Factory Start, which reduces rear preload when coming to a stop to lower the seat height.

Throttle-by-wire and a 6-axis IMU allow for a full suite of electronics, including ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain), cornering ABS with a Supermoto mode that disables ABS at the rear, lean-sensitive traction control, and cruise control. The optional Tech Pack adds Motor Slip Regulation, Quickshifter+, Suspension Pro, and the Track Pack, which adds Track and Performance ride modes, engine-brake control, wheelie control, telemetry, and a lap timer.

Top-shelf Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers squeeze 320mm discs up front, and they are controlled by a Brembo MCS (multiple-click system) radial master cylinder. A self-venting Brembo clutch master cylinder eliminates the need to bleed the hydraulic clutch system. The Super Duke’s 17-inch wheels are shod with new dual-compound Michelin Power GP tires, which save 1.2 lb of unsprung weight over the previous tires. Claimed wet weight for the Super Duke is 441 lb.

We tested the 1390 Super Duke R Evo at Almeria Circuit, a racetrack in southern Spain. The English translation of the track’s website describes the 2.5-mile, 15-turn circuit as “expectacular” with “more hours of sun of Europe.” Actually, it’s a tricky track with multiple blind corners. And when we were there, it was cold with “more hours of clouds” and, after the first few sessions, “tears falling from the sky” (rain).

As a naked bike, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo has agreeable ergonomics, with an upright handlebar, adequate legroom, and a well-padded seat. Despite its “Beast” moniker, in today’s world of sophisticated electronics and refined tuning, the Super Duke is quite civilized, or at least it can be. Our slow-speed riding was limited to pit lane, but during our tests of previous models, the Super Duke has been well-behaved on city streets.

While learning an unfamiliar track on a cold day, the 1390 never felt edgy or twitchy. It was easy to modulate the bike’s throttle, and its handling characteristics were neutral and reassuring. After a couple sighting laps, I started to figure out Almeria’s layout and dial up my speed through the bends. It’s on corner exits that The Beast really comes alive, with heaps of torque at the ready. On the circuit’s two straights, I was able hold the throttle WFO and feel the remarkable amount of thrust the Super Duke is capable of.

Approaching the end of those straights, a firm squeeze on the right lever threw everything into reverse, returning man and machine to more manageable speeds, and a light push on the handlebar quickly initiated a lean into the next corner. As my confidence increased, the Super Duke was right there with me, always ready to give more without ever crossing that invisible line into the abyss, where things go from great to oh-shit in the blink of an eye.

Judging by the speeds at which the former racers and track rats in our group passed me, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo is capable of much more than I was able to wring out of it. Then it started raining.

We huddled and shivered in the unheated paddock as dark clouds dumped sheets of rain on the track, glum faces all around. After a while, when the downpour gave way to drizzle, the KTM guys asked if we wanted to go out on the track to do rolling burnouts and wheelies. Not being a wheelie guy, normally I’d pass, but this was the perfect opportunity to test the new adjustable wheelie control, which can be set to one of five levels, from very low to very high, or it can be turned off.

Ripping a stylin’ wheelie turned out to be easy. The Super Duke makes so much low-end torque that no clutch work is required. I selected the medium wheelie setting, got going in 2nd gear, rolled off the throttle to compress the fork, then wacked the throttle open. The front wheel came right up but wouldn’t go higher than the set lift angle thanks to intervention from the IMU-based traction control system. From zero to hero with the press of a button.

Later, I ventured out onto the track for one last session on damp pavement, but when another ride low-sided into the gravel ahead of me, I tucked my tail and returned to the paddock.

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is a potent machine, with more power, sophistication, and capability than before. While its full potential can only be unleashed on a track in the right hands in the right conditions, it’s also a helluva streetbike, provided you can resist the temptation to go too far on the wild side.

