So far as ADV riding goes, you can’t get a lot better than the proven reliability and simple ruggedness of the BMW G650GS. But, momentum is still your enemy and dropping the 423lbs bike at speed is going to break stuff. It’d also be nice to be able to carry a few things without those things being stolen. Enter Touratech, which has thrown its entire catalog at this Sertao in an effort to make it round-the-world capable. :continue:
Spotted nearly undisguised while undergoing validation tests in Germany, InfoMotori brings us the best photo yet of the upcoming KTM Adventure 1290. So far, so expected. Trellis frame, a larger v-twin for more power, the saddle-style fuel tank appears to remain (as the more rearwards of the two body work pieces extending down from the “tank” area), 21-inch front wheel, etc. Much-needed upgrades comes in the form of a new headlight incorporating LEDs across its lower half and radial brake calipers. There’s also a 690 Duke-style aluminum swingarm with exposed webbing. Sexy. But how does this bike fit into KTM’s upcoming product plan? :continue:
Why aren’t there any good motorcycle shows? You know, one that isn’t just about the size of some lunatic host’s fearless balls or the flatness of his hat’s bill. Or how about a show that’s watchable, entertaining, accessible and does a good job of selling what you and I think is so special back to the mainstream? Neither Wes or I have ever made a show before, but figured we’d give it a shot in conjunction with DRIVE. So here you go, the very first episode of our new show, RideApart.
“You really shouldn’t be in the wilderness alone with no phone reception,” read the text from my not-a-girlfriend. But I didn’t get that until the next afternoon, back in Lone Pine, gassing up for the ride home. That’s because there really is no cell reception in this remote northern corner of Death Valley National Park. “The most remote location in California,” there’s no water, no pavement and, most importantly, no people in Saline Valley either. A perfect destination then for an impromptu bit of wanderlust on a Friday afternoon. Especially when there’s a knobby-equipped Yamaha Super Tenere calling your name. :continue:
What you can’t see in this photo is that Grant, aboard the KTM 990 Adventure, is actually flying past me on the Yamaha Super Tenere, through a water crossing. Nothing to do with the capability of either bike, just as a relatively new dirt rider, I find riding a 637lbs behemoth absolutely shit-my-pants terrifying. I’m basically going to be comic relief in this first episode of our new show, RideApart, debuting next month on DRIVE.
Photos: Sean “Gimp” Smith :continue:
Piaggio Group North America’s annual dealer meeting took place this week. But, while the Aprilia Caponord 1200 prototype was present there and will be sold in America, these photos actually come from its European equivalent. These photos reveal additional angles and details of the new 135bhp ADV bike.
Photos: Aprilia Forum :continue:
These are the first images of the Aprilia’s new adventure tourer, snapped earlier today by Motociclismo.it at Piaggio Group’s annual dealer convention in Monte Carlo. Based on the frame and 130bhp, liquid-cooled V-twin of the Dorsoduro 1200, the Aprilia CapoNord 1200 is equipped with much taller suspension, a two-piece seat and low-mount exhaust. Equipped with 17-inch wheels and monster 320mm brake discs, think of this as a tall, comfy sports tourer rather than something that’s ever going to venture off-road. More info as we get it.
Camping for three days on the Iron Mountain in the rain and cold gave way to a much needed real bed on our last day in Austria, we spent a night at a 14th Century guest house and also caught up on doing some much needed laundry thanks to a very helpful owner. Soon Seth and I were heading towards Switzerland where riding east took us on a glorious ride up and down the Gerlos Alpine Road and right passed the beautiful Krimmi Waterfalls, Europe’s highest. Next it was the Stelvio Pass, Mugello GP, Venice, Bologna and Tuscany. :continue:
Ever watched in awe as the Dakar rally riders hustle big, heavy machines at high-speed off-road? Jimmy Lewis is one of only two Americans to finish on the podium at Dakar and he’s teamed up with AltRider to host Taste of Dakar in Death Valley. Costing only $225, the clinic is the cheapest excuse we’ve ever seen to spend a weekend camping in the desert, getting drunk by the campfire and learning how to ride like a Dakar racer. Whether you’re a noob or expert in the dirt doesn’t matter. If you’ve got $225, a dualsport with passable tires and the time to make the trek to Death Valley, CA, for the event on February 24-26, you’re crazy not to go. Oh, and the beer’s on AltRider.
Starting at just $6,999 and available with an optional Dual-Clutch transmission and ABS, the 2012 Honda NC700X is going to be an extremely practical entry-level all-rounder. That’s $1,300 cheaper than its nearest competitor, the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 and $900 cheaper than the Kawasaki Versys. Over the Suzuki, the Honda brings that optional transmission, as well as way-more-practical 17-inch wheels. This is a lot of bike for very little money, even if does make less power than either rival.
Update: The DCT and ABS package brings the price up to $8,999. :continue:
