American Honda has announced that the highly anticipated Honda XL750 Transalp is coming to the U.S. market for the 2024 model year.
The Transalp was originally introduced in Europe in 1986, first showing up in the U.S. for the 1989 model year with a liquid-cooled, 600cc 52-degree V-Twin with 3 valves per cylinder bolted into a full-cradle frame with a box section swingarm. A 41mm fork provided almost 8 inches of travel up front, and Pro-Link suspension offered 7.5 inches of rear-wheel travel.
Unfortunately, timing and American attitudes about motorcycles, combined with the on-road/off-road orientation of the bike, meant the Transalp only lasted two years in U.S. market.
However, fast forward three decades, and not only have times changed, but so has the Transalp, and after seeing considerable success in the European market, U.S. buyers are clamoring to give this new-generation middleweight adventure bike another spin.
“As the adventure category continues to thrive and evolve, customers are more eager than ever to get out and explore,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing. “The all-new, midsize XL750 Transalp joins Honda’s iconic Africa Twin and pocket-adventurer CB500X to complete our popular True Adventure lineup, ready to deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences to U.S. ADV enthusiasts from coast to coast.”
In the company’s announcement, Honda called the XL750 Transalp, “friendly but tough—perfect for extended touring trips, as well as the urban cut and thrust, and all points in between.”
The 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp features a liquid-cooled 755cc parallel-Twin with Honda’s Unicam design, 4 valves per cylinder, and 270-degree crank. It has a 6-speed gearbox, throttle-by-wire, a slip/assist clutch, and a standard quickshifter. The bike now comes with five ride modes – Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and rider-customizable – that regulate power delivery, engine braking, and ABS intervention. It also has Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for increased or decreased rear-wheel spin.
Speaking of wheels, the 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp rides on 21/18-inch front/rear spoked wheels. For stopping power, gone is the rear drum brake, replaced by a 256mm disc, and the front now has dual discs (310mm) instead of the previous single. ABS is standard and can be turned off for the rear wheel. Suspension travel is still comparable, with a 43mm Showa SFF-CA inverted fork offering 7.9 inches of travel and Showa Pro-Link rear shock providing 7.5 inches.
The seat height is 33.7 inches, and Honda offers an available 32.6-inch accessory seat. It has 8.3 inches of clearance, a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, and a curb weight of 459 lb.
The Transalp has a 5.0-inch full-color LCD display with four display options, self-canceling turnsignals, and a USB-C port under the passenger seat. The 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp will be available in October in Matte Black Metallic starting at $9,999.
Since its class-disrupting debut in 2019, which earned Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year award for the 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, KTM’s middleweight adventure touring lineup has steadily improved. The tip of the off-road spear is the KTM 890 Adventure R Rally, which has been updated for 2024. Only 700 will be available worldwide.
Based on the 890 Adventure R, the Rally has the same 889cc LC8c parallel-Twin that made 90 hp at 8,200 rpm and 62 lb-ft of torque at 6,200 rpm at the rear wheel when we last tested it in 2021. The Rally is fitted with an Akrapovič slip-on titanium silencer that’s 35% lighter than the stock can. The 6-speed transmission is paired with a slip/assist clutch.
Suspension is the biggest upgrade on the 890 Adventure R Rally. It’s equipped with a WP Xplor Pro 7548 fork with cone valve technology that KTM claims is the “absolute best suspension currently available.” Out back is a WP Xplor Pro 6746 shock with progressive damping. There’s full adjustability and 10.6 inches of travel front and rear, which is 1.2 inches more than on the standard 890 Adventure R.
The Rally stands apart from its stablemates with graphics inspired by KTM’s Factory Racing team as well as a dedicated rally seat and rally footpegs. Extra protection comes courtesy of carbon fiber tank guards, an engine protection grill, and an aluminum master cylinder guard. A Supersprox-Stealth rear sprocket adds to the premium build quality, and a steering damper is standard.
Rolling on special high-strength spoked Excel wheels (tubes required) in 21- x 2.15-inch front and 18- x 4.00-inch rear sizes, the Rally is fitted with Mitas Enduro Trail tires.
The KTM 890 Adventure R Rally has Motorcycle Traction Control, ABS with Road and Offroad modes, and three standard ride modes (Street, Offroad, and Rain). The Tech Pack adds Rally mode, Motor Slip Regulation, Quickshifter+, and cruise control. The KTMconnect app pairs the bike to a smartphone via Bluetooth and features Turn-By-Turn+ navigation on the 5-inch TFT display.
In addition, 34 lucky people who purchase a KTM 890 Adventure R Rally will get an exclusive opportunity to ride with KTM legends (like Johnny Aubert) at the Ultimate KTM Desert Experience. The event will take place in Morocco, with the option to choose from two dates: March 3-7 or March 7-11, 2024. Participants will be offered a full-factory style package including the use of a fully prepped bike provided by KTM with all the necessary technical support required for desert exploration, transport during the trip and luxury accommodation for a four-night stay, plus one special night camping with KTM in the desert for the total price of $5,400. With three days of riding in the area where the KTM Factory Racing Team does its rally testing, a dedicated and fully guided route, and a prepared KTM 890 Adventure R Rally, this event will be the trip of a lifetime.
The 2024 KTM 890 Adventure R Rally has an MSRP of $21,499. KTM will begin taking preorders on September 20, 2023, and bikes will begin arriving early 2024. For more information, visit KTM’s website.
Starting Friday, Sept. 8, and resuming Monday, Sept. 11, we’ll be announcing two MOTY finalists per day, with the big reveal of Rider‘s 2023 Motorcycle of the Year winner on Friday, Sept. 15. So bookmark this page and keep checking back. –Ed.
If Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year, now in its 34th year, were a person, it would have graduated from college or completed military service, launched a career, got married, bought a house, and started a family. It would have a couple motorcycles in the garage, perhaps a cruiser or sport-tourer for the open road and a dual-sport or adventure bike for exploring the backcountry.
In other words, it would be like the rest of us: a dedicated motorcycle enthusiast.
Rider has been bringing you “Motorcycling at Its Best” for almost 50 years. We’ve tested nearly every street-legal motorcycle on the market, with an emphasis on real-world bikes that are within reach for most of us. For every $100,000 Arch 1s we review, we test dozens if not hundreds of motorcycles you’ll find in dealerships and garages across America, from sea to shining sea.
Rider’s 2022 Motorcycle of the Year: The 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ (Photo by Kevin Wing)
Unlike car dealers, most motorcycle dealers don’t offer test rides. Demo rides are great, but they are few and far between and often involve parade-pace conga lines that don’t allow riders to experience a motorcycle’s true capabilities. We know you count on us to provide honest, in-depth reviews to help you make informed purchase decisions – or to just keep you up to date on the latest and greatest bikes on the market.
Every year, we ride as many new or significantly updated motorcycles as we can and evaluate them within the context of their intended use. Then we put our collective heads together and identify those that best fulfill their intended purpose and advance the state of motorcycle design, performance, and function.
For 2023, there were more than 80 eligible contenders. We narrowed them down to 10 finalists and one winner. Starting Friday, Sept 8, and resuming Monday, Sept. 11, we’ll be updating this post with two finalists per day, with the big reveal of this year’s 2023 Motorcycle of the Year winner on Friday, Sept. 15. So bookmark this page and keep checking back.
Without further ado…
2023 Motorcycle of the Year Finalists:
1. BMW R 18 Roctane
BMW R 18 Roctane (Photo by Jörg Künstle, Markus Jahn)
The fifth member of the R 18 family is a unique alternative to the ubiquitous American V-Twin. It’s powered by the BMW 1,802cc “Big Boxer” Twin and features blacked-out styling, a midrise handlebar, a 21-inch front wheel, and hard saddlebags. The Roctane has admirable curb appeal, good comfort and handling, and high-tech features including Rock, Roll, and Rain ride modes.
CFMOTO has been on the gas lately, expanding its motorcycle lineup from seven to 10 models, including two versions of the Ibex 800 adventure-tourer powered by a 790cc parallel-Twin adapted from the KTM 790 Adventure. The top-of-the-line Ibex 800 T is comfortable, capable, and packed with useful features yet retails for an accessible $10,499.
BMW Motorrad has announced three updated midrange adventure-touring motorcycles: the 2024 BMW F 900 GS, F 900 GS Adventure and F 800 GS. BMW says these bikes provide “purist riding fun thanks to even more sophisticated off-road, touring, and adventure capabilities,” adding that the F 800 GS is ideal for entry-level riders, the F 900 GS features many “far-reaching innovations,” and the F 900 GS Adventure is well-suited for extended adventure trips and long, demanding tours.
All three bikes feature the parallel-Twin introduced in 2018 for the F 850 GS, but it has been bumped up from 853cc to 895cc and features a 270/450 degree firing interval. In the F 900 GS and F 900 GS Adventure, the engine makes a claimed 105 hp, and in the F 800 GS, it makes a claimed 87 hp. BMW says the new engines are also characterized by a much fuller torque curve, increased pulling power and faster acceleration.
The updated GS models offer Rain and Road ride modes as standard – along with Dynamic Traction Control DTC, cornering-optimized ABS Pro, and the dynamic brake light – and the optional “Pro” ride modes comes with additional ride modes, ride mode pre-selection, engine drag torque control, and Dynamic Brake Control.
2024 BMW F 900 GS
All three models also offer an adjustable gearshift lever as standard, and the F 900 GS features a new foot brake lever in a higher position than its F 850 GS predecessor. The bikes have full LED lighting, with a new headlight on the F 900 GS offering a larger low beam opening angle for better illumination directly in front of the motorcycle. All of the bikes also have a 6.5-inch TFT display as standard, which replaces the previous analog display on the F 800 GS, and the BMW F 900 GS includes a 12mm holder for mounting action cams or other devices.
2024 BMW F 800 GS
The F 900 GS has been completely redesigned. One of the key points is the redesigned plastic fuel tank, which is slimmer and more ergonomically favorable at the cost of only a little over a tenth of a gallon capacity (3.8 gallons total). This new tank shaved almost 10 lb off the weight, with an addition 9-lb reduction from a completely redesigned rear section and a rear silencer by Akrapovič. New close-fitting tank side panels, together with a new radiator trim give the new F 900 GS a sleek, sporty, and off-road-oriented look.
2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure
The luggage carrier of the F 900 GS was also adapted in the process, allowing the customer to attach soft bags, rucksacks, or an aluminum case system from the original BMW Motorrad accessories range using various attachment options.
2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure
The increased off-road qualities of the new F 900 GS are expressed by the ergonomic triangle, which has been optimized for off-road use. Footpegs that are 0.8 inch lower, in combination with a 0.6-inch higher handlebar position and the new design of the fuel tank, provide clear advantages when riding standing up on rough terrain.
2024 BMW F 900 GS
Additionally, the F 900 GS and F 900 GS Adventure feature a new fully adjustable 43mm inverted telescopic Showa fork with 9 inches of travel, and the F 900 GS Adventure has an aluminum engine guard.
Specific colors and pricing for the U.S. models has not been released. For more information, visit the BMW Motorrad website.
As evidenced by the popularity of our series of “Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders” lists on the Buyers Guides section of our website, seat height is an important consideration for riders, and considering the height of most adventure bikes, if there is one place you want to feel planted, it’s coming to a stop – especially with a passenger and full load. As a result, Triumph has announced the Active Preload Reduction for the Tiger 1200 range, which lowers the seat height by up to .78 inch more than even the accessory low seat option. Active Preload Reduction will be available for both new and existing Tiger 1200 owners. For more information, read the press release below.
Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally shown with Active Preload Reduction
Triumph Motorcycles has released a new enhancement to its advanced Showa semi-active suspension across the current Tiger 1200 range, which was first announced in November 2021.
The new Active Preload Reduction feature has been developed to lower the resting seat height by reducing the rear suspension preload as the Tiger 1200 slows.
For the Tiger 1200 GT, GT Pro, and GT Explorer models, there are currently two seat height settings: 33.46 inches (850mm) and 34.52 inches (870mm), while for the Rally Pro and Rally Explorer models these are 34.44 inches (875mm) and 35.23 inches (895mm). When these motorcycles are fitted with the accessory low seat option, the seat position is lowered by an additional .78 inch (20mm), giving a lowest seat height of 32.67 inches (830mm) on the GT family and 33.66 inches (855mm) on the Rally family.
The new Active Preload Reduction feature allows these seat heights to be reduced farther. Depending on the combined weight of the rider, pillion, and luggage this could further lower the height by up to .78 inch (20mm) when the motorcycle comes to a standstill, offering the rider greater ease and confidence. New Tiger 1200 owners will be able to access this new minimum preload feature by simply pressing the ‘Home’ button on the right switch cube for one second, as the feature will now come standard on all new Tiger 1200 motorcycles.
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT shown with Active Preload Reduction
“The new Tiger 1200 range is already a global success, attracting new fans and increasing Triumph’s share of this highly competitive market,” said Steve Sargent, Triumph’s chief product officer. “This new feature can be enabled on the fly, lowering the center of gravity at slower speeds, making it even more accessible, offering riders more confidence at slow speeds and better contact with the ground as they come to stop.”
The new feature will also be available to existing 2023 Tiger 1200 customers via a software update, which can be done by their authorized Triumph dealership during their next scheduled service. There will be no upgrade fee for existing customers to access the new feature, however standard dealership labor rates will apply for the service of the motorcycle.
The all-new Tiger 1200 was designed to be the world’s most capable, agile, and maneuverable large capacity adventure motorcycle, and the range includes the GT family, tailor made for the perfect road-focused adventure ride, and the Rally family, perfect for an all-terrain adventure. The Tiger 1200 GT Explorer with its 7.9-gallon (30 liter) tank was even the bike of choice for Enduro World Champion Ivan Cervantes when he broke the record for riding the farthest in 24 hours on a motorcycle.
Included in the announcement are the 2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT and GT+ sport-tourers; the 2024 GSX-R600, GSX-R1000, GSX-R1000R, and Hayabusa sportbikes; and the 2024 GSX-S1000 and GSX-8S naked sportbikes, the latter of which was introduced last year and is powered by Suzuki’s latest 776 cc parallel-Twin platform. In the adventure bike segment, Suzuki returns with the V-Strom 650 and 1050 range of motorcycles, and rounding out this on-road wave is the Burgman 400 Scooter.
Sport-Touring
2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT/GT+
2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ in Candy Daring Red
The 2024 GSX-S1000GT combines the performance of its GSX-R1000-based engine with a nimble, lightweight chassis to provide riders with what Suzuki calls “an exciting and comfortable GT riding experience.” The GT and GT+ are grand tourers with sportbike-level functionality, avant-garde styling, and an extensive selection of optional equipment like integrated side cases.
The GSX-S1000GT has a pair of horizontally arranged LED headlights, a V-shaped position light, and side-mounted LED turn signals that fashion an appearance that is distinctively Suzuki. The GT’s styling continues into the optional side cases and touring windshield for a fully integrated appearance.
2024 Suzuki GSX-1000GT in Glass Sparkle Black
For 2024, the GSX-S1000GT+ is presented in the new Candy Daring Red or the returning Glass Sparkle Black, both with unique GT logos that tie into subframe and wheel colors. MSRP is $14,199. The GSX-S1000GT returns in Glass Sparkle Black starting at $13,449.
Key Features
Full fairing with dual mono-focus LED headlights and V-shaped LED position light.
6.5-inch TFT panel featuring Suzuki’s mySPIN connectivity application that links to a smartphone to provide access to contacts, maps, music, and phone communication. It even pairs with most Bluetooth helmet communication systems.
The 999cc GSX-R-based engine has reported impressive peak power with strong torque in the low- to mid-range and Ride-by-Wire.
The Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), standard bi-directional quick shift system, and cruise control.
The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) includes the three-mode Suzuki ride mode selector, the five-mode Advanced Traction Control system, Quick Shift system, and the Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.
Sportbikes
2024 Suzuki GSX-R600
2024 Suzuki GSX-R600 in Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black
The GSX-R600 has a compact 599cc 4-cylinder engine, a fully adjustable Showa Big Piston Front Fork (BPF) and remote reservoir rear shock, and twin Brembo monoblock radially mounted front brake calipers grasping fully floating 310mm stainless steel brake rotors. Located between the frame’s spars, the engine’s top end is canted forward to improve cylinder head charging for increased power output. According to Suzuki: “For a rider considering a mid-size sportbike that flashes middleweight performance on the track or the street, there is only one choice: the Suzuki GSX-R600.”
2024 Suzuki GSX-R600 in Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Triton Blue
Three paint schemes are available for the 2024 GSX-R600 starting at $11,899: Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Matte Stellar Blue, Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Triton Blue, or Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black.
2024 Suzuki GSX-R600 in Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Matte Stellar Blue
Key Features
The twin-spar aluminum frame connects the steering head with the swingarm pivot portion of the chassis in a way that balances light weight and strength. The engine is suspended below the frame to keep mass low and the wheelbase short to promote nimble handling.
The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) lets the rider adjust the engine’s power delivery to suit the riding conditions.
2024 Suzuki GSX-8S
2024 Suzuki GSX-8S in the new Glass Matte Mechanical Gray
Introduced for 2023, the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8S naked sporbike has a compact 776cc parallel-Twin that uses a 270-degree firing order and is equipped with Suzuki’s exclusive Cross Balancer system. Suzuki calls the GSX-8S “the ideal response to rider demands in the mid-size naked street bike category.”
A color 5-inch TFT LCD multifunction instrument panel provides the rider access and on-the-fly control over the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) suite of advanced electronic control systems that includes Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, the four-mode Suzuki Traction Control System, the bi-directional Quick Shift system, and Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.
2024 Suzuki GSX-8S in Pearl Cosmic Blue
Starting at $8,999, the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8S comes in Pearl Cosmic Blue, Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black, or the new Glass Matte Mechanical Grey.
2024 Suzuki GSX-8S in Metallic Matte Black No. 2
Key Features
Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), KYB suspension, and ABS-equipped Nissin radial-mounted 4-piston brake calipers with dual brake rotors
A sporty yet ergonomically comfortable riding position
2024 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and R1000R
2024 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the new Glass Matte Mechanical Gray
Suzuki introduced the original GSX-R750 in 1985 and then proceeded to gain multiple road racing championships around the world before creating another milestone in 2001 with the introduction of the GSX-R1000.
At the pinnacle of the GSX-R family of ultra-high-performance sportbikes, the 2024 GSX-R1000R’s versatile engine provides power that is delivered smoothly and controllably across a broad rpm range. Like the original GSX-R1000, the 2024’s compact chassis delivers nimble handling with excellent suspension feel and braking control. Advanced electronic rider aids such as traction control, launch control, and a bi-directional quickshifter enhance the riding experience.
2024 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black
The GSX-R1000R is equipped with Showa’s BFF and BFRC-Lite suspension components. For stopping power up front, radially mounted Brembo monoblock 4-piston calipers fed by stainless steel brake lines grasp a pair of 320mm Brembo T-drive floating brake rotors.
2024 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in the new Glass Matte Mechanical Gray
The 2024 GSX-R1000R is available in a new Glass Matte Mechanical Gray paint scheme with dark red wheels or the popular Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black scheme with new, bright blue graphics on the fairing and on the black wheels. Both paint schemes are accented by gold-anodized suspension components.
2024 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black
The GSX-R1000R is also available in 2024 in a race-inspired Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Triton Blue paint scheme with bright blue wheels and blue-anodized suspension components. MSRP is $18,499.
2024 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Triton Blue
The 2024 GSX-R1000 starts at $16,349 in a new Glass Matte Mechanical Gray paint scheme with dark red wheels or the popular Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black scheme with new bright blue graphics on the fairing and on the black wheels.
Key Features
Inline-Four with DOHC and the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, as well as a 4-2-1 exhaust with a revised muffler and heat shield.
Electronics include an IMU, adjustable traction control, the Suzuki bi-directional Quick Shift system, and Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, plus the GSX-R1000R–specific Motion Track Anti-Lock Brake and Launch Control systems.
The GSX-R1000R–specific black background LCD multifunction instrument panel was inspired by the GSX-RR MotoGP dash.
Fairing houses a bright LED headlight with eyebrow position lights above the Suzuki Ram Air Direct ducts that feed the engine’s electronic throttle bodies.
2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000
2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000 in the new Metallic Matte Sword Silver
The 2024 GSX-S1000 naked sportbke has a 999cc engine based on the GSX-R1000 and produces claimed high peak power with strong torque in the low- to mid-range. The bike has upright streetfighter ergonomics, a twin-spar aluminum frame, and fully adjustable KYB suspension, while braking comes from ABS-equipped Brembo monoblock 4-piston calipers with dual 310mm floating discs in front and a Nissin 1-piston caliper squeezing a 240mm disc in the rear.
Two available body colors – Metallic Triton Blue with white accents or the new Metallic Matte Sword Silver with red accents – combine with modern logos for a starting MSRP of $11,699.
2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000 in Metallic Triton Blue
Key Features
A stacked mono-focus LED headlight assembly and angular styling that includes MotoGP-inspired winglets for an aggressive naked sportbike stance.
Ride-by-Wire, Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), and bi-directional Quick Shift system.
The GSX-S1000 uses the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with a three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector and the five-mode Advanced Traction Control System plus the Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.
2024 Suzuki Hayabusa
2024 Suzuki Hayabusa in Metallic Thunder Gray/Candy Daring Red
The 2024 version of Suzuki’s flagship sportbike celebrates its 25th anniversary of production this year. The Hayabusa is propelled by an 1,340cc inline-Four with DOHC and housed managed by the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) Suzuki says the engine’s adjustable power delivery, traction control, cruise control, launch control, quick shift, and Motion Track ABS and Combined Brake systems “offer the Hayabusa rider unmatched options on how they want their ride to unfold.”
For 2024, in addition to the recently announced 25th Anniversary Hayabusa, riders may choose from Metallic Thunder Gray/Candy Daring Red or the deep, dark Metallic Matte Black/Glass Sparkle Black combination starting at $19,099.
2024 Suzuki Hayabusa in Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black
Key Features
Ride-by-Wire electronic throttle bodies with dual fuel injectors feeding each cylinder, mixing with pressurized air from the Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD) intakes in the nose of the aerodynamic fairing. The symmetrical twin silencer exhaust system is lighter than previous generations with better flow and an exciting exhaust note.
The Hayabusa’s superbike-caliber, twin-spar aluminum frame reportedly delivers a stable ride with nimble handling that can be personalized through the adjustable KYB-supplied suspension.
The Hayabusa employs an advanced version of the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.): a comprehensive collection of electronic rider aids like cruise control and bi-directional Quick Shift systems. Only the Hayabusa offers this premium suite of riding aids.
Adventure Bikes
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 650
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 650 in Solid Iron Gray
Suzuki says its V-Strom 650 models are “renowned for versatility, reliability, and value.” The 2024 V-Strom 650 has a liquid-cooled 645cc 90-degree V-Twin and rides on lightweight 10-spoke cast wheels shod with adventure-spec Bridgestone Battlax 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless radial tires.
The adventure bike has 6.7 inches of ground clearance, and a spring-preload-adjustable 43mm front fork and link-type rear suspension are combined with a rebound damping adjustment and hand-operated spring preload adjuster.
The 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 650 comes in Solid Iron Gray starting at $9,199.
Key Features
Suzuki’s Advanced Traction Control system, Easy Start system and Low RPM Assist feature.
2-piston brake calipers and dual 310mm discs up front and a single-piston caliper and 260mm disc in the rear, plus standard ABS.
Vertically stacked headlights and adjustable windshield.
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT and 650XT Adventure
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Adventure in Pearl Vigor Blue/Pearl Brilliant White
The Suzuki V-Strom 650XT and 650XT Adventure feature the same liquid-cooled 645cc 90-degree V-Twin, suspension, and braking as the V-Strom 650 but take the off-road capability up a notch with anodized aluminum spoked wheels, hand guards, and a protective lower engine cowl. The V-Strom 650XT Adventure is equipped with Suzuki’s ADV-style 37-liter black aluminum side cases, as well as mirror extensions and a handlebar cross-brace that can be used to mount accessories like a GPS.
The 2024 Suzuki V-STROM 650XT comes in Glass Sparkle Black bodywork with new gray and gold graphics to complement the gold-anodized aluminum rims starting at $9,699.
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT in Glass Sparkle Black
The V-STROM 650XT Adventure is clad with Pearl Vigor Blue/Pearl Brilliant White paint with blue graphics and blue-anodized aluminum rims starting at $10,899.
Key Features
Suzuki’s Advanced Traction Control system, Easy Start system, and Low RPM Assist feature.
ADV fairing with vertically stacked headlights and adjustable windshield.
Integrated mount points on the chassis for Suzuki’s accessory family of V-Strom luggage.
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 1050
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 in Glass Blaze Orange/Glass Sparkle Black
The 2024 V-Strom 1050 adventure-touring bike has a 1,037cc V-Twin that Suzuki says produces “great horsepower, all while retaining its strong pull in the lower-rpm range and good fuel economy.” It has 6.5 inches of clearance and rides on cast aluminum wheels shod with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 radial tires.
The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) includes standard cruise control, Suzuki’s bi-directional Quick Shift system, and the Motion Track Brake system that activates cornering ABS. A full-color 5-inch TFT LCD multi-function instrument panel displays the bike’s operating status and S.I.R.S. settings.
