Competition Werkes Releases First Full Exhaust, For Triumph 675R - Motorcycle.com News

Competition Werkes Releases First Full Exhaust, For Triumph 675R Competition Werkes has just released its first full exhaust for a full-size motorcycle, the Triumph Daytona 675R. It looks like a nice piece, too, with MotoGP-like welds. Begin Press Release: Competition Werkes of Sutherlin, OR, has just released its first full race exhaust system for a full-sized motorcycle. The market leader and first-ever manufacturer of motorcycle rear fender eliminators, Competition Werkes added exhaust slip-ons to its line of products in 2006. Designed and built specifically for the 2013-2016 Triumph Daytona 675R, the GP Full System Race Exhaust is hand-built entirely of high-grade stainless steel. Instead of bending the pipe and creating weak spots after the header, Competition Werkes chose to weld in conical pieces of pipe just like MotoGP exhausts. The Competition Werkes GP Full System Race Exhaust for the 675R is 11 lbs. lighter than stock and provides increased horsepower and torque at virtually all rpm. For more information, click http://ift.tt/2kg13hC Competition Werkes Releases First Full Exhaust, For Triumph 675R appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
 
from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kbqJLE

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Editor Score: 86.5% Engine 18.5/20 Suspension/Handling 12.0/15 Transmission/Clutch 8.5/10 Brakes 8.0/10 Instruments/Controls 5.0/5 Ergonomics/Comfort 8.0/10 Appearance/Quality 9.0/10 Desirability 8.5/10 Value 9.0/10 Overall Score 86.5/100 Up until now Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 has been recognized as a genteel gateway drug to the company’s true supersport model, the ZX-6R. For 2017 Kawasaki has further distilled more performance from the beginner-ish Ninja while maintaining the bike’s streetable mannerisms. In other words, the 2017 Ninja 650 is a more potent sportbike capable of shredding a twisty canyon road or closed course race track on the weekends, while performing commuter duty during the weekdays. The most substantive element of the new Ninja is the bike’s drastic weight reduction of 42 pounds, giving the 650 a claimed curb weight of only 419 pounds (426 pounds with ABS). In our Middleweight Intermediate Sportbike Shootout from 2014, the Ninja 650 tipped the MO scales at 465 pounds (461 pounds for the Honda CBR650F, 470 pounds for the Yamaha FZ6R). If we were to conduct that same comparison today the Ninja would have a whopping 35- and 44-pound weight advantage over the Honda and Yamaha, respectively. A breakdown of where Kawasaki engineers hacked weight from the Ninja 650, no small effort for an affordably priced mid-displacement non-supersport model. Interestingly, the 2017 Ninja 650 weighs a claimed 1.8 pounds less than its supersport ZX-6R model, 426 vs 427.8 pounds. A bike weighing 42 pounds less than its predecessor shouldn’t be taken lightly (aha… aha… aha…). You can’t help but feel the bike’s increased maneuverability at around town speeds, or especially when transitioning through a tight set of switchbacks. For newer riders, a lighter curb weight is less intimidating, while experienced pilots will appreciate its newfound flickability. 