Totally Motorbikes: 2017

Motion Pro’s BeadPro Bead Breaker Published in: Gear At some point in a rider’s life the need to remove a tire from its rim for either repair or replacement is inevitable. But man, handling a heavy bike using the kickstand to break the tire’s bead is a task unto itself. Thanks to Motion Pro there is a safer and easier way to tackle the task. I recently tried out their newly slimmed-down, lightweight and easily packable tool called the BeadPro. Made from forged aluminum, the BeadPro is a two-piece bar set weighing in at 9 ounces with a length of 9.8 inches. I found it required very little effort to break the bead from the rim. You simply mate the BeadPro bars together, then using leverage with a squeeze of the bars (and plenty of tire lube), the tire bead just pops right off. Once the bead is popped the BeadPro bars then perform double-duty as tire spoons to help remove the tire from the rim. For a trailside repair or an at-home tire swap the BeadPro has now become part of my standard tool kit. MSRP: $64.99 MotionPro.com PROS CONS ▲ Very lightweight ▼ Prefer slightly wider spoon heads with a tad more of a curve ▲ Made of solid aluminum and won't bend under pressure ▲ Easy to store and fit anywhere {gallery}ARTICLES/Gear/Motion-Pro/Gallery{/gallery} http://ift.tt/2mznuM9

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lnNHNz

Surprisingly good detail on Lego bike at MOA • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mjK4fL

XR 100R Chasing A CRF 450R Supermoto! From My last Track Day! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2ldbu1G

Drew an Airhead Riding through the Pines • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lJ5L7e

The respectable 1000 HP Turbo-Busa land speed record bike • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mjENob

Church Of MO - First Ride: 2002 Aprilia ETV 1000 CapoNord

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lY6X7U

Scorpion-3 Hoverbike - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lQQYrS

Chaz Davies And Ducati Fastest After Friday World Superbike Practice At Phillip Island - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mgnzYT

Kawasaki Z650/Ninja 650 Exhaust And Fender Eliminator By Yoshimura - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l9axaM

Nicky Hayden Qualifies Directly Into Superpole 2 At Phillip Island World Superbike - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kVo0HY

Deadpool and Ghost Rider Bust Into The HJC Marvel Lineup - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lDX6mx

Brembo Renews Commitment To 2017 World Superbike Championship - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lDPEIp

Pikes Peak Hill Climb To Be Broadcast Live For Next Decade - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lDQ7Kr

Recipe for Fun™ • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lIO6uM

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Top 10 Most Expensive Motorcycles of 2017 • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lSKb0R

Thought you guys would enjoy the snap chat I took today • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lcwcyF

Just some Pure Irish Road Racing. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2miXetw

This guy is giving away a free helmet. Thought I'd share just in case anyone wanted! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mqzGzu

Adventure News: Yamaha T7, Honda CRF500L, and CCM GP600 • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lbNU5A

Getting caught in the rain isn't all bad • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mxwwJx

Motorcycles - Two Wheeled Wisdom - 1963 • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2miBUEk

Can someone tell me what year this is? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mxdlj8

Last weekend was a big motorcycle weekend for Milwaukee. I had the pleasure of racing Indoor flat track with some awesomly talented people. Here is a buddy's video of the weekend! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lHuuat

If you don't have a tent, you aren't even trying • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lWjqJn

My new youtube project. And first time taking/editing videos. Any suggestions would be great. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lRn8mN

Nice break in the weather here in WA. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mx5ty8

The Sonic Dawn – As of Lately (psychedelic biker video) • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lQt7IJ

I went bug catching yesterday and it was awesome! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2moELZd

Passing light (aka flashing high beams) • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lQtoLw

reddit.com: over 18?

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mo9llP

Guy almost smushed by two tractor trailers • r/Motorcycle_Crashes

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lPWLha

Friday, February 24, 2017

Lee Hardy Racing switches to Kawasaki for BSB 2017 | BSB News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lhV8FS

Thursday, February 23, 2017

I wrecked my first bike on the first day 2 hours after purchase! HELP ME • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l5ecqd

Big Papi's Cafe Racer • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lwDu3C

I made a gif of a buddy looping y'all might appreciate • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l5dNUD

Finally nice enough to bring the bike out of the garage • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l52USL

How to stop your motorcycle being stolen - UK Motorcycle Theft Protest • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mhHXWu

Samuel Pachel Named Zero Motorcycles CEO - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lvR9YQ

2017 American Flat Track Series Gains Increased Dunlop Support - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lJVRTp

Loose chain? Safe to ride? Noob question(details on photo) • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kRjCtk

Pretty amazing video of the Husqvarna TE300 in the Aussie outback • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lPrviD

Muddy day on the White Rim Trail (100 mi. of off-road) • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mgXzcC

Laid it down last night. Someone parked on the curb u-turned right in front of me. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lvz1hE

Can you scrub it better? xpost from /r/motocross and /r/gifsthatendtoosoon • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mhfa4c

Teardown and restomod of my first bike, a 1986 Kawasaki Vulcan 750. X-post from /r/bikebuilders • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mgvdQ3

Phillip Island Crosses One Item Off Duke's Race Track Bucket List

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mnIWUe

Woman crashes Motorcycle hard • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lu1wg0

Witchcraft!? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lyN5FA

Managed 4kms out of the dealership - RE Himalayan 2017 (AUS) • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kPGmtM

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Does anyone have detailed instructions on this exhaust mod for my Yamaha FZ6R!? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mezoeU

When you don't get your Yamaha Vstar 650 for a few more days... • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mel3zc

I just couldn't wait till spring. Twenty miles on the 1976 MR250. Only got stuck once. Mostly pavement. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lroy78

She will always be mine. 2016 KTM 390 Duke, Astoria Oregon • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lr6mdQ

Motorcycle accident - Cutting his way • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kNW60t

Michael Dunlop To Race Suzuki GSX-R1000 At 2017 Isle Of Man - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lqZJIr

All-Ladies Backcountry Discovery Route Tour Dates Announced by Women’s Motorcycle Tours - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l96VXe

Classic Italian Motorcycle And Scooter Auction Taking Place March 4-8 - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kMA3aE

RSD Clash Jacket Now Available In Tobacco Colorway - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l8G4dD

2017 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship Canceled - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m7X5J1

Alpinestars Unveils 2017 Spring Motorcycling Collection Motegi V2 Suit - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lKhGTk

The One Motorcycle Show 2017 Report

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kK7wCk

I have problems with my GSX-R having weird "misfires" or tiny stalls or whatever you want to call it. Hope you can hear them; everytime there is a big "yank" though the motorcycle. Spark plugs are new, as is the air filter. Any Ideas? • r/motorcycl

