Latest motorcycle news, reviews, and editorials

S2 Del Mar is priced at $15,499 USD for the U.S. and Europe receives a Launch Edition of 100 limited edition bikes on sale April 27.

Today, Garmin announced the next generation of the popular zūmo XT motorcycle GPS, the Garmin zūmo XT2. The XT2 builds on the feature set of the XT and advances even further by expanding the screen 0.5 in. to 6.0 in. and increasing the brightness for ease of viewing in all lighting conditions. Additional features include: moto paths preferred by other riders, ride summaries feature via the Tread smartphone app, Group Ride Mobile feature, and pair with a compatible inReach® satellite communicator.

MO Tested: Garmin Zūmo XT GPS Review

Look for a full review of the Garmin zūmo XT2 in the near future.

Read the full release below:

Forcite and Tucker Powersports, announce the availability of Forcite MK1S, the world's most advanced motorcycle helmet, through powersports dealerships in the United States. The highly sought-after Forcite MK1S touts a first-to-market smart helmet system and advanced features in audio, visual and road alert systems for motorcycle riders.

Forcite MK1S capabilities are unmatched in the motorcycle helmet industry and operate as a system (helmet, built-in electronics and a related Forcite app) to provide an engaged and connected riding experience. 

Tech features include:

• A proprietary road alert and in-helmet, peripheral LED display that communicates route information and turn-by-turn directions to the rider, with no need to look away from the road ahead. 
• High-end audio with Harman Kardon speakers and a dual microphone designed specifically for Forcite's motorcycle environment.
• Built-in action camera with 1080p resolution, low-light capability and a Sony IMX sensor. 

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Reinventing an Icon

To offset the lack of federal tax incentives for two-wheeled EVs, Zero is broadening the incentives to Go Electric by introducing new savings and a 0% financing offer

Today, you have no doubt noticed that Motorcycle.com has a completely new look, but the bigger news is that this is significantly more than a new coat of paint. Behind the scenes for the last few months, the old MO was torn down, and a completely new platform was built in its place. So, while we are excited about the new look of the site, we’re stoked about what this opportunity provided us.

In honor of our newly-relaunched Motorcycle.com, we’re hosting a special giveaway for April and May! – EB

The Honda Rebel 250 is probably the bike many of us rode when we were taking our Basic Rider Course. Even though I didn’t know what I was doing back then, when I rode the bike while trying to get my license, I could still tell it was a bit of a turd. A lack of experience meant I couldn’t put my finger on exactly why, though I chalked it up to being used and abused after having gone through the hands of many new riders.

For this Church feature, we look back at the 1996 version of the Rebel 250 and see if current memories align with what MO testers thought of the bike back in the day. Did a new Rebel provide a little more enjoyment than an old, abused one?

Remember in the bad old days when we had to tape directions to our bike’s gas tank? Well, smartphones have become an essential part of riding, and fewer and fewer of us can find ways to leave them behind when we go on our rides, particularly since you can track and share your rides with your buddies. However, playing music and running turn-by-turn directions can drain your phone’s battery. Naturally, we need a way to feed it while out on the road. While some phone mounts have built-in wireless charging, the vast majority are just a means of securing your phone to your motorcycle. So, here is our current list of the best motorcycle phone chargers we know of. If you have a favorite that’s not listed, let us know in the comments. 

Best Motorcycle Phone Mounts

You’ll find these chargers lumped into two basic categories. One gets hard-wired into your bike’s electrical system, while the second is an adapter that plugs into your 12V socket on the bike. Either way, they then convert the power to 5V and deliver it via the cable that is appropriate for your phone. When it comes to installing your phone charger, we highly recommend that you use a switched circuit because they will otherwise place a constant small load on your motorcycle battery that could run it dry during storage.

Where do we even start with this one? Found on our sister site, CTX1300forum.com, there’s a lot to talk about with this CTX1300. Though I suppose we could start with the CTX1300 itself. If you don’t remember, the CTX1300 is a little bit like a space-age cruiser. You’ve got that long and low appearance we’re used to with cruisers, but with a very distinct, almost futuristic, style that clearly can’t be lumped in with your traditional cruiser. Honda was going somewhere with this, we’re just not sure where. Then there’s the engine. Based on the VFR1200 V4, this compact four-cylinder packed a healthy amount of power and driveability, along with a very cool soundtrack to boot.

All of that leads into what we have here. This is a really clean example of a CTX1300 that has clearly been used for what it was meant for – burning away miles in absolute comfort. Judging by how the paint shines and the chrome pops in these photos, you’d think this was a new bike with no miles. But that’s far from the truth. With a tick over 19,000 miles on the odometer, this owner takes care of their CTX just as much as they ride it. They even claim that not a single body panel tab has been broken, which is actually an impressive feat on today’s motorcycles.