2017 Kawasaki Z650 First Ride Review Engine performance too has been massaged via a myriad of changes/improvements: fine-atomizing fuel injectors, 36mm throttle bodies and narrower intake ports, camshaft with modified profiles, airbox design, shorter exhaust pipe with no crossover tube all add up to an engine with greater low- and mid-range performance compared to last year’s model. No exact figures were provided but this rudimentary dyno chart from Kawasaki illustrates how the new engine fills mid-range cavities in the old engine’s power curves. Peak torque appears to be slightly more, while peak horsepower has decreased compared to the outgoing engine. In our 2014 shootout the Ninja 650 produced 64.7 hp at 8,900 rpm, and 43.0 lb-ft of torque at 7,100 rpm. Usable power from the Ninja 650’s parallel-Twin is abundant and corresponds with Kawasaki’s claims for improved low- and mid-range. The engine is a willing participant in almost any situation, whether it be building revs from as low as 2,500 rpm in 6th gear without shuddering to snappier responses in 3rd spinning at a more aggressive 6,000 rpm. Some vibes are going to creep through – mainly via the seat – but nothing excessive for two pistons in a parallel arrangement. In the technology department, the Ninja 650 comes outfitted with an Assist and Slip clutch which provides a light pull at the adjustable clutch lever, and the ability to row the gearbox with successive downshifts without fear of locking the rear wheel. The transmission also features a positive neutral finder that makes it easier to find that gearless position between 1st and 2nd. The restyled Ninja 650 is fairly aggressive for 2017, more closely resembling its supersport/superbike stablemates. The new 5-spoke wheels are lighter, and the shorter under-engine exhaust helps centralize mass. That’s possibly the best looking pressed-steel swingarm we’ve ever seen. To complement the Ninja’s sportier nature and aggressive new looks, Kawasaki reconfigured the bike’s seating position. The handlebars are now 25mm (1 inch) more forward and 42mm lower compared to the 2016 Ninja 650. As far as we’re concerned, this was a nice tweak to help performance while not putting too much weight on a rider’s wrist. In our previous shootout we complained that its front end was vague because there’s so little weight over the wheel due to the handlebar position. This new handlebar placement should help remedy that complaint. The taller of us MO testers also had problems with the seat-to-footpeg distance in that 2014 shootout. For 2017, Kawasaki moved the footpegs 60mm forward, and while they also lowered the footpegs 15mm they also lowered the seat 15mm. The shorter seat height should help less-taller folk, but during our day ride, the uncomfortable bend in my knee didn’t go unnoticed, so our complaint about the seat-to-footpeg distance will probably remain, at least for riders pushing six feet in height. What I definitely did like was the sloped, flat fuel tank – perfect for leaning forward and laying on for taking a rest during a long ride on a straight road, or to get out of the wind on a cold day. The new negative-lit instrument cluster is a huge improvement over the old one, and, incredibly, the digital readout is more legible in direct sunlight than it is in shade. Yah, we know, sounds crazy but it’s true. There’s also an adjustable shift light above the gear position indicator, while the tach needle also changes from white to pink to red to correspond with the shift light. Stopping power comes by way of new Nissin 2-piston calipers gripping 300mm discs up front, while a single Nissin caliper clamps on a single 220mm disc out back. We complained about how much pressure it took to get the old brakes to quickly slow the Ninja 650, and these new binders seem to perform much more efficiently. New ABS is the Bosch 9.1M that’s lighter and offers more precise anti-locking measurements. Non-ABS models remain available from Kawasaki, which offer slightly lower weight and price, but in our opinion, ABS is worth the few added pounds and dollars. The new negative-lit instrument cluster is a huge improvement over the old one, and, incredibly, the digital readout is more legible in direct sunlight than it is in shade. Yah, we know, sounds crazy but it’s true. There’s also an adjustable shift light above the gear position indicator, while the tach needle also changes from white to pink to red to correspond with the shift light. Big news in the suspension department is a new horizontal back-link KYB shock. Compared to last year’s linkageless shock, the new unit should provide a more progressive movement and reduce most occurrences of bottoming out. Rear suspension travel is the same as last year’s, and front suspension has gone unchanged. Any noticeable improvement in rear ride quality wasn’t apparent during our outing; a full suspension evaluation will have to wait until we can get a test unit. 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 + Highs Light makes right Improved mid-range engine performance Minimal price increase – Sighs Seat to footpeg ratio Basic brakes and suspension Cheap looking rear sprocket The 2017 Ninja 650 features a three-way adjustable windscreen. Other niceties include adjustable clutch and front brake levers, a narrow seat/tank junction, and comfortably dense seat material. Among other accessories, the seat cowl is especially stylish and dresses-up the look of the Ninja 650 for not much money. Kawasaki has really upped its game when it comes to fit/finish, and the Ninja 650 is another stunning example of the company’s attention to detail. The Ninja 650 isn’t an A-list celebrity, but Kawasaki sure seems to treat it like one. Everywhere you look on the bike speaks quality. About the only thing we found that visually says budget is the rear sprocket. Of course, steel is used in place of aluminum, and the suspension isn’t the latest fully adjustable Öhlins unit, but what you get for the price is a competent mid-level sportbike for which you don’t have to prostitute yourself to afford. Our cold one-day ride is only a glimpse into the improvements Kawasaki rendered on the Ninja 650. Once we get a test unit for a more in-depth evaluation, and a shootout against some of its competitors, we’ll know better how well the improvements perform. One thing we already know for certain, though, is you can’t go wrong dropping 42 pounds off of any model motorcycle, and for that reason alone the 2017 Ninja 650 is a winner in our book. 2017 Kawasaki Ninja Specifications Engine Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin Displacement 649cc Bore and Stroke 83.0 x 60.0 mm Compression ratio 10.8:1 Valve system DOHC Fuel system DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies Ignition TCBI with electronic advance Starting Electric Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump Maximum power 67.3 hp at 8,000 rpm (claimed) Maximum torque 48.5 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm (claimed) Transmission 6-speed, return shift Final drive Chain Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual Frame Trellis, high-tensile steel Front suspension 41 mm telescopic fork Front wheel travel 4.9 in. Rear suspension Horizontal Back-link with adjustable preload Rear wheel travel 5.1 in. Front tire 120/70 ZR17 Dunlop Rear tire 160/60 AR17 Dunlop Sportmax D214 Front brakes Dual semi-floating 300mm petal discs with dual-piston caliper Rear brakes Single 220 mm petal disc with single-piston caliper Caster (rake) 24.0º Trail 3.9 in. Wheelbase 55.5 inches Seat height 31.1 inches Curb mass 419 pounds/426 pounds with ABS (claimed) Fuel capacity 4.0 gallon 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Review appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
 
