Adventure Touring

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.

When the Husqvarna Norden 901 entered the market for 2022, one of the first things we asked was when we would see a more adventure-focused version. That is, after all, the modus operandi for Husqvarna’s sister brand, KTM, which gave the 890 Adventure an upscaled R version.

We don’t have much longer to wait, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified the 2023 Norden 901 alongside a new Norden 901 Expedition model.

While we haven’t heard any official word yet, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition has been anything but a secret, with photos and even video of the bike popping up around the internet since Husqvarna’s dealer summit last July. We’ve embedded one video below, and members NordenForums.com have shared photos from the dealer meeting.

Triumph is preparing to add a pair of special edition Tiger 900 models for 2023, according to updated vehicle certification data from Australia. Available for both the road-going Tiger 900 GT and the more off-road equipped Tiger 900 Rally, the special edition models are likely in recognition of Iván Cervantes’ victory for Triumph in the 2022 Baja Aragón last July.

Australian homologation data for the Tiger 900 models was updated just before Christmas, adding two new variants: Tiger 900 GT Aragon Edition and Tiger 900 Rally Aragon Edition. While the documentation did not include photos of the Aragon Edition models, it’s safe to assume they will have a paint scheme similar to the livery on the Tiger 900 Rally Pro that Cervantes raced at the Baja Aragón.

To tell you the truth, in all the excitement, I don’t remember if I ever rode a 2012 BMW G650GS Sertao or not? Most of BMW’s attempts at middleweight adventure have been forgettable that way. But the Sertao actually comes off pretty okay in Pete’s review. And now there’s a gaping hole in BMW’s current line-up between the F750GS (which is 853 cc, don’t ask) and the rank beginner G310 GS. In any case, it sounds like a good day at the RawHyde Academy and another solid day’s work for Kevin Wing.

Ten years ago everybody wanted to go big, so it’s nice to see everyone coming to their senses by naming the right-sized Aprilia Tuareg MOTY 2022. If you still want to go big without breaking the bank, you could do a lot worse than a lightly used 10-year old one of these big ADV bikes (bearing in mind only one of them had cruise control). How barbaric. Duke was there, and Tom was there, Kaming Ko, and even Trizzle was there – so maybe the laddie doth protest too much about his lack of ADV experience? In the 10-minute video, they all look 10 years younger. 

Some readers have noticed that a few of us MOrons are avid backpack users. In fact, it may have become somewhat of an addiction. The reason behind this is that motorcycle backpacks have become as specialized as motorcycles themselves, with different ones designed for different riding activities, be it day rides, adventure touring, or just commuting. Now, you don’t need a closet full of them, like Ryan, but since we are always looking for new developments in the category of gear, the Mosko Moto Wildcat 12L Backpack With Chest Rig (also available in an 8L version) caught my eye as I was preparing to ride in the 39th LA – Barstow to Vegas Dual-Sport Ride. However, it wasn’t just the plethora of features built into the bag that enticed me. Additionally, the optional attachment, the Chest Rig, that piqued my curiosity. 

The Suzuki V-Strom line is a storied one that most riders are quite familiar with, but today in Milan, Suzuki opened the next chapter: the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. While the entire bike is worthy of attention, the showstopper for the new Storms is the 766cc parallel-Twin engine. The V-Twin that gives the Strom part of its name has been assigned to the history books. So, let’s take a look at what makes this V-Strom a next generation Strom.

Honda has brought back the Transalp name with the new XL750 Transalp, a middleweight adventure-tourer powered by the Parallel-Twin engine introduced on the Hornet CB750.

Join the Honda Transalp Forum

The Transalp name was first introduced on a 583cc V-Twin model in 1986, before gaining larger 647cc and 680cc versions. The new 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp fills the mid-sized adventure bike slot in Honda’s lineup, sliding in below the CRF1100L Africa Twin and providing more off-road capability than the NC750X and CB500X.

Yamaha Motor Europe announced updates to the Ténéré 700, giving the middleweight ADV bike a TFT display, smartphone connectivity, a new ABS mode and other small updates. As of this writing, the 2023 Ténéré 700 has not been announced for the U.S., though we expect to receive official news soon. The Ténéré 700 Rally Edition variant offered in Europe (pictured below with the Heritage White livery) also received the same updates, but we don’t expect that it will be offered on these shores.

Ducati revealed a new Multistrada V4 Rally in the latest episode of its 2023 World Première web series. And while the model name hints at improved off-road capability, the V4 Rally’s feature list leans more for long distance travel and passenger comfort than tackling Dakar.

Adventure motorcycle helmets meld the features of on-road and off-road lids to provide adventure riders with a level of versatility that mirrors that of the machines they ride all over the great outdoors. Manufacturers of all sorts have jumped into the ADV helmet market to give us riders a smorgasbord of options to choose from. We’ve put together the list below to give adv-curious riders a one-stop article to check out the full range. From budget-minded to expensive feature-packed lids, these are the best adventure motorcycle helmets on the market in 2022, and there’s something here for everyone.