2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo Specs

Base Price: $21,499
Website: KTM.com
Warranty: 1 yr., 12,000 miles
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse V-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 1,350cc
Bore x Stroke: 110.0 x 71.0mm
Horsepower: 190 hp @ 10,000 rpm (factory claim)
Torque: 107 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm (factory claim)
Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated slip/assist wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 58.7 in.
Rake/Trail: 24.7 degrees/4.0 in.
Seat Height: 32.8 in.
Wet Weight: 441 lb
Fuel Capacity: 4.6 gal.
Fuel Consumption: 40 mpg (factory claim)

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2024 CFMOTO 450NK Review | First Ride

April 15, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

As a husky guy who’s 6 feet tall and more than 200 lb, I’m not the target buyer for small bikes, but man, I sure love riding them. Don’t get me wrong; I love riding powerful bikes (like the 190-hp KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo I track-tested in Spain) and big bikes (like the Harley-Davidson Glides I recently rode on a nine-day, 4,200-mile tour through four states), but they require a level of respect and seriousness that I’m not always in the mood for. Sometimes I just wanna have fun.

The CFMOTO 450NK has carefree written all over it. It weighs just 364 lb, makes 50 hp at the crank, and has nothing to figure out – just hop on and ride. That’s not to say the 450NK is a toy or just a playbike. While it’s certainly slender between the knees and is easy to toss through a set of tight turns, it doesn’t feel diminutive, nor does it have a cramped cockpit. Snug, perhaps, but not cramped. The positions of the upright handlebar and footpegs are sensible, and the sculpted shape of the tank allows the rider to comfortably wrap around it, giving the sense of sitting in rather than on the bike.

Powering the 450NK is a liquid-cooled 449cc parallel-Twin that’s a workhorse in CFMOTO’s lineup. The same engine is found in the 450SS sportbike, the Ibex 450 adventure bike I recently tested, and the forthcoming 450CL-C cruiser. Dual counterbalancers help it run smoothly throughout the rev range, and its 270-degree crank gives it a delightful rumble complemented by a spicy exhaust note – not the dull drone one might expect of a bike in this class.

GEAR UP

Helmet: Arai Corsair-X
Suit: Aerostich R-3
Gloves: Joe Rocket Sector
Boots: Joe Rocket Sonic X

Except for a bit of low-speed roughness, the 450NK’s cable-actuated throttle provides good response. The slip/assist clutch makes for a light, easy pull when rowing through the 6-speed gearbox, and both the clutch lever and front brake lever are adjustable for reach. The 450NK’s 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels and narrow 110/70 front and 140/60 rear tires (made by CST, the parent company of Maxxis) contribute to the bike’s nimbleness. A light push on either end of the handlebar is all it takes to initiate a turn, and the 450NK holds its line obediently.

The bike makes a great commuter or playful canyon carver. It purrs smoothly at highway speeds and will do “the ton” with little effort. Given my body’s weight and terrible aerodynamic profile, not to mention my tendency to twist the throttle with abandon, I recorded lackluster fuel economy during this test – just 42.4 mpg, yielding about 157 miles from the 3.7-gallon tank. When our lighter and less aggressive associate editor, Allison Parker, tested the 450SS, she posted a more respectable 63 mpg. Sheesh, maybe it’s time to shed a few pounds and reduce my coffee intake.

The 450NK’s suspension and brakes, while competent, are about what you’d expect for a $5,399 motorcycle. The 37mm inverted fork is not adjustable, and the multi-link rear shock is only adjustable for spring preload. Damping is good for general street riding without being overly taut or too soft. The J.Juan brakes, with a 4-piston radial front caliper pinching a 320mm disc and a 1-piston floating rear caliper with a 220mm disc, provide adequate, consistent stopping power. Standard safety features include ABS and switchable traction control.

Carles Solsona, CFMOTO’s Italy-based motorcycle design director, did a great job on the 450NK’s styling, which echoes that of the 800NK. Both bikes have a V-shaped headlight nacelle with a large daytime running light, and the tops of their front fenders have a unique convex shape. The tank shrouds, radiator shrouds, lower cowling, and airy cut-outs in the tail give the 450NK a modern, go-fast look, and the Zephyr Blue colorway is especially eye-catching (the other color option is Nebula White).

Useful amenities include full LED lighting, a USB charging port, and a 5-inch color TFT instrument panel that includes Bluetooth connectivity to the CFMOTO app, which allows navigation and music to be shown on the screen. The switchgear and menus are intuitive, but the app’s navigation function needs some refinement.