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lwE5AY

Best Used 650-900cc Dual-Sport Adventure Bikes - AdventureMotorcycle.com

Best Used 650-900cc Dual-Sport Adventure Bikes Published in: Bikes With all sorts of adventure bike options ranging from simple, air cooled dual sports to race proven, liquid cooled powerhouses, the adventure bikes in this class can do almost everything. Best of all, many of these can be resold at nearly their purchase price, making them a worthy investment. This list encompasses adventure bikes from 650cc thumpers up to 900cc of multiple cylinders, so famous giants in the 1,200cc range are not included. A few of these are dinosaurs hailing from the bygone era of big-bore single cylinder glory when they were the most fire breathing four strokes available. In addition to these, there are newer bikes that have taken adventure riding platforms into the 21st century with fuel injection, ABS, spacious fuel tanks and big power. The choices here range from those ready for long highway miles in nearly stock form to those with an uncompromising dirt bias, so there can be something here for almost everyone. • BMW F800GS/GS Adventure: Featuring, at the time of its release, a new 798cc fuel injected parallel twin motor putting out power numbers comparable to the older R1150GS, this is a welcome alternative to the massive 1000cc+ adventure bikes associated with this market. These are modern contenders in the world of adventure bikes that offer the power and smoothness of multiple cylinders, but don’t weigh quite as much as the bigger giants. Instead of the iconic shaft drive found on the R-GS series, the F800GS uses a chain drive, which is easier to service in the field, but will also need consistent maintenance. For an extra cost, there are the fully loaded F800GS Adventure models that were released a few years after the standard F800GS. Those can be had with a convenient Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) system and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) for traction management. Fortunately, the ASC and optional ABS can be turned off for dirt riding. Keep in mind that these modern electronic systems won’t be as easy to troubleshoot in the backcountry as the simpler bikes. The suspension has limited adjustability that might inhibit really aggressive high speed riding. The Adventure model features different cosmetics, a bigger 6.3 gallon fuel tank up from the standard 4.2 gallons, a bigger windscreen, a luggage rack, engine guards and around 30 additional pounds over the standard 800. If all you need are engine guards and a skid plate, it may be more cost effective to just upgrade a standard model. The F800GS puts out 400 Watts of farkle-ready power and have a respectable 9.5 inches of ground clearance, which results in a 35 inch seat height that can be lowered to just under 33 inches. These bikes are on the heavy end of the spectrum for sub-900cc adventure bikes, with the Adventure option barely passing the 500 pound mark, but they still have obstacle-friendly 21 inch front wheels like the Tiger 800 XC. These can be excellent adventure touring bikes that will eat up highway miles and still be very capable off road, assuming they’re in the hands of an experienced rider. PROS CONS ▲ Big 400 watt stator output for accessories ▼ Limited suspension adjustability ▲ Good 9.5 inch ground clearance for bigger bikes ▼ Small early recalls, check to confirm warranty work ▲ Options for accessories between F800GS models • Triumph Tiger 800XC: Released as a direct competitor to the F800GS, the Tiger 800XC is another option in the field of adventure bikes that have more than a single cylinder but don’t break the quarter-ton mark on the scale. The smooth 799cc inline triple makes more power than the BMW, but it doesn’t offer the same low-end torque as the parallel twin on the F800GS. It has more adjustable suspension than the F800GS, with roughly 8.5 inches of similar travel, but less ground clearance at 8.5 inches. Still, the differences in off road performance will only become noticeable at the margins of speed, both high and low, where the tighter steering geometry and more forward weight bias can make the Tiger slightly more challenging to control. The suspension is also slightly softer than what’s on the BMW. All Tiger 800 motors put out a monstrous 645 watts of electricity to power any accessories short of a microwave oven. As far as electronics go, the Tiger 800 gets the standard modern fuel injection, switchable ABS and then traction control in later models starting with 2015. As with any modern bike, the electronic systems can be more difficult to troubleshoot if, for example, water floods the instrument panel during a river crossing tip-over. The comparably low and adjustable seat height of 33.3 to 34.1 inches makes it more manageable when loaded with luggage, and the midsize 5 gallon fuel tank makes for good range between fill ups on the highway. The highway is also where the powerful motor does very well, as the smooth triple doesn’t vibrate as much as engines with fewer cylinders. Loads of options for luggage and protective hardware solidify this as another good option in the modern adventure bike category that can still do impressive things off road when in the right hands. PROS CONS ▲ Smooth, powerful engine ▼ Ergonomics not as well suited for technical riding ▲ Low, adjustable seat at 33.3 - 34.1 inches ▼ Occasional electrical issues ▲ Huge 645 watt stator output • Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Technically not considered a dual sport because of the chassis geometry and cast wheels, the DL650 V-Strom can actually be a surprisingly capable machine off the pavement. It will be most comfortable on paved and gravel roads, but skilled riders can do amazing things with this bike. This is the most highway-friendly 650 on this list, thanks to the v-twin engine that doesn’t vibrate quite like the thumpers, wind protection and the more street friendly 19 inch front wheel. The ABS and a low seat height can also appeal to newer riders, as can the less maintenance-intensive fuel injection, but the ABS is more challenging to turn off for dirt riding. These bikes really do have adventure riding potential, as shown by the plentiful aftermarket skid plates, engine guards and luggage racks. With just under 7 inches of clearance between the ground and nearly 490 pounds of weight, a skid plate can be a good investment depending on where you’ll be riding. The relatively large 5.8 gallon fuel tank will keep the 645cc liquid cooled engine fed for quite a while, and the upright riding position is comfortable for longer rides. Some changes have happened since its release in 2004, with dual spark plugs and optional ABS in 2007, and the next year a bump in stator output from 375 watts to 400. In 2012 it got heavily revised and is our recommended pick if you have the money. New cosmetics, larger and stiffer forks, longer rear suspension travel, power increases and a half-gallon drop in fuel capacity make for a very worthy set up updates. The 650 V-Strom platform has been around for more than a decade, and that shows in the aftermarket and in online resources. The stator can handle electronic accessories and the comfortable riding position can have you enjoying them for long periods of time, especially if you choose to replace the stock seat. While more street biased, the Kawasaki Versys is an additional option you may want to explore in this direction. PROS CONS ▲ Low seat height just over 32 inches ▼ Low ground clearance and limited suspension ▲ Smooth, fuel injected motor with higher power than 650 thumpers ▼ Relatively high weight for 650s ▲ Big 375-400 watt stator output for accessories • BMW F650GS/GS Dakar: Of the 650 thumpers on this list, the F650GS is the most capable on the street. However, it can still be a solid contender when the pavement ends, especially in the hands of a skilled rider. Some may also find it the most beginner-friendly bike on this list given its plethora of helpful features. Good, reasonable power, one of the lowest seats in class, a low center of gravity, a fairing and ABS all make for a comfortable riding experience. The low height works with the medium weight of roughly 420 pounds. From 2000 until 2007 BMW produced the F650GS and F650GS Dakar models with a durable, fuel injected, liquid cooled Rotax engine. A slightly tricky fuel injection system was solved in 2004 by a new FI system and the addition of a second spark plug. All models can get an incredible 55-60 mpg. The Dakar version has a proper 21” front wheel, appropriately higher seat and longer suspension travel. Both GS models have simple, damping rod forks with relatively short stock suspension travel at 6.7 inches for the standard and 8.3 for the Dakar, comparable to the Gen 2 KLR 650. However, the F650GS models have a massive stator output of 400 watts, so running fog lights, heated gear, a GPS and more is a breeze. Besides the V-Strom, few 650cc competitors can beat that with roughly 200 or fewer watts each. The fairing is also a nice feature for highway miles, and the air-cooled 650s don’t have much in that department. Switchable ABS helps keep it capable in the dirt, and the spoked 19 inch front wheel on the standard is still better off road than the 19 inch cast wheels on some competitors. With readily available luggage systems, the F650GS is a proven and well-liked platform for adventure riding where long highway stretches are going to be a factor, but you still want to be able to comfortably handle the bike in off road terrain. PROS CONS ▲ Low seat height under 33 inches ▼ Limited ground clearance and suspension travel ▲ Big 400 watt stator for accessories ▼ Some pre-2004 models: unpleasant fuel injection characteristics ▲ Proven reliability and good power • Kawasaki KLR650: The KLR650 is slightly more street biased than a perfectly 50/50 dual sport, but not by much. The KLR fits between the F650GS and the DR650SE as far as street- and dirt-friendliness go. The long-living, liquid cooled, dual cam motor is more complicated than its single cam competitors, but that difference is negated by incredibly helpful online resources. Soft, basic suspension and less than 9 inches of ground clearance limit high speed off road performance and the high center of gravity can make the nearly 435 pound bike more challenging to maneuver in technical terrain. However, the compromise gets you one of the biggest fuel tanks in class, a wide seat and a fairing for more comfortable highway riding. From its reincarnation out of the KLR600 in 1987, the KLR650 underwent changes in the engine for 1996 until a bigger redesign for 2008. Here it got new cosmetics, better brakes, stiffer suspension with less travel, and a handful of other changes. The infamous “doohickey” - the balancer chain tension adjuster lever - can disintegrate on any Gen 1 with any mileage, and the spring and “doo” replacement is still a recommended fix on all KLRs. In mid 2014 the KLR got updated again with stiffer suspension and a reshaped seat, but the 35 inch seat height has remained the same. After 30 years the real beauty is in how little has changed. The engine and frame are largely the same, so aftermarket parts practically grow on trees, there’s an endless wealth of knowledge online for parts and maintenance, and with a few upgrades this machine can cross the entire planet - as many have proven. An aftermarket skid plate and replacing the factory “doohickey” assembly will ensure the legendary reliability of this dual sport while countless luggage options ensure everyone finds something they like. Owning a KLR will help you understand why it’s become a cult classic. PROS CONS ▲ Massive aftermarket support and online resources ▼ Limited suspension and ground clearance under 9 inches ▲ Excellent overall reliability ▼ “Doohickey” fix ▲ Big 6 gallon fuel tank and lots of luggage options • Suzuki DR650SE: Sometimes called “The Doctor,” this dual sport can be the cure for those seeking a 50/50 dirt and street friendly, budget minded adventure bike. With a few changes throughout the years, Suzuki has had a chance to prove and almost perfect this model as the oil-cooled, single cam bridge across the gap between the XR650L and the KLR650 in every sense. Over the years from its birth in 1991 to 2005 it saw changes in frame design, suspension and the engine, leading to the current 12-year run of nothing but cosmetic changes since 2005. Just watch out for 1998 and 1999 models that haven’t had the starter idler gear issues fixed and for any year it’s worth making sure the Neutral Sensor Unit (NSU) hardware is secured with threadlocker so the screws don’t fall into the engine. As with the KLR, once the achilles heel is taken care of, the DR650SE is an excellent platform to turn into an inexpensive, well balanced adventure bike. It has easy options for better wind protection, medium 10.4 inch ground clearance, just over 10 inches of suspension travel, and comes from the factory with an oil cooler. It’s speculated that this oil cooler extends the motor’s lifespan to rival the KLR for longevity. Relatively low weight of approximately 365 pounds, a fairly low seat height under 35 inches with an optional kit to make it even lower, and a capable, reliable motor make this a realistic option for even a new adventure rider. While it’s more dirt worthy than the KLR, it’s also one of the most compliant 650 dual sports that can satisfy an experienced rider or a newcomer. Aftermarket parts all over the internet will fix any shortcomings such as the small metal gas tank, soft suspension and lack of a luggage rack to take this trusty machine wherever you can ride it. PROS CONS ▲ Oil/air cooled motor is simple and reliable ▼ Soft, simple suspension ▲ Low seat height under 35 inches and good 10.4 inch ground clearance ▼ NSU hardware needs threadlocker ▲ Considerable online resources • Honda XR650L: None of the other options in this class have gone from birth to the present day, 24 years later, with fewer changes than the XR650L. None of the other dual sports in this class share such a complete heritage with a racing big bore four stroke that had a widespread reputation at desert races like the Baja 1000, National Hare Scramble Championships, Grand National Cross Country Championships and the International Six Days Enduro. The genes of the XR600R are clearly visible in the XR650L. With adjustable cartridge forks offering nearly a foot of travel and a fully adjustable rear shock, it has capable suspension even for its age. 13 inches of ground clearance, an 18 inch rear wheel for full dirt tire options, no tire-saving rubber cush drive on the rear hub, no tachometer, skimpy wind protection and almost 100 fewer pounds than the KLR and F650GS make it far more suited for the dirt than the pavement. This is an example of the ever present compromise in the dual sport world that sits unapologetically on the dirt-friendly side. Highway miles will be less comfortable, it will chew through rear tires, and its 37 inch tall skyscraper of a seat is less than an inch away from full motocross height. However, 345 pounds it’s the lightest Japanese 650 with the best ground clearance in this entire class, but it’s height can add a challenge when loaded with luggage in technical terrain. Still, the air cooled single cam motor is reliable, simple to maintain, and there are many aftermarket options to build this into a very capable backcountry explorer. Once the low handlebars are sorted and a larger tank is added, this can be a versatile motorcycle for a budget-minded rider that will spend lots of time riding more aggressively off the pavement. PROS CONS ▲ Great adjustable Showa suspension, despite it’s age ▼ Tiny 2.4 gallon stock fuel tank ▲ Biggest ground clearance in class at 13 inches ▼ No oil cooler: engine oil can get very hot ▲ One of the lighter 650 dual sports at 345 pounds • KTM 640 Adventure: Somehow, KTM managed to squeeze a 6.7 gallon fuel tank, a fairing and liquid cooling into a sub-400 pound package. They did that with a mountainous 37+ inch tall seat and over a foot of ground clearance that can make the 640 Adventure a bit more cumbersome in low speed technical terrain than its more minimalistic sibling, the 640 Enduro. However, the fully adjustable suspension with almost a foot of travel keeps the chassis well planted during spirited riding. The 640s have both kick and electric starters, which add starting reliability for situations in the backcountry where bump starting may not be feasible. Despite the noteworthy success of the LC4 engine platform in the Dakar Rally, early 640 models had reputations marked with reliability issues, but those were largely smoothed out by 2004. Smooth, however, wouldn’t be how to describe the highway riding characteristics of the 640. The powerful 625cc liquid cooled motor creates significant vibration at higher speeds and the seat isn’t the greatest, but in the end your tolerance will determine if these are serious factors. The 640 models are examples of this class that lock down the dirt-friendly side of the spectrum, but that doesn’t mean the brakes have to be sketchy for street use because 2004 saw the introduction of dual front disks. Over time there have been progressive changes in suspension, carburetion and cosmetics, among a few other small things, and if you find an earlier model make sure the proper fixes have been done. With modern suspension, excellent power, a fairing and one of the biggest stock gas tanks in this class, these are well-equipped adventure bikes already in stock form. Add some luggage and these will take you far through the backcountry, and they’ll do so with speed and agility as well - traits that not all of these bigger bikes can boast about as well at the 640 Adventure. The LC4 eventually evolved into the most powerful single cylinder engine per cc in its latest version. The KTM 690 Enduro R was introduced in 2009 to America and instantly became favored by many as the best dual sport motorcycle on the market. Add Brembo brakes with ABS, heavy duty WP suspension, long service intervals, and the result is a bike that could please even the most demanding enthusiasts. Due to it's popularity, KTM 690 Enduro R's disappear off the used market as soon as they appear. Check-out ADVMoto's Project KTM 690R here! PROS CONS ▲ Great, fully adjustable WP suspension and big 12.4 inch ground clearance ▼ Highway comfort is limited ▲ High power with reliable carburetion ▼ Early reliability issues up to 2004 ▲ Good dirt-friendly ergonomics and huge fuel tank Depending on where you live, the Honda XRV750 Africa Twin, which shares lineage with the Dakar Rally winning NXR750 platform, can be another option worth exploring. Another liquid cooled Honda that also arrived in the late 1980s is the XL600V Transalp that was available in the US for 1989-1991, but is far more available in the rest of the world. The Yamaha XT660Z is the modern continuation of the air cooled XT600 series, which are additional options in the popular 650cc thumper class from the late 1980s and early 1990s. If you seek newer European thumpers, the Husqvarna TE610 and TE630 can be additional fuel injected, liquid cooled options. This isn’t a fully comprehensive list of the best 650-900cc dual sport adventure bikes available, but we feel these bikes offer excellent value for adventure riding. The characteristics discussed here should help you find the right adventure bike for your purposes, so please let us know your suggestions in the comments! http://ift.tt/2lMuFnj

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l9t6wq

KURYAKYN ORBIT VISION & PRISM 7″ L.E.D. HEADLAMPS | Iron Trader News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kNwiBH

Fancy a night ride? Rear ended.. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l9DBiY

Here's my 86 shadows vt700. I need help with a tire size question • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mcOrWE

CHECK OUT THE ALL NEW NAMZ WEBSITE | Iron Trader News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lppyZg

ヤマハ発動機会社紹介映像「ヤマハはつくります」 - YouTube • r/motorcycle_ja

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lGaas6

2007 GXSR 600 • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l8DzYK

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

You wanted to know how I took a picture of my waterproof gloves while wearing them. Here's the complete set. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2maz29f

People who only drive cars will never know how the 93 gets like this, but we know. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lEhm8d

Graham Jarvis Wins Hell's Gate 2017 - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lkHbJO

Poll: MO Educated - Riding Schools

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lJMu6N

Cut runs along the entire tire. Does this need to be replaced? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m65xIP

Every time could be the last time • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mjXzI1

[28:10] February 18th ride - 1999 V Star 1100 - JUST RIDING, NO COMMENTARY. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lEhaWj

Love the places my XR takes me • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l5K0fh

JP Rider Testing the New CBR250rr w/ Trick Star IKAZUCHI Full exhaust at Suzuka Circuit • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mjM43B

Daytona Bike Week Is Coming, And Harley-Davidson Is Ready To Rock! - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l5z01l

KTM MotoGP Fan Pack For COTA - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lsiSbu

Riders-Share.com: Motorcycle Sharing is Here

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lkydwl

Poor Pigeon • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lsDVKS

More Pics And Info About KTM's Assault On All Three MotoGP Classes - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lslW7e

Spanish Flat Track Stars To Compete In American Flat Track Season Opener - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mj80f9

Will The Real Burt Munro Please Stand Up

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mjf9ft

When looking at a chick nearly gets you in a Crash • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lkqVIL

Can someone please tell me what this is on my Yamaha? Leads to the headlight but can't find it on the Website. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l5etKn

Beautiful Ducati at Jane Motorcycles in Brooklyn, NY. Free espresso with purchase! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l4YM5P

Elite Field of Riders Entered For 95th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m9fxOi

Learn About The Unknown Man Who Started MotoGP Legents In 'Mancini, The Motorcycle Wizard' - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kWn4hv

Suzuki Is Recruiting For The RM Army - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lIOITB

Welcoming KTM To The MotoGP Grid - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lrwELd

Went inexpertly riding a dirtbike around the Aussie outback looking for critters • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lJ8COA

Don't see these very often. 82 CBX 1000 just rolled into shop. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kWmRLx

1978 Goldwing Rescue and Restomod (Or, I hope you have a comfy seat, because there's 141 photos in here) • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lJ2uFT

Car driver tries to filter and cuts me off • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kWeRKm

Any cleaning tips for these Harley parts? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lJ0bms

Tips for riding in the rain • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kVStRh

My "oh so clean" engine covers. Thanks guys for the suggestions. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lIGo6i

1971 interview with a 72yo Burt Munro ("The World's Fastest Indian") • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kVZtxm

That's not how you use a torque wrench methinks (C2W) • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lIE13F

Last weekend's DR650 brake system teardown - no one should be afraid to dive into their own maintenance! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kW2oGp

Van vs Cyclist! EXTREME ROAD RAGE • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lIs9i8

Firing up my project 79' KZ750 for the first time in years! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lrsxyL

Journey of Recovery. An unlucky Kawasaki ER6n given a new life. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kHZ7iO

February in MN • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lrrJKs

Came here to practice in the parking lot, the colors match perfectly! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kVwkCD

PJ Jacobsen Fastest on MV Agusta in WorldSSP - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m4dtdA

My next motorcycle • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m8lWcy

First build, first bike. Ready to get it finished up! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lj0XoT

One hour of riding north GA with no commentary. Overly slow/cautious due to water, gravel and roads I've never been on before. Route timestamp links in description for quick skipping. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m4hMpm

A motorcyclist flying after being hit by a car • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mi9C91

That's gotta suck: Man Takes Off With Customer's Motorcycle • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lqXFhY

Ugliest seat I have ever seen • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lI0a29

2017 Indian Roadmaster Classic Review: First Ride

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m7JHS1

You guys wanted video of my son riding after the rebuild pics, well here it is! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2liEKrd

Fixing a dented 2 Stroke pipe with compressed air • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lhfEc0

...I'll allow it • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mh01ix

Monday, February 20, 2017

Do I need a new rear tire yet? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lG88IW

V65 Sabre Progress - Feb 20th • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lgGX6w

For those curious about stock Ninja 300 acceleration(0-68) • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m2CMN3

Gymkhana by UK stunt rider Lee Bowers • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mgz5zs

ATL > CHAT - 350 miles on my '77 CB750 • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l27iCD

What’s a Slip-Assist Clutch Anyway?

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mfH3J2

2017 Ducati Supersport Review

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lA0csq

New SV650 promo video • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lfohUG

Sometimes, no help at all is better. (X-post from /r/wellthatsucks) • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kF3jA4

Making my Own Cushioning Crash Cage • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l0FJtB

Kickstarting the sketchiest chopper I own before heading out on a cold winter ride. New 23X2.50 front slick handles much better on the street than the old dryrotted offroad tire. Really needs a fork brace though... • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lE4grT

I sampled my SV650 into instruments and tried to sing take on me. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mfdg3f

1983 GPz 550 Street Tracker? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2l0mOii

opinions on this modification! • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lzi1HT

First proper day of riding in my life yesterday... in Minnesota. I was excited, but still managed a few photos. [Suzuki SV650] • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lnp2cS

When you take a smudge off your tank but have no where to wipe it • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kQN9OW

Last year's last trip, a weekend out in the "Lüneburger Heide" • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lDmdXs

Backtrack Tuesdays: Buell Ulysses vs Ducati Multistrada - AdventureMotorcycle.com

