Our guest on Episode 29 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Greg Rice, a long-distance rider who has logged more than 783,000 miles on motorcycles. He’s a member of the Iron Butt Association and has completed nearly 200,000 miles on IBA-certified rides. Greg has ridden nearly 50,000 miles in Iron Butt Rallies, and he has completed 70 Bun Burner Gold rides – on each BBG he rode more than 1,500 miles in 24 hours. We talk about how he got into long-distance riding, how he plans and prepares for each ride, what motorcycles he has ridden, what modifications he makes to his bikes, and what gear and apparel he uses. If you’ve ever wanted to do an Iron Butt ride, listen to Greg’s advice on how to do so safely and successfully. Visit his website for useful tips and to find out “where’s Greg?” using his SpotWalla tracker.
You can listen to Episode 29 on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.
“As part of our focus on stronghold segments, including Grand American Touring and Cruiser, the 2022 product line is designed for power and performance,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “Each of these new models feature the unrivaled power of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 for those riders who want nothing but the biggest and the best, building on our position as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world.”
In a bit of a surprise, the “Faster. Further” launch didn’t include a new variant of the Sportster S and its Revolution Max motor, but the company teased that we’ll see one or more versions later this year.
Low Riders
The Low Rider ST and Low Rider S.
Perhaps the most intriguing new model is the Low Rider ST, which employs a fairing with styling nods to the revered FXRT of the 1980s. It is also fitted with hardshell saddlebags and greater suspension travel, plus the 117 cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight powertrain with Heavy Breather intake and 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhaust. The Low Rider S also uses the 117ci M-8 in a more stripped-down model.
Both Low Riders have styling rooted in the California “tall bike” movement and are equipped with a taller rear monoshock than the standard Softail chassis, with 0.5-inch additional stroke that translates to 1 inch more rear-wheel travel and a 0.75-inch taller seat. Harley promises improved ride comfort and more than 1 degree of extra lean-angle clearance. Dual front brakes with 300mm discs are said to deliver the responsive braking demanded by aggressive riders.
The ST’s lockable saddlebags ride high and tight, and they can be quickly removed for a cleaner appearance. Combined saddlebag capacity is 1.9 cubic feet (53.8 liters).
“A key element of this model is the frame-mounted fairing, which has a shape inspired by the classic FXRT Sport Glide model fairing favored by West Coast customizers,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Design. “With a dominant central headlamp flanked by side vents, the genetic connection to the original FXRT remains familiar. The sharper creases and revised proportions in the Low Rider ST fairing provide a look that is intended to be modern, athletic, and aerodynamically superior to the FXRT fairing.”
Could the Low Rider ST be the lightweight bagger of your dreams?
The ST’s six-inch windshield has a dark smoke tint, and the fairing holds a single 5.75-inch LED headlamp. A deep solo seat holds riders in place, and a 1-inch moto handlebar is mounted on four-inch pull-back risers. A low-profile textured-black console tops the 5-gallon fuel tank, with a compact digital display inset in the handlebar riser for a custom “no gauges” look. An audio system is an option.
“Our customers truly inspire us, and the Low Rider ST was born from seeing the incredible builds at motorcycle shows around the world,” said Richards. “We took the iconic Motor Company design from the Eighties and gave it a new identity with a modern echo. Add the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, a taller suspension and raised saddlebags, and the Low Rider ST delivers both a dynamic visual package as well as a dramatic performance punch.”
Rugged, blacked-out styling includes Wrinkle Black finish on the powertrain, primary cover, triple clamps, top clamp, rear fender supports, and tank console, while Gloss Black finishes adorn the derby cover, intake, lower rocker covers, and handlebar riser. The handlebar is Satin Black. The forks are anodized black. Mufflers and exhaust shields are Jet Black. Radiate cast-aluminum wheels (19-inch front and 16-inch rear diameter) are finished in Matte Dark Bronze to contrast the Low Rider’s dark components.
The Low Rider S includes a small windscreen and has mid-mount foot controls.
Color options for the Low Riders are Vivid Black or Gunship Gray. The S ($18,349) is available now, while the ST ($21,749) won’t arrive in dealers until late March.
Grand American Touring
The Street Glide ST and Road Glide ST are said to elevate bagger performance and bring the purposeful style of the championship-winning MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers racebikes to the street. These hot-rod baggers also feature the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain that is dolled up with new dark and bronze finishes.
These baggers are equipped with Reflex linked Brembo brakes with ABS, a Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a color touchscreen and navigation, cruise control, and Daymaker LED headlamps. MSRPs for both start at $29,999.
Optional on the Grand American tourers is Harley’s Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, which employ Cornering-Traction Control with ride modes, Cornering-ABS with linked braking, hill-hold control, and tire-pressure monitoring.
The Street Glide ST in Gunship Gray.
The Street Glide ST uses a low-profile dark windshield atop its batwing fairing and unique engine guards that differ from other Touring models, as well as a trimmed front fender and a solo seat. Black is the dominant theme, as the brightwork is limited to the pushrod tubes and tappet covers and the machined cylinder fins. Matte Dark Bronze finishes on the Prodigy cast aluminum wheels, the color band on the lower rocker box, timer cover medallion, intake medallion, and the classic script tank graphic provide subtle contrast to dark finishes. The SG-ST will be available in two paint options: Vivid Black or Gunship Gray.
The Road Glide ST uses the distinctive and shark-nose fairing with triple splitstream venting on the low-profile tinted windscreen to limit head buffeting. A low-profile engine guard and tank console combine to give the Road Glide ST trim lines. A new solo seat exposes the rear fender, and the front fender is a new trimmed version.
The Road Glide ST in Gunship Gray and Vivid Black.
Suspension is similar to the SG-ST, with emulsion-technology rear shocks with hydraulic preload adjustments and a 49mm fork with dual bending-valve technology. It’s also equipped with the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a color touchscreen, two fairing-mount speakers, and a hidden radio antenna.
Like the SG-ST, the RG-ST features blacked-out finishes for the front end, controls, powertrain, and exhaust, with shiny highlights from bright pushrod tubes and tappet covers and machined cylinder fins. Further contrast is provided by a Matte Dark Bronze finish on the cast aluminum Prodigy custom wheels, the color band on the lower rocker box, timer-cover medallion, intake medallion, and the script tank graphic. The two paint options are Vivid Black or Gunship Gray.
Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)
Four updated CVOs join H-D’s 2022 lineup, “designed to represent the pinnacle of style and design.” The premium limited-production factory custom models boast exclusive and hand-crafted paint, as well as high-end features like a Rockford Fosgate audio system, a Boom! Audio 30K Bluetooth headset, and the Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements system. Each is fitted with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain.
CVOs have always featured the best in paintwork, and that’s the case with these 2022 offerings.
“Gunslinger is our partner in custom paint that’s been that’s been adding incredible artisanal techniques to our CVO arsenal and family for a long time now, and they’re inspiring us to push the limits, so we try to do the same thing with them,” said Brad Richards. “When most manufacturers are at the limits of a robot, Gunslinger can go in there with an artist who has the ability to brush by hand and deliver the sharpest pinstripe possible. That hand-applied technique allows for very intricate two-tones, three-tones, airbrush drop shadows, and really transcends the ‘expected’ by delivering a truly custom look.”
The CVO Street Glide “is a super-premium bagger for the rider who rolls loud and proud” behind the iconic batwing fairing. It features a Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather intake, new decorative insert finishes and Scorched Chrome powertrain covers (with the Blue Steel paint option), Rockford Fosgate Stage II premium sound, heated Kahuna Collection hand grips that match Kahuna Collection shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider and passenger pegs, plus a Daymaker Adaptive LED headlamp.
The CVO Street Glide in its Envious Green with Black Hole Fade and Flame Pattern colorway with Gloss Black finishes.
Fugitive wheels can be had with gloss black and contrast chrome, all gloss black, or Blue Steel and contrast scorched chrome finish, depending on paint options. New paint colorways include Hightail Yellow Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, Envious Green with Black Hole Fade with Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes, and Blue Steel solid color with Scorched Chrome finishes. Prices start at $41,899.
The CVO Road Glide ($41,899) uses frame-mounted shark-nose fairing and its distinctive dual LED headlamps. Additionally, it uses an exclusive 21-inch front wheel with an 18-inch rear with laced spokes mated to cast-aluminum rims for a cool look that also enables the use of a tire-pressure monitoring system on a laced wheel. The bike also boasts Rockford Fosgate Stage II audio, and the fairing features splitstream venting to mitigate head buffeting.