As with other bikes in CFMOTO’s lineup, the 450NK delivers good value for the money, but its most endearing trait is its approachability. After a long hiatus from riding, my brother, Paul, has returned to the joys of motorcycling, and lately we’ve been getting together for Saturday morning rides. He has taken a shine to the 450NK, which has been the perfect bike on which to sharpen skills that had become dull.

Whether you’re new to riding, returning to the fold, or are a jaded veteran, the smile that will be on your face after riding this bike is priceless.

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

2024 CFMOTO 450NK Specifications

Base Price: $5,399
Website: CFMOTOusa.com
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x Stroke: 72.0 x 55.2mm
Horsepower: 50 hp @ 9,500 rpm (factory claim)
Torque: 28.8 lb-ft @ 7,600 rpm (factory claim)
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 53.9 in.
Rake/Trail: 24.5 degrees/3.7 in.
Seat Height: 31.3 in.
Wet Weight: 364 lb (factory claim)
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal.
Fuel Consumption: 42.4 mpg
Estimated Range: 157 miles

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Source: RiderMagazine.com

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2025 Indian Scout Review | First Look

April 2, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

In its first major revamp since its 2015 debut, Indian’s Scout cruiser platform is all-new from the ground up, and the 2025 lineup includes five models, including some with names that will be familiar to any fan of Indian history: Scout Bobber, Sport Scout, Scout Classic, Super Scout, and 101 Scout. Three trim levels will be available, as well as more than 100 dedicated accessories.

2025 Indian 101 Scout — Headlining the new platform is the high-performance 101 Scout, seen here facing a 1920s 101 Scout.

At the heart of the Scout platform is a new engine called the SpeedPlus 1250. The V-Twin remains liquid-cooled but has been completely redesigned, punched out from 1,133cc to 1,250cc. Its bore goes up from 99m to 104mm, while its stroke remains at 73.6mm. Power goes up to 105 ponies and 82 lb-ft of torque, and the 101 Scout gets a bump to 111 hp.

Also new is the Scout’s frame, switching from an aluminum design to a simpler steel-tube chassis intended to be easier to customize, similar to what Indian did with the Chief platform in 2021. It supplies a 61.5-inch wheelbase with a 29-degree rake and 4.8 inches of trail.

“Our top priority was to uphold the iconic namesake of Scout and ensure the new lineup is as timeless as all its predecessors,” said Ola Stenegard, director of product design for Indian Motorcycle. “For us, it was imperative to keep it clean, follow the iconic lines of Scout, and create a package that offered seamless customization. To achieve this, it all started with the steel-tube frame and all-new V-Twin engine.”

2025 Indian Super Scout — The Super Scout is a light-duty touring machine equipped with a detachable windshield and saddlebags.

Indian says the Scout’s 25.6-inch seat height is the lowest in class. There are also new features and technology offered on certain Scout models and trim packages. All models except for the 101 Scout use a single 298mm front disc brake with a 2-piston caliper, and ABS is standard.

2025 Indian Scout Bobber in Nara Bronze Metallic with the Limited +Tech trim

“As our top-selling platform, Scout has long been a staple in our lineup,” said Mike Dougherty, president of Indian Motorcycle. “We’re excited to take it to the next level and continue its evolution with a robust offering of models to meet the diverse needs of our global riding community.”

2025 Indian Scout Models

The least expensive version is the Scout Bobber, with prices starting at $12,999. It’s a low, stripped-down model with chopped fenders, blacked-out styling, bar-end mirrors, and slammed 2-inch rear suspension.

2025 Indian Scout Classic — The Scout Classic has traditional styling with
chrome trim and wire-spoke wheels. All Scouts except the Bobber have 3 inches of rear-suspension travel.

The Scout Classic (starting at $13,999) lives up to its name with a traditional design that includes flared fenders, wire-spoke wheels, relaxed ergonomics, and flashes of chrome. Their “as shipped” weights are 522 lb and 536 lb, respectively. We’ll have to wait to find out what their curb weights are when their diminutive 3.4-gallon fuel tanks are full.

Reprising a model name from the 1930s, the Sport Scout (starting at $13,499) has a similar aggressive style as the former Scout Rogue, with a quarter fairing, 6-inch moto-style bar risers with machined highlights and a moto-style handlebar, machined triple clamps, along with a sport-style seat and a 19-inch front wheel. It weighs 528 lb as shipped.