Backtrack Tuesdays: Buell Ulysses vs Ducati Multistrada Published in: Bikes A Harley-powered dual sport bike? The Buell Ulysses may stretch the definition of adventure touring designed, as Milwaukee says, for "90 percent road, 10 percent offroad" use. But nonetheless, it is the first Buell effort to court at least a portion of the backroad riders who include some dirt in their travel diet. First, a caveat: The Ulysses owner's manual specifies that the motorcycle is not legal for off-road use where a spark arrestor is required. Dirt roads, even fairly gnarled ones, are no problem on the Ulysses, but single-track trail work would prove a large chore even for a strong and talented rider. Once lost to the seductive sirens of gravity and fate, the brave Ulysses would quickly be beyond salvation. When 500-some pounds head downhill, only the quickest response will do. You would, as Barney Fife used to say, have to nip it in the buuud. So the solution to that potential hazard is simple enough; don't make impossible demands of the bike or rider. (And don't get caught if you're out of bounds.) A sport-tourer, by my definition, has to provide limited service in the dirt. If not, it's too much tour and not enough sport. For example, a bike like the Ducati ST4 or BMW R1150R would not be happy for long on a jeep trail. For me, sport-touring is represented by bikes like the Ulysses, Multistrada, BMW HP2 and the KTM Adventure 950R. I reckon what it comes down to is the feeling that there's a good deal more adventure to be had off-road than on. The Ulysses is billed as an "adventure sportbike," which is fair enough; a street scrambler in other words. Labels and buzzwords, like everything else, change. But this is hardly your average, street-legal desert sled in modern trim. The XB12X is a bundle of techno-expertise from around the world, with only the venerable Harley V-twin as the home-grown component. The frame, which doubles as the fuel tank, is from Verlicchi of Italy, fabricator of numerous Ducati chassis. Likewise the swingarm, which doubles as the oil tank, and the Showa suspension originate in Japan; wheels come from China; and add an Australian exhaust system and luggage from Germany. This multi-nationalism has obvious benefits in terms of both performance and reliability. Erik Buell designs his bikes to meet specific and precise requirements, then hires the best specialists to build the pieces. Not that the Buell was without annoyances; first among them was the loud cooling fan, which runs constantly below highway speeds on a warm day. The lack of steering lock ranked number two, which requires some back-and-forth to turn around in a narrow space, or you can lean it over, put yer foot down, and spin half a donut. The third item was the clever alloy backrest that folds onto the passenger seat when not in use; nice design, but it was a bear to unlatch to change the position. And the funky ignition switch placement on the left side of the headlight shell. And ... No, really... overall the Ulysses is a remarkably good (first) effort and an encouraging sign of things to come from the Harley skunkworks in East Troy. Just for grins, we put the Ulysses up against the Ducati Multistrada S, for which Bologna claims no off-road capabilities. Still, both machines are fundamentally street scramblers, and both offer luggage options to cover the sport touring category. So the obvious questions were under what conditions would the Buell have more to offer, and vice-versa and back again. So to find out, we set off to ride Highway One from Morro Bay to Half Moon Bay, CA and that would provide a fix on the sporttouring profiles. Then, on the return trip we would cut inland to Alice's Restaurant, fly south on Skyline Drive, and somehow find ourselves misplaced on a longer/rougher-than-expected dirt road in the mountains above Watsonville. That would establish the dualie-adventure credentials. About 700 miles round-trip. Tell you what, by the time we got to JJ's Homemade Burgers in San Juan Capistrano, we was hungry. As it turned out, both co-rider, Dennis Pegelow, and I ended up spending the most saddle time on the bike we each preferred. For him it was the Buell, and vice-versa, but it didn't begin that way. Before the ride, with about 100 miles on each bike, I favored the Ulysses for its easy power, moderately comfortable seat, all-round composure, and luggage capacity. Plus, at a slow-to-moderate pace in the dirt, it took less physical effort than the Multistrada. This, I thought, is my idea of a sport-touring bike. The Ducati, on the other hand, was shaky below 4,000 rpm, buzzy for another thou, and had one of the worst seats ever to sail forth from Italy, a land known for brutal seats. It had a bunch of extraneous bodywork styled to cover the mechanical bits, trendy mirrors with built-in turn signals, and did I mention the seat? And this was the new-improved, better-than-the-original seat! What the Multistrada did have was a dandy power-to-weight ratio, delicious mid-range grunt, nimble steering, Ohlins suspension, and that certain Italian sauce. And that's what got me in the end, so to speak. See, I'm a dirt rider at heart. When it comes to sporting dualies, if the paved-to-unpaved equation is close to 50-50, I'm willing to sacrifice some highway comfort for added agility in the dirt. According to the specs, the Multistrada is only 15 pounds lighter than the Buell, but underway it feels more like 50. This owes largely to the Ducati's lower center of gravity. The American machine steers heavier but by no means heavily when underway, unless you are crawling around at low speed such as trails or tight traffic. The Ulysses just pays a penality for its higher roll center. (Remember, the engine has been elevated to accommodate the underslung muffler, so the Harley twin's crankshaft sits a good half-foot higher than the Ducati's.) Still, the Buell can carve with alacrity in sweepers and the steady rush of torque transfers wonderfully to the tarmac. Exit speeds are exhilarating, wheelies are on-demand. But the Buell definitely demands a more robust push to set its appointed arc, and once dialed in it rails in convincing fashion. Two factors contribute nicely to this stability; suspension and tires. We changed the Ulysses' fork and shock settings by the manual, but by the time it would work well on both pavement and dirt, we had notched in about 400 pounds (rider and gear) worth of pre-load, compression, and rebound damping. The Ducati, conversely, had to be softened up significantly to work off-road. The Buell's specially-built Dunlops worked uncommonly well on varietal surfaces and the Ducati's Pirelli Scorpions are also good all-round rubbers. But it is power delivery and suspension compliance that point up the real differences between these bikes. Both engines make about 80 horsepower at the rear wheel, but it's the torque figures that tell the tale. The Ducati is pulling about 58 foot-pounders at 6,000 rpm, while the Harley pumps up 65 to 70 between 3,000 and 5,000 revs. So, while the Buell is comfortable at 20-30 mph on a cobbled dirt road, the Multistrada is buckboarding along below its natural powerband. On the other hand, when the speeds rise and the Ducati's engine and suspension reach their happy zone, the Ulysses becomes a pitching, heaving handful. Thus it was no surprise that Dennis came to prefer the Buell. So as a versatile multi-purpose platform for adventurous touring, the Buell takes the honors here. It will take the rider farther, in greater comfort and carrying more gear, than the Ducati. The Multistrada surely prevails as a street scratcher, especially on the twisty tarmac, but its comfort zone is more narrowly designed. Makes one wonder what a Sportster-based street scrambler would do, doesn't it? Originally published October 2006. http://ift.tt/2lDu3QP

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kQNCkh

Girls looking damn good a Sunday evening. In February. In Minnesota :D • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kYZrpj

Sunday, February 19, 2017

First ride of 2017- Winnipeg, Manitoba • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lZqjKb

Riding a motorcycle can be exercise too (30 minutes of intense track riding). • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2llc7YA

Found an Awesome road that dead-ends to nothing, so I got to play isle of man TT games on it for 30 mins and not a single car in sight. 150mph & both wheels off the ground with my R1. 100mph chicanes and dips. So sweet. must find more like it. •...

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kCJ45Q

My pops sometime in Sicily during the 1960s. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2llaw57

Church Of MO - First Impression: 1999 Ducati Supersport 900

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kBtJm1

Street legal trials bike • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mdeUCC

Is this a good first motorcycle? Cafe bike it out? 😎 • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kXR11w

Test Riding Zero's Electric Motorcycle • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kXxGOe

My waterproof gloves stopped being waterproof and I'm too cheap to replace them right now. Cue latex. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lYHGdW

It was 68 yesterday here in Indiana, so here's an obligatory first ride pic.. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kCjApf

First ride of the season from Boston • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mcSUrC

This girl wanted to take a picture with my Bonnie today • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mcCUFJ

Was itchin' to go to CO so I made a day trip • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m1NAYH

Can he pull off a wheelie on a Harley? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2laMlYB

I've ridden nearly everyday since June except last 3 weeks. Found this during air filter change. Any way to prevent it in the future? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m1IcEP

Is this the right washer size for the 22 Cent mod? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kNyDI4

I was going for a ride but ended up going for a push. • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lzTpPF

60 degrees in february after two weeks of snow. Trying to persuade my friend to join me for a ride. I think i made a good point • r/motorcycle

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lz2Yye

"It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia" VR Motorcycle Experience - Motorcycle.com News

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lYogTg

Ever feel like maybe you missed a step when you reassembled your forks? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mbOBwC

Oil(?) dripping down from rubber pipe? Is something wrong? • r/motorcycles

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2mbuDCf

Saturday, February 18, 2017

2017 Ducati Supersport: 7 Things You Didn’t Know

2017 Ducati Supersport: 7 Things You Didn’t Know Motorcycle.com is on the ground at the 2017 Ducati Supersport and Supersport S intro in Seville, Spain, where Troy “Trizzle” Siahaan will get to ride Ducati’s latest creation both on the street and on the Circuito Monteblanco. Expect Troy’s review in a few day’s time, but while you’re waiting, here are seven things you didn’t know about Ducati’s Not-Quite-A-Panigale sporty-bike. 1. Putting the Sport In Sport-Tourer According to Paolo Quattrino, Product Manager for the Supersport, Ducati doesn’t see the Supersport as an entry-level Panigale. Instead, Ducati sees the newest Supersport as one that leans heavily on the sportier end of the sport-touring spectrum. Ducati reasons those who prefer more touring than sport can opt for the Multistrada, but until now the company had no answer for those wanting the inverse. Oddly, Quattrino also notes Ducati does not see the Supersport as a revival of the eponymous model from a decade ago. 2. Focus Groups Like all the major OEMs, Ducati spoke to focus groups both in Italy and in the U.S. (the latter Ducati expects to be the Supersport’s largest market) including one conducted in Anaheim, CA, near the SoCal base of the MO staff. One conclusion derived from the focus groups was discovering the primary buyers for the Supersport are current mid-displacement naked bike owners. In the final design briefing, Quattrino tells us the Supersport speaks to a customer who has never owned a sportbike before. It needed to offer unmistakable sportbike looks, without being too intimidating. 3. Happy Wife, Happy Life Ducati placed a lot of attention on making sure passengers are comfortable. The standard pillion seat is fairly broad (at least as far as sportybikes go) with a decent amount of padding compared to naked bikes or sportbikes. If that’s not enough, Ducati offers an accessory pillion seat with an extra 10mm of cushioning, to go along with the accessory passenger grab handles. 4. Service Intervals It wasn’t long ago Ducati was scorned for its offensively short service intervals, as the desmodromic valves constantly needed adjusting. Those days are a thing of the past. All Ducati models have progressively been getting more and more reliable, with more miles in between trips to the service bay. In the case of the Supersport, Ducati says desmo service intervals are now only needed every 18,000 miles. Oil service intervals? Try 9,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. 5. How Low Can You Go? I’ve never been at a new model introduction where the manufacturer gave a max lean angle claim. Until now. The Supersport comes standard with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires, measuring 120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear. With it, Ducati says max lean angle is 48º. 6. A Class Of One… Kinda Because the Supersport is heavy on the sport side of sport-touring, Ducati insists the Supersport is unique in the segment, with no direct competitor. In fact, Quattrino noted Ducati didn’t use any competitor models as benchmarks. However, when pressed to name one motorcycle closest to being a benchmark, the Suzuki GSX-S1000F was mentioned. “But that’s not really a true competitor, since it doesn’t have standard panniers and the passenger area is small,” he said. 7. Superbike Supersport How’s this for cool: Ducati’s accessories catalog for the Supersport includes a full Akropovic exhaust system, made completely from titanium, with its twin silencers placed under the seat, just like Chaz Davies’ WSBK Panigale! ECU mapping to ensure proper air/fuel mixture with the new pipe is included. 2017 Ducati Supersport: 7 Things You Didn’t Know appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lspRD9