Check out the laced 21-inch front wheel with cast aluminum rims on the 2022 CVO Road Glide.
Color options include Wicked Orange Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, Envious Green with Black Hole Fade with Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes, and Blue Steel solid color with Scorched Chrome finishes. A Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather intake and Fang front spoiler round out the styling upgrades.
The CVO Road Glide Limited raises the bar for luxury and long-haul comfort, as it’s equipped with premium audio and heated seats and grips, as well as most of the non-Limited CVO Road Glide features. Its M-8 motor is the Twin-Cooled version.
You’ll feel like the king of the road on the 2022 CVO Road Glide Limited.
Like the CVO Street Glide, the RG Limited uses heated Kahuna Collection hand grips that match shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider/passenger boards. The wheels are Harley’s Tomahawk hoops. Paint options include Wicked Orange Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, Hightail Yellow Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, and Dante’s Red with Dante’s Black Sunglo Fade Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes. Prices start at $44,899.
And for something that will never tip over at a stop, the CVO Tri Glide trike offers distinctive style and long-haul touring capability, along with a premium audio system and the Twin-Cooled 117ci Milwaukee-Eight motor. It also gets the Tomahawk contrast-cut wheels and heated Kahuna Collections grips and dual-zone heated seats. The new paint scheme is Dante’s Red with Dante’s Black Sunglo Fade Flame Pattern and Bright Chrome finishes. It’s priced at $49,999.
The CVO Tri Glide in its new Dante’s Red colorway.
Visit H-D.com to learn more about the lineup of 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, gear, accessories, and more.
Our guest on Episode 28 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Brian Case. Brian is an industrial designer is the former Chief Designer for Confederate Motorcycles. From 2008 to 2018, he was Co-Founder and Design Director for Motus Motorcycles, where he led the design and development of the MST V-4 sport-tourer. Brian joined the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in 2019, and last year he became the Director of the new Barber Advanced Design Center. He and his team are working with Pierre Terblanche on the Mono Project, a reimagining of Terblanche’s iconic, ’90s-era Ducati Supermono racebike using state-of-the-art techniques such as 3D printing.
You can listen to Episode 28 on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.
Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO: “2021 was a magical year for Ducati. We delivered over 59,000 motorcycles, a number never achieved before in 95 years of the company’s history. We also won the title of MotoGP Constructors’ World Champion for the second consecutive year, and we started the electric era of our company with the V21L prototype, which foresees the bike that will race in the MotoE championship from 2023.
“The pandemic, which is still underway, in addition to generating so much suffering, has also made activities more complex, forcing us to conduct a continuous internal reorganization. Supply chains created delivery delays for which I want to apologize to all Ducatisti, thanking them for their patience. Despite all these difficulties, the desire to excel of our employees here in Borgo Panigale and in our subsidiaries around the world helped us to achieve these record results.
2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 S
“We are investing in an extremely ambitious growth path that will lead the company to improve even further, by entering new market segments. With the DesertX we will have from this year on an extremely attractive proposal for adventure fans, and other ambitious projects are currently in development. The core values of the brand – Style, Sophistication, Performance, and Trust – are more current than ever. Future growth will take place in compliance with these values, offering our enthusiastic customers products that are increasingly representative with a unique mix of beauty, technology and distinctiveness, such as the best of Made in Italy.”
In 2021 Ducati’s growth came in all major countries, starting with the United States, which regained the place of leading market for Ducati with 9,007 units (+32% over 2020), followed by Italy with 8,707 bikes (+23%) and Germany with 6,107 units (+11%). The Chinese market also grew, with 4,901 motorcycles (+21%), as well as France with 4,352 units (+12%) and the UK with 2,941 units (+30%).
Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales: “With 59,447 motorcycles delivered to customers, Ducati notches up a historic result and once again underlines its solidity, despite the difficulties encountered across all sectors due to the supplies crisis. Sales grew double-digit in all major countries, from the United States to Australia, where the new subsidiary achieved an increase of 50%. These results are also the outcome of extraordinary work aimed at the continuous improvement of the global sales network both in quantitative terms, with 84 new dealerships, and in qualitative terms, focusing on the digitization of processes and omnichannel to guarantee our Ducatisti an ‘unforgettable’ experience, which fully reflects the company’s values. Now we are starting 2022 with an even more complete range, which is already receiving high praise as demonstrated by the best order portfolio ever at the beginning of the year.”
