Latest motorcycle news, reviews, and editorials

Kawasaki’s answer to the Suzuki Hayabusa, the ZX-14R was all about straight-line speed – up to 186 mph, or 300 kph – the speed all the Japanese manufacturers had a gentleman’s agreement on for a speed cap. Legendary in drag racing thanks to the likes of Ricky Gadson, the ZX-14 carved quite a niche for itself alongside the ‘Busa for being fast. Like the ‘Busa, the ZX-14 was also an underrated sport-touring bike, too. With some luggage on the back, many found the large ride to be comfortable, and even quite good, at chewing up big miles.

This brings us to our Friday find of the week. With only 2,714 miles on this 2009 ZX-14, chewing up miles doesn’t appear to be what this bike was used for – that comes out to about 200 miles per year! The good news is that, with so little miles on the clock, the bike still looks to be in pristine condition. The seller says it has lowering springs, so that should come out in favor of the stockers if sport-touring is your jam. It’s too bad this poor guy has to let the bike go due to age and injury, but at least he’s still willing to ride if a Gold Wing came along. For $9,000, this seems like a fair price for a virtually untouched motorcycle. See the ad below:

Second owner with 2,714 miles. Stock apart from the Muzzy’s rotor (I have the OEM rotor) installed by the original owner. I have the clear screen, seat hump, radiator guard, all black bodywork inserts if you don’t like green, owners manual, shop manual. It has a Shorai battery and I’ll include the charger. I also have a tail tidy and air filter, and lowering fork springs. I hurt my neck when I bought it and hoped physical therapy and time would make things better but my 62 year old body is not happy. I might trade for well maintained fuel injected Goldwing. I can send more pics if needed.

See the forum post here.

Flying over the second largest island in the Mediterranean gives a view of rocky coastlines, lush greenery, small villages, and surprisingly stout topography with mountains stretching more than 6,000 ft. into the sky. Idyllic yet rugged, the isle of Sardinia boasts addictively serpentine asphalt and endlessly challenging off-road terrain. This is where we would get our first test of the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. An exciting new model for Suzuki, particularly due to its all-new powerplant, the 800DE carries on its shoulders both a legacy and an expectation of what a middleweight adventure bike should be in the modern era.

As we expected, Husqvarna announced a new Norden 901 Expedition, adding a more adventure-capable model to its lineup. Equipped with longer-travel suspension and coming standard with a number of accessories such as waterproof luggage, the Norden 901 Expedition carries an MSRP of $15,799, a $1,300 premium over the regular Norden 901.

I love camping. I’ve been doing it my entire life. My family would camp numerous times per year for most of my childhood and as soon as my friends and I had our licenses, we were out in the woods or at a lake in the Midwest enjoying the great outdoors more weekends than not. Once motorcycles took a stranglehold on my life, it was only natural that the two would be intertwined. From solo camping during long motorcycle trips to pitching a tent closer to home with friends, there really aren’t too many things in life I enjoy more than moto-camping.

We’ve covered some of the motorcycle camping basics. Evans even brought us beyond the basics with a peek into some extra equipment to step up your camp game. One thing is for sure, not all campers think alike. Some won’t be caught dead without their espresso maker in the morning while others feel a tent and sleeping bag is all you need. I’ve tried plenty of camping gear over the years, used numerous products on the hunt for the best, and overpacked my bikes in silly ways during moto-camping trips. I’ve managed to slim down my pack considerably since those first few trips, but there are still a few things I grab every time. These are my top 10 motorcycle camping essentials.

Indian pulled no punches and left no doubt when it came to the bike it had in its crosshairs when developing its latest model. Usually at press intros, we all know what other model(s) could be considered competition, but it’s very rare to have the host manufacturer come out and say it. They usually resist the urge to talk about their competitors by name – and especially won’t mention a specific competitor model – when hyping up their new product.  

Victory had enough staying power that I actually thought it was going to give The Motor Company something to worry about. With the might of Polaris behind it, that theory actually had a little weight to it. We all know how that turned out, though one can make the argument that the challenge is stronger than ever with Polaris resurrecting Indian.

