Tag Archives: editors picks

Indian Scout Teaser Video Released

Indian Scout Teaser Video

Indian Motorcycle is set to release a new Indian Scout or Scouts on April 2, and it has been teasing us with a few videos that hadn’t revealed much of anything. But today it posted a new video (see below) that shows a group of five bikes riding across a desert lakebed.

Sadly, the low light in the video doesn’t provide enough illumination to reveal many details, but there appears to be four different variants of the new Scout. For reference, Indian’s current Scout lineup consists of three main models: the classically styled Scout, the stubby Scout Bobber, and the mini-faired Scout Rogue.

In the video, the leading trio of bikes have low-mounted bar-end mirrors, while the rearmost bikes are differentiated by chrome mirrors perched atop their handlebars. Of the trailing pair, the one on the right displays a smallish windshield that suggests some sort of light-duty touring version. The one on the left could be a traditional Scout of some form.

Leading the group is a bike with a mini fairing topped with a small windscreen that looks similar to the bike on its left. One or both could be a new version of the Scout Rogue. The bike second from the left has no fairing and could be a model similar to the existing Scout Bobber.

At this point, we can only speculate based on what we see in the video, so we can’t say what could be inside them regarding their engines or chassis modifications. Full details will be released on April 2. Stay tuned!

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Source: RiderMagazine.com

A Scenic Casa Grande, Arizona Motorcycle Ride

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
Nothing says “Arizona” like tall saguaros. These thorny towers are in the Sonoran Desert National Monument.

Arizona is known for its five Cs – copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate – all of which are represented on the state’s great seal. I experienced three of them in abundance on this scenic southern Arizona loop, rolling past harvest-ready cotton fields and large dairy farms and enjoying spectacular weather. Two more Cs – cactus and cars – were also highlights of this entertaining ride. 

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride

Scan QR code above or click here to view the route on REVER

Before you get the wrong impression from the title, I did not get locked up on this trip. “Big house” is the English translation of the Spanish “Casa Grande,” the starting and ending point of this loop ride. My trip began with a walk around the city’s downtown, which includes a tidy and interesting neon sign park, a nicely curated museum, a city park, and an impressive city square. Every January, the annual Historic Downtown Street Fair/Car and Bike Show draws upwards of 40,000 visitors to Casa Grande.

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
A roadside display in Casa Grande highlights some of the state’s foundational Cs.

After the stroll, I mounted my BMW R 1200 GS for the short ride to the Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort. Tall palm trees stood sentinel as I rolled onto the resort’s beautiful property, which was established in the early 1960s as the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants. It was also a favorite haunt of John Wayne. After settling into my room and enjoying the incredible view, I had a delectable burger in the Duke’s Lounge and admired photos of Wayne, Willie Mays, Pat Boone, and other legendary visitors. 

See all of Rider‘s West U.S. Motorcycle Rides here.

After a great night’s sleep, I mounted my GS and rode west through cotton fields and dairy farms to my first stop, the Dwarf Car Museum. The unassuming cluster of buildings belies the treasures displayed within. I paid my $5 entry fee and walked inside. At first glance, I could have been in any cool classic car museum, but as I got closer, the cars seemed to shrink. 

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
The stunning and diminutive creations in the Dwarf Car Museum sit waist-high to the 6-foot-3 author. In addition to small cars, the museum also has an interesting collection of automotive memorabilia.

After scanning the whimsical, barn-like interior of the museum, I spotted a gentleman warming himself by a fire in the perfect man cave. Ernie Adams, the master builder of this eclectic and fascinating collection of diminutive classics, invited me to have a seat, and we had a nice chat about his life and his cars. Adams built his first dwarf car in the early ’60s, and they are about 11/16th scale. He bases every creation on a wheel size of 12 inches and miniaturizes everything else to that scale. Adams does not do much of the work anymore, but his son, daughter-in-law, and a friend carry on the tradition. He even has a tidy collection of vintage enduro bikes in a backroom.  

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
What gearhead doesn’t have a soft spot for vintage Japanese dirtbikes?

Back on the GS, it was time to head to another C: the cactus-rich majesty of the Sonoran Desert National Monument, one of the most biologically diverse deserts in North America. Saguaros tower over the sand, each striking their own unique pose. With the rugged South Maricopa Mountains serving as the perfect backdrop, I explored a few established dirt roads off State Route 84.

On Interstate 8, I opened the throttle and made my westward ride through more of this desert grandeur. Interstates have never been my choice of roads, but this stretch of I-8 is as beautiful as they come. Various cactus varieties dot the rolling hills in the foreground, and distant mountain ranges create texture in the background.

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
The Casa Grande Neon Sign Park in the city’s downtown area preserves vintage neon signs from historic local establishments.

The ride west was relaxed and beautiful on the way to the final landmark on my list: the Space Age Lodge in Gila Bend. I have always been a fan of the rock band Rush, especially Neil Peart, who was arguably one of the greatest drummers in rock ‘n’ roll history. After tragically losing both his daughter and wife within a span of months, Peart rode his BMW GS more than 55,000 miles through North America, Mexico, and Belize, which he chronicled in his memoir, Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road. One stop on Peart’s journey was the quirky, seemingly out-of-place Space Age Lodge, and I had to see it. 

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
The music-loving author had to make a stop in Gila Bend to check out the Space Age Lodge, which was mentioned in Ghost Rider, Rush drummer Neil Peart’s amazing moto-centric memoir.

As I rolled out of town, one last incongruity caught my eye. Twin fighter jets crouched in front of a tiny airport on the outskirts of town. The pair of RF-101 Voodoos flew reconnaissance missions in Vietnam and now have a permanent home in Gila Bend. 

It was time to head back to Casa Grande. Besides I-8, the other road that crosses the Sonoran Desert National Monument is State Route 238. This more northern road doesn’t have the towering saguaros of the interstate, but it is a relaxed desert ride with much less traffic.

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
The Museum of Casa Grande is housed in a beautiful Southwestern mission-style stone building. More than 40 buildings in the city are listed on historic registers.

This southern Arizona loop is best navigated from fall to early spring, as the desert temperatures are toasty in the summer. What it lacks in curves, it makes up for with a full plate of other entertaining Cs.

Casa Grande, Arizona Motorcycle Ride Resources

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Michelin Commander III Motorcycle Tires Review | Gear

Michelin Commander III Tires

I can say without hesitation that every car tire purchase I’ve made has been done somewhat grudgingly, with safety and practicality being the primary concerns. When it comes to new motorcycle tires, the return feels more worthy of the investment. The Michelin Commander III tires proved this in spades.

In a word: Giddyap!

When I was asked to review the Commander III tires on my Harley‑­Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, I was a little nervous, but not because I questioned the quality. Michelin has been my brand of choice for car tires for years, but that is primarily because of their reliability in the snow and ice where I live. But I don’t ride my bike on snow and ice. I assumed many of the same attractive attributes of traction and grip would apply on a motorcycle, but was I attuned enough to my bike to recognize the difference between these new tires and my old ones?

Michelin Commander III Tires

The answer was immediately “Yes.” 

There are two versions of the Michelin Commander III: Cruiser or Touring. Given the weight of my bike, I went with the Touring, which has less siping than the Cruiser tires for better stability. The potential tradeoff is less grip in the rain, but Michelin says the 100% silica‑reinforced rubber in the tires’ compound addresses this. I haven’t yet taken my bike out in a deluge to test this claim, but on a curvy road leading up to a nearby ski resort, I hit a decent storm and didn’t sense any slippage at speed.

Another feature of the Commander III is the aramid tread plies on the rear tire, which are also supposed to contribute to stability. The tires also have a more rounded profile than the previous Commander II model for better handling when the bike is leaned over. This is where that “giddyap” comes from. 

After having them mounted, when I hit the numerous sweepers on the 45‑­mile trip back to my house, I had a hard time keeping to the conventional wisdom of riding conservatively on new tires. It was almost like the Commander IIIs were pushing me – dare I say, showing off a little. But I refused the temptation. I promise…ahem.

Beyond performance, something else I was looking for in my new tires was longevity. Weighing in at two‑­plus bills, I’m not exactly slim, but I’m also not one of those hefty Guiness World Record twins many of us remember seeing sitting on motorcycles in pictures. Nor am I a super aggressive rider, and I diligently check my tire pressure, so I was disappointed when I got less than 4,000 miles out of my previous rear tire.

Michelin claims 25% longer tread life relative to its competitors. I can’t confirm this yet, as I have only logged about 1,200 miles to date. But so far, they still look new, and with many riders reporting nearly 20,000 miles from their Commander IIIs, I have my fingers crossed for similar results.

The Michelin Commander III tires are available at online retailers or your local dealer in 11 different sizes starting at $180.99 for the front and $210.99 for the rear.

See all of Rider‘s tire reviews here.

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2024 KTM Street Demo Tour Announces Dates

Continuing on the success of previous years’ Ride Orange Street Demo Tours – and this year marking “30 Years of Duke” – KTM has announced the first dates of the 2024 KTM Street Demo Tour. Test rides at dealers are a rarity, so the KTM Street Demo Tour is a great opportunity to ride KTM’s street-legal range, everything from the 250 Duke up to the 1390 Super Duke R Evo, ADVs ranging from the 390 Adventure to the 1290 Adventure R, and the 350 and 500 EXC-F dual-sports.

This year’s tour kicks off in March coinciding with Daytona Bike Week, and there are currently 10 stops scheduled for the demo tour between March and October, with more likely to be added. Check out the details in KTM’s official announcement below.


2024 KTM STREET DEMO TOUR
The 2024 KTM Street Demo Tour kicks off during Daytona Bike Week.

MURRIETA, Calif. – The KTM Street Demo Tour is touring the United States once again in 2024, offering orange bleeders the ultimate chance to sample the latest models in the KTM Street range. Commencing between March 1-9 during Daytona Bike Week in Florida, U.S. consumers will have the opportunity to take part in the tour to be staged alongside a wide selection of premier motorcycle events across the nation.

Organized by KTM North America, Inc. in association with participating dealers, you’ll be able to get up close and explore the 2024 range, together with knowledgeable KTM experts on location. Following that, it will be your time to take to some of the most enjoyable roads in the country. Each ride will take place on pre-planned routes that will be sure to deliver an exceptional experience at this year’s KTM Street Demo Tour.

With the naked bike range celebrating 30 Years of Duke in 2024, KTM brings the ferocious, all-new KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo – The Beast, reborn – the sniper-like KTM 990 Duke, as well as the powerful yet rideable KTM 390 Duke and KTM 250 Duke. Joining this lineup of all new naked bikes is the original Scalpel, the KTM 790 Duke. Throw a leg over these class-leading machines and discover why the KTM Duke nameplate has stood the test of time.

In addition, the current adventure range, including the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R and S, KTM 890 Adventure R, KTM 790 Adventure, KTM 690 Enduro R, and KTM 390 Adventure, will also be star attractions across as many as 10 events scheduled for 2024. Plus, don’t miss the KTM 500 EXC-F and KTM 350 EXC-F dual-sport models.

2024 KTM Street Demo Tour Models:

  • KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo
  • KTM 990 Duke
  • KTM 790 Duke
  • KTM 390 Duke
  • KTM 250 Duke
  • KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
  • KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
  • KTM 890 Adventure R
  • KTM 790 Adventure
  • KTM 690 Enduro R
  • KTM 390 Adventure
  • KTM 500 EXC-F
  • KTM 350 EXC-F

* Please note that the model list is subject to change and may vary by demo location.

Participants at the KTM Street Demo Tour will receive a VIP voucher (valued up to $500 MSRP), redeemable on KTM PowerParts, KTM PowerWear, and/or KTM SpareParts at an authorized KTM dealer with the purchase of a new KTM Street model.

Registrations for each stop of the 2024 KTM Street Demo Tour open at 9 a.m. on the morning of that event, with riding to take place between 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Demos are first come, first served.

The KTM Street Demo Tour is open to riders 21 years and older who hold a valid motorcycle endorsement. Riders 21 to 24 year olds can only ride motorcycles 500cc and under. Riders who are 25 years and up may ride any displacement. Experienced riders only (no beginners). No passengers are allowed at any time, and KTM staff can revoke riding privileges at any time for any reason deemed necessary.

All riders must show a government-issued photo ID with motorcycle endorsement and will be required to complete a signed waiver prior to any demo rides. Proper riding apparel is essential, including but not limited to a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and sturdy footwear.

For a complete list of 2024 KTM Street Demo Tour locations and to connect with your local participating dealer, please visit the KTM website or email [email protected]. Follow KTM USA on all social media platforms for the most up-to-date information on events.

See all of Rider‘s KTM coverage here.

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Aerostich Kanetsu Heated Motorcycle Vest Review | Gear

Aerostich Kanetsu heated motorcycle vest
Aerostich Kanetsu heated motorcycle vest

Cold temperatures and unexpected weather changes are the reality in the northern latitudes where many of us ride. Even though I’ve lived in Minnesota for decades, I’ve never used heated apparel before. As I prepared for a multi‑­day tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula last October, I decided to remedy that situation by ordering an Aerostich Kanetsu Wind Blocker heated motorcycle vest to add some comfort to my late‑­season ride. This electric vest gave me the feeling of the warm sun beating down on my back, especially on cold 35‑­degree mornings on and off the road. 

The Aerostich Kanetsu heated vest, which is made at the company’s factory in Duluth, Minnesota, and uses top‑­quality stitching and zippers, proved to be hassle‑­free. When ordering the vest, you specify size and the type of connection you need to hook it up to your motorcycle: BMW, SAE, or QuiConnect 2 (coaxial, which has a male‑­and‑­female connection). The vest’s power draw is 45 watts / 3.3 amps.

Aerostich Kanetsu heated motorcycle vest

A size Large suits my 6‑­foot‑­2, 175‑­lb frame perfectly (a detailed size chart is available on the Aerostich website), and the vest fits well underneath a jacket. It has a longer tail in the back to provide lower‑­back coverage when seated in a crouched position. The vest has two pockets: one for storing the power cord and a larger one that the entire vest folds into for convenient stowage or a handy pillow for a roadside nap. Also available are optional zip-off sleeves ($97), which I added to the vest for additional insulation and to transform the vest into a jacket that can be worn off the bike. 

With the vest on and powered up, I found the heat to be distributed evenly around my core as well as my neck thanks to the high collar. The power is switched on/off with a large, glove‑­friendly lighted pushbutton that can be clipped onto the outside of your riding jacket. The vest provided plenty of warmth, and as the ambient temperature approached 50 degrees, I simply turned off the vest’s heat. Given the ongoing comfort, I found myself experiencing momentary guilt as my riding buddies went through the hassle of layering up and down throughout the changing riding conditions. They got tired of hearing me brag about how warm I was.

Aerostich Kanetsu heated motorcycle vest
The Aerostich Kanetsu heated motorcycle vest with optional zip-off sleeves.

There are three versions of the Aerostich Kanetsu heated motorcycle vest: Airvantage ($247), which has an air‑­adjustable fit and an outer shell made of Windstopper fabric; Windstopper ($197), also with a Windstopper outer shell; and Wind Blocker ($187), the version I tested, which has an outer shell made of windblocking TLTec fleece. Sizes range from S‑­2XL. With this heated vest as a permanent addition to my saddlebag, I now look forward to rides on cold, blustery days.

See all of Rider‘s Apparel Reviews here.

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REVER Launches PDF Map Compatibility

If you’re a fan of Rider’s touring stories, you’ve likely noticed that we have been using REVER maps to accompany the stories. The REVER app, available for free on iOS and Android, works in conjunction with the REVER website to help riders discover the world’s best roads, create custom routes, track epic rides, compete for bragging rights, and share riding experiences across social platforms. Recently, the company has upped its game with the ability to import georeferenced PDF maps into the app. These maps have embedded GPS boundaries that overlay on any existing map style and display your current location. For more information, read the press release below.

See all of Rider’s touring stories here.


REVER app PDF

EAGLE, Colo. — REVER, the world’s largest motorcycle ride-planning, tracking, and sharing app, has introduced new capabilities to import and view georeferenced PDF maps in their Android and iOS apps. Georeferenced PDF Maps have embedded GPS boundaries that, when viewed in REVER, overlay on any existing map style and accurately display your current location. This allows access to detailed government maps and maps from other trusted sources – including trail details, topographical lines, and geographic features not found in traditional map styles. In addition, PDF Map Layers are stored on your phone and are available anywhere in the world without cell service. Yet another way to never get lost!

Related: Justin Bradshaw, REVER | Ep. 63 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

App users can browse a curated list of PDF maps sourced from the United States Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and United States Geological Survey (USGS) to import and view offline in the REVER mobile apps.

How it works:

  • Access the PDF Map Library and importer through the map settings on the main map tab in the REVER app.
  • Imported maps are stored, saved and organized in the REVER PDF Map Library which can be accessed offline.
  • Choose a PDF map to display as a layer on the main REVER map to assist with navigation and exploration.
  • PDF maps can be overlaid on any dynamic map currently available in the REVER app including topographic maps and satellite. 
  • Once imported and overlaid on the map, any georeferenced PDF map can be rendered in 3D.
REVER app PDF

“We know REVER Riders push the limits of exploration every day. The REVER team is stoked on the daily challenge of improving how our users find new places to ride, plan trips and stay on course,” says Mark Roebke, co-founder of REVER. “PDF Map overlays are an exceptional way to add new detailed map content to REVER from trusted sources like the Bureau of Land Management and United States National Forest Service. We can’t wait to see how REVER Riders take advantage of this new opportunity in the mobile apps.”

REVER users with a Pro subscription can import unlimited PDF maps into their app. Free users are limited to one PDF map. 

For more information visit, the REVER website.

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Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags | Gear Review

Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags

When planning our trip to South Dakota to ride the Black Hills BDR-X, we knew we needed good adventure luggage and opted for Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags, which are soft bags with a rigid mounting system.

Each TR40 Terra saddlebag has an outer bag made of abrasion-resistant material with reinforced stitching and an inner dry bag, both with roll closures to keep out dust and water. Each side has 32 liters of capacity, holds up to 22 lb, and measures 15.75 x 9.8 x 14.9 inches. One side has an outer fuel/water bottle holder, and the other has a small roll-top accessory bag.

Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags

On the back of each saddlebag is a hard plastic mounting plate that is compatible with Shad’s 4P System Mount, which is sold separately and available for a wide range of ADV motorcycles. For Reid’s CFMOTO Ibex 800 T, the 4P mount is $309.99. The only mount Shad offers for Daniel’s Royal Enfield Himalayan is the 3P ($172.99), which has an inverted L-shaped hanger rather than the full loop hanger of the 4P, so the connection with the TR40 backing plate was more flexible, and the bags bounced around a bit more.

Overall, we’ve logged about 3,000 miles on the Ibex 800 T and 1,500 miles on the Himalayan with the TR40 Terra bags, including tough adventure miles on the Black Hills BDR-X. We like the size, shape, and style of the TR40 Terra setup, which keeps gear low and forward on the bike. The 4P mount is sturdy and survived multiple tip-overs. With six Duraflex cam buckles and eight reinforced straps per bag, our gear stayed put and didn’t rattle or slide around. The bag-within-a-bag design and roll-top closures kept water out, even when we used a high-pressure sprayer to clean mud off the bikes after the BDR-X. However, because both bags are black, stuff can get lost in the dark bottom. Also, when the inner dry bag was packed full, it would not slide into or out of the outer bag. 

Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags

The Double Locking System locks the bag to the 4P mount and locks the outer straps in place to prevent unwanted access. We appreciated being able to lock the bags to the bike, but having to use a key to lock and unlock the outer straps every time we wanted to open the bags was a hassle. Since convenience was more important than security for us, we bypassed the strap lock by trimming the locking tab for the C-ring. We also modified the top straps to allow more adjustability. The locking mechanism that attaches the bags to the 4P mount got jammed up a couple of times from mud and rocks, so keeping them clean and lubricated is important for regular removal and mounting of the saddlebags.

Priced at $578.99 plus the cost of the 4P System Mount (from $222.99 to $343.99), the Shad TR40 Terra Adventure saddlebags are a good value for durable, secure, waterproof luggage.

See all of Rider‘s luggage reviews here.

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Hayabusa Homecoming Event to Coincide with In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals

Suzuki Motor USA is hosting the Hayabusa Homecoming commemorating the 25th anniversary of the iconic bike. The event will take place on Nov. 11 in conjunction with the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, California, with several perks exclusive to Suzuki owners, including free entry into the races on that Saturday. For more information, read the press release below.


Suzuki Hayabusa Homecoming

Suzuki Motor USA invites Suzuki owners to join the Hayabusa Homecoming, a commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the legendary Suzuki Hayabusa during the In-N-Out Burger Finals at the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Happening Nov. 11th at one of the birthplaces of professional drag racing: In-N-Out Burger Dragstrip, Pomona, California.

Related: 2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Model | First Look Review

This event is open to anyone attending the In-N-Out Burger Finals. Owners of Suzuki and Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycles will receive free grandstand entry for Saturday, VIP Suzuki Parking for the day, and an In-N-Out Burger lunch voucher.

Hayabusa Homecoming will be held at the Suzuki display located within the NHRA midway from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. Suzuki motorcycle owners attending the Hayabusa Homecoming will receive free entry to the races on Saturday, and there will be special activities throughout Saturday for all who stop by the Suzuki display. Planned events for the Hayabusa Homecoming include:

  • Free grandstand entry for Saturday at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA finals to the first 200 Suzuki motorcycle riders who register online.
  • Free VIP Suzuki motorcycle parking near the NHRA Midway (Suzuki and Hayabusa owners only.)
  • A complimentary In-N-Out Burger lunch voucher. (Suzuki and Hayabusa owners only.)
  • The first 200 Suzuki Hayabusa riders to register will also receive an exclusive Hayabusa 25th Anniversary gift pack commemorating the famed sportbike.
  • An appearance by the Moore Mafia’s Chris Moore, a renowned drag bike builder and YouTuber who will be running his custom Turbo Hayabusa on the historic NHRA Pomona track, showcasing the jaw-dropping performance of the Suzuki Hayabusa.
  • Exclusive Q&A Session and fan interaction with Chris Moore and the Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle team members, including:
    • Current NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship series leader Gaige Herrera.
    • Four-time Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA World Champion Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiecz.
    • Six-time Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA World Champion Vance & Hines team Crew Chief Andrew Hines.
  • Vance & Hines Hayabusa and Chris Moore’s custom 25th Anniversary Suzuki Hayabusa drag bike on hand at the Suzuki display.
  • Attendees can have their photo taken on a real Vance & Hines Pro Stock Hayabusa.
  • NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class autograph session with Suzuki racers.
  • See all of the latest Suzuki models on display, get Suzuki swag and more.

Hayabusa Homecoming attendees will experience not only world-class Hayabusa NHRA drag racing competing on the legendary Pomona track, they will also be on-hand to celebrate the Hayabusa’s redefinition of motorcycle performance since 1999.

2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Model

Stay tuned for more information and updates at the Suzuki Cycles website or follow Suzuki social channels @SuzukiCycles. Nov. 11 approaches as quickly as the Hayabusa does, so do not miss out on the Hayabusa Homecoming. It will be a great day for all Hayabusa and Suzuki fans!

Attendance for this exclusive celebration is extremely limited and limited to Suzuki motorcycle and Suzuki Hayabusa owners. Hayabusa Homecoming registrants will also receive access to exclusive Suzuki ticket pricing to purchase additional In-N-Out Burger Pomona Finals tickets directly from NHRA.

Join Suzuki and experience the Hayabusa Homecoming 25th Anniversary party, interact with the legendary Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki team, and witness championship-caliber drag racing with Suzuki!

See all of Rider‘s Suzuki coverage here.

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Source: RiderMagazine.com

IMTBike 2024 Tour Calendar Now Available

IMTBike 2024 tour calendar

IMTBike Motorcycle Tours has published its full 2024 calendar. Destinations include Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, the Alps, and Morocco along with MotoGP tours and global tours in Turkey, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. Check out the IMTBike 2024 tour calendar for dates, details, and pricing. Sign up now to lock in IMTBike’s current prices.

Related: Iberian Escape | IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour Review

IMTBike 2024 tour calendar

Many of IMTBike’s tours have new improved routing for 2024, and the company’s fleet of more than 200 BMW motorcycles will be updated with the latest 2024 models. Established in 1997, IMTBike has been conducting motorcycle tours for 26 years, and it has not only extensive experience but a reputation for high-quality tours. Check out the IMTBike testimonials page to find out what many satisfied clients have to say.

Related: Rider Podcast with Scott Moreno, Founder and CEO of IMTBike

For more information, visit the IMTBike website.

IMTBike 2024 tour calendar

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SW-Motech Pro and Blaze Sportbike Luggage | Gear Review

SW-Motech sportbike luggage Ninja 400

Whether commuting to work, picking something up from the store, or bringing essentials on a trip, there are plenty of good reasons for having sportbike luggage. SW-Motech offers tankbags and saddlebags that can fit almost any motorcycle, including my Kawasaki Ninja 400. 

Related: 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS | First Ride Review

The Pro City tankbag ($299.95) is made of 1680-denier ballistic nylon with a water-resistant interior coating. The molded, laminated EVA top includes a MOLLE attachment panel, which can be used to secure an optional smartphone drybag ($31.95).

A model-specific Pro tank ring ($37.95), which replaces the OEM ring around the fuel filler, is required. As a novice mechanic, I thought installing the ring was straightforward, requiring about 45 minutes. The tankbag snaps onto the tank ring effortlessly, and a pull-latch releases it (an optional anti-theft lock is $24.95).

SW-Motech sportbike luggage pro tank rings
Pro tank ring parts

The tankbag’s zippers open and close smoothly, and the pull tabs have a thick, rubbery feel. The outside pockets are convenient for holding small items like keys and a wallet. The tankbag is deep and holds a great deal, and it is expandable from 11 to 14 liters.

SW-Motech sportbike luggage Pro City tankbag

While the Pro City tankbag is high-quality luggage that fits cleanly and securely thanks to the Pro tank ring, it is a little too tall and long for my Ninja 400’s riding position, pressing into my chest when I lean over the tank to reach the grips. The smaller Pro Micro tankbag (3-5 liters, $184.95) is a better option for the Ninja, while the Pro City is ideal for the more upright seating position of my Kawasaki Versys-X 300. 

Related: Kentucky Motorcycle Ride: Exploring Mammoth Cave and Bowling Green

SW-Motech’s Blaze saddlebags ($499.95) solve the problem of saggy luggage on sportbikes. They use an innovative mounting system with easily detachable support arms that slide into pockets on the soft saddlebags. The saddlebags are clipped in with a buckle on a nylon strap and then fastened together over the pillion seat using a heavy-duty strap secured by Velcro.

SW-Motech sportbike luggage Blaze saddlebags

It took about 45 minutes to install the mounts, and the bags are easy to put on. SW-Motech recommends installing the bags while empty and ensuring that the Velcro strap is in place before attaching the bags to the mounting arms to avoid bending or breaking the arms.

The semi-rigid saddlebags are made of 1680-denier ballistic nylon and include waterproof inner bags. They open lengthwise on the top, are easy to fill, and have the same luxurious zippers as the tankbag. Each bag is expandable to hold 15-20 liters and has a zippered outer pocket.

SW-Motech sportbike luggage Ninja 400

Overall, I was impressed with the quality of both the Pro City tankbag and the Blaze saddlebags. From the innovative design to the sturdy materials, zippers, and seams, these bags seem like they will last a lifetime. They add useful carrying capacity to a sportbike in a way that doesn’t clash with the styling. Now my bike carries nicer bags than I do!

See all of Rider‘s luggage reviews here.

The post SW-Motech Pro and Blaze Sportbike Luggage | Gear Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com