The Super Scout mirrors the theme of the Super Chief, equipped for the open road with a quick-release windshield, saddlebags, a passenger seat, and 3 inches of rear suspension travel. Like the Scout Classic, it has chrome finishes and wire-spoke wheels. It’s the heaviest Scout at 571 lb, and prices start at $16,499.

Resurrecting another legendary model name from Indian’s past, the 101 Scout packs more performance than any production Scout ever made. Its fully adjustable suspension consists of an inverted fork and piggyback rear shocks. Brakes are also high-end items, with a pair of 4-piston radial-mount Brembo front calipers pinching 320mm rotors. Like the Sport Scout, it has black moto-style risers and a moto-style handlebar, but the 101 Scout sets itself apart with a custom-stitched gunfighter-style solo seat and exclusive 101 Scout badging, paint, and graphics. Prices start at $16,999.

2025 Indian Scout Trim Packages and Accessory Collections

Three trim levels are available for certain models, starting with the Standard trim package, which includes ABS, new LED lighting, and an analog gauge with new fuel level and fuel economy readouts for the Scout Bobber, Scout Classic, and Sport Scout. Upgrading to the Limited trim level ($700) on those models adds selectable ride modes (Sport, Standard, and Tour), traction control, cruise control, and a USB charging port.

The top-of-the-line Limited +Tech trim includes the Limited features and adds keyless ignition and Indian’s 4-inch round touchscreen display with Ride Command that offers turn-by-turn navigation, point-to-point route planning, weather and traffic overlay, configurable gauges, ride stats, and optional Ride Command+ connected services. The Limited +Tech trim level adds $1,700 to the base pricing for the Scout Bobber, Scout Classic, and Sport Scout, and it’s standard on the Super Scout and 101 Scout.

Along with the five models and three trim levels, Indian will offer more than 100 accessories to enhance versatility, style, and comfort (including 32 ergonomic combinations). There are also four new accessory collections.

2025 Indian Scout Classic Overnighter — 2025 Indian Scout Classic in Ghost White 2-Tone Metallic with Overnighter accessory package

The Overnighter Collection is for travelers, and it includes the Solo Luggage Rack, All-Weather Vinyl Tail Bag, 20-inch Quick Release Touring Windshield, and Touring Saddlebags.

2025 Indian Scout Classic Commuter — 2025 Indian Scout Classic in Black Metallic with Commuter accessory collection

The Commuter Collection includes the Syndicate Seat, Pathfinder 5.75-inch Adaptive LED Headlight, Pinnacle Mirrors, RAM X-Grip Phone Mount, Mid Foot Controls, and Passenger Pegs.

2025 Indian Sport Scout Stealth — 2025 Indian Sport Scout in Black Smoke with Stealth accessory package

The Stealth Collection adds aggressive style and functionality with Sleek Smoked Turn Signals, Moto Handlebar with 10-inch risers, Radial RS Mirrors by Rizoma, Bobber Saddlebags, Blacked-Out Levers, and the Pathfinder LED Headlight.

2025 Indian Super Scout Open Roads — 2025 Indian Super Scout in Black Smoke with Open Roads accessories package

The Open Roads Collection includes Steel Front Highway Bars, LED Driving Lights, Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest, Touring Backrest Pad, Rider and Passenger Floorboards, and Highway Pegs.

For more details and available colors, visit the Indian Motorcycle website.

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

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Source: RiderMagazine.com

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2025 CFMOTO Ibex 450 Review | First Ride

March 26, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Adventure bikes are undeniably hot right now. Out of more than 70 new or significantly updated street-legal motorcycles announced for 2024 in the U.S. market, nearly half are dual-sport or adventure models. There are many ADVs to choose from in the 750cc-and-up displacement class, but there are few below 500cc. One of the most intriguing additions to the adventure category is the 2025 CFMOTO Ibex 450.

Known as the 450MT outside the U.S., the Ibex 450 is powered by a liquid-cooled 449cc parallel-Twin with DOHC, a 270-degree crank, and dual counterbalancers, and it’s mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip/assist clutch. Variations of this engine are found in several CFMOTO models, including the 450NK naked bike, the 450SS sportbike, and the forthcoming 450CL-C cruiser.

