Alpinestars has released its Spring 2018 collection, which emphasizes lightweight and breathable gear as well as technical apparel. We are also now beginning to see more Tech-Air compatible garments for the street with a focus on touring jackets for use in all weather conditions. 

The 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 is one of those bikes that kind of flies in the face of conventional wisdom about what makes a great Adventure Touring motorcycle, and Triumph is perennially happy to thumb its nose at the competition.

A new off-road-capable version of the BMW F850GS has been spotted undergoing testing in Greece. As a replacement for the F800GS Adventure, the new model will likely debut this fall at Intermot or EICMA as the 2019 BMW F850GS Adventure.

Racer’s newest short-cuff glove is the Racer Sprint, a well-ventilated summer glove that should offer plenty of protection to keep your digits comfortable and safe. We received the Sprint glove mid-September of this year, and they have been my go-to hand protection ever since. Being that California has relatively warm temperatures, I have had no issue using these gloves during press launches, shootouts, and personal rides.

The Ducati Multistrada may look relatively unchanged compared to its outgoing predecessor, but the new 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 has its own host of upgrades that add to the already versatile package enjoyed by Ducati’s sport-tourer.

Klim has long been known in the adventure and snow segments as premium technical riding gear, and it has been the choice of moto-adventurers the world over. For 2018 it’s great to see Klim continuing to advance the functionality and technicality of its garments. Klim’s flagship model, the Badlands jacket and pant, has now been revised and revamped with even more real-world usability, upgraded armor developed with D3O, and higher-strength materials. Also, new going into 2018 is the women’s Artemis jacket which has been purpose-built with women in mind.

I can feel the hair raise on the back of my neck as a smile stretches across my face. The beautiful cacophonous uproar of 20 Ducati Multistradas sitting, waiting to dance their way up the ancient volcano we are standing on. Here we are on Gran Canaria for the introduction of the 2018 Ducati Multistrada and, to be honest, I don’t think the smile has left my face since.

A private school Latin teacher during the day, what does Chris “Teach” McNeil do when he’s not conjugating verbs or running a red pen through students’ tests? He’s absolutely riding the balls off of one of his BMWs. In this video, Elements, Teach shows us his interpretation of adventure riding while aboard an S1000XR.

WIth EICMA come and gone, we’re hyped about all the new 2018 models we get to test, but that doesn’t mean it’s too soon to start looking ahead to 2019 models. Case in point: while we eagerly await the press launch of the new 790 Duke, we are also excited about the upcoming KTM 790 Adventure.

BMW pulled the covers off two new mid-sized GS models, with a new 2018 F850GS and F750GS replacing the F800GS and F700GS. The new models were completely redesigned, with the F750GS as a more entry-level GS model and the F800GS for more advanced ADV riders.

Marking the 30th anniversary of the original XRV650 Africa Twin, Honda announced some updates to the CRF1000L Africa Twin for 2018, along with a new, more off-road capable version called the Honda CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

Kawasaki’s Versys-X 300 impressed us when we first rode it this spring, with John Burns reporting that it would be a good machine to “propagate your bigger adventures.” Then, after some time on it this summer, its versatility and affordability helped us decide to give it accolades as the Honorable Mention in our Best On/Off-Road Adventure motorcycle of 2017. To better put it to test, we assigned our newest editor, Brent Jaswinski, to load up the littlest Versys with camping gear and head out on the road for an adventure of his own. –Ed.

Honda released a single dimly-lit image teasing a new Africa Twin model to be revealed Nov. 6 at the 2017 EICMA show in Milan, Italy. The teaser affirms what we previously reported, that a new, more off-road capable Africa Twin is on the way.

The California Air Resources Board has issued an executive order certifying the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Previously announced at EICMA last year alongside the Super Adventure R and T, the S version was offered in other markets but did not join its siblings in the U.S. as 2017 models. The CARB certification suggests that will change for 2018.

A new, more adventure-focused version of the Honda Africa Twin may be on its way, offering more off-road capability and a larger fuel tank. The new model may make its debut in a couple of weeks at EICMA as a 2018 model. It will likely be based on the Africa Twin Adventure Sports Concept (pictured above) that was shown off in early 2016.

In those days, they had no need for copy editing, as the words flowed forth as freely as the wine and frozen Cheetos. And if MO posted one thing a week, it was doing fine. Why not let’s all ride to San Francisco for a week?  Yes, let’s – and post a 10,000-word story when we get back. Ahh, the good old days.
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Yes, we just included the new 2017 Ducati Multistrada 950 in a little three-bike comparison test last week, where it finished less than one percentage point away from the win. Since then, I’ve had the chance to spend more time on the bike in my native habitat, and I can now reconfirm how right I was in the first place! As usual. Mostly.

Here’s our weekly guide to the upcoming motorcycle events and rides that are happening over the next several weeks.

The “Best” bike in this category could be quite an elusive target. Who is asking? Is “best” the best bike in hardcore eastern Enduro settings? The best two-up on the interstate? Best at hitting some sweet jumps? Best at attacking a twisty mountain road?  You see, every observer is going to mix their pavement and dirt a little differently, so no single on-off-road capable bike could really be the best for everyone. Understanding that, the ultimate “BEST!” On-Off-Road/Adventure motorcycle available in 2017 is unquestionably the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R! (Your mileage may vary, void where inhabited by short people, consult a Dr. for erections lasting more than five or six years.)

Here’s our weekly guide to the upcoming motorcycle events and rides that are happening over the next several weeks.

Here’s our weekly guide to the upcoming motorcycle events and rides that are happening over the next several weeks.

Seldom do we feel removing electronics or features or power from a bike is a good thing. However, the KTM Adventure 1090 R makes that case, taking what was already a formidable off-road focused adventure bike a step further in the direction less traveled.

The adventure-bike market is one of the hottest segments in motorcycling, inspiring riders both new and old to seek adventures across horizons both near and far. BMW was the segment’s progenitor, debuting the oddball R80 G/S in 1980. That first G/S had a Boxer motor that displaced 798cc, just like the parallel-Twin F800GS introduced in 2008.

The Multistrada is getting a bigger engine for 2018, as the California Air Resources Board has released documents certifying a 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260.

Touring Europe on a motorcycle can be a trip of a lifetime, but how do you know where best to go? Well, here’s a thorough and easy to digest European motorcycle trip itinerary that will offer an unforgettable ride through five countries spanning two weeks. Many people wait for the perfect time in their lives to take a life-changing trip like the one below, but sometimes life gets in the way and it never happens. You may not have the time or you may not have the money. In my experience, sometimes you just have to go for it. Comparethemarket.com has compiled the hard part for you, bringing you one step closer to a trip never to be forgotten.

Blessed with beautiful weather year round, weekend mornings at the Rock Store of southern California can rival the best bike shows around the globe. Eclectic characters come out of the woodwork every weekend to enjoy riding through some of the tightest, twistiest, off-camber, up- and downhill roads motorcyclists dream of. Their owners are pretty interesting, too. It’s not uncommon to see Jay Leno on one of his bizarre and rare machines or other celebrity motorcyclists such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Matt LeBlanc or Laurence Fishburne.

BMW announced its initial batch of models returning for 2018 with new colors and optional equipment. We’ve already written about the two most notable changes, a new ex works customization program called BMW Motorrad Spezial for RnineT and touring models, plus a new optional Bluetooth-connected 6.5-inch TFT display for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure, called the “Connectivity Option.” Several models also receive Emergency Call feature, though this will only be available in Europe. The rest of the announcement includes cosmetic changes and revisions to BMW’s various optional packages

Yours truly was a big fan of the bigger ’Strom upon its redesign for 2014, and so was our man T. Roderick when he rode the new bike, but maybe to a lesser extent. It was hard to argue with Suzuki’s punched-out-to 1037cc tuned-for-torque L-Twin allied with the V-Strom 1000’s low-mass approach, and it still is.

Last week, we learned all about the considerable changes Suzuki made to the somewhat venerable V-Strom 650, now in its 17th year of production. Today, we answer the age-old question: What’s it like? The short answer is it’s a lot like it was but better. The long answer is:

The way our Suzuki rep ’splained it, is that it’s a 2018 model if it’s being produced in 2017. Go figure… anyway, the V-Strom 1000 was new in 2015. For 2018, it’s received a few significant upgrades to make it even more likeable, not to mention safer, including the addition of the new 1000XT version in the lead image.

Suzuki summoned the usual suspects to Lake Arrowhead, California, to show off the latest updates to its excellent ADV bikes. That’s the new V-Strom 650XT in the lead photo, distinguishable from the base model 650 by its wire-spoke tubeless wheels, yellow paint, hand guards and lower engine cowl/modesty panel. An aesthetic overhaul now makes it barely distinguishable from the big V-Strom 1000; know the 650 by its silver engine cases and lack of SUZUKI on the sides of its plush seat.

Father’s Day is looming on the horizon, and those of you who have motorcycle loving fathers are (hopefully) looking for a way to tell Dad how much you appreciate all he’s done for you and the family over the previous year. If he’s like most fathers, dad has probably avoided buying or doing things that he wanted to, just because the needs of the family outweighed his own desires. For families like that, you already know what to get him – just order that thing he decided not to get for himself. However, if Dad’s moto-needs are a mystery to you, take heart. We’ve put together a listing of stuff that’s bound to make your riding father quite happy. The prices range quite a bit here, so you’re sure to find something within the range of greenbacks contained in your wallet.

Honda currently offers two versions of the Africa Twin, one with a standard six-speed manual transmission and clutch, and the other with an innovative Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) that offers two auto-shift riding modes as well as a manual-shift mode. The DCT version retails for $13,999, or $700 more than the $13,299 standard Africa Twin.

Now fans of adventure bikes can benefit from Yamaha Champions Riding School.

It’s not often a reduction in engine displacement results in a superior motorcycle (bigger is better, right?), but that’s the case with KTM’s new 1090 Adventure R. Gone are the 1190 Adventure and Adventure R models and in their stead a new 1050cc R model that’s smaller in both bore and stroke (103mm/63mm vs. 105mm/69mm) equaling a 145cc reduction in displacement. Whatever the 1090 gives up in power production to the 1190 Adventure R it makes up for in lighter weight and better handling.

During the wet but not-too-cold Spring and Fall months a rider needs a lightweight suit that’ll keep him dry without overheating. Spidi’s Ventamax H2Out jacket fits the bill nicely, as does the company’s Thunder H2Out pants. Both have removable rain liners and removable body armor (some of which is optional), and both can be worn in a variety of riding situations and weather conditions. Pricing is marginally steeper than we’d like for this ensemble – better if the armor was included and not optional – but the apparel performs to its job parameters well, and both the jacket and pants are plucked from the MO closet often, proving their popularity.

EICMA and Intermot have come and gone and the question on most American consumers’ minds is which of the wonderful new models will be making their way to the U.S.? Today, Kawasaki answered their part of the question, confirming the ZX-10RR, Ninja 1000, Ninja 650, Z900, Z650 and the Versys-X 300 for the U.S. market.

This is the other concept bike Honda’s Rome R&D group presented at EICMA this year, alongside the CB1100TR. The Africa Twin Enduro Sport concept gets enhanced off-road ability thanks to lighter chassis parts snagged from Honda’s CRF racing models. The Enduro Sports concept, say the Romans, is designed to be “Queen of the Off-Road!”

Last year at EICMA we got our first glimpse of BMW’s smallest bike, the G310R. This year in Italy we see the roadster G310R get GS-ified, replete with mandatory beak nose, angular side panels and two-tone colorways that make it unmistakable as anything but a BMW adventure bike.

If GoPro Man’s video doesn’t make you want to immediately leave on an epic adventure, you’re dead inside. Riding an average of 144 miles per day, GoPro Man rode 3,318 miles in 23 days across the Himalayas. Had he contacted KTM beforehand, the trip may have been pro bono. What a great advertisement for KTM! You have to wonder, though, if GoPro Man edited out any content of him with an exhaust pipe full of water from some of those river crossings?

If a new GSX-R1000 isn’t exactly what you had in mind, maybe something in a heavily revised Suzuki V-Strom? Both the 650 and 1000 Stroms received a lot of attention, including this V-Strom 650 XT above, complete with wire spoke wheels. They’re 19- and 17-inches of course, to accept more serious rubber for the serious off-road adventure rider. The non-XT version comes with cast wheels.

When last we visited a Triumph Tiger 800 in XC guise it was in a shootout against BMW’s F800GS Adventure in 2014. This was prior to Triumph’s further diversification of the lineup which now consists of eight models – four XR and four XC including the XCx tested here.

Pitting the ultimate expression of soccer mom adventurism in the form of Honda’s VFR1200X against the top tier off-roader in Triumph’s ever-increasing line of Explorer models is audacious, if not a little bit irrational. But ever the astute brain trust of intrepid motojournos, we rose to the occasion and Sherlock Holmes’d our way to a few rather elementary discoveries.

Ever since Triumph announced its 2016 model line at EICMA, we’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the updated Tiger Explorer line. As we’ve noted before, the Explorer models have been divided between the XR models, which receives more street-oriented cast wheels, and the XC models, featuring dirt-friendly wire-spoke wheels. All Explorer models are based on the same platform (meaning the same engine, basic suspension specs and wheel sizes) with the designations signifying trim packages. The Explorer XCA tested here represents the top of the Explorer line.

Since 1979 Metzeler has produced only motorcycle tires. This singular focus has yielded significant firsts. In 1978, the company created the first tubeless motorcycle tire. The first tire with transversal grooves rolled out of the Metzeler factory in 1982, and the first mass-production tire with a Kevlar belt came out a year later. The first rear tire with a 0° steel belt came in 1992, and four years later, the first set or radial tires with 0° steel belts was released in the form of the Metzeler ME Z4. The march continued in 2008 with the patent of Interact technology for the Roadtec Z6 Interact. Now, Metzeler has released the heir to the popular Roadtec Z8 Interact throne, the Metzeler Roadtec 01.

The rumor has been circulating for a while; an Adventure model based on KTM’s 390 Duke engine. We’ve yet to see any spy photos of the bike, but it’ll surely have longer-travel suspension and modestly sized fairing like its bigger Adventure brothers. This one, like the small Dukes and RCs, will be built in India by its partner Bajaj to take advantage of low production costs, which enables access to markets where prices must be fairly low. Expect ABS but not active suspension.

Benelli introduced a new adventure touring model at EICMA called the TRK 502. With its wire-spoke wheels and longer suspension travel, the TRK looks to be a bit more off-road capable than the 471cc Honda CB500X, but at a claimed 463 pounds (dry), is significantly heavier, weighing about a pound more than the BMW F700GS (.

Triumph has diversified its 1215cc Tiger Explorer lineup, following the pattern established by its smaller Tiger 800 siblings announced at EICMA last year. Like the 800s, the Tiger Explorer will be available in six trim levels, each offering a different balance between adventure and touring.

Already popular in Europe, the Honda VFR1200X receives important updates for 2016 and will now be available to American customers, joining the previously announced 2016 CRF1000L Africa Twin. Honda also announced that the NC700X and CB500X receive aggressive new styling for 2016, and that the U.S. debut for all four 2016 Honda adventure models will be at the November 20–22 International Motorcycle Shows stop in Long Beach, California.

Yamaha unveiled a few new models yesterday afternoon in Irvine, California, and told us to stand by, there may be another new street model yet to come later this year. We were kind of expecting the XSR700 that Yamaha teased back in July, so maybe that will be the missing model?

No review of an adventure bike is complete without the observation that few of them will probably ever turn a wheel off-road, since ADV bikes are the SUVs of the motorcycle world, and SUVs rarely get taken off-road. But motorcycle people are way more adventurous than car-driving ones. And even though the new crop of adventure bikes have a lot to recommend them even if you do only ride on pavement, the best of them are packing technology that makes hitting the dusty trail easier and safer than ever. It seems a bit wasteful and sad if you never use that capability.