Friday, February 17, 2017

2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Video Review

2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Video Review Since its initial release, the Yamaha FZ-09 has garnered praise for having tremendous bang-for-the-buck. In fact, MO readers named it Reader’s Choice Best Value Bike Of 2015. However, there were still some heretics that felt the grunty Triple didn’t quite live up to its potential. The common refrain was, “Why on earth should an owner need to flash the EFI and upgrade the suspension to get a bike that performs like it should out of the box?” Since I was one of those who thought the FZ-09 should deliver more than it did, E-i-C Duke tapped me to attend the introduction of the 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 in the local mountains around Malibu. The thought was that, if one of the deniers could be converted, Yamaha must have exorcised the FZ-09’s evils. The prescription was straightforward. The EFI received fuel and ignition maps from the XSR900 and FJ-09. Additionally, the fork gained fully adjustable components – plus 83% more compression damping for greater front-end control. 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Review After sampling those well-placed modifications, I have to admit that I’m now a convert to the FZ-09 fold. Take a look at the video to learn all the details. Get the Flash Player to see this player. 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Video Review appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kye5YD

Taste Of Dakar Goes To New Location For 2017 - Motorcycle.com News

Taste Of Dakar Goes To New Location For 2017 The 2017 Taste of Dakar promises something for everyone, including good times in the deep sand. Begin Press Release: AltRider’s 6th Annual Taste of Dakar Ride Goes Full Throttle with All-New Routes from Gold Point Ghost Town, Nevada Seattle, WA – February 17, 2017 – To celebrate it’s sixth consecutive year bringing together adventure riders from around the world, AltRider’s 2017 Taste of Dakar will introduce ADV enthusiasts to a new location and all-new routes for every skill level. From winding dirt trails and cracked riverbeds to towering sand dunes and everything in-between, the 2017 Taste of Dakar will take riders on an epic weekend adventure in Gold Point, Nevada, March 17th-19th. With GPS-led routes near Death Valley, five square meals, two nights of camping, entertainment and drinks, riders will also have a chance to win exciting giveaways, including a gift certificate for a complete set of Raiden gear: helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and pants from Icon Motorsports, as well as one of five all-new Voyager Pro GPS units from TrailTech. “While we’re primarily an ADV gear company, this event is about opening up the adventure riding experience in a way that everyone, whether they’ve been riding for years or just getting their feet wet, can feel safe and secure with,” said AltRider President Jeremy LeBreton. “When the riding community comes together to make inclusive events that combine a safe recreation structure with the opportunity to enjoy epic scenery and build meaningful relationships with riders around the world, you have the formula for a good time.” This year’s taste of Dakar will take riders on an excursion covering up to 150 miles of off-road riding, at the novice, intermediate or expert levels. GPS-equipped riders will run point and sweep for each route, which cover terrain ranging from boulder fields, dry lake and river beds to mountaintop single track and pristine dunes. After a full day in the saddle, riders meet back at camp to enjoy dinner, adult beverages and live entertainment from some of the most well known ADV legends. For those looking to brush up on their ADV basics prior to Saturday’s ride, Black Swan Moto will be conducting a one-day class on Friday, March 17th. Riders will have the chance to learn proper techniques from off-road instructors with 10+ years training experience. Body position, clutch control, throttle control and braking on large ADV bikes, terrain and traction over hills, dirt & gravel and sand, motorcycle pitch and attitude management, ADV bike balance, and picking up down motorcycles are all covered. Riders looking to join the ride that need an adventure bike can rent a BMW F800 GS or R1200 GSW at a special event price from MotoQuest by filling out this form. Riders can sign up for this year’s Taste of Dakar by clicking here. “At the end of the day, this event is about creating bonds with those who share a passion for adventure and enjoying the natural beauty of the Mohave that can only be seen on two wheels” said LeBreton. “Riders come back year after year because it’s an awesome experience, plain and simple. That’s why we love this sport, and that’s what drives us to always venture on.” About AltRider.com From their vast catalog of American-made protection pieces and other accessories to their annual signature rides, AltRider is all about giving riders the freedom of adventure. The Seattle-based company designs, tests and manufactures its products to function well, look good on the bike, and stand up to brutal riding conditions. Learn more at www.altrider.com. Taste Of Dakar Goes To New Location For 2017 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lfwcQ8

BMW X Lego - Hover R1200GS - Motorcycle.com News

BMW X Lego Hover R1200GS Interested in seeing BMW’s full scale replica of a hoverbike created with all real parts and based on the BMW R 1200 GS? Hell yeah? BMW and Lego have teamed up to create this exciting concept of what they imagine for the future of motorcycles. Begin Press Release: BMW X LEGO present the hover bike concept from designboom on Vimeo. Munich. The LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is not just a fun model kit consisting of 603 parts, it is also the result of the successful and creative collaboration between BMW Motorrad and LEGO Technic. The idea of developing a detailed LEGO Technic reproduction of the best-selling model BMW R 1200 GS Adventure quickly grew into something more. The design teams of the two companies decided to join forces to create an alternative model as is commonly provided with LEGO Technic 2-in-1 kits. So the parts of the LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure can also be used to build the Hover Ride Design Concept. Furthermore, the BMW Junior Company – an innovative BMW Group training unit – turned the Hover Ride included in the set into an elaborately produced full-size replica. Model-making fun with accurate details. The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure has been available as a detailed replica LEGO Technic model since 1 January 2017. The LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure reproduces the shapes and mechanisms of the full-size original as faithfully as possible. Connoisseurs are delighted by the authentic BMW Telelever front-wheel suspension, the universal shaft drive and the moving BMW Motorrad 2-cylinder boxer engine, all of which are set in motion as soon as the motorcycle is moved. With its wealth of details, it is not only a realistic reproduction but also an appealing model-making challenge with its 603 pieces. The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is the first LEGO Technic model to be created in cooperation with a motorcycle manufacturer. “BMW Motorrad approached LEGO Group with the idea of a collaboration because the two companies have much in common: they both successfully combine innovation and tradition in their brands and products, providing unforgettable experiences for young and old alike all over the world,” says Heiner Faust, Head of Sales and Marketing BMW Motorrad. The Hover Ride Design Concept. The two design teams also drew on their inventive flair to create the LEGO Technic Hover Ride, the alternative model included in the kit. This model is a futuristic concept – full of emotion and creative energy though not laying claim to technological plausibility. “It was a great idea and a superb creative challenge to develop a fictitious model from the parts of the LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure set. Our concept not only incorporates the BMW Motorrad design DNA with typical elements such as the boxer engine and the characteristic GS silhouette, it also draws on the LEGO Technic stylistic idiom,” says Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design. Sophisticated model-making with the BMW Junior Company Munich. The Hover Ride Design Concept came about as a result of the involvement of the BMW Junior Company Munich, an innovative training unit in which BMW trainees from diverse departments have the opportunity to work together in projects entrepreneurially. BMW trainees in the second to fourth year of their course used the serial-production parts of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure to build a life-size model of the LEGO Technic Hover Ride. Numerous components – such as the front-wheel rim modified to form a propeller – were specially made for the project, demonstrating the youngsters’ skilled craftsmanship. “It was incredibly inspiring to see colleagues from different disciplines working with our trainees. Everyone involved in this project learned an awful lot,” says Markus Kollmannsperger, trainer for technical model-making. The full-size model of the Hover Ride Design Concept will be presented for the first time at LEGO World in Copenhagen on 16.2.2017. It will then travel via Denmark to various sites such as the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center Munich and BMW Welt. BMW X Lego – Hover R1200GS appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2m4rGTZ

Aerostich Offers Limited-Edition Hi-Viz Orange And Dark Oxblood Suit Color Options - Motorcycle.com News

American Honda Goes Superbike Racing Again!

American Honda Goes Superbike Racing Again! No, it’s not quite a full factory effort again, but the fact the surprise announcement took place in the hallowed halls of American Honda’s old race shop behind Door #10 in Torrance shows Big Red is back and seriously behind the effort. Jake Gagne won the Red Bull Rookies Cup in 2010, the AMA Sportbike championship in 2014 on an R6, the first MotoAmerica Superstock Championship in `15 on an R1 – and finished 10th in Superbike last year on anther R1. For 2017, his main Broaster Chicken sponsor is back but this time so is American Honda after a 10-year hiatus, and their new bike is the CBR1000RR SP. Danny Walker of Roadracing Factory fame is still the team owner, and will continue to be based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Scott Jensen will continue to crew chief, Danny Anderson and Evan Steel will build chassis and engines. However, now they also have close ties to Ten Kate in Holland, who will help out with WSBK-spec equipment and expertise. (Also whatever HRC parts Honda’s Mike Snyder can smuggle out on his frequent trips to Japan.) MotoAmerica principal Wayne Rainey is genuinely excited to have Honda back on board in any capacity: “My first bike was a Mini Trail 50, and I still look back on that [1987] AMA Superbike championship on the Honda.” Rainey had been trying to woo Honda (and other factories) back into the paddock for years with weekly phone calls, trying to put something together. “What have you got? Anything, I’ll ride it myself!” Finally the timing was right with the introduction of the new CBR. Furthermore, a change in MotoAmerica Superbike rules, dealing mostly with electronics and suspension, puts them right in line with World Superbike spec machines and made possible the Ten Kate connection. What are the differences? Tires, says Rainey. Everything else is the same. Which only makes sense. “The rules package was really what was keeping them [Honda and other manufacturers] on the fence. They’d all say, `It doesn’t make sense for us to build two bikes’, in a sport that’s expensive enough already. The rules change is really what allowed this to happen.” Which leads to, when will Ducati and Kawasaki and the other OEMs return? “We keep them informed of what’s going on,” Rainey says with a smile. “The vast majority of national series enjoy much broader manufacturer support,” adds Honda’s Jon Seidel, “and that’s what MotoAmerica is of course aiming for. We’re thrilled to be back. I can’t wait for April.” One step at at time. “It’s quite incredible,” says Rainey. “That first year we just tried to stabilize and only had five races. The second year was when I was most worried, then we got the TV package last year. Now we’re up to 10 races and looking at ways to get the fans back at the races, including minimoto, stunt shows and combining local club races at some events. Having Honda back is another big step.” Racer Jake Gagne and former racer Danny Walker are all smiles about their new deal with Honda. Team owner Danny Walker couldn’t seem to be any happier, either: “It’s huge for me and the team to bring Honda back to roadracing. We’ve been trying to put this deal together for two years, and I’ve been looking to spend more time with Jake. He deserves it.” The deal with Honda and Broaster Chicken is a multi-year one: Walker says having Gagne consistently in the hunt for the podium by end of this season will seem like success to him, followed by a serious run at the championship in 2018. Gagne interjects his own timeframe: “COTA” (Circuit of the Americas, the first round coming up April 21). Gagne says he’s never ridden a CBR at all, and will be getting his first laps in next week at Chuckwalla in the California desert. Meanwhile, Honda also hooked up the San Diego native with a CRF450F, his favored training device. Eat plenty of Broaster Chicken while you wait for the season opener. Founded in 1954 in Wisconsin, there are over 4000 outlets nationwide. And work it off at an American Supercamp flat-track school; Walker says he’ll have enough time to keep putting them on. American Honda Goes Superbike Racing Again! appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lrlKrq