2021 Ducati Monster
The enormous success obtained during the year is confirmed by the Multistrada V4, which was by far the biggest-selling and most-loved bike for Ducatisti in 2021, with 9,957 motorcycles delivered to customers. The Ducati Scrambler 800 family followed with 9,059 units, and the Monster, with 8,734 motorcycles sold.
These results were achieved despite the unpredictable situation generated by the supply crisis that has been on-going for some time. It is still a very volatile situation and is destined to continue further.
For 2022, Ducati presented nine new models to the public during the Ducati World Premiere web series, helping to create an even more complete range ready to satisfy the desires of every type of motorcyclist. Expectations are particularly high for the DesertX, the Ducati bike designed to tackle the most demanding off-roads with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, long suspension travel and ample ground clearance.
For more information or to find a dealer near you, visit ducati.com.
The BMW R 18 M is one of two R 18 customs unveiled at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy.
Since introducing its Big Boxer-powered R 18 in 2020, BMW has invited some of the world’s best customizers to put their own spin on Germany’s heavyweight cruiser. At the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy, BMW unveiled the R 18 M and R 18 Aurora customs.
The latest customs are the result of the collaboration between BMW Motorrad Italy and its dealer network. The R 18 M was developed by Italian magazine LowRide and created by American Dreams. Commissioned by BMW Motorrad Roma, the R 18 Aurora was created by Garage 221.
M is the letter that distinguishes the sport versions of BMW four-wheeled models, and today it also includes motorcycles like the M 1000 RR. The source of inspiration for the BMW R 18 M project by the editorial staff of LowRide is the following: the idea is to give the BMW cruiser a sportier, more streamlined look, avoiding exaggerations while showing respect the R 18’s retro lines.
“Stability, long wheelbase, and readiness of the 1,800cc Big Boxer instigate lightning starts and deserve, in our opinion, a sporty and retro look,” said Giuseppe Roncen, director of LowRide. “In the R 18 M design, we find suggestions from BMW Motorrad tradition and cues from the four-wheelers: M stands for Motorsport.”
The work has focused on chassis, suspension set-up, bodywork, and accessories, leaving mechanics and electronics unchanged as the natural strengths of the R 18. Lightened and with a different riding position, the BMW R 18 M promises to be even more fun to ride.
“We remain curious to experience its potential,” continued Roncen. “Significantly lightened, the bike should also be easy to handle due to its riding position, which is more compact and forward loaded, without exaggeration.”
The R 18 M project was made possible by BMW Italia and was born in the wake of the emotions that this bike can give: a fun cruiser, powerful and lively, with a big heart and an infinite torque. LowRide has involved some of the best Italian craftsmen and companies specialized in the sector.
The realization of the sketches was entrusted to designer Oberdan Bezzi, already a partner of LowRide in the past. He has managed to make it an exciting power cruiser without upsetting the essence of the BMW R 18. American Dreams handled the assembly and coordinated the work. Elaboratorio, specializing in prototyping and modeling, created the headlight shroud, lower cowl, and tailsection.
Carbon Italy handled the head covers, intake ducts, and other carbon fiber details. The short exhaust pipe, designed to make the line more compact and allow greater lean angles, bears the signature of ER Exhaust Revolution. L.R. Leather covered the saddle in leather, while the paintwork was entrusted to Dox Art Factory. Rizoma provided mirrors, grips, and universal indicators for the accessories.
The idea and desire of Garage 221 to create a custom bike based on the BMW R 18 found its origins a while ago, at the presentation of the bike at EICMA 2019. The lines of the new BMW cruiser, innovative and at the same time faithfully traditional, deserved “complementary elements and an even more Heritage spirit, starting from the soft lines of the tank to the characteristic shapes of the boxer,” said Pier Francesco Marchio of Garage 221.
BMW R 18 Aurora
The project initially focused on the study of the different sections of the bike, keeping in mind the need to connect the new elements in a unique harmony of lines, taking inspiration from the cruisers of the 1970s, which have always impressed Pier Francesco “for their impressive aesthetic fluidity.” Distinctive elements of the BMW R 18 Aurora are the wraparound fenders and the batwing fairing.