from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kbBiyf

Husqvarna Factory Racing Wraps Up Dakar 2017 In New Video - Motorcycle.com News

Husqvarna Factory Racing Wraps Up Dakar 2017 In New Video Normally we don’t pay huge attention to seventh-place finishers in most races, but the Dakar is different. One of – if not the most – grueling race in the world, the Dakar 2017 has produced some spectacular pictures and videos. Take, for example, Husqvarna’s Dakar 2017 race recap video below. Begin Press Release: Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team’s riders had their highs and lows in the 2017 edition of the Dakar Rally, the annual, 9,000 km trek through South America that is an enormous test for man and machine. French rider Pela Renet reached the finish in Buenos Aires safely on January 14 in seventh overall to achieve a remarkable top 10 result in only his second edition. Pablo Quintanilla was forced to retire in stage 10 while in second overall and on target for a podium finish. Relive Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s 2017 Dakar Rally highlights below. Husqvarna Factory Racing Wraps Up Dakar 2017 In New Video appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
 
from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kbtJYI

Ducati Multistrada 950 Available In U.S. Dealerships Starting January 28 - Motorcycle.com News

Ducati Multistrada 950 Available In U.S. Dealerships Starting January 28 Ducati has announced the newest member of the Multistrada family, the Multistrada 950, has arrived on U.S. shores, and will hit dealers tomorrow. Begin Press Release: DUCATI MULTISTRADA 950 ARRIVES IN U.S. DEALERSHIPS Ducati today announced the dealership arrival of the newest entry to its Multistrada family, the Multistrada 950. The motorcycle will increase accessibility to Ducati’s beloved Multistrada line and will be available beginning January 28, 2017, in participating U.S. dealerships for test rides. Pricing for the Multistrada 950 begins at $13,995 MSRP. The Multistrada 950 provides a combination of comfort, style, and superior performance, making it an approachable versatile bike with all the technology and capability for which Ducati is world-renowned. Equipped with the Italian brand’s Testastretta 937 cc engine and a 19″ front wheel the Multistrada 950 delivers a comfortable balance for long-distance on/off-road touring, excellent city riding and daily commuting thanks in part to low fuel consumption, affordable ownership costs, and an upright seating position. The L-Twin engine produces 113 horsepower and 71 lb-ft of torque and is coupled with a 6-speed transmission and standard ABS, traction control and Ducati’s four distinct riding modes. The new 950 is an extension of the present Multistrada line-up, which currently includes the Multistrada 1200 S, Multistrada 1200 Enduro, as well as the Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak. 950 owners will be happy to know that most accessories available for current Multistrada models will also be available for the new Multistrada 950. Accessories designed to enhance each of the distinct Multistrada riding modes. Touring: Color matched panniers, center stand, and heated grips. Sport: Ducati performance exhaust by Temignoni, billet aluminum frame plugs, and billet aluminum front brake reservoir cap. Urban: Top case, tank bag, and USB hub to charge electronic devices. Enduro: Supplementary LED driving lights, engine crash bars, aluminum radiator guard, aluminum sump guard, off-road pegs, tubeless spoked wheels, and aluminum panniers by Touratech. Ducati also has what you need to keep you protected and looking stylish head to toe with their full line of complimenting Multistrada apparel for 2017. To schedule a test ride, contact your local authorized Ducati dealership. Ducati Multistrada 950 Available In U.S. Dealerships Starting January 28 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
 
from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2kCnM43

An Update On Honda's Supercross Star Ken Roczen - Motorcycle.com News

An Update On Hondas Supercross Star Ken Roczen Honda’s star Supercross signing for 2017, Ken Roczen, was involved in a nasty crash at Anaheim 2, where he suffered a compound fracture to his left arm. An update on his condition is below. Begin Press Release: Update on Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen During the week since Ken Roczen’s January 21 crash at the Anaheim 2 Supercross, the Team Honda HRC rider has been undergoing work on his injured left arm. Injuries included a compound fracture of the radius and a dislocated elbow and wrist, as well as related tissue damage. On Sunday, Roczen was flown to Vail, Colorado, to go under the care of Dr. Randall Viola at The Steadman Clinic. Dr. Viola is the team physician for the Men’s U.S. Alpine Ski Team and a medical consultant to the Denver Broncos and U.S. Snowboard Team, and he specializes in hand, wrist and elbow injuries, with special interests in orthopedic and sports-related trauma. Upon arrival at the Steadman Clinic, Roczen underwent an initial two-hour surgery late Sunday evening to clean the bone and surrounding area in order to reduce the risk of infection. To help reduce swelling, the seven incisions were left open until Dr. Viola closed four of them during an operation on Wednesday. A third surgery is scheduled for later today to further clean the wounds and close some of the incisions. Additional surgeries still need to be carried out to repair damage, and according to Roczen’s agent Steve Astephen, Dr. Viola’s goal is for those procedures to be completed by Friday, February 3, after which Roczen would be able to return to his home in Florida to begin the recovery process. There is still no schedule for a return to action, but additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Ken Roczen 94 “This obviously isn’t the way I was hoping the Supercross season would go, but I’ve accepted the challenge and am putting all of my effort into getting healthy again. I want to thank everyone at The Steadman Clinic, and specifically Dr. Viola and ‘Team Viola’ for all the care. It’s great knowing I have the best people possible helping me through this. The support from my fans and the industry on social media has been incredible too. I especially want to thank my team at Honda, which has truly become like a family, and of course my other partners who have been behind me 100%. I look forward to getting back to racing as soon as possible.” An Update On Honda’s Supercross Star Ken Roczen appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
 
