Tag Archives: Motorcycle Reviews

Prototype Yamaha Stability Assist System Focuses on Starting and Low Speeds

As part of Yamaha Motor’s goal of reaching zero motorcycle fatalities by 2050, using a three-pillared approach of technology, skills, and connectivity, the company is working on a prototype of the Advanced Motorcycle Stabilization Assist System – or AMSAS. The Yamaha stability assist system, which is specifically designed to address instability when starting or at low speeds, is being tested on a Yamaha YZF-R25 equipped with a 6-axis IMU and drive and steering actuators. The dynamics of the process at the drive actuator has been compared with holding a broom upside down on your palm, combined with the idea of the minute steering adjustments required to keep a bicycle upright when standing still without pedaling. For more information, read the press release from Yamaha Motor below.


AMSAS Yamaha Stability Assist System

Last year, Yamaha Motor announced its Jin-Ki Kanno x Jin-Ki Anzen Safety Vision, which aims to create a world free of accidents together with our customers. The three pillars of the approach are: 1) “Technology” that assists with rider recognition, judgment, operation, and damage mitigation, 2) “Skills,” in which we encourage improvement of users’ riding skills, and 3) “Connectivity,” where the Cloud is used to provide feedback for safety initiatives. To highlight the Technology pillar, we spoke with the developers of the Advanced Motorcycle Stabilization Assist System (AMSAS). As it is naturally linked to Jin-Ki Anzen, we asked about its aims and the value it offers.

Related: Yamaha Announces 2023 Updated and Returning Models

A Rider Aid to Enhance Stability with Starts and at Low Speeds

AMSAS Yamaha Stability Assist System
Jun Sakamoto (left) handles safety strategy at the Yamaha Motor technical development section, and Akitoshi Suzuki (right) serves as the project leader for AMSAS.

Accidents involving motorcycles have been attributed primarily to recognition errors (10%), decision errors (17%), and operation errors (5%) on the part of the rider. Data also indicates that approximately 70% of motorcycle accidents occur within two seconds of the trigger leading to the accident. Based on these analyses of accident causes, Yamaha Motor’s development of rider aids is underway according to four vectors: assisted danger prediction, damage prevention and assisted defensive riding, assisted evasive riding maneuvers, and damage mitigation.

Unveiled last year, AMSAS stabilizes a vehicle’s attitude at low speeds by controlling drive forces and steering forces.

“[Its most distinctive feature is] its approach to use an arrangement highly applicable to existing vehicles since it does not require any modifications to the frame,” says Project Leader Akitoshi Suzuki. The prototype system under development uses a production YZF-R25 for its platform and is equipped with a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) along with drive and steering actuators.

AMSAS Yamaha Stability Assist System

AMSAS is a rider aid that focuses on the instability a motorcycle experiences when starting off or when riding at low speeds, and it works to enhance the stability of the vehicle during these moments. “When starting or stopping, the drive actuator fitted to the front wheel aids with stability, and from there up to about 5 km/h (3 mph), the steering actuator attached to the handlebars takes over,” explains Suzuki. Through the coordination of the two, the mid-development AMSAS prototype vehicle can move at walking speeds without falling over, regardless of the skill level of the rider aboard.

Related: 2023 Yamaha MT-10 | Tour Test Review

Yamaha Stability Assist System is Adaptable to Various Applications

Yamaha Motor once made headlines when it unveiled the MOTOBOT—an autonomous motorcycle-riding humanoid robot—and MOTOROiD, a proof-of-concept experimental motorcycle equipped with AI and self-balancing technology. “The R&D for AMSAS began with the idea of bringing the technologies and know-how acquired through developing these two models to customers around the world,” says Suzuki.

AMSAS Yamaha Stability Assist System

Jun Sakamoto, who handles safety strategy at Yamaha, explains the value AMSAS aims to offer: “It’s to create conditions where the rider can focus more on operating their bike, so that everyone can enjoy that sense of being one with your machine. By providing an assist when the bike is more unstable and requires skill to operate, we want to deliver fun rooted in peace of mind to a wide range of riders.”

Yamaha has set a target of reducing the number of fatal motorcycle accidents to zero by 2050 and is ramping up efforts according to the three aforementioned pillars of Technology, Skills, and Connectivity. AMSAS is one technology with the potential to become a pivotal rider aid if used in conjunction with other technologies, like the radar-linked Unified Brake System – the first of its kind in the world – already deployed on the TRACER 9 GT+.

Related: 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT | Long-Term Review

“With the base technologies in place now, we’re halfway to our goal of bringing AMSAS’ value to customers,” asserts Suzuki. He and the team have high aspirations for the technology. “From here on, we’ll be working to downscale the sizes of the various components and so on, as we want to develop it into a platform not just for motorcycles, but one also adaptable to a wide range of other personal mobility applications, like bicycles.”

See all of Rider‘s Yamaha coverage here.

The post Prototype Yamaha Stability Assist System Focuses on Starting and Low Speeds first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2023 CFMOTO 450SS | First Look Review

2023 CFMOTO 450SS

CFMOTO USA has announced the newest addition to its 2023 lineup: the CFMOTO 450SS. The company says the light-midweight sportbike is “poised to be a flagship in one of the most popular and fast-growing modern motorcycle segments.”

Related: 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X | Road Test Review

2023 CFMOTO 450SS

The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS is powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC 450cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crankshaft making a claimed 50 hp at 9,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,600 rpm. The engine, which has an 11.5:1 compression ratio and Bosch EFI, is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip/assist clutch.

CFMOTO says the 450SS is suited to city and canyon riding but is especially suited to the track as a result of several of the bike’s features. Optional reverse shifting is possible with a “quick change” in position of the connecting rod on the gear shifter. The “performance-tuned” suspension comes in the form of a nonadjustable 37mm inverted fork and a preload-adjustable multi-link rear shock. Stopping power comes from a single radially-mounted Brembo M40 4-piston caliper biting a single 320mm disc up front and a single-piston floating caliper pinching a 270mm disc in the rear, and Continental ABS is standard.

The 450SS rolls on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 tires.

2023 CFMOTO 450SS

Related: Chris Peterman, CFMOTO USA | Ep. 40 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

As far as design, the 450SS was put through “extensive aerodynamic wind tunnel testing,” and GP racing-derived winglets enhance stability by providing a claimed 1.6 times downforce at higher speeds. A chromoly steel frame, aluminum alloy wheels, and 3.8-gal fuel tank contribute to a trim 370-lb wet weight. The bike has a 53.5-inch wheelbase and a 31-inch seat height.

2023 CFMOTO 450SS
2023 CFMOTO 450SS in Zircon Black.
2023 CFMOTO 450SS
2023 CFMOTO 450SS in Nebula Black.

The 450SS has full LED lighting and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and CFMOTO Ride App connectivity.

The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS comes in Nebula Black or Zircon Black starting at $5,499. For more information, visit the CFMOTO website.

See all of Rider‘s CFMOTO coverage here.

The post 2023 CFMOTO 450SS | First Look Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters
Inside the new North American headquarters for KTM North America and Pierer Mobility, which includes the KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, MV Agusta, WP Suspension, and Felt bicycles brands. (Photo by Casey Davis)

On March 28, just 15 months after breaking ground on the development, KTM North America and parent company Pierer Mobility celebrated the grand opening of their new North American headquarters in Murrieta, California.

In attendance at the event were Stefan Pierer, CEO of Pierer Mobility AG; members of Pierer Mobility AG’s global board of directors; employees of KTM North America, including members of the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas factory race teams; local politicians and dignitaries; and numerous invited guests.

Related: 2023 KTM 890 Adventure | First Ride Review

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters
Stefan Pierer, CEO of Pierer Mobility AG, speaking at the grand opening event. (Photo by Jean Turner)

“This is an emotional day for me,” said Pierer. “Exactly 30 years ago, I started in the USA with only a dozen employees. Today, we are Europe’s leading powered two-wheeler group, and we’re selling approximately 100,000 units annually in the U.S. market – so, more than $1 billion in sales. The most important success factor for us is racing; that is the driving force that pushed us over the years. Building our new North American headquarters in Murrieta was the biggest single investment we’ve ever made. We set a new standard for the whole U.S. market.”

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters
Pierer Mobility’s new North American headquarters in Murrieta, California, houses facilities for the KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, MV Agusta, WP, and Felt brands. (Photo by Greg Drevenstedt)

Pierer stated that North America is Pierer Mobility’s most important market, which warranted the $53 million investment in the new headquarters campus.

Pierer Mobility AG purchased KTM out of bankruptcy in 1992, and at the time it had just 160 employees and sold only 6,300 motorcycles that year. Under Pierer’s stewardship, KTM grew slowly but steadily, but in the past decade its growth has accelerated.

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters
In the front lobby of the new Motorsports building, which houses the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas factory race departments, are two championship-winning motorcycles and an impressive display of championship trophies. (Photo by Casey Davis)

In 2013, Pierer expanded its brand footprint by purchasing the legendary Swedish off-road brand Husqvarna from BMW, and in 2019, it acquired the Spanish off-road brand GasGas. Pierer Mobility AG also owns WP Suspension and the Felt and R Raymon bicycle brands.

Related: 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition | First Ride Review

In 2022, three decades after Pierer acquired KTM, the KTM Group produced 375,492 motorcycles, an increase of 13% over 2021. Of those, 268,575 (71.5%) were KTMs, 75,266 (20%) were Husqvarnas, and 31,651 (8.5%) were GasGas motorcycles. During the same year, Pierer also produced 118,465 pedal and electric-assist bicycles for its Husqvarna, GasGas, Felt, and R Raymon brands.

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters
Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta is the newest brand to join the Pierer Mobility family. Above is the new MV Agusta Super Veloce. (Photo by Casey Davis)

Last year, Pierer also acquired a 25% stake in Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, and it will provide distribution and marketing support in North America and other markets.

Pierer Mobility AG is very much on the gas, generating revenues of 2.437 billion euros in 2022, a 19% increase compared to 2021. It currently employs 6,000 workers around the globe, including 360 in North America – more than 200 of which are based in Murrieta, California.

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters
John Hinz, CEO of KTM North America and CEO of Pierer Mobility North America, speaks at the grand opening event. (Photo by Jean Turner)

John Hinz, CEO of KTM North America, Inc. and Pierer Mobility North America, Inc. was also in attendance at the grand opening, and he called the event a “massive milestone in our company’s history.”

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters
Supervisor Chuck Washington (7th from right), representing the Third District for the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, presents Stefan Pierer and John Hinz with a certificate of appreciation for making such a large investment in the local community. (Photo by Greg Drevenstedt)

“The campus and our facilities, this represents the single biggest investment by our company,” Hinz said, “so thank you to Mr. Pierer. We designed these buildings for our employees, race teams, athletes, and truly for our dealers across North America to help support our brands and help support sales. This new campus showcases not only the facilities as a tool for our employees and dealers, but it’s our commitment, our dedication, and our investment into the motorcycle and bicycle industry here in North America.”

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters
Inside the new Redbull KTM factory Supercross race shop. (Photo by Casey Davis)

The new headquarters occupies a 20-acre site that includes three buildings comprising a total of 130,000 square feet. The two-story administrative building includes office and conference space, facilities for dealer and technical training, space for media fleets, and Kiska’s North American design center. The powersports building houses the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas factory race teams, WP Suspension, and R&D facilities. A third building serves as a warehouse.

KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters
In the Motorsports building’s engine shop, dozens of prepped engines await their next race. (Photo by Greg Drevenstedt)

Pierer Mobility also acquired 12 additional acres located adjacent to the new headquarters that have been set aside for future development. The group’s purpose-built private motorsports facility – RD Field – sits one block south of the corporate campus. It includes two supercross test tracks, a hard enduro test track, and a trials competition section for product testing and athlete training.

For more information, visit PiererMobility.com, KTM.com, Husqvarna-Motorcycles.com, or GasGas.com.

The post KTM North America and Pierer Mobility Open New North American Headquarters first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2023 Yamaha MT-10 | Tour Test Review

2023 Yamaha MT-10
The MT-10 accessorized for sport-touring. (Photos by Kevin Wing and the author.)

Some rides are more challenging than others. Sometimes we seek out the challenge, and sometimes the challenge finds us. It was a little of both when I found myself stopped on the side of the road, trying to stay upright on a Yamaha MT-10 while being battered by 60-mph winds and sandblasted by a dust storm.

It was Valentine’s Day, and I was headed for Las Vegas to attend the AIMExpo dealer show while a winter storm was sending a freight train of frigid air down from the Sierra Nevada mountains. South of me on Interstate 15 in the Mojave Desert, tractor-trailers were being overturned by the wind. I had avoided that route because I’ve ridden it a million times and find it boring, so I was taking a longer, more scenic ride along part of the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 395) and through Death Valley.

Related: 2023 AIMExpo Highlights

While I expected it to be a cold, windy day – and was warmly cocooned in my Zerofit HeatRub baselayers, Gerbing’s 12V heated jacket liner and gloves, and traffic-cone-orange Aerostich R-3 suit – I didn’t anticipate it would be quite this bad. My arms and neck were sore from leaning into the wind for the past couple of hours, and things went from bad to worse after I filled up in Olancha and turned east on California Route 190 across the Owens Valley. The snowcapped Sierras were partly obscured by dusty haze, and soon I became engulfed in a beige cloud and got blitzed by stinging sand.

2023 Yamaha MT-10
This photo doesn’t do the dust storm justice, but the video does. Check it out here or below.

After a few gusts nearly knocked me off the road, I slowed way down and turned on my hazard flashers. At one point, I stopped on the side of the road to get my bearings near the Olancha Dunes OHV area, with my legs splayed like outriggers and my feet planted firmly on the ground. I didn’t dare get off the bike or it would have toppled over, but I managed to dig my phone out of my pocket to capture a video of the blasting sand starting to cover the road and slamming into me and the bike like millions of miniature BBs.

Once you’re in it, you’re in it. You can either wait it out or proceed with caution.

Sport-Touring on the 2023 Yamaha MT-10

In calmer days last fall, I traveled to North Carolina to attend the press launch for the Yamaha MT-10, a naked sportbike based on the YZF-R1 that was updated with engine refinements, R1-sourced electronics, new styling, and revised ergonomics.

2023 Yamaha MT-10
Yamaha’s accessory top case comes in three sizes: 30L, 39L (shown), and 50L. It not only provides lockable storage, it also provides a backrest for a passenger. Soft side cases (20L each) are also available.

The MT-10’s suck-squeeze-bang-blow comes courtesy of a 998cc inline-Four with a crossplane crankshaft that produces sound and feel like a V-Four, and its aural symphony is amplified by acoustic sound grilles atop the air intakes on either side of the tank.

Related: 2023 Yamaha MT-10 SP | First Ride Review

At the launch, we rode stock MT-10s in the Cyan Storm colorway, which has a mix of gloss black and gray bodywork with bright blue wheels. One of the Yamaha guys rode a Matte Raven MT-10 fitted with factory accessories: Windscreen ($249.99), GYTR Frame Sliders ($209.99), Comfort Seat ($299.99), Rear Rack/Top Case Mount ($250.99), 39L Top Case ($241.99), and Universal Mount ($24.99). After the launch, Yamaha agreed to let us borrow the accessorized bike for an extended test.

2023 Yamaha MT-10
Compact, light, and agile, the MT-10 is like a cat with catnip in the corners.

The first thing we did was take the MT-10 down to Jett Tuning for a dyno run. Measured where the rubber meets the road, the MT-10’s quartet of 249.5cc cylinders chuffed out 138.5 hp at 10,200 rpm and 76.5 lb-ft of torque at 9,000 rpm. Yes, that’ll do nicely.

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Spec chart

Then we flogged it around town and up and down the canyon roads that make Southern California such a land of milk and honey for motorcyclists. The balance and smoothness of an inline-Four is always a delight, but the MT-10’s particular blend of herbs and spices is truly mouth-watering. Twist the throttle hard, and the bike leaps forward, emits a joyful noise, and flashes an amber light as the wheelie control keeps the front wheel close to the ground.

2023 Yamaha MT-10

GEAR UP

Have Trunk, Will Travel

Flash forward to my trip in February. The temperatures had been in the 40s all morning, and after making it through the dust storm and climbing out of the Owens Valley, it dropped into the 30s by the time I stopped for a photo in front of the Death Valley National Park sign. It was a Tuesday, and there were few cars on the road – just the way I like it.

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Death Valley National Park
A gritted-teeth smile and a powdered MT-10 after the first dust storm.

No matter how many times I visit Death Valley, I never get tired of it. Covering nearly 5,271 square miles, you could fit Rhode Island and Delaware within its borders and still have 1,237 square miles left over. It’s a place of extremes, contrasts, and wonders. And with nearly 1,000 miles of paved and unpaved roads ranging from tame to intense, it’s a two-wheeled playground.

I savored the long, winding descent into Panamint Valley, enjoyed the sweeping curves up to 4,956-foot Towne Pass, and cruised the 17 miles back down to sea level at Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley. After passing Mesquite Dunes, I was engulfed in another dust storm near the Devil’s Cornfield, where clumps of arrowweed resemble corn stalks. Even though wind was battering me, dust was obscuring the wide-open views that make Death Valley such a unique place, and hours of being cold were beginning to take their toll, it felt good to be hundreds of miles away from my desk.

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Death Valley National Park
Deep in Death Valley. Nelson-Rigg’s Commuter Tank Bag and Hurricane 2.0 Waterproof Backpack/Tail Pack came in handy.

Related: Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tank Bags | Gear Review

The windscreen provided more protection than the MT-10’s stock flyscreen but not by much. The comfort seat, however, was a huge improvement over the stock seat. It has a flatter shape, more supportive foam, and a suede-like finish. The top case provides 39 liters of lockable storage, and I used it as a solid anchor point for my Nelson-Rigg Hurricane 2.0 Waterproof Backpack/Tail Pack that sat on the passenger seat. For those who want more storage, Yamaha sells a 50L Top Case ($298.99), Side Case Brackets ($249.99), and MT Soft ABS Side Cases ($484.99).

2023 Yamaha MT-10
The MT-10’s stock tinted flyscreen’s height is just above the black mesh screen seen above, so the accessory clear windscreen adds 4-5 inches of height. It send airflow into the top of the chest/shoulder area.

By the time I made it to Las Vegas, the MT-10 no longer looked Matte Raven but a light gray because it was so powdered with dust and grit. In my hotel room, I poured handfuls of sand out of the pockets of my Aerostich suit.

Related: Yamaha Announces 2023 Updated and Returning Models

Cold and Flat

2023 Yamaha MT-10
Rolling on the throttle through a smooth corner on the MT-10 delivers a visceral sound and feel.

As I wrote about in First Gear last month, it wasn’t just me at AIMExpo. Our dispersed editorial team also came together in Las Vegas, and we enjoyed a group ride to Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire State Park. In the hotel parking garage after the ride, my colleague Kevin Duke pointed out the center of the MT-10’s rear tire was getting thin on tread. Admittedly, of the 2,000 miles on the bike’s odometer, most of them had been ridden with little to no lean angle, but I figured the tire had enough life left to get me home.

From Vegas, I rode north on I-15 to St. George, Utah, where I spent the weekend with my father and stepmother. Wanting to avoid the interstate for the long ride home, Dad helped me plot out a route west through the sparsely inhabited interior of Nevada.

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Snow Canyon State Park Utah
Sunrise at Snow Canyon just north of St. George, Utah. It stayed below freezing for the next two hours.

On Presidents Day, I suited up, plugged in my heated apparel, and set off north from St. George on State Route 18, which passes by Snow Canyon on its way to Enterprise. Dawn was just breaking, and it was below freezing – and it stayed that way for the next two hours, mostly down in the 20s. My heated gear did its best to keep up; my core was warm, but my hands, even with the heated, insulated gloves turned to the highest setting, were still cold. The accessory I most wished the MT-10 had was heated grips (Yamaha doesn’t offer them).

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park.

After crossing into Nevada, my teeth chattered as I rode over 6,718-foot Panaca Summit, and then I made a brief stop at Cathedral Gorge State Park, which has walls of eroded bentonite clay that look like intricate sandcastles. Continuing southwest on U.S. Route 93, I went from cold to colder over 6,243-foot Oak Springs Summit. At Crystal Springs, I turned onto Nevada Route 375, known as the Extraterrestrial Highway because it passes near Area 51, the infamous secret government facility where there have been reports of UFO sightings.

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Extraterrestrial Highway Nevada Route 375
Nevada Route 375 is known as the Extraterrestrial Highway. With its beady headlights, the MT-10 looks a bit extraterrestrial itself.

Nevada is known for its “basin and range” topography, with abrupt changes in elevation as you travel over steep mountains and across wide, flat valleys. I passed over two more of Nevada’s summits – Hancock and Coyote, both around 5,500 feet – before reaching the rundown town of Rachel, home to the Little A’le’inn bar/restaurant/motel, the Alien Cowpoke gas station, and scattered mobile homes.

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Area 51
This is the only UFO I saw in the vicinity of Area 51.

Other than a few overpriced souvenirs, Rachel didn’t have much to offer. Route 375 passes through vast emptiness, but there was no evidence of Area 51 or anything otherworldly.

2023 Yamaha MT-10
These guys kept a bug eye on me while I gassed up at Alien Cowpoke in Rachel.

My dogleg westward route eventually brought me to the old mining town of Tonopah for gas. I entered California by way of Nevada Route 266, which took me over 7,420-foot Lida Summit, the highest pass of the day.

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Westgard Pass
It was cold and windy for 1,600 miles.

After crossing the state line, I stopped at a ranch that straddles both sides of California Route 168. Nearly 15 years ago, on a moonless night at that very spot, I crashed a Ducati GT1000. I had no business riding through an open range area after dark, but I had left home late and was on my way to meet my father at the Bonneville Salt Flats. I suddenly came upon a herd of black cows on the road, grabbed a handful of brake lever, locked up the front wheel, and went down.

All things considered, I was lucky. It could have been much worse that night. My apparel was thrashed, but I wasn’t hurt and the bike was rideable. The Swiss Army knife that I carry in my pocket to this day still bears scratch marks from sliding along the pavement during that crash. Had I not stopped this time around to preserve the memory with a photo, I wouldn’t have noticed that the MT-10’s rear tire, with just 2,600 miles on it, was worn down to the cords. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires are marvelously grippy, but they’re not much for longevity.

2023 Yamaha MT-10
Luckily these are the only scars from my crash 15 years ago.

I rode slowly and gingerly for the next 50 miles, which, regrettably, also happened to be the curviest section of my entire trip. I made it over 6,373-foot Gilbert Pass and 7,271-foot Westgard Pass on my way to Big Pine, a small town that sits in the shadow of the Sierras on U.S. 395. I was safe and sound, but I was 250 miles from home.

2023 Yamaha MT-10
Cords showing after just 2,600 miles. No burnouts, I promise!

Unwilling to risk a catastrophic blowout, I got a motel room and hunkered down. The next day, my dear wife drove up to Big Pine in our 4Runner with a motorcycle trailer and rescued me. It’s not how I wanted the trip to end, but once again, it could have been much worse. Maybe my guardian angel lives at that ranch out on Route 168.

2023 Yamaha MT-10
A stunning view of the Sierras during what turned out to be the last few miles of my ride.

How about a Tracer 10 GT?

The MT-10’s performance, handling, and ergonomics make it a great streetbike, and with some accessories, it makes for a very sporty sport-tourer. In fact, we’d love to see a Tracer 10 GT version with an even taller windscreen, a lower fairing, heated grips, wind-blocking handguards, hard saddlebags, and higher-mileage sport-touring tires. Hey Yamaha, whaddaya think?

2023 Yamaha MT-10

See all of Rider‘s Yamaha coverage here.

2023 Yamaha MT-10 Specs

  • Base Price: $14,199 
  • Price as Tested: $15,477 
  • Website: YamahaMotorsports.com 
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse inline-Four, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. 
  • Displacement: 998cc 
  • Bore x Stroke: 79.0 x 50.9mm 
  • Horsepower: 138.5 hp at 10,200 rpm (rear-wheel dyno) 
  • Torque: 76.5 lb-ft at 9,000 rpm (rear-wheel dyno) 
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch 
  • Final Drive: Chain 
  • Wheelbase: 55.3 in. 
  • Rake/Trail: 24 degrees/4.0 in. 
  • Seat Height: 32.9 in. 
  • Wet Weight: 467 lb 
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal. 
  • Fuel Consumption: 36 mpg 

The post 2023 Yamaha MT-10 | Tour Test Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Triumph Unveils 2024 Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Limited Edition

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

For 10 years, Triumph Motorcycles has partnered with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, an event that unites hundreds of thousands of classic and vintage style motorcycle fans all over the world to raise funds and awareness for men’s health. To celebrate this landmark anniversary, Triumph has created 250 new Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Limited Edition motorcycles.

Founded in 2012 in Sydney, Australia, the DGR was created by Mark Hawwa as a way to bring together motorcycle enthusiasts focused on a common cause for good. Today the DGR spans the world with more than 90,000 riders taking to the streets in more than 800 cities. The event has raised more than $37 million for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. Triumph became the official motorcycle partner of the DGR in 2014, bringing a commitment to increase awareness, grow participation, and ultimately increase fundraising in support of this worthy cause.

Related: 2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R | Road Test Review

During the unveiling of the Bonneville T120 Black, Miles Perkins, Triumph’s head of brand management, called the DGR “the world’s largest road-riding charity event.”

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

“The numbers are important,” Perkins said, “but the impact is even greater than the money – phenomenal from the perspective of what this means to everyone involved and the joy of riding and the joy of being in the company of people united by passion for the motorcycling, for riding together, and contributing what they can to make lives better.”

One of Triumph’s most significant contributions has been in growing awareness and motivating fundraisers around the world by providing motorcycles from Triumph’s Modern Classic range as rewards for the top fundraisers.

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

“To me, this was a real match made in heaven,” Perkins said.

Triumph Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud called it “a perfect fit …. something that is much more than sponsorship.”

“Everyone involved over the last decade of the DGR, from the Triumph and DGR teams, to our dealers, the army of DGR organizers and ride hosts, and the legions of riders who passionately support this wonderful event and cause should be justifiably proud of the impact their efforts have had,” Stroud said.

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

In previous years, the motorcycles provided by Triumph have included a one-of-a-kind Triumph Thruxton RS DGR Edition and a custom ‘1959 Legends’ Triumph Bonneville T120 and matching Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar, awarded to the 2022 ride’s highest fundraiser as part of a collaboration between Triumph and Gibson.

Related: Triumph Announces New Colors, Names for Select 2023 Models

This year’s bike, the Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Limited Edition, features a custom DGR look. The monochrome metallic Phantom Black and Crystal White two-tone paint scheme follows a distinctive ‘dress suit’ inspired design, drawing inspiration from ‘dressing dapper’ for dinner—which is also how most riders dress for the DGR itself.

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

Gold fuel tank stripe detailing and hand-painted gold pinstriping on the side panels are also inspired by the DGR’s dapper clothing and accessory style, such as the classic gold pocket watch or tie-pin. The custom DGR 2023 gold script logo is featured on the fuel tank and side panels, and a brown stitched bench seat with pillion strap enhances the vintage custom look.

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

Each bike comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity featuring the motorcycle’s VIN and DGR edition number, hand-signed by the DGR’s Mark Hawwa and Triumph CEO Nick Bloor. There will be 250 bikes built, but only 249 will be available for purchase (for $13,495 in the U.S.), since edition number #001 will be presented to the highest fundraised for the 2023 DGR.

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

Related: Triumph Unveils Speed Triple 1200 RR Bond Edition

But of course, the DGR Limited Edition wouldn’t exist without the Triumph T120 Black. In 2022, the classically styled Bonneville T120 received a few updates to its 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, which makes a claimed 79 hp at 6,550 rpm and 77.4 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and chain final drive. Other features include two ride modes (Road and Rain) and switchable traction control and cruise control.

The 2022 Bonneville T120 also shaved 15 lb off the previous generation and features new aluminum wheels (18-by-2.75 inches on the front and 17-by-4.25 inches on the rear). Stopping power comes from Brembo front brakes with a twin disc set-up and 2-piston calipers, and ABS is standard.

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

At the bike’s unveiling, Mark Hawwa, founder of the DGR, said that 10 years ago, they were “trying to find our feet and learn how to grow this event and really partner up with the brand that we felt had the same synergy as us.”

“I don’t think any of us ever realized that this would become such an important relationship, one that has touched even the guys that work at Triumph,” Hawwa said. “Obviously, times change, people move on, but each of those people that have been a part of the Triumph journey and DGR journey are still with us—riding motorcycles, taking part, getting dressed up and looking the part as well. It’s been an incredible 10 years, and I still pinch myself.”

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

Hawwa said the DGR is more than just the ride or the bike.

“For us, it’s the fact that we’ve been able to really create meaningful relationships. We’ve been able to connect a lot of people together. We’ve been able to really teach guys that it’s okay to be vulnerable and that it’s okay to talk about their health and also to educate them along the path as well.”

The Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Limited Edition is considered a 2024 model year bike. There will be 50 units available in the U.S., and dealers will start taking deposits on April 14.

2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Limited Edition

For more information, visit the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website or the Triumph Motorcycles website.

See all of Rider‘s Triumph coverage here.

The post Triumph Unveils 2024 Bonneville T120 Black Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Limited Edition first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Polaris Xchange Offers Online Shopping for Indian Motorcycles and More

Riders shopping for new or used Indian motorcycles will now be able to view, research, and purchase them at Polaris Xchange, a new online shopping and selling platform. Other new and used products from Polaris will also be served, including the Slingshot three-wheeler, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles, as well as Polaris accessories and protection products. Once the purchase has been made, customers can pick up the vehicle from a participating dealer or have it delivered. For more information, read the press release below from Polaris Industries.


2023 Indian FTR R Carbon

MINNEAPOLIS – Polaris Inc., the global leader in powersports, is putting customers in the driver’s seat as they shop for their first or next powersports vehicle with the introduction of Polaris Xchange. Built from the ground up with the needs of the powersports customer in-mind, this one-stop online marketplace provides customers the ability to shop, research, and start the buying process on thousands of off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, side-by-sides, auto-cycles, and ATVs from participating Polaris dealers nationwide.

Related: 2023 Indian Sport Chief | First Ride Review

“We are constantly infusing new ways of thinking and using our knowledge of the powersports customer to help advance our industry, introduce new people to powersports and enhance the experience for our owners and riders, and Polaris Xchange is another example of that industry leadership,” said Vic Koelsch, senior vice president, chief digital and information officer at Polaris. “Polaris Xchange simplifies the shopping process for customers, allowing them do most of the process online before visiting their local dealership to sign the paperwork.”

Polaris XChange

Consumer shopping habits have evolved in recent years with more consumers leveraging online resources for discovery, research, and learning as they start the buying process prior to visiting a physical retail location, and powersports consumers are no different.

Polaris Xchange offers consumers the tools they need to feel confident as well as conveniently start the buying process from the comfort of their homes, including: finding the vehicle, viewing used vehicle history and condition reports, shopping for accessories, indicating interest in protection products, determining trade-in value, and prequalifying for a loan. From there, the customer simply needs to complete the purchase and pick up the vehicle from a dealer or have it delivered.

Related: 2022 Slingshot Signature LE | First Look Review

Polaris Xchange also provides value to Polaris dealers who can publish their new and used inventory online, increasing visibility, reach, and awareness to shoppers.

Polaris XChange

“We set out to streamline the shopping process and provide consumers with even more confidence as they look to purchase,” said Koelsch. “Through Polaris Xchange, we are offering a one-stop, credible resource that makes it easier to not only find new Polaris vehicles but search through available used powersports inventory at our trusted network of dealers.”

See all of Rider’s Indian coverage here.

With JoyDrive as a technology partner, Polaris Xchange will showcase used powersports inventory from all powersports manufacturers as well as available inventory of new Polaris vehicles at participating dealers.

Shop for your next ride and learn more at the Polaris Xchange website.

The post New Polaris Xchange Offers Online Shopping for Indian Motorcycles and More first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | Video Review

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Getting dirty on the new 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE.

We review the all-new 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, an off-road-ready middleweight adventure bike that slots in between the V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1050. Until the 800 came along, V-Stroms have had V-Twin engines (hence the “V-” in the name, but Suzuki now says it stands for “Versatile).

The V-Strom 800DE is powered by a new 776cc parallel-Twin that makes a claimed 83 hp at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm. The same engine is also found in the new 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S naked bike.

It also features a 21-inch front wheel, spoked wheels (tubes are required), 8.7 inches of front/rear suspension travel, and 8.75 inches of ground clearance. The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System includes the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector with three throttle maps, traction control with three on-road settings and a “G” (gravel) off-road setting, ABS with multiple modes (it can also be turned off at the rear), and a quickshifter.

We traveled to Sardinia, Italy, for two days of on-road and off-road testing. Watch the video to see the V-Strom 800DE in action and get our impressions. You can also read our First Ride Review.

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Specs 

  • Base Price: $11,349 
  • Website: SuzukiCycles.com 
  • Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles 
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. 
  • Displacement: 776cc 
  • Bore x Stroke: 84.0 x 70mm 
  • Horsepower: 83 hp @ 8,500 rpm (factory claim) 
  • Torque: 57.5 lb-ft @ 6,800 rpm (factory claim) 
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch 
  • Final Drive: Chain 
  • Wheelbase: 61.8 in. 
  • Rake/Trail: 28.0 degrees/4.5 in. 
  • Seat Height: 33.7 in. 
  • Wet Weight: 507 lb 
  • Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal. 
  • Fuel Consumption: 53.4 mpg (factory claim)

The post 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | Video Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition | First Ride Review 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
The 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition arrives just one year after the introduction of the Norden 901 and is more off-road and touring ready. (Photos by Sebas Romero & Marco Campelli)

Walking up to the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition for the first time, the bold graphics caught my eye. In a departure from the subdued matte-black paint scheme on the standard Norden 901, the Expedition sports a blue and white colorway with yellow accents, a large white Husqvarna logo, and white handguards and side panels. Like the standard model, the graphics include topographical lines that bring to mind far-flung places where one might venture on the Expedition. 

Related: 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 | First Ride Review

The visual prowess of the new machine got me excited. The inverted WP Xplor fork – an upgrade from the WP Apex unit on the standard Norden – has an eye-catching WP logo and red accents on the silver tubes. The wrap-around skid plate is big and rugged, protecting both the underside of the engine and the lower pods of the horseshoe-shaped fuel tank. 

The Expedition looks the business, and all I wanted to do was ride it. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
We tested the Norden 901 Expedition on a variety of terrain in South Africa, including sand.

But is it the off-road beast I wanted the first Norden to be? The standard model was released just last year, and it planted a prominent flag for Husqvarna – a legendary off-road brand – onto the ADV landscape. The Expedition ups the platform’s game with higher-spec WP Xplor suspension, a taller windscreen, and side carriers with a pair of 18-liter waterproof saddlebags. Several optional features and accessories for the Norden are standard on the Expedition, including the Explorer ride mode, a beefier skid plate, heated grips and seat, a centerstand, and Bluetooth connectivity for infotainment and navigation. It’s priced at $15,799, a $1,300 premium over the Norden 901.

Enough speculating, let’s ride! 

Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition in South Africa 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
The new taller windscreen on the Norden 901 Expedition comes in handy in situations like this.

Husqvarna did an amazing job plotting a route up and down epic mountains, over rolling hillsides, and along rugged coastlines near Cape Town, South Africa. Our first day started with a short stint on the freeway to get comfortable on the machine, and then we wicked it up on a hardpacked gravel road through vineyards and recently harvested grain fields. It was super dusty, so we tried leaving enough space between riders to avoid the dust without losing sight of those ahead of us. With a quick glance down, I saw 136 kph (84 mph) on the TFT display, and I wondered, Are we in a hurry?  

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
We started with the Norden 901 Expedition on paved roads, but I was champing at the bit to see how it fared off-road.

GEAR UP

Our route took us along the edge of a lake, and the scenery was breathtaking. Then we returned to the tarmac and blasted down a beautiful canyon road with towering cliffs, majestic mountains, and deep ravines. Back and forth we went, from gravel roads to highways at a brisk pace. The Norden’s 889cc parallel-Twin, which cranks out a claimed 105 hp and 73.8 lb-ft of torque, was pegged at 7,000 rpm in 6th gear without complaint, even though redline is 8,500 rpm. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
With scenery like this, I wondered why we would be in such a hurry.

Day 2 brought more serious off-road terrain, with technical two-track, wet sand, and gnarly, rutted-out hillclimbs. At one point, facing exposed rocks and step-ups as the trail steepened toward a peak, I thought to myself, There’s no way this bike is making it to the top. It looked like something only an enduro bike should tackle but not this bike, not with its road-biased tires with 36 psi in them. But the Norden proved to be quite the mountain goat, and we successfully summitted the hill. 

Then it was on to an enduro-type loop section with sand, loose red rock, hardpacked dirt, and a wet, grassy stretch. We did several loops, each slightly faster and messier than the last, pushing the Norden 901 Expedition harder with each pass. Then we charged up a steep and crumbling single-lane paved road. What a climb, and what a view from the top! It was an amazing couple of days to test an adventure bike – the perfect mix of a challenging route and out-there countryside. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
After making adjustments to the suspension, there wasn’t any more twitch at high speeds off-road.

Related: Motorcycle Camping on a Honda CB500X and Husqvarna Norden 901

Report Card 

The Husqvarna Norden 901 is built on the same platform as the KTM 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R, a bike I’ve previously sampled. They share an engine and much of the same technology, such as ride modes, cornering ABS and traction control, Motor Slip Regulation, and a quickshifter. As on the KTMs, ABS is linked to the ride modes, so selecting the Street or Rain ride mode activates the Road ABS mode, and selecting the Offroad or Explorer ride mode activates the Offroad ABS mode. 

But the Explorer ride mode is fully customizable. Riders can select among four different throttle-response maps (Rally, Offroad, Street, or Rain), select either ABS mode, and toggle between 10 levels of traction control for the rear wheel on the fly, ranging from Level 0 (off) to Level 9 (most intrusive). I found that Level 3 allowed for nice power slides without letting things get too out of hand. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
With a bike like the Norden 901 Expedition, you’re going to want to do a little bit of power sliding, and 10 levels of traction control, adjustable on the fly, will let you choose how much.

The biggest change on the Expedition relative to the standard Norden 901 is the suspension. Compared to the WP Apex setup on the base model, the Expedition’s WP Xplor fork has larger diameter tubes (48mm vs. 43mm) and more travel (9.4 inches vs. 8.7 inches), and the Xplor PDS (Progressive Damping System) shock also has more travel (9.4 inches vs. 8.5 inches). The KTM 890 Adventure R also has Xplor suspension, but the Expedition has softer damping for a more comfortable ride. After two hard-charging days of riding, I can tell you that the bike’s handling is phenomenal. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
Adjusting suspension on the Norden 901 Expedition fork is simply with clickers at the top of the tubes.

On pavement, the added stiffness of the 48mm fork kept the front end firmly planted no matter how hard I pushed into turns, even with the additional travel. The damping allowed the Expedition to float down the road, but it never felt spongy or bouncy. Off-road was a different story. At high speeds on long, fast gravel roads, I felt equally confident until I hit a loose rock or pothole and the handlebar did a quick 1-2-3 twitch – just enough to remind me to tone it down. On gnarly trails, I felt the softness of the stroke and used all the travel, but it never held me back and I experienced less jarring on my body than what I’ve experienced on the 890 Adventure R. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires provident confident grip, but I would’ve preferred more knobby tires in some situations.

Before the more technical riding on Day 2, I asked the Husqvarna techs to firm up the damping front and rear (there’s a settings chart under the rider seat). Adjusting the fork is simple since there are compression and rebound clickers atop the fork tubes; adjusting the shock requires tools that are found in the toolkit under the side panel. The changes made a big difference. On the road, I could feel small imperfections in the tarmac, and I could dive into corners with even more confidence and speed. Off-road was even better. I felt more in tune with the bike, allowing me to push the limits. There was no more twitch at high speeds, and the bike tracked straighter through sandy sections. On rough, rocky trails, the tires didn’t deflect as much, though it would have been even better if we could have aired them down. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
The Norden 901 Expedition features a heavy-duty skid plate made of 4mm laser-cut aluminum.

The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs on the Expedition, which have roughly a 70/30 on/off-road bias, performed well on pavement and on fast-paced gravel roads. We flogged them hard, and they provided confident, consistent grip. In sand and on some of the more technical off-road sections, however, I would have preferred a more aggressive knobby. Tires are always a compromise, and the Pirellis are versatile tires with big knob blocks that should hold up well during long multiday tours. 

Related: Riding the Ozarks on a Husqvarna 701 Enduro and a Kawasaki KLR650

Jack of All Trades 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition looks the business, and it’s well-equipped for off-road riding and long-distance touring.

Adventure bikes have a tough job. They need to be rugged and capable of tackling a wide variety of off-road terrain, they need to be robust enough to withstand abuse and carry heavy loads, and they need to provide enough power, comfort, and sophistication to satisfy riders who want to carve canyons or cross continents. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
The Norden 901 Expedition’s Explorer ride mode is completely customizable for throttle response, ABS selection, and traction control.

The Norden’s tubular chromoly-steel trellis frame is light and strong and uses the engine as a stressed member for added rigidity. The rest of the chassis consists of a steel trellis subframe and a cast-aluminum open-lattice swingarm. The steering stem, triple clamps, handlebar, and footpegs are also made of aluminum, saving weight without sacrificing durability. 

The parallel-Twin engine is certainly up to the task. It’s a lively powerplant, yet dual balancer shafts keep vibration to a manageable level. It makes plenty of power and torque, its throttle-by-wire enables the selectable ride modes and other rider aids, and its 6-speed transmission is equipped with a slip/assist clutch and the best quickshifter I’ve had the pleasure of using.  

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
Like its slightly older sibling, the Norden 901 Expedition features topographical detailing that hints at the adventures you might have on the bike.

Whether seated or standing, I found the ergonomics to be spot-on for my 5-foot-11 frame. The low-slung fuel tank keeps weight down low for better balance and handling, and it keeps the upper part of the tank narrow between the knees. The tank, bodywork, and windscreen kept the wind and water off me for the most part. The windscreen isn’t adjustable, but it has a cut-out in the center that smooths the airflow. There was no buffeting, and I could look side to side without the peak of my helmet getting ripped by the passing air. When seated, I felt some airflow at neck level, but I didn’t mind, especially in the warm temperatures we were riding in.  

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
The Norden 901 Expedition is pretty to look at when it’s clean, but you’re not going to want to keep it that way for long.

With good wind protection, cruise control, and heated grips and seat, the Expedition is a good choice for those who want to burn miles. The luggage that comes standard, however, wasn’t quite up to the task. Halfway through Day One, the crossmember that connects the two side carriers came off and went flying end over end down the road behind me. That got repaired, but after two days of thrashing, the loaded bags hung down because the stitching on the upper backing was stretching and coming undone. The side bags look good and provide useful storage, but they don’t seem robust enough for serious off-road abuse. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
The side carriers with a pair of 18-liter waterproof saddlebags are a nice addition, but after two days of riding, it became evident that their construction would benefit from some shoring up.

For digital addicts, the Expedition has a connectivity unit that allows a smartphone to be paired via Bluetooth using the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app, which enables phone and music functions as well as Turn-by-Turn+ navigation and route planning. Pairing a Bluetooth helmet headset with the app allows riders to listen to music and take calls, with functions controlled via the left switch cube and displayed on the TFT dash. Maps can be downloaded for use offline, and up to 128 waypoints can be added to routes. I didn’t test the app, but I found the TFT display easy to read and the menus intuitive. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review
The Norden 901 Expedition features a 5-inch TFT dash with Husqvarna’s Connectivity Unit to connect to a smartphone for navigation, calls, and music.

See all of Rider‘s Husqvarna coverage here.

Bottom Line 

Overall, my criticisms of the Norden 901 Expedition are fairly minor. I’d like an adjustable windscreen, more robust luggage, and knobbier tires, but some of that just reflects my personal preferences. If you’re in the market for a middleweight do-it-all adventure bike, especially if you put emphasis on the “touring” part of Adventure Touring, then the Expedition is hard to beat. With its excellent on- and off-road handling, versatile engine, fantastic electronics package, and comfortable ergonomics, you’ll be smiling ear-to-ear on every adventure. 

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Ride Review

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Specs

  • Base Price: $15,799 
  • Website: Husqvarna-Motorcycles.com 
  • Warranty: 2 yrs., 24,000 miles 
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. 
  • Displacement: 889cc 
  • Bore x Stroke: 90.7 x 68.8mm 
  • Horsepower: 105 hp @ 8,000 rpm (factory claim) 
  • Torque: 73.8 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (factory claim) 
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch 
  • Final Drive: X-ring chain 
  • Wheelbase: 59.5 in. ± 0.6 in. 
  • Rake/Trail: 25.8 degrees/4.2 in. 
  • Seat Height: 33.6/34.4 in. 
  • Wet Weight: 503 lb (claimed)  
  • Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gal. 
  • Fuel Consumption: 52.3 mpg (claimed) 

The post 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition | First Ride Review  first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R/RS | First Ride Review 

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
Hunting for apexes at Circuito de Jerez in Spain. (Photos by Kingdom Creative)

The updated and upgraded Triumph Street Triple 765 hits a sweet spot in the sporty motorcycle market. It’s comfortable enough for commuting and light-duty touring, cool enough to hold its head high at bike nights, and fast enough for scorching trackdays. With prices starting at $9,995, it offers undeniable value for a sporting naked streetbike.  

The Street Triple has been one of our favorite sports roadsters since its 2007 inception as an offshoot of the 675cc Daytona. Surprisingly lively and always playful, it was like a more exotic and more stimulating Suzuki SV650, another longtime fave that punches above its weight.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R RS
The Street Triple R (left) retails for $9,995, while the RS version (right) demands a $2,600 premium.

The Street Triple 765 arrived in 2017 with a power-to-weight ratio that would humble the original 885cc Speed Triple, the Street’s older brother and one of the godfathers of the naked sportbike genre.

The revised Street Triple was a bigger, more capable machine that came in three variants: S, R, and RS, with outputs ranging from 111 hp to 121 hp.  

Related: 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS | First Ride Review

Triumph launched its first Street Triple 765 in southern Spain, so it was fitting that we were invited back to Spain to sample the new version on Andalusian roads and the famous Jerez racetrack.  

Triumph Street Triple 765 Revamped 

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
The Street Triple remained entirely composed at the racetrack thanks to class-leading electronics and an excellent chassis.

Categorized in the U.S. as a 2024 model, the Street Triple gets an extensive overhaul this year. It enjoys many welcome upgrades and is available in three versions.  

Along with the R and RS we tested, Triumph is offering a special Moto2 Edition to celebrate its involvement as the engine supplier in MotoGP’s junior category since 2019. It’s basically an RS but with clip-on handlebars, carbon bodywork, and an Öhlins fork, and it’s limited to 765 units for each of its two colorways. Retailing for $15,395, as of press time it’s sold out in most global markets but is still available in America.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 Moto2
2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 Moto2 in Crystal White with Triumph Racing Yellow rear subframe

Related: 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 Range | First Look Review

Triumph reps boasted about how they took lessons learned in the Moto2 program and applied them to the streetbike. The bore and stroke of the inline-Triple remain unchanged, but most internals have been changed, including pistons, con-rods, camshafts, and valves. The piston crowns and combustion chamber are now fully machined for optimal flow and combustion, combining for a higher 13.25:1 compression ratio. The intake uses trumpets that are 20mm shorter for a stronger pull up top, and the exhaust now has just one catalyzer instead of two.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
The Street Triple proved to be a willing accomplice on unfamiliar Spanish backroads.

The result, according to Triumph, is an increase in power from the midrange on up. The R version claims 118 hp that arrives at 11,500 rpm, 500 revs earlier than the previous motor’s 116 ponies. The higher-spec RS variant delivers 128 hp at 12,000 rpm, a jump of 7 hp from the previous model. Torque on all models is bumped by 4% to a creditable 59 lb-ft.  

New to the Street Triple is the addition of an IMU that enables precise traction-control modulation and cornering ABS. Also coming standard and cued to the IMU is one of the most seamless up/down quickshifters we’ve sampled, which uses a pressure-sensitive actuator rather than a basic switch.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
The RS includes bar-end mirrors instead of the R’s more traditional mirrors atop the handlebar.

Styling remains similar but freshened, with a new, sharply creased fuel tank with integrated side panels and a stubby new stainless-steel muffler tucked in next to the gullwing aluminum swingarm. The distinctive dual headlights with LED eyebrows are topped with a mini wind deflector that’s more integrated than on previous models. Scrolling LED turnsignals are a nice upmarket touch.  

The chassis remains the same but tweaks to ride heights have modestly sharpened the steering geometry to aid agility. A shuffling of transmission and final-drive ratios has slightly shortened up the overall gearing for snappier engine responses. 

Related: Triumph Announces New Colors, Names for Select 2023 Models 

Is R Enough? 

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R
Tall mirrors identify this Street Triple as an R version.

The R version of the Street Triple makes a good case for saving money over its pricier RS brother. It very well could be the most appealing sub-$10,000 sporty bike on the market.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R
The Street Triple’s new exhaust is more plainly visible without the chin fairing of the RS.

It would be unfair to cast the R as a “budget bike,” as it includes a plethora of desirable features. An aluminum frame helps keep weight to a tidy 417 lb wet, fully adjustable Showa suspension can be dialed in to personal preferences, and a Brembo brake package with radial-mount monoblock calipers provides secure speed bleeding through braided steel lines. Tire valves directed to the sides are another pleasing accoutrement. 

Ergonomics are pleasantly familiar, placing a rider in a modestly leaned-over forward cant and now with a half-inch wider handlebar to aid agility. Long-legged riders may feel a bit cramped because of the high footpeg position that supplies a generous amount of lean angle before they begin dragging. The seat is reasonably comfortable and roomy, but short riders will whine about the 32.5-inch seat height. A lower accessory seat reduces height by 1 inch.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R
The Street Triple R, priced at $10K, is an undeniable value. Note the mirror positioning compared to the RS.

GEAR UP

While the RS gets a vivid 5-inch TFT instrument panel, the R gets a more basic LCD screen augmented by a diminutive TFT panel. It’s perfectly adequate if not visually brilliant. Both can be connected to phones via Bluetooth.  

The star of the Street Triple show is its compact three-cylinder engine that emits some of the most pleasing sounds ever trumpeted by a motorcycle – a mix of inline-Four scream tempered by a hint of twin-cylinder thrum. In addition to being delightfully sonorous and pleasingly smooth, it’s blessed with a wide swell of power that can easily carry a higher gear than typically optimum yet lunges for horizons with a howling top-end climax. Torque peaks at 5,500 rpm, which is below the halfway point of its rev range.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R
The Street Triple R has everything you need for an entertaining streetbike – except wind protection.

New throttle maps for the three ride modes (Rain, Road, and Sport) are finely tuned to deliver precise and user-friendly throttle responses. Traction and wheelie control settings are tied into each ride mode. The “Rider” mode can be tailored to personal preferences. A slip-assist clutch eases lever effort and sloppy downshifts.  

Related: 2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R | Road Test Review

Handling is another Street Triple strong point, now with minimally less rake and trail. It quickly bends into corners and provides confidence-inspiring feedback. The suspensions of the bikes on our street ride were set up to be compliant on the damp and occasionally bumpy Spanish backroads, but preload and damping (both compression and rebound) can be dialed up to suit rider weights and inclinations.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R
The Street Triple R is classy, thrilling, and capable.

The RS version has higher-end brake components, but there’s nothing wrong with the R’s for street usage. Brembo M4.32 calipers bite on 310mm rotors up front and provide strong power and the security of cornering ABS. The brake lever next to the Nissin axial master cylinder has a wide adjustment range to suit hands of all sizes. Application of the front brake subtly engages the rear brake to help settle the chassis during corner entries, but it’s entirely seamless and can be disabled in Rider mode settings.  

Story continues below 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R photo gallery

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS On the Track 

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
The Street Triple demonstrated its sporting prowess at the Circuito de Jerez MotoGP track.

The RS version of the Street Triple includes everything good about the R and dials it up to a more premium and slightly faster experience. Stylewise, you’ll notice the addition of a chin fairing, a cowl on the passenger seat, and a stitched seat. The RS also includes a deflector in front of the rear sprocket to prevent errant items or digits from entering, an item unappreciated until it’s needed. Ask me how I know.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
New engine internals help bring output to a claimed 128 hp on the Street Triple RS. Also new the muffler, now with a single catalyzer instead of a pair of them.

The RS’s cockpit is graced by TFT instrumentation that includes a lap-timer function, along with more comprehensive switch cubes. Unlike the R, the RS can be fitted with cruise control as an option. Heated grips are another option, which were gratefully fitted to the bikes on our chilly street ride. Bar-end mirrors replace the ones mounted atop the handlebar on the R. 

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
Knee down but not dragging footpegs demonstrates the cornering clearance of the Street Triple.

While engine internals are unchanged from the R, different ECU settings endow it with 10 extra ponies at its top end, to 128 hp at 12,000 rpm. A higher-end Showa fork damps bumps up front, while an Öhlins shock does duty out back. Sticky Pirelli SuperCorsas replace the R’s ContiRoad rubber.  

Riding a naked sportbike on a MotoGP racetrack seemed incongruous before I arrived at Circuito de Jerez, but that proved not to be the case. The Street Triple RS was fully capable of cutting quick laps, suffering only a lack of wind protection while traveling at speeds reaching 140 mph at the end of the back straightaway.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
Following the tire tracks of MotoGP riders at Circuito de Jerez was a rare treat on a streetbike.

The RS adds a Track setting to the R’s ride modes, which disables the linked brakes and cornering ABS for a purer riding experience. Track mode also ups the limits of traction control, wheelie control, and ABS interventions. Kudos to Triumph for enabling high limits for the electronic nannies on track. Unlike some systems that intervene too early when riding aggressively, I wasn’t tempted to disable any of the RS’s safety nets. The TC indicator lamp frequently flashed on the TFT, but intervention was so smooth that I mostly wouldn’t have otherwise noticed it.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
The Street Triple proves you don’t need a faired sportbike to cut quick laps on track.

The bike’s handling prowess is enhanced by sharper steering geometry due to a slightly taller rear ride height, tightening the rake angle to 23.2 degrees from the R’s 23.7 with a marginal decrease in trail. The bike proves to be agile but without any hint of instability, even when the front tire is dancing just above the tarmac during acceleration events out of lower-speed corners. It’s notable that no steering damper is fitted and isn’t needed.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
Tucked in and blasting through the air to 140-mph speeds at the Jerez racetrack.

GEAR UP

Although I have no complaints about the R’s brakes for street use, I was happy to have the RS’s higher-spec units at the racetrack. The front brakes begin with a radial-style Brembo master cylinder that includes an adjustable lever ratio as well as an adjustable span feeding Brembo’s class-leading Stylema monoblock calipers. They are nothing short of stellar. Oddly, the lovely black Brembo MCS lever’s adjustment range doesn’t bring it as close to the grip as the plain-looking silver lever on the R.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R RS
The hills are alive with the sound of music from the Street Triple’s sonorous three-cylinder engine.

The RS proved to be far more worthy of racetrack exploration than I had imagined. Its versatile and punchy motor allowed a choice of gears in corners, so it could be tractored out smartly or revved out until it screamed. Throttle modulation is excellent, and its quickshifter is a wonderful aid on track. Cornering clearance is bountiful, so you’ll need to be a bit of a track hero to drag its pegs.

Story continues below 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R photo gallery

What’s Not to Like About the Triumph Street Triple 765? 

A sign of motorcycle excellence is when a reviewer must search for things to complain about, and that’s the case here. Really tall or really short riders might complain about the rider triangle layout, but it fit me well – I’d be comfortable enough to use it for light-duty touring and tolerate the wind blast or find a fashionable windscreen.  

We know it’s a superb bike when my biggest complaint is that I couldn’t clearly see the shift lights while revving the bike out at the track. Unless you’re cutting hot laps at a racetrack, this is a complete non-issue. A larger fuel tank would be nice, but a 150-mile range isn’t a deal-breaker.  

See all of Rider‘s Triumph Motorcycle coverage here.

The combination of a sonorous and thrilling motor, low weight, admirable electronics, and a playful character places the Street Triple near the top of my most desirable streetbikes. It’s more debonair than the 3-cylinder Yamahas (MT-09, XSR900) and will blow away a KTM 790 Duke. Just as thrilling and likely a bit more agile is the 890 Duke R, but the KTM retails up at $12,949 and lacks the Triumph’s soul-stirring soundtrack.  

Which brings me back to the Street Triple R. It’s astonishing that a semi-exotic and highly refined motorcycle with such outsized performance capabilities can be had for less than $10K. At a $2,600 saving over the admittedly cooler RS, I’d say it’s one of the best values in motorcycling.  

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
Along with the chin fairing, the RS version of the Street Triple includes a seat cowl for a sportier appearance.

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R / RS Specs

  • Base Price: $9,995 / $12,595 
  • Website:TriumphMotorcycles.com 
  • Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles 
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled inline-Triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.  
  • Displacement: 765cc 
  • Bore x Stroke:  78.0 x 53.4mm 
  • Horsepower: 118 hp @ 11,500 rpm / 128 hp @ 12,000 rpm (factory claim) 
  • Torque: 59 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (factory claim) 
  • Transmission: 6-speed,  
  • Final Drive: Chain 
  • Wheelbase: 55.1 in. 
  • Rake/Trail: 23.7 degrees/3.9 in. / 23.2 degrees/3.8 in. 
  • Seat Height: 32.5 in. / 32.9 in. 
  • Wet Weight: 417 lb / 414 lb 
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal. 
  • Fuel Consumption: 38.8 mpg (EPA) 

The post 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R/RS | First Ride Review  first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Custom BMW R 18 B ‘Heavy Duty’ Unveiled at Daytona Bike Week

The custom BMW R 18 B ‘Heavy Duty,’ designed by Fred Kodlin and his son Len, was unveiled at this year’s Daytona Bike Week. The bike features modifications to the frame, the addition of an air suspension system, a custom paint job by tattoo artist Marcel Sinnwell, and adaptations to the body that serve both for function and, in the case of the winglets, strictly for the sake of form. For more information, read the press release from BMW Motorrad below.


BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty Daytona Bike Week

Anyone who talks about the U.S. customizing scene mentions Fred Kodlin almost in the same breath. For more than 40 years, he has dedicated himself to customizing motorbikes, from radically modified creations to sophisticated new designs. Since the 1990s, he has been incredibly successful with his custom bikes and was able to win various important Daytona shows regularly. He was the very first non-U.S. citizen to be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame.

For the first time, Kodlin has now set about customizing a BMW together with his son Len: the BMW R 18 B. “The R 18 B Heavy Duty was a real father-son project,” said the boss of Kodlin Bikes in Borken, Germany, happily. “There was a lot of creative input from Len, which also goes to show that the next generation at Kodlin Bikes is already in the starting blocks.”

Related: Custom BMW R 18 ‘Iron Annie’ Built by BMW Partner in Switzerland

Massive BMW R 18 B Chassis Technology Adaptations

BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty

The biggest challenge in customizing this year’s crowd puller at the Daytona Bike Week in Florida was undoubtedly the frame. “We have completely remanufactured the upper tubes to lower the fly-line and thus the seat height of the R 18 B,” explained Fred Kodlin. “We also redid the steering head and the triple clamps so that the caster fits despite the changed steering angle and so that the bike rides well.”

The result was the R 18 B Heavy Duty, a bike in typical Kodlin style. Viewed from the side, the fly-line drops sharply to the rear from the chopped windshield taken from the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range and finally runs harmoniously into the side cases made by Kodlin out of glass fibre-reinforced plastic and the low rear end. From the top, the R 18 B Heavy Duty is characterized by a strong waistline in the seat area and a flowing connection to the side cases.

BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty

Finally, the technical chassis highlight is an air suspension system at the front and rear, supported by a compressor placed barely visibly behind the left side case. This allows the R 18 B Heavy Duty to be lowered and raised in a fraction of a second. This is both as useful as it is spectacular: To park, lower the chassis, and it rests on hidden support points letting the bike crouch just a few centimeters above the asphalt, waiting for the next ride.

BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty Daytona Bike Week Fred Kodlin

Related: BMW Motorrad Poland Unveils Seven BMW R 18 Customs

Extensive BMW R 18 Body Modifications

The Kodlin team also delved deeply into the subject of body construction for a good three months. A completely new sheet metal tank was created – longer than the original, flowing in shape and with indentations on the sides. The connection of the tank and rear frame was also modified for this purpose. The original mobile phone charging compartment, on the other hand, has been taken over from the R 18 B.

BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty

A front spoiler, including a three-color underfloor lighting system – a popular feature, not only in Daytona – and a front fender are also made of sheet metal, the fender fitting snugly around the 21-inch front wheel. Finally, Kodlin created a corresponding counterpart for the rear wheel from two R 18 B rear fenders joined together, in which the rear and side indicator lights are integrated in a very discreet manner.

BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty

The two side covers made of sheet metal, which form a smooth transition to the side cases, are completely custom-made. Speaking of side cases, R 18 B loudspeakers by Marshall and an amplifier are fitted inside. Kodlin’s attention to detail is also evident in the aluminum milled hinge panels of the cases in the style of the original R 18 B components.

The so-called winglets above the cylinders are another design element. They are also made of metal but do not fulfil any function in the actual sense. Rather, they underline the design of the R 18 B Heavy Duty and make it appear unmistakable, especially when viewed from the front. The customizing job is rounded off by a seat made by Kodlin and an instrument cover with covers made of Alcantara and imitation leather, as well as specially made handlebars and a self-created exhaust system.

BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty

Related: 2023 BMW R nineT and R 18 100 Years Heritage Editions

Elaborate Paintwork by Tattoo Artist Marcel Sinnwell

Marcel Sinnwell has painted other Kodlin showbikes in the past, but these days, he only rarely picks up a spray gun for very special jobs. For example, when he paints yachts or an R 18 B Heavy Duty.

BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty

For this project, the color gradients were completely airbrushed with translucent paint. The inspiration for this was the mixing of color pigments in the paint and especially the way form streaks in the milky basecoat when first stirred. The result goes along very well with Daytona Bike Week, where complex and colorful paint schemes are more than just good form.

BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty

Additional design touches on the R 18 B Heavy Duty are provided by hand-painted pinstripes and an airbrushed pattern on the rear fender that combines Kodlin and “100 years of BMW Motorrad.” The brake calipers, gearshift, and foot brake levers and footrests, however, are BMW Motorrad standard components that have been color-matched.

BMW R 18 B: The Perfect Bike for Customizing

But Fred Kodlin by no means laid his hands on all the assemblies and parts. He said what was a particularly positive surprise for him was the bolts. “They are all made of stainless steel, with a nice Torx head,” he said. “That’s not the way it is on other bikes. The basic bike and especially the engine are very, very cleanly finished. All the electrical cables are already nicely hidden, so we didn’t have to do anything to the engine.”

Related: 2022 BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental | Video Review

For this reason, numerous R 18 B components were deliberately not replaced but at most modified. For example, the shortened hand levers and handlebar end weights. Likewise, the engine remained unchanged from a technical point of view. Only the cylinder head covers, belt cover, and intake snorkel were painted in metallic black.

BMW R 18 B Heavy Duty

Cruise control with distance control, reverse gear, and eCall have remained unchanged. These are absolutely unique features of the BMW R 18 B in the cruiser world, where these functions are not offered by any other manufacturer.

The post Custom BMW R 18 B ‘Heavy Duty’ Unveiled at Daytona Bike Week first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com