Don Williams, Editor, Ultimate Motorcycling https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/don-williams/ Motorcycle Reviews, News on Motorcycles, Specs, Test & Race Results Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:49:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cropped-UMC_LOGO_512x512-140x140.jpg Don Williams, Editor, Ultimate Motorcycling https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/don-williams/ 32 32 2023 Kawasaki KLR650 S ABS Review [15 Fast Facts] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/22/2023-kawasaki-klr650-s-abs-review-15-fast-facts/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:57:04 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270882 When it was introduced in 1987, the Kawasaki KLR650 was an adventure bike before the category had been named. While it was considered a dual-sport motorcycle, it had a fairing and weighed quite a bit. Buyers were dual-sport fans attracted to the liquid-cooled DOHC motor and exploration-friendly six-gallon fuel tank. In 2008, the second-generation KLR650 […]

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]]> Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 Tires First Look https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/20/bridgestone-battlax-hypersport-s23-tires-first-look/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:42:12 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270820 Aimed at the most demanding sportbike riders who also want top performance on the road, including in the wet, the new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tire exceeds the performance of the S22 in all conditions. Bridgestone developed a new edge compound for the S23, with the goal of improved traction and extreme lean angles. At […]

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]]> 2024 KTM 350 XC-F Factory Edition First Look [9 Fast Facts] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/19/2024-ktm-350-xc-f-factory-edition-first-look-9-fast-facts/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 05:39:23 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270796 Featuring a wide range of upgrades, the 2024 KTM 350 XC-F Factory Edition features technical, protective, and cosmetic upgrades to intimidate opponents on the starting line at cross-country races. The Factory Edition starts with the standard KTM 350 XC-F platform—featuring WP Xact suspension and the DOHC mill—and builds from there. Here’s what you get when […]

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]]> 2024 Ducati Multistrada V4 Grand Tour First Look [Fast Facts] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/16/2024-ducati-multistrada-v4-grand-tour-first-look-fast-facts/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:20:32 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270726 Adventure motorcycles have a not-so-secret identity—sport-tourers. With the 2024 Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour, the Bologna-based brand embraces the sightseeing aspect. Rather than focusing on off-road capabilities, the Grand Tour is configured to live up to its mileage-gobbling name. Rather than being a new-from-the-ground-up motorcycling, the Grand Tour has the Multistrada V4 S as […]

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]]> Elvis x Triumph x Gibson = Custom Bonneville and Treasure Hunt https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/14/elvis-x-triumph-x-gibson-custom-bonneville-and-treasure-hunt/ Sun, 15 Oct 2023 00:33:23 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270651 There are plenty of intersection points between rock ’n’ roll and motorcycles. One of the most storied is Elvis Presley’s love for motorcycles, including British-built Triumphs. In 1968, you could see Elvis riding a desert sled Triumph 650 Bonneville in Stay Away Joe on the big screen. However, Elvis was already a fan of the […]

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]]> 2024 Moto Morini Calibro First Look [A Historic Brand Returns] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/11/2024-moto-morini-calibro-first-look-a-historic-brand-returns/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 05:31:21 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270581 Founded in Bologna in 1937, Moto Morini has never caught on in the United States, despite the Italian marque having a storied history in its home country—MotoGP Legend Giacomo Agostini started his record-breaking racing career on a Moto Morini Settebello in 1961. After a long succession of ownership changes, beginning with the brand’s sale to […]

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]]> Honda E-Clutch First Look with Video [Affordably Automatic] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/10/honda-e-clutch-first-look-with-video-affordably-automatic/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 02:08:51 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270577 Recognizing that learning to operate a manual clutch is a barrier to motorcycle ownership, Honda has long worked on various solutions to eliminate the necessity of controlling the clutch by hand. Since 1958, the Honda Super Cub and other small displacement Honda motorcycles have used automatic centrifugal clutches, which are functional, though far from smooth. […]

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]]> 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Touring First Look [Fast Facts + Photos] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/09/2024-suzuki-v-strom-800-touring-first-look-fast-facts-photos/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 01:42:14 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270555 A few days ago, we told you about the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800—a more pavement version of the V-Strom 800DE we tested last year. As it turns out, the new V-Strom 800 has a travel-friendly sibling—the 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 Touring. We went into great detail about the difference between the new V-Strom 800 and […]

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]]> 2023 Motocross of Nations Results, Video [France Dominates] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/08/2023-motocross-of-nations-results-video/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:44:39 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270550 France dominated the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, with Maxime Renaux taking the Open class win and Tom Vialle finishing as the top MX2 rider. Romain Febvre contributed a first moto win (MXGP/MX2) in the MXGP class at the Moto Club Ernée circuit in western France, 60 miles from Le Mans. With just […]

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]]> 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports First Look https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/07/2024-honda-crf1100l-africa-twin-adventure-sports-first-look/ Sun, 08 Oct 2023 05:34:20 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270544 The Africa Twin Adventure Sports lineup just got more streetwise, at least in Europe, with the release of the 2024 edition. The big news is that the 21-inch front wheel is replaced by a 19-inch hoop—yes, the ADV motorcycle still gets wire-spoke wheels—and semi-active suspension is now standard. There are two versions of the 2024 […]

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]]> 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 First Look [7 Fast Facts For The Street] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/06/2024-suzuki-v-strom-800-first-look-7-fast-facts-for-the-street/ Sat, 07 Oct 2023 06:30:44 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270530 In the wake of the success of the all-new off-road-ready Suzuki V-Strom 800DE last year comes the more street-focused 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800. We tested the 800DE extensively, so let’s take a look at what Suzuki engineers changed when they removed the DE designation. The 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800 has street-oriented wheels. A 19-inch front […]

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]]> 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin First Look [10 Euro Fast Facts] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/05/2024-honda-crf1100l-africa-twin-first-look-10-euro-fast-facts/ Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:19:02 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270509 The European version of the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin enjoys many updates this year, with Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERA) semi-active suspension leading the way as a new option. We have plenty more to share with you, along with a hint that you might see this in America sooner rather than later. […]

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]]> 2024 Husqvarna EE 2 First Look [7 Fast Facts, 27 Photos] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/05/2024-husqvarna-ee-2-first-look-7-fast-facts-27-photos/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 08:45:03 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270449 Just in time for Christmas, the 2024 Husqvarna EE 2 electric dirt bike for kids debuts. Although the smallest of Husqvarna’s dirt bike lineup, it has big-kid features for brand-new riders and their parents. Let’s look at why this motorcycle might be under a tree in late December. The electric motor is in the hub […]

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]]> 2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1 First Look [13 Fast Facts, 36 Photos] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/04/2024-kawasaki-ninja-e-1-first-look-13-fast-facts-36-photos/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:46:40 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270420 The Ninja goes electric, but it’s not what you probably think it is. Rather than being a blisteringly fast sportbike with unlimited low-rpm torque and razor-sharp handling, the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1 is a motorcycle firmly entrenched in the urban mobility segment. With a list price of $7599 and supersport styling, this battery-powered Ninja allows […]

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]]> 2024 AMA Supercross, Motocross, and SuperMotocross Numbers https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/04/2024-ama-supercross-motocross-and-supermotocross-numbers/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 08:22:39 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270373 The 2024 AMA Supercross, Motocross, and Supercross Rider Numbers have been determined, with most riders outside the top third changing numbers for the coming series. There are three new career numbers for 2024: Chase Sexton (#4), Haiden Deegan (#38), and Levi Kitchen (#47). Four long-running top 30 numbers became available due to retirement. You’ll see […]

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]]> 2024 Kawasaki Z e-1 First Look [12 Fast Fact, 33 Photos] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/03/2024-kawasaki-z-e-1-first-look-12-fast-fact-33-photos/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:29:11 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270371 The all-new battery-powered 2024 Kawasaki Z e-1 ABS is an electric motorcycle designed for urban mobility. While it has upright sportbike styling, its capabilities more closely match a scooter. With that in mind, let’s see what this new motorcycle is all about—there is a lot to learn. The claimed range of the 2024 Kawasaki Z […]

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]]> 2024 Kawasaki Z650RS First Look [New Traction Control] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/03/2024-kawasaki-z650rs-first-look-new-traction-control/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:39:16 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270311 The 2024 Kawasaki Z650RS retro-styled sportbike gets traction control this year. As we have seen previously on other Kawasaki 650 twins, the Z650RS’s traction control is adjustable. Two levels of TC are available—Mode 1 for standard riding and Mode 2 for low traction conditions. If you don’t want this assistance, Kawasaki lets you shut it […]

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]]> 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE First Look [9 Fast Facts] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/03/2024-triumph-scrambler-1200-xe-first-look-9-fast-facts/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:03:19 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270293 The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is back for 2024, and with the new year comes several significant changes. The most welcome update is the price. The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE has an MSRP that is $900 lower than last year. Let’s find out how Triumph got the off-road-focused XE price down to $15,295. The […]

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]]> 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X First Look [11 Fast Facts] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/03/2024-triumph-scrambler-1200-x-first-look-11-fast-facts/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:01:51 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270268 With the goals of lowering the price, making the chassis more inviting, and enhancing street performance, Triumph reconfigured the Scrambler 1200 XC, resulting in the new 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X. The new X has a price tag $1150 lower than the XC, the seat height has been dropped 0.9 inches, and there’s a new […]

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]]> Anti Social Social Club x Alpinestars x Jorge Martín Apparel Debuts https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/02/anti-social-social-club-x-alpinestars-x-jorge-martin-apparel-debuts/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 01:52:36 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270258 While you were watching Jorge Martín sweep the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, scoring the pole, a Sprint win, and a GP victory, you might have noticed that he was wearing some stylish Alpinestars gear. Martín’s helmet, leathers, gloves, and boots result from a collaboration between Alpinestars and the street-wise Anti Social Social Club founded by […]

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]]> Buster + Punch Chopper Chair First Look [Motorcycle Inspired] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/10/01/buster-punch-chopper-chair-first-look-motorcycle-inspired/ Sun, 01 Oct 2023 08:05:24 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270211 Motorcycles and furniture have been deeply entwined since the first motorized two-wheeled vehicle rolled down the road. With the notable exception of modern observed trials bikes, every motorcycle has a seat. Like motorcycles, chairs are industrial art—they serve a function, yet style is essential. That reality was not lost on Marcello Minale, who designed the […]

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]]> 2024 Pro Motocross Schedule [AMA Nationals Calendar] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/09/28/2024-pro-motocross-schedule-ama-nationals-calendar/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 02:43:39 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270145 If the 2024 Pro Motocross Schedule looks familiar, it’s because the calendar is nearly identical to last year. Other than Sunday being two days earlier in leap year 2024, the only change is swapping the order of the Southwick and RedBud Nationals. This was done to keep the RedBud National close to Independence Day, as […]

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]]> 2024 MotoGP Calendar [Schedule First Look, 7 Fast Facts] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/09/28/2024-motogp-calendar-schedule-first-look-7-fast-facts/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 01:27:07 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270140 The 2024 MotoGP calendar is here, with several changes from last year. We’ll tell you what you need to know. The 22-round 2024 MotoGP series returns to Qatar for the opening round. Also, the start of the season is moved up to early March. The first four rounds are on four different continents: Asia (Qatar), […]

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]]> 2024 BMW R 1300 GS First Look [20 Fast Facts + 30 Photos] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/09/28/2024-bmw-r-1300-gs-first-look-20-fast-facts-30-photos/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:01:16 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270135 The flagship GS gets a complete makeover this year, with the sleek, new 2024 BMW R 1300 GS bearing only a faint resemblance to the beefy big-bore GSes of the past. It’s genuinely all-new from top-to-bottom and front-to-back, so find a comfortable seat. These may be Fast Facts, but there are plenty of them. While […]

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]]> 2024 Suzuki Katana First Look [8 Limited-Edition Fast Facts] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/09/26/2024-suzuki-katana-first-look-8-limited-edition-fast-facts/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 01:47:32 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270062 The 2024 Suzuki Katana will be a limited-run edition, and it has a few features that make it unique beyond its smaller production numbers. Let’s take a closer look. There are new throttle bodies on the 2024 Katana. They are ride-by-wire, and Suzuki claims an increase in low-rpm to midrange torque production. With the ride-by-wire […]

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