In the Ibex 450, the engine produces a claimed 44 hp at 8,500 rpm and 32.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm. When Royal Enfield updated the Himalayan adventure bike for 2024, it was upgraded from an air-cooled 411cc Single to a liquid-cooled 452cc Single that makes a claimed 39.5 hp and 29.5 lb-ft of torque. The Ibex not only makes more power and torque, but its two cylinders and dual counterbalancers also deliver the goods more smoothly.

CFMOTO set out to produce a light, fully capable adventure bike at a reasonable price, and it has achieved its goal. The Ibex 450 is claimed to weigh 386 lb dry, so probably about 425 lb with its 4.6-gallon tank full. Even though it’s priced at just $6,499, it’s brimming with features not found on adventure bikes that cost thousands of dollars more. Perhaps most appealing is its tubeless spoked wheels, which greatly simplify roadside or trailside flat repairs. And they’re in 21-inch front and 18-inch rear sizes, which perform well off-road and are compatible with a wide range of dual-sport and adventure tires.

The Ibex 450 has a chromoly steel frame, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and adjustable KYB suspension with 8 inches of travel. It also includes a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity ABS that can be disabled at the rear, switchable traction control, an adjustable seat height, a windscreen with on-the-fly height adjustment, handguards, a skid plate, a radiator guard, folding mirrors, a rear rack, LED lighting, and a USB-C charging port.

CFMOTO hosted a global launch for the Ibex 450 in Palawan, Philippines, a province that includes several tropical islands between the South China and Sulu seas (think Survivor, Seasons 25-28). Our test ride was around El Nido, which has few paved roads, and those that are paved are made of rough poured concrete and are buzzing with small scooters and motorcycles, many of which are “tricycles” with enclosed sidecars that are the local version of a tuk-tuk. Most roads are poorly maintained dirt and gravel tracks through the island’s hilly jungle terrain that connect small villages and beaches.

We knew we weren’t in Kansas anymore when our first obstacle was a water crossing (bypassing a rotted bridge) where water buffalo kept themselves cool in the shaded water. Even though it was March, Palawan was oppressively hot, with temps and humidity levels in the 90s. The region was in a severe drought, so the unpaved roads were extremely dusty – bikes kicked up clouds of fine, powdery silt that hung in the air like smoke. We spaced out our conga line of bikes as best as we could, but like a team of sled dogs, unless you’re in the lead, the view is always the same.

Since the standard seat height of 32.3 inches is on the low side for an adventure bike and I’ve got a 34-inch inseam, I opted for the accessory high seat ($199.99), which increases seat height to 34.3 inches and provides a much flatter seating platform. Even with the high seat, there was a fair amount of bend in my knees given the height of the footpegs, and the seat was plush and comfortable.

Within the first few miles, I felt comfortable on the Ibex 450. I’ve been testing a 450NK back home, and I’ve developed a fondness for the sound and feel of the 450cc parallel-Twin, which emits a nice rumbling exhaust note. The cable-actuated throttle provides predictable response, though small inputs at low speeds felt a tad jerky. (My test bike had only 65 miles on the odometer, so it was barely broken in.) The gearbox shifted smoothly, aided by the light action of the slip/assist clutch.

Given the roughness of the unpaved roads and tracks, I spent a fair amount of time standing up on the cleated footpegs (I removed the rubber inserts). The Ibex 450 feels slim between the knees, and the tank section is smooth and unobtrusive. The wide handlebar provided good steering control, and even though it is adjustable I would have liked a higher riser to accommodate my tall frame (I’m 6 feet tall with long arms).

GEAR UP

Helmet: Fly Racing Trekker Kryptek Conceal
Goggles: Fly Racing Zone
Jacket: Fly Racing Off Grid
Gloves: Fly Racing Street Surveyor
Pants: Fly Racing Terra Trek
Boots: Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex

The brakes are supplied by J.Juan and consist of a single 4-piston front caliper squeezing a 320mm disc and a 1-piston rear caliper squeezing a 240mm disc. Although braking power was sufficient for my needs, especially since we were traveling at a moderate pace given the conditions, there was limited feel at the lever. I liked the convenience of turning off ABS and TC at the rear wheel by pressing a button on the handlebar (a long press turns rear ABS/TC off, and a quick tap turns them back on), but a true off-road ABS mode with less intervention at the front wheel would be a valuable addition.