These days, any manufacturer with pretensions to being a global player at whatever level in the marketplace has to have a dual-purpose Adventure model in its range, and MV Agusta is no exception. Italy’s most historic trophy brand – the so-called Ferrari of motorcycles, with 270 Grand Prix road racing victories and 75 World Championship titles in its locker, including 17 successive 500GP crowns – actually has a notable off-road heritage, too. Company founder Count Domenico Agusta’s dirt demons won successive Italian MX/Enduro titles in the 1950s and ’60s, as well as equipping the Italian team in ISDT events abroad. But after the Castiglioni family acquired MV 30 years ago, their focus for the brand was exclusively on the hard stuff – a focus which the company’s current owner Timur Sardarov is now in the process of changing.

Suzuki announced updates for the V-Strom 1050, as well as a new off-road oriented version for 2023. The new 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE replaces the 1050XT model, and adds new features to make it a more capable off-road machine such as a 21-inch front wheel, longer-stroke suspension, and a larger aluminum bash plate.

Both models remain powered by a 1037cc V-Twin engine, but for 2023, Suzuki introduced new hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves, claiming reduced temperature in the combustion chamber, and thus improved efficiency and durability.

The six-speed transmission and the bi-drectional quickshifter were also updated for smoother shifting.

Spy photographers have snapped images of two new Suzuki prototypes powered by a new Parallel-Twin engine. The two motorcycles, an adventure bike and a naked model, appear to be the eventual successors to the V-Strom 650 and SV650, and the culmination of a long development path for Suzuki’s new middleweight twin-cylinder engine.

If you read MO Touring: Building A Lightweight Adventure Tourer – Part 1, you know that I spent the first phase of my build focusing on protection, travel-worthiness, and luggage to transform a dual sport motorcycle into a lightweight adventure tourer. Although largely a success, a couple of short shakedown tours pointed the direction for further upgrades. Consider this the polishing draft of the project, in which I hone down the rough edges before committing to a longer tour.

MO Touring: Building A Lightweight Adventure Tourer – Part 1

Updated 8/30/2022: Our initial negative review of the Sedici Garda Waterproof Boots in January prompted a response from the manufacturer, Comoto, and led to several in-depth conversations about the boots. After an examination of our test boots (which we returned) and several others on hand at their facilities, the designers at Comoto determined that there was an issue which allowed for too large a gap through which the adjustable strap slid.

A few months later we received a notice that they had “updated the durometer on the plastic used, changed the angles at which the teeth interlock, and…added a guide lock to snap the strap into position once you’ve got it set to the desired length.” Naturally, we agreed to test the updated product, and the boot arrived just in time for Video Producer, Sean Matic, to wear them on our Six-Day, 2,000-mile adventure tour last month. On that trip, we put the boots through all of the duties you’d expect from an adventure-focused boot.

So, we have revised the review. With the exception of the scorecard (which is updated), all changes in the previous review have been formatted with a strikethrough, and new text is in italics. As you can see, a change to a small part can make a huge difference in the experience of the rider. We applaud Comoto for being so positive in its response to the review and appreciate being involved (in our own small way) in the revision process. – EB

One of the criticisms occasionally lobbed at us is that being given gear by the manufacturers for review makes us biased towards the more expensive, top-of-the-line gear because we don’t pay for it. While nothing I can say is likely to dissuade you from that belief, I’ll try anyway. My experience over 25 years of testing motorcycle gear is that well-made products can last for many years, but poorly constructed items quickly become paperweights. Motorcycle gear is purpose-built to protect the rider’s body in a mishap, and if a product gets the job done at a reasonable price, I’m all for it. So, when shopping online for a new pair of adventure touring boots, the Sedici Garda Waterproof Boots looked to be an ideal example of wallet-friendly, full-featured riding gear. Consequently, I ordered a set.

Lightning Motorcycles has filed designs for an electric adventure bike. The designs, filed with China’s intellectual property office, reveal a motorcycle with the typical ADV accoutrements, and an electric motor and swingarm design that look similar to those of Lightning’s Strike sportbike.

The design was filed Feb. 11, 2022, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration by Lightning, with its founder and Chief Executive Officer Richard Hatfield listed as the sole designer. Lightning has a factory in China, so it’s not entirely surprising the American company would register the design in that country’s IP office.

The filing included text (translated from Chinese) saying the design as being for an “off-road motorcycle”, along with “Dakar” written in English. Whether that’s what Lightning intends to call it, or if it was just a descriptor, is unclear. It’s highly unlikely the motorcycle is a full-on Dakar Rally racer (even before accounting for its potential range), but in the past, Lightning hasn’t shied away from headline-grabbing efforts like racing at Pikes Peak or attempting to set land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Many undies were twisted, bunched, and/or soiled after last week’s exciting Review First Ride of the new CFMOTO 700CL-X and 700CL-X Sport, which gave us a chance to discuss not just new motorcycles but also international relations. Always a crowd favorite on MO. That’s because these are completely built in China, a country which is either our mortal enemy or best trading partner depending on who you ask. Here on MO, we provide. You decide. This time we’re going to have a look at the other five bikes CFMOTO’s importing via its Plymouth, Minnesota, US HQ – in addition to all the highly regarded ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides they’ve been dealing for decades.

