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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.

KTM and German tuning company BRABUS have announced a updated version of the 1300 R for 2023. The BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 will be offered in two color schemes, with a limited production run of 145 units in the Superblack, and another 145 in Stealth Gray.

Just like the version released last year, the BRABUS 1300 R is based on the KTM 1290 Super Duke EVO, but with a number of bespoke BRABUS parts, including a number of carbon fiber and CNC-machined components.

The problem with the Ducati Diavel has always been the inability to adequately describe the type of motorcycle it was. Power Cruiser never came close to encompassing the bike’s capabilities. Similarly, Muscle Bike implied the brute force it’s capable of quite well but overlooked the finesse with which it could be applied. With the addition of the V4 Granturismo engine, the Diavel has matured into the bike it was always meant to be, the Mega-Monster. The 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 has reached the point in its design and performance that it leaves all vestiges of cruiserness in its dust. 

Harley-Davidson knows how to make a cruiser with attitude, and the 2013 FXSB Breakout is yet another example. Long, low, and powered by 103 cubic inches of American V-Twin muscle, it’s remarkable to think it’s 10 years old now. It’s also remarkable to think that Jon Langston’s writing hasn’t graced the digital pages of Motorcycle.com in a decade. Here, riding a Harley, Jonny is in his element. Enjoy going back in time with this review.

It’s another Friday, and we’re back again with another Honda. It’s even sourced from the same forum as before – the Bay Area Riders Forum. In searching for last week’s post, a few gems stood out and I knew I had to get to this one after last week’s Gold Wing post. Why? Well, here’s the story behind this 1993 Honda CBR900RR, straight from the seller himself:

We all love a good story: First engine blew up and got rid of that. Put in another 1993 CBR900RR engine – unknown mileage but it works fine. I did a compression test and it was fine. I also did a valve adjustment then too when replacing the engine. The bike runs but the carbs need to be tuned/cleaned. It has had issues getting started without a bit of extra fuel thrown in but it started up just fine on Nov 4. The choke cable needs to be replaced. The choke cables seem to come pre-rusted from the factory.

It has nearly new Bridgestone S22s. Registration is paid up through July or somewhere around there. The paintwork and bodywork is rough – the seat needs to be reupholstered. It has aftermarket rearsets (they’re nice), aftermarket levers, and an aftermarket exhaust. (It’s a nice one but it is a *bit* loud) It has some sliders as well.

$1000 takes it and I will throw in a motorcycle cover, any spare parts I have, factory service manual and the aftermarket service manual. I want it gone. I restored this bike at one point and had it working beautifully then the engine blew and I lost motivation to go through it all again. (Admittedly I did get it working – I just didn’t have the patience to get it working perfectly)

Indian Motorcycle is preparing to give the Pursuit the Elite treatment, adding a new limited edition version of the PowerPlus-engined tourer for 2023. The Indian Pursuit Elite will join the Challenger Elite and the Chieftain Elite in getting custom paint schemes and finishes and select upgrades.

The confirmation comes to us via vehicle certification data filed in Australia for Indian’s PowerPlus models. In addition to the Challenger and Pursuit models that were already announced, the certification data includes a new Pursuit Elite model, with the model code LDERR.

Ask women riders, and you’ll learn that there is an absolute need for those who commute year round – a well fitting, protective motorcycle jean that doesn’t scrimp on safety, yet blends into a wardrobe effortlessly. An easy choice on the hottest days, as well as a comfortable staple you would be willing to wear for a multi-day trip out of town. It shouldn’t be too hard to shop around for something that fits the bill, yet for women who ride, this has always been a struggle. Not enough stretch, too much material in the wrong place, too low of a waistband… there’s always something that just doesn’t quite fit as well as your trusty old Levi’s do.