Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Yamaha MT-10 SP Project Bike - Update 1

Everythings installed and initial impressions. It’s been about a month since we introduced Motorcycle.com’s 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP semi-long-term project bike. In case you forgot the premise of this whole thing, Yamaha offered us the opportunity to hang on to an MT-10 SP for an extended period of time, and since I have a soft spot for the bike, I decided to give it some tasteful upgrades to address some key weaknesses while also unleashing some trapped potential.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Review - First Ride

Riding Royal Enfield's cruisers through the Indian countryside Credit: Photos by Royal Enfield/Jason Critchell & Chippy Wood Five years on from the 2018 launch of its first ever twin-cylinder models to be made in India, since when over 400,000 examples of the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 have been sold around the world, Royal Enfield has now added the first of a much-anticipated series of spinoff models to its range. Join the Royal Enfield Forum Unveiled at last November’s EICMA Milan Show and already in production at RE’s Chennai plant for global deliveries to commence in March, the Super Meteor 650 is available in two versions targeting different slices of the middleweight cruiser market. Named after Royal Enfield’s first 100mph model launched back in 1955, a 700cc breakthrough bike marketed as a go-anywhere mile-eater which was available for the first time from any manufacturer with its own array of optional touring equipment, these are both powered by the same air/oil-cooled eight-valve 648cc parallel-twin engine with central chain-driven SOHC equipping the Interceptor and Continental GT.

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Certified by EPA

Upgraded Norden variant expected Feb. 1 Photos by Rudi Schedl When the Husqvarna Norden 901 entered the market for 2022, one of the first things we asked was when we would see a more adventure-focused version. That is, after all, the modus operandi for Husqvarna’s sister brand, KTM, which gave the 890 Adventure an upscaled R version.

What We Know About the 2023 Harley-Davidson X350 and X350RA

Streetbike for Asia and a Riding Academy bike for the US Harley-Davidson held its big 120th anniversary reveal last week, and for the most part, the announcement included the bikes we expected, such as the Nightster Special, and the return of the Breakout with a Milwaukee-Eight 117ci engine. What we also expected to come for 2023 but was not included in the announcement were the X350 and X350RA. Still, despite not being part of the big Jan.

Church of MO: 2003 Best of the Best

By John Burns Now we need a good reason and a Master Plan: 20 years ago we just needed three cool motorcycles and an open invitation to California Speedway (which I hear just hosted its last trackday. RIP.) Earlier we’d already deduced the Kawasaki ZX-6R was the best 600, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 was the best 1000, and the Aprilia Mille R was the best Twin (and the one you most wish you’d embezzled). So why not compare them all to each other?

Friday Forum Foraging: 2001 Ducati ST4

Like we said, forums are an excellent place to search for a new-to-you used motorcycle. Or car. Or whatever.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Receives CARB Approval

Will we see the four-cylinder ZX400 on Feb. 1? The California Air Resources Board has issued an executive order for Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R, clearing the way for the long-rumored sportbike to be sold in the state.

American Honda to Introduce XR150L and CRF300LS for 2023

Two dual sport models receive EPA certification Honda is preparing to add two dual-sport models to it’s U.S. lineup: a CRF300LS and an XR150L. Both models were listed in the latest vehicle certification data released by the U.S.

Harley Celebrates Its 120th Birthday With Seven Anniversary Models - And A Few Surprises

Also, the Breakout is back and the Road Glide now comes in trike form. Harley-Davidson turns 120 this year, and to celebrate model year 2023, The Motor Company has turned to its once-every-five-year playbook and unveiled seven limited-edition models to commemorate the occasion. Say hello to the: Ultra Limited Anniversary Tri Glide Ultra Anniversary Street Glide Special Anniversary (Black Trim) Road Glide Special Anniversary (Black Trim) Fat Boy 114 Anniversary Heritage Classic 114 Anniversary (Chrome Trim) CVO Road Glide Limited But that’s not all; for ’23, Harley is also gracing us with a few more models: the return of the Breakout, the Road Glide 3 Trike, the Nightster Special, and a restyled Freewheeler.

2022 BMW K1600 GT Christmas Chiseler Tour

Its not easy being a cheapskate on a $25,000 motorcycle Chrissy Rogers and I were toying with the idea of a pre-Christmas blast up the Pacific coast to Hearst Castle for a few days while business was slow, since the weather was an impeccable partly cloudy and 60-ish degrees. That or maybe the Ruta de Vino down Mexico way? Maybe hop in the new-to-me 23-year old Jaguar?

Kawasaki USA to Announce Two Models on Feb. 1

Will the Ninja ZX-4R finally arrive? Kawasaki USA and Canada are teasing the launch of two new motorcycles for Feb. 1, and though we don’t 100% know what they are, we can make some educated guesses.

2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Aragon Edition Models Certified in Australia

Special edition versions of the GT Pro and Rally Pro Triumph is preparing to add a pair of special edition Tiger 900 models for 2023, according to updated vehicle certification data from Australia. Available for both the road-going Tiger 900 GT and the more off-road equipped Tiger 900 Rally, the special edition models are likely in recognition of Iván Cervantes’ victory for Triumph in the 2022 Baja Aragón last July. Australian homologation data for the Tiger 900 models was updated just before Christmas, adding two new variants: Tiger 900 GT Aragon Edition and Tiger 900 Rally Aragon Edition.

2023 Harley-Davidson Lineup to Include Breakout 117, X350RA, and Electra Glide Highway King

All will be revealed Jan. 18 We’re just a few days into the new year, and Harley-Davidson has already started shipping 2023 models to dealerships. These are mainly carry-over models, returning for 2023 with new colors, which should prepare dealers ahead of Harley-Davidson’s launch event on Jan.

Church of MO: Honda Pacific Coast 800 First Impression

Now that it’s 2023, that means 1998 was 25 years ago and the Honda PC800, in its last year of production, is thus fair game for this week’s sacred Church of MO. The more all these years pile up, the more some of us dig practical devices like scooters. So why not a big scooter like this one?

2023 BMW S1000RR Review - First Ride

Bavarian Bullet Credit: Photos by BMW Motorrad/Markus Jahn and Jörg Künstle It scarcely seems possible that BMW Motorrad’s lineup-leading S1000RR sportbike actually made its official public debut a whole decade and a half ago in April 2008, with deliveries beginning the following year. Even though 15 years is a long time, especially in the Superbike arena, where serious players like BeeEm, as well as Ducati, Aprilia, and the Japanese, don’t stint on investing in fast-moving high-end technical R&D in pursuit of engineering excellence, the German brand’s first-ever customer motorcycle with a transverse-mounted four-cylinder has maintained its leading edge reputation for both mechanical and electronic innovation ever since then, and the newly introduced latest version is no exception. This is because, for the coming 2023 model year, BMW has essentially uprated its existing volume production version of the bike by transplanting a good chunk of the array of technical upgrades available until now only to around 1,200 well-heeled or well-sponsored users of the M1000RR, the uber-expensive, uber-performing version of BMW’s street-legal superbike that’s been on sale for the past two years, essentially as a homologation special for Superbike racing.

Leaked: 2023 Harley-Davidson Touring, CVO and 120th Anniversary Models

FLHFB Electra Glide may be 2023's Icon model Earlier this week, we uncovered Australian certification documents revealing a new Nightster S model and Harley-Davidson‘s 2023 Softail lineup including 120th anniversary Fat Boy 114 and Heritage Classic 114 models. As we predicted, a similar document certifying Harley-Davidson’s 2023 touring models has now been released in Australia, confirming the models returning, as well as the Anniversary Edition Touring models, plus one possible addition to Harley’s Icon collection. 120th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Softail Models Leaked Returning for 2023, at least for the Australian market, are the Road Glide Special, Road Glide ST, Street Glide Special, Street Glide ST, Road King Special, and Ultra Limited.

120th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Softail Models Leaked

Fat Boy 114 and Heritage Classic 114 getting 120th Anniversary Editions Harley-Davidson turns 120 next year, which naturally means we’re getting some special Anniversary Edition models. Thanks to new vehicle certification data from Australia, we can confirm that the Heritage Classic 114 and the Fat Boy 114 will be receiving 120th Anniversary Editions. The Australian certification for Harley-Davidson’s Softail models was updated today, adding mentions of two new model codes: “FLFBSANV,” and “FLHCSANV,” both with vehicle identification number codes that indicate 2023 models.

Leaked: 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster S Revealed

RH975S model designation certified in Australia The Harley-Davidson Nightster is getting a new “S” variant for 2023. The news comes to us via certification documents from Australia that confirm the new model along with two images of the Nightster S. The Australian filing provides data on Harley-Davidson’s Revolution Max models including the Nightster (RH975), Sportster S (RH1250S), and Pan America 1250 Special (RA1250S).

Introducing Motorcycle.com's 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP Semi Long Term Bike

Tasteful mods and curvy miles are in store. Credit: Photos by Joseph Agustin (Lead Photo) Long-term test bikes aren’t something we normally do here at Motorcycle.com, but when Yamaha’s PR guy Gerrad Capley said I could take the MT-10 SP home after the press intro, it was an offer that was hard to resist. When I asked him how long I could have it, he basically shrugged his shoulders and winked.

Church of MO: 2012 BMW G650GS Sertao Review

To tell you the truth, in all the excitement, I don’t remember if I ever rode a 2012 BMW G650GS Sertao or not? Most of BMW’s attempts at middleweight adventure have been forgettable that way. But the Sertao actually comes off pretty okay in Pete’s review.

2023 BMW M 1000 R Review - First Ride

Excessive excellence Credit: Photos by BMW Motorrad/Markus Jahn and Jörg Künstle Nothing succeeds like excess – and by concocting the 2023 M 1000 R (or “MR” as they’d like us to call it), BMW is doing its best to confirm the truth of that axiom in a two-wheeled context. How else to characterize a Naked-as-Nature straight-Four hotrod with upright handlebar and no screen, which has a 14,600 rpm redline and produces a claimed 206.5 hp at 13,750rpm, with claimed peak torque of 83.3 lb-ft at 11,000rpm, that has a homologated/proven top speed of 174 mph and weighs just 438.7 lbs with all liquids, including a full 4.4-gallon tank of fuel? Consider that just a decade ago the factory S1000RR Superbike racer which BMW’s works riders Troy Corser and Leon Haslam raced in the 2011 WSBK series produced 216 bhp at 14,900 rpm, and it’s clear that the new MR super-roadster is a statement of intent that can’t be ignored.

2023 BMW R NineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years Editions First Look

A hundred years of BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad is commemorating its 100th anniversary with the release of Special Heritage editions of the R nineT and R18. BMW will produce 1,923 units of each model, recognizing the debut of the brand’s first motorcycle, the R 32, in September 1923 at the German Motor Show in Berlin. Both models come with a number of chrome and Option 719 parts, including some milled pieces and several paint-on-chrome surfaces.

2023 Kawasaki KLX230 S Review - First Ride

Reducing the seat height without lowering expectations Credit: Photos by Kevin Wing Entry level dual-sport has for a very long time existed in the void between categories, particularly when you consider folks who are shorter in the inseam. We all need to start somewhere, but for most who did not grow up riding, or maybe started exclusively on street motorcycles, the reality is that the entry-level engine size is often combined with the inability to comfortably touch the ground at a stop. That’s enough to deter all but the most stubborn of vertically challenged riders.

2023 KTM 890 Adventure Review - First Ride

You don't need an R to get down in the dirt Credit: Photos by Francesc Montero and Sebas Romero | Videos by L. Piffaretti and E. Girotti Portugal is a great place to visit for a number of reasons, but it’s particularly accommodating for those who do it in the dirt.

Honda Reveals First Look of Electric Motorcycle – With a Parade Float

134th Rose Parade takes place January 2, 2023 It’s been a couple of months since Honda outlined its electric motorcycle plans, which included a mix of mopeds, scooters and three large-sized “Fun EVs” destined for North America by 2024 and 2025. The initial announcement included a teaser image of two motorcycles and a scooter. Today, Honda released another glimpse of a future electric motorcycle in, of all places, a rendering of its float for the 2023 Rose Parade.

Old Dog, New Tricks: Tackling The LA-Barstow To Vegas Dual-Sport Ride

Joining the 39th running of the famed event on a Ducati DesertX and a Kawasaki KLX300 Credit: Photos by Cait Maher, Evans Brasfield, Grumpy, and Ryan Adams Let’s be honest, dual-sport motorcycles aren’t really designed for touring, despite my best efforts ( here and here). The bikes are merely street-legal dirt bikes without much accommodation for creature comfort. So, spending 220-ish miles flat in the saddle from Las Vegas, NV to Palmdale, CA, mostly on Interstate 15, is a platform for cataloging discomforts, and after riding approximately 360 miles, mostly off road over the two previous days, my aches-and-pains were legion.

Old Dog, New Tricks: Tackling The LA-Barstow To Vegas Dual-Sport Ride

Joining the 39th running of the famed event on a Ducati DesertX and a Kawasaki KLX300 Credit: Photos by Cait Maher, Evans Brasfield, Grumpy, and Ryan Adams Let’s be honest, dual-sport motorcycles aren’t really designed for touring, despite my best efforts ( here and here). The bikes are merely street-legal dirt bikes without much accommodation for creature comfort. So, spending 220-ish miles flat in the saddle from Las Vegas, NV to Palmdale, CA, mostly on Interstate 15, is a platform for cataloging discomforts, and after riding approximately 360 miles, mostly off road over the two previous days, my aches-and-pains were legion.

BMW R12 Trademark May Be for an R NineT Successor

BMW Motorrad to mark 100th anniversary in 2023 Earlier this year, reports emerged that BMW had filed trademark applications for “R12”, with many predicting the name would be used on a new cruiser. The logic made sense, as the naming structure was similar to the R18, and BMW lacked a cruiser model in the 1200-ish range. We were a little less bullish on that theory at the time, and we suspected there was more to the story.

MV Agusta Owner Timur Sardarov Interview

Russian Reset Credit: Photos by AC Archives It was the talk of last week’s 2022 EICMA Show: MV Agusta, Italy’s most prestigious and historic manufacturer, winner to date of 270 Grand Prix races, 38 World Riders’ Championships, and 37 World Constructors’ Championships, had supposedly been acquired by KTM. Stefan Pierer, the most powerful man in European motorcycling, had captured his most iconic trophy brand yet, to add to his roster of Euro-marques including KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas. Indeed, according to one supposedly authoritative source, he’d be sealing the takeover deal with MV’s current owner, Russian entrepreneur Timur Sardarov, on the Thursday before the Valencia GP, November 3.

2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP Review - First Ride

The MT-10 steps it up with some help from Öhlins. Credit: Photos by Joseph Agustin | Videos by Ray Gouger, Justin Brayton Let the record show that, despite my best efforts, Yamaha’s MT-10 was not included in either the street or track portions of our mega seven-way open-class naked bike shootouts last year. I fought for its inclusion but was ultimately denied by the Bossman who wrote it off by saying our field was big enough and it wasn’t going to win anyway.