Nevertheless, nipping at the heels of the Harley Softail in 2009 was the Victory Vegas 8-Ball. Coming at Harley with a cheaper price tag, its 100 cubic-inch V-Twin (of which the aesthetics I have always liked), and its stealth black treatment, the Vegas 8-Ball got a host of updates for 2009. Here, former E-i-C Kevin Duke takes one for a spin in and around the beaches of Daytona and tells us what it’s like to ride.

Today’s Friday Forum Foraging post comes to you from New Salem Borough, Pennsylvania and the KTM forums, where we find this fine example of a 2019 KTM Super Duke R. Looking at the pictures alone, it seems like this owner has taken good care of his SDR. Having long been one of our favorite streetfighters, the Super Duke R is a thrill machine. Starting with its 1301cc V-Twin, the outrageous engine is anything but short for power. Coupled with a strong WP suspension and Brembo brake package, the SDR lives up to KTM’s Ready to Race mantra.

This example here has a modest 5200 miles on the clock, and we can only assume it was ridden responsibly by its 62-year-old owner. Garage kept and never abused, the maintenance list includes new tires, fresh oil, a new rear spring, and Andreani Misano fork cartridges. For the seller’s $15,000 asking price the bike also comes with an aftermarket seat, a different windscreen, a rear bag, a tank bag, and a Leo Vince slip-on exhaust.

If you’ve been looking for one, you’ll be getting your money’s worth with this SDR. See the posting below:

I’m selling my 2019 KTM SDR. The bike has 5200 miles most came from a few long-distance rides. I’m selling because I’m 62 and heading in a different direction. The bike has always been garage kept and very well maintained and never abused. . Bike has new tire, fresh oil change. I have installed a new rear spring for my weight (200lbs) and new Andreani Misiano fork Cartridges. Also put frame sliders and other guards. I installed a Powersport seat and Puig racing windshield and rear bag. Tank has a Givi ring for the quick lock Tang bag and I have a 2nd rear seat with a Givi ring mount to it for other luggage bags. I also have a Leo Vince Slip-on I used it for a mouth. I run the stock can because I like the quiet. I have all stock parts and a carbon fiber rear cowl seat cover and extra oil filters. Also just installed KTM heated grips. This bike looks and rides like new. Asking price is $15,000.00. If you have any questions or need more photos email me at  Tobinoc@gmail.com.

See the forum post here.

If you are lucky, you have that one friend or neighbor who always seems to show up at your shop or garage door at the best possible times to offer help, advice, or even a spare part or two for your latest project. This guy or gal always seems to know the little tips or tricks that make the difference between a one-hour job and a four-day ordeal. With the advent of the internet, finding the right advice for your build should seemingly have gotten easier, but instead, you’re faced with a mountain of info you have to sift through to weed out the correct answers from the bad advice.

Denis Kirk started out as the helpful, knowledgeable friend who was a phone call or a few steps away, ready to give the right advice at the right time. But when the world went online, instead of being lost in the ether of potentially bad information, DK became the digital embodiment of the friendly neighborhood shade tree motorcycle mechanic, now only a click or two away, but still available by phone if that suits your style. But who is Dennis Kirk?

Dennis “Kirk” Frandsen sold the company named after him way back in 1977, but Dennis Kirk, the company, retains many of the values that Frandsen instilled in it when he founded it in 1969. The All American Snowmobile Parts Company began as a distributorship in Rush City, Minnesota, a town with just over a thousand residents at the time, before converting to nationwide mail-order catalog sales around 1973. The company grew, expanded their product offerings, and went online, as is necessary in the modern world. Today, the company is the largest online retailer of aftermarket motorcycle parts, accessories, and gear.

KTM confirmed it will reveal a new 890 SMT model, adding a new supermoto-inspired middleweight sport-tourer to its 2023 lineup. Spy photos of a prototype popped up last October and again in January, and we now know the new SMT will be revealed on April 24.

I’ve been searching for the perfect brown leather jacket for years. For some reason, this color appeals to me more than the classic black or multi-colored gear. However, to my eye, brown is a color that is difficult to get right. I’ve seen too many items with a burgundy tint that really doesn’t appeal to me. When I discovered the Alpinestars Caliber jacket, I knew I’d found the jacket I was looking for. 

MO (Crash) Tested: AGV Sport Element Vintage Jacket

MO Tested: Alpinestars Brera Airflow Jacket Review

Last month, we reported that Honda was preparing to bringing the XR150L dual sport to the U.S. market, introducing an air-cooled carbureted model marketed internationally as an agricultural vehicle to America. While we’re still waiting for a formal announcement form American Honda, it’s Canadian counterparts confirmed the XR150L will be arriving to North America.