2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X / 700CL-X Sport Review – First Ride

Like we pointed out last time, though these motorcycles are new to the US, they’ve been for sale for a while in other parts of the world, and each one comes with a two-year warranty.

Kawasaki surprised us all a year ago when it brought back the KLR650, resurrecting the venerable adventure bike with fuel injection, updated styling, and a new one-piece frame.

For the U.S., the third-generation KLR650 was available in a few different flavors, the base model, the Traveler model with a top case and the Adventure model with side cases, auxiliary lighting and engine guards, not to mention ABS versions of the base and Adventure models.

BMW released initial details on its 2023 model lineup, including new colors and minor updates. BMW also announced the base MSRP for most of its models, though that information is rather moot, as it also announced additional packages which will automatically be added on to all models in the U.S.

Not all models are included in this announcement, however. The S 1000 RR is conspicuously absent, as is the M 1000 RR. Both models are expected to return and be part of a later announcement. The R 18 family were also not mentioned, though we suspect they will be announced later with some new additions to the lineup.

We’re less certain the same is true for the R 1250 RS and R 1250 R, which were also not mentioned. The C 400 X scooter was also not mentioned for the U.S. market, though it was announced for other markets.

It should also be noted that some of the models listed here may still receive more substantial updates for the 2023 model year. BMW has historically been pretty cagey about its initial model announcements, seemingly confirming just updated colors but launching heavily revised models a few months later.

What a beast, I thought to myself as I put my first few miles on the 2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. In retrospect, that thought kind of made sense given the fact that the mill tucked beneath the 1290’s new tank design is an iteration of the Super Duke’s 1301cc V-Twin – the naked bike dubbed by KTM marketing folks as “the beast.” And beastly it is. Even in larger ADV garb coming in at 542 pounds dripping wet, the SA-R is still an absolute ripper of a motorcycle that is fully capable of serially killing rear tires.

We’ve been waiting for news of a model from Zero called the DSR/X for nearly two years now. Despite trademark filings and vehicle identification filings, however, there’s been no indication from the Santa Cruz electric motorcycle brand about the mysterious model.

Regular readers know we love getting to the bottom of a good mystery here at MO. Thanks to some new VIN decoder documents from Zero, we have an idea of what to expect from the DSR/X.

Last week, we wrote about trademark filings that suggest Honda was working on a CL500 scrambler and an NX500 dual sport/adventure bike. We’ve now uncovered design filings that may offer a hint at what the NX500 may look like.

Although I was born and raised in Virginia and North Carolina, I’ve done relatively little riding in the two states. When I got my first motorcycle license, I literally packed my belongings on my bike and set out for California the next day for a three-month, 11,000-mile tour. So, when I received the invitation to my 40th high school reunion (OK, 41st. Thanks, Covid.), thoughts of spending some quality, two-wheeled time in the mountains of my home states immediately came to mind.

After reaching out to Ducati, I was informed that I could pick up a 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4S in Charlotte, NC. Although the bike was a 2021 model, it has been upgraded with the 2022 firmware for the smartphone-powered infotainment system and now features a new, button-operated suspension lowering mode among other changes. Since Ryan has already written an in-depth review of the Multistrada V4, you should read that article first if you’re unfamiliar with all of the bike’s technical details or you want to know how the V4 did in the dirt. As I envisioned this tour, I figured that five days would give me ample time to see how the big Ducati would behave on your typical sport tour. In retrospect, maybe I should have set aside seven. Or ten.

Last week, we broke the news confirming Harley-Davidson‘s next Sportster will be equipped with a 975cc version of the liquid-cooled Revolution Max engine, after spotting the model code “RH975” mentioned on an official Harley accessory page.

It turns out the next Sportster wasn’t the only new model accidentally leaked by Harley-Davidson. Another accessory product listing, this time for a Pan America locking fuel cap, revealed two more model codes: the RA975 and RA965S.

Last summer, we published photos of a very raw BMW GS prototype undergoing testing. The test mule was heavily disguised, to the point of having panels with a fake trellis covering the real subframe.

The prototypes were so raw, it was difficult to tell exactly how much of it would make it to a production model. About the only thing we could be sure of, is that the engine was brand new. The test bike had covers over the cylinder heads, obscuring their appearance. While they did accomplish that job, they also prevented the cylinders from getting much air cooling. Along with the larger radiators, we concluded that the engine was entirely liquid-cooled, which would be a first for a BMW R model.

Bombardier Recreational Products announced Can-Am is returning to the motorcycle business with a new range of electric two-wheelers. A teaser video suggests at least four different models are in the works, with BRP expecting to reveal the full lineup in mid-2024.

The teaser offered several glimpses of one model, a naked motorcycle with upright bars, a large digital display and a single-sided swingarm. At the end of the video, the roadster is joined by three other models. Though they are shrouded in darkness, we see enough of their silhouettes to infer the range will include an adventure bike, a bobber and a touring or sport-touring model. In a press release (included in full below), BRP says “riders can expect these new state-of-the-art electric Can-Am motorcycles to be perfect for everyday commuting and, to stay true to the track & trail heritage of the brand, recreational on- and off-road riding.”

