Three Can-Am Ryker 3-wheel vehicles customized by The Shoe Surgeon. (Photos courtesy Can-Am)
Since 2008, Can-Am has provided a unique way to experience the open road with its Spyder 3-wheelers. In 2019, Can-Am, a brand of BRP Inc., launched a lighter, more affordable 3-wheeled platform called the Can-Am Ryker, which was aimed at a younger, more diverse audience. More than half of Ryker owners are new to riding, and nearly 35% of Ryker owners are women.
The customized Can-Am Rykers were unveiled at The Shoe Surgeon headquarters near downtown Los Angeles.
As part of its emphasis on inclusivity and welcoming more people into the riding experience, Can-Am launched a custom collaboration with The Shoe Surgeon, a world-renowned Los Angeles-based group of creatives who specialize in the craft of custom shoe making and design. Both brands are dedicated to crafting something unique and authentic, with no compromises, and this collaboration brings that to life.
Together, Can-Am and The Shoe Surgeon created three custom Can-Am Rykers along with three styles of Can-Am-inspired riding shoes that push the limits of creativity to celebrate inclusivity, heritage, and the love of the ride.
Dominic Ciambrone, aka The Shoe Surgeon, introduces the Can-Am Ryker and custom shoes celebrating the “Inclusivity” theme.
Each of the Can-Am Ryker 3-wheel vehicles designed and customized by The Shoe Surgeon is a unique design that is as much a piece of art as it is a thrilling machine. Ultimately, each vehicle will be donated to help raise awareness and money toward fighting intimidation and influencing positive behavior, which is BRP’s global social cause.
Also, the limited run of custom-crafted shoes match the vehicles and borrow design cues from the Can-Am Ryker, including different lines and visual cues. The shoes are purpose-built for riding with an over-the-ankle design, reinforced material, reflective surfaces, and a nonslip sole.
The Can-Am Ryker and custom shoes celebrating the “Brand Heritage” theme.
“At Can-Am, we are passionate about creating new experiences and pushing boundaries to break down barriers and welcome more people to discover the open road, the thrill of the ride,” said Anne-Marie LaBerge, chief marketing officer at BRP. “This collaboration with The Shoe Surgeon is an example of our mission to change the face of riding. We are connecting two different communities by designing something unique to help transform a mindset and share our passion for riding.”
The Can-Am Ryker and custom shoes celebrating the “Love of the Ride” theme.
“My love for creating goes beyond sneakers. I love all powersports – whether it’s riding motorcycles, 3-wheelers, off-roading, or on water,” said Dominic Ciambrone, aka The Shoe Surgeon. “Partnering with Can-Am is an opportunity to put our touch on a different canvas. Each bike design reflects and honors our brand’s heritage: the power of creating, embracing individuality that celebrates our differences, and finding community through self-expression. This is the heart of our craft and riding.”
The vehicles and riding shoes were created using three distinct themes:
The “Inclusivity” theme unlocks Can-Am’s dedication to promoting inclusivity in its mission to make the open road accessible to all. This custom package uses different leathers and colors as a symbol of diversity. The patchwork design portrays how each person’s individuality plays a role to create something bigger and beautiful.
The custom Can-Am Ryker celebrating the “Inclusivity” theme.
The Can-Am-inspired custom shoes celebrating the “Inclusivity” theme.
The “Brand Heritage” theme celebrates Can-Am’s 50-year history of innovation and excellence through premium leather, exotic and textural finish materials, precision craftsmanship, and luxurious details on both machine and riding shoes. It uses gold accents combined with dark tones and hints of red for an elegant and distinct look.
The custom Can-Am Ryker celebrating the “Brand Heritage” theme.
The Can-Am-inspired custom shoes celebrating the “Brand Heritage” theme.
The “Love of the Ride” theme is sure to bring smiles, just like riding a Can-Am Ryker, where people, regardless of riding experience, can feel a rush with the simple twist of a throttle. The design pushes beyond riding, evoking a distinct look with padded quilting textures that symbolize the peace of mind of riding on three wheels. It also creates an unconventional artistic expression, which ties with how Can-Am loves to expand boundaries.
The custom Can-Am Ryker celebrating the “Love of the Ride” theme.
The Can-Am-inspired custom shoes celebrating the “Love of the Ride” theme.
Together, the custom packages celebrate that the open road is for all. They were unveiled at The Shoe Surgeon’s headquarters near downtown Los Angeles, an event attended by urban youth, influencers, and Can-Am fans. For more information about the Can-Am Ryker collaboration with The Shoe Surgeon, visit the Can-Am website.
2023 BMW R 1250 R in the Style Sport variant colorway
Building on the success of BMW’s naked boxer roadster history, which started with the 1923 494cc boxer-Twin powered R 32, BMW Motorrad is introducing the updated 2023 BMW R 1250 R roadster.
While many things remain the same, including the 1,254cc 2-cylinder air/liquid-cooled boxer engine with ShiftCam technology delivering a claimed 136 hp and 105 ft-lbs of torque, BMW has made several upgrades to the 2023 model – and all for the same $14,995 MSRP as the 2022 model.
Several features that were previously options are now standard, including Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro (part integral), and Dynamic Brake Control. And joining the previous Road and Rain ride modes for 2023 is the “Eco” mode.
In Eco mode, the rider is encouraged to ride as fuel-efficiently as possible, with a soft throttle curve and moderate engine torque limitation. As part of these efforts, the TFT color display provides an efficiency display. However, if a rider wants maximum performance – for example, for overtaking or riding uphill – the ride mode button will switch to a different mode quickly and easily.
Other new features of the 2023 BMW R 1250 R include LED turn indicators, a solo seat rear cover, and new Option 719 spoke wheels (optional).
2023 BMW R 1250 R with new solo seat rear cover
2023 BMW R 1250 R with Comfort passenger seat
The 2023 model still features the full LED headlamp but now offers an optional adaptive turning light, which provides better illumination into turns thereby ensuring safer riding at night. The adaptive turning light works by switching on additional LED elements in the main headlight that are fitted with their own reflectors, depending on the lean angle. It is activated from an inclined position of 7 degrees to 25 degrees and a speed of more than 6 mph. New standard features also include redesigned LED Comfort turn.
