Tag Archives: Adventure

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Suzuki’s 2020 Dr Big V-Strom 1050

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As expected, Suzuki has upgraded its V-Strom range with a 1050 flagship in honour of their legendary DR-BIG.

Not only is the flagship V-Strom bigger with 5kW more power to 79kW at 8500 revs, but it is also more techno.

Some of the hi-tech features include cruise, hill hold, slope and load dependent controls, ride modes and LED lighting.

It will come in two models, standard and XT for touring.

Suzuki Australia says V-Strom 1050 and XT are expected to arrive in the middle of 2020 with final specifications, colours and pricing confirmed closer to launch.

Here is the full V-Strom 1050 press release from Suzuki AustraliaSuzuki V-Strom 1050 Dr Big

Powered by Suzuki’s highly acclaimed 1037cc, 90° V-twin, DOHC engine which has further evolved for MY20, boasting increased top-end power whilst also conforming to Euro 5 emissions standards. Thanks to new camshaft profiles and timing, peak horsepower has increased considerably from 74kW / 8,000rpm to 79kW / 8,500rpm (106hp). The highly refined engine begins with a deep rumble low in the rpm range, then progresses through the mid-range along a strong and linear torque curve then keeps building through the high rpm range in a smooth yet enjoyable manner.Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Dr Big

The distinctive new styling incorporates elements of both Suzuki’s legendary DR-Z desert racer and the large off-road model DR-BIG. The distinguishing beak design first adopted by Suzuki stays true to Suzuki’s heritage while also modernising the design to be more aggressive and bolder for the new generation V-STROM.

The most technologically advanced production Suzuki motorcycle in company history, the latest generation V-STROM is the first to boast Suzuki’s new Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S). Combining an array of electronic aids and controls as well as several unique features only available on XT, further enhancing rider useability and convenience like never before.    

An advanced cruise control system works in conjunction with the new ride-by-wire throttle system to maintain the set vehicle speed without the rider needing to operate the throttle, a welcomed feature for long-distance touring that assists in reducing rider fatigue. Cruising speed can be set from approximately 50km/h to 160km/h at fourth gear or above. A switch on the right handlebar can be pressed to put cruise control into standby, and the selector switch (up/down) on the left handlebars allows the rider to adjust the speed up and down accordingly.

Suzuki’s famous Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) is now available on a V-STROM for the very first time, offering riders the choice of three difference output characteristic modes. A-mode provides the sharpest throttle response, B-mode provides a slightly softer throttle response and C-mode provides the softest response of the three modes.

Another Suzuki first is the Hill Hold, Slope Dependent and Load Dependent control systems available on XT. Hill hold control automatically applies the rear brake when the motorcycle is stopped on an upward slope to prevent rollback when the brakes and clutch are released. Slope Dependent control constantly monitors posture and if required controls brake pressure to prevent rear wheel lift during downhill braking.

Load Dependent system supports optimal braking by compensating for varying load conditions such as the difference between riding solo or with a pillion and loaded luggage vs unloaded.     

An updated traction control system now features three modes of control (previously two) inspiring greater confidence in diverse riding conditions. Mode 1 is for spirited riding with minimal level of intervention. Mode 2 is ideal for commuting and regular riding conditions and Mode 3 is best suited for poorer riding conditions such as wet or cold roads as it offers the highest level of intervention.

An upgraded Bosch inertial measurement unit (IMU) equipped on the XT model now works on 6-directions along 3-axis rather than the 5-axis of the previous system. This allows it to detect pitch, roll, and yaw movements based on the angular rate and acceleration. This new high-performance 6-direction IMU combines a 3-axis angular rate sensor (gyrometer) and a 3-axis acceleration sensor in a single compact unit.

The motion track brake system exclusive to XT combines information on the posture of the vehicle from the new IMU with the front and rear wheel speeds. This allows the ABS to activate not only in a straight line but also when the vehicle is leaning. When the brake lever or pedal is operated, this system instantly assesses the need of ABS operation by calculating the posture of the vehicle and front and rear wheel speeds. When judging the need of operation, ABS unit decreases braking pressure, and continues to control the increase/decrease of the pressure according to the traction available.Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Dr Big

This latest ABS system allows the rider to select from 2-levels of intervention. Mode 1 provides minimal intervention and is suitable for flat dirt roads, whilst Mode 2’s intervention timing is earlier than Mode 1 and is ideal for normal tarmac roads.

A newly added Combined Brake System automatically applies pressure to the rear brake to help stablise the motorcycle when the front brake pressure rises to a certain degree.

An updated windscreen design compliments the new exterior design. Developed utilising wind-tunnel testing, the new screen can be finely adjusted without tools to one of 11 positions across a 50mm vertical range.

The instrument panel presents all required information on a full LCD screen using a clean and intuitive layout with information displayed in order of priority. Included in the display are the speedometer, tachometer (full pixel digital display), gear position indicator, odometer, trip meter (A, B), instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, driving range, fuel level indicator, engine coolant temperature indicator, ambient air temperature indicator, clock, voltage meter, service reminder, SDMS mode, traction control mode, cruise control indicator, ABS mode, hill hold indicator, engine rpm indicator light, frost indicator light, turn signal indicator light, high beam indicator light, traction control indicator light, ABS indicator light, and neutral indicator light.

A USB port is located left side of the instrument panel. It can be used as a power source for charging a smartphone, navigation system, or other similar device.Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Dr Big

The lightweight and compact chassis is the core factor in achieving the V-STROM’s comfortable and enjoyable character. The narrow width of its V-twin engine allows the motorcycle to maintain a slim body shape even with a 20L fuel tank present, allowing the rider to easily reach the ground with their feet.

Utilising a cast aluminium twin-spar frame featuring the optimal rigidity balance for exceptional stability and handling performance. The frame supports everything a rider requires to embark on their next big adventure from straight line stability to smooth and natural cornering with high levels of traction.

The 43mm KYB inverted front fork features adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload and can be tailored based on rider preference and usage.

The V-STROM 1050XT also sports a completely new seat design that allows the seat height to be adjusted an additional 20mm higher than the standard position. The KYB rear shock features adjustable spring preload via an external hand dial to easily facilitate adjustments between riding solo, with pillion or fully loaded with luggage.

TOKICO Monobloc radial mounted front brake calipers handle stopping duties matched with dual 310mm floating discs provide strong braking performance with remarkable feel. 

The footrests are constructed of tough steel and have been redesigned to make it easier for the rider to stand on flat dirt, and are also wider than the previous version.

Protection and convenience on the XT is taken to the next level with an aluminium under cowling and accessory bar guarding underneath and side of the engine whilst stronger hand guards have been employed to protect rider’s hands from wind, rain and flying stones. The lightweight centre stand is well balanced and is useful when performing maintenance tasks and loading luggage. Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Dr Big

Wire-spoked aluminium rims are fitted as standard on the XT model offering improved road absorption whilst the standard model is equipped with 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels. Both variants are shod with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyres.

A vertically stacked LED headlight and LED rear combination light deliver excellent visibility and stylish looks, the XT also features LED indicators as standard equipment. 

Other niceties include Suzuki’s Low RPM assist system which monitors and automatically raises the idle speed when taking off from a stop or when riding slowly through traffic and 

Suzuki’s Easy Start System which provides ultra-convenient one-touch engine starting.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Top Off Road Models Of 2019

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(Sponsored post from Peter Stevens)

For avid outdoor explorers, off-road bikes are a serious consideration or temptation. If you have never purchased an off-road bike, you may have a lot of questions as which bike is best for your adventurous lifestyle. Today we’ll highlight five of the top off-road bike models of 2019.

Honda CRF450Ldirt bike Honda CRF450L

The Honda CRF450L is a street legal dirtbike that has the best features that Honda has to offer, packed in a lightweight and easy to manoeuvre package. A true trail-to-trail bike, it features a powerful 449cc Unicam engine, twin-spar aluminum CRF chassis, six-speed transmission, and premium suspension.

This bike has an electric start and an all led-light package. It features a lithium-ion battery that is lighter than conventional batteries so you won’t have to worry about it weighing the bike down. The Honda CRF450L also has a number of features to make riding the bike a comfortable experience. These include a gear-driven counterbalancer that reduces vibrations and drives the water pump and a side stand that is now located higher on the bike than previous models. Additionally, the bike is equipped with a fuel mileage meter that shows current fuel mileage, your average fuel mileage, and how much gas you have used.

Kawasaki KLX450R2019 Kawasaki KLX450R dirt

The Kawasaki KLX450R is another street legal dirtbike that is packed with cool features that newbies or experienced riders can appreciate. Some of these features include a high-performance 4-stroke engine that will provide you with all the power you need for your outdoor adventures. The bike features electric start and digital instrumentation which allows the rider to easily see what is happening in real time.

This bike also has smooth suspension so that you can stay as comfortable as possible whilst tackling the bumpiest of terrain. It is also equipped with powerful brakes that enhance the reliability this bike offers in challenging terrain. Lastly, this bike features a wide ratio 5-speed transition that was selected specifically for off-road riding. The design of the gear sets and center cases are compact which allows the bike’s frame to be narrower around the area where the riders’ ankles would rest.

Suzuki DR650SSuzuki DR650S dirt

The Suzuki DR650S is a motorcycle that can excel on the street or dirt paths. This bike definitely has the appearance of a typical motorcycle instead of a traditional racing dirt bike. It features a reliable, 644cc, oil-cooled, four-stroke, single engine carried in strong steel, and semi-double-cradle frame.

A cool feature of this bike is that the seat height can be reduced so a variety of riders can comfortably take it out for a spin. It features an electric start for a fast and easy way to get your trip started. This bike is also built for passengers. It features a long comfortable seat along with aluminium foot pegs and grab handles, all of which make riding it more comfortable to ride with a passenger.

Yamaha WR450F2019 Yamaha WR450F dirt

The Yamaha WR450F is known for its potent fuel-injected engine and class-leading suspension. The potent fuel-injected engine includes a host of features that work together to give riders usable thrust and extended high rpm power. Yamaha utilizes KYB® spring-type forks of the WR450F to provide the bike which gives the rider easy tuneability in a wide range of conditions. Some new upgrades to the Yamaha WR450F from the previous model include a fuel level warning indicator and an aluminum folding kickstand that is mounted higher than before to allow for more ground clearance. Additionally, the Yamaha WR450F has now embedded Yamaha graphics so you won’t have to worry about them peeling or getting damaged.

KTM 500 EXC-FKTM 5000EXC dirt

The KTM 500 EXC-F is a bike designed for competition. All of its features are packed in a small package which means improved control for the rider even on the roughest terrain. This bike features a six-speed transmission. When you combine an engine that has the best of power and torque and cooling features, this bike is a notch above the rest. The bike is equipped with durable wheels that can hold up to any terrain that you feel the need to explore. The brakes on the bike are designed to hold up to quick decisions to stop or reduce your speed. The gas tank is designed to hold 2.5 gallons of gas at a time. Thanks to the see-through plastic tank, you’ll always be able to see how much time you have before your next fill up. KTM paid special attention to the details on this bike. Even the handlebars were specifically designed to give the rider customisable control. Another custom element to this bike is that you can pick decals to fit your unique style!

Overall, these are our five picks for the best off-road bikes on the market in 2019. They stand out from the rest due to their premium builds, flexibility and comfort. Whether you are looking for an off-road bike that has the appearance of a traditional dirt bike or a premium motorcycle, there is a bike on this list for you.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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The Alley Sweeper Motorcycle Rally In Portland, Oregon – 2019

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The world is changing—and fast. The rise of social media has placed us just a few clicks away from sharing any harebrained thought with the collective hive mind. This newfound power can be a honed, double-edged sword if you’re hoping to get your kicks in the murky gray areas of legality, ideally without falling under the ever-watchful eye of Johnny Law. Such was the ballad of the Alley Sweeper Urban Enduro.

Related: Motorcyclist Alley Rally Video 2019

This moto rally can be traced back to its 2009 inception by the hands of Portland, Oregon’s Sang-Froid Riding Club, after club member Zac Christensen got the notion that an urban enduro through the city’s less-affluent neighborhoods and sprawling network of derelict alleys might be a good idea. Where some might see a troubling disparity in public maintenance allocation between these areas and Portland’s wealthier districts, Sang-Froid saw an opportunity for adventure in the long-forgotten back passages that fell through the cracks.

And they weren’t the only ones. Word spread through all channels of social media like wildfire, as subsequent years saw the annual run’s attendance balloon to more than 400 riders. The alleys choked to a standstill as hordes of would-be scofflaws all dove in for a piece of the action, and it became clear a tactical correction needed to be made. So in 2015, the event was “officially” shut down. Clever. Its leadership became decentralized and eventually morphed into the clandestine Alley Liberation Front. The tide receded and the hysteria fell back into obscurity as only a handful of the most dedicated miscreants set to work planning future years quietly among themselves.

Their strategy apparently worked, as the good word of the Alley Sweeper never came to me by any cliché Instagram post or wide-reaching Facebook promotion. Oh, no, my call to the Urban Enduro was conceived by a hushed whisper over a jar of moonshine, in the back of a short bus loaded to the gills with 200cc minibikes. You see, when Speedfreak Speed Shop gets together with the Gambler 500, we just can’t seem to help ourselves. “Let’s do the thing on minibikes,” Gambler Godfather Andy Munson cracked with a firewater grin. Some friend—surely the traffic courts already had a price on my head, yet he knew it wouldn’t take much more than the promise of senseless adventure to sucker me in.

So it was written, so it was done. A few weeks later I found myself on hallowed ground outside FoPo Tavern, the rally’s decade-old traditional starting point. Alongside me was a haphazardly assembled squad of guerilla fun-havers, our arguably illegal Coleman minibikes hastily camouflaged with homemade “49cc” decals and $13 bicycle safety flashers. Thrifty Southeast Asian riders would’ve stared in wonderment.

And, indeed, so did a few bystanders as I walked through the field of oil-burning dreams; a sea of dual-sport enduros of every make under the sun, easily matched by a population of either unplated or suspiciously plated dirt bikes. Not to be left out of the scramble, and true to “keep Portland weird” form, a subset of vintage bikes, mopeds, and a Ural sidecar also littered the scene. All told there were about a couple hundred participants. Eventually we made our way to the only real evidence of organization, a lone folding table with a stack of “course” maps, stickers, and event T-shirts. We were just in time, as the event unceremoniously kicked off and groups began sporadically blasting away down the street.

Further inspection of our map revealed less of a defined course, and more a vague suggestion of highlighted neighborhoods whose alleys needed liberating. Good enough for us; we ripped our pull-starts and unleashed our miniature machines on the nearest four-lane public thoroughfare.

The previously gloomy sky now pierced with daggers of morning sunlight, we joined another cluster of bikes as they veered off down a nearby side street. Surprisingly, after all the talk of irritated homeowners coming out to protest the mob of hooligans invading their neighborhoods, we were instead greeted by families either lining the sidewalks or perched over their backyard fences, happily cheering us on as we launched into the first set of alleys.

Smiles widened and cheers broke out when I picked the front wheel up past a group of kids, and into a jungle of overgrown bushes, blackberry vines, and knee-high weeds. Instantly the draw of this urban enduro made itself clear as we ripped through the undergrowth, vines and branches clawing at us like antibodies fighting off foreign intruders.

Eventually the tangle would recede, and our little 200cc motors could sing up to their de-governed, 30-whatever-mph top speed as we hilariously picked our way through a flotsam of refuse. It was a symphony of chaos. Intoxicated with glory, we dodged random cinder blocks, grimy couches, and abandoned shopping carts through the lingering curtain of two-stroke haze. Truly, this was the most sublime form of anarchy.

Soon enough though, the neighborhood fun-police got wise to the incoming waves of two-wheeled delinquents and made their opposition known. We passed a disgruntled homeowner standing in the alley in nothing but his morning bathrobe, scrutinizing us with a look of simultaneous awe and irritation. There were warnings of a guy throwing steel chairs at riders a couple of blocks away. And when we stopped on an inconspicuous side street for some minor bike repairs, we were kindly confronted by a lady who made herself known as “the one who went on the news last year to speak out against all this.” Her biggest complaints were a few minutes of noise, and some mud being splattered across the pristine gravel surface of the public right-of-way behind her home. Insistent though she was, I wasn’t hearing anything worth ceasing my onslaught of alley recreation.

So we carried on, as the day passed in a frenzy of adventure. We’d find ourselves lost in the labyrinth of overgrown passages, but it never took long to spot another band of roaming marauders to link up with. The rally, in truth, was a free-for-all perfected, and somehow all the chaos still led us to the aptly chosen finish line at the Alley Way Bar.

There awaited the final challenge for anyone all but completely lacking in self-preservation: a crudely constructed plywood jump that, to anyone on a suspensionless death machine, was more of a joke than any serious suggestion of flight without consequence. But ho! The siren song sings its promises of glory, and the call to Valhalla proved irresistible to our Speedfreak comrade and resident luck-pusher, Tyler Reitzer. Prior to that moment, I’d always wondered when we would meet an altitude that was beyond our skill level. Turns out, it’s somewhere around five and a half feet. The alley accepted its offering of broken man and machine, and glory was granted as Tyler sank into a handily presented wheelchair to the sound of onlookers’ thunderous applause. He thumbed his nose at death, and raised a final thumbs-up of defiance before being wheeled into the bar for a victory drink.

Even with his freshly scalped knees, our wounded friend was in agreement; it had been the perfect day. The smiles and thumbs-up had made up for the occasional chair-throwing protester, and the laughably senseless thrills easily compensated for any injuries sustained. This was the kind of fun that some would argue should be illegal. The kind that would’ve been quickly extinguished, had it continued above ground, a monster built of its own success and social-media hype. But thankfully the Alley Liberation Front had the foresight to know better, and take this last bastion of legally ambiguous depravity back under the radar. So, for now at least, it still lives there, safe from the outside world and ready to bestow foolish thrills upon any hooligan worth his weight in bad decisions—as long as you know where to look.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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Ducati Riding Experience Is Coming To America

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Ducati is calling all of you Multistrada and adventure riders who would like to be a part of the legendary Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) Enduro program. The DRE, which has been held only in Europe up to this point, will be coming to the Flying Iron Horse Ranch in Utah this June, and space is limited so sign up fast because you never know if or when it will be back in the States again.

This two-day, hands-on training program will have riders honing their skills aboard the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro before embarking on an adventure through Utah’s picturesque backcountry roads among the Wasatch and Uinta mountains. Instruction will take place under the guidance of Paris-Dakar veteran Beppe Gualini and a number of guest instructors yet to be named.

The price for this rare opportunity starts at $1,900 per person for the two-day DRE and $2,900 for three days, which includes a two-day riding experience. The cost of admission includes lodging at the Sundance Resort, the rider training program, and a guided tour through the rugged mountain terrain once you’ve acquired the skills necessary to survive the ride. Remember that spaces are limited and they are selling out fast, so if you have the means and the desire to make it happen, go for it. This might be the only opportunity to be a part of the Ducati Riding Experience for most American riders.

2019 Dates And Package Pricing
DRE Session 1 June 3–5 2-day Ducati Riding Experience Enduro
DRE Session 2 June 5–7 2-day Ducati Riding Experience Enduro
DRE Intensivo June 7–10 3-day Intensivo Ducati Riding Experience Enduro

Adding a guest runs $400 for sessions 1 or 2 and $600 for Intensivo, while riding gear rental is $179.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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Northern Colombian Treasures—Motorcycling The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta With A Purpose

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If you don’t like the climate or landscape while riding in Colombia, just keep riding. It is bound to change drastically, and very quickly.

As the nation with the most geographical diversity on the planet, Colombia has an astounding 314 types of ecosystems, including Amazon rainforests, dry forests, high alpine Andean ecosystems called el páramo, tropical coastlines, and arid deserts. In the north, you can stand with your feet in the Caribbean and gaze upon snowcapped mountains, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, within them the highest mountain closest to the sea in the world, a pyramid of granite and quartz, containing all the ecosystems within itself.

Of the nearly 10,000 kilometers of roads I traveled in Colombia, those of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta were the most gnarly. Depending on the season, it can be a full on mud slog. I highly recommend it, though I would have stashed some of my luggage in Santa Marta had I known what was coming.

These rugged mountains are home to four tribes, descendants of the Tairona civilization, a people never fully conquered by the Spanish. They believe they exist to protect the Earth, that our planet is a living being, and humanity its children. As caretakers, to keep the natural order in balance, they make payments of cotton from the high mountains, imbued with their thoughts of gratitude for services rendered from the earth.

Their spiritual leaders, the Mamos, are somewhat like shamans; they are “divinely chosen,” but raised separate from the others, in darkness. For years they live in dug-out huts or caves, only coming out at night. They develop an ability to listen to the Earth, to know deeply the celestial bodies, to read messages from observing the movement of water. They have felt the changes of the Great Mother and say that the destruction, exploitation, and extraction of resources will lead to our own demise.

The Kogi, one of the four tribes, reject our “progress and modern comforts,” and are not welcoming to outsiders. I was therefore extremely fortunate to be allowed into their territory, to spend time navigating their lands, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

With the Nativa Foundation, our objective was to set up camera traps to document the elusive tapir, an ancient mammal related to the rhinoceros and horse, and prime prey for the jaguar. We set up our camera near a small stream, where we found tracks of both animals. I removed my shoes and let the Kogi lead me through the mountains, bathing and drinking from their rivers, sleeping in their traditional huts. They have an easy strength about them, perhaps one that comes from living in such harmony with nature, traversing the rugged mountain slopes of the Sierras, and tending the land in a way that it continues to provide for generations to come.

Like the Amazon, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a region celebrated for its biodiversity. It has been referred to as one of the world’s most irreplaceable nature reserves, with much of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Recent discoveries, such as frogs that secrete antibiotics and a vaccine for yellow fever, are being documented as reason to extend the protective boundaries of the national parks and indigenous lands.

The work with Nativa was to help show that the borders of the Sierra Nevada National Park must be extended at least to the Palomino river basin. Significant biodiversity exists within this area, including what remains of the critically endangered population of tapir (Tapirus terrestris colombianus) and currently not protected.

In order to safeguard the riches of one of Earth’s most biodiverse regions, it is clear that governments should continue recognizing and protecting the land rights of indigenous peoples, time-tested stewards of the forest.

To further discover these mountains, a road of adventures will lead you from zero to 2,300 meters above sea level, reaching El Dorado. Legendary for its treasures beyond our wildest imagination, it is not gold that awaits but a multitude of precious gem-toned hummingbirds, enormous butterflies, and night monkeys with eyes that glitter.

El Dorado is no longer only a legend thanks to the incredible conservation work done by ProAves to protect habitat for the tremendous biodiversity that exists in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. Among the flora and fauna of this forested reserve is a large number of endemic species which are threatened with extinction. Truly a birding paradise, the inventory of what you can see sits at up to 374 species of birds, some of which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.

Colombia has more species of birds than any other country. In the US, we have less than a dozen species of hummingbird in the middle of the summer, with only a few sticking around through the winter. In Colombia, 147 known species of hummingbirds kiss the flowers. You can see a feisty show of dominance among these flying jewels on the large deck of El Dorado’s comfortable lodge, with a backdrop of Santa Marta and the Caribbean Sea.

The mountain roads to reach this bird reserve are advanced and lead to incredible views. Beyond Minca, one way takes you through the main coffee processing building of La Victoria, with the road continuing straight through its warehouse to a bamboo-lined dirt corridor. You will eventually reach a small shop that houses a pool table with a stunning view. Further up you’ll find El Dorado and, past that, the top—Cerro Kennedy, at 3,100 meters above sea level.

Enjoy the views; you’ve earned it.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

News

Yamaha announces Ténéré 700 pricing

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Yamaha has announced very competitive pricing for its much-anticipated Ténéré 700 adventure motorcycle arriving in Australia in December.

And we were right in our pricing tip earlier today that it would cost about $16,500 ride-away.

The price is actually $15,500 plus on-road costs which should bring it up to our tipped ride-away price.

Our pricing tip was based on the recently announced UK price of £8699 which is 27% less than the UK price of the KTM 790 Adventure at £11,999.

In Australia, the KTM 790 Adventure and Adventure R will arrive in June 2019 at $21,195 ride away and an extra $1500 for the R model at $22,695.

KTM 790 Adventure tip
KTM 790 Adventure and R

Pricing tip spot-on!

Similarly, Yamaha pricing is about 22% less than the KTM. The previous model XTZ660 Ténéré cost $13,999.

Prices of other mid-sized adventure models include:

  • BMW F 850 GS from $17,990 (+ORC);
  • Ducati Multistrada 950 from $18,790 (+ORC);
  • Kawasaki Versys 650 from $10,499 (+ORC);
  • Kawasaki Versys 1000 from $15,999 (+ORC);
  • Suzuki V-Strom 650 from $10,290 (ride-away);
  • Suzuki V-Strom 1000 from $15,490 (ride-away);
  • Triumph Tiger 800 from $18,550.

Yamaha Motor Australia says the dual sport 689cc parallel twin will arrive in December in a choice of Ceramic Ice, Competition White and Power Black.

Don’t feel too bad about the late delivery of the Ténéré in Australia as it will not arrive in the US until the second half of 2020.

Yamaha Ténéré 700 2019 tip
Yamaha Ténéré 700

Yamaha Ténéré 700 tech specs 

Engine

Twin cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves

Displacement

689cc

Bore x stroke

80mm x 68.6mm

Compression ratio

11.5:1

Maximum power

54.0kW @ 9000rpm

Maximum torque

68Nm @ 6500rpm

Lubrication system

Wet sump

Clutch type

Wet, multiple disc

Fuel management

Fuel injection

Ignition system

TCI

Starter system

Electric

Transmission system

Constant Mesh, 6-speed

Final transmission

Chain

Frame

Double cradle steel tube chassis

Front suspension system

Upside down telescopic fork

Front travel

210mm

Rear suspension system

Swingarm (link suspension)

Rear travel

200mm

Front brake

Hydraulic dual disc, Ø 282mm

Rear brake

Hydraulic single disc, Ø 245mm

Brake system

Switchable ABS

Front tyre

90/90 R21 M/C 54V M+S – Spoke wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

Rear tyre

150/70 R18 M/C 70V M+S – Spoke wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

Overall length

2365mm

Overall width

915mm

Overall height

1455mm

Seat height

880mm

Wheel base

1590mm

Clearance

240mm

Fuel tank capacity

16 litres

Warranty

Two years, unlimited kms

Colours

Ceramic Ice, Competition White, Power Black

Availability

December 2019

RRP inc GST

$15,499

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Epic ride to the coldest place on earth

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Despite a broken wiring loom, Lithuanian motorcycle adventurer Karolis Mieliauskas has successfully competed an epic ride to the coldest place on earth on a Yamaha Tenere.

We published an article in late January about his plans and many readers thought he was crazy to ride 1000km across Siberia in temperatures down to -60C.

Some even suggested the oil in his suspension would freeze!Lithuanian motorcycle adventurer Karolis Mieliauskas competes an epic ride to the coldest place on earth on a Yamaha Tenere

However, Karolis emailed us to say he had completed the aptly named The Coldest Ride from Yakutsk to Oymyakon, one of the coldest habitable places on earth.

Mind you, it wasn’t -60C, but a relatively balmy -56C!

The Coldest Ride started on February 04, and was scheduled to finish on February 10.

However, Karolis reached his destination two days ahead of schedule, and celebrated with a dip in a frozen river, despite temperatures of -45C.Lithuanian motorcycle adventurer Karolis Mieliauskas competes an epic ride to the coldest place on earth on a Yamaha Tenere

The endeavour was filmed and will be featured on the BBC Travel Show later in 2019.

Mind gamesLithuanian motorcycle adventurer Karolis Mieliauskas competes an epic ride to the coldest place on earth on a Yamaha Tenere

Karolis says his journey on a single-cylinder Yamaha Tenere across the Road of Bones was a research exercise into what he calls “active meditation”.

Basically, it’s a way of forcing the mind to meditate by subjecting the body to harsh conditions; in this case, the cold.

Most riders have ridden in harsh conditions such as cold, heat, high winds or driving rain.

For some it’s an absolute pain.

But for others it is an enlightening experience. Some even refer to an out-of-body experience when the mind takes control of the pain and discomfort, divorcing the rider from their body.

Author Robert M Pirsig explored the theory in his famous 1974 book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Epic rideLithuanian motorcycle adventurer Karolis Mieliauskas competes an epic ride to the coldest place on earth on a Yamaha Tenere

This is not his first or most epic ride in the cold.

In July 2016, he rode 11,000km from Vilnius to Vladivostok in 12 days and in March 2017 he rode 785km across the ice of Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, with our support, camping gear or a satphone.

Karolis Mieliauskas will be riding 1000km across Siberia in temperatures down to -60C to research active meditation. epic
Lake Baikal

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Cold ride forces active meditation

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As we sweat in an Aussie summer, Lithuanian motorcycle adventurer Karolis Mieliauskas will be riding 1000km across Siberia in temperatures down to -60C to research active meditation.

Aptly named The Coldest Ride, Karolis says the journey on a single-cylinder Yamaha Tenere across the Road of Bones will be a research exercise into what he calls “active meditation”.

Basically, it’s a way of forcing the mind to meditate by subjecting the body to harsh conditions; in this case, the cold.

Most riders have ridden in harsh conditions such as cold, heat, high winds or driving rain.

For some it’s an absolute pain.

But for others it is an enlightening experience. Some even refer to an out-of-body experience when the mind takes control of the pain and discomfort, divorcing the rider from their body.

Author Robert M Pirsig explored the theory in his famous 1974 book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Mind gamesKarolis Mieliauskas will be riding 1000km across Siberia in temperatures down to -60C to research active meditation.

“The Coldest Ride is an exploration of the connection between the body and how the mind plays with the cold in these situations,” Karolis says.

“In tough conditions such as these, I have a number of devices to show me where are my theoretical limits and going beyond them is something I think that we should all do.”

He uses the example of swimming in icy water. He says the mind tells us it will hurt and we will get sick, but it doesn’t and the body copes.

“Each time in moments like these, the realisation that not everything the mind believes is necessarily true,” he says.

“I hope that The Coldest Ride will push all of us to challenge our own perceptions of things, whatever they may be.”

Epic ride

This is not his first or most epic ride in the cold.

In July 2016, he rode 11,000km from Vilnius to Vladivostok in 12 days and in March 2017 he rode 785km across the ice of Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, with our support, camping gear or a satphone.

Karolis Mieliauskas will be riding 1000km across Siberia in temperatures down to -60C to research active meditation.
Lake Baikal

Active mediation

“I basically call endurance riding ‘active meditation’ because from early morning to late evening on these trips, I am just riding a motorcycle which is not designed for trips as long as these,” he says.

“As a result, this makes the journey physically uncomfortable.

“However it is a form of self-discipline.”

He says the most interesting part of these trips is when he asks myself “who am I?”

“By continually asking this question and again rejecting all possible answers, I finally experience the truth,” he says.

Karolis begins his ride in Yakutsk on February 4, 2019, and hopes to reach Oymyakon around February 10.

The ride will be filmed and featured on the BBC Travel Show later in 2019.

Have you ever had a similar experience when riding in harsh conditions? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Why are adventure bikes getting bigger?

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When Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor rode around the world in 2004 on BMW R 1150 GS Adventure bikes we saw how difficult the bigger bikes were in tough terrain.

Since then, BMW has gone to an R 1200 GS and now an even bigger R 1250 GS.

BMW boxer R models all get Shiftcam technology
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

Meanwhile, Ducati from a Multistrada 1200 to 1260 and KTM Super Adventure from 1190 to 1290.

Now Harley-Davidson is promising a 1250cc Pan America adventure bike in the next couple of years.

Do we really need bigger and more powerful adventure bikes?

Sure, the new bikes come with a host of electronics that make them easier to ride in tough terrain.

But even a Harley-Davidson cruiser in the right hands can do some adventure work.

Just check out this video where a BMW R 1200 GS has a hard time keeping up with the female rider!

How embarrassing!

But does that mean we should be buying bigger bikes to go adventure riding?

Is bigger better?

No doubt Charley and Ewan played a big part in the popularity of BMW’s 1200cc GS models and the advent of similar-sized models from Ducati, KTM, Yamaha, Triumph and Moto Guzzi.

Charley Boorman big adventurer
Charley in the Flinders Ranges

Most are a tour de force of electronic wizardry that allow riders to adventure further and further off piste.

But if there is one thing any off-road rider will tell you is that they expect to crash.

That’s fine on a small bike, but on a tall and heavy behemoth like this new crop of adventure bikes, even a small crash can have big consequences.

Even if your bike survive the crash, you may not. And there may still be a 230kg+ bike to wrestle back to its vertical position.Bigger adventure bikes

But in recent years, adventure riders and adventure bikes are downsizing.

The slightly smaller 998cc Honda Africa Twin quickly became a top-selling adventure bike in Australia. Honda is also rumoured to be making a smaller version.

And Moto Guzzi is replacing its 1150cc Stelvio next year with an 853cc V85 TT.

Moto Guzzi V85 TT arrives mid-2019 season
V85 TT

The new generation of scramblers are now adding more off-road oriented versions to appeal to those wishing to downsize from behemoth adventurers.

There is also now a baby adventure sector for novice adventurers. The include the Kawasaki Versys-X 300, BMW G 310 GS, 400cc Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda CB500X, Honda 190cc Night Hawk and Suzuki “Baby-Strom” DL250.

Kawasaki Versys-X 300 available light bulb
Kawasaki Versys-X 300

While we don’t expect riders to head off into the single trails on their Harleys, we should be seeing more smaller adventure bikes in the outback.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com