Yamaha Motor Europe announced the production version of the 2022 Ténéré 700 World Raid, a new Ténéré variant with a larger fuel tank and longer travel suspension. It joins Yamaha’s European lineup alongside the regular Ténéré 700, plus a Rally Edition version which we don’t get in the U.S.

We first saw the World Raid at EICMA as a prototype equipped with a number of Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) performance parts. Last month, designs for the production model popped up on the European Union Intellectual Property Office, so we figured an official announcement was imminent.

Today’s announcement confirmed some of the upgrades we expected for the World Raid to separate it from the base model Ténéré 700. The most notable change was swapping out the T-700’s 4.2 gallon fuel tank with two side-mounted tanks that combine for a 6.1-gallon capacity.

As I observed to my Ducati host just before we started up the mountain toward Idyllwild (elevation 5,800 feet) from Palm Desert, California (220 ft) – this is either going to be one of the greatest rides ever or one of the worst. Pity the poor new model launch planner: If it rains hard more than a few days a year around Palm Springs I’d be surprised. But logistics have to be laid out weeks ahead of time, and as the day for our ride drew nearer, the weather forecast for last Tuesday had evolved from 20% to 40% to 100% rain, to “atmospheric river.”

With all due respect to its Multistrada models, Ducati‘s current adventure bike offerings are better suited for paved streets with the occasional sojourn on fire roads. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. After all, we did just pick the Multistrada V4 S as our MOBO winner for the best sport-tourig motorcycle of 2021. If you were looking for a more off-road performance from Ducati, you now have a better option in the new 2022 Ducati DesertX. With long-travel suspension, a 21-inch front wheel and a large fuel tank (plus an optional second tank), the 2022 DesertX is Ducati’s new entry to the highly competitive middleweight adventure bike segment.

Ducati originally presented the DesertX as a concept model at EICMA in 2019, with the air-cooled Scrambler providing the platform. The production model keeps the concept’s rally-inspired styling, but with Ducati’s liquid-cooled 937cc Testastretta 11° Desmodromic engine as its powerplant.

Visually, the DesertX is styled after enduro motorcycles from the ’80s. The Cagiva Elefant is an obvious inspiration with the white color scheme, dark lower section to the windscreen and twin circular LED lights, but Ducati doesn’t mention the bike by name, perhaps because of a similarly-inspired upcoming new model from another Italian manufacturer with stronger claims to the Cagiva brand.

Triumph has finally spilled the beans on its thoroughly redesigned Tiger 1200. A substantial reduction in weight and an emphasis on power and handling is the name of the game for 2022. Bringing its big ADV into line with the 900s, the Tiger 1200 will be offered in five trims: GT, GT Pro, GT Explorer, Rally Pro, and Rally Explorer which follow the same naming scheme with the GT trims being more road-focused while the Rally versions offer off-road accoutrement such as larger wheels and more suspension travel. The Explorer models also hold 7.9 gallons of petrol with the other trims utilizing a 5.2 gallon tank.

The T-plane crank has made its way to the 1160 cc Triple with Triumph claiming 147.9 horsepower and 95.8 lb-ft of torque from the big Tiger. Showa semi-active suspension is equipped with the rear shaft drive using what Triumph is calling its “tri-link” suspension set up. Electronics are now thoroughly modern with the 1200s now equipped with much of what we saw on the 900s with the addition of blind-spot monitoring on the Explorer trims.

For a thorough overview of the new models, we’ve included Triumph’s press release below. To say we’re excited to test the Tiger 1200 line would be an understatement. If our time on the Tiger 900s is telling at all of the improvements to the new 1200s, the big adventure bike segment is showing no signs of cooling down any time soon. We’re told Spring 2022 for arrival in dealers, but we hope to get our grubby mitts on one as soon as possibly to bring a thorough ride review to MO’s digital pages.

Fans of Moto Guzzi V85 TT who want to ride something special should take a look at the Moto Guzzi V85 TT Guardia d’Onore. Produced to honor the 75 year collaboration between Moto Guzzi and the Cuirassiers’ Regiment, the special Carabinieri unit responsible for the honor guard and security of the President of the Italian Republic, have worked together, the limited and numbered edition will be produced in a limited number of only 1,946 units. Although the modifications of this limited edition are small in number, they are distinctive. The black paint receives a decorative white stripe running from the front fender and across the tank to the side panel. The oversized touring windscreen also receives this striping – and an Italian flag displayed front and center. Other niceties include a center stand, engine guards, and auxiliary LED lights. Matching saddlebags are also available.

Read on for the story behind the motorcycle.

Anybody who’s not playing in the ADV sandbox isn’t really playing in 2022, and that’s why MV Agusta is now dipping an exploratory toe. Two toes: Lucky Explorer 5.5 and Lucky Explorer 9.5. The 5.5, which at some point may inherit the Elefant monicker, is to be powered by a 554 cc DOHC parallel Twin to come from MV’s Chinese partner, QJ. “Despite being a mid-sized bike,” says MV, “its appearance is that of a higher displacement travel-oriented motorcycle, capable of seducing European riders looking for a sturdy and unstoppable companion.”

