Monthly Archives: January 2016

2015 Yamaha SR400 First Ride Review

2015 Yamaha SR400 First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

If you were a motorcyclist born in the ’60s or ‘70s you may have ridden Yamaha’s SR400. If not, now’s your chance as Yamaha returns the $5990 SR400 to its model line-up for 2015. The air-cooled 399cc Single that powers the SR is fuel injected, but the retro-styled Yamaha stays true to its roots with an old school kickstart-only ignition. Its elementary platform encourages new and experienced motorcyclists alike to get back to the basics of riding.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Honda CBR300R First Ride Review

2015 Honda CBR300R First Ride Review

Cars, ,

Honda’s smallest CBR got a little bit bigger and better with the release of the 2015 CBR300R. Last year, the CBR250R was absent from Honda’s lineup, but not because the 250’s sales were lacking. Rather, Big Red was busy beefing-up the CBR’s Single and restyling the bodywork. Honda invited MotoUSA for an abbreviated test ride on the new CBR300R around the hills and coast close to its Torrance, California, headquarters.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide First Ride Review

2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. If true, then die-hard Harley Road Glide fans should be ecstatic right about now seeing how The Motor Company is bringing back its popular bagger after a year’s hiatus. We got wind the Glide was making a comeback after scoring spy shots, then confirmed many of our Editor’s assessments about the motorcycle in our 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide First Look article. Now we’ve had a chance to form initial riding impressions after spending a day in its saddle riding around the Black Hills of Sturgis.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 KTM RC390 First Ride Review

2015 KTM RC390 First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

KTM has ramped up its street offerings in the past few years and its on-road models now account for nearly 50% of the total units and revenue.

June of 2014 proved the best month in KTM’s history and nearly 70,500 motorcycles have been sold in the last six months, 30,000 of them manufactured in India by Bajaj – a minority stakeholder in KTM. Those models include smaller displacement bikes such as the 125 Duke, RC125, 200 Duke, RC200 and 390 Duke. For 2015 the 390 Duke will be available in the United States along with the sportiest of the single-cylinder Bajaj-built bikes, the 2015 KTM RC390.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Suzuki RM-Z250 First Ride Review

2015 Suzuki RM-Z250 First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

For 2015, Suzuki chooses to stick with its existing RM-Z250 platform in the 250 motocross class.Refreshed two years ago, the $7599 RM-Z continues to excite with its extreme agility and potent mid-range engine power.

Over the years the yellow bike has developed a reputation for its exquisite handling manners. Simply put: This is a great handling dirt bike. The chassis is pinpoint accurate and predicable—maintaining a linear trajectory throughout the arc of a turn—whether it be a tricky inside rut or sweeping berm. However, it does comes at the price of straight-line stability in the fast stuff on rough terrain. Here the chassis can get a little flighty—especially when the suspension isn’t set-up optimally.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride Review

2015 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

Five years ago Yamaha bucked motocross convention with its curious reversed engine YZ450F. The Tuning Fork company isn’t completely divorced from tradition however, and makes another batch of updates for the 2015 YZ450F ($8590) giving it a more standard feel on track. Equipped with a carefully massaged, and still coil spring suspension-equipped chassis, Yamaha assimilates when needed, yet continues to differentiate itself from the competition.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Harley Sportster 1200C vs Indian Scout Comparison Review

2015 Harley Sportster 1200C vs Indian Scout Comparison Review

Cars, , ,

Legacy. In the annals of American motorcycling history, Harley-Davidson and Indian stand head-and-shoulders above the rest. Both forged American motorcycle culture as we know it, from coast-to-coast cannonball runs to dangerous dashes on board tracks to ripping up nigh impossible inclines. Rivalries and alliances have been forged, roots that run deep, Wrecking Crew and Jackpine Gypsies deep, deep as the dominance of Joe Petrali and the determination of Ed Kretz.The Harley-Davidson Sportster and Indian Scout are a major part of that motorcycle legacy. It’s hard to match the Sportster’s production run. Born in 1957, it has made the cut for 58 years running now and shows no signs of slowing down. It has thrust terms like “Ironhead” and “Peanut Tank” into the biker vernacular and continues to be a favorite platform for customization for shops like Led Sled Customs and Roland Sands Design. In 2015, there’s six different versions of the Sportster available, a strong indicator of the motorcycle’s significance to Harley-Davidson.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

Riding the Touratech Kawasaki KLR650 Review

Riding the Touratech Kawasaki KLR650 Review

Cars, , ,

The Touratech crew has a pretty good handle on the adventure world. Just look at the company’s catalog sometime, its 1924 pages packed with adventure goodies for nearly every motorcycle that could possibly be considered an adventure bike. Surprisingly, Touratech didn’t offer much for the popular Kawasaki KLR650, so it purchased a KLR and went to work.Touratech Kawasaki KLR650Touratech brought its outfitted 2015 KLR650 for me to ride at the Touratech Adventure Rally. The KLR was decked out with almost every item they make, improving on one of the most versatile bikes in the world. The KLR650 hasn’t changed much since 1986, and neither has the price. Its $6599 MSRP is crazy cheap for a motorcycle, no matter the shape and size.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Track Ride Review

2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Track Ride Review

Cars, , , , , ,

Jeremy McWilliams. Maybe you’ve heard of him? Former MotoGP racer and all-around badass on a motorcycle. Well, I passed him. On the rear wheel. Going 30 mph faster.

To be fair he was on a KTM 690 Duke R and I was on a full-on race modified 1290 Super Duke R. Details, details… How did this happen? By a stroke of luck, I was invited to attend KTM’s “Duke It!” press event in Khao Yai, Thailand. As McWilliams led me onto the front straight of Bonanza International Speedway I uncorked the “Beast” and blasted past. I’ll take it anyway I can get it.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 First Ride Review

2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

Get out your pitchforks and torches and prepare to storm the walls of the MotoUSA castle, because what I am about to tell you will freak you out. The 2015 Can-Am Spyder F3-S is a kick in the ass. I would ride it. Not when I have to or need to. But for fun. That’s right, a three-wheeled machine is worthy of motorcyclists’ attention. I have thick skin (and those owning one may need to as well) so bring it on, but let me explain before you hand down my sentence as a traitor or heretic.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Honda CRF450R First Ride Review

2015 Honda CRF450R First Ride Review

Cars, , , , , , , ,

As usual refinement is the name of the game for Honda in the 450 motocross class with its CRF450R ($8699 plus $310 destination charge). Big Red’s ’15 bike sees a multitude of tweaks highlighted by KYB’s second generation air fork, on-the-fly adjustable engine power modes, and subtle engine and braking hardware improvements.Despite being easy to ride in a variety of terrain, Honda’s 450 is often criticized for not being ‘fast’ enough. Honda answers with a unique solution, fitting a button on the right-hand side of the Renthal handlebar (971-bend) allowing the rider to switch between three engine power maps, on the fly, while riding.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

Suzuki Boulevard C90T B.O.S.S. Quick Ride Review

Suzuki Boulevard C90T B.O.S.S. Quick Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Metric cruisers are often dismissed by American riders. However, after taking a quick spin on Suzuki’s2015 Boulevard C90T B.O.S.S. ($13,999), it’s worth taking a serious look at this Japanese-built bagger as it provides a sophisticated, classic air-cooled V-Twin riding experience, with a twist.

Visually it’s difficult to find fault with the lines of this bagger-style Boulevard that are tasteful and stay true to the roots of a classic American motorcycle. We especially love the Blacked Out Special Suzuki (B.O.S.S.) treatment which substitutes black pipes, engine covers, front fork and wheels for the traditional chrome and silver-painted bits. The ‘T’ also adds lockable hard cases and a giant windscreen.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

Norton Domiracer First Ride Review

Norton Domiracer First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Let’s get the bad bits out of the way immediately: The cynic in me knows that, essentially, the Domiracer is ‘just’ a rehashed, 80-horsepower pushrod Twin. It comes with no modern, electronic trickery, is barely road legal, our test bike had a slight electric fault, there’s not much steering lock and, even if (unlike most of us) you can afford its £24K /$36K grand price (£26K/$39K if you want a road legal version), you can’t buy one anyway. The 50 examples being built have already been snapped up.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Yamaha Smax Scooter First Ride Review

2015 Yamaha Smax Scooter First Ride Review

Cars, , , , , ,

Yamaha understands the importance of serving all motorcyclists, no matter what type of riding they enjoy. And for those seeking simple freeway-capable transportation it offers its 155cc Smax scooter ($3690).

The 2015 Smax employs a fuel-injected and liquid-cooled 155cc four-stroke Single positioning it between the smaller college campus-ready Zuma/Vino scooters (49cc) and the more touring-capable Majesty (395cc). It’s engineered to offer the best of both words: friendly, non-intimidating acceleration on city streets, yet enough muscle to climb steep hills and keep up with fast paced San Diego traffic on the freeway (we saw a top speed of 84 mph).
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Indian Roadmaster Review

2015 Indian Roadmaster Review

Cars, , , , , ,

The radio’s tuned to the local classic rock station, volume on 12, Freddie Mercury’s voice synchronizing with the big pistons of Indian’s Thunder Stroke 111. There’s plenty more of the 200-watt stereo system to tap into but the radio’s already filling up our helmet quite fine. Just enough vibes are coming through the bars and seat to let you know you’re on a big V-Twin.

The world passes by in an 80-mph panorama, the blur of fall colors in big-leaf maples and Oregon oaks, mountain ridges peeking above lingering morning clouds. Pockets of wind press against progress, but the wide, fully-faired front of the 2015 Roadmaster serves as a proper shield. Broad sweepers encourage twisting the throttle just a little more, with the floorboards high enough to allow for healthy lean angles as the bike is big but fluid as it traces the arc.I’ve witnessed seasons changing on the 2015 Roadmaster over the last two-and-a-half months and 3334 miles. The ambient temperature gauge has read from 112 to 28 degrees. Hundreds of miles have been spent in the rain and we’ve used Indian’s luxo-tourer for both road trips and daily rider. Its saddle is even beginning to mold to the contours of my body.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2014 BMW R1200 GSA vs KTM 1190 Adventure R Comparison Review

2014 BMW R1200 GSA vs KTM 1190 Adventure R Comparison Review

Cars, , , , , , ,

Adventure bikes offer many things to their owners, but most of all they provide possibilities. While a large majority may never see the other side of the horizon or hardcore trails, they are capable of bringing true adventure to those willing to get out there and push the limits. Big-bore adventure motorcycles are the top of the ADV food chain and the BMW R1200 GS and KTM 1190 Adventure are the two baddest gorillas in the jungle.

Yet there are even more extreme versions available from each marque – the R1200 GS Adventure and 1190 Adventure R – both of which are specially outfitted for serious travel off the beaten path. As soon as the GSA and Adventure R were announced debates raged online, and in the MotoUSA office, about which would be the ultimate mount for finding the end of the trail
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S First Ride Review

2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S First Ride Review

Cars, ,

Staring at the three 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S models inside the Santa Barbara Art Foundry presents a conundrum. The first Vulcan S in Pearl Crystal White has been set up with the “Reduced Reach” seat and footpeg location, compacting the rider’s triangle for people of smaller stature. I squeeze my six-foot-frame into the saddle, but my knees are up, feet are in, and the bars are way too close for my liking. The middle Vulcan S is shod in Kawasaki Green with its bars, seat and pegs in the “Mid Reach” arrangement. My legs now have a bit more room to stretch but my knees are still up and in and the reach to the bars is more natural but the bend of my elbows doesn’t quite feel right. The final Vulcan S, coated in Ebony Black paint, has the “Extended Reach” configuration which pushes the seat back one inch and places the handlebars out an inch further. My back is now almost vertical in relation to the motorcycle, arms at a natural, relaxed position, feet comfortably forward. Just right.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Yamaha YZ250FX First Ride Review

2015 Yamaha YZ250FX First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

Last year during our 2014 Enduro Shootout we brought along our favorite motocrosser, the YZ250F, as an extra mount for the support staff. And wouldn’t you know it, everyone wanted a go on it on the trails “just to see how it does.”

The engine power smoked the off-road specific machines, but the 19-inch rear wheel and stiff MX suspension made for a punishing ride in the rough stuff. The gearing was also too short for fast sections and it was a pain to kickstart when stalled on the side of a mountain. We saw potential and postulated with just a handful of changes the YZ250F could be a great off-road bike.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

Hesketh 24 First Ride Review

Hesketh 24 First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

The British revival rumbles on. Or in this case THUNDERS. And then some.

Hesketh is the latest UK heritage motorcycle brand to be reborn, (following Triumph in 1990, Norton in 2009 and Ariel last month). And, with numerous others in development (e.g., Brough Superior, Matchless and Metisse) having a union flag on your bike’s tank is clearly a fashionable place to be right now. Isn’t it funny how times change? There’s even rumors of a BSA return in the future, too…
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT First Ride Review

2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT First Ride Review

Cars, ,

The Kawasaki Versys 650 has never been a good looking motorcycle in the traditional sense, but what it lacked in conventional beauty it made up for in ability and versatility. For 2015 Kawasaki has revamped the Versys 650 with sharper styling that should please the critics of its previous lumpiness. Personally, I like lumpy; I like odd; and I like the old look better. No matter – beneath the cat-like fascia are a host of changes that make a better riding motorcycle.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Ducati Scrambler First Ride Review

2015 Ducati Scrambler First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Ducati grows out of its niche motorcycling segment with the addition of the Scrambler. The 2015 Scrambler is the modern interpretation of an all-purpose motorcycle from the ‘70s. Available in four versions, the Scrambler starts at $8495 (Icon model).

Starting with the engine, the Scrambler is powered by Ducati’s simple but effective four-valve, 803cc air-cooled L-Twin, first used in the Hypermotard 796 and then in the retired Monster 796. The cylinder heads borrow the 11-degree valve overlap design however (first employed on the ’10 Multistrada 1200) which is said to enhance the character of the engine at low revs. It swills fuel from a teardrop-shaped 3.6-gallon fuel tank that’s stamped from steel. Over the years it’s become one of our favorite Ducati power units, especially for urban riding. So it’s no surprise that the fuel-injected Twin again shines inside the Scrambler.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Yamaha FJ-09 First Ride Review

2015 Yamaha FJ-09 First Ride Review

Cars, , , ,

Yamaha hit pay dirt with its 2014 FZ-09. Powered by an all-new 847cc Inline Triple, the FZ won over riders with its naked styling, hooligan performance capabilities and, perhaps most important, its surprisingly low $7990 MSRP. The FZ became Yamaha’s top-selling street bike for 2014 and it aims to capitalize on that success with a derivative sport-touring version dubbed the FJ-09.

 

The Tuning Fork brand’s market research claims sport-touring sales have increased 34% from 2009 to 2013. There’s also a presumption that some riders are not being served by the current offerings in the touring segment. While most ST bikes feature impressive engines and sporty handling, they also typically weigh between 600-700 pounds and carry price tags starting at $15,000 and cresting well above $20K. Yamaha’s own FJR1300 is a prime example – a fantastic bike (and a personal favorite of this tester), but also a 640-pound bike that costs $15,890 ($16,890 for ES version). With its FJ-09, Yamaha delivers a legitimate sport-tourer, but one that weighs 462 pounds and retails for $10,490.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 KTM Freeride 250R First Ride Review

2015 KTM Freeride 250R First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

It’s been said that no single dirt bike can fit every rider’s needs, and I would agree. However, after riding the 2015 KTM Freeride 250R I have to say the Austrian manufacturer has come damn close. Take one part enduro, mix with another part trials and season with lightweight components and you get a dirt bike that not only spans different types of riding but also different rider skill sets. In short, it’s a mash-up of dirt awesomeness, and both experts and novices alike will enjoy what the Freeride 250R has to offer.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS First Ride Review

2015 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS First Ride Review

Cars, , , , ,
Big power, big comfort, and big storage— this is whatKawasaki’s Concours 14 ABS ($15,499) is all about. And for 2015 this touring cult favorite gets a small batch of enhancements to allow it to compete with the pricier competition.

Starting with the powertrain, the Concours 14 continues to be powered by a modified, variable valve timing (VVT) equipped version of Kawasaki’s big displacement 1352cc Inline Four yanked out of its Ninja ZX-14R hyperbike. The VVT affords better fuel economy at lower rpm without sacrificing wailing top-end punch. In fact the last time we tested the Connie, it unleashed nearly 135 horsepower and almost 90 lb-ft of torque (at the back tire). Muscle is augmented through a six-speed transmission and shaft drive that is virtually maintenance free aside from 7500-mile fluid changes (same interval as engine oil).
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Husqvarna FE 501S First Ride Review

2015 Husqvarna FE 501S First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

My house is temptingly close to miles and miles of dirt roads and trails that beckon to me on the weekends. I can see the hills from my backyard, and more than once I’ve wanted to grab whatever dirt bike I have in the garage and go for a rip.

However, I learned my lesson when I was younger when I received a hefty ticket from the Riverside County Sheriff for riding illegally on the street. Now any time I get the itch, I swear up and down I’m going to keep a dual-sport in the garage. After spending a day on the 2015 Husqvarna FE 501S, it is a must.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Yamaha WR250F First Ride Review

2015 Yamaha WR250F First Ride Review

Cars, , , , ,

The WR250F was long overdue for a change and Yamaha not only completely revamped the WR for 2015, it added another exciting model to its lineup in the YZ250FX (read more in the 2015 YZ250FX First Ride). But where the FX is a true off-road, closed-course race bike, the 2015 WR250F is a fuel-injected trail bike that just happens to be able to morph into a bike very similar to the new YZ250FX.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 MV Agusta Stradale 800 First Ride Review

2015 MV Agusta Stradale 800 First Ride Review

Cars, ,

Everyone knows what MV Agusta means. Awesome power, racing heritage in every pore, beautiful finish, glitterati lifestyle – the list is predictable and goes on and on. But how about a practical MV? Better still, how about a genuinely multi-purpose MV? And, even better, better still, what about an MV which still oozes charisma and heritage, and does a lot of things well? Now, we really are into new territory.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

Vespa 946 Scooter Review

Vespa 946 Scooter Review

Cars, , , , , ,

“Luxury scooter” is kind of oxymoronic, no? It’s kind of like saying “powered sailboat” or “mandatory volunteer work.” Scooters, after all, are the basic transportation of our powered two-wheeled world, a half-step up from a bicycle. Making a limited-edition, luxury version that costs three times competing models might seem an odd choice, like a limousine converted from a PT Cruiser. How nice could it be, really?
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 Ducati 1299 Panigale S First Ride Review

2015 Ducati 1299 Panigale S First Ride Review

Cars, , ,

Ducati continues to demonstrate ‘there’s no replacement for displacement’ with the release of its 1299 Panigale S Superbike ($24,995). Powered by an even more radically oversquare 1285cc variation of its Superquadro L-Twin, Ducati’s latest Superbike is engineered for riders seeking the utmost in Italian performance that’s not limited by the World Superbike rule book. To find out if Ducati hit the mark we put the 1299 through its paces at the seaside circuit of Portimao in southern Portugal.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/

2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure First Ride Review

2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure First Ride Review

Cars, , , , ,

KTM’s 1190 Adventure was a revelation for the Austrian marque. After our first ride, we proclaimed it the best street bike ever produced by KTM. Then we rode the 1290 Super Duke – a motorcycle that was so over the top yet so rideable that we then declared there is nothing better than the big Duke in the Orange Brigade. Now wrap your head around this – take the Adventure’s epic chassis and comfort, drop in the Duke’s neutron-bomb engine, add even more tech and comfort and turn it up to 11. It’s a recipe for the new king of KTM street machines and possibly the ruler of all sporty adventure-touring motorcycles. The 2015 1290 KTM Super Adventure is KTM’s most ambitious motorcycle yet.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/