Modifications that led to the R 18 Aurora stem from Garage 221’s deep knowledge of BMW Motorrad history. The saddle was borrowed in its entirety from a 2005 BMW R 1200 C. The fairing supports are adapted from parts on a 1982 BMW R 100 and a 1991 BMW K 75. Even for the color of the body, a 1983 BMW R 100 RT was used as a reference, customizing the graphics in its shades and intensity. The front and rear fender supports, saddle supports, and license plate holder arms are entirely handmade.
The exhaust pipes were made in collaboration with Leo Vince, taking particular care of the sound, to make it even more full-bodied and captivating. Their design has been specifically studied to give a very personal and muscular line to the central part of the R 18.
The R 18 Aurora’s oil cooler grille gives a classy natural touch, inspired by the grille of BMW’s cars from the 1960s. “It was a lot of hard work,” said Pier Francesco, “but the result is truly stunning. The textured paintwork of the cylinder head covers, the injection housings, the central crankcase and our oil cooler grille make everything look homogeneous, creating a unique effect with the cylinder block and the bevel gear.”
Greece has always been on our motorcycle bucket list. According to Rainer Buck, Managing Director of Edelweiss Bike Travel, Greece is one of his top 3 riding destinations in the world. He says it’s “like a mountain range was dropped into the sea.” Join us for the Rider Magazine Best of Greece Tour with Edelweiss Bike Travel, a 14-day tour scheduled for May 15-28, 2022.
Information about the tour is included below, and a special booking page is accessible HERE. Pricing starts at $7,190 per person.
And you can book without worry — if things change, you can rebook or get a refund. See the Edelweiss coronavirus policy for more information.
Ancient Greece is the cradle of our civilization, our culture and society. Countless words that we use every day are derived from Greek, such as car, cosmos, democracy, atmosphere, politics, telephone, anesthesia and panorama, to name just a few. The ancient Greeks not only influenced science, art and literature, they practically invented them.
Athens, the capital, is filled with history, monuments and memorials like no other city in the world. Except Rome maybe, but this is a different tour. On this tour here you will experience some of the great attractions of Greece, such as Delphi, Olympia and the Meteora monasteries. But also gems, that not every traveler will find, are on the program, such as the Pindos Mountains or the enchanting mountain village Vytina, where we will even spend two nights.
In the 14 days you will get to know everything that defines real Greece: 3,000 years of culture, stunning nature, excellent food and extremely friendly people, not to mention the always beautiful weather and the wonderfully winding, mostly empty and always panoramic roads who really enjoy riding a motorcycle. And every time you sit in a kafenion and enjoy your espresso, you can look forward to being on tour in a paradise like Greece. If the ancient Greeks only knew …
START/FINISH: Athens
NEAREST AIRPORT: Athens
DURATION: 14 days vacation, 12 riding days
ROUTE: Total distance: 1,473-1,832 miles; Daily distances: 90-348 km, 56-216 miles
REST DAYS: Metsovo, Vytina, Agios Stefanos
HIGHLIGHTS: unique evidence of high Greek culture such as Delphi, Olympia or the amphitheater of Epidaurus, Athens with its inexhaustible culture and history, the dizzying Meteora monasteries built on high cliffs, the super bridge over the Gulf of Corinth, the beautiful island of Lefkada
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 6 (Please note paragraph 4.2. a) of our terms and conditions of travel to find out more about the cancellation of tour through Edelweiss Bike Travel when the minimum number of participants is not reached – Terms and Conditions)
90° South – Quest For The Pole is a success! Two riders successfully trekked across Antarctica to the South Pole on Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles. (Photo: Iceland testing phase)
Royal Enfield, the world’s oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production since 1901, has tested the endurance of man and machine time and again. Recently, it made history once again by successfully completing the 90° South expedition, the quest to see Royal Enfield Himalayans reach the South Pole. This extraordinary endeavor is a tribute to the brand’s 120-year commitment to pure motorcycling, and to the courage and resilience of countless riders and explorers who have made history on two wheels.
On December 16, 2021, two riders – Santhosh Vijay Kumar and Dean Coxson – reached the geographic South Pole in 15 days, making the ambitious attempt a reality.
The Royal Enfield Himalayans and crew arrived at the geographic South Pole on December 16, 2021. (The team is in communication via satellite phone, hence the low-resolution image.)