Top 10 Motorcycle Endurance Records

Top 10 Motorcycle Endurance Records A week ago Evans Brasfield and I scratched an item from our respective bucket lists when we finished an Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000. Satisfied with our accomplishment (which Evans will be documenting in a soon to be published memoir on MO), curiosity of other moto endurance records had me searching the internet. What I found was a variety of increasingly peculiar endurance records comprising this week’s Top 10. A few of these aren’t specifically 24-hour records, and a couple more don’t actually include motorcycles, but the accomplishments are no less amazing with courage and strength of character on full display. The first in the list should inspire all motorcyclists to what is possible, as well as what age is considered old. Top 10 Motorcycle Endurance Records appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lVAXy8

American Flat Track Inks Multi-Year Deal With Motul As Official Oil - Motorcycle.com News

American Flat Track Inks Multi-Year Deal With Motul As Official Oil Begin Press Release: Motul named Official Oil of American Flat Track in multi-year agreement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2017) – Motul has been named the Official Oil of American Flat Track in a multi-year agreement which begins with the 2017 season, officials from both companies announced today. Motul prides itself on the excellence of its products and innovation capacity. The company has a rich history in the top forms of motorsport, including MotoGP, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, FIA World Rally Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Through its motorsports activities, Motul continually pushes the boundaries of technological innovation in product lines destined for both the race track and the street. “Motul is respected worldwide as a global powerhouse and we are delighted to welcome them to our family of partners,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “The demands of pro flat track provide an ideal platform for technological development, and will serve as a perfect opportunity to showcase Motul’s exceptional performance and consistency.” The brand has a global presence in motorsports, but motorcycle racing in particular plays a key role in Motul’s marketing and sales strategies. “The History of Motul with performance motorcycle engine oil started in the 1950’s; it is in our DNA, and we are committed to always nurture our attachment as a brand, as a company and as riders to our history, at all cost,” said Guillaume Pailleret, President of Motul North America. “We are thrilled to be part of American Flat Track, its team and riders. We feel we are walking in the footsteps of giants! The 2017 schedule is amazing. We look forward to meeting the American Flat Track fans all along 2017 spectacular races, and introduce the Motul ‘Move of the Race’ to reward the most impressive moves made during the Main Event for each of American Flat Track’s races.” Partnering with American Flat Track will provide the company with an opportunity to reach the brand-loyal fanbase while also supporting the sport through an exciting new award. In addition to event activation and promotional support, the new partnership establishes the Motul “Move of the Race” to reward the most impressive moves made during the main event for each of American Flat Track’s classes. American Flat Track will kick off the 2017 season during Daytona’s Bike Week festivities on Thursday, March 16 with the all-new DAYTONA TT, built inside the tri-oval at Daytona International Speedway. The DAYTONA TT will mark the dawning of a new era for America’s most historic form of motorcycle racing, and the “World Center of Racing” will serve as the first battleground for the great American war between Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles in 2017. Tickets for the DAYTONA TT are now on sale and can be purchased at http://ift.tt/1fbQGz3. About Motul USA: Motul USA is a world-class company specialized in distribution of high-tech synthetic lubricants formulated for power sports and automotive applications. Motul is an Official Lubricant Partner of the FIM. In addition, the brand is a partner to many manufacturers and racing teams in order to further their technological development in motorsports. It has invested in many international competitions as an official supplier for teams in: 24 Hours of Le Mans, GT1 World Championship, MotoGP, Pike’s Peak Hill Climb, Supercross, World Rally Car (WRC), Rolex GrandAm, Conti Sports Car Challenge, Pirelli World Challenge, Dakar™ and others. For more information, log on to http://ift.tt/2l1MqxP. How to Watch:NBCSN and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track events. All 18 rounds, from the season-opening DAYTONA TT to the American Flat Track Finals in Southern California, will air in one-hour, tape-delayed telecasts on Thursday nights throughout the summer and fall on NBCSN, while FansChoice.tv provides live streaming coverage of American Flat Track events. FansChoice.tv also provides coverage of IMSA’s development and single-make series, and NASCAR’s touring and weekly series. Catch all the action at http://ift.tt/Ju6Amu and http://ift.tt/1iaebvK. About American Flat Track:American Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on American Flat Track, please visithttp://www.americanflattrack.com, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, live stream the events at FansChoice.tv and catch all the American Flat Track racing action on NBCSN. American Flat Track Inks Multi-Year Deal With Motul As Official Oil appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lrgyDR

Thursday, February 16, 2017

American Honda back in MotoAmerica Superbike - Motorcycle.com News

American Honda back in MotoAmerica Superbike No, it’s not quite a full factory effort again, but the fact the surprise announcement took place in the hallowed halls of American Honda’s old race shop behind Door #10 in Torrance shows Big Red is back and seriously behind the effort. Jake Gagne won the Red Bull Rookies Cup in 2010, the AMA Sportbike championship in 2014 on an R6, the first MotoAmerica Superstock Championship in `15 on an R1 – and finished 10th in Superbike last year on anther R1. For 2017, his main Broaster Chicken sponsor is back but this time so is American Honda after a 10-year hiatus, and their new bike is the CBR1000RR SP. Danny Walker of Roadracing Factory fame is still the team owner, and will continue to be based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Scott Jensen will continue to crew chief, Danny Anderson and Evan Steel will build chassis and engines. However, now they also have close ties to Ten Kate in Holland, who will help out with WSBK-spec equipment and expertise. (Also whatever HRC parts Honda’s Mike Snyder can smuggle out on his frequent trips to Japan.) MotoAmerica principal Wayne Rainey is genuinely excited to have Honda back on board in any capacity: “My first bike was a Mini Trail 50, and I still look back on that [1987] AMA Superbike championship on the Honda.” Rainey had been trying to woo Honda (and other factories) back into the paddock for years with weekly phone calls, trying to put something together. “What have you got? Anything, I’ll ride it myself!” Finally the timing was right with the introduction of the new CBR. Furthermore, a change in MotoAmerica Superbike rules, dealing mostly with electronics and suspension, puts them right in line with World Superbike spec machines and made possible the Ten Kate connection. What are the differences? Tires, says Rainey. Everything else is the same. Which only makes sense. “The rules package was really what was keeping them [Honda and other manufacturers] on the fence. They’d all say, `It doesn’t make sense for us to build two bikes’, in a sport that’s expensive enough already. The rules change is really what allowed this to happen.” Which leads to, when will Ducati and Kawasaki and the other OEMs return? “We keep them informed of what’s going on,” Rainey says with a smile. “The vast majority of national series enjoy much broader manufacturer support,” adds Honda’s Jon Seidel, “and that’s what MotoAmerica is of course aiming for. We’re thrilled to be back. I can’t wait for April.” One step at at time. “It’s quite incredible,” says Rainey. “That first year we just tried to stabilize and only had five races. The second year was when I was most worried, then we got the TV package last year. Now we’re up to 10 races and looking at ways to get the fans back at the races, including minimoto, stunt shows and combining local club races at some events. Having Honda back is another big step.” Team owner Danny Walker couldn’t seem to be any happier, either: “It’s huge for me and the team to bring Honda back to roadracing. We’ve been trying to put this deal together for two years, and I’ve been looking to spend more time with Jake. He deserves it.” The deal with Honda and Broaster Chicken is a multi-year one: Walker says having Gagne consistently in the hunt for the podium by end of this season will seem like success to him, followed by a serious run at the championship in 2018. Gagne interjects his own timeframe: “COTA” (Circuit of the Americas, the first round coming up April 21). Gagne says he’s never ridden a CBR at all, and will be getting his first laps in next week at Chuckwalla in the California desert. Meanwhile, Honda also hooked up the San Diego native with a CRF450F, his favored training device. Eat plenty of Broaster Chicken while you wait for the season opener. Founded in 1954 in Wisconsin, there are over 4000 outlets nationwide. And work it off at an American Supercamp flat-track school; Walker says he’ll have enough time to keep putting them on. American Honda back in MotoAmerica Superbike appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lo16YY