MV Agusta revealed two new adventure bike “projects” at EICMA, the Lucky Explorer Project 9.5 shown here, and the smaller Lucky Explorer Project 5.5. Both models appear ready for production, but the “Project” in the name implies they are still prototypes, and it’s unclear whether they will eventually be sold with the Lucky Explorer name, or if they’ll actually be named for the bike that influenced their design: the Cagiva Elefant.

The Elefant’s influence is clear in the design of the 9.5 and 5.5, with the graphics drawing inspiration from the original Dakar Racer’s Lucky Explorer logo. The original Elefant was a Cagiva, the brand that eventually became MV Agusta, but it’s not the only company with ties to the bike. Ducati produced the Elefant’s engine, during a period where it was owned by MV, and it is coming out with its own Elefant-inspired adventure bike in the DesertX. That’s an automatic shoot-out in the making right there.

We’ve loved the Kawasaki Versys 650 for a long time. Maybe too long? For 2022, the midsized Versatile System gets a bunch of upgrades to boost it into the modern era – electronic cruise control being not one of them. Perfect for all you who eschew modern comforts.

But you do get traction control, a new Bluetoothable TFT display, and an adjustable windshield – all for just $8,899. Kick in another $1100 for the Versys 650 LT, and you’ll also possess handguards and a 28-liter Kawasaki Quick Release hard saddlebag set that uses Kawasaki’s One Key System. Each bag will ingest a full face helmet.

Ducati introduced the Multistrada 950 back in 2017 as a stepping stone into the Multistrada world. For 2022, Ducati wanted to make that move even easier, with a more accessible Multi V2, thanks to new and rider-friendly ergonomics, a thinner and lower seat, and a significant weight saving of 11 pounds. They also supply it in a 35kW (47 hp) format for A2 license holders in Europe.

Ducati haven’t tried to rewrite a proven recipe, but simply improved the existing model with small but significant changes like a lighter clutch, a roomier riding position (there is 0.4 inches more between pegs and seat), and a large saving on unsprung weight, thanks to 3.7 pounds-lighter wheels from the premium Multistrada V4.

The main beauty of Sardinia is the almost complete lack of Sardinians, which makes it hard to explain why the twisty roads that connect the villages on the Mediterranean’s second-biggest island are so perfectly maintained. The new Aprilia Tuareg 660 is up for all of them. There’s a lot of second and third gear work in there, which the optional quickshifter makes quick work of, and even the occasional first-gear corner when the fur is flying – also not a problem.

Dear Ryan Adams,

Just wanted to drop a quick note to say thanks that your vacation plans totally shat on your chance to compare Husqvarna‘s all-new entry into the Middleweight Adventure Touring category, the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901. I know how you were looking forward to traveling to the Azores to sample what might be a game-changer for the Swedish-turned-Austrian brand, which has experienced a remarkable renaissance under the wing of PIERER Mobility AG.

Frankly, dude, other than not having to endure pissing-down rain on the first day, you missed out.

There’s no shortage of expensive, big-displacement, powerful Adventure-Touring motorcycles. Then there’s the mid-displacement segment that is oftentimes only marginally less expensive. Further down this segment, though, exists a sub-category of lightweight, affordable, small-displacement models that are oftentimes overshadowed by their aforementioned counterparts. It’s here where the 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan resides along with BMW’s G310GS and CSC’s RX4 Adventure among others.

Two years after it debuted at EICMA as a concept model, the Husqvarna Norden 901 adventure-tourer is now ready for production, arriving in U.S. dealerships this month with a $13,999 base price.

The 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 shares much in common with its corporate cousin, the KTM 890 Adventure, including a similar chromium-molybdenum steel frame, steel trellis subframe, saddle-shaped fuel tank design and liquid-cooled 889cc DOHC Parallel-Twin.

Where the Norden differs is its rally-inspired bodywork compared to the KTM’s more dirtbike-inspired styling. The front fairing integrates the circular LED headlight and fog lights while keeping a slim profile for aerodynamic efficiency.

Motorcycles aren’t allowed to race the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb any more, and it’s been three years since the Multistrada last won it, but that hasn’t stopped Ducati from producing another new Pikes Peak model, this time based on the Multistrada V4.

The 2022 Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak comes equipped with 17-inch Marchesini forged aluminum wheels that Ducati claims are 6.0 pounds lighter than the Multistrada V4 S’ wheels. In typical Ducati sportbike fashion, the rear wheel is mounted to a singled-sided swingarm.

Reflecting its sportier disposition, the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak features a dedicated livery inspired by Ducati’s Desmosedici GP ’21 (though I don’t recall the MotoGP race bike bearing a #1 license plate…).

Instead of the Ducati Skyhook Suspension offered on the Multistrada V4 S, the Pikes Peak model comes equipped with Öhlins suspension, including the Smart EC 2.0 semi-active system. The same suspension as the Panigale V4 S and Streetfighter V4 S, Smart EC 2.0 automatically adjusts compression and rebound damping to suit the riding style, whereas the Skyhook system adapts to compensate for road conditions. Suspension travel is 6.7 inches for both wheels.