The 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 will be available in a new Glass Blaze Orange and Metallic Matte Black No. 2 paint scheme starting at $15,299.
Key Features
Fully adjustable inverted fork, link-style rear shock, and hand-operated, hydraulic spring preload adjuster.
Radially-mounted 4-piston brake calipers grasping dual 310mm discs up front and a 2-piston caliper and 260mm disc in the rear.
A USB port to the side of the instrument panel supplies power for smartphones or other accessories like a GPS.
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and 1050DE Adventure
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure in Pearl Vigor Blue /Pearl Brilliant White
The 2024 V-Strom 1050DE models also have a 1,037cc V-Twin engine but ride in a chassis with 7.5 inches of ground clearance and 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke-style wheels with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour adventure tires. Compared to the base V-STROM 1050, the DE has a longer rake and wheelbase for better handling on gravel roads and dirt trails, a longer suspension stroke to better absorb bumps on rough surfaces, as well as wide steel foot pegs and a large diameter tapered aluminum handlebar.
A 5-inch color TFT LCD multi-function instrument panel displays the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) settings that include a Gravel (G) mode in the Suzuki Traction Control System and the ability to switch off the rear ABS, as well as the bi-directional Quick Shift system. The V-STROM 1050DE further emphasizes the aggressive look of its Suzuki Dakar-inspired styling with its unique front fender, aluminum engine protector, and rugged accessory bar.
The V-Strom 1050DE Adventure is equipped with Suzuki’s black aluminum side case set with 37 liters of capacity and an LED fog lamp set. The V-Strom 1050DE Adventure is available in Pearl Vigor Blue and Pearl Brilliant White body colors starting at $17,799.
The V-Strom 1050DE comes in Glass Sparkle Black/Metallic Matte Black starting at $16,199.
2024 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE in Glass Sparkle Black/Metallic Matte Black
Key Features
Fully adjustable inverted fork with 6.7 inches of travel, link-style monoshock with 6.6 inches of travel, 4-piston brake calipers that grasp dual 310mm discs in front, and a single-piston caliper and 260mm disc in the rear.
USB port to the side of the instrument panel supplies power for smartphones or other accessories like a GPS.
Scooter
2024 Suzuki Burgman 400
The 2024 Suzuki Burgman 400 features a 400cc Single with DOHC and four valves powering a CVT automatic transmission. It has Suzuki’s dual-spark technology ignition system, and like the systems used on Suzuki’s Hayabusa and GSX-S1000GT, the Burgman features a rider-selectable Traction Control system and Suzuki’s Easy Start system.
The 2024 Suzuki Burgman 400 comes in a Metallic Matte Sword Silver paint scheme with blue wheels for $8,699.
Key Features
Spacious under-seat storage and two front compartments with a DC power outlet.
Triple-disc brakes (two 260mm discs up front and a single 210mm disc in the rear) with standard Suzuki ABS.
For more information on these 2024 models, visit the Suzuki website.
The 2023 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR (scrambler, shown above) and STR (street) are two versions of the 649cc Twin. (Photos by Mattia Negrini)
In 2022, Italian trophy brand Moto Morini made a successful start on its journey along the comeback trail after its acquisition by Chinese manufacturer Zhongneng Vehicle Group in October 2018. Its first new model to reach the marketplace under the new ownership, the parallel-Twin X-Cape 650 adventure bike, has been in production since 2021.
Whereas the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR has spoked wheels and Pirelli MT60RS semi-knobby tires, the STR has cast wheels with Pirelli Angel GT sport-touring tires.
The X-Cape has been joined by two new models based on the same platform: the Seiemmezzo SCR (Scrambler) and STR (Street). Their shared Italian moniker means “6½” (engine displacement is 649cc), a passing tribute to the iconic 3½ V-Twin model that put Morini on the map in the 1970s, with 85,000 examples sold in a decade.
In the U.S., color options for the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR are Cobalt Slate (shown on left), Platinum Black, and Boot Camp Green, while the SCR is available in Metallic Red (shown on right), Anthracite Smoke, and Vivid White.
The motorcycles are designed at the Moto Morini headquarters outside Milan in Trivolzio, Italy, and they are built at the Zhongneng factory in Taizhou, China. With MSRPs of $7,799 for the SCR and $7,499 for the STR, the Seiemmezzo duo are competitively priced. They are more expensive than the CFMOTO 650NK ($6,499), on par with the Kawasaki Z650 ($7,749), and less expensive than the Moto Guzzi V7 Stone ($9,109) and Honda CB650R ($9,399).
Both Seiemmezzo models are powered by a 649cc parallel-Twin.
Made by CFMOTO, claimed output is 61 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque.
Like the X-Cape, these two new models are powered by the well-established liquid-cooled 649cc parallel-Twin with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder that is produced by Zhongneng’s near-neighbor, CFMOTO (their factories are just 25 miles apart). The engine, which makes a claimed 61 hp at 8,250 rpm and 39.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm at the crank, has an 11.3:1 compression ratio, a 180-degree crankshaft, offset chain-driven camshaft, and a single gear-driven counterbalancer. In production since 2011, the engines have proven their reliability in CFMOTO’s roster of motorcycles.
The Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR (above) and STR share the same engine and chassis, with 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel sizes.
The chance to spend a sunny day riding the Seiemmezzo SCR and STR around the foothills of the Italian Alps allowed me to find out if they live up to the expectations aroused by that historic badge on the fuel tank. The engines share the same tuning, with Bosch fuel injection feeding twin 38mm throttle bodies, and both employ the same tubular steel open-cradle frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. On both bikes is a fully adjustable 43mm KYB inverted fork set at a 25-degree rake with 4.4 inches of trail and 4.4 inches of wheel travel, the same travel as the rear with a cast aluminum swingarm operating a KYB shock adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.
In addition to its spoked wheels and semi-knobby tires, the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR stands apart from its stablemate with a flyscreen, high-mount front and rear fenders, and a brown seat with ribbed cover material on the pilot portion.
Wheelbase is the same on both bikes at 56.1 inches, and that’s because both the SCR scrambler and STR roadster carry an 18-inch front wheel rather than the 17-incher you might expect on the STR. This means the seat height on both is the same at 32 inches, thanks to them also sharing a 17-inch rear wheel. Both bikes carry Pirelli tires, but the STR is shod with Angel GT rubber, while the SCR carries more semi-knobby tubeless MT-60RS tires on wire-spoked alloy rims.
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR’s scrambler bona fides are mostly in terms of styling.
Both have the same brakes, with twin 298mm Chinese-made front discs gripped by 2-piston Brembo floating calipers and a 255mm rear disc with a 2-piston caliper. Bosch 9.1MB ABS is standard. Dry weight is claimed to be 441 lb, or probably around 480 lb ready to ride with its 4.2-gallon tank full.
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR dash
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR dash
Standard equipment includes LED lighting, backlit switchgear, and a comprehensive 5-inch TFT dash with two different choices of layout, Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone, and a tire-pressure monitoring system (readings are in kPa [kilopascal] units, which is commonly used throughout the world; Moto Morini USA is working on having the TPMS system changed to psi readings for future U.S. market bikes). The noticeably high level of build quality now seems to be on a par with anything made in Japan – fit and finish are excellent, from lustrous paint to classy-looking graphics to high-quality frame welding, and all this on motorcycles that offer good value for money. The first major service comes at 25,900 miles.
The Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR is a light, agile machine.
Starting with the STR version, my first impression when I climbed aboard the well-padded seat is how substantial the bike seems to be – not in the sense that it’s cumbersome or bulky but simply that it has more of a presence about it than other bikes in this middleweight roadster category. The fuel tank is attractively shaped, allowing my knees to tuck into its flanks, in turn delivering a feeling of being part of the bike and inspiring confidence. Even shorter riders should be able to touch feet to the ground thanks to the seat which narrows at the stepover point.
Priced $300 less than the SCR, the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR (above) has more streamlined styling.
The tapered steel handlebar is nicely placed thanks to the 1.6-inch risers cast into the upper triple clamp, resulting in a slightly leaned forward but agreeable stance that’s ideal for a roadster like this. The attractive mirrors are free from vibration and give good rearward view. The distinctive running light around the rim of the circular headlamp resembles that found on modern Mini cars, and none the worse for that.
Thumb the starter, and both versions of the Seiemmezzo fire up instantly before settling to a 1,500-rpm idle speed. There’s a quite playful note from the 2-into-1 exhaust that strangely sounds more strident at lower revs than higher up the rpm scale. The 6-speed transmission features a Japanese-developed FCC oil-bath clutch, and the gearbox shift action is perfect – crisp and precise and impossible to fault even shifting up without the clutch. Clutch action is not particularly light but it’s easy to modulate. Combined with the super controllable throttle, walking-pace U-turns are surprisingly easy on a bike with a very tight steering lock. Indeed, both Seiemmezzos are agile motorcycles, without sacrificing any stability at higher speeds.
With an affordable price, modest weight, and a 32-inch seat height, the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR is ideal for new and/or budget-conscious riders.
The parallel-Twin engine in both Morini models feels refined and accessible, with a linear build of power and torque from 3,000 rpm all the way to the hard-action 10,500-rpm limiter. This has been characterized by some as lacking character, as if it’s more desirable to have steps in the power delivery rather than this smooth but eager response to what your right hand is doing, but for me this is a friendly yet enticing motor that gives a pleasurable ride. It makes either Seiemmezzo pleasant and practical in high-speed use on the open road, as well as untiring to ride.
Both Seiemmezzo models have an 18-inch front wheel with dual 298mm discs gripped by 2-piston Brembo calipers, and ABS is standard.
Thanks to the single gear-driven counterbalancer and the hefty weights in the ends of the handlebars, the engine is free of vibration at any revs. There are especially no tingles in the footrests or seat as you sometimes get at a constant cruising speed from comparable single-cylinder models or even some of the Seiemmezzo’s twin-cylinder rivals, although it does get mechanically noisy above 8,000 rpm. For this reason, I used that mark as my shift point and found myself in the fat part of the torque curve in each next gear. Lovely.
Both Seiemmezzo models also have a stylish, low-slung exhaust silencer finished in matte black.
Also novice-friendly – but certain to be appreciated by more experienced riders – is the Seiemmezzos’ responsive but well-mapped fueling. There’s no trace of an abrupt pickup from a closed throttle, just a smooth response that adds to the sense of controllability. With torque peaking at 7,000 rpm and spread widely enough throughout the powerband, there’s no point in revving it anywhere near redline.
The Seiemmezzo STR’s Pirelli Angel GT tires warmed up quickly on a cool morning, and within less than a mile of setting off, the Morini was ready for action. The wide handlebar gives good leverage for hustling the bike through turns, and it proves to be quite agile despite the conservative steering geometry. It steers very easily from side to side in a series of 3rd-gear turns, with completely neutral handling and confidence-inspiring control.
2023 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR
The footpegs are mounted quite low down, which adds to the sense of spaciousness in making this a bike that taller riders will also feel comfortable on. It’s possible to scrape the hero tabs on the pegs if you really set out to do so but only by adopting a lean angle that most of Moto Morini’s target customers will be unlikely to match.
Ride quality on the STR’s standard shock settings was quite hard, making ridges in the road surface very noticeable – more so than on the softer-sprung SCR version I rode immediately after, meaning this is presumably just a question of setup. But the front brakes were immediately good despite just 2-piston Brembo calipers being used up front to reduce speeds from what is not a featherweight motorcycle. I didn’t collapse the front end when I had to panic brake to avoid some escaped cows in the road on the other side of a blind bend, and braking hard on the angle didn’t see the Seiemmezzo sit upright and head for the hedges. Instead, it just shed speed, again indicating that this is a motorcycle that’s been developed by people who ride.
2023 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR
Swapping over to the SCR also revealed what definitely felt like a loftier seat height despite the spec sheet claiming they’re the same. The taller, more pulled-back handlebar delivered a more upright riding stance, which paradoxically made this pseudo-off-roader a better city bike than the STR roadster to ride in traffic, allowing you to see over car roofs so as to plan a route and avoid snarl-ups. However, this and some distance covered on unsealed roads with loose gravel made me use the rear brake more than on the STR, and it started to whine and lose bite as I did so. Maybe a different choice of pads would have fixed this.
2023 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR
I almost got bogged down getting too ambitious during my off-road jaunt when the hard stony surface turned muddy, and I had to turn round. That’s when I discovered the limitations of the MT60RS tires, which have only a nominally chunky tread pattern. I just got away with turning around in the mud without wheel-spinning my way to Sydney, Australia. Buy an X-Cape if you want to do serious off-roading on a 650 Morini.
2023 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR
The SCR’s softer suspension settings were definitely comfier, without bottoming out anywhere nor affecting the grip level while cranked over on tarmac, so I’d definitely switch the STR’s rear shock setup to these if I was riding one for longer. Basically, this is a city bike that’ll be ideal for commuting, with green lane capability if desired – though I suppose you could fit a properly chunky set of Pirelli Scorpion rubber on it, and you’d be left with a respectable go-anywhere model if you didn’t like the X-Cape’s distinctive styling. Your call, but what Moto Morini has here is a trio of super well-priced models that cover just about every riding possibility.
The following Yamaha Ténéré 700 adventure story about a trip to beat the winter blues in France came from a new contributor, Jean-François Muguet, and appeared in the July issue of Rider, our second Adventure Issue. – Ed.
After being cold and wet in France, it was hard to believe we’d enjoy such good weather and conditions in January. That’s one of the many cool things about Spain’s Bardenas Reales Natural Park.
At some point, all motorcyclists must admit that winter sucks. Especially here in France. You can dress warmly and put on raingear to stay dry, but the roads will still be soaked, dirty, cold, and slippery. Not the best season for a road trip.
Fed up with yet another bleak winter, I called my friend Robin. He’s a great friend to have. He knows all the roads of the Basque Country and northern Spain, and he owns Rental Motorcycle Biarritz, just south of the coastal resort town in southwestern France. Biarritz is the home of Wheels & Waves, the annual festival that celebrates motorcycles, surfing, skateboarding, music, and art. But W&W is in June, at beach time, which was six months away.
Robin and I have known each other for a long time, and we both needed to get away from crowded places, preferably on motorcycles. We would be joined by another friend, Eric, and our busy schedules afforded us just three days, so we couldn’t go far. Robin suggested a trip to Bardenas Reales Natural Park, a desert badlands area in Navarre, an autonomous region in northern Spain.
We just rode and rode. Almost no speaking, just enjoying.
Since we’d be riding off-road, Robin’s rental fleet gave us two options: the Royal Enfield Himalayan or the Yamaha Ténéré 700. We would be logging road miles to get to Bardenas, including small, curvy roads through the Pyrenees, so we opted for the larger, twin-cylinder T7.
We got an early start from RMB headquarters on a gray, rainy day. It was foggy and beautiful in the Pyrenees, the mountain chain separating Spain from France, dividing the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe. We made our way south to Pamplona, the city known for the Running of the Bulls during the Feast of San Fermín. The sun decided to come out and warm us a little bit, right in time for us to hit the dirt.
Declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Bardenas Reales is beautiful.
It was time to press the button to turn off the T7’s ABS, and it would stay off for a long time. After starting our day cold and wet, we welcomed the warm, dry, dusty conditions. We began on trails that were easy and wide, sometimes rocky, sometimes with ruts, but nothing too challenging. We floated through hills and among sandy dunes, and the landscape opened more and more.
Near Pamplona, the landscape opened up as we climbed into the hills.
We’d been riding for hours, and our stomachs started making strange noises, so we left the trails and found a restaurant. We were in Spain, so everything was closed until 2 p.m. because of siesta. But the good news is, once the restaurants open, you can have a starter, a main course, dessert, wine, and coffee for about $12. Some might think it’s unwise to ride dirtbikes after a big meal, but we needed our strength for the rest of our trip.
Bienvenida a Las Bardenas
We continued our ride and entered a huge valley. From the plateau we were on, it looked like the ground had been torn apart. Welcome to Bardenas Reales. It was incredible, tremendous – all ocher, white, and yellow. It was late afternoon, and the sun was sinking low. Time for a picture, then many pictures. We parked the T7s in the grass, which was actually thyme. Each step we took shook the thyme and released a fragrant aroma to our noses.
Robin treated Bardenas Reales Natural Park like his own personal playground.
From the cliff where we stood, we could see for miles. This incredible scenery was cut in two by a serpentine trail, and it was all ours. Our goal was to ride the trail and get to Tudela, where we would spend the night. For the next hour and a half, we chased the sunset through the desert, the yellow and white canyons, sandstone cliffs, and rocks slowly turning orange and then red. It was gorgeous – pure pleasure for the eyes and pure happiness for our hearts.
Riding with friends at sunset in a big, empty desert. That’s the kind of stuff we live for, isn’t it?
It was getting dark, and fatigue was setting in as we finally reached a paved road. The lights of the city got closer as we approached Tudela. We had ridden 170 miles, but the day passed so quickly. Checking into the hotel, we looked at each other and realized we were filthy. We were dirty and tired but happy like little kids, which made the receptionist laugh. We needed a shower and dinner.
Bardenas Reales is particularly beautiful in late-afternoon light.
Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat
Our route through the desert offered glorious, endless views.
Day 2 started off slow as we were a little sore from the previous day. This ride would be about 125 miles, with 90% on dirt trails. The sun was shining, but it was still a bit cold in the morning. The first few miles of trail got our blood flowing and warmed us quickly, and we had splendid views of snowy mountains.
Snowy in the mountains, perfect in the valley.
The T7s were roaring along, a pleasure to ride. Robin was leading with the GPS, and Eric and I were just enjoying ourselves. The trails were easy, but we still needed to stay focused. In some places, parts of the trail had collapsed, creating holes where you wouldn’t want to put your front wheel or else you’d learn how to fly.
Robin is always happy to loft a nice wheelie for the camera.
The rest of the day was like riding through the set of a Spaghetti Western like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. There were no cowboys, but a Spanish military base was nearby. Sometimes we came across soldiers in cars or trucks or saw signs warning that areas were off-limits. But the trails were fun, and the landscape was perfect. Once again, the sunset in the desert was an incredible show. We slept well with colorful dreams.
There is a military base in the middle of the desert, so riding after dark is prohibited.
Ride to Eat, Eat to Ride
As French people, we love to eat. Oftentimes while eating a meal, we’ll talk about meals we’ve had in the past, both good and bad. It might seem strange to people from other countries, but that is what we do.
During the day, we’d found a cheap menú del día at a roadside eatery. At night in Tudela, we enjoyed going to an old-fashioned restaurant called Remigio. Locals recommended it, and it turned out to be great. Always trust the locals. Robin was a chef for many years before he started his motorcycle rental business, so he knows good food. Remigio served us traditional dishes like pig’s ear and snail stew with sausage. It was delicious, and so was the Riojà wine. Robin was like a kid in a candy store.
Robin and Eric compare notes on the Yamaha Ténéré 700, which was perfect for this trip.
Taking the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Home
Helmets on for Day 3. It was time to go back north to Biarritz. Clouds followed us for the first few miles through the desert. We stopped at the spot where you must take a picture to show the world you have been to Bardenas: Castillo de Tierra, a natural column of sandstone that rises up to the sky and was formed by millions of years of erosion.
Castillo de Terra is the most famous landmark in Bardenas Reales.
We squeezed as much trail time as we could out of our final day before finally returning to tarmac. We got back on the road near the medieval village of Olleta, continuing north to Pamplona. We summited many passes as we wound our way up and down through the Pyrenees. Before we knew it, we were back in Biarritz.
We stopped often just to enjoy the view.
The trip was fun, and Robin made it easy by providing the bikes and planning the route. He was a great traveling companion, even if he ate more than his fair share of the pig’s ears. And Eric was our third musketeer. The T7s were fantastic on the road and on dirt. And Bardenas Reales was amazing, like a lunar park for motorcycles.
There aren’t many desert areas in Europe, so this is an exotic experience for us.
Those three days passed like a colorful dream – a bubble of fresh air, sun, desert, and fun with motorcycles that provided relief from the doldrums of winter. Exactly what we were looking for. From April to November, Rental Motorcycle Biarritz rents BMW, Ducati, Indian, Royal Enfield, and Yamaha motorcycles – including the Yamaha Ténéré 700 – with prices starting at 50 euros per day. RMB can provide GPS routes as well as guided tours. For information, visit the Rental Motorcycle Biarritz website.
On the same day that Yamaha announced the all-new Tracer 9 GT+, the company also released details on an updated 2024 Ténéré 700, a bike that Yamaha says has “quickly become a favorite among adventure enthusiast around the world.”
The 2024 Ténéré 700 has a liquid-cooled 689cc inline-Twin derived from the MT-07 naked sportbike that features Yamaha’s “Crossplane Crankshaft Concept” 270-degree crank.
After 3,000 miles of mixed riding for a tour test of a 2021 Ténéré 700, our reviewer had the following to say: “In my local mountains or out in the desert, on pavement or off, the T7 has been an excellent partner for exploration, corner carving and flat-out movin’ down the road.”
The Ténéré 700 has a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork with 8.3 inches of travel and a rear single shock with remote-adjustable preload, rebound damping, and 7.9 inches of travel. The bike rides on spoked wheels (21-inch front/18-inch rear) wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires with tubes. It has a 34.4-inch seat height, 9.4 inches of ground clearance, and a wet weight of 452 lb.
The Ténéré 700 still has dual 282mm discs up front and a single 245mm disc in the rear, but a new feature for 2024 is the addition of a new ABS mode. Instead of the previous model’s on/of ABS selection, the new model now features three-mode selectable ABS allowing riders to choose their preferred level of braking intervention. Mode 1 fully activates ABS on both front and rear wheels, Mode 2 enables ABS on front wheel only and turns ABS off for the rear wheel, and Mode 3 turns ABS off for both the front and rear wheel.
Another update is a new 5-inch color TFT display. With functionality controlled by a new scrolling dial on the right handlebar, the new display offers two different screen themes: a modern dynamic design and a more traditional look reminiscent of the analog era.
The 2024 Ténéré 700 also features Yamaha Y-Connect smartphone connectivity, which works in conjunction with the Y-Connect app to enable a direct connection between motorcycle and smartphone. Y-Connect capability for the Ténéré 700 includes the ability to receive incoming text and phone call notifications on the new TFT display and track and record key motorcycle ride data within the app, including distance covered, average fuel consumption, top speed, and more.
Additional updates include new front and rear LED turnsignals, along with prewiring for the installation of Yamaha’s accessory Quick Shifter.
The 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 will be available in either Team Yamaha Blue arriving to dealers in September 2023 or Shadow Gray arriving to dealers in October 2023 for $10,799 MSRP.
2024 Yamaha Tenere 700 in Shadow Gray.
2024 Returning Models
Along with the new 2024 Tracer 9 9 GT+ and 2024 Ténéré 700, Yamaha announced that the XT250, TW200, and Super Ténéré ES will return unchanged for 2024. The XT250 will be priced at $5,399 and the TW200 at $4,999. Pricing has not been announced for the 2024 Super Ténéré ES.
2024 Yamaha Super Ténéré ES2024 Yamaha XT2502024 Yamaha TW200
In July 2022, Iván Cervantes won the Baja Aragón, one of the most demanding races on two wheels. To celebrate this victory, Triumph has launched the 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Aragón Edition and the Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition motorcycles. Available for one year only, these special editions each feature unique colorways and specifications.
2024 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition in Diablo Red
Riding a Tiger 900 Rally Pro, Cervantes dominated the 280-mile (450km) race and crossed the finish line an impressive one hour and six minutes ahead of his rivals, which Triumph says demonstrated “the Tiger’s ability to endure some of the harshest terrain at an elite level of competition.”
Both Tiger 900 Aragón Editions feature Triumph’s liquid-cooled 888cc inline-Triple with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slip/assist clutch. When we put the 2020 Tiger 900 Rally Pro on the Jett Tuning dyno, it spun out 89.7 hp at 8,800 rpm and 59.4 lb-ft of torque at 7,300 rpm at the rear wheel. Our reviewer said the Rally Pro could “carry you and your gear comfortably through hours and hours of monotony in inclement weather, then handle the tough stuff with enough competency to allow you to enjoy the ride — and the scenery.”
2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Aragón Edition in Matte Phantom Black
The 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition carries a fully adjustable 45mm inverted Marzocchi fork and electronically adjustable rear suspension, whereas the Rally Aragón Edition features a Showa fork tuned for even greater off-road performance.
The Tiger 900 Rally Aragón dons a triple color of Matte Phantom Black, Matte Graphite, and Crystal White, featuring Racing Yellow accents paired with Triumph Tiger and Aragón Edition detailing, as well as a new and unique twin color seat design.
The GT Aragón follows suit with the Triumph Tiger and Aragón Edition detailing and a twin color seat design, but its triple color schemes are Diablo Red, Matte Phantom Black, and Crystal White.
Engine protection bars are fitted as standard to both Aragón Editions, and the Rally Aragón Edition also has fuel tank protection bars as standard. A collection of over 65 dedicated accessory options is available for both models, allowing you to tailor your machine to suit your own adventure.
2024 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition
2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Aragón Edition
Both bikes will be available in dealers by the end of July. The Tiger 900 Rally Aragón Edition will start at $16,995, and the Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition will start at $16,495.