2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Review: First Ride

2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Review: First Ride 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Editor Score: 89.25% Engine 18.5/20 Suspension/Handling 12.75/15 Transmission/Clutch 8.25/10 Brakes 9.0/10 Instruments/Controls 4.0/5 Ergonomics/Comfort 9.25/10 Appearance/Quality 9.5/10 Desirability 9.0/10 Value 9.0/10 Overall Score 89.25/100 The fact that most of MO’s editors are quite fond of Yamaha’s FZ-09 is fairly common knowledge. Our readers liked the FZ-09 enough to vote it Reader’s Choice Best Value Bike Of 2015. So, why is it that, up until now, the primary emotion I felt after riding the FZ-09 was disappointment? Frankly, I felt it never lived up to it’s potential. Two of its strongest attributes – the versatile engine and the responsive chassis – were hamstrung by a slight deficiency in Yamaha’s typically good R&D finish. Well, that was then. 2017 Yamaha FZ–09 Preview More For Less: $8K Four Vs. $8.2K Triple Vs. $8.7K Twin + Video Today, I’m happy to report that, after a day in the saddle of the 2017 Yamaha FZ-09, I no longer need to feel conflicted about the missed opportunity of the FZ’s performance. I can embrace it wholeheartedly – and in the way that only the converted can after wandering for years in the wilderness – exclaiming that Yamaha has finally put the FZ-09 through finishing school. Triple Play What’s not to love about an 847cc Triple that rolls out the power via an 120° crossplane crankshaft? Well, in its first generation, it was snatchy fuel delivery, but much of that was taken away in the following iterations. Still, for a rider who values smooth throttle application, the engine wasn’t quite there – until now. For 2017, the EFI received the same settings as the FJ-09 and the XSR900, which finally tames most of the abruptness previously encountered going from off-throttle back on. While some occasional abruptness can appear – though not consistently – in the lower mid-range (think roughly between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm), this trait has been relegated to niggle status and is no longer one of the defining characteristics of the engine. This is hugely good news! 2015 Yamaha FZ–09: New And Improved Fuel Injection! Now, the rider is rewarded with a smooth, meaty torque curve that in our previous tests twisted out 59.7 lb-ft at 8,600 rpm and a horsepower curve that stayed above 100 hp (peaking at 106 hp) from 9,000 rpm to the 11,250 rpm redline. Finally, even for a persnickety rider like myself, all three D-Modes are completely usable. While most riders will likely stay in Standard Mode, the more aggressive A-Mode is no longer an exercise in frustrating abruptness. Yes, the initial throttle response is noticeably more reactive – a trait riders who like to whack the throttle to its stops at corner exits will surely love – but this doesn’t come at the expense of the ability to precisely meter out thrust as the rider plays out the power requirements of unfamiliar corners. Now, because Standard mode is so smooth, B-Mode might best be relegated to rain-use status. Want to make this shot more exciting? Order the accessory quick shifter that was lifted straight from the R1. The improved EFI isn’t the only electronic upgrade to the 2017 FZ-09. The left grip features new switchgear to allow for a TC toggle. The FZ-09’s traction control has three settings: 2, high intervention geared towards everyday street riding; 1, low intervention for higher performance sport riding; and OFF, for no TC at all. My time in the FZ’s saddle was predominantly in level 1, though I did briefly sample level 2. The only times I felt TC intervene was in some of the dirtier corners where it did exactly what it was designed to do, namely keep me from landing on my head. Although I may not be of the wheelie persuasion, I noticed that several of the other moto-journos has no issues with lofting the front wheel during photo passes. A quick inquiry netted the information that, no, the TC had not been turned off. Rest assured, hooligans, you can raise hell and have your TC engaged, too, just like on the XSR900 we loved. Hiding under this cover is the new-for-2017 slip assist-clutch. The final change in the engine is the only mechanical one made in the transition from 2016 to 2017. Slip-assist clutches are all the rage these days, and for good reason. Our ride started with the urban bump-and-grind and finished with 5 miles of lane splitting. Having a clutch lever with a 20% lower effort is a huge quality-of-life improvement in these situations. The clutch action was so light that it felt like that of a much smaller-displacement engine. Although I never blow a downshift and, thus, would never benefit from the slipper action (yeah, riiiiight), I did test its function for you, gentle reader, and the times that I downshifted and dumped the clutch – again, strictly for slipper-testing purposes – had the back end remaining stable with none of the histrionics of a traditional clutch pack. Finally, Suspenders My biggest beef about the FZ-09 of old was the suspension. When the pace got too hot or the road got too bumpy, they turned mushy and allowed the chassis to get out of shape. Thankfully, Yamaha decided to address the issue in the front end by adding an adjustable compression circuit to the inverted 41mm fork. Previously, the fork had only preload and rebound damping, which was located in the right leg, leaving the left leg with available real estate for this year’s upgrade. According to Yamaha, the fork has 83% more compression damping, and just like that, the FZ-09 is transformed when the road gets bumpy or the aggro-meter gets turned up. The FZ-09’s fork is now fully adjustable with revised damping, dramatically improving suspension performance From the moment we pulled out onto the street, the FZ’s additional firmness was readily apparent. This is not to say the suspension is harsh at more sedate speeds, rather I always felt like I knew what the front end was up to. So, when the pace heated up and the road was less than putting-green smooth, I was quite aware of the contact patch’s condition. This is so much better than wondering WTF the chassis was doing as it danced around underneath me as with previous FZ-09s. 2014 Yamaha FZ–09 Review Reader’s Choice Best Value Bike Of 2015: Yamaha FZ–09 With the increased confidence from the suspension, I was able to use the lightweight, Controlled Fill aluminum chassis for what it was designed for. Side-to-side transitions are quite literally a snap. Diving into a downhill, decreasing-radius corner is more fun with significantly less pucker than before. While the fork’s standard settings worked well for my 190 lbs of motorcyclist and gear, I’d probably add a couple clicks of rebound damping to the rear (if I still had the FZ-09 in my possession) to control the occasional sproing on G-out compression bumps. Alas, that’s the limitation of a one-day ride. But Wait, There’s More! Yamaha didn’t just sit back and say the job was done after addressing the FZ-09’s biggest issues. Instead, ABS was brought into the spec sheet. This is a good safety feature for a streetbike because you never know when someone will do something boneheaded in front of you. And when they do, you might not have the best traction available. The FZ’s brakes have always been good. The Brembo master cylinder combines with the Yamaha 4-piston, radial-mount calipers to deliver great braking performance with good feel in a wide range of conditions. ABS takes none of that away, and in a few full-boogie braking maneuvers that would have had previous generations of ABS intervening a bit early, the FZ remained unfazed. Still, when I mashed on the rear brake to see what it took to get it to save me from myself, the pedal gently pulsed, letting me know it had my back. 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 + Highs Fully-adjustable fork! Smooth throttle response (finally) TC and ABS – Sighs Shock not as capable as fork Price increase Weight gain Braking is the perfect context to point out a small-but-significant change to the FZ-09’s seat. With a flatter profile and a 5mm increase in height at the front of the saddle, the rider is less likely to slide forward into the tank on bumpy roads or during braking. The seat’s narrowness still allows an easy reach to the ground with plenty of room for the rider to move around during different riding situations. Passengers will appreciate the 13mm longer pillion. This was accomplished while still allowing for a 29mm shorter subframe, though much of the credit for this goes to the Euro-style relocation of the license plate to a single-sided aluminum stay that has it hovering over the rear tire. New Clothes At last we arrive at the FZ-09’s styling makeover. While not exactly earth-shattering, the 09 has clearly been going to the same gym as its big brother, the FZ-10. The FZ-09 gets an angry, four-beamed battle-mask mounted to the fork. The bodywork below the tank is also more in line with that of its sibling, while the Matte Silver with Neon Yellow color scheme is more than a passing nod to the FZ-10. The tail section looks much cleaner with the license plate floating above the rear tire. Usually, we get to this point in a first-ride review and tell you how long you’ll have to wait to get yer mitts on one of these exciting new bikes. This time, however, you have the chance to do some long-term testing before the Mighty MO Editors have a change to log a few thousand miles. The FZ-09 is arriving in dealerships now. One could be yours in Matte Silver with Neon Yellow, Intensity White, or Candy Red for just $8,999. While that is $809 more than last year, you do get improved EFI mapping, TC, a fully adjustable fork, and ABS for those extra dollars. Sample the 2017 Yamaha FZ-09, and you’ll probably think that it was money well spent. What are you waiting for? 2017 Yamaha FZ-09Specifications MSRP $8,999 Engine Type 847cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline 3-cylinder 4- stroke; 12 valves Bore and Stroke 78.0mm x 59.1mm Compression Ratio 11.5:1 Rear Wheel Horsepower N/A Torque 64.5 lb-ft @8,500 rpm (claimed) Transmission 6-speed Final Drive Chain Front Suspension 41mm inverted fork; adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping; 5.4-in travel Rear Suspension Single shock, adjustable preload and rebound damping; 5.1-in travel Front Brake Dual 298mm discs, 4-piston calipers, ABS Rear Brake Single 245mm disc, one-piston caliper, ABS Front Tire 120/70ZR17 Rear Tire 180/55ZR17 Rake/Trail 25.0° / 4.1 in. Wheelbase 56.7 in. Seat Height 32.1 in. Curb Weight (Claimed) 425 lb. (wet) Fuel Capacity 3.7 gal. Colors Candy Red, Matte Silver and Intensity White Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty) 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Review: First Ride appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lnymQc

Phillip Island: Viñales Continues to Command - Motorcycle.com News

Phillip Island: Viñales Continues to Command Looking comfortable and confident as ever, Movistar Yamaha’s newest pilot, Maverick Viñales, continues to lead the ranks of MotoGP after dominating at Valencia and Sepang with the fastest lap times at each. Viñales was the only rider on day two of testing at the historic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, to put down a sub-1:29 lap, clocking in at an eyelid peeling 1:28.847 after 80 laps on the circuit, nearly a half-second faster than the runner-up Marc Márquez. Márquez, the reigning, and three time MotoGP champion, delivered a best lap of 1:29.309. You can find more on the state of testing, and catch up with the rest of the pack here. Phillip Island: Viñales Continues to Command appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lclvxL

Caramel Curves: The All-Women Motorcycle Club - Motorcycle.com News

Caramel Curves: The All-Women Motorcycle Club The Huffington Post posted a brief photojournalistic piece today featuring badass women on motorcycles, The Caramel Curves Motorcycle Club. Based in New Orleans and founded in 2005 by the eponymous Caramel, the only requirements are that you have to be a woman and own a motorcycle. They pride themselves as a community that supports women who want to get out and ride, and on the camaraderie and confidence that the club instills in its members. If you’ve ever been wheelied past by a woman in 5-inch heels and a pink jumpsuit down in The Big Easy, chances are it was one of these ladies. You can also check out a great video that Vice’s Broadly did on the club here. Caramel Curves: The All-Women Motorcycle Club appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2lTlNcZ

2017 Triumph Street Triple RS Review: First Ride

2017 Triumph Street Triple RS Review: First Ride 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS Editor Score: 93.5% Engine 19.5/20 Suspension/Handling 14.0/15 Transmission/Clutch 8.75 /10 Brakes 9.5/10 Instruments/Controls 5.0/5 Ergonomics/Comfort 9.0/10 Appearance/Quality 9.5/10 Desirability 9.5/10 Value 8.75/10 Overall Score 93.5/100 The last time Triumph conducted a major revamp of its Street Triple family was 2013. At that press launch Triumph didn’t feel it necessary to include any track time because even the uptown R model remained predominantly a street bike. Four years on and Triumph has reshuffled the Street Triple deck and expanded the portfolio to three models (S, R, RS), each with a specific focus including the new performance leader RS model we just finished testing in Spain. While still largely a street bike, the RS features enough go-fast performance Triumph felt compelled to showcase the bike’s wherewithal around one of the most famous Spanish racetracks, Catalunya. While the 2013 Street Triple R was a substantial uptick to the original ’09 model, it maintained the same 675cc inline-Triple of the previous year’s bike. Not so at all with the 2017 incarnation. You’re probably aware Triumph bumped displacement of the new version 90cc, from 675cc to 765cc. What we learned from Triumph engineers in Spain, however, is the new mill was developed from the existing Daytona engine, not the previous year’s Street Triple engine. According to Triumph, in addition to increased bore and stroke, 80 new parts were used developing the new Street engine including a new crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, balance shaft, and nikasil-plated aluminum cylinder liners. The result is a more powerful three-cylinder with a claimed 16% increase in peak horsepower and a 13% increase in peak torque for the RS compared to last year’s R model. By the numbers, Triumph claims the base model S to output 111 hp at 11,250 rpm and 54 lb.-ft. at 9,100 rpm, the R model to output 116 hp at 12,000 rpm and 57 lb.-ft. at 9,400 rpm, and 121 hp at 11,700 rpm and 57 lb.-ft. at 10,800 rpm for the RS. Note that the R and RS produce the same amount of torque with the R model peaking 1,400 rpm earlier than the RS. This is due to a different camshaft in the R model, and is an example of the individual character Triumph baked in to each bike, with the R emphasizing streetable, mid-range engine performance compared to the higher-revving nature of the RS. More For Less: $8K Four Vs. $8.2K Triple Vs. $8.7K Twin Having only spent time aboard the RS, no honest comparison can yet be made between the S, R, and RS models, nor how each is characterized by its design parameters. What is known is that the engine in the RS performed flawlessly during testing on the street as well as on the track. The linear power delivery we liked so much about the previous 675cc engine was made better by the 90cc bump in displacement. The RS delivering a little extra emphasis when twisting the throttle while maintaining a mid-displacement fun zone without treading into the ridiculously fast atmosphere of Tuonos or Super Duke Rs. The new Street Triple continues the legacy of laudable streetability with an aggressive yet comfortable seating position, with ample legroom and a moderate forward lean. The seat is supportively plush, and handling manners neutral. Within minutes the new Street Triple felt as familiar as any bike I’ve owned for years, allowing for a fun street ride and a fast track session. That the bike is a claimed 4.8 pounds lighter certainly doesn’t hurt as well. Accompanying the Street Triple’s new engine is a Continental electronics package including ride-by-wire throttle, ride modes (see chart), switchable ABS, switchable Triumph Traction Control, and self-cancelling turn signals. The R and RS both enjoy a slip and assist clutch, while the RS is also endowed with a quick-shifter. None of the models, however, offer cruise control which, on a bike where complaints are few and far between, seems like an oversight. Ride Modes Throttle Map ABS Traction Control Available On S R RS Rain Rain Road Rain X X X Road Road Road Road X X X Sport Sport Road Sport X X Track Sport Track Track X Rider Rain Road Sport Road Track Off Rain Road Sport Track Off X X Tied to each ride mode are default settings for throttle mapping (Rain, Road, Sport), ABS (Road, Track, Off), and TTC (Rain, Road, Sport, Track, Off). There is some limited adjustability within the default selections of each ride mode, but only the R and RS models come with full customization in the Rider mode, which is also the mode allowing ABS and TTC to be turned off. Toggling through and selecting ride modes is accomplished on the fly via a five-way joystick on the left handlebar (Track mode requires the bike to be stopped). On the R and RS models, bike information is delivered through a full-color TFT display. There exist six different styles of display from which to choose. Pictured is the standard high-contrast road setting (with animated GPI within the tach). Choosing style 02 shrinks the speedo and enlarges the tach. Other styles are somewhat Star Treky. You can also select the contrast you prefer or set it to auto contrast when the display will change according to ambient light. The five-inch display is one of the best we’ve seen yet, with an assortment of styles to choose from to suit personal preferences or riding conditions. Its functionality is intuitive and easy to navigate, while information is legible and smartly configured. The S model receives an updated version of the LCD instrument cluster and analog tach seen on the previous model. The Four-Thirds Shootout: Tre Cool Further differences among the models are found in the braking and suspension departments, with the RS boasting four-piston Brembo M50 front brake calipers, a fully adjustable Öhlins STX40 monoshock and fully adjustable 41mm inverted Showa big piston fork. The R model comes equipped four-piston Brembo M432 front brake calipers, fully adjustable Showa monoshock, and 41mm inverted separate-function Showa big piston fork, while the S model has two-piston Nissin front brake calipers, 41mm inverted non-adjustable Showa separate function fork and Showa RSU shock with preload adjustment. Outfitted with Brembo M50s, braking performance goes unquestioned. The fully adjustable Showa fork and Öhlins STX40 monoshock felt great on both the street and track. Street speeds were a little slow-going due to wet, foggy weather, but track speeds were full tilt, and both ends of the Triumph handled everything Catalunya threw at it. Note the 90-degree air valve. When it comes to braking performance on the RS, what needs to be said? Brembo M50s are still the best in the business regardless to which bike they’re affixed. Powerful without being abrupt, easily modulated at either street or track speeds; until something better comes along the M50s will continue to dominate. The street portion of our ride began with inclement weather, keeping aggression level low, but with stock setting in place for both front and rear suspension units the Showa fork and Öhlins shock delivered a compliant ride. For the track, Triumph engineers stiffened front and rear settings to deal with the higher speeds, leaving me wanting for nothing, and feeling comfortable through every bend of the 16-turn Catalunya circuit. The 2017 Street Triple RS topped out at 149 mph down Catalunya’s front straight. Never once did the fairingless naked wobble or give any hint of instability at the track. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires (stock on the RS) certainly helped. Footpegs were occasionally grinding away, but not enough to hinder the bike as a damn fun trackday toy. Other niceties abound on the Street Triple RS, such as a new gullwing swingarm, revised exhaust system, lower chain guard, bar-end mirrors, a color-matched belly pan and seat cowl. The front brake lever is adjustable not only laterally to the handlebar, but also longitudinally. Of course you’re going to pay a little extra for the all the fringe benefits the RS carries. The price for the RS begins at $12,500 (a $1,300 increase over the outgoing 2016 RX model), whereas the R model starts at $11,200 (a $900 increase over the 2016 R model), and the S model at $9,900 (a $500 increase over the 2016 S model). At full honk on the track the quick-shifter snicked through the gears like butter, but on the street at anything less than full-throttle upshifts, we’d rather use the clutch to smooth gear selections. Besides, the slip-assist clutch makes lever pull so light there’s nothing to complain about there either. We already had a love affair with the outgoing Street Triple model – enough to award the Street Triple R our 2009 Bike of the Year trophy – and this newest version has improved in nearly every way possible: engine, suspension, brakes, weight and electronics. At $12,500, the RS certainly costs more than a Yamaha FZ-09, upgraded for 2017 and being ridden and tested by our Evans Brasfield this week. If you’re cross-shopping, it would be better to compare the $9k Yammie to the base model Street Triple with just a $900 difference in MSRPs. A more appropriate match-up for the Street Triple RS would be MV Agusta’s Brutale 800 that lists for $13,498. Give us a little time and we’ll gladly compare them for you. Mid-displacement three-cylinder shootout, stay tuned. 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS + Highs Fast but not furious Equally at home on street or track An already light bike made a little lighter – Sighs What, no cruise control!?! Only two color options R model’s red subframe looks more high-spec than RS’s silver subframe Triumph will be offering a special Low Ride Height of the R model Street Triple. Carrying the same MSRP as the standard R model, the LRH version boasts suspension dedicated to lowering the bike 30mm (95mm of front wheel travel and 98mm of rear wheel travel vs 115mm of front wheel travel and 134mm of rear wheel travel on the standard R model. Triumph also says the LRH has “revised seat foam construction” to help reduce seat height from 32.5 inches of the R model to 30.7 for the LRH model. 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS Specifications MSRP $12,500 Horsepower 121 hp @ 11,700 Torque 57 lb.-ft. @ 10,800 rpm Engine Capacity 765cc Engine Type Inline-Triple Bore x Stroke 78 x 53.4mm Compression 12.65:1 Fuel System EFI Transmission 6-Speed Clutch Wet, multi-plate, slip and assist clutch Final Drive Chain Frame Aluminium beam twin spar Front Suspension Showa 41mm upside down big piston forks (BPF), 115mm front wheel travel. Adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and preload. Rear Suspension Öhlins STX40 piggyback reservoir monoshock, 131mm rear wheel travel. Adjustable spring preload (lock-rings), compression damping and rebound damping. Front Brakes Twin 310mm floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston radial monoblock calipers Rear Brakes Single 220mm fixed disc, Brembo single piston sliding caliper Front Tire 180/55 ZR17 Rear Tire 120/70 ZR17 Seat Height 32.5 in. Wheelbase 55.5 in. Rake/Trail 23.9º/3.9 in. Dry Weight (claimed) 366 lbs. Fuel Capacity 4.6 gal. Electronics Ride modes, R-b-W, ABS, TTC, quick-shifter Colors Matt Silver Ice or Phantom Black (Metallic) 2017 Triumph Street Triple RS Review: First Ride appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kD6BP8