Sure the title of the post is a bit over the top, but you do need to admit it’s a clean bike. With an asking price of $8,499, it’s also a decent deal for the right person. See the full listing below.

Just a week after announcing the 450SS sportbike was coming to the U.S., CFMOTO adds another adventure bike to its lineup for 2023. The CFMOTO Ibex 800 S will be available for $9,499, while the slightly more adventure-ready Ibex 800 T trim comes in at $10,499.

The Ibex 800 is powered by a 799cc DOHC Parallel-Twin with a 75° offset crankshaft that is heavily based on KTM’s 790 engine. CFMOTO claims 94 hp at 9,000 rpm and 56.8 lb-ft. at 7,500 rpm.

The Route Napoleon is considered one of the best drives across France. It starts near the French Riviera and runs up to the southern tip of the Alps. The route earns its namesake by following the path that the one-time French emperor used to covertly make his way north after escaping his first exile. Despite wet conditions with gravelly sections enroute and frost at higher elevations, it was a most excellent place to have our first dance with Suzuki’s new naked, the 2023 GSX-8S. The second of two 776cc Parallel-Twin-powered models from Suzuki, the GSX-8S proved its mettle over just a single day’s ride in terms of being a contender in the middleweight naked category. Let’s get to it. 

You don’t get a name like Elite without earning it (or buying it in this case), and today Indian has introduced two model lines to get the Elite treatment: the Pursuit Elite and Chieftain Elite. What makes these models Elite? All you have to do is look at them to figure out what sets them apart from the standard models. For the Pursuit, this is the first time it will be getting Elite treatment, which consists of Super Graphite Metallic and Black Metallic paint schemes nicely offset with bronze details throughout to exude an air of exclusivity the base models can’t touch.

In the Chieftain’s case, this is a return to the Elite category. It gets a similar Super Graphite Smoke color and bronze accents as well. In addition, an open fender shows off a catchy 10-spoke wheel. Both the Pursuit and the Chieftain Elite will benefit from a slew of amenities and electronic rider aids to make the bikes as outfitted – and as safe – as possible. The full extent of those features can be found in the press release below.

But there’s one more thing that makes an Elite model elite – rarity. Indian only plans on making 150 units of the Pursuit Elite worldwide, and each will retail for $39,999. The Chieftain Elite will see slightly higher production numbers – 175 units worldwide – and it will retail for $35,499. If one of these models is what you need to fill out your collection, then you better act fast as supplies are extremely limited.

See the full press release below for more information.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE DELIVERS SOPHISTICATED STYLE & BEST-IN-CLASS 
V-TWIN TOURING PERFORMANCE WITH NEW INDIAN PURSUIT ELITE, 
ANNOUNCES RETURN OF HIGHLY EXCLUSIVE CHIEFTAIN ELITE 

Crafted as the Ultimate in American V-Twin Style & Exclusivity, Indian Pursuit Elite & Chieftain Elite Combine Eye-Catching Style with Premium Componentry

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today introduced the Indian Pursuit to its limited-edition Elite class of motorcycles and announced the return of its ultra-premium Chieftain Elite. Featuring premium componentry, each Elite model is crafted as the ultimate in American V-Twin style and exclusivity. 

“When we first introduced the 2018 Chieftain Elite, we wanted to create an offering that was not just limited in quantity, but exclusive in nature with custom details straight from the factory,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “Today, with jewel-like finishes, our Elite line of baggers and touring models truly represent the best-of-the-best and deliver a statement like nothing else on the road.” 

The California Air Resources Board has issued an executive order for what we expect to be an updated Kawasaki Z650RS for the 2024 model year. The update is expected to be relatively minor, adding traction control to the Z650RS.

The update would bring the retro RS model in line with the more modern-styled Z650 and the Ninja 650, both of which were updated with traction control for 2023, as well as the Versys 650 which received traction control in 2022.

Below, we present the executive order for 2023 model updates. In past filings, Kawasaki tends to refer to new or updated motorcycles by its model code for engine certifications instead of its marketing name (you know, to keep them secret from the likes of yours truly). For the 2023 executive order, Kawasaki referred to the Z650 and Ninja 650 (plus their ABS-equipped versions) by model codes along with the previously updated Versys 650 ABS.

–We’re constantly on the look for great deals on motorcycle gear. We’ll be updating this post each week with the latest sales on gear and accessories, so keep checking here for new deals.

HEY! Did you know you could help support us MOrons by buying stuff at Revzilla? It’s true. Whenever you click on over there after seeing a thing here, we get a piece of the pie. It’s a win/win situation – especially when the thing is on sale. You get a deal on what you needed anyway. We get to keep eating. Here are a few of this week’s retail therapy opportunities.