Arriving in Canadian dealerships in the spring, the X150L adds a new, more affordable model to Honda Canada’s dual sport lineup. A similar announcement is expected to come soon from American Honda, as Honda Canada’s official website specifies the images are for the U.S.-spec model.

The XR150L may be pulling farming duties in Australia, but Honda Canada is positioning it as an entry-level dual sport.

Priced at CA$4,589, with freight, PDI and fees, which is about US$3,400. Price conversions between different markets can be tricky, but looking at comparably priced models can help. In Canada, the XR150L is priced just slightly lower than the Grom, which goes for $3,499 in the U.S., so a US$3,400 price sounds about right.

“The XL150L is an extremely important motorcycle for our product lineup, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Canada,” says Ryan Kelly, Assistant Vice President of Powersports and Power Equipment, Honda Canada. “Not only is this bike perfect for those purchasing their first motorcycle, but it’s a great option for those looking for an additional bike for themselves or their family. The XR150L gives riders a reliable, safe, low-cost and adventurous option for whatever their riding needs may be.”

In 2021, Buell claimed it would have 10 new models by 2024. While that seems highly unlikely as of today, we now have our first look at the latest offering from the American manufacturer, which was brought to life by none other than Roland Sands Design. The Buell Super Cruiser concept unveiled to the media in Long Beach, CA on February 10, combines existing Buell componentry, including the 1190SX’s motor, into an entirely bespoke chassis developed by RSD. Cruiser faithful will likely recognize the FXR-esque silhouette of the Super Cruiser, but the performance should surpass anything seen yet. Of course this is only a concept model, so when the Super Cruiser hits the production line, we’ll have a better idea of what to expect. 

It only took one sketch from Roland to Buell CEO, Bill Melvin, before Melvin said, “Build that one.” Explaining the build parameters, Sands recalls, “Bill said use all the Buell components you can because we have them.” “And the performance is kick ass,” interjected Melvin. Buell items used include the motor, swingarm, suspension, fork, perimeter brakes, wheels, handlebar controls, master cylinders, and electronics package (though these had not currently been tuned to work with the concept bike).

It’s pretty simple. If I find a vintage Speed Triple story, I’m going to republish it. Now, 20 years later – 20 years! – we bring back to you MO’s First Ride aboard the 2002 Triumph Speed Triple. So many people have memories with this bike. A lot of them are good, but these early years of the Speed Triple also brought with it a few reliability problems. Let’s not focus too much on that for now and instead appreciate Triumph’s beloved three-cylinder naked bike that basically ushered in the category of naked sportbike.

With no US publications invited to the press launch of the BMW CE 04 more than a year ago, we had to enlist the help of our friend Bertrand Gahel to send us his thoughts in the form of his First Ride Review. Thirteen months later, we finally got our hands on the BMW scoot.

Critics of electric motorcycles – and there are a lot of you – have made their points perfectly clear: An electric motorcycle simply doesn’t make sense. At least not yet. They don’t go far enough, and they don’t charge fast enough to make any reasonable sense to own.  

Who doesn’t love a good BMW GS story? This one is especially good. Today’s example is a 2005 R1200GS – ironically, listed at the V-Strom forum  StromTrooper.com – with over 100,000 miles. If the ad (reposted below) is any indication, the bike has 133,600 miles to be exact. The GS has been known to be virtually bulletproof, and this bike is driving home that point.

What’s interesting is it appears as though the seller has only owned the bike for slightly more than a week, has possibly taken parts off of it to use on other bikes, and is turning around and offering it up for sale again. The good news is he/she seems upfront in the listing about what’s good, what’s bad, and his intentions with the bike. The list of maintenance items performed also should go far in easing a potential buyer’s fears about a high-mileage GS.

Really, we just want someone to buy it, put another 100,000 miles on it, and report back about how the bike is doing.

I bought this little beauty last Sunday and have gone through it from front to back and it is completely serviced and detailed and ready to go. This bike has high miles and is why it prices so reasonably. It should have many 10’s of 1000’s of miles left in it with minimal care. The 1/2 mile I rode it around the neighborhood last Sunday was amazing. I felt free as a bird with the wind in my face and sun on my shoulders. on the 1/2 mile adventure of a lifetime.

