KTM 360exc Motorcycles in Moscow, page #15

Moto blog

Dainese Reveals D-Air Racing Thorax

Dainese has revealed a new version of its airbag protection system for racers that adds protection to a rider’s chest named the D-Air Thorax. Like the D-Air Street, the Thorax uses an airbag that inflates upon a collision to protect the collarbone and torso, but has a more ergonomic design to suit a racer’s compact riding posture. The shoulder protection has also changed from the original D-Air Racing design, covering more of the shoulders’ sides as well as the collarbone area.

Enduro Legend Juha Salminen Announces Retirement

Finnish racer Juha Salminen announced his retirement from racing at the end of the 2013 World Enduro Championship, capping off a career that included 13 world championships and a record 96 World Enduro Championship wins. Only the great Giacomo Agostini holds more individual motorcycle racing world titles than Salminen with 15. “Enduro as a sport has given me a lot, but now it is time to move on to new challenges.

2014 KTM Freeride 250R – Two-Stroke Power in a 204-Pound Package

Back in 2011, KTM introduced a new entry-level off-road model called the Freeride 350 with an astounding light claimed weight of just 218 pounds. Three years later, the Austrian has followed it up with a new 249cc two-stroke version claiming an even lighter 204 pounds. The new Freeride 250R becomes the third member of KTM’s Freeride family alongside the 350 and the electric Freeride E.

KTM Reports Q2 2013 Sales Results

KTM reported sales of 52,054 motorcycles over the first six months of 2013, a 26.3% increase from the 41,202 motorcycles sold in the same period of 2012. Streetbike sales were particularly strong, with KTM selling 27,752 motorcycles, a 28.4% improvement form 21,610 motorcycles. KTM credits the increase to strong sales for the 125 Duke and 200 Duke produced with Indian partner Bajaj which accounted for 3,392 motorcycles.

Bodachs on bikes

With the Gaelic for ‘old man’ being Bodach it was only right we call our annual has been Scottish Racers run out 'Bodachs on Bikes'.  The gang now includes names from the past like Morrison, MacPherson, Simpson and Duffus with a Robert Burns and Big Gordo thrown in for good measure. Island hopping was on the agenda this time round, so for £60 we acquired a Caledonian Macbrayne Hopscotch ticket allowing us three ferry crossings between the mainland, Skye and Lewis.  Having heard lots of good stuff about the new KTM 1190 Adventure I thought this could be the perfect bike for the journey so managed to book Loughborough’s Redline KTM’s demo out for a week.  My first stint was an uneventful 400 miles north but with an average of 250 miles range per tank and 80s club classics on the i pod it felt like I was there in no time.  I also kept myself amused scrolling through the easy to navigate countless combinations of engine performance, traction/anti wheelie and suspension settings clearly displayed on the dash.  There seems to be a setting for everyone; luggage or no luggage, big guy or small guy, brave or scared ( no rider aids or full rider aids).  After assembling in the holiday town of Helensburgh on day two, we rode up around the coast on the A82, A85 and A828 to Ballachulish.  A quick puddle jump across Loch Linnhe then saw us heading round the A861 to Strontian before going north to Mallaig.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days A Rousing Success

AMA members and motorcyclists from across the country celebrated the people, machines and sport of motorcycling at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring the riders and champions of Husqvarna, over the July 19-21 weekend. The annual gathering of tens of thousands of motorcycling enthusiasts participated in vintage racing, took in numerous bike shows, met their motorcycling heroes, purchased vintage parts and motorcycles in the massive swap meet, spent time with old friends, and met new ones, all at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The AMA and the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, extend their appreciation to AMA members, racers, enthusiasts, collectors, restorers, fans, clubs, companies and others who supported the three-day celebration of motorcycling’s history and heroes.

See and Hear the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype at Goodwood Festival of Speed – Video

Last weekend, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R prototype made its public debut in action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Those of us who couldn’t make it over to England missed on out seeing and hearing the prototype in action along with other historic and exotic motorcycles and cars at the Goodwood House’s Hill Climb circuit. Well worry not, as KTM recorded the 1290 Super Duke R in action, with former MotoGP racer Jeremy McWilliams taking “the Beast” out for five laps.

The Power Of Sound Video Reveals Why Two Strokes Are Revered

Pre-mix. Reed valves. Expansion chambers.

KTM Announces RC390 Cup Racing Series, Production Model to Follow

KTM pulled the wraps off a new racebike to be used in a new spec racing series in 2014. The RC390 Cup will be used in the 2014 ADAC Junior Cup Powered by KTM, with a production version going to market in 2014. The RC390 Cup racebike was revealed during the MotoGP round at Germany’s Sachsenring circuit.

Talk About A Log Jam

The Red Bull Romaniacs enduro rallye in Sibiu, Romania is one of the most challenging events on the calendar. It must be, if this Enduro-Cross-style prologue to the four-day race is any indication. Here, we ride along with KTM Factory rider Johnny Walker (definitely one of the coolest names in motorsports) as he makes riding through balance beams, wall rides and a brutal tree stump pit look like child’s play, while the rest of the field wonders why they even bothered getting out of bed that morning.