The large-diameter front and rear wheels rolled over obstacles with ease, and the CST adventure tires (which have a tread pattern similar to Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs) provided decent grip and predictable behavior, even in loose sand and deep silt.

To achieve an aggressive price point, compromises must be made, and on motorcycles that typically means lower-spec brakes and suspension. The Ibex 450’s suspension adjustability (the fork is fully adjustable; the shock is adjustable for rebound and preload) is a major plus in this price range. With the standard settings used at the launch, the KYB suspension performed quite well, though it felt a little rough at low speeds and more responsive at higher speeds. I look forward to a longer test where I can dial in the fork and shock damping and preload to my size and riding style.

This was no bunny slope test ride. CFMOTO mapped out a challenging route that required skill and focus. There were tricky climbs and descents littered with rocks and ruts, roads and trails with rough embedded stones, unpredictable dogs and goats hiding in the shade by the side of the road, and even a stretch of singletrack through a mango grove with unforgiving low branches.

At the end of the day, after we’d sweated through our gear and depleted our energy reserves, we did laps around an off-road park with increasingly difficult terrain. The Level 1 loop was easy, much like what we’d ridden earlier in the day. Level 2 was harder with challenging climbs and descents on a heavily silted trail with switchbacks and hidden tree roots. Level 3 was harder still, climbing to the top of a small mountain and then back down the other side.

I’m happy to report that I made it through all three levels without dropping the bike, but the off-road park tested me as much as it tested the bike. The Ibex 450’s tractable power, moderate weight, long-travel suspension, and large-diameter wheels were helpful throughout the day and especially on those loops around the park. I never felt like something was missing or holding me back (except my 50-year-old body).

Another useful feature of the Ibex 450 is its 5-inch TFT display, which uses bold white-on-black graphics, motorcycle illustrations that show what different settings do, and an easy-to-navigate menu system. On either side of the instruments are knobs for adjusting the windscreen height. And above the dash is a horizontal bar where a GPS or smartphone can be mounted.

The CFMOTO Ibex 450 proved itself to be not just a good adventure bike for the price, but a good adventure bike period. It has the features that adventure riders want, and it’s available with useful accessories like the high seat I tested, upper and lower crash guards (which were fitted on our test bikes; $149.99 for the upper guards, $129.99 for the lower guards), a beefier skid plate, a touring windscreen, a centerstand, hard and soft luggage, and more. At $6,499, it’s a great value, and it’s backed by a 2-year warranty.

The Ibex 450 will be available at CFMOTO’s 350-plus U.S. motorcycle dealers starting in September, and I bet it will sell like hotcakes.

2025 CFMOTO Ibex 450 Specs

Base Price: $6,499
Price As Tested: $6,979 (high seat, upper and lower crash guards)
Website: CFMOTOusa.com
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 449cc
Bore x Stroke: 72.0 x 55.2mm
Horsepower: 44 hp @ 8,500 rpm (factory claim)
Torque: 32.5 lb-ft @ 6,250 rpm (factory claim)
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 59.3 in.
Rake/Trail: 26 degrees/4.1 in.
Seat Height: 31.5 or 32.3 in. (via shock mount)
Wet Weight: 425 lb (estimate based on 386 lb dry)
Fuel Capacity: 4.6 gal.

The post 2025 CFMOTO Ibex 450 Review | First Ride appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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2024 KTM 990 Duke Review | First Ride

March 17, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

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.

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.

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.

Gear Up | KTM 990 Duke Review

Helmet: Shoei X-Fifteen
Suit: Alpinestars Missile V2
Airbag Vest: Alpinestars Tech-Air 5
Gloves: Alpinestars SP-8 V3 Air
Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R Vented

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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2024 BMW F 900 GS Review | First Ride

March 12, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gear Up

Helmet: HJC DS-X1
Jacket: Rev’It Neptune 2 GTX
Pants: Klim Latitude
Gloves: Rev’It Dirt 3
Boots: Alpinestars Toucan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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What’s New?

Options Temptations

GS en España

Gear Up

Dirty Work

Best GS Yet?

2024 BMW F 900 GS Specs

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