FWIW I bought it for several reasons

1. I wanted something to work on.
2. I wanted the Ohlins GSA length suspension that was on it for another project.
3. I wanted the GSA fuel tank that was on it for one of my other bikes

The bike needs nothing but a new rider. Full disclosure there are 4 open recalls on this bike.

1. Fuel pump
2. Rear wheel flange
3. ABS sensor
4. Banjo fitting

All that need done is call the local BMW dealership they will schedule the work to be done free of charge no questions asked. You’ll get a new fuel pump ($479 value) steel rear wheel flange (not the original aluminium) and some minor brake parts all free of charge.

I have a clean clear PA title in my name and ready to transfer. Bike is located in Chambersburg PA.

2/6/23 – Oil and filter change. Mobil-1 15W-50 and Hiflo #164 filter 133.600 miles
2/6/23 – Changed transmission oil with 800cc’s of Valvoline 75W-90 Full synthetic gear oil @ 133,600 miles.
2/7/23 – Changed rear drive oil with 180cc’s of Valvoline 75W-90 Full synthetic gear oil @ 133,600 miles.
2/7/23 – Replaced swingarm pivot bearings with Rulman Art 32303 tapered roller bearings @ 133,600 miles.
2/7/23 – Clean and repacked needle bearings on rear drive pivot @ 133,600 miles
2/7/23 – Cleaned and lubed upper and lower driveline splines with Wurth SIG3000 @ 133,600 miles.
2/7/23 – Clean inspected and treated the driveline rubber boots (both were in excellent shape) @ 133,600 miles.
2/7/23 – Cleaned rear brake caliper and slide pin at 133,600 miles.
2/8/23 – Checked and set valves @133,600 miles.
2/8/23 – Replaced all 4 sparkplugs with NGK DCPR8EXC (NGK 7168) @ 133,600 miles.
2/8/23 – Flushed and bled the iABS-III/Servo braking system @ 133,600 miles.
2/12/23 – Cleaned throttle bodies and replaced the throttle cables pulleys with reinforced units. Originals were cracked @ 133,600 miles.
2/12/23 – Installed battery @ 133,600 miles.
2/13/23 – Connected to GS-911 and ran a diagnostics to check for fault codes. None were found. Also calibrated stepper motors, TPS and shifter @ 133,600 miles.

I’ve heard it more times than I can count, “The first thing I do when I get a dirtbike is swap in a Seat Concepts seat.” Personally, I don’t mind the OEM seats on my dirt bikes. That’s probably because most of my riding with the KTM 500 EXC-F is pretty well varied, and I don’t spend a ton of time on long stretches seated. That said, it does happen on occasion, and I’ve found myself shimmying from one cheek to the other for some relief when it does. It’s just not often enough for me to consider other options. Though I do remember giving the KTM the nod for the most uncomfortable seat during this Excellent Dual-Sport Adventure back in 2019.

Essential Dirt Bike Upgrades For Essential Recreation Part 1 – Protecting Your Investment

Essential Dirt Bike Upgrades For Essential Recreation Part 2 – Making The Mileage

When Seat Concepts reached out to MO to offer a seat for testing, I decided that this was my chance to find out what all the hype was about – and if I was just being stubborn. After discussing the type of riding I typically do with the folks at Seat Concepts, they suggested the standard Element seat (also available in short and tall options). Since I wasn’t necessarily looking to turn the 500 into a plush cruiser and wanted to maintain stock maneuverability, the Element seat fit the bill as it’s just as narrow as the OE seat up front, but widens as you move further back to offer approximately two more inches of flat sitting space side-to-side. The Element seat uses Seat Concept’s Gripper material in addition to being ribbed for your pleasure, er, traction, when you’re holdin’ ‘er WFO. The Seat Concepts secret sauce is, of course, their proprietary foam:

Seat Concepts seats are constructed using a foam material that is a much higher quality than OEM seat foam. Our proprietary formula provides a more plush and active ride, while still offering the necessary amount of support. Our unique comfort shape maintains a similar contour to stock at the front of the seat so the rider’s legs are not spread farther apart, but tapers out towards the mid-point to distribute rider weight over a greater area.