We were kicking candidates back and forth for this year’s MOTY awards, when somebody threw out as a possible Best Standard the Honda NC750X. Hey wait a minute, I’m the only guy around here who ever liked the NC! Maybe my stately mature influence is rubbing off on the kids at last? For me, it was love at first ride of the original NC700X, way back in 2012. By then, I guess I’d been subjected to enough compromising positions on exotic high-maintenance motorcycles to appreciate the NC’s practical advantages and comfort – and I wasn’t even doing any of the maintaining.

Ducati announced a slate of 2022 new model announcements that will run every two weeks starting Sept. 30 and running through to Dec. 9. Each Ducati World Première event will be presented online on Ducati.com, YouTube and on other official social networks.

While Ducati hasn’t explicitly said what will be revealed in each episode, it did make it clear that the sixth and final episode will feature the DesertX, a brand new off-road focused adventure bike.

After a lengthy pandemic-caused delay, the 25th James Bond film, “No Time to Die” is finally going to premiere in a matter of weeks (Oct. 8 in the U.S.). Triumph was a partner for the film, supplying a Scrambler 1200 and a Tiger 900 for key action sequences in the movie.

Last year, despite the film getting delayed, Triumph announced a limited edition Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition which quickly sold out. Big budget productions, especially high-profile ones like a new Bond film, typically have a lot of moving parts, with various marketing and commercial tie-in deals each moving on their own pace. With the bikes already in production and, at the time, no clear timeline for the film’s premiere, Triumph made the decision to release the Bond Edition Scrambler last May. The decision seemed justified as all 30 units allotted to the U.S. were quickly claimed.

For anyone who was interested but missed out, you’ll get another chance, as Triumph announced another Bond Edition model, this time centered around the Tiger 900 Rally Pro.

Which side of the fence were you on when you got the hot goss that a new KLR 650 was coming down the pike? The for the love of god don’t change it! troop, or the this thing better be a Twin- cylinder Tenere-killer gang? 

Just more than a week after teasing us with a new Tiger Sport 660 prototype, Triumph sends us photos of another new model, this time a heavily updated Tiger 1200. Along with this showcase of Triumph’s camouflage wrapping, the British manufacturer sent us this brief description:

Honda Europe announced some small, but useful updates to the Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports. At the moment, American Honda has yet to confirm either CRF1100L model for 2022, but we suspect the updated Africa Twins will be announced soon.

The changes are small quality of life improvements that those who were holding off on purchasing a 2021 model will appreciate. At the same time, existing Africa Twin owners shouldn’t have too much regret about missing out on these changes.

I think I’m always going to think the one-piece Aerostich suit, be it R3 or Classic, is the best combination of protection, comfort, and convenience for people who ride their motorcycle a lot. But not necessarily for people who stop riding their motorcycle a lot, which is what the MO crew winds up doing since the invention of the Youtube. We find ourselves stopping along the side of the road to shoot video and photos. When you’re rolling, Aerostich airflow is good. When you’re stopped, it gets hot in there in a hurry. Whipping the suit off isn’t usually the answer, since most of the time we’re shooting in sun-blasted SoCal, where there’s not much shade.

Tourmaster, who have a long history of making good gear at great prices, offered up their new adventurish Ridgecrest jacket and pants; who was I to refuse? 

Motorcycling and eye protection go hand in hand. Heck, even most states without helmet laws require eye protection. When riding off-road, good goggles are an absolute necessity. Everything from bugs and sticks, to roost and rocks are coming toward you at warp speed just hoping to put your eye out. Sure, goggles are first and foremost about protecting your eyes, but as technology has advanced, so have the features of modern day off-road motorcycle goggles. There are now options such as: the best tint for the terrain or time of day you’ll be riding, dozens of anti-fogging solutions, and flashy colors with equally flashy reflective lenses.

Whatever type of riding you’re doing, it’s likely there are goggles on the market designed for it. We put together a list of the best off-road motorcycle goggles from the best manufacturers in the business to give you a one-stop guide to the gear you need to keep your ojos intact.

Well folks, the latest Harley machine to grace the motorcycle market jumps, slides, and rips with the best of them – “them” of course, being the heavyweight adventure motorcycle class. The entire world had its reservations, some optimistic, and plenty pessimistic. But after cruising for two days on the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special, it’s clear that it’s adept at much more than just that. 

We’ve already expended a ton of pixels talking about the new Harley-Davidson Pan America, most recently here. But Harley put out even more detailed pics and info in this release a few weeks ago about the all-new 1250 Revolution Max, or “Revmax” V-twin engine, that’s going to power it. 

Eschewing the “not invented here” mentality it’s famous for, Harley included more sweet details in the new engine than you might’ve expected, including variable valve timing and scissors gear primary drive. Dual counterbalancers on a Harley? That’s correct, because: “Engine balancing contributes to weight reduction and motorcycle performance because engine components do not have to be designed to withstand stress inputs from vibration.” Though they couldn’t resist: “The balancers are tuned to retain just enough vibration to make the motorcycle feel `alive.’”

Hydraulic valve adjusters are a thing seldom found on motorcycles but almost always on cars, and we don’t understand why (peak rpm is 9500 here). And though you should never have to remove these cams to adjust valves since they’re hydraulic, you are able to lift the cams out without disassembling the camshaft drive if you need to – ala, the old TL1000 Suzuki and current V Strom 1050 engine. Somebody’s using their noggin. 

