Team Hammer, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of Sam Lochoff to contest the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship, in the Supersport class.
The 19-year-old South African will look to build on the momentum of his spectacular rookie season and fight for next season’s MotoAmerica Supersport title aboard a Team Hammer-built M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R once again.
Prior to the start of his 2021 campaign, Lochoff admitted his opportunity with Team Hammer represented a “prove it” year to determine whether or not he has what it takes to make a career out of professional motorcycle road racing.
He proved that and then some, finishing the season ranked third in the final 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport point standings on the strength of 14 top-five finishes, six podium finishes, and a thrilling first race victory earned in a last-lap duel with Moto2-bound 2021 Supersport Champion and M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammate Sean Dylan Kelly.
Lochoff continued to improve throughout the 2021 season as he gained Supersport class experience. He earned five of his six podiums — including his dramatic win — in the season’s final eight races, and expects to pick up where he left off in 2022.
“First, I want to thank M4 ECSTAR Suzuki for helping me so much last season. It felt like every member of the team had an impact,” said Lochoff. “I was learning, going from a 400cc bike to a 600cc bike and the team really accelerated my progress. At the first of the year, I was off the leaders’ pace a good bit. We focused on improving lap times to close that gap down. We worked really hard and earned some good results.
“There are some big names in Supersport this coming year, including my new teammate Richie Escalante,” Lochoff continued. “Of course, I want to shoot for the moon and be the guy everyone else chases but my plan is to keep working hard. I’ve been in California so I can ride and train more this off-season and I am looking forward to carrying our momentum into 2022.”
Prior to joining Team Hammer, the Cape Town native finished third in the 2020 MotoAmerica Junior Cup championship and won the 2018 Alpe Adria International Motorcycle title and the 2018 FIM Supersport 300 European Cup.
“Sam exceeded our expectations in 2021,” said Chris Ulrich, Team Hammer Vice President of Operations, who handles talent scouting. “He had a good approach, taking it step-by-step and making progress in an organized fashion. By the end of the year, Sam was a consistent podium finisher and earned his first Supersport race win. That made him the best of the Junior Cup graduates, comparing Sam to his previous competition. Now our goal is to continue his development in 2022 and for Sam to become a consistent Supersport race winner.”
About Team Hammer
The 2022 season will mark Team Hammer’s 42nd consecutive year of operating as a professional motorcycle road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 128 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 332 times and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 138 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
Riding The 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR: A (Super) Sportbike For The Street
Story by Michael Gougis
Video produced by Sandra Gougis
At a few new model intros, I’ve felt as though the company men are just going through the motions, and sometimes it’s hard to blame them. They may have been forced to design a bike to too low a price point, or the corporate office has demanded that the U.S. subsidiary offer a model that Americans likely won’t be interested in, or there’s just nothing exciting about the bike, or the lead project engineer would be just as happy designing dishwashers.
That was not the case at the international launch of Triumph’s 2022 Speed Triple 1200 RR, held in and around Malaga, Spain.
Chief Engineer Stuart Wood was positively bubbling over with pride in the new machine the entire time, and no wonder; one of his Triumph colleagues called him “the father, the godfather, and the best friend” of the model. He was so enthusiastic that, at the test track where part of the intro took place, he was holding an intake valve from the engine of the new machine, showing off its hollow stem like a proud parent, explaining to anybody who would listen how the engineers made the valve train lighter to get more rpm out of the new engine.
The new Speed Triple 1200 RR is, on one hand, a variation of the very capable Speed Triple 1200 RS that Triumph introduced earlier this year. On the other hand, the changes Triumph engineers made to morph it into the RR model give the new bike its own personality, its own set of capabilities, and allow it to deliver an entirely different and more satisfying riding experience.
In short, the bike hauls the mail, handles fabulously, is easy to ride, and is stunning to look at. No wonder Wood was so excited!
A 2022-model Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR. Photo courtesy Triumph.
Tech Briefing
The basis core of the Speed Triple 1200 RR is the Speed Triple 1200 RS, new for the 2022 model year. A twin-spar/trellis aluminum-alloy frame wraps around a new 1160cc, three-cylinder, DOHC engine that spins to 11,150 rpm; when we put an RS test bike on a dyno in California, it kicked out 153.41 bhp and 81.73 lbs.-ft. of torque, and Triumph says the RR powerplant is identical to the RS engine.
The electronic aids are the same, with five riding modes as well as cornering traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and clutchless up-and-down-shifting, all linked to a six-axis Continental IMU. Brembo Stylema radial-mount monobloc front calipers work with 320mm (12.6-inch) discs and an adjustable master cylinder; a single Brembo rear caliper and a Brembo master cylinder provide braking at the rear.
The biggest functional upgrade is the suspension. The Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 (S-EC 2.0) system provides semi-active, continually adjusting damping control in the 43mm inverted forks and in the RSU-model shock in the rear. There are three settings for the semi-active mode–Comfort, Normal and Dynamic. In each, the system monitors input from the throttle, the IMU, and brake-line pressure to operate four motors that adjust damping settings to provide optimal damping for that moment. Once it decides what it wants to do, the system completes its changes in 0.2-second. Or the rider can choose to turn off the semi-active function and use fixed damping settings. All the settings can be changed to suit rider preference, and one of the really nice features of this system is that with a push of a button, everything can be reset to factory default settings. I sometimes wish my life had that button…
The other major difference is ergonomic/stylistic. Along with a new frame-mounted half-fairing, there’s a new seating position. Compared to the RS, the bars are 5.3 inches lower and two inches further forward, and the pegs are 0.6-inch higher and one inch further back. It sounds like a huge difference, but Triumph’s Wood says the riding position is less extreme than the one on the company’s 765 Daytona model.
The bike also comes with Pirelli Supercorsa SP V3 tires; full connectivity to a smartphone; cruise control; and a 5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) dash. The bikes I rode also had heated grips, and were all painted in the Red Hopper & Storm Grey finish, which comes at a premium pricing over the Crystal White & Storm Grey color scheme. All the changes add approximately one kilo (2.2 pounds) to the machine’s overall weight, which Triumph claims is 438.7 pounds wet.
Styling is inspired by–but not an imitation of–the classic café racer look. The fairing surrounds a single round headlight, and various panels are made of carbon-fiber, as is the front fender. The aesthetics are cohesive–the bike looks as if it was designed to be a modern café racer all along–and there are little touches like illuminated switch gear and an engraved upper triple clamp that add to the premium feel. Suggested retail pricing starts at $20,950.
The 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR adds a sporting riding position and computer-controlled semi-active suspension to the highly capable Speed Triple 1200 RS chassis, engine and brakes. Photo courtesy Triumph.
Riding The Triumph
Three-cylinder motorcycles (a.k.a. Triples) always sound distinctive, and Triumph has done an excellent job of creating a pleasing exhaust note for the new Speed Triple. Climb on and the riding position is indeed less sporty than the current supersport machines, with some but not too much weight on the wrists and a comfortable, supportive saddle.
The slipper/assist clutch has a light pull, and the clutchless shifting is slick enough, although it feels as though the ignition cutout time for the upshifts is a tick too long, causing the chassis to pitch a bit when the suspension is in Comfort Mode.
Comfort Mode is a lot like a well set-up touring bike. Someone had dropped the word “plush” into my ear before the ride began, but cruising through the highway leading to the city of Ronda en route to the mountain road route, the bike just soaked up highway imperfections. This is particularly important when the seating position puts the rider into a more forward stance, where jolts through the forks are transmitted directly into the wrists.
On a twisty mountain road, Comfort Mode allows the bike to move around, although far less than would be expected from something with such a supple ride. A quick switch to Sport or Track Mode kicks the Öhlins system into the Normal or Dynamic setting, which delivers less comfort on the street but more mid-corner stability.
On the track at Circuito Ascari Resort, rain and cold temperatures left patches of water around the circuit for the entire time we were there, but I managed to find enough pavement that was dry enough for my comfort level to test some of the claims made by the Triumph team. There are a couple of long, banked corners at the track, and the Speed Triple RR railed through those with absolute stability; I could not detect when the suspension self-adjusted. Instead, it just continuously functioned like any high-quality system would. When I nailed the brakes approaching corners, the system detected the sharp braking input and kept the machine stable throughout that phase of corner entry. Braking is as powerful as I expected from a full Brembo system, and is sensitive enough at the lever that two fingers provided more power than I needed on the street.
The engine remains the same torquey beast, with redline coming in second and third gears more rapidly than I anticipated, the vibration interesting in its uniqueness but not annoying.
It’s remarkable how much of a difference a riding position can make. While the chassis, engine and brakes are shared with the RS, the RR’s sportier crouch made it much easier for me to feel inputs from the forks and to more accurately feed in throttle.
In the full day of riding, I felt most at home on the dry, warm run down from altitude toward the Mediterranean on A-397, the Road to Ronda–one of the best roads I’ve ever ridden. With my body weight supported by my chest on the tank, positioning my body for cornering was easy and effortless, and the bike flowed through the corners with confidence and speed. I shifted only infrequently, and traffic was typically quickly dispensed with by twisting the throttle–big torque just makes life better!
It’s perhaps not surprising that I enjoyed the rapid street ride most of all–it is the environment for which the Speed Triple RR is designed. Wood made it clear that the bike is street-focused, not track-oriented, even though it is track capable. It’s not competing against supersport machines, but it offers an alternative for riders who don’t want a track weapon. Within its design parameters, the bike does everything a street rider will reasonably want it to do, with precision and comfort, while delivering the experience that a sport rider is looking for.
On the Front Cover: Nine-Time World Champion Valentino Rossi wheelies his Yamaha YZR-M1 during the last MotoGP weekend of his career, at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, in Valencia, Spain. Photo Courtesy Petronas Yamaha.