Consistent with 2022, a slip/assist clutch, Hill Start Control, BMW Motorrad Paralever front suspension with an inverted 45mm fork, and rear spring/shock with preload and rebound adjustment and travel-dependent damping (WAD) are all still standard.
The optional Premium Package includes Keyless Ride, a Design Option rear muffler, a chrome-plated exhaust manifold, heated grips, TPM Tire Pressure Monitor, and cruise control. There are multiple Option 719 Billet Packs available, as well as numerous individual options.
The 2023 BMW R 1250 R starts at $14,995. In standard trim, the R 1250 R is finished in Ice Grey non-metallic in conjunction with a black frame. With the optional Triple Black and Style Sport variants, the owner can choose from two expressive color combinations.
2023 BMW R 1250 R in the Ice Grey non-metallic standard colorway
The Style Sport variant (see story’s lead photo) features a body color in Racing Blue Metallic, white frame, gold front/rear brake calipers, black sports handlebars, blue front spoiler, and solo seat rear cover or passenger seat.
The Triple Black variant has a Black Storm Metallic body color, Agate Grey frame, gold front/rear brake calipers, stainless steel radiator grille, stainless steel engine spoiler, Pure tank trim, and solo seat rear cover or passenger seat.
2023 BMW R 1250 R in the Triple Black variant colorway
BRP Inc., the parent company of Can-Am on- and off-road vehicles, as well as numerous other powersports products, has announced the start of construction of its first EV manufacturing plant, marking a major milestone in the company’s electric journey.
The announcement came the same day as a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 3 of the Can-Am electric two-wheel motorcycle production facility in Querétaro, Mexico, which will be adjacent to the current BRP campus in the city.
According to a media statement from BRP, production of the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse, the company’s first two electric motorcycle models unveiled at the recent Club BRP, is set to begin in March 2024, with expected deliveries to consumers during summer 2024.
“We have set out to reclaim our motorcycle heritage with the launch of a lineup of electric 2-wheel motorcycles, and we are gearing up to execute on our plan,” Sandy Scullion, president of Powersports Group at BRP, said in the media release. “We are excited to begin the construction of this new state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility in Querétaro, Mexico, on the same campus where we are already producing our Sea-Doo personal watercraft and Rotax engines. We look forward to producing the first electric Can-Am motorcycles for a new generation of enthusiasts.”
Can-Am Pulse
New Can-Am Plant Will ‘LEED’ the Way
BRP reps said the electric motorcycle manufacturing plant is planned to initially generate 500 new jobs in an inclusive work environment that will be accessible to everyone, with modifiable workstations that can be adapted to different people.
Additionally, the manufacturing plant was designed follow LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles with sustainable materials in line with BRP’s Corporate Social Responsibility Plan to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, which developed the principles, LEED-certified buildings “save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people” and are ranked in four different categories: certified, silver, gold, or platinum.
Can-Am Origin
BRP leaders were in attendance at the Oct. 3 groundbreaking ceremony, as well as other special guests, including Graeme C. Clark, Canadian ambassador to Mexico; Luis Nava, mayor of the city of Querétaro; Íker Jiménez, general director of Global Economic Impulse; Tania Palacios, secretary of sustainable development of the Municipality of Querétaro; and Marco del Prete, secretary of sustainable development.
The 2023 Husqvarna FX 350 Heritage and TX 300 Heritage.
With limited availability on select 2023 motocross, cross-country, and enduro models, the new Husqvarna Heritage machines offer a special livery honoring Husqvarna Motorcycles’ off-road racing heritage.
Built on the platforms of the 2023 FC/TC, FX/TX, and FE/TE ranges, these competition-focused motorcycles are designed for racing at the highest level and have been enhanced by a new look inspired by the Swedish heritage of the brand, combined with black anodized EXCEL rims to create what Husqvarna says is “an understated and exclusive appearance.”
Husqvarna Motorcycles has secured 15 FIM Motocross World Championship titles, five AMA Pro Motocross and Supercross Championships, and numerous off-road racing titles since Swedish racer Bill Nillson claimed the brand’s first in 1960. Husqvarna says the exclusive run of Heritage models honors those racing achievements and was inspired by the racing machines of the past, designed with a unique look to pay tribute to the competitive history of Husqvarna Motorcycles.
The range of motocross and cross-country Heritage models are built upon the new FC/TC and FX/TX platforms and feature the same advanced technology introduced just this year.
In the motocross range, the Husqvarna Heritage lineup will include the FC 350 Heritage (MSRP $10,899), TC 125 Heritage ($8,149), and the TC 250 Heritage (MSRP $9,149).
2023 Husqvarna TC 125 Heritage.
2023 Husqvarna TC 250 Heritage.
For cross-country, Husqvarna is offering the FX 350 Heritage (MSRP $11,649) and the TX 300 Heritage (MSRP $11,299).
2023 Husqvarna FX 350 Heritage.
2023 Husqvarna TX 300 Heritage.
Technical highlights provided by Husqvarna are as follows:
New Husqvarna Racing heritage-inspired graphics
New high-strength EXCEL alloy rims provide durability and a premium finish
New bodywork with specifically tailored ergonomics for easier movement
New hydro-formed chromium-molybdenum frames improve anti-squat behavior
New topology-optimized die-cast aluminum swingarm provides optimal rigidity and low weight
New throttle body fuel injection on 2-stroke engines
New FC/FX 350 DOHC engines
New Quickshift sensor on all 5-speed 4-stroke models (FC 350 Heritage and FX 350 Heritage)
New electric start on all 2-stroke models (TC 125 Heritage, TC 250 Heritage, and TX 300 Heritage)
New aluminum-polyamide hybrid subframe construction provides specifically calculated rigidity and advanced durability
New WP XACT 48 mm front forks with AER technology
New WP XACT rear shock design with CFD-optimized main piston and tool-free adjusters
New multifunctional Map Select Switch also activates the Quickshifter, Traction, and Launch Control
In the enduro lineup, Husqvarna is offering the FE 450 Heritage (MSRP $11,849) and TE 300 Heritage (MSRP $11,299).