Furthermore, H-D claims 150 horsepower and 94 ft-lbs torque (crankshaft) for its new engine, which is fully 30 hp and 7 ft-lbs more than Indian says its excellent liquid-cooled FTR1200 puts out. H-D’s not meaning to just provide comparable performance, but to blow its upstart competitor out of the water. Not that the Pan America and the FTR are quite in the same motorcycle category, but you know you’ll be seeing the Revmax in a bunch of new Harleys beyond the PA. We’ll have to wait for the dyno to tell the tale.

Finally, contrary to what you may have read, Harley’s Paul James would like to point out that this is an entirely new engine, with no parts shared with the Revolution (V-Rod) engine or Revolution X (Street) engine. It was also not a partnered or purchased engine, but rather entirely designed and developed in-house by HDMC and made in Milwaukee.

Harley-Davidson Press Release:

MILWAUKEE (February 22, 2021) – The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models are powered by the all-new Revolution Max 1250 engine, a liquid-cooled V-Twin designed to offer flexible, engaging performance with a broad powerband that builds to a rush of high-RPM power surging through the redline. The Revolution Max 1250 engine has been tuned specifically to deliver desirable power characteristics for the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models, with an emphasis on smooth low-end torque delivery and low-speed throttle control applicable to off-road riding.

“Through its history Harley-Davidson has embraced technological evolution while respecting the heritage of our brand, with engines that produce real-world performance for real-life riders,” said Harley-Davidson Chief Engineer Alex Bozmoski. “The Revolution Max 1250 is a clean-sheet, advanced-design effort that will carry Pan America riders over new horizons with reliability, efficiency, and exciting performance.”

A focus on performance and weight reduction drove both vehicle and engine architecture, material choices, and aggressive component design optimization. To minimize overall motorcycle weight the engine is integrated into the vehicle as the central member of the chassis. The use of lightweight materials helps achieve a desirable power-to-weight ratio. The Revolution Max 1250 engine is assembled at the Harley-Davidson Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility in Wisconsin.

Revolution Max 1250 Engine

Displacement: 1250cc

Bore x Stroke: 4.13 in. (105 mm) x 2.83 in (72 mm)

Horsepower: 150 hp

Peak Torque: 94 ft. lbs.

Peak RPM: 9500

Compression Ratio: 13:1

UPDATED Jan. 28: KTM says the 1290 Super Adventure S will be available this spring as a 2021 model in Europe, but it will not be coming to North America until the fall as an early 2022 model.

KTM officially announced the new 2021 1290 Super Adventure S, featuring a new frame, a low-slung fuel tank, Euro5 compliance and adaptive cruise control. The announcement confirms details we were first to report in December after the official pages for the 1290 Super Adventure were mistakenly published on KTM’s website. Not announced yet, but expected to come shortly, is the more off-road capable 1290 Super Adventure R which will receive similar updates.

2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and S Details Leak

What Tiger 850? When I went to St. Louis to learn all about the new Triumph 900 family way back in December 2019, there were five Tiger 900s – two 900 GTs, two Rallys, and a base model Tiger 900. Sometime between then and now, Triumph decided to distinguish the base model by calling it Tiger 850 Sport, but in fact, it has the same 888 cc Triple as the other four bikes, supposedly slightly detuned.

KTM hasn’t officially announced its 2021 1290 Super Adventure models yet, but it briefly published the pages for both the street-focused Super Adventure S and more off-road capable Super Adventure R on its website. The pages were quickly taken down, but we’ve managed to snag the details. Both models receive a number of updates, including a radar-based adaptive cruise control system for the S model.

2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure Revealed in Patent Filings

We didn’t get a look at what the 2021 Super Adventure looks like, but we have a good idea, thanks to patent illustrations we uncovered in November. We can confirm that the Super Adventure will receive a low-slung saddle-shaped fuel tank described in the patent, with a similar design to the tanks used on the 790, 890 and 390 Adventure models. The fuel capacity will remain at 6.1 gallons, the same volume as the 2020 Super Adventure, but we can confirm the tank will have an electronically opened cap as well as a small storage compartment with a USB socket.

To meet Euro 5 standards, KTM gave the 2021 1290 Super Adventure models a completely reworked exhaust system. New header pipes connect to a collector chamber with two catalytic converters, while three lambda sensors will measure the emissions and help keep them within Euro 5 limits. The engine claims an output of 160 hp, the same as the 2020 model, but peak torque drops slightly to a 101.8 lb-ft. from 103.2 lb-ft.

The engine will be cooled by two separate radiators instead of the previous one-piece design. KTM also redesigned the airbox, making it easier to access the air filter. The transmission was also updated with a new Pankl gearbox, a change KTM first introduced on the 1290 Super Duke R.

The 2021 Super Adventure gets a new chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame combining laser-cut tubes and forged elements.  The engine is rotated forward within the frame by 2° compared to the 2020 model, which should help keep the front end down during hard acceleration. The steering head was moved back 0.6 inches for a shorter overall frame while the swingarm was lengthened by the same amount.