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In This Issue:
FEATURES
Inside Info: Aprilia Limited Edition RS 660; Ducati Streetfighters; 6-Cylinder BMWs; Retro Kawasaki Z650 RS & W800; KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo; Royal Enfield 120th Anniversary 650s; Yamaha MT-10 & MT -10 SP, Zero SRF, and more…
2021 Holiday Gift Guide, Part Two, For Kids Young & Old
Brea, CA (December 1, 2021) – The year is almost done, but Suzuki keeps rolling out more exciting new models! Fresh for 2022, Suzuki is thrilled to present the 2022 GSX-S750Z ABS and the 2022 GSX-S750.
These exciting new 2022 high performance naked sport motorcycles blend GSX-R750-derived engine performance, thrilling handling with an ergonomically sound chassis to fashion a naked sportbike that demands attention, thanks to its aggressive and sporty appearance.
A 2022-model Suzuki GSX-S750Z ABS in the studio. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Razor-sharp styling, strong performance, and a comfortable sport riding posture set the GSX-S750Z ABS and GSX-S750 apart from other middleweight sportbikes, and many of those competitors cost considerably more to purchase and own.
Appealing to riders seeking a naked motorcycle that combines sportbike-level performance with grin-inducing acceleration and confidence-inspiring handling; the GSX-S750 rewards owners with a street-worthy riding position and aggressive styling that makes a modern and bold statement. All while offering exceedingly good value for the money.
The 2022 GSX-S750Z ABS and 2022 GSX-S750 inherit their heart and soul from the championship heritage of the GSX-R750. With strong, torque-rich engine power managed by rider-adjustable traction control, both of these premium Suzuki machines are ready to capture hearts and turn heads as the performance leaders in their class. They are quick, nimble, comfortable, and offer an exhilarating, fun ride that underscores Suzuki’s brand heritage of quality, reliability, and value.
The 2022 GSX-S750Z ABS’s striking Metallic Triton Blue and Glass Sparkle Black bodywork is complemented by a blacked-out engine and chassis. Fluorescent yellow logos and graphics on the bodywork and wheels accent the GSX-S750Z ABS’ aggressive styling while the 2022 GSX-S750’s Metallic Matte Black bodywork works perfectly with the blacked-out engine, wheels, and chassis.
Key Points
Fuel-injected, GSX-R750–based engine blends horsepower and torque
Advanced Traction Control* lets the rider select sensitivity to match road conditions
Hybrid tubular girder and twin-spar sportbike frame is fitted with KYB suspension
Radial-mounted four-piston front brake calipers and wave-style rotors deliver great stopping performance (GSX-S750)
ABS-equipped**, four-piston front brake calipers with wave-style rotors deliver great stopping performance (GSX-S750Z ABS only)
Aggressive streetfighter styling and upright, and a comfortable riding position
A variety of Genuine Suzuki Accessories are available for the GSX-S750 and GSX-S750Z ABS, such as a solo seat cowl and sport screen, plus a large selection of Suzuki branded apparel.
The GSX-S750Z ABS and GSX-S750 models come with a Suzuki 12-month limited warranty. New owners can also purchase longer coverage periods with other benefits available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP).
To learn more about these exciting new 2022 Suzuki motorcycles, head to SuzukiCycles.com.
*The Traction Control System is not a substitute for the rider’s throttle control. It cannot prevent loss of traction due to excessive speed when the rider enters a turn and/or applies the brakes. Neither can it prevent the front wheel from losing grip.
**Depending on road surface conditions, such as wet, loose, or uneven roads, braking distance for an ABS-equipped vehicle may be longer than for a vehicle not equipped with ABS. ABS cannot prevent wheel skidding caused by braking while cornering. Please drive carefully and do not overly rely on ABS.
KTM WELCOME FRANCESCO GUIDOTTI BACK INTO THE MOTOGP FOLD
KTM Factory Racing are pleased to announce that Francesco Guidotti will return to the company and will take the reigns of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad as Team Manager.
The 49-year old Italian from Tuscany oversaw KTM’s Grand Prix entry in the old 125 and 250cc divisions for four years and then departed the world championship for a successful two-season stint in WorldSBK. For the last decade he has been in control of one of the leading satellite teams in MotoGP before again deciding to lead the orange effort at the pinnacle of the sport.
Francesco Guidotti: “I was a team manager for KTM from 2006-2009 and then took some valuable experience in another series before coming back to MotoGP. Now I am able to complete the circle! KTM have always been very ambitious and hungry with their racing programs and we can see that MotoGP is no different; it is incredible what they have achieved in such a short time and there is still much we can do. I’m very happy to be back and part of this big push for more success.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “It’s a pleasure to have Francesco back with us and someone who knows our culture and way to go racing at KTM. We wanted to refreshen the MotoGP management structure and we feel that his input and ideas will give us some new momentum for our sixth season on the grid. With people like Francesco, Fabiano Sterlacchini, Hervé Poncharal, Jens Hainbach and Aki Ajo we know we have the best leadership to help us move ahead and make more MotoGP milestones for the company.”
McGuinness back on the Blade as he leads Honda’s charge on the roads in 2022
Honda Racing UK is delighted to confirm that ‘TT Legend’ John McGuinness will return to Honda machinery in 2022 lining up alongside Glenn Irwin on the roads, as the team looks forward to debuting the race-winning CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at both the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT races.
John, who needs no introduction to road racing fans, has a vast and hugely successful history with Honda, having won 12 of the 20 TT wins the CBR1000RR Fireblade has amassed, where Honda still holds the accolade of the most successful manufacturer in the history of the Isle of Man TT Races, with 189 wins, 65 clear of their nearest rival.
John returns to Honda with the brand celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade. Updates to the 2022 Fireblade centre on mid-corner acceleration and drive, plus an iconic colour scheme in homage to the original ’92 Fireblade, which John will line up on at the TT as the ‘Morecambe Missile’ celebrates his 100th TT race start.
Joining John on the roads is four-time North West 200 Superbike race-winner and TT newcomer Glenn Irwin. Originally due to have made his Isle of Man debut in 2020, Glenn has had to wait two years with the event being cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic, where with no international road racing, Glenn has been developing the Fireblade SP in the British Superbike championship with multiple wins and podiums.
The Honda Racing UK team will be taking part in both the Superstock and Superbike classes at the NW200 and IOMTT Races, as well as the blue-riband Senior TT, which John last won in 2015 aboard the Fireblade.
John and Glenn will be at Motorcycle Live, the UK’s biggest motorcycle show, on Saturday 11 December, alongside the 2022 Fireblade SP which will make its UK debut when the show opens on Saturday 4 December.
2022 Road Racing Schedule:
8 – 14 May – North West 200
28 May – 11 June – Isle of Man TT Races
John McGuinness:
What can I say really, it’s like coming back home to the family! I’ve been in talks for a while with Neil and Harv and it’s just something that feels right; it’s the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade, I’ll be 50 years old and also celebrating my 100th TT start, so it feels like it’s meant to be. I’ve enjoyed a lot of success on the roads with the Honda and worked with Harv back in the day with HM Plant Honda, so I’m looking forward to getting back into the set-up and getting going. I had a little go on the Fireblade earlier this year and was impressed with it on-track, so looking forward to getting on the roads and seeing how it goes. It’s going to be a special year with everything going on and also just getting back to the North West 200 and the TT and everyone racing there again – I can’t wait to get stuck in!
Glenn Irwin:
Finally, I’ll be making my long-awaited TT debut with Honda! We’re now more familiar with the new Fireblade and the team is more familiar; I like to have home comforts as such and continuing with the bike and the same team I think puts us in a better position with frame of mind. We still have no targets set and no expectations for the Isle of Man TT, we’re going there to learn and enjoy. It’s incredible to have someone like John as my teammate on the roads, he’s someone I have looked up to and is probably the second greatest TT rider after another Honda-man Joey! To have that opportunity to be able to learn off him, and able to be part of the team, see everything first-hand and to learn off him experiencing the ‘McGuinness-factor’ is something I am really excited about! On the flip side, we go to the North West 200 where we can work together and I think we can realistically set targets there – I would love to achieve Honda’s first international road race win on the new Fireblade at the NW200 and add to my Superbike wins there. We’re fully aware we’ve not been there in a few years, but like everyone else, we’ll go, and we’ll do our homework. For sure the Honda team are the best to go road racing with, and BSB, and hopefully we can find out feet during practice and if we’re feeling confident look towards adding to the NW200 wins.
Havier Beltran – Team Manager, Honda Racing UK:
I’m really pleased we’ve been able to work with John on a deal for 2022, it’s going to be an exciting season for us all with the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade and John’s 100th TT start, and for him to do this back with Honda just made complete sense. Honda has so much history with John at the TT and 12 of the 20 wins for the CBR1000RR Fireblade have been with him, so for us all this is very much a homecoming. We also have Glenn, who will finally make his debut at the TT, which has been a long time coming, but we’re all really excited for this and to see how he gets on. There’s absolutely no pressure on Glenn, it’s about learning and finding his way at the TT, and with John’s experience, I don’t think he could ask for a better teammate to learn from. From a Honda point of view, this will be Honda UK’s first time back at both the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT races since 2010, so we’re all excited to get back on the roads with the new Fireblade.
Neil Fletcher – Head of Motorcycles, Honda UK
We’re absolutely delighted to be returning to the international road racing programme following the challenges of the last few years, particularly as 2021 would have been the 60th anniversary of Honda’s first TT win with Mike Hailwood in 1961. Quite simply, the Isle of Man TT has been an integral part of Honda’s DNA and to continue this story with a returning ‘TT Legend’ like John who can also help and support Glenn in his first year is a really exciting period for us. With all the success that John has had with Honda, it only feels right that his 100th start on the Isle of Man is on the latest Fireblade. We are also really looking forward to heading to the North West 200 and are confident the combination of Glenn and John aboard the latest Fireblade will be at the sharp end having both won the race on multiple occasions. I’m thrilled that our 2022 racing plans, including the recently announced BSB rider line up, is now complete and I just can’t wait for both the roads and short circuit seasons to get going!
KTM UNVEILS ITS 2022 RANGE OF ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES – LAUNCHING A NEW ERA OF ENGINEERING MASTERY AND PERFORMANCE-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY
December 1, 2021
MURRIETA, Calif. – KTM North America, Inc. is pleased to introduce its 2022 lineup of ADVENTURE motorcycles, ushering in a new era of rider-focused design and ground-breaking technology. Leading the way are the all-new flagship models, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. Taking full advantage of the feedback from riders across the globe, these 2022 ADVENTURE heavy-hitters fully encapsulate what it means to explore any terrain, from the pavement to the most unbeaten of paths. These new generation liter-class machines are the unquestioned halo Adventure models in KTM’s travel arsenal.
For 2022, they take their place among a pair of incredibly capable middleweights, the agile, travel-ready KTM 890 ADVENTURE and the extreme, offroad-focused KTM 890 ADVENTURE R. For riders looking for the perfect blend of travel-enduro capability and sporty, agile packaging, the updated KTM 390 ADVENTURE enters 2022 with new looks and a list of refinements. Rounding out the segment is the beloved KTM 690 ENDURO R—the do-it-all king of versatility—featuring class leading performance and technology.
ARRIVING THIS DECEMBER – THE KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S REDEFINES RIDER-FOCUSED PERFORMANCE
A 2022-model KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Photo courtesy KTM.
Introducing a third generation of liter-class KTM ADVENTURE models, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the sportiest and most technologically-advanced ADVENTURE bike to roll its wheels off the production line in Mattighofen, Austria. Forged to provide the benefits of a versatile sport-tourer with diligence paid to ergonomics and comfort over any terrain, in brief it’s the ultimate high-performance ADVENTURE bike.
Redesigned ergonomics
Focusing on keener handling, the new KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S introduces a chassis overhaul that further enhances weight distribution and riding agility. A sharper cornering sensation is achieved by moving the steering head back by 15 mm and re-locating the front section of the engine. Additionally, the longer open-lattice swingarm contributes to a more stable feeling under acceleration. The subframe has been crafted to provide a lower seat height without sacrificing durability or practicality.
Surrounding the rider is a new 6.1-gal. (23-l) keyless-cap fuel tank and a set of bodywork that augments the bike’s agile handling. Every inch of the paneling has been analyzed so as not to impede comfort or performance. Providing additional comfort for the long rides, the new seat is two-tiered and adjustable by 20 mm. Also customizable are the handlebar levers, the all-new TFT dash and the windshield, which has been developed through wind tunnel testing and can be moved by 55 mm. Overall, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S excels for its lower centralization of masses and refined weight balance. It begs to be ridden hard or caressed to speed over long distances.
Technology to boost performance
Regulating the ride is the new generation of electronic aids with a less intrusive level of traction control in RAIN, STREET, SPORT, OFFROAD and an updated (optional) RALLY mode. To take you to the best riding terrain with less fuss, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S introduces an innovative Adaptive Cruise Control system as standard for 2022. Developed in collaboration with Bosch, the radar-based system automatically adjusts speed and the distance to traffic ahead according to five stages that can be set with the re-designed handlebar switches.
The riding experience is further boosted with the brand new 7” TFT display that is hooked to a new Connectivity Unit for seamless smartphone pairing. The larger dashboard view has quicker and more practical menu systems as well as clear aesthetic infographics to clearly indicate various sections of the bike. The dash sits on top of a redesigned storage compartment with a USB charging socket. To communicate with the new display, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S comes with all-new switches on both sides of the handlebar, which offer a new and more seamless user experience. A new set of quick select and favorites buttons will allow for setup changes on the fly, while the rider stays focused on the roads ahead.
Advanced componentry
The heart of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the revised V-twin. The eye-widening power and torque come in a lighter form (-3.5 lb / -1.6 kg) thanks to thinner engine cases and a new oil circuit. The engine breathes through an upgraded two-headed exhaust and shifts with a revised PANKL gear mechanism that brings big improvements in the optional Quickshifter+ function.
New pistons have further raised reliability, and the whole unit retains better cooling thanks to a new water/oil system. The two new radiators work with the redesigned bodywork to channel warm air away from the rider’s legs, and 15,000 km service intervals and low fuel consumption round-off the re-energized powerplant.
Furthermore, the lean-angle dependent Motorcycle Traction Control has two different controllers, one for wheel slip and another for pitch angle, with their own data and strategies. The Cornering ABS and Offroad ABS systems are products of the new Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control, while Motor Slip Regulation (optional) assists with abrupt downshifts.
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S will hurtle along bumpy trails, courtesy of a new generation of WP APEX Semi-Active Technology suspension. The SAT boasts augmented damping thanks to new valves, while the 6D lean angle sensor inputs directly into the unit for a thorough outline of rider behavior.
Part of the updated range of KTM PowerParts specifically designed for the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the Suspension Pro package that offers individual damping for the fork and the shock, automatic preload adjustment and an on/off Anti Dive setting. With the additional Rally Pack featuring the RALLY riding mode and the respective MTC slip adjuster, all of the Suspension Pro and Rally Pack features together with the Quickshifter+, the Motor Slip Regulation, the Hill Hold Control and the adaptive brake light are included in the all-in-one Tech Pack.
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S – MODEL HIGHLIGHTS
New ergonomics –> new fuel tank, lower seat & new plastics
Reworked bodywork –> shorter chassis, new subframe & longer swingarm
Optimized weight distribution –> added agility & comfort
New generation electronics –> innovative ACC & reworked cornering MTC
More intuitive 7” TFT display –> optimal accessibility
Redesigned handlebar switches, improved CCU
Revised 1301 cc LC8 engine –> lighter without sacrificing power
THE ALL-NEW KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R ALLOWS FOR LIMITLESS TRAVEL POSSIBILITIES EVEN WHERE THE ROAD ENDS
A 2022-model KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Photo courtesy KTM.
The second installment in the new generation of liter-class KTM ADVENTURE models comes in the form of the all-new KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. Engineered to cross the wildest and most challenging terrain, this motorcycle has the capacity to take adventurers anywhere.
Primed and ready to plant its flag anywhere on the planet, the 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R shares many of the same updates found on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S but has been designed from the ground-up with a different aim – to conquer all that comes before it, paved or unpaved.
All-terrain agility
Riding the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R across rough terrain in the easiest and most intuitive way possible has been a development priority for the completely reworked 2022 edition. All new bodywork, providing excellent ergonomics and allowing the fuel in the three-piece tank to be held as low as possible, has been designed for better agility, a lower center of gravity and optimal feeling in all riding conditions.
Control and balance is enhanced by the new subframe, which has also been reconstructed and is topped with a sporty stepped seat coming in at 880 mm of height with slim dimensions and handy storage underneath.
Further enhancing handling and offroad performance is the reworked WP XPLOR suspension. The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R benefits from KTM’s racing-won suspension tuning knowhow and has been set up to deliver the absolute best offroad capability, while still maintaining its essential touring rideability. Comfort and performance have been blended into the fully-adjustable 48 mm front forks with an impressive 220 mm of travel and split damping functions. Quick modifications are done with a twist of the respective compression and rebound dials. The same 220 mm travel graces the WP PDS shock. The confidence-inspiring versatility of the system was achieved through countless hours of test riding in the California desert, as well as long stretches of varied European landscapes.
Performance-tailored technology
The 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is a vessel for the latest electronics packages and continuation of the collaboration with first-rate pioneers like Bosch. A new six-axis lean angle sensor filters information on the exact pitch and position of the bike and its behavior. In turn, this affects the degree of Motorcycle Traction Control, Motor Slip Regulation, Motorcycle Stability Control and forces of Offroad ABS. Like the suspension, these systems endured endless miles of testing and tweaking to ensure their intervention improves both street and offroad performance. To fit the needs of the modern all-terrain riding enthusiast, all rider assists can be tweaked or disengaged.
As found on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S, standard RAIN, STREET, SPORT and OFFROAD ride modes, and the optional RALLY mode, round out the full suite of electronic rider aids found on the new KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R to allow riders to get the most out of their machine.
Premium-spec components
With a lot of effort going towards optimizing the air flow through the bike, the 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R features two separate radiators instead of the one-piece unit of its predecessor. With cleverly designed air ducts, the amount of hot air streaming towards the rider´s legs has been significantly reduced and the difference becomes easily noticeable in the slow, tight sections.
Thanks to a reworked airbox, riders can now easily access the air filter by simply removing four screws. The filter itself now features vertical ribs, instead of horizontal, which helps direct dust or sand towards the bottom of the air box. Overall, a better design for hardcore adventurers.
To cope with the rigors of life away from the beaten track, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is armed with premium level equipment. New Adventure-specific Bridgestone tires are wrapped around ALPINA aluminum spoked wheels, which can be run tubeless with a reassuring O-ring sealant in the spoke nipples. This new-generation 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R comes with modern and eye-catching paint and graphic set.
KTM ‘RACE ON’ technology takes keyless ignition to a new level of autonomy, as its separate Tire Pressure Monitor system sensors provide more detailed customization and four-piston radial mounted Brembo calipers bring the whole show to a fearsome stop or satisfying slide. The windshield, levers, pegs and handlebars are all adjustable to further enhance rider adaptability.
As is the case with its S model counterpart, the new KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R benefits from a remodeled optional software package policy. With the Rally Pack offering the RALLY riding mode, MTC slip adjuster and adjustable throttle response, the all-in-one Tech Pack includes the Quickshifter+, Motor Slip Regulation, Hill Hold Control, adaptive brake light and all the features of the Rally Pack.
Optimized weight distribution with lower-placed fuel tanks
Cutting-edge electronics that enhance the ride
New, intuitive 7’’ TFT display with redesigned handlebar switches
New LED headlight with LED daytime light
Revised V-Twin engine with improved heat dissipation
New Adventure-spec tires by Bridgestone
KTM BOLSTERS NEW KTM 390 ADVENTURE WITH MORE FREE-ROAMING SPIRIT FOR ADVENTURERS OF ALL DEMANDS
A 2022-model KTM 390 Adventure. Photo courtesy KTM.
Receiving select key upgrades in its 2022 trim, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE is here to let every biker experience the utmost adventure. No matter the rockiness of the mountain pass, the length of the wilderness trail or the demands of daily mileage, the new KTM 390 ADVENTURE is a highly-capable exploration companion every step of the way.
Setting the benchmark in the smaller cylinder segment for outstanding power-to-weight, technology and riding agility, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE is getting a fresh look and some key upgrades for 2022 that bring it closer than ever before to the full range of larger-displacement KTM ADVENTURE machines.
Further enhancing its potential to take riders to places far beyond the ordinary paths, the 2022 model’s extensive list of electronic features has been amplified with the addition of STREET and OFFROAD modes for Traction Control. Selecting OFFROAD from STREET will give the KTM a degree of rear wheel slip to enable even easier use of the bike in loose or wet terrain.
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE can be pushed to the extreme and if the conditions momentarily get the better of the rider, the OFFROAD TC will remain activated in the event of a brief stall or fall. The additional Traction Control capabilities make it easier to get even more exploratory, allowing the KTM 390 ADVENTURE to solidify its spot as the segment leader in terms of technology and electronic features.
Allowing riders to reach new extremes, KTM has given the 2022 KTM 390 ADVENTURE a set of even more robust cast wheels. The construction of the components is based around five spokes – instead of six – thus permitting increased stiffness and resistance for the rims.
For 2022, the visual identity of the KTM 390 ADVENTURE is bringing it even closer to the race-winning RALLY machines around the globe. Available in two distinct color versions, both options highlight the sharp lines of KTM’s ultra-versatile adventurer.
Curious and skilled riders can also fulfill their needs at the throttle of the 2022 KTM 390 ADVENTURE. To prove the point, KTM enlisted the help of multi-time Baja winner Quinn Cody and world traveler Paolo Cattaneo to provide the ultimate verdict from their own weekend adventure HERE.
The bike’s famed agility is combined with the carefully considered ergonomics that place the rider right in the heart of the bike’s movements. The 2022 KTM 390 ADVENTURE can be steered like an offroader as much as it can flip into cruise for longer highway stretches, and the new look through the colors and graphics mean that the aesthetic is as sharp as the attributes.
KTM 390 ADVENTURE – HIGHLIGHTS
Enhanced electronics as standard & OFFROAD TC for added adventuring potential
Stronger & more resistant wheels for tougher riding
Segment-leading electronics including lean-angle sensitive ABS & TC
Removable steel trellis subframe fitted with just four bolts
WP APEX adjustable suspension for the best response whatever the terrain
Dependable BYBRE brakes with 320 and 280 mm discs, two channel ABS
3.8 gal (14.5 l) fuel tank for excellent range & possible 400 km with one fill
Two-part seat & crafted bodywork as part of superlative ergonomics setup
Brand new graphics & fresh look for both 2022 color versions
The 2022 KTM ADVENTURE range and KTM 690 ENDURO R will be landing at authorized KTM dealers starting December of 2021. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE will be available from February 2022 onward. For more information, visit ktm.com.
ONE MILLIONTH HINCKLEY TRIUMPH KICKS OF THE ICONIC BRITISH BRAND’S 120-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PLANS
Hand in hand with the announcement of plans to celebrate next year’s 120th anniversary of the most iconic British motorcycle brand in the world, Triumph unveils the landmark millionth Hinckley Triumph produced.
The Millionth Triumph of The Modern Era
Triumph has reached a historic milestone in its modern era with the reveal of the millionth motorcycle built since the brand’s return in 1990. Unveiled at Triumph’s Global Headquarters in Hinckley by Nick Bloor, CEO, in front of the UK team, the millionth Triumph is a bespoke custom painted model of Triumph’s incredibly successful
The one-millionth Triumph – a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Photo courtesy Triumph Motorcycles.
.
Launched in 2019 the Tiger 900 Rally Pro provides a perfect demonstration of Triumph’s world leading design, engineering, and production capability. This is courtesy of its class defining character, capability, quality, and attention to detail – attributes shared by all of Triumph’s modern line-up
With its sophisticated custom silver paint scheme and one millionth graphics, this very special milestone motorcycle will be displayed in Triumph’s stand at this year’s Motorcycle Live show at the NEC and then on show in Triumph’s Factory Visitor Experience* in a new, specially created 120-year anniversary display.
“Everyone at Triumph is incredibly proud to have played a part in achieving such a momentous moment in the modern history of this iconic brand. Over the 31 years since we re-launched Triumph with a new line of British designed motorcycles in Cologne in 1990, we have shared so many great moments with our fans across the world. From returning to the TT champions arena, to entering the MotoGP™ paddock with our Moto2™ Engine partnership, to supporting the biggest global riding event and its great cause for health and wellbeing with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, to mention only a few. Triumph’s success has always stemmed from the passion and commitment we share with our riders.”
“Whilst the last year has been challenging for all of us, this passion and commitment has driven Triumph to even greater heights, including the successful entry into new categories with the Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660.”
“Over the last three decades Triumph has maintained sustained and significant investment in our people, our partners and our in-house design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities, in order to grow the reach and reputation of this iconic British brand. This investment in home grown talent, both in the UK and around the world, matched by the passion we share with our riders for delivering the complete and perfect motorcycle, has seen the brand go from strength to strength, achieving the most successful year in the brand’s entire 120-year history.’’
‘’Furthermore, we are committed to taking the brand to even greater heights, and with the forthcoming launch of our brand new Tiger 1200, new competition MX and Enduro motorcycles, plus our strategic partnership with Bajaj to create smaller capacity bikes, I am delighted to say that the future for Triumph and its fans across the world will be just as exciting and rich as the last 30 years has been,’’ Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO.
Celebrating 120 Years of the Most Successful British Motorcycle Brand
Encompassing millions of passionate fans who share the same obsession for motorcycling, Triumph announces their plans to celebrate in 2022 the landmark 120-year anniversary of this iconic British motorcycle brand.
The very first production Triumph motorcycle went on sale to the public in April 1902, starting one of the world’s richest and most exciting brand stories; a story that has gone on to encompass countless legendary motorcycles, and playing a significant role in shaping the motorcycle world we enjoy today.
Triumph’s modern era began in 1990 with a completely original range of motorcycles designed and built in a brand new, state-of-the-art factory at Hinckley.
In the three decades since, Triumph has built and sold more motorcycles than at any previous time in its history through an international network of more than 700 dealers in 57 countries.
And despite recent challenges, the passion for Triumph shared around the world by owners, riders, fans, and dealers has made the last 12 months the most successful ever, with more than 75,000 bikes registered globally, equating £650 million ($877 million USD) in motorcycle sales.
Triumph represents the very pinnacle of Great British design and engineering, with a line-up of world-beating bikes spanning multiple genres from adventure to roadsters to modern classics, each delivering Triumph’s renowned reputation for class-leading handling, finish and detailing, and original, authentic design.
Today Triumph operates across five manufacturing facilities, all managed and led by the global headquarters in Hinckley, Leicestershire, where every Triumph is conceived, prototyped, and tested in Triumph’s center of design excellence by our in-house team. The most recent addition to Hinckley’s impressive infrastructure is an all-new UK assembly plant, built to enhance Triumph’s global manufacturing flexibility and complement the existing multi-million-pound paint shop and rapid prototyping facilities.
A truly global operation, Triumph has 13 sales and marketing offices around the world, manufacturing and production facilities located in Thailand, where the company has its own casting, injection-molding, machining and assembly facilities, and plants in India and Brazil, which assemble bikes destined for local markets.
Triumph’s Factory Visitor Experience* at Hinckley opened in 2018 and invites visitors to get a taste of Triumph’s manufacturing expertise as well as showcases the most important collection of motorcycles from the iconic British firm’s past and present.
From January 2022 Triumph will invite fans from all over the world to join the factory in celebrating the pure spirit of motorcycling, in a series of stories, meet-ups and special events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for more details to come in the new year.
*The Triumph Factory Visitor Experience is free to visit. It is located at Triumph’s HQ in Hinckley, England and is open daily Wednesday through Sunday, from 10am – 4.30pm.
Featured In the November 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
When American Honda introduced its all-new 2022-model Grom to journalists, the company let them loose on the tight mountain roads in the Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles. And for a base of operations, American Honda chose one of its partners, Steady Garage.
Don’t let the name fool you. People who are ‘steady’ do not stuff hot rod CBR300R motors into Grom chassis, but the guys at Steady Garage have been doing that and more at their shop in Irwindale, California, for nearly 10 years…
—Shops: Steady Garage, by David Swarts
There are many sub-cultures within the two-wheel world. There are people who are passionate about mini-motos and scooters, including the guys at Steady Garage and their customers. Read about a project that started with a trio of childhood friends and has become one of the leaders in this fascinating niche. It’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission celebrates its 15-year journey
FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission (CFM) had its first commission meeting 15 years ago in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. The decision to create the commission was done earlier that year in February 2006 and in June the FIM also signed the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport.
During the last 15 years the CFM has focused on providing more opportunities for women involved in all motorcycling activities and making the motorcycling world more inclusive. Today the CFM launches its 15-year anniversary video presenting the highlights of the past decade and a half. As the video demonstrates, at the moment women have their own World Championship series in Trial, Motocross and Enduro and World Cup series in Snowcross, Cross Country and Baja. The number and level of riders have grown year after year providing some very interesting battles for the spectators.
Beside the sport activities the CFM has recently put more focus on training and inspiring women to aim for the leadership roles within motorcycling. As a second part of the anniversary campaign the commission will launch the second edition of the “Dream Big” book that presents many inspiring stories of women from different roles within the motorcycling world.
FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission Director Nita Korhonen: “The last 15 years have been a great adventure for our commission and a lot has happened since our first meeting in Brazil in the autumn of 2006. Today it is natural that women can succeed and even win World Championships in motorcycling against male competitors, but we hope to see also more women in the leadership roles on a national and international level. Today we celebrate the last 15 years with our milestone video and as a second part of the celebration campaign we will soon launch the successor of the Dream Big book. The third and final part will be a big surprise that we hope will show the direction for the future of the CFM.”
FIM President Jorge Viegas: “Women are a natural part of motorcycling and the FIM strongly supports the presence of women in all the motorcycling activities worldwide. We need more diversity in motorcycling and we all have to work towards a more equal and more gender balanced world. The FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission has done a brilliant job over the past 15 years and during this time we have seen many great achievements and milestones. I hope that one day women will be so well represented in motorcycling that there is no longer a requirement to have a dedicated women´s commission anymore.”
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff (44) will return to Team Hammer for 2022 .
Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
LOCHOFF RE-SIGNS WITH TEAM HAMMER FOR 2022
Team Hammer, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of Sam Lochoff to contest the 2022 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship, in the Supersport class.
The 19-year-old South African will look to build on the momentum of his spectacular rookie season and fight for next season’s MotoAmerica Supersport title aboard a Team Hammer-built M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R once again.
Prior to the start of his 2021 campaign, Lochoff admitted his opportunity with Team Hammer represented a “prove it” year to determine whether or not he has what it takes to make a career out of professional motorcycle road racing.
He proved that and then some, finishing the season ranked third in the final 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport point standings on the strength of 14 top-five finishes, six podium finishes, and a thrilling first race victory earned in a last-lap duel with Moto2-bound 2021 Supersport Champion and M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammate Sean Dylan Kelly.
Lochoff continued to improve throughout the 2021 season as he gained Supersport class experience. He earned five of his six podiums — including his dramatic win — in the season’s final eight races, and expects to pick up where he left off in 2022.
“First, I want to thank M4 ECSTAR Suzuki for helping me so much last season. It felt like every member of the team had an impact,” said Lochoff. “I was learning, going from a 400cc bike to a 600cc bike and the team really accelerated my progress. At the first of the year, I was off the leaders’ pace a good bit. We focused on improving lap times to close that gap down. We worked really hard and earned some good results.
“There are some big names in Supersport this coming year, including my new teammate Richie Escalante,” Lochoff continued. “Of course, I want to shoot for the moon and be the guy everyone else chases but my plan is to keep working hard. I’ve been in California so I can ride and train more this off-season and I am looking forward to carrying our momentum into 2022.”
Prior to joining Team Hammer, the Cape Town native finished third in the 2020 MotoAmerica Junior Cup championship and won the 2018 Alpe Adria International Motorcycle title and the 2018 FIM Supersport 300 European Cup.
“Sam exceeded our expectations in 2021,” said Chris Ulrich, Team Hammer Vice President of Operations, who handles talent scouting. “He had a good approach, taking it step-by-step and making progress in an organized fashion. By the end of the year, Sam was a consistent podium finisher and earned his first Supersport race win. That made him the best of the Junior Cup graduates, comparing Sam to his previous competition. Now our goal is to continue his development in 2022 and for Sam to become a consistent Supersport race winner.”
About Team Hammer
The 2022 season will mark Team Hammer’s 42nd consecutive year of operating as a professional motorcycle road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 128 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 332 times and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport.) The team has also won 138 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
Roadracing World Editor At Large Michael Gougis in action during the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR press launch. Photo courtesy Triumph.
COPYRIGHT 2021, ROADRACING WORLD PUBLISHING, INC.
Riding The 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR: A (Super) Sportbike For The Street
Story by Michael Gougis
Video produced by Sandra Gougis
At a few new model intros, I’ve felt as though the company men are just going through the motions, and sometimes it’s hard to blame them. They may have been forced to design a bike to too low a price point, or the corporate office has demanded that the U.S. subsidiary offer a model that Americans likely won’t be interested in, or there’s just nothing exciting about the bike, or the lead project engineer would be just as happy designing dishwashers.
That was not the case at the international launch of Triumph’s 2022 Speed Triple 1200 RR, held in and around Malaga, Spain.
Chief Engineer Stuart Wood was positively bubbling over with pride in the new machine the entire time, and no wonder; one of his Triumph colleagues called him “the father, the godfather, and the best friend” of the model. He was so enthusiastic that, at the test track where part of the intro took place, he was holding an intake valve from the engine of the new machine, showing off its hollow stem like a proud parent, explaining to anybody who would listen how the engineers made the valve train lighter to get more rpm out of the new engine.
The new Speed Triple 1200 RR is, on one hand, a variation of the very capable Speed Triple 1200 RS that Triumph introduced earlier this year. On the other hand, the changes Triumph engineers made to morph it into the RR model give the new bike its own personality, its own set of capabilities, and allow it to deliver an entirely different and more satisfying riding experience.
In short, the bike hauls the mail, handles fabulously, is easy to ride, and is stunning to look at. No wonder Wood was so excited!
A 2022-model Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR. Photo courtesy Triumph.
Tech Briefing
The basis core of the Speed Triple 1200 RR is the Speed Triple 1200 RS, new for the 2022 model year. A twin-spar/trellis aluminum-alloy frame wraps around a new 1160cc, three-cylinder, DOHC engine that spins to 11,150 rpm; when we put an RS test bike on a dyno in California, it kicked out 153.41 bhp and 81.73 lbs.-ft. of torque, and Triumph says the RR powerplant is identical to the RS engine.
The electronic aids are the same, with five riding modes as well as cornering traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and clutchless up-and-down-shifting, all linked to a six-axis Continental IMU. Brembo Stylema radial-mount monobloc front calipers work with 320mm (12.6-inch) discs and an adjustable master cylinder; a single Brembo rear caliper and a Brembo master cylinder provide braking at the rear.
The biggest functional upgrade is the suspension. The Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 (S-EC 2.0) system provides semi-active, continually adjusting damping control in the 43mm inverted forks and in the RSU-model shock in the rear. There are three settings for the semi-active mode–Comfort, Normal and Dynamic. In each, the system monitors input from the throttle, the IMU, and brake-line pressure to operate four motors that adjust damping settings to provide optimal damping for that moment. Once it decides what it wants to do, the system completes its changes in 0.2-second. Or the rider can choose to turn off the semi-active function and use fixed damping settings. All the settings can be changed to suit rider preference, and one of the really nice features of this system is that with a push of a button, everything can be reset to factory default settings. I sometimes wish my life had that button…
The other major difference is ergonomic/stylistic. Along with a new frame-mounted half-fairing, there’s a new seating position. Compared to the RS, the bars are 5.3 inches lower and two inches further forward, and the pegs are 0.6-inch higher and one inch further back. It sounds like a huge difference, but Triumph’s Wood says the riding position is less extreme than the one on the company’s 765 Daytona model.
The bike also comes with Pirelli Supercorsa SP V3 tires; full connectivity to a smartphone; cruise control; and a 5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) dash. The bikes I rode also had heated grips, and were all painted in the Red Hopper & Storm Grey finish, which comes at a premium pricing over the Crystal White & Storm Grey color scheme. All the changes add approximately one kilo (2.2 pounds) to the machine’s overall weight, which Triumph claims is 438.7 pounds wet.
Styling is inspired by–but not an imitation of–the classic café racer look. The fairing surrounds a single round headlight, and various panels are made of carbon-fiber, as is the front fender. The aesthetics are cohesive–the bike looks as if it was designed to be a modern café racer all along–and there are little touches like illuminated switch gear and an engraved upper triple clamp that add to the premium feel. Suggested retail pricing starts at $20,950.
The 2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR adds a sporting riding position and computer-controlled semi-active suspension to the highly capable Speed Triple 1200 RS chassis, engine and brakes. Photo courtesy Triumph.
Riding The Triumph
Three-cylinder motorcycles (a.k.a. Triples) always sound distinctive, and Triumph has done an excellent job of creating a pleasing exhaust note for the new Speed Triple. Climb on and the riding position is indeed less sporty than the current supersport machines, with some but not too much weight on the wrists and a comfortable, supportive saddle.
The slipper/assist clutch has a light pull, and the clutchless shifting is slick enough, although it feels as though the ignition cutout time for the upshifts is a tick too long, causing the chassis to pitch a bit when the suspension is in Comfort Mode.
Comfort Mode is a lot like a well set-up touring bike. Someone had dropped the word “plush” into my ear before the ride began, but cruising through the highway leading to the city of Ronda en route to the mountain road route, the bike just soaked up highway imperfections. This is particularly important when the seating position puts the rider into a more forward stance, where jolts through the forks are transmitted directly into the wrists.
On a twisty mountain road, Comfort Mode allows the bike to move around, although far less than would be expected from something with such a supple ride. A quick switch to Sport or Track Mode kicks the Öhlins system into the Normal or Dynamic setting, which delivers less comfort on the street but more mid-corner stability.
On the track at Circuito Ascari Resort, rain and cold temperatures left patches of water around the circuit for the entire time we were there, but I managed to find enough pavement that was dry enough for my comfort level to test some of the claims made by the Triumph team. There are a couple of long, banked corners at the track, and the Speed Triple RR railed through those with absolute stability; I could not detect when the suspension self-adjusted. Instead, it just continuously functioned like any high-quality system would. When I nailed the brakes approaching corners, the system detected the sharp braking input and kept the machine stable throughout that phase of corner entry. Braking is as powerful as I expected from a full Brembo system, and is sensitive enough at the lever that two fingers provided more power than I needed on the street.
The engine remains the same torquey beast, with redline coming in second and third gears more rapidly than I anticipated, the vibration interesting in its uniqueness but not annoying.
It’s remarkable how much of a difference a riding position can make. While the chassis, engine and brakes are shared with the RS, the RR’s sportier crouch made it much easier for me to feel inputs from the forks and to more accurately feed in throttle.
In the full day of riding, I felt most at home on the dry, warm run down from altitude toward the Mediterranean on A-397, the Road to Ronda–one of the best roads I’ve ever ridden. With my body weight supported by my chest on the tank, positioning my body for cornering was easy and effortless, and the bike flowed through the corners with confidence and speed. I shifted only infrequently, and traffic was typically quickly dispensed with by twisting the throttle–big torque just makes life better!
It’s perhaps not surprising that I enjoyed the rapid street ride most of all–it is the environment for which the Speed Triple RR is designed. Wood made it clear that the bike is street-focused, not track-oriented, even though it is track capable. It’s not competing against supersport machines, but it offers an alternative for riders who don’t want a track weapon. Within its design parameters, the bike does everything a street rider will reasonably want it to do, with precision and comfort, while delivering the experience that a sport rider is looking for.
On the Front Cover: Nine-Time World Champion Valentino Rossi wheelies his Yamaha YZR-M1 during the last MotoGP weekend of his career, at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, in Valencia, Spain. Photo Courtesy Petronas Yamaha.
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In This Issue:
FEATURES
Inside Info: Aprilia Limited Edition RS 660; Ducati Streetfighters; 6-Cylinder BMWs; Retro Kawasaki Z650 RS & W800; KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo; Royal Enfield 120th Anniversary 650s; Yamaha MT-10 & MT -10 SP, Zero SRF, and more…
2021 Holiday Gift Guide, Part Two, For Kids Young & Old
A 2022-model Suzuki GSX-S750Z at speed. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Suzuki Announces More Exciting 2022 Streetbikes
Brea, CA (December 1, 2021) – The year is almost done, but Suzuki keeps rolling out more exciting new models! Fresh for 2022, Suzuki is thrilled to present the 2022 GSX-S750Z ABS and the 2022 GSX-S750.
These exciting new 2022 high performance naked sport motorcycles blend GSX-R750-derived engine performance, thrilling handling with an ergonomically sound chassis to fashion a naked sportbike that demands attention, thanks to its aggressive and sporty appearance.
A 2022-model Suzuki GSX-S750Z ABS in the studio. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Razor-sharp styling, strong performance, and a comfortable sport riding posture set the GSX-S750Z ABS and GSX-S750 apart from other middleweight sportbikes, and many of those competitors cost considerably more to purchase and own.
Appealing to riders seeking a naked motorcycle that combines sportbike-level performance with grin-inducing acceleration and confidence-inspiring handling; the GSX-S750 rewards owners with a street-worthy riding position and aggressive styling that makes a modern and bold statement. All while offering exceedingly good value for the money.
The 2022 GSX-S750Z ABS and 2022 GSX-S750 inherit their heart and soul from the championship heritage of the GSX-R750. With strong, torque-rich engine power managed by rider-adjustable traction control, both of these premium Suzuki machines are ready to capture hearts and turn heads as the performance leaders in their class. They are quick, nimble, comfortable, and offer an exhilarating, fun ride that underscores Suzuki’s brand heritage of quality, reliability, and value.
The 2022 GSX-S750Z ABS’s striking Metallic Triton Blue and Glass Sparkle Black bodywork is complemented by a blacked-out engine and chassis. Fluorescent yellow logos and graphics on the bodywork and wheels accent the GSX-S750Z ABS’ aggressive styling while the 2022 GSX-S750’s Metallic Matte Black bodywork works perfectly with the blacked-out engine, wheels, and chassis.
Key Points
Fuel-injected, GSX-R750–based engine blends horsepower and torque
Advanced Traction Control* lets the rider select sensitivity to match road conditions
Hybrid tubular girder and twin-spar sportbike frame is fitted with KYB suspension
Radial-mounted four-piston front brake calipers and wave-style rotors deliver great stopping performance (GSX-S750)
ABS-equipped**, four-piston front brake calipers with wave-style rotors deliver great stopping performance (GSX-S750Z ABS only)
Aggressive streetfighter styling and upright, and a comfortable riding position
A variety of Genuine Suzuki Accessories are available for the GSX-S750 and GSX-S750Z ABS, such as a solo seat cowl and sport screen, plus a large selection of Suzuki branded apparel.
The GSX-S750Z ABS and GSX-S750 models come with a Suzuki 12-month limited warranty. New owners can also purchase longer coverage periods with other benefits available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP).
To learn more about these exciting new 2022 Suzuki motorcycles, head to SuzukiCycles.com.
*The Traction Control System is not a substitute for the rider’s throttle control. It cannot prevent loss of traction due to excessive speed when the rider enters a turn and/or applies the brakes. Neither can it prevent the front wheel from losing grip.
**Depending on road surface conditions, such as wet, loose, or uneven roads, braking distance for an ABS-equipped vehicle may be longer than for a vehicle not equipped with ABS. ABS cannot prevent wheel skidding caused by braking while cornering. Please drive carefully and do not overly rely on ABS.
Francesco Guidotti (left) with Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director (right). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
KTM WELCOME FRANCESCO GUIDOTTI BACK INTO THE MOTOGP FOLD
KTM Factory Racing are pleased to announce that Francesco Guidotti will return to the company and will take the reigns of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad as Team Manager.
The 49-year old Italian from Tuscany oversaw KTM’s Grand Prix entry in the old 125 and 250cc divisions for four years and then departed the world championship for a successful two-season stint in WorldSBK. For the last decade he has been in control of one of the leading satellite teams in MotoGP before again deciding to lead the orange effort at the pinnacle of the sport.
Francesco Guidotti: “I was a team manager for KTM from 2006-2009 and then took some valuable experience in another series before coming back to MotoGP. Now I am able to complete the circle! KTM have always been very ambitious and hungry with their racing programs and we can see that MotoGP is no different; it is incredible what they have achieved in such a short time and there is still much we can do. I’m very happy to be back and part of this big push for more success.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “It’s a pleasure to have Francesco back with us and someone who knows our culture and way to go racing at KTM. We wanted to refreshen the MotoGP management structure and we feel that his input and ideas will give us some new momentum for our sixth season on the grid. With people like Francesco, Fabiano Sterlacchini, Hervé Poncharal, Jens Hainbach and Aki Ajo we know we have the best leadership to help us move ahead and make more MotoGP milestones for the company.”
John McGuinness and a 30th Anniversary Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. Photo courtesy Honda UK.
McGuinness back on the Blade as he leads Honda’s charge on the roads in 2022
Honda Racing UK is delighted to confirm that ‘TT Legend’ John McGuinness will return to Honda machinery in 2022 lining up alongside Glenn Irwin on the roads, as the team looks forward to debuting the race-winning CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at both the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT races.
John, who needs no introduction to road racing fans, has a vast and hugely successful history with Honda, having won 12 of the 20 TT wins the CBR1000RR Fireblade has amassed, where Honda still holds the accolade of the most successful manufacturer in the history of the Isle of Man TT Races, with 189 wins, 65 clear of their nearest rival.
John returns to Honda with the brand celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade. Updates to the 2022 Fireblade centre on mid-corner acceleration and drive, plus an iconic colour scheme in homage to the original ’92 Fireblade, which John will line up on at the TT as the ‘Morecambe Missile’ celebrates his 100th TT race start.
Joining John on the roads is four-time North West 200 Superbike race-winner and TT newcomer Glenn Irwin. Originally due to have made his Isle of Man debut in 2020, Glenn has had to wait two years with the event being cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic, where with no international road racing, Glenn has been developing the Fireblade SP in the British Superbike championship with multiple wins and podiums.
The Honda Racing UK team will be taking part in both the Superstock and Superbike classes at the NW200 and IOMTT Races, as well as the blue-riband Senior TT, which John last won in 2015 aboard the Fireblade.
John and Glenn will be at Motorcycle Live, the UK’s biggest motorcycle show, on Saturday 11 December, alongside the 2022 Fireblade SP which will make its UK debut when the show opens on Saturday 4 December.
2022 Road Racing Schedule:
8 – 14 May – North West 200
28 May – 11 June – Isle of Man TT Races
John McGuinness:
What can I say really, it’s like coming back home to the family! I’ve been in talks for a while with Neil and Harv and it’s just something that feels right; it’s the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade, I’ll be 50 years old and also celebrating my 100th TT start, so it feels like it’s meant to be. I’ve enjoyed a lot of success on the roads with the Honda and worked with Harv back in the day with HM Plant Honda, so I’m looking forward to getting back into the set-up and getting going. I had a little go on the Fireblade earlier this year and was impressed with it on-track, so looking forward to getting on the roads and seeing how it goes. It’s going to be a special year with everything going on and also just getting back to the North West 200 and the TT and everyone racing there again – I can’t wait to get stuck in!
Glenn Irwin:
Finally, I’ll be making my long-awaited TT debut with Honda! We’re now more familiar with the new Fireblade and the team is more familiar; I like to have home comforts as such and continuing with the bike and the same team I think puts us in a better position with frame of mind. We still have no targets set and no expectations for the Isle of Man TT, we’re going there to learn and enjoy. It’s incredible to have someone like John as my teammate on the roads, he’s someone I have looked up to and is probably the second greatest TT rider after another Honda-man Joey! To have that opportunity to be able to learn off him, and able to be part of the team, see everything first-hand and to learn off him experiencing the ‘McGuinness-factor’ is something I am really excited about! On the flip side, we go to the North West 200 where we can work together and I think we can realistically set targets there – I would love to achieve Honda’s first international road race win on the new Fireblade at the NW200 and add to my Superbike wins there. We’re fully aware we’ve not been there in a few years, but like everyone else, we’ll go, and we’ll do our homework. For sure the Honda team are the best to go road racing with, and BSB, and hopefully we can find out feet during practice and if we’re feeling confident look towards adding to the NW200 wins.
Havier Beltran – Team Manager, Honda Racing UK:
I’m really pleased we’ve been able to work with John on a deal for 2022, it’s going to be an exciting season for us all with the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade and John’s 100th TT start, and for him to do this back with Honda just made complete sense. Honda has so much history with John at the TT and 12 of the 20 wins for the CBR1000RR Fireblade have been with him, so for us all this is very much a homecoming. We also have Glenn, who will finally make his debut at the TT, which has been a long time coming, but we’re all really excited for this and to see how he gets on. There’s absolutely no pressure on Glenn, it’s about learning and finding his way at the TT, and with John’s experience, I don’t think he could ask for a better teammate to learn from. From a Honda point of view, this will be Honda UK’s first time back at both the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT races since 2010, so we’re all excited to get back on the roads with the new Fireblade.
Neil Fletcher – Head of Motorcycles, Honda UK
We’re absolutely delighted to be returning to the international road racing programme following the challenges of the last few years, particularly as 2021 would have been the 60th anniversary of Honda’s first TT win with Mike Hailwood in 1961. Quite simply, the Isle of Man TT has been an integral part of Honda’s DNA and to continue this story with a returning ‘TT Legend’ like John who can also help and support Glenn in his first year is a really exciting period for us. With all the success that John has had with Honda, it only feels right that his 100th start on the Isle of Man is on the latest Fireblade. We are also really looking forward to heading to the North West 200 and are confident the combination of Glenn and John aboard the latest Fireblade will be at the sharp end having both won the race on multiple occasions. I’m thrilled that our 2022 racing plans, including the recently announced BSB rider line up, is now complete and I just can’t wait for both the roads and short circuit seasons to get going!
A 2022-model KTM 1290 Super Adventure R in action. Photo courtesy KTM.
KTM UNVEILS ITS 2022 RANGE OF ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES – LAUNCHING A NEW ERA OF ENGINEERING MASTERY AND PERFORMANCE-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY
December 1, 2021
MURRIETA, Calif. – KTM North America, Inc. is pleased to introduce its 2022 lineup of ADVENTURE motorcycles, ushering in a new era of rider-focused design and ground-breaking technology. Leading the way are the all-new flagship models, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. Taking full advantage of the feedback from riders across the globe, these 2022 ADVENTURE heavy-hitters fully encapsulate what it means to explore any terrain, from the pavement to the most unbeaten of paths. These new generation liter-class machines are the unquestioned halo Adventure models in KTM’s travel arsenal.
For 2022, they take their place among a pair of incredibly capable middleweights, the agile, travel-ready KTM 890 ADVENTURE and the extreme, offroad-focused KTM 890 ADVENTURE R. For riders looking for the perfect blend of travel-enduro capability and sporty, agile packaging, the updated KTM 390 ADVENTURE enters 2022 with new looks and a list of refinements. Rounding out the segment is the beloved KTM 690 ENDURO R—the do-it-all king of versatility—featuring class leading performance and technology.
ARRIVING THIS DECEMBER – THE KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S REDEFINES RIDER-FOCUSED PERFORMANCE
A 2022-model KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Photo courtesy KTM.
Introducing a third generation of liter-class KTM ADVENTURE models, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the sportiest and most technologically-advanced ADVENTURE bike to roll its wheels off the production line in Mattighofen, Austria. Forged to provide the benefits of a versatile sport-tourer with diligence paid to ergonomics and comfort over any terrain, in brief it’s the ultimate high-performance ADVENTURE bike.
Redesigned ergonomics
Focusing on keener handling, the new KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S introduces a chassis overhaul that further enhances weight distribution and riding agility. A sharper cornering sensation is achieved by moving the steering head back by 15 mm and re-locating the front section of the engine. Additionally, the longer open-lattice swingarm contributes to a more stable feeling under acceleration. The subframe has been crafted to provide a lower seat height without sacrificing durability or practicality.
Surrounding the rider is a new 6.1-gal. (23-l) keyless-cap fuel tank and a set of bodywork that augments the bike’s agile handling. Every inch of the paneling has been analyzed so as not to impede comfort or performance. Providing additional comfort for the long rides, the new seat is two-tiered and adjustable by 20 mm. Also customizable are the handlebar levers, the all-new TFT dash and the windshield, which has been developed through wind tunnel testing and can be moved by 55 mm. Overall, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S excels for its lower centralization of masses and refined weight balance. It begs to be ridden hard or caressed to speed over long distances.
Technology to boost performance
Regulating the ride is the new generation of electronic aids with a less intrusive level of traction control in RAIN, STREET, SPORT, OFFROAD and an updated (optional) RALLY mode. To take you to the best riding terrain with less fuss, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S introduces an innovative Adaptive Cruise Control system as standard for 2022. Developed in collaboration with Bosch, the radar-based system automatically adjusts speed and the distance to traffic ahead according to five stages that can be set with the re-designed handlebar switches.
The riding experience is further boosted with the brand new 7” TFT display that is hooked to a new Connectivity Unit for seamless smartphone pairing. The larger dashboard view has quicker and more practical menu systems as well as clear aesthetic infographics to clearly indicate various sections of the bike. The dash sits on top of a redesigned storage compartment with a USB charging socket. To communicate with the new display, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S comes with all-new switches on both sides of the handlebar, which offer a new and more seamless user experience. A new set of quick select and favorites buttons will allow for setup changes on the fly, while the rider stays focused on the roads ahead.
Advanced componentry
The heart of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the revised V-twin. The eye-widening power and torque come in a lighter form (-3.5 lb / -1.6 kg) thanks to thinner engine cases and a new oil circuit. The engine breathes through an upgraded two-headed exhaust and shifts with a revised PANKL gear mechanism that brings big improvements in the optional Quickshifter+ function.
New pistons have further raised reliability, and the whole unit retains better cooling thanks to a new water/oil system. The two new radiators work with the redesigned bodywork to channel warm air away from the rider’s legs, and 15,000 km service intervals and low fuel consumption round-off the re-energized powerplant.
Furthermore, the lean-angle dependent Motorcycle Traction Control has two different controllers, one for wheel slip and another for pitch angle, with their own data and strategies. The Cornering ABS and Offroad ABS systems are products of the new Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control, while Motor Slip Regulation (optional) assists with abrupt downshifts.
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S will hurtle along bumpy trails, courtesy of a new generation of WP APEX Semi-Active Technology suspension. The SAT boasts augmented damping thanks to new valves, while the 6D lean angle sensor inputs directly into the unit for a thorough outline of rider behavior.
Part of the updated range of KTM PowerParts specifically designed for the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the Suspension Pro package that offers individual damping for the fork and the shock, automatic preload adjustment and an on/off Anti Dive setting. With the additional Rally Pack featuring the RALLY riding mode and the respective MTC slip adjuster, all of the Suspension Pro and Rally Pack features together with the Quickshifter+, the Motor Slip Regulation, the Hill Hold Control and the adaptive brake light are included in the all-in-one Tech Pack.
KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S – MODEL HIGHLIGHTS
New ergonomics –> new fuel tank, lower seat & new plastics
Reworked bodywork –> shorter chassis, new subframe & longer swingarm
Optimized weight distribution –> added agility & comfort
New generation electronics –> innovative ACC & reworked cornering MTC
More intuitive 7” TFT display –> optimal accessibility
Redesigned handlebar switches, improved CCU
Revised 1301 cc LC8 engine –> lighter without sacrificing power
THE ALL-NEW KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R ALLOWS FOR LIMITLESS TRAVEL POSSIBILITIES EVEN WHERE THE ROAD ENDS
A 2022-model KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Photo courtesy KTM.
The second installment in the new generation of liter-class KTM ADVENTURE models comes in the form of the all-new KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. Engineered to cross the wildest and most challenging terrain, this motorcycle has the capacity to take adventurers anywhere.
Primed and ready to plant its flag anywhere on the planet, the 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R shares many of the same updates found on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S but has been designed from the ground-up with a different aim – to conquer all that comes before it, paved or unpaved.
All-terrain agility
Riding the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R across rough terrain in the easiest and most intuitive way possible has been a development priority for the completely reworked 2022 edition. All new bodywork, providing excellent ergonomics and allowing the fuel in the three-piece tank to be held as low as possible, has been designed for better agility, a lower center of gravity and optimal feeling in all riding conditions.
Control and balance is enhanced by the new subframe, which has also been reconstructed and is topped with a sporty stepped seat coming in at 880 mm of height with slim dimensions and handy storage underneath.
Further enhancing handling and offroad performance is the reworked WP XPLOR suspension. The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R benefits from KTM’s racing-won suspension tuning knowhow and has been set up to deliver the absolute best offroad capability, while still maintaining its essential touring rideability. Comfort and performance have been blended into the fully-adjustable 48 mm front forks with an impressive 220 mm of travel and split damping functions. Quick modifications are done with a twist of the respective compression and rebound dials. The same 220 mm travel graces the WP PDS shock. The confidence-inspiring versatility of the system was achieved through countless hours of test riding in the California desert, as well as long stretches of varied European landscapes.
Performance-tailored technology
The 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is a vessel for the latest electronics packages and continuation of the collaboration with first-rate pioneers like Bosch. A new six-axis lean angle sensor filters information on the exact pitch and position of the bike and its behavior. In turn, this affects the degree of Motorcycle Traction Control, Motor Slip Regulation, Motorcycle Stability Control and forces of Offroad ABS. Like the suspension, these systems endured endless miles of testing and tweaking to ensure their intervention improves both street and offroad performance. To fit the needs of the modern all-terrain riding enthusiast, all rider assists can be tweaked or disengaged.
As found on the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S, standard RAIN, STREET, SPORT and OFFROAD ride modes, and the optional RALLY mode, round out the full suite of electronic rider aids found on the new KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R to allow riders to get the most out of their machine.
Premium-spec components
With a lot of effort going towards optimizing the air flow through the bike, the 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R features two separate radiators instead of the one-piece unit of its predecessor. With cleverly designed air ducts, the amount of hot air streaming towards the rider´s legs has been significantly reduced and the difference becomes easily noticeable in the slow, tight sections.
Thanks to a reworked airbox, riders can now easily access the air filter by simply removing four screws. The filter itself now features vertical ribs, instead of horizontal, which helps direct dust or sand towards the bottom of the air box. Overall, a better design for hardcore adventurers.
To cope with the rigors of life away from the beaten track, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is armed with premium level equipment. New Adventure-specific Bridgestone tires are wrapped around ALPINA aluminum spoked wheels, which can be run tubeless with a reassuring O-ring sealant in the spoke nipples. This new-generation 2022 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R comes with modern and eye-catching paint and graphic set.
KTM ‘RACE ON’ technology takes keyless ignition to a new level of autonomy, as its separate Tire Pressure Monitor system sensors provide more detailed customization and four-piston radial mounted Brembo calipers bring the whole show to a fearsome stop or satisfying slide. The windshield, levers, pegs and handlebars are all adjustable to further enhance rider adaptability.
As is the case with its S model counterpart, the new KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R benefits from a remodeled optional software package policy. With the Rally Pack offering the RALLY riding mode, MTC slip adjuster and adjustable throttle response, the all-in-one Tech Pack includes the Quickshifter+, Motor Slip Regulation, Hill Hold Control, adaptive brake light and all the features of the Rally Pack.
Optimized weight distribution with lower-placed fuel tanks
Cutting-edge electronics that enhance the ride
New, intuitive 7’’ TFT display with redesigned handlebar switches
New LED headlight with LED daytime light
Revised V-Twin engine with improved heat dissipation
New Adventure-spec tires by Bridgestone
KTM BOLSTERS NEW KTM 390 ADVENTURE WITH MORE FREE-ROAMING SPIRIT FOR ADVENTURERS OF ALL DEMANDS
A 2022-model KTM 390 Adventure. Photo courtesy KTM.
Receiving select key upgrades in its 2022 trim, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE is here to let every biker experience the utmost adventure. No matter the rockiness of the mountain pass, the length of the wilderness trail or the demands of daily mileage, the new KTM 390 ADVENTURE is a highly-capable exploration companion every step of the way.
Setting the benchmark in the smaller cylinder segment for outstanding power-to-weight, technology and riding agility, the KTM 390 ADVENTURE is getting a fresh look and some key upgrades for 2022 that bring it closer than ever before to the full range of larger-displacement KTM ADVENTURE machines.
Further enhancing its potential to take riders to places far beyond the ordinary paths, the 2022 model’s extensive list of electronic features has been amplified with the addition of STREET and OFFROAD modes for Traction Control. Selecting OFFROAD from STREET will give the KTM a degree of rear wheel slip to enable even easier use of the bike in loose or wet terrain.
The KTM 390 ADVENTURE can be pushed to the extreme and if the conditions momentarily get the better of the rider, the OFFROAD TC will remain activated in the event of a brief stall or fall. The additional Traction Control capabilities make it easier to get even more exploratory, allowing the KTM 390 ADVENTURE to solidify its spot as the segment leader in terms of technology and electronic features.
Allowing riders to reach new extremes, KTM has given the 2022 KTM 390 ADVENTURE a set of even more robust cast wheels. The construction of the components is based around five spokes – instead of six – thus permitting increased stiffness and resistance for the rims.
For 2022, the visual identity of the KTM 390 ADVENTURE is bringing it even closer to the race-winning RALLY machines around the globe. Available in two distinct color versions, both options highlight the sharp lines of KTM’s ultra-versatile adventurer.
Curious and skilled riders can also fulfill their needs at the throttle of the 2022 KTM 390 ADVENTURE. To prove the point, KTM enlisted the help of multi-time Baja winner Quinn Cody and world traveler Paolo Cattaneo to provide the ultimate verdict from their own weekend adventure HERE.
The bike’s famed agility is combined with the carefully considered ergonomics that place the rider right in the heart of the bike’s movements. The 2022 KTM 390 ADVENTURE can be steered like an offroader as much as it can flip into cruise for longer highway stretches, and the new look through the colors and graphics mean that the aesthetic is as sharp as the attributes.
KTM 390 ADVENTURE – HIGHLIGHTS
Enhanced electronics as standard & OFFROAD TC for added adventuring potential
Stronger & more resistant wheels for tougher riding
Segment-leading electronics including lean-angle sensitive ABS & TC
Removable steel trellis subframe fitted with just four bolts
WP APEX adjustable suspension for the best response whatever the terrain
Dependable BYBRE brakes with 320 and 280 mm discs, two channel ABS
3.8 gal (14.5 l) fuel tank for excellent range & possible 400 km with one fill
Two-part seat & crafted bodywork as part of superlative ergonomics setup
Brand new graphics & fresh look for both 2022 color versions
The 2022 KTM ADVENTURE range and KTM 690 ENDURO R will be landing at authorized KTM dealers starting December of 2021. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE will be available from February 2022 onward. For more information, visit ktm.com.
Nick Bloor, CEO of Triumph Motorcycles, unveils the one-millionth Triumph motorcycle produced at the Hinckley factory since the company's rebirth in 1990. Photo courtesy Triumph Motorcycles.
ONE MILLIONTH HINCKLEY TRIUMPH KICKS OF THE ICONIC BRITISH BRAND’S 120-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PLANS
Hand in hand with the announcement of plans to celebrate next year’s 120th anniversary of the most iconic British motorcycle brand in the world, Triumph unveils the landmark millionth Hinckley Triumph produced.
The Millionth Triumph of The Modern Era
Triumph has reached a historic milestone in its modern era with the reveal of the millionth motorcycle built since the brand’s return in 1990. Unveiled at Triumph’s Global Headquarters in Hinckley by Nick Bloor, CEO, in front of the UK team, the millionth Triumph is a bespoke custom painted model of Triumph’s incredibly successful
The one-millionth Triumph – a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. Photo courtesy Triumph Motorcycles.
.
Launched in 2019 the Tiger 900 Rally Pro provides a perfect demonstration of Triumph’s world leading design, engineering, and production capability. This is courtesy of its class defining character, capability, quality, and attention to detail – attributes shared by all of Triumph’s modern line-up
With its sophisticated custom silver paint scheme and one millionth graphics, this very special milestone motorcycle will be displayed in Triumph’s stand at this year’s Motorcycle Live show at the NEC and then on show in Triumph’s Factory Visitor Experience* in a new, specially created 120-year anniversary display.
“Everyone at Triumph is incredibly proud to have played a part in achieving such a momentous moment in the modern history of this iconic brand. Over the 31 years since we re-launched Triumph with a new line of British designed motorcycles in Cologne in 1990, we have shared so many great moments with our fans across the world. From returning to the TT champions arena, to entering the MotoGP™ paddock with our Moto2™ Engine partnership, to supporting the biggest global riding event and its great cause for health and wellbeing with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, to mention only a few. Triumph’s success has always stemmed from the passion and commitment we share with our riders.”
“Whilst the last year has been challenging for all of us, this passion and commitment has driven Triumph to even greater heights, including the successful entry into new categories with the Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660.”
“Over the last three decades Triumph has maintained sustained and significant investment in our people, our partners and our in-house design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities, in order to grow the reach and reputation of this iconic British brand. This investment in home grown talent, both in the UK and around the world, matched by the passion we share with our riders for delivering the complete and perfect motorcycle, has seen the brand go from strength to strength, achieving the most successful year in the brand’s entire 120-year history.’’
‘’Furthermore, we are committed to taking the brand to even greater heights, and with the forthcoming launch of our brand new Tiger 1200, new competition MX and Enduro motorcycles, plus our strategic partnership with Bajaj to create smaller capacity bikes, I am delighted to say that the future for Triumph and its fans across the world will be just as exciting and rich as the last 30 years has been,’’ Nick Bloor, Triumph CEO.
Celebrating 120 Years of the Most Successful British Motorcycle Brand
Encompassing millions of passionate fans who share the