I’ll be honest; the reason you’re seeing this 1995 road test of the BMW R1100RS is largely because I’m surprised our servers haven’t lost this story from MO’s very early days. Motorcycle.com was only a year old when this test debuted. It’s fun reading through these irreverent days of the site combined with the motorcycles of the era. It’s interesting to note how the OG’s of MO were dealing with some of the same issues we deal with today: accepting emissions compromises while equally bemoaning how much they sap performance. Then there are the usual BMW quirks which seemingly haven’t changed. Speaking of not changing, check out that Aerostich suit!

Road Test: 1995 BMW R1100RS

Blue Beemer on the Backroads

The BMW line of boxer motors — two-cylinder engines where the pistons swing back and forth like a boxer’s fists — goes back more than 70 years now, an unbreakable BMW tradition. It wasn’t meant to be that way: The Bavarian Motor Works would have been happy for the boxers to just fade away, like old boxers do, in a series of inarticulate grunts leaving the memories of fights fought and punches taken. Then the BMW motorcycle line could all be based on the three- and four-cylinder K-bikes, which use so much automotive technology as to be functionally identical with BMW’s bigger car engines.

But the boxers wouldn’t die without a fight. Though the old air-cooled two-valve motors are gone now, the R series continues, one cylinder sticking out each side, albeit with vastly improved power and a veritable tour de force of technology. With more than a nod to the automotive side of BMW’s business, the Bavarian firm equipped the new boxer family with the most advanced running gear in the business: Second generation ABS brakes, catalytic converter and fuel injection means that BMW’s engines are in the forefront of new motorcycle technology.

Improved power and better environmental protection are products of this new technology, and the RS is the hot rod of the twin-cylinder range with a claimed 90hp available. Riders with a big enough credit rating to buy one of these $14,000 (with ABS) motorcycles are also hoping that BMW’s legendary reliability and durability are also along for the ride. The RS shares the same “frameless” construction as the R1100R (previously reviewed in Motorcycle Online), with an engine tuned for more top-end power than the naked bike, at the expense of a little midrange. The 1085cc engine is used as the frame, and the front and rear suspension attach to it via a front Telelever wishbone and rear single-sided Paralever swinging arm.

American Honda officially announced the XR150L dual-sport for the U.S., alongside the returning Navi and an expanded CRF300L lineup that now includes a new low-seat height variant.

We’ve known the XR150L and the low-seat CRF300LS were on the way, after the two dual sports were included on a list of motorcycles certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both models add to Honda’s burgeoning small-displacement on- and off-road models, alongside the CRF300L and CRF300L Rally. Together with its miniMOTO lineup, which includes the Navi, Honda now offers nine street-legal motorcycles with engines displacing less than 286cc.

2023 Honda XR150L

We’ve already discussed the XR150L when it was announced by Honda Canada, so by now we are well versed on what to expect. The XR150L was previously offered in markets like Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand where it was presented as an agricultural model.

For the U.S., Honda positions the XR150L as an entry-level dual sport, or as a secondary bike for more experienced riders, camping, or around-town transportation. With an MSRP of $2,971, the XR150L offers pretty good value for these purposes, coming in significantly more affordable than the likes of a Yamaha TW200, or a Kawasaki KLX230 (albeit with a less powerful engine.)

For the previous week, I’d anxiously checked the weather reports for updates. Sandwiched in between swaths of little sun icons were two little black clouds spewing raindrops. Naturally, those were the scheduled dates for the US press to ride the 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R and RS on the Andalusian backroads and the famed Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto in southern Spain. 

2020 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS Review – First Ride

2017 Triumph Street Triple RS Review: First Ride

2013 Triumph Street Triple R Review

2012 Triumph Street Triple R Review

Kawasaki’s answer to the Suzuki Hayabusa, the ZX-14R was all about straight-line speed – up to 186 mph, or 300 kph – the speed all the Japanese manufacturers had a gentleman’s agreement on for a speed cap. Legendary in drag racing thanks to the likes of Ricky Gadson, the ZX-14 carved quite a niche for itself alongside the ‘Busa for being fast. Like the ‘Busa, the ZX-14 was also an underrated sport-touring bike, too. With some luggage on the back, many found the large ride to be comfortable, and even quite good, at chewing up big miles.

This brings us to our Friday find of the week. With only 2,714 miles on this 2009 ZX-14, chewing up miles doesn’t appear to be what this bike was used for – that comes out to about 200 miles per year! The good news is that, with so little miles on the clock, the bike still looks to be in pristine condition. The seller says it has lowering springs, so that should come out in favor of the stockers if sport-touring is your jam. It’s too bad this poor guy has to let the bike go due to age and injury, but at least he’s still willing to ride if a Gold Wing came along. For $9,000, this seems like a fair price for a virtually untouched motorcycle. See the ad below:

Second owner with 2,714 miles. Stock apart from the Muzzy’s rotor (I have the OEM rotor) installed by the original owner. I have the clear screen, seat hump, radiator guard, all black bodywork inserts if you don’t like green, owners manual, shop manual. It has a Shorai battery and I’ll include the charger. I also have a tail tidy and air filter, and lowering fork springs. I hurt my neck when I bought it and hoped physical therapy and time would make things better but my 62 year old body is not happy. I might trade for well maintained fuel injected Goldwing. I can send more pics if needed.

See the forum post here.

The post Friday Forum Foraging: 2009 Kawasaki ZX14 appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

Flying over the second largest island in the Mediterranean gives a view of rocky coastlines, lush greenery, small villages, and surprisingly stout topography with mountains stretching more than 6,000 ft. into the sky. Idyllic yet rugged, the isle of Sardinia boasts addictively serpentine asphalt and endlessly challenging off-road terrain. This is where we would get our first test of the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. An exciting new model for Suzuki, particularly due to its all-new powerplant, the 800DE carries on its shoulders both a legacy and an expectation of what a middleweight adventure bike should be in the modern era.

Editor Score: 85%

While Suzuki has made other iterations of the V-Strom engine – including a 248cc Parallel Twin-powered version – most of these featured a V-Twin engine configuration. The latest ‘Strom to come to market features an all-new 776cc Parallel Twin. With P-Twins powering some of the most popular ADV and naked bikes these days, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see Suzuki throwing its hat into the ring with this new mill. Suzuki says this latest V-Strom will be the most off-road capable yet. Considering the facts in our First Look article, I was eager to have a crack at it.

The breakdown

It seems fitting to start with the most intriguing component: the motor in this cycle. The new 776cc DOHC engine uses a 270-degree crank, 84mm by 70mm bore and stroke, and 12.8:1 compression ratio which Suzuki says translates to 84 hp at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm. A dual-counterbalancer system is used to quell vibrations. During our presentation, Suzuki admitted that this new engine design is slightly wider than the V-Twin configurations, but much shorter front to rear allowing the company more flexibility when designing a compact chassis to fit it in. 

As we expected, Husqvarna announced a new Norden 901 Expedition, adding a more adventure-capable model to its lineup. Equipped with longer-travel suspension and coming standard with a number of accessories such as waterproof luggage, the Norden 901 Expedition carries an MSRP of $15,799, a $1,300 premium over the regular Norden 901.

The engine remains the same 889 cc Parallel-Twin as the regular Norden 901, sharing the same DNA as the engine from its Pierer Mobility cousin, the KTM 890 Adventure. Peak performance figures are the same 103 hp at 8,000 rpm and 73.8 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm claimed by the regular Norden.

The electronics are also similar to the base model, with cornering ABS, cornering traction control, torque control, motor slip regulation, and cruise control as standard. The Norden 901’s three ride modes, Street, Offroad, and Rain, carry over, but the Expedition also gains the customizeable Explorer mode as standard.

The tubular chromium-molybdenum steel frame and steel trellis subframe are also unchanged, offering a balance between light weight and strength.

I love camping. I’ve been doing it my entire life. My family would camp numerous times per year for most of my childhood and as soon as my friends and I had our licenses, we were out in the woods or at a lake in the Midwest enjoying the great outdoors more weekends than not. Once motorcycles took a stranglehold on my life, it was only natural that the two would be intertwined. From solo camping during long motorcycle trips to pitching a tent closer to home with friends, there really aren’t too many things in life I enjoy more than moto-camping.

We’ve covered some of the motorcycle camping basics. Evans even brought us beyond the basics with a peek into some extra equipment to step up your camp game. One thing is for sure, not all campers think alike. Some won’t be caught dead without their espresso maker in the morning while others feel a tent and sleeping bag is all you need. I’ve tried plenty of camping gear over the years, used numerous products on the hunt for the best, and overpacked my bikes in silly ways during moto-camping trips. I’ve managed to slim down my pack considerably since those first few trips, but there are still a few things I grab every time. These are my top 10 motorcycle camping essentials.

A Book

I enjoy reading books about travel while I’m traveling or camping. Reading Jupiter’s Travels while nestled into a hammock with nothing but the blue skies and rising redwoods in sight around you is a special treat too few have enjoyed. Recently, I’ve been on an Anthony Bourdain kick – RIP – and have brought his books with me during plenty of off-road camping trips to be read in the evening and mornings. Finding authors you can relate to while traveling and camping can add another layer of fun to enjoying their books. On a good camping trip, there should be some down time to enjoy your surroundings. Reading a good book outdoors, for me, is one of my favorite ways of doing so.

Shop for Jupiter’s Travels here

Indian pulled no punches and left no doubt when it came to the bike it had in its crosshairs when developing its latest model. Usually at press intros, we all know what other model(s) could be considered competition, but it’s very rare to have the host manufacturer come out and say it. They usually resist the urge to talk about their competitors by name – and especially won’t mention a specific competitor model – when hyping up their new product.  

Editor Score: 89.5%

Not Indian. Instead of beating around the bush, Indian reps made it perfectly clear which manufacturer and which model they were going after – the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S. Boom. Shots fired. Clearly, the Harley vs. Indian rivalry is showing no signs of slowing down.

2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Review – First Ride



Victory had enough staying power that I actually thought it was going to give The Motor Company something to worry about. With the might of Polaris behind it, that theory actually had a little weight to it. We all know how that turned out, though one can make the argument that the challenge is stronger than ever with Polaris resurrecting Indian.

Nevertheless, nipping at the heels of the Harley Softail in 2009 was the Victory Vegas 8-Ball. Coming at Harley with a cheaper price tag, its 100 cubic-inch V-Twin (of which the aesthetics I have always liked), and its stealth black treatment, the Vegas 8-Ball got a host of updates for 2009. Here, former E-i-C Kevin Duke takes one for a spin in and around the beaches of Daytona and tells us what it’s like to ride.

2009 Victory Vegas 8-Ball Review

A commuter-ized cruiser

Like many of our moto brothers, we often succumb to the power of bling. Bigger often seems better, so much so that we sometimes forget some of the appealing motorcycles that support a manufacturer’s flagships.

Case in point: the Victory Vegas 8-Ball. Cynics might say it’s simply a de-contented Vegas and therefore not worthy of consideration. However, this elitist attitude would overlook what is a very competent and stylish cruiser priced about $2,000 cheaper than a comparable Harley-Davidson Softail.

The Vegas 8-Ball first appeared in 2005, but it’s since had plenty of updates. Key among them is the addition of the powerful 100 cubic-inch engine which now produces a claimed 85 hp and 106 ft-lbs of torque. This mill got a host of enhancements in ’08, including larger 45mm throttle bodies as part of a new, sequential, closed-loop fuel-injection system.

Today’s Friday Forum Foraging post comes to you from New Salem Borough, Pennsylvania and the KTM forums, where we find this fine example of a 2019 KTM Super Duke R. Looking at the pictures alone, it seems like this owner has taken good care of his SDR. Having long been one of our favorite streetfighters, the Super Duke R is a thrill machine. Starting with its 1301cc V-Twin, the outrageous engine is anything but short for power. Coupled with a strong WP suspension and Brembo brake package, the SDR lives up to KTM’s Ready to Race mantra.

This example here has a modest 5200 miles on the clock, and we can only assume it was ridden responsibly by its 62-year-old owner. Garage kept and never abused, the maintenance list includes new tires, fresh oil, a new rear spring, and Andreani Misano fork cartridges. For the seller’s $15,000 asking price the bike also comes with an aftermarket seat, a different windscreen, a rear bag, a tank bag, and a Leo Vince slip-on exhaust.

If you’ve been looking for one, you’ll be getting your money’s worth with this SDR. See the posting below:

I’m selling my 2019 KTM SDR. The bike has 5200 miles most came from a few long-distance rides. I’m selling because I’m 62 and heading in a different direction. The bike has always been garage kept and very well maintained and never abused. . Bike has new tire, fresh oil change. I have installed a new rear spring for my weight (200lbs) and new Andreani Misiano fork Cartridges. Also put frame sliders and other guards. I installed a Powersport seat and Puig racing windshield and rear bag. Tank has a Givi ring for the quick lock Tang bag and I have a 2nd rear seat with a Givi ring mount to it for other luggage bags. I also have a Leo Vince Slip-on I used it for a mouth. I run the stock can because I like the quiet. I have all stock parts and a carbon fiber rear cowl seat cover and extra oil filters. Also just installed KTM heated grips. This bike looks and rides like new. Asking price is $15,000.00. If you have any questions or need more photos email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

See the forum post here.

If you are lucky, you have that one friend or neighbor who always seems to show up at your shop or garage door at the best possible times to offer help, advice, or even a spare part or two for your latest project. This guy or gal always seems to know the little tips or tricks that make the difference between a one-hour job and a four-day ordeal. With the advent of the internet, finding the right advice for your build should seemingly have gotten easier, but instead, you’re faced with a mountain of info you have to sift through to weed out the correct answers from the bad advice.

Denis Kirk started out as the helpful, knowledgeable friend who was a phone call or a few steps away, ready to give the right advice at the right time. But when the world went online, instead of being lost in the ether of potentially bad information, DK became the digital embodiment of the friendly neighborhood shade tree motorcycle mechanic, now only a click or two away, but still available by phone if that suits your style. But who is Dennis Kirk?

Dennis “Kirk” Frandsen sold the company named after him way back in 1977, but Dennis Kirk, the company, retains many of the values that Frandsen instilled in it when he founded it in 1969. The All American Snowmobile Parts Company began as a distributorship in Rush City, Minnesota, a town with just over a thousand residents at the time, before converting to nationwide mail-order catalog sales around 1973. The company grew, expanded their product offerings, and went online, as is necessary in the modern world. Today, the company is the largest online retailer of aftermarket motorcycle parts, accessories, and gear.

But between their small town beginnings and their current position as a world leader in motorcycle and powersports products, Dennis Kirk has remained in Rush City, population now about three thousand, and still retains the small town values of friendly, neighborly service and fair pricing. You can still call their offices in Rush City and speak to a real person there, order over the phone, or ask technical questions, and their customer service representatives and techs in Minnesota will work together to get the answers you need quickly.

It is certainly rare in today’s connected world to see a company that has grown and advanced so well into the digital age, but remains grounded to its small town American roots. With over 50 years in the business, they have the experience and expertise that allows them to find the right parts at the right price. They have built a modern, fully automated facility in Rush City that allows them to ship the same day if ordered before 8 pm Central, and they do what they can to stock as many of the 185,000 parts, accessories, and apparel they have available on site. Free shipping on orders over $89 is the icing on the cake.

KTM confirmed it will reveal a new 890 SMT model, adding a new supermoto-inspired middleweight sport-tourer to its 2023 lineup. Spy photos of a prototype popped up last October and again in January, and we now know the new SMT will be revealed on April 24.

The last model to bear the name was the 990 SMT, which was discontinued in 2013. After a whole decade, the SMT will return, presumably using the same engine that powers the 890 Adventure and 890 Duke.

A slightly over-the-top press release heralds the impending launch of the 890 SMT, emphasizing its role as a sport-touring alternative to adventure and naked motorcycles. The press release reads:

I’ve been searching for the perfect brown leather jacket for years. For some reason, this color appeals to me more than the classic black or multi-colored gear. However, to my eye, brown is a color that is difficult to get right. I’ve seen too many items with a burgundy tint that really doesn’t appeal to me. When I discovered the Alpinestars Caliber jacket, I knew I’d found the jacket I was looking for. 

MO (Crash) Tested: AGV Sport Element Vintage Jacket

MO Tested: Alpinestars Brera Airflow Jacket Review

Shop for the Alpinestars Caliber Jacket here

My requirements for this jacket were pretty simple: sporty styling that could be worn without looking like a racer boy off the bike, good protection in the elbows and shoulders, room for an airbag vest (which has become an essential part of my riding gear), and a tasteful brown that looks like it will age well. As is typical of Alpinestars gear, the main chassis of the jacket is constructed from 1.0 – 1.2 mm premium leather. While this makes the initial fit a little stiff, it loosens up after just a couple of rides, and I’m sure that in a few months of regular use the creases that mark a well-worn jacket will develop. In the sleeves, chest, and underarms, stretch panels assure both protection and the slim, comfortable fit I prefer in a motorcycle jacket. There’s no loose leather around my middle to flap on a naked bike, like is sometimes found in the more generous American cut of some jackets. Accordion leather on the waist and shoulders assist in this fit in this while still allowing room for my Tech-Air 5 to deploy in a mishap. 

Last month, we reported that Honda was preparing to bringing the XR150L dual sport to the U.S. market, introducing an air-cooled carbureted model marketed internationally as an agricultural vehicle to America. While we’re still waiting for a formal announcement form American Honda, it’s Canadian counterparts confirmed the XR150L will be arriving to North America.

Arriving in Canadian dealerships in the spring, the X150L adds a new, more affordable model to Honda Canada’s dual sport lineup. A similar announcement is expected to come soon from American Honda, as Honda Canada’s official website specifies the images are for the U.S.-spec model.

The XR150L may be pulling farming duties in Australia, but Honda Canada is positioning it as an entry-level dual sport.

Priced at CA$4,589, with freight, PDI and fees, which is about US$3,400. Price conversions between different markets can be tricky, but looking at comparably priced models can help. In Canada, the XR150L is priced just slightly lower than the Grom, which goes for $3,499 in the U.S., so a US$3,400 price sounds about right.

“The XL150L is an extremely important motorcycle for our product lineup, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Canada,” says Ryan Kelly, Assistant Vice President of Powersports and Power Equipment, Honda Canada. “Not only is this bike perfect for those purchasing their first motorcycle, but it’s a great option for those looking for an additional bike for themselves or their family. The XR150L gives riders a reliable, safe, low-cost and adventurous option for whatever their riding needs may be.”

In 2021, Buell claimed it would have 10 new models by 2024. While that seems highly unlikely as of today, we now have our first look at the latest offering from the American manufacturer, which was brought to life by none other than Roland Sands Design. The Buell Super Cruiser concept unveiled to the media in Long Beach, CA on February 10, combines existing Buell componentry, including the 1190SX’s motor, into an entirely bespoke chassis developed by RSD. Cruiser faithful will likely recognize the FXR-esque silhouette of the Super Cruiser, but the performance should surpass anything seen yet. Of course this is only a concept model, so when the Super Cruiser hits the production line, we’ll have a better idea of what to expect. 

It only took one sketch from Roland to Buell CEO, Bill Melvin, before Melvin said, “Build that one.” Explaining the build parameters, Sands recalls, “Bill said use all the Buell components you can because we have them.” “And the performance is kick ass,” interjected Melvin. Buell items used include the motor, swingarm, suspension, fork, perimeter brakes, wheels, handlebar controls, master cylinders, and electronics package (though these had not currently been tuned to work with the concept bike).

Sands and Melvin told us the bike weighs only 450 pounds wet, and the motor produces 180 horsepower. These numbers are certainly enticing, but one must expect the weight will increase in production trim. While the engine has existed for some time, Roland mentioned the Super Cruiser had not yet been on the dyno. Of course, there’s no denying that cramming an engine like that into a “club bike” chassis is going to make for one spicy sausage.