from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2k1tkG1

AMA Action: Support RPM Act To Allow Race Bike Conversion - Motorcycle.com News

AMA Action: Support RPM Act To Allow Race Bike Conversion Since the entire editorial staff of Motorcycle.com has raced street bikes that were converted to competition-only bikes, we heartily support this move. Follow through by taking the AMA’s recommended action. Begin Press Release: RPM Act Reintroduced in the U.S. Senate Tell Congress to support your right to race! The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act, S. 203) was reintroduced in the House by Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.). The bi-partisan RPM Act would ensure that converting motor vehicles into competition-only vehicles remains legal. Street motorcycles are considered motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. The act states that it was the clear intent of Congress when passing and amending the Clean Air Act that motor vehicles, including motorcycles, used solely for competition would be exempt from the Clean Air Act’s prohibitions against modifying emission control devices. The American Motorcyclist Association supports the bill and its protections for amateur and professional racing enthusiasts. Tell your senators you support S. 203. Send a prewritten email by using the convenient AMA Action Center. Take Action The RPM Act has 14 cosponsors in the Senate. If your senators are already sponsors, you can express your thanks, as well. The AMA is coordinating efforts with the RPM Coalition to support this legislation. Now more than ever, it is crucial that you and your riding friends become members of the AMA to help protect our riding freedoms. More members mean more clout against the opponents of motorcycling. That support will help fight for your rights – on the road, trail and racetrack and in the halls of government. If you are a motorcycle rider, join the AMA at http://ift.tt/1awtys3. AMA Action: Support RPM Act To Allow Race Bike Conversion appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
 
from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2k0Q7BG

AdventureMotorcycle.com - Held Air-n-Dry Four-Season Glove

Held Air-n-Dry Four-Season Glove Published in: Gear When Held, one of Germany’s most established and awarded apparel companies, introduced the Air-n-Dry four-season glove, I was curious—with a wrinkled brow. Sometimes it's overly optimistic to proclaim a new product as a do-it-all Swiss Army Knife in any field, but I will admit the technology is ambitious. Held’s Air N’ Dry gloves have two compartments to choose from, and a waterproof membrane for a divider. The supple, perforated kangaroo leather on the palm and fingers kept me surprisingly comfortable up to about 90°F. These breathable sections do a great job keeping your hands cool despite the double layer of GORE-TEX over the top, which is a welcome addition when the temperature drops below 50°F. For cooler weather, I was glad to have the warmer compartment to slip into. The comfort and fit in the cooler kangaroo “pouch” is superb, even after a 10-hour day at the handlebars. But slipping into the upper compartment, the thumb was a bit too long. And the dual layer’s extra material gets in the way when operating a 60CSX GPS, for example. After a few minutes of light off-road riding, I was happy to switch back to the thinner adventure gloves. While the Air-n-Dry will get you to your adventure ride on pavement and in most elements, they are not well suited (and don’t intend to be) for extended dirt riding. In the category of protection, the hard knuckle shield and tough simulated stingray leather (what Held calls “Superfabric”) with generous padding at the edge of the palm will serve the purpose when needed. To test water resistance, given the rare occasions of rain in So-Cal, a water bucket had to suffice, and a five-minute immersion left my hands bone dry. A visor-wiper feature on the left index finger came in handy in morning fog conditions—streak-free and convenient. Since these gloves are geared toward extended rides, I would have expected touch-screen fingertips, a technology now common in every glove north of $80, and these are quite a bit north, at $250. MSRP: $250 HeldUSA.com PROS CONS ▲ Versatile in various weather conditions ▼ No touch-screen feature ▲ Comfortable ▼ Too much thumb material when both layers are utilized ▲ Robust construction {gallery}ARTICLES/Gear/Held/Air-n-dry/Gallery{/gallery} http://ift.tt/2jmjzQC
 
from Totally Motorbikes http://ift.tt/2jmjzQC