2023 Husqvarna FE 450 Heritage.
2023 Husqvarna TE 300 Heritage.
Technical highlights provided by Husqvarna are as follows:
New Husqvarna Racing heritage inspired graphics
New high-strength EXCEL alloy rims provide durability and a premium finish
A two-piece carbon fiber composite subframe weighs just over 2.2 lb (1 kg)
WP XPLOR front forks and WP XACT rear shock
Two Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) maps on 4-stroke model plus Traction Control
Two selectable ignition curves and automatic fueling adjustment on 2-stroke
Advanced linkage progression, shared with the Husqvarna motocross range, for optimum control and comfort
Pankl Racing Systems 6-speed gearbox with enduro specific ratios
To enhance the Heritage models, an extended list of Technical Accessories allows riders to improve engine performance, handling, and durability of their machine. Included in the range of competition-focused components are triple clamps, wheelsets, exhaust systems, sprockets, and a full list of protective parts.
2023 Husqvarna TC 250 Heritage and FC 350 Heritage.
New lines added to the Apparel Collection include a premium Moto-10 Spherical Railed Helmet and Origin Jersey. Both are designed to match the Heritage machines with comfort and style.
The Heritage models will be available from October onward in limited numbers at authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers.
Benelli wasn’t the first motorcycle manufacturer in Italy, but it’s the oldest Italian brand that still makes motorcycles, though its production history had some interruptions. As was the case in the United States, there were scores of upstart motorcycle manufacturers in Italy in the early decades of the 20th century, but only a handful survived. Join us for a 111-year walk down the annals of Italian motorcycle history.
The Benelli Early Years: 1911-1937
The Benelli brothers, left to right: Antonino, Francesco, Giovanni, Giuseppe, Fillipo, and Dome-nico. Their mother, the widow Signora Teresa Benelli, invested her late husband’s estate into their fledging motorcycle concern. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
In 1911, the six Benelli brothers opened their first shop in Pesaro, Italy. The Benelli Garage serviced and repaired bicycles and motorcycles, made spare parts for both, and within a few years set to work on their own engine design. A 75cc 2-stroke Single debuted in 1920, and their first complete motorcycle followed a year later.
In 1927, Benelli introduced a 175cc 4-stroke Single with what would become the company’s characteristic “cascade”-type overhead-cam system. Designed by the eldest brother, Giuseppe, the gear-driven OHC engine powered the youngest brother, Antonino, to four national championships in the Italian long-distance roadraces.
Benelli’s 175 “double knocker” displays the characteristic Italian flair for engine design. Photo by Deb Welch.
By 1931, the road models were selling well, and the widow Signora Teresa Benelli believed that investing most of her late husband’s estate in the boys’ motorcycle venture had been worthwhile. The prospects for continued growth looked good. A larger factory opened in 1934, and new 250cc and 500cc engines entered production.
Antonino’s racing success fueled the development of the single- and double-overhead cam engines, but his career ended with a crash in the 1932 Grand Prix at the Circuit del Tiguillia. After a long convalescence, he rejoined the family business. Unfortunately, Antonino died in a road accident in 1937 at the age of 34, just a few weeks after the company also lost the head of the experimental department, Otello Giovanardi, who was killed while testing the new 500cc racebike on a road near the factory.
The 1934 DOHC 175 ridden by Dorino Serafini of Pesaro, who would win the 1939 500cc Euro-pean Championship for Gilera. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
The War Years: 1939-1945
In the late 1930s, the long-standing rumors of war were turning into the realities of armed combat. Ted Mellors posted Benelli’s first Isle of Man TT victory in 1939 by winning the Lightweight class on the Single, and Benelli was developing a supercharged, liquid-cooled 250cc inline-Four claimed to produce 52 hp at 10,000 rpm, but the war preempted its planned 1940 introduction at the TT.
Benelli and Moto Guzzi, which also produced its first model in 1921, were direct competitors in the domestic motorcycle market, along with Gilera and Garelli. Ducati was still in the radio and electronics business and would enter the two-wheeled world after World War II, joined by Parilla, MV Agusta, and Aermacchi. In the 1940s and ’50s, market competition among the Italian, German, and English manufacturers picked up steam.
Benelli survived the first half of the war by building and supplying parts for the M36 three-wheeler, powered by a 500cc Single. Already adapted for military use, the trike was useful for moving supplies and ammunition to the battle lines, but by then, more than a few Italians had reason to doubt their choice of leadership, the socialist-turned-fascist Benito Mussolini. The trains no longer ran on time because Allied bombers had destroyed much of the tracks, as well as most of the factories supplying the Italian army with equipment and parts, including the Benelli plant.
Post-War Years: 1945-1959
Introduced in 1950, the Leoncino 125 was powered by an air-cooled Single, and both 2-stroke and 4-stroke versions were produced. Model variations of the “little lion” were a mainstay in Benelli’s lineup for two decades. Photo courtesy Bonhams.
After the war, with what machinery and tooling had survived, Benelli resumed production with civilian versions of the trike and the pre-war road models. When racing resumed in 1947, plans were underway to return to the track the following season. In 1948, Benelli hired the dashing professional rider Dario Ambrosini, who went on to win the 250cc World Championship in 1950. His victory marked Benelli’s first world title, but another 19 years would pass before it would win another.
Despite their success in rebuilding the business and going racing, all was not biscotti and gelato among the brothers. Giuseppe, who was head designer/engineer at the time, was strongly committed to the racing program. The consensus among his siblings was less enthusiastic. The cost of competing against larger rivals like Moto Guzzi, Mondial, and Gilera was deemed excessive, so in 1949, Giuseppe parted ways with the family business and established his own company, Moto B Pesaro.
Later shortened to Motobi, the company built 2-stroke and 4-stroke Singles, shifting to 4-strokes exclusively in the mid-1950s. The distinctive egg-shaped horizontal cylinder preceded Aermacchi’s similar design. When Giuseppe died, leaving the company to his two sons, the marque was maintained for another five years. Motobi would be acquired by Benelli in 1962, putting it back in the family fold.
A 1955 Motobi Spring Lasting 200 built by the company that Giuseppe Benelli started after parting ways with his brothers. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
In 1950, with the second-eldest Benelli brother, Giovanni, at the helm, the company debuted the Leoncino 125cc 2-stroke, followed shortly by a 4-stroke of the same displacement. The “little lion” provided the backbone of the company’s sales for the next 20 years. Its credentials were posted solidly in 1953 when Leopoldo Tartarini won the first Motogiro d’Italia on the 2-stroke. Pesaro produced more than 50,000 of the various Leoncino models into the early ’70s.
In the mid-1950s the Leoncino 125cc 4-stroke was available as a road model (the Normale shown here), a Sport version, and a Corsa racing model. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
Benelli was back to full production in the ’50s, with the Leoncino 125 2-stroke accounting for the most sales, followed by the 250cc Leonessa. Despite the declining overall market, a new 175cc OHC Single appeared in Touring and Sport versions in 1959. Grand Prix racing, on the other hand, had gotten ahead of itself in the 1950s. Streamlined, fully enclosed motorcycles were reaching speeds incompatible with the brake, suspension, and tire technology of the day. Fatalities rose accordingly, and after the “dustbin” fairings were banned in 1957, MV Agusta was the only Italian factory still competing in world championship races.
Tarquinio Provini at speed in 1964 on the 250, one of the first models with disc brakes. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
In the 1960s, Benelli decided to invest development in both utilitarian and recreational models for a wider market, including the United States. Slowing domestic sales pushed Pesaro to establish a distribution agreement with Cosmopolitan Motors of Pennsylvania and retail outlets in Montgomery Ward and JC Penney. Sold by Ward under the name Riverside, the 175cc 2-stroke and 250cc 4-stroke Singles were joined by the Cobra, a 125cc street scrambler. The product line was anchored at the bottom by minibikes, including the 65cc Dynamo and 180cc Volcano.
Its market expansion allowed Benelli to resume development of the 250cc OHC Four for racing. In 1965, Tarquino Provino won the Grand Prix at Monza, with Phil Read’s Yamaha second and another Benelli in third. A 16-valve 350cc model followed and carried Renzo Pasolini to victory at Modena, beating the mighty MV Agusta of Giacomo Agostini. Pasolini won the Italian championship in 1968 and finished second in the 1968 Grand Prix championship behind Agostini, with Kel Carruthers’ Aermacchi in third.
Impressed with his performance on the Aermacchi, Benelli hired Carruthers as Pasolini’s teammate on the 250 for the 1969 GP season. Both riders scored three wins, but it was Carruthers who collected Benelli’s second world championship, edging out Yamaha’s Kent Andersson.
Australia’s Kel Carruthers collected Benelli’s second world title in 1969 on the 250. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
Pasolini and Carruthers both rode the 350 Benelli in the early GP rounds in 1970, but the series was dominated by MV’s Giacomo Agostini, who won nine of the 10 races. Pasolini switched to Aermacchi, then owned by Harley-Davidson, and Carruthers went to Yamaha. Finnish star Jarno Saarinen, who rode briefly for Benelli, also switched to Yamaha. The 2-stroke era had arrived.
Kel Carruthers, now 84, is best known in the U.S. for his early tutelage of future world champions Kenny Roberts and Eddie Lawson.
“Pasolini and I were to ride the 350s in 1970,” Carruthers recalls, “and I got second behind Agostini in Germany and Austria. I was running second behind him at the Isle of Man when the chain fell off. That’s when I decided to stick with Yamaha.”
His decision was confirmed when a strike at the Benelli factory meant that only Pasolini would get support.
Thus ended the 50-year racing chapter of Benelli history. Pesaro may have foreseen the coming 2-stroke domination of Grand Prix racing and possibly noted the general lack of interest in the sport among Americans. In either case, their double-barreled marketing approach in the U.S. had little connection with racing history.
Dave Roper on the Team Obsolete, ex-Pasolini 350 Four in 1993. Photo by Yve Assad.
With Cosmopolitan Motors as the distributor of bikes and parts to dealers and Montgomery Ward selling to the public, Benelli posted a broad lineup of road and dual-purpose models. The Riverside 125cc 2-stroke and 250cc 4-stroke Singles were offered in road and enduro models, and the minibikes were much cooler than the domestic Briggs & Stratton-powered counterparts.
The 1967 Riverside 250 4-stroke was sold by Montgomery Ward, which also offered 125cc and 175cc 2-strokes. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
At the lightweight end was the 125cc Cobra, based on the Leoncino, and the 250cc Barracuda with the horizontal cylinder of the Motobi. The Mojave 260/360 4-stroke Single was a stylish street scrambler/enduro. In 1968, the 250 Sport Special appeared with the Motobi engine, a long and slim tank, and clip-on handlebars. The Tornado 650 arrived in 1971, a handsome vertical-Twin with adequate power and reasonable comfort. The 2-strokes – 125, 175, and 250 – were available through the 1970s and joined by a brace of inline-Fours with 250cc and 500cc engines in 1975.
The Benelli Family Dynasty Ends: 1970-1989
This 1971 Dynamo Trail was Benelli’s attempt to capitalize on the minibike craze. Its chunky knobby tires were propelled by an air-cooled 65cc Single. Photo courtesy TED7/Petersen Automotive Museum.
The return of the Fours marked the end of Benelli family ownership. While the British motorcycle industry was in decline, the Japanese had become the dominant international force in the market. In 1970, the Benelli heirs sold the business to Alejandro de Tomaso, the Argentinian racecar driver, builder, and creator of the mid-engine Mangusta sportscar, which evolved as the Ford Pantera. With the acquisition of Benelli (plus Moto Guzzi, Ghia bodyworks, and Maserati), de Tomaso was the de facto crown prince of Italian motorsports, outranked only by the king, Enzo Ferrari.
A 1975 Benelli 250 SC Phantom at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum near Birmingham, Alabama. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
The design of the Benelli 500 Four borrowed heavily from the Honda engine, but the machine was rather chunky by comparison. The performance specs were roughly equivalent, but de Tomaso intended to do more than just match the Japanese multis. The feather in his cap was to be the Benelli Sei, the first 6-cylinder road model on the market. The Sei – basically the 500 Four with two more cylinders – weighed just over 500 lb, made about 70 hp, and emitted a lovely howl from the six exhaust pipes. Only 3,200 Sei 750s were produced between 1974 and 1978, the year Honda introduced the 1,047cc CBX Six. Benelli bored and stroked the Sei to 900cc, but less than 2,000 were built from 1979 to 1989.
Coloring outside the lines of traditional design is this 1978 Benelli 250 Quattro. Photo courtesy TED7/Petersen Automotive Museum.
By the 1980s, Benelli had fallen further behind the curve. The combined effects of price, spotty distribution, and consistent improvement among the Japanese manufacturers effectively put Pesaro on the trailer. In 1989, Italian industrialist Giancarlo Seici attempted to revive the marque in the scooter market, to little avail.
A 1983 Benelli 900 Sei shows off its six headers. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
The Modern Era: 1995-2022
In 1995, the Merloni Group bought the brand and hired young designers to create new models. A broad roster of scooters was joined by a 900cc 3-cylinder sportbike called the Tornado Tre, followed by the 1,130cc TNT Sport. Australia’s Peter Goddard campaigned the Triple in the 2001 and 2002 World Superbike series.
The Tornado Tre K was Italian exotica in 2008. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
The encore performance for Benelli opened in 2005 when it was acquired by Qianjiang Motor Group of China, which was absorbed in 2015 by the Geely Holding Group (Volvo, Lotus, Proton, Terrafugia flying cars, etc.). Design and engineering facilities remain in Pesaro, while manufacturing and assembly are completed in Wenling, China. The plant produces more than a million vehicles a year and employs some 14,000 people.
Benelli resurrected the Leoncino name on this 500cc cafe racer. Photos by Kevin Wing.
The contemporary Benelli lineup continues the traditional framework of minibikes and middleweights but bears little resemblance to any models of the past. The TNT135 has an SOHC 4-valve Single with a dual-plug head, an oil cooler, and a 5-speed gearbox. With a trellis frame, a 41mm inverted fork, and racy slash-cut dual mufflers, the TNT is likely the sportiest minibike on the market. Its 65-mph top speed means it has no trouble keeping up with traffic, and its extra 10cc means it can outrun the popular Honda Grom.
Today’s TNT135 minibike is neon dynamite compared to the chromed ’70s-era Dynamo. Photo courtesy of Benelli.
The 302S is a full-size motorcycle with a 38-hp, 300cc parallel-Twin, 17-inch wheels, and a 6-speed transmission. Like all the Benelli Twins, the 302 engine has a 360-degree crankshaft.
Up the displacement scale, the Leoncino in roadster and scrambler models has a 47-hp, 500cc parallel-Twin engine that makes 33 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The Trail version gets slightly longer suspension travel, an inch more ground clearance, and a 19-inch front wheel.
Benelli’s adventure models for the middleweight class, the TRK502 and TRK502X, employ the same liquid-cooled 500cc Twin, but the X adds a larger 5.3-gallon fuel tank and rebound-adjustable front fork. The X also gets an added inch of ground clearance, spoked wheels, a high-mount exhaust pipe, a 19-inch front wheel, and a 33-inch seat height – 1.5 inches taller than its stablemate.
The 302S is powered by a 38-hp 300cc parallel-Twin. Photo courtesy TED7/Petersen Automotive Museum.
There are too many variables to allow any reasonable forecast on the future of this marriage between Italian design and Chinese manufacturing. And that’s without counting the fractious political climate. The Pesaro/Wenling union may fare well enough without a substantial presence in the U.S., given their global market reach and potential cross-pollination of engineering and production advances from other brands in the Geely collective. Electric motorcycles are almost certainly in the pipeline.
The TRK502X is an affordable entry point into the adventure bike segment. Photo by Kevin Wing.
In any case, the new Benellis mark another international design and manufacturing collaboration that puts to rest the old canard about Chinese build quality. A close look at the products, including the specs, fit and finish, welds, and warranties proves otherwise. And the fact that another venerable Italian marque has managed to survive in today’s hypercompetitive marketplace is cause for a measure of optimism. Viva Italia!
Kawasaki announced the return of several sport, retro sport, naked, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its motorcycle lineup. These 2023 motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the summer months.
Models included in this announcement are the Ninja 1000SX, Ninja 400 and 400 ABS, Z H2 and H2 SE, Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe, Z400 ABS, the Vulcan S and Vulcan 900 lineups, 1700 Voyager ABS, Versys-X300 and Versys-X300 ABS, and the KLR650 lineup.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is back with its refined sport-touring capabilities, combining the power of a supersport with the feel of an upright sportbike and familiar Ninja styling.
The Ninja 1000SX features a 1,043cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, Kawasaki Traction Control, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter, 4.3-inch all-digital TFT color instrumentation, and electronic cruise control.
The Ninja 1000SX includes rider aides such as electronic cruise control and integrated riding modes that combine traction control and Power Modes, and it is compatible with the Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY THE APP.
This 2023 model will be offered in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray starting at $13,199
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Ninja 400 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray/ Metallic Matte Twilight Blue
Ideal for both experienced riders and newer riders looking to step up from a lower displacement bike, the 2023 Ninja 400 sport motorcycle offers the largest displacement in its category.
The 2023 Ninja 400 features a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, a slip/assist clutch, a lightweight trellis frame, Uni-Trak rear suspension, a 310mm semi-floating petal disc brake and 2-piston caliper in the front, and 220mm petal disc brake and 1-piston caliper in the rear.
A low seat height (30.9 in.), twin LED headlights, and high-grade multifunction dash instrumentation make the Ninja 400 the ideal choice for riders looking to enter the sport-riding scene.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray
For 2023, the Ninja 400 and the Ninja 400 ABS are available in Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray, and Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray/ Metallic Matte Twilight Blue. The Ninja 400 starts at $5,299, and the Ninja 400 ABS starts at $5,699.
2023 Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition in Lime Green / Ebony
The Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition is painted in a Lime Green / Ebony color scheme and starts at $5,899. The Ninja 400 KRT Edition without ABS will come in the same color scheme starting at $5,499.
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 and Z H2 SE
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray
The flagship model of the Kawasaki Z lineup, the 2023 Z H2 features a balanced supercharged 998cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, a 6-speed dog-ring gearbox, a slip/assist clutch, a lightweight trellis frame, high-performance Showa suspension components, and Brembo monoblock brake calipers.
The bike also offers an IMU-based electronics package, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), electronic cruise control, integrated riding modes, all-digital TFT color instrumentation, smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, and LED lighting.
For 2023, the Z H2 comes in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray and starts at $18,500.
The Z H2 SE offers the same features that come standard on the Z H2, with the addition of the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook EERA Technology, which adapts to road and riding conditions in real-time, providing the ideal amount of damping by combining high-level mechanical components with the latest electronic control technology and reportedly giving the rider a smoother ride as it continually adapts to the road surface in real-time.
For braking power, the 2023 Z H2 SE will once again feature Brembo Stylema monoblock brake calipers, a Brembo front brake master cylinder, and steel-braided lines.
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 SE in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black
The 2023 Z H2 SE will be offered in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black starting at $20,700.
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS in Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red
The Kawasaki Z900RS retro-sportbikes reignites the classic style of the original Z1 900 motorcycle.
The 2023 Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe feature a 948cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, a slip/assist clutch, horizontal back-link rear suspension, authentic retro styling, an iconic teardrop fuel tank, a tuned stainless steel exhaust system, a round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials.
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe in Metallic Diablo Black
For 2023, the Z900RS comes in a Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red paint scheme starting at $11,949. The Z900RS Cafe adds cafe-racer styling with a front cowl, a special seat, and a drop handlebar, and is available in Metallic Diablo Black starting at $12,399.
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black
Described in a 2018 Rider First Ride Review as a “Ninja 400 with a flat handlebar and no fairing,” the Kawasaki Z400 ABS naked sportbike features a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, a slip/assist clutch, streetfighter styling, a lightweight chassis, an upright riding position, a low seat height (30.9 in.), and standard ABS.
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS in Pearl Robotic White /Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray
For 2023, the Z400 ABS is available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White /Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray starting at $5,399.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S, Vulcan S ABS, and Vulcan S Cafe
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S in Metallic Flat Spark Black
The Kawasaki Vulcan S sport cruisers are geared to fit a wide range of riders as a result of not only the bikes’ reported starting curb weight just shy of 492 lb but also the exclusive Ergo-Fit sizing system, which includes 18 possible configurations for the handlebar, footpegs, and seat.
Both bikes feature a 649cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-Twin and sportbike-derived chassis and suspension. The 2023 Vulcan S Cafe also comes equipped with three-tone paint, signature tank badging, sport striping, and a dark-tinted windshield deflector.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S in Cafe Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
For 2023, the Vulcan S is available in a Metallic Flat Spark Black colorway starting at $7,349, the Vulcan S ABS is offered in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Flat Spark Black starting at $7,899, and the Vulcan S Cafe is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $8,099.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic in Metallic Spark Black /Metallic Magnesium Gray
In our “Middleweight Touring Cruisers” comparison test, which included the Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Rider EIC Greg Drevendstedt wrote: “Cruisers are about style and sensation. How a cruiser looks is just as important as how it sounds and feels.”
All three of the 2023 Vulcan 900 cruiser models feature a 903cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-Twin and a low seat height (26.8 in.).
The Vulcan 900 Classic features rider footboards with a heel/toe shifter, tank-mounted instrumentation, and a 180mm rear tire. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT features a studded seat with standard passenger backrest, leather saddlebags, and a height-adjustable windscreen. The Vulcan 900 Custom features wide drag bars and forward-mounted footpegs, a low center of gravity for easy handling, custom styling with a teardrop tank, parallel slash-cut pipes, and pinstripe wheels.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony
For 2023, the Vulcan 900 Classic is available in Metallic Spark Black /Metallic Magnesium Gray starting at $8,999. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $9,999 with a 24-month limited warranty, and the Vulcan 900 Custom is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony starting at $9,499.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
The 2023 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS touring cruiser features a 1,700cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, transverse 52-degree V-Twin, Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS, throttle-by-wire, and electronic cruise control.
The bike has a frame-mounted fairing, an intercom-headset compatible audio system, and integrated luggage. For 2023, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $19,299.
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and Versys-X300 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
With a compact Ninja-derived 296cc liquid-cooled DOHC Twin, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a nimble, lightweight motorcycle that’s suitable for commuting or touring.
The Versys-X 300 has a lightweight chassis, long-travel suspension, a low seat height (32.1 in.), front cowling with a tall windscreen, and a rear carrier.
The 2023 Versys-X 300 is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray starting at $5,899, while the ABS model comes in the same color scheme starting at $6,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 and KLR650 ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Pearl Storm Gray
The KLR650 sports a 652cc liquid-cooled Single nestled in a recently redesigned high-tensile double-cradle frame. In 2022, the bike was upgraded with new improved ergonomics, bodywork, a taller two-position adjustable windscreen, a larger aluminum rear carrier, increased generator capacity, and an LED headlight. It features all-digital multifunction instrumentation, an optional ABS system, and 7.9 inches of front travel coupled with 7.3 inches of rear travel.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Pearl Solar Yellow
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Candy Lime Green
The 2023 KLR650 is available in three colorways – Pearl Storm Gray, Pearl Solar Yellow, and Candy Lime Green – and starts at $6,899. The KLR650 ABS is offered in Pearl Storm Gray starting at $7,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure and KLR650 Adventure ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure in Cypher Camo Gray
The KLR650 Adventure model is built off of the standard KLR650 platform and designed for the rider who is looking for increased carrying capacity and convenience. It comes equipped with factory-installed side cases, LED auxiliary lights, engine guards, a tank pad, and both a DC power outlet and USB socket. It’s available both with and without ABS.
The 2023 KLR650 Adventure is available in Cypher Camo Gray starting at $7,899, while the KLR650 Adventure ABS also comes in Cypher Camo Gray starting at $8,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Traveler ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Traveler ABS in Pearl Solar Yellow
The KLR650 Traveler model consists of the same features found on the standard KLR650 as well as a factory-installed top case and both a DC power outlet and USB socket. It comes equipped with ABS.
The KLR650 Traveler ABS is offered in Pearl Solar Yellow starting at $7,599.
When Ducati launched the Multistrada V4 range in 2021, features like adaptive cruise control (ACC) and 36,000-mile valve check intervals made the platform more touring-ready than ever. For 2022, the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak takes the model back to its sporting roots with performance upgrades and styling to match.
The brand’s 1,158cc Grandturismo V4 returns with 170 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque, but Ducati’s Race Riding Mode now maximizes the mill’s potential. Of course, the Multistrada V4’s Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro ride modes remain, but the new option gives the Pikes Peak a personality all its own. In Race mode, the system’s rev limiter kicks in more gradually, optimizing drive during high-rpm operation. A revised quickshifter speeds up those gear changes, both up and down.
Ducati complements the model’s racing spirit with a more aggressive rake angle with its new 17-inch front wheel, sharpening to 25.75 degrees for improved agility. Ducati’s signature single-sided swingarm reappears on the V4 Pikes Peak, calling back to Multis of the past and extending the wheelbase to 62.8 inches for more stability.
A 17-inch Marchesini forged aluminum wheelset helps reduce curb weight to 527 pounds while the multi-compound Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires (120/70 front; 190/55-17 rear) deliver sure grip and decent longevity. To take full advantage of the updated chassis, Ducati adjusts the rider triangle with lower handlebars and higher footpegs.
The Pikes Peak adopts Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension with event-based settings that adapt to the user’s riding style. Along with the semi-active suspension, the Multistrada touts superbike-worthy brakes, with twin Brembo Stylema calipers mated to 330mm discs up front and a single-piston caliper biting a 265mm rotor out back.
With the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb no longer featuring motorcycles, Ducati turns to its MotoGP outfit for styling inspiration. Resplendent in Ducati red with number plates at both sides of the tank, the Desmosedici GP21-inspired livery immediately fits in at the circuit. A carbon fiber beak and front mudguard add style while reducing weight, and the smoke-gray plexiglass windscreen streamlines the Pikes Peak’s silhouette. A carbon fiber-capped Akrapovič silencer and a two-tone black/red rear saddle complete the Multistrada’s transformation.
The high-spec trim also features Ducati’s latest-generation electronic suite of rider aids and a 6.5-inch TFT display. Wheelie control and cornering ABS keep the rider safe on a twisty road, while smartphone connectivity provides navigation on the open road. Similar to the Multistrada V4 S, radar-assisted adaptive cruise control (ACC) and blind-spot detection (BSD) come standard.
The 2022 Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak will hit Ducati showrooms in February 2022, with an MSRP of $28,995.
The 2022 KTM RC 390 has been thoroughly updated with a lighter chassis, advanced electronics, new bodywork and instrumentation, and more.
KTM has announced the release of its an update to its lightweight sportbike, the 2022 RC 390. KTM says the race-derived chassis and high-end electronics will be standout items in the small-displacement sportbike class, and the new generation KTM RC 390 has been redesigned with track intentions in mind. The bodywork has received Grand Prix-inspired styling, which not only looks the part but promises improved aerodynamics and performance, thanks to a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) design process.
New inner and out panel placements are designed to optimize wind and weather protection, and enhanced heat management by directing airflow away from the rider. The rear section has been reduced as much as possible for a more aggressive profile and reveals more of the redesigned steel trellis subframe.
KTM has paid special attention to improving ergonomics to enhance comfort without compromising on-track performance. The knee area was designed to be as narrow as possible with the largest possible contact area, allowing for fluid rider movement.
An all-new two-part cockpit and windscreen holder makes use of a cast aluminum upper area and a lower composite part that secures the headlight, while a larger 3.6-gallon fuel tank has been added for improved range. The new bodywork is easily removable, with a reduced number of attaching screws and a redesigned mounting system, which makes swapping out the street-legal bodywork for race-ready panels more practical.
The 2022 KTM RC 390 was developed with a focus on weight savings, particularly throughout the chassis. An all-new wheel design sheds 7.5 pounds of unsprung weight versus the previous model, while the new ByBre braking system saves another 2.1 pounds and the 3.3-pounds-lighter frame promises extremely agile handling.
The suspension has also been updated with an adjustable open-cartridge WP APEX inverted fork, featuring 30 clicks of both compression and rebound adjustment. A WP APEX rear shock is adjustable for preload and rebound.
The KTM RC 390 is powered by a liquid-cooled 373cc Single with DOHC, four valves per cylinder, and electronic fuel injection. For 2022, it delivers more torque than the previous model thanks to a new engine mapping and airbox design.
The new generation is now equipped with several rider aids that rarely make an appearance in the lightweight class and include: cornering ABS with supermoto mode, cornering traction control, and an optional quickshifter.
The new TFT color display enables riders to access information at a glance, and the display can be customized to show desired data sets and automatically adapts to ambient light levels. It offers Bluetooth connectivity to the KTM My Ride app.
Pricing and availability for the 2022 KTM RC 390 have not yet been announced. For more information, visit
2022 KTM RC 390 Specs
Base Price: NA Website:ktm.com Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse Single, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 373cc Bore x Stroke: 60 x 89mm Horsepower: 43 hp (claimed, at the crank) Torque: NA Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch Final Drive: X-ring chain Wheelbase: NA Rake/Trail: 23.5 degrees/NA Seat Height: NA Suspension, Front: 43mm inverted fork, adj. compression & rebound Rear: Single shock, adj. rebound & spring preload Brakes, Front: Single 320mm disc w/ radial 4-piston caliper & ABS Rear: Single 230mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper & ABS Tires, Front: 110/70 x 17 Rear: 150/60 x 17 Wet Weight: NA Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gals.
Triumph has released some teaser photos of the new Tiger 1200 planned for 2022, which they say is lighter and more powerful than the previous model.
The new Tiger 1200 has been under testing, which is now nearing completion and Triumph claims their biggest cat is now significantly lighter than its closest competition. That could be a game-changer for a motorcycle that has, up to now, always been at the heavy end of the ADV weight chart.
Triumph claims the new Tiger 1200 will combine a powerful 3-cylinder engine with a new chassis that will offer class-leading agility, control, and handling. We look forward to testing these claims when we ride the bike.
Riding the new Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure in New Mexico. (Photos by Drew Ruiz)
I just spent the last five days riding over 1,000 miles on Kawasaki’s legendary dual-sport icon, the KLR650, newly updated for 2022. Our on- and off-road journey started at the RFD-TV Ranch, located about 100 miles east of Albuquerque, and spent two days riding through New Mexico’s stunning forests and mountains, including rocky passes, sandy gulches, and a nerve-testing silt track.
No assessment of the KLR would be complete without loading it up with camping gear, as many of its potential owners will do, and heading off into the wilderness. On the morning of the third day, I set my sights west toward Los Angeles, enduring a huge thunderstorm on the Arizona border and 120-degree temperatures in the sprawling Mojave Desert, the details of which will follow in our upcoming road test review. To whet your appetite, I’m sharing the top ten highlights of the 2022 KLR650.
First released in 1987, the KLR was cutting edge for its time. Its single-cylinder engine had four valves. It came fitted with a 5-speed transmission and a front disc brake. The KLR received its only major update in 2008, followed by a minor update in 2014, and was anything but cutting edge, which remains true of the latest model. However, it has received some significant improvements without altering the core attributes that have earned the KLR a reputation for reliable, durable, and cost-effective travel.
1. Electronic Fuel Injection
While some of the KLR’s faithful fans will lament the passing of the Keihin carburetor, even they will appreciate the reliable thump following every push of the starter button. We tested the new KLR at 8,000 feet in New Mexico’s mountains, and at just 400 feet in the searing heat of the Mojave Desert bowl, and the single came to life with ease every time. A cutting-edge fuel atomizer also ensures you get the best bang for the gallon, and Kawasaki claims increased low-end torque.
The single cylinder engine is now equipped with EFI.
2. Upgraded Brakes Including ABS
The 2022 KLR650 now includes ABS as a factory-installed option, and at $300, a great many will choose to include it. We tested the KLR with and without the ABS to compare braking in on- and off-road conditions. The setup works very well, and although it was difficult to detect its intervention on the ABS-equipped model, I noticed its absence in the dirt on the non-ABS model. Happily, I was still able to lock up the rear wheel on the dirt when I wanted to. The front disc is now 300mm, 20mm larger than the outgoing model, and provides a much-needed improvement in stopping power. The rear disc is now thicker, and less prone to fading.
The front disc is 20mm larger.
The rear disc is thicker and less prone to fade.
3. Increased Load Capacity
By making the subframe an integrated member of the main frame, Kawasaki has increased the KLR’s torsional rigidity and load capacity, which is also managed by a slightly longer swingarm. These updates result in improved stability and make for more predictable handling on loose surfaces, especially when the bike is loaded with gear.
The subframe is now integrated with the main frame for increased stability and load capacity. (Photo by the author)
4. Adjustable Rear Suspension
The rear suspension now includes five clicks of adjustable preload and stepless rebound damping, which is adjusted via a screw. On a middleweight adventure bike like the KLR, this is a welcome addition, as many owners will want to take it on serious tours, which require loading a considerable amount of kit. For the two nights I spent camping, I had loaded about 70 pounds on the KLR, keeping the heavier gear in the side bags. After adding a click of preload and a full turn of rebound, the resulting handling felt impressively similar to the unloaded KLR.
Adjustable damping and preload for the rear suspension is a welcome addition.
5. Adjustable Windscreen
The new windscreen is 2 inches taller than the old model and is now adjustable. The standard low position provides good wind deflection, even for loftier riders. For longer tours, to reduce fatigue or combat cold conditions, the windscreen can be adjusted by removing the four attaching screws and remounting it another inch higher. Nonetheless, it is still a sport-sized windscreen and it offered little respite from a drenching thunderstorm I encountered in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico.
The new windscreen is taller, and can also be adjusted (shown here on the Adventure model, which is also equipped with auxiliary lights).
6. Battery and Generator
The new KLR has an upgraded battery that’s fully sealed, low maintenance, and smaller and lighter than the old one. To complement the battery, and to power a new line of accessories and charging ports, the KLR has also been equipped with a new 28-amp generator.
The Adventure model we tested comes with factory installed auxiliary lights.
7. Accessories Bar and Electrical Ports
It may seem like a minor item to include in the top-ten list, but we think the nifty accessories bar that Kawasaki has included on the new KLR is a great addition and should be a standard on adventure bikes. Rather than load up your handlebars with phone, GPS, and camera mounts, and all the associated wiring, these can be easily mounted on the accessories bar, and powered via the available USB or standard DC 12-volt power socket.
An accessories bar adds practicality.
A 12V DC socket is now standard.
A USB socket has also been fitted.
8. Stronger Load-Bearing Points
The key points supporting the KLR’s suspended weight have all been strengthened. Both front- and rear-wheel axle diameters have been increased, now 2mm and 3mm thicker, respectively. The rear swingarm pivot has also received a 2mm upgrade and adds to the KLR’s long-term dependability and ability to handle the increased load capacity and overall weight.
The base model, shown here in Pearl Khaki.
9. Bodywork and Styling
All new cowling and more aggressive styling subtly improve the new KLR’s overall appearance. The 2022 model retains the old shape, but is a little more angular, and looks somewhat taller. The base model is complemented by a Traveler and Adventure model, and the latter comes equipped with engine guards and cowling guards, adding to its rugged, off-road credentials. The base and Traveler model is available in Pearl Lava Orange or Pearl Sand Khaki colorways, and the Adventure comes in Cypher Camo Gray.
The Traveler model in Pearl Lava Orange.
10. Digital Display
The 2022 KLR has a new all-digital LCD. Now larger and backlit, the new instrument is easier to read and works well in all lighting conditions. The information is still limited to the basics, but that is what the KLR is all about. A digital speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, and finally, a proper fuel gauge.
The new LCD instrument panel is larger and includes a proper fuel gauge.
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