Both Super Adventure models receive a redesigned one-piece saddle with a shorter seat height than the 2020 model. The R model’s seat drops 0.4 inches to 34.6 inches while the S model is adjustable from 33.4 to 34.2 inches (previously 33.8 to 34.4 inches).

The R model will run on tubeless wire spoke wheels from Alpina. The wheels use O-ring seals on the nipples to help prevent air leakage. The S model will have cast wheels plus new bespoke MITAS Terra Force-R tires.

The Brembo four-piston brakes and semi-active suspension will be unchanged from the 2020 model. With the exception of the S model’s adaptive cruise control system, the electronics package will be similar to last year, with a tire pressure monitoring system, a Bosch 9M+ ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, and selectable ride modes including an off-road mode with its own traction control and ABS settings. The electronic settings will be dsiplayed on a new 7-inch TFT display (formerly 6.5 inches).

It’s unclear when KTM plans to officially announce the 2021 1290 Super Adventure R and S, but the work on its website suggests it will happen soon, likely after the holidays are over. We’ll have more information – including photos! – when it becomes available.

Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.

KTM has filed a patent application for a new low-slung saddle-shaped fuel tank, and the illustrations suggest it will be used on a new 1290 Super Adventure. KTM first introduced the rally-style tank design on the 790 Adventure R, and a similar design has since made it to the 890 and 390 Adventure models. It seems natural, then, that we would see the 1290 Super Adventure get a similar design.

The illustrations included in the patent, filed in May with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office  following an earlier filing in Germany, show two depictions of the same motorcycle, with and without tank covers and a seat. As illustrated below, the engine appears to be the 1290 Adventure’s 75° V-Twin and a trellis frame and subframe that is similar in structure, but with a few changes. We used the engine and swingarm pivot as the common point of reference here, because that gave us the closest comparison.

Dang, it sounds like Honda has given one of my personal favorites a little more of everything that makes it a favorite: More power, more rpm, outstanding fuel efficiency (up to 66 mpg), 13 fewer pounds of weight, a bigger storage compartment, lower seat height, sharper styling, ride modes, a slipper clutch for the 6-speed version – and the automatic Dual Clutch Trans is still an option, which gives the NC really all the best features of a motorcycle and a scooter. Which makes it interesting that Honda categorizes it as an Adventure motorcycle (where the current NC’s price is $8,099 in the US).

Ducati officially revealed its new Multistrada V4, which joins the two-cylinder Multistrada 1260 and Multistrada 950 in its adventure-touring lineup. The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 will be offered in three versions, the base model V4, the V4 S and the V4 S Sport.

Visually, the Multistrada V4 shares a lot of styling elements with the V-Twin models with a front-heavy profile and a small beak below the LED headlight. The side fairings have layered air vent slits that Ducati claims offers improved aerodynamics and thermal comfort.

The base model Multistrada V4 comes in Ducati Red with black wheels. The V4 S gets an additional Aviator Grey color option and comes with additional features including an up-and-down quick shift. The V4 S Sport comes only in a Sport livery and adds an Akrapovič carbon fiber and titanium silencer and a carbon fiber front fender.

Ducati is set to announce its new Multistrada V4 tomorrow at 1 pm EST/10 am PST, but we’ve got an early glimpse of the new adventure-touring model and some initial details thanks to a vehicle certification document from Australia.

The certification document includes two color photos of the 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4, though they’re unfortunately in a small resolution. Nevertheless, it’s enough to confirm some details. The overall styling follows a similar look to the Multistrada 1260 and 950 models, but with some noticeable differences.

The headlight is perched on top of a small beak like the V-Twin models, but we can make out a small gap in the black beak just below where it meets the red bodywork. This is where Ducati has positioned the forward Bosch radar sensors that will enable the Multistrada V4’s adaptive cruise control system.

Why is it that OEM lighting too often seems subpar? That’s not to say every brand or model on the road these days has a headlight that comes up short, but in my experience, on two wheels or four, manufacturers rarely put an emphasis on their vehicle’s ability to provide ample lighting. Thankfully, there are a handful of companies out there making great auxiliary lighting options for motorcycles. Some are new, and some have been well-tested over time in rigorous conditions. If you’re looking to add some lumens to your stock setup, here are some of the best LED lights for motorcycles. 

After announcing the 2021 890 Adventure R and Adventure R Rally earlier this month, KTM revealed a third member of the lineup in the more street-biased 890 Adventure.

The 2021 KTM 890 Adventure shares much with the R and Rally models, including its 889cc engine and saddle-shaped low-slung 5.3 gallon fuel tank. The engine tuning is the same, claiming a peak of 105 hp at 8000 rpm and 73.8 lb-ft. at 6500 rpm while meeting Euro 5 emissions standards. Like the other two models, the 890 Adventure comes with a power assist clutch (PASC), which combines a slipper clutch with a lighter lever pull. The transmission is an identical six-speed gearbox, with an optional Quickshifter upgrade for clutchless up and downshifts. The frame is also a similar tubular Chromoly steel design, only it lacks the R model’s orange powder coating.

The differences between the 890 Adventure and the R model are fairly apparent at a glance: