2023 BMW M 1000 RR - First Look
Hot off the heels of the newly updated S 1000 RR, BMW today unveiled the 2023 M 1000 RR – the basis of its racing programs all over the world. With the new M model, focus wasn’t placed on increasing power, but rather on making the most of the aerodynamics to use the existing power as efficiently as possible. As you’ll see in the full press release below, countless hours were spent in the wind tunnel and on the track to take full advantage of the aero package – and improve upon it where necessary. BMW says top speed has gone up to “189+ mph” (the legal department surely stepped in and said the actual number couldn’t be published), and so has total downforce from the wings. This helps keep the bike from doing wheelies when it really should be accelerating, so the traction control doesn’t have to work as hard. It also helps mid-corner to keep weight on the front tire for better mechanical grip through the turn.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
Church of MO: 2012 Suzuki DR-Z400S Review
And speaking of Japanese motorcycles with looooong shelf lives, how about the DR-Z400S? Suzuki sold the first one in 2000 as a serious enduro machine you could ride around on the street, too. And they’ll sell you one today, complete with 36mm Mikuni carburetor, for just $7,099 – which is $1750 more than 22 years ago. That nicely tracks the price of real estate. Wait, that’s not quite accurate… Take it away, Tommy Roderick:
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
Honda Rebel 1100 Touring Variants Confirmed for 2023
Honda is preparing to launch new touring variant for the Rebel 1100 and Rebel 1100 DCT. The proof comes to us via vehicle emissions data from the California Air Resources Board and vehicle certification data from Switzerland.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 And Z650 - First Look
Kawasaki is bringing back both the Ninja 650 and Z650 for 2023 with one significant update – traction control. Formerly a rider aid only for the most powerful sportbikes on the planet, the safety benefits of traction control reach far beyond trying to go quickly around a racetrack. The two-step KTRC system does not feature the exotic IMUs that flagship sportbikes use, but a more modest system. In mode 1, KTRC allows the rear tire to slip a little more and doesn’t intervene as early. It’s a sport setting designed to allow the rider maximum drive and acceleration off a corner.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
Kawasaki EV Prototype Revealed at Intermot
Kawasaki presented an electric prototype at Intermot, providing a glimpse of what an eventual production model may look like. The EV prototype was part of a wide-ranging speech from Masaya Tsuruno, managing director of Kawasaki Motors Europe, discussing the company’s approach to reaching carbon neutrality.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Kawasaki KX450SR Special Racer - First Look
I was all Pavlov dogging when I read that the KX450SR “features elite-level racing components, special tuning and design elements inspired by the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team,” only to suffer slight cotton mouth when I learned that consists of nothing more than new SHOWA suspension components front and rear. I mean, obviously great suspension is critical to motorcycles that leap 40 feet into the air, but I felt like I was led to believe there’d be more. In fact, the rest of the 2022 package was already so blinged out, there wasn’t much more Kawasaki could add. It’s even got push-button starting.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
2023 Honda CB750 Hornet - First Look
Honda officially revealed its new CB750 Hornet, a new middleweight naked claiming a class-leading power-to-weight ratio. Unfortunately, the new Hornet has only been confirmed for Europe thus far, with no indication of U.S. availability. Pricing varies from country to country, but they generally hover around US$7,800.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
Triumph Celebrates 60 Years Of James Bond With Ultra-Exclusive Speed Triple 1200 RR
In celebration of 60 years of James Bond flicks, Triumph – which was featured in the 2021 hit No Time To Die – has released the ultra-limited edition Speed Triple RR Bond Edition. How limited? Only 60 units will be made, to commemorate the anniversary.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally - First Look
Ducati revealed a new Multistrada V4 Rally in the latest episode of its 2023 World Première web series. And while the model name hints at improved off-road capability, the V4 Rally’s feature list leans more for long distance travel and passenger comfort than tackling Dakar.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 BMW S1000RR - First Look
Update: Pricing for the various packages is now included below.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
Is Ducati Preparing a 659cc Single?
We’re now a couple of episodes into Ducati‘s 2023 World Première launch series, but there are still another five parts to go. Ducati has already started teasing this week’s episode, which we expect will be for a GSA-battling Multistrada V4 variant, with a new Panigale V4 R, a Diavel V4, and a next-generation Scrambler expected in the weeks ahead.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Honda Hornet CB750 Details Emerge in Vehicle Certifications
Honda‘s been teasing its new Hornet for several months now, first with a concept at EICMA, some design sketches in June, and more recently, details about its new Parallel-Twin engine. While we wait for Honda to officially reveal the the bike, we’ve managed to get further specifications for the 2023 Honda Hornet, thanks to vehicle certification data from Switzerland.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
SSR Sand Viper Ebike Review – First Ride
Like your Eskimos and snow, we here in California have 100 different words for sand. Regular sand. Powder sand, silt, chonky sand, fine sand, &, blowing sand, deep sand, you get the picture. The stuff’s all over the place, which makes sense as it’s a desert. So it’s nice to have a vehicle able to traverse it. Enter the SSR Sand Viper eMTN bike.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
BMW M 1000 R and Updated S 1000 RR Coming for 2023
It’s been nearly two years since BMW first debuted the M 1000 RR, its first motorcycle to carry the company’s high-performance M brand. We knew it wouldn’t be the first, though, after we broke the news that BMW had trademarked the name along with “M 1000 XR” and “M 1300 GS.” What we didn’t expect was for the next M-branded motorcycle to be based on the S 1000 R.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Zero DSR/X Review - First Ride
The thing about any of the electric motorcycle companies actually taking product development seriously is that, more often than not, each new model they introduce is markedly better than any model before it. Considering the EV market is still in its early stages, you expect a marked advancement with each new model.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 Review - First Ride
I’m a big fan of scramblers that can actually Scram, ya dig? When a production scrambler has the chops and capability to do what those customized rigs did back in the good ol’ days, well, that’s the real deal. Isn’t it? Royal Enfield has based this latest machine on its highly popular Himalayan ADV bike so, in theory, the new 411 should be nearly as capable as that machine while being imbued with its own style. A tweak here, some new paint there, a smaller front wheel, viola! Welcome to the Scram 411.
![Ryan Adams](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/99_2.jpg?size=50x50)
Honda Announces Electric Motorcycle Plans
Honda announced plans for a carbon neutral future and a goal of introducing 10 or more electric motorcycles by 2025 including three mid-range models and a youth model for North America.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
Ask MO Anything: Why Didn't the Ducati Supermono Just Use Normal Counterbalancers?
Following our recent Falloon File about the lovely and talented little Ducati Supermono, Commenter Bob wanted to know: “Why did Bordi use an extra connecting rod instead of the usual balance shafts? BMW had a parallel twin with a third con rod for the same reason. I would be interested in reading a technical analysis of those motors.”
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
2023 Honda Hornet Engine Details Confirmed
Honda provided an update on the development of its new 2023 Hornet streetfighter, releasing test footage and details about its new engine.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Lucky Explorer 9.5 Prototype Test
These days, any manufacturer with pretensions to being a global player at whatever level in the marketplace has to have a dual-purpose Adventure model in its range, and MV Agusta is no exception. Italy’s most historic trophy brand – the so-called Ferrari of motorcycles, with 270 Grand Prix road racing victories and 75 World Championship titles in its locker, including 17 successive 500GP crowns – actually has a notable off-road heritage, too. Company founder Count Domenico Agusta’s dirt demons won successive Italian MX/Enduro titles in the 1950s and ’60s, as well as equipping the Italian team in ISDT events abroad. But after the Castiglioni family acquired MV 30 years ago, their focus for the brand was exclusively on the hard stuff – a focus which the company’s current owner Timur Sardarov is now in the process of changing.
![Alan Cathcart](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-A-FF9646.png?size=50x50)
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050DE First Look
Suzuki announced updates for the V-Strom 1050, as well as a new off-road oriented version for 2023. The new 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE replaces the 1050XT model, and adds new features to make it a more capable off-road machine such as a 21-inch front wheel, longer-stroke suspension, and a larger aluminum bash plate.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
Yamaha's Coming Out With a Race-Spec R1 In 2023
In a move further supporting my argument that R1s are purpose-built racebikes with lights and mirrors to make them legal on the roads, for 2023 Yamaha is introducing the R1 GYTR – an R1 prepared specifically for track duty, without any of the homologation pieces for roadworthiness (don’t worry, the standard R1 isn’t going anywhere). Yamaha similarly does the same thing with the R6, offering it for sale exclusively as a track-only model.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
Church of MO: 1997 Suzuki XF650 Freewind
What’s that? You want a simple, lightweight adventure bike with LCD instruments and no cruise control that won’t break the bank? Something Japanese, with a huge dealer network so you won’t be afraid to leave the neighborhood? Well you can’t have it now, and you couldn’t have it 25 years ago either, cause I’m pretty sure Suzuki never imported the XF650 Freewind to the US did they? You can probably blame the Freemasons or whoever it was that also quashed the 200-mpg Rochester Quadrajet. But Yossef got to ride it in Europe or somewhere, and five years later the wind theme continued with the first V-Strom.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
Aprilia Introduces The Most Extreme RSV4 Yet - The XTrenta
To celebrate 30 years since Aprilia won its first world championship title, Aprilia (or, more appropriately, the racing division) is introducing this, the RSV4 Xtrenta. Encompassing the same basic profile the RSV4 has carried since its birth over a decade ago, the Xtrenta is defined by the level of aerodynamic work the Noale factory has applied from its MotoGP program.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini First Look
As we expected earlier this week, Ducati kicked off its 2023 World Première series with a limited edition Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini model. This marks the second tie-in between the two Volkswagen Group brands, following the Diavel Lamborghini model in 2021.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
Parallel-Twin Suzuki V-Strom and SV650 Successors Spied
Spy photographers have snapped images of two new Suzuki prototypes powered by a new Parallel-Twin engine. The two motorcycles, an adventure bike and a naked model, appear to be the eventual successors to the V-Strom 650 and SV650, and the culmination of a long development path for Suzuki’s new middleweight twin-cylinder engine.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 GasGas RX 450F Replica First Look
As we reported a few weeks ago, GasGas is releasing a new replica based on its 2022 Dakar-winning race bike. The 2023 GasGas RX 450F Replica is a limited-edition model that comes as close as you can get to Sam Sunderland’s and Daniel Sanders’ factory rally-raid bikes.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2022 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S – Mini Review
If there’s one thing KTM knows how to do, it’s how to get dirty. The company obviously has its long history of off-road competition, and victories, to its name, and that success has transferred nicely into the adventure bike market. You can even argue KTM’s adventure bikes (along with the BMW GS family) are responsible for this boom in the ADV market.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider El Diablo Joins Limited Edition Icons Collection
Harley-Davidson unveiled the latest member of its Icons Collection with a devilish take on the Low Rider ST. Limited to a production run of just 1,500 models, the 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider El Diablo introduces a custom red paint job and a factory-installed Rockford Fosgate audio system for a price of $27,999.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini Model to Be Announced Sept. 2
Ducati released a teaser image ahead of its first World Première 2023 episode, with all signs pointing to a new Lamborghini tie-in model based on the Streetfighter V4.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
Church of MO: 2002 Ducati 999 Comes To America
Looking back upon it through 20-year thick vino rosso-colored glasses, I remember really liking the 2002 Ducati 999. Probably because so many others did not; following that 916 shape was never going to be easy. But reading the old road test, the faint praise is palpable. Oh well, at least there’s a gratuitous crash pic of our new intern, Sean Alexander, on some other motorcycle. The look of Terblanche’s design has only grown on me over the years, but that could be because I haven’t seen a 999 in probably a decade. I do still have the t-shirt.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
Showdown: 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Vs. Yamaha Tenere 700
As we motored slaunchways across Utah, the late daylight stretched our shadows and cast golden hues against the tall canyon walls, further accentuating the contrast between the rust colored ancient seabeds peppered with lush green juniper and muted sage. The lavender sky over Bryce faded as we continued westward on Hwy 12. Refusing to pack a second visor for my Shoei Hornet X2, I lifted the dark smoke shield as I led our crew into the dark dense forest, keeping my line of sight just above the Ténéré’s windscreen in an attempt to protect my peepers from the onslaught of kamikaze insects. In a further showing of stubbornity, I refused to roll back off the throttle while the only bit of light left – aside from what the Ténéré’s quite ample quad headlight offered – was a thick crimson band at the horizon, the bottom punctured by spire-like tree tops.
![Ryan Adams](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/99_2.jpg?size=50x50)
Falloon Files: 1993 Ducati Supermono
Hey! I got to ride one of those once. My old 608cc Yamaha SRX-6 singles racer was built not quite to the hilt and made 52 horsepower. The Ducati Supermono made more like 70 hp from 502cc, and was about a 3/4-scale model of the Yamaha.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
Rumor Check: Honda's Mini-Africa Twin Will Be The XL750 Transalp
Back in May 2021, MO’s resident sleuth Dennis Chung took a dive into the rumor mill surrounding a possible mini-Africa Twin coming from Honda. Trademark filings for the name Transalp were filed in several markets around the world, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
Church of MO: 2012 KTM RC8 R And RC8 R Race Spec Review First Ride
Tommyguns Roderick has left the building. Well, not like Elvis; he’s still alive and well. But he’s left the MO building. Not that we have one anymore. Ten years ago, though, TR was at Auto Club Speedway riding a pair of tasty KTM RC8 R sportbikes, which at the time were a small but interesting part of the Austrian lineup. At the time, electronic niceties like traction control and quickshifters were novelties; now they’re ubiquitous, and we’re all the safer for them. Or are we? As the great Donald Canet once observed, “rain tires simply allow you to crash at a higher rate of speed.”
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
2023 Ducati DesertX Review - First Ride
When the DesertX prototype hit the scene at EICMA in 2019, it was portrayed as a Dakar-inspired Scrambler variant – that was the initial idea anyway. As you’re likely already aware, the production DesertX is anything but. Powered by the proven 937cc Testastretta 11° Desmo engine, the 2023 Ducati Desert X has been designed from the ground up as a purpose-built adventure machine.
![Ryan Adams](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/99_2.jpg?size=50x50)
GasGas RX 450F Replica Confirmed in Type Approval Documents
GasGas is preparing to launch a new model called the RX 450F Replica that we believe will be based on the machine Sam Sunderland rode to victory in the 2022 Dakar Rally.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2022 Yamaha MT-10 Review - First Ride
Heaping praise upon Yamaha’s naked bikes has become all too easy lately. Yes, the MT-07 did get dethroned in last year’s Middleweight Naked comparison, but not by much – and it took brand-new motorcycles from Aprilia and Triumph to do it. When it came time for the 900cc(ish) Nakeds last August, the newly revamped MT-09 surprised a couple people by taking the cake against KTM Duke 890 and five other very nice and mostly more expensive motorcycles. Sadly, when it was time for the Open Class Nakeds shootout last November, the MT-10 got left out. We thought it was too old, and couldn’t win. Plus, we knew the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 was on its way. Possibly to save the day.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
2024 Can-Am Origin and Pulse Electric Prototypes – First Look
After teasing us in March, Bombardier Recreational Products officially revealed its first two Can-Am electric motorcycles, the Pulse roadster and the Origin dual-sport. Both models were presented as prototypes, meaning they are very close to what will eventually be the final product, which will enter production in the summer of 2024.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
Church of MO: 2002 Yamaha FJR1300
All we learn from history, goes the current cynical wisdom, is that we learn nothing from history. Then again, maybe we do? For instance, I just learned this morning that Yamaha is still stamping out the FJR1300ES 20 years after the original 2002 FJR1300 hit our shores. Well, they’re still selling them anyway. I remember FJ1100 very fondly, FJ1200 was the tool for inhaling great draughts of western landscape at ludicrous speed… all before this first liquid-cooled FJR blew our moldy sport-touring socks off. (Note Minime’s acting out by spelling three of four names wrong in only the first 2.5 lines of copy. Is there an Editor in the house?)
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
Ducati World Premire 2023 to Include Monster SP, New Scrambler, Panigale V4 R, and More
Last week, Ducati announced it would once again present its new product announcements in a series of online presentations. Just like in 2020 and 2021, the Ducati World Première 2023 series will take place over multiple episodes, with each part featuring a different product line.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Confirmed in VIN Submissions
A new Vehicle Identification Number decoder released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirms that Kawasaki will be introducing a 399cc Inline-Four Ninja ZX-4R model for 2023. While the VIN decoder does not provide any clue to what the ZX-4R will look like, we expect it will be styled similar to the 249cc Ninja ZX-25R (pictured above) currently offered in Japan and other Asian markets.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
Two Electric Kawasaki Streetbikes Coming for 2023
Earlier this year, Kawasaki revealed its first electric two-wheeler, but a lot of people were disappointed when they realized it was a kids’ balance bike called the Elektrode. Those hoping for an electric streetbike from Kawasaki won’t have to wait too much longer, as we can confirm two new models will be coming to the U.S. for the 2023 model year.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2022 CFMOTO 800 Adventura Review - First Ride
Greg D. from Rider magazine and Ron Lieback from Cycle World had been beating me up all day around the cute little test track at CFMOTO’s coming-out party for its seven new motorcycles last month. Even when I was on my favorite 2022 CFs – the 700CL-X and ADVentura 650 – those guys were still leaving me in the dust on what should’ve been slower motorcycles, dammit. But I think I’ve written entire columns about how it’s better to never have been really good at any particular sport, as it makes it way easier to accept defeat. Serious competitors get their psyches all bruised and bent out of shape; I retreat to the food truck for more bbq and beverages… Also, the damp patches and tar snakes were things everybody had to deal with, but the older you get the more you prefer to not fall off the motorcycle.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
Church of MO: 2002 Suzuki SV-1000S
Oh, look what turned up in this morning’s search through the archives: a 2002 Suzuki SV-1000S review/Spanish travelogue by our dearly departed friend/former fearless leader Sean Alexander. Well, I mean, he’s not departed departed; he’s only moved to Hawaii with his lovely wife Natalie to live the good life – while we who must remain go on living just the same. We miss you buddy. Good times…
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
Harley-Davidson's Production Stoppage Was Caused by Non-compliant Brake Lines
Back in May, Harley-Davidson announced it would temporarily halt motorcycle production due to a “regulatory compliance matter” regarding an unspecified part from a third-party supplier. Harley-Davidson initially estimated the stoppage would last two weeks but it eventually lasted 19 days before production resumed on June 6.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
Insider Stories From The Ducati Museum
As a general rule, I tend to listen to museum curators once they start talking. Having someone at your disposal who is so deeply vested, and intimately knowledgeable, in the subject matter is a treasure worth hanging on to.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
Have You Seen the 2022 CFMOTO Motorcycle Lineup?
CFMOTO was founded in 1989 and has been a significant presence in China’s domestic market ever since – producing government vehicles for police, fire departments, etc. In that time, it’s also been developing a name for itself as a feature-rich and reliable manufacturer of engines, parts, ATVs, side-by-sides, scooters, and motorcycles worldwide.
MO Touring: Building A Lightweight Adventure Bike
Maybe I’ve been hanging out with Managing Editor Ryan Adams too much. After more than 30 years of riding almost exclusively on the street, I’ve been bitten by the off-road bug. (Having a 14 year-old daughter who asked me to teach her to ride dirt bikes played a big part, too.) However, I don’t want to just drive to the desert, do daylong dirt rides, load the bikes in the truck, and drive home. I want to travel, too. Adventure touring has tickled my fancy.
![Evans Brasfield](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/17/42_3.jpg?size=50x50)
Lightning Motorcycles Files Designs for an Electric Adventure Bike
Lightning Motorcycles has filed designs for an electric adventure bike. The designs, filed with China’s intellectual property office, reveal a motorcycle with the typical ADV accoutrements, and an electric motor and swingarm design that look similar to those of Lightning’s Strike sportbike.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
CFMOTO's Other Motos: Papio, 300NK, 300SS, 650NK and ADVentura 650
Many undies were twisted, bunched, and/or soiled after last week’s exciting Review First Ride of the new CFMOTO 700CL-X and 700CL-X Sport, which gave us a chance to discuss not just new motorcycles but also international relations. Always a crowd favorite on MO. That’s because these are completely built in China, a country which is either our mortal enemy or best trading partner depending on who you ask. Here on MO, we provide. You decide. This time we’re going to have a look at the other five bikes CFMOTO’s importing via its Plymouth, Minnesota, US HQ – in addition to all the highly regarded ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides they’ve been dealing for decades.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
Kawasaki to Release New KLR650S Variant for 2023 (UPDATED)
Kawasaki surprised us all a year ago when it brought back the KLR650, resurrecting the venerable adventure bike with fuel injection, updated styling, and a new one-piece frame.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X / 700CL-X Sport Review - First Ride
With just about every Chinese motorcycle I can remember riding, there’s nearly always A Problem. Sometimes they look great on paper, and sometimes they even look pretty good in the flesh. But then you hop on and start riding, and are met with a powerband that’s more a powerhole. Or an ADV bike with two inches of rear suspension travel, or cast iron components that weigh 60 pounds more than the competition. If it’s not one glaring thing, there’s usually a combination platter of weirdnesses that make you question whether the monetary savings are worth the sacrifice for any but the cheapest of contrarian skates – even if reliability isn’t much of a concern any more.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-59A1F4.png?size=50x50)
2023 Triumph Modern Classics Range Get New Colors, New Names
Triumph announced updated color options for its Bonneville “Modern Classics” range, as well as new names for the Street Scrambler and Street Twin.
![Press Release](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-P-69E0FF.png?size=50x50)
Evidence Suggests New Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650 for 2023
With the calendar flipping over to July, we are now officially in the second half of 2022. That also means motorcycle manufacturers are starting to make their model announcements for 2023. Around this time of year, we typically hear about updated models returning with the always-popular “Bold New Graphics,” such as last week’s news of 2023 BMW paint options.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)
Ducati 848
Unlike the 1098, however, the Ducati 848 features a wet clutch, which is very untraditional for Ducati. Dry clutches, and the noise they emanate, are a synonymous characteristic of Ducati superbikes. The Italian manufacturer, holding performance above all other concerns, had historically constructed the street-going versions of its superbikes with the race-oriented dry clutch found in its competition machines. Ducati claims the 848’s wet clutch is lighter, reduces noise and extends service intervals compared to the dry clutch version. The Ducati 848 and its wet clutch also represent a change in Ducati philosophy wherein the company is constructing each bike for its realistic/intended environment (in this case street riding) and not as if every bike they produce is being raced on closed course circuit.
![John Burns](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-J-F1C40F.png?size=50x50)
Showdown: 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster Vs Indian Scout Rogue
The Harley vs Indian rivalry is up there with some of the biggest rivalries in modern pop culture. Think Coke vs Pepsi, Mac vs PC, Army vs Navy, Edison vs Tesla. Then there’s Harley vs Indian. These two titans of motorcycling built a rivalry that lasted for decades, and despite the fact Indian dropped from the scene for 60 years, ever since its resurgence in 2013, it’s as though the rivalry picked right back up where it left off. And we’re all better for it.
American motorcycling is known for big touring bikes, and the recent Showdown between the Harley Road Glide Limited and Indian Pursuit Limited Premium was as Americana as they come. However, cruisers are also a staple of the American riding experience. Chief among them (Indian pun not intended) the Harley Sportster and Indian Scout. These two lightweights of cruiserdom are anything but light but have historically been the bikes to reach for if simplicity and bare-bones cruising were what you were craving. Low and slow, as they say.
![Troy Siahaan](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/20/23_3.jpg?size=50x50)
BMW Announces 2023 Colors and Model Updates
BMW released initial details on its 2023 model lineup, including new colors and minor updates. BMW also announced the base MSRP for most of its models, though that information is rather moot, as it also announced additional packages which will automatically be added on to all models in the U.S.
![Press Release](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/resources/imgs-responsive/avatar-letters/avatar-P-69E0FF.png?size=50x50)
Official Triumph Owner's Manual Confirms Speed Twin and Scrambler Name Changes
Back in early May, MO broke the news that Triumph is giving the Street Twin and Street Scrambler models new names for 2023, renaming them the Speed Twin 900 and Scrambler 900, respectively. We have now uncovered further evidence of the name changes, plus confirmation that the models are otherwise identical to the 2022 versions.
![Dennis Chung](https://cdn-fastly.motorcycle.com/media/profile/2023/04/24/10_1.jpg?size=50x50)