The team arrived at Novo in Antarctica from Cape Town, South Africa, for four days of acclimatization, loading of supplies, and checking equipment and the motorcycles. From Novo, the team covered an overland distance of 1,988 miles over the next nine days, braving extreme weather conditions with temperatures between -22° to -13°F and wind speed of 37 mph, towards Ross Ice Shelf.
The Ross Ice Shelf was the designated start point for the riders, however, an unexpected blizzard forced the team to alter their course. Instead of starting the ride from 86 degrees South, the team started the 250-mile ride from 87 degrees South. Despite a few initial roadblocks and a slight detour, the expedition team completed the quest by reaching the South Pole on December 16, 2021.
Minimal changes were made to the 90° SOUTH Royal Enfield Himalayans; smaller countershaft sprockets (15- to 13-tooth) increase low-end torque and stronger alternators enable the team to run heated gear. (Photo: Iceland testing phase)
For this expedition, two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles were modified in-house, with functional upgrades to be able to navigate snow and ice, and function under extreme conditions in Antarctica. The motorcycles were ridden on a compacted snow track from the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole, to reduce motorcycle drag and limit emissions to an absolute minimum.
Royal Enfield is consciously ensuring no footprint is left behind by the expedition team except wheel tracks that will be quickly lost to snow drift. In line with our #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter initiative, the team is ensuring all waste including human waste is brought back for appropriate disposal.
Studded tires, a tubeless setup and low tire pressure will only do so much–riding in snow is no easy task. (Photo: Iceland testing phase)
The team is currently heading towards the western part of Antarctica, Union Glacier, from where they will fly out to Punta Arenas, Chile.
The 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 lineup includes five variants, with the GT Explorer (left), GT Pro (back), Rally Explorer (right), and Rally Pro (front) shown above (base GT model not shown).
In recent years, Triumph has expanded its Tiger range to include more models than ever. From the Tiger Sport 660 to Tiger 850 Sport to the Tiger 900 lineup, the extended family now caters to avid off-roaders and long-haul tourers alike. Now, it’s the range-topping Tiger’s turn for an upgrade, and Hinckley spares no expense with the 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 lineup.
In typical Triumph fashion, the flagship Tiger champions an inline-Triple engine, but the updated mill comes from the firm’s heralded Speed Triple 1200 RS naked bike. In adventure bike form, the liquid-cooled, 1,160cc powerplant touts 147 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 95 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm. Similar to the Tiger 900 series, the Triple benefits from Triumph’s T-plane crank, delivering tractability in the low-end without sacrificing the engaging mid-range and top-end.
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro
Triumph wedges the large-capacity Triple into an all-new frame with a bolt-on aluminum subframe. A lighter and stronger tri-link swingarm steadies the ride at the rear while the semi-active Showa suspension adapts to the rider and road conditions. On the GT models, the semi-active system provides 7.9 inches of travel while the two Rally variants enjoy 8.7 inches. Rake also differs between the two camps, with the GTs reporting 24.1 degrees and the Rallies coming in at 23.7 degrees. Despite those differences, all Tiger 1200s receive Brembo Stylema calipers mated to dual 320mm front discs and a single-piston Brembo binder with a 282mm rotor at the rear.
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro
The Tiger’s new compact design also results in a 55-pound weight saving. The slimmer waist and revised ergonomics improve rider comfort and users can adjust the standard seat between 33.5 and 34.25 inches. The revised bodywork also emphasizes the Tiger’s newfound poise and stance while seamlessly integrating the dual-radiator system and downsized exhaust silencer.
The 1200 family may share the same core components, but Triumph splits the model into five variants. The GT, GT Pro, and GT Explorer favor long-distance travel on the tarmac while the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer prefer life off the beaten path. As a result, the road-focused GT line features 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast-aluminum wheels, and the Rally trims opt for dirt-worthy 21-inch/18-inch tubeless spoked wheelset. Conversely, the Explorer trims share a 7.9-gallon gas tank for extra mileage between fill-ups while all other variants settle for the 5.3-gallon unit.
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer
In addition to the Tiger’s differing hardware, Triumph equips each model with trim-specific software. The Rally Pro and Rally Explorer get all six ride modes including Road, Rain, Sport, Off-Road, Off-Road Pro, and Custom. Triumph only removes the Off-Road Pro mode from the GT Pro and GT Explorer, but reduces the standard GT to Rain, Road, and Sport. While each Tiger 1200 boasts a 7-inch TFT display with My Triumph Connectivity System, only the Explorer models feature a blind-spot radar system, heated grips and seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Regardless of the trim, each Tiger 1200 comes with dual-channel cornering ABS and cornering traction control.
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer
Of course, Tiger 1200 owners can also turn to Triumph extensive accessories catalog for everything from full luggage systems to auxiliary lights to comprehensive bike protection. The new big-bore ADV will be available in four colorways including Snowdonia White, Sapphire Black, Lucerne Blue, and Matte Khaki, and it will hit Triumph dealerships in spring 2022. Pricing is as follows:
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT: $19,100
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro: $21,400
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer: $23,100
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro: $22,500
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer: $24,200
For more information or to find a Triumph dealer near you, visit triumphmotorcycles.com.
The 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R receives a range of useful updates to its engine, chassis, electronics, and more.
The 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R makes no bones about its off-road prowess. If the wire-spoke 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel don’t tip-off the R’s dirt bias, the shortened windscreen and WP XPLOR suspension do. KTM has updated its top-dog off-road-ready ADV for the new model year.
A fully adjustable WP XPLOR upside-down fork still highlights the full-size ADV, but KTM developed a new separate function compression and rebound system after extensive off-road testing. It also reworked the WP XPLOR rear shock’s progressive damping system for improved bottoming resistance and greater control. Travel at both ends remains 8.7 inches but newly fitted Bridgestone AX41 tires should deliver superb grip in the dirt and sure-footed pavement performance.
The revised 1290 Super Adventure R lives up to KTM’s Ready to Race slogan with KTM Factory team-inspired livery and rally-style bodywork. A three-piece, 6.1-gallon fuel tank and twin radiators seamlessly integrate into the new bodywork for improved ergonomics. The 1,301cc V-Twin benefits from the new cooling system but also features an advanced oil circuit and thinner cases for a 3.5-pound weight savings.
A new airbox helps the LC8 engine breathe freely thanks to a vertically ribbed air filter that directs sand and dust to the bottom of the airbox. KTM mounts the 75-degree V-Twin to a revised chromoly-steel frame with a steering head that has been moved rearward by 15mm. There’s also a new aluminum subframe and a lengthened swingarm for improved stability.
The 1290 Super Adventure R’s ride modes (Street, Sport, Off-Road, and Rain) gain a 6-axis IMU and less intrusive traction control. The optional Rally mode provides the most off-road flexibility with nine levels of adjustable traction control. Users can also add KTM’s optional Rally Pack and Tech Pack that includes a quickshifter, hill-hold control, and motor-slip regulation. Off-Road ABS comes standard, however, and decreases ABS activation on the front wheel while disengaging ABS on the rear.
A new 7-inch TFT dash boasts KTM MY RIDE Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control helps riders pound the pavement on the way to new trailheads. For far-flung adventures, a waterproof compartment offers USB charging for personal devices. A new RACE ON remote keyless system, now featuring Anti-Relay Attack (ARA), allows the rider to start the bike, lock the steering, and open the gas cap without using the key.
The 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R is poised to take-on the most technical terrain yet, but pricing and availability are still TBD.
For more information or to find a KTM dealer near you, visit ktm.com.
Our on Episode 27 of the Rider Magazine Insider podcast is Steven Goode, a lifelong motorcyclist who has a has completed impressive long-distance motorcycle tours. In recent years, Steven rode 14,000 miles to the four corners of the U.S., 11,500 miles to visit all the lower 48 states, and 17,000 miles to visit nearly every national park America (read his story “One Ride, 47 National Parks” in the July 2021 issue of Rider). This past summer, Steven embarked on a 75-day, 15,000-mile ride around the country to visit the best Jewish deli in nearly every state. His journey became known as the “Great American Deli Schlep” and he raised nearly $20,000 for MAZON, a nonprofit organization that fights hunger. You can read about Steven’s deli tour in the December 2021 issue of Rider and on his blog (greatamericandelischlep.medium.com). Even though Steven’s trip is over, MAZON’s mission is not. Please consider making a donation at mazon.org/delischlep.
You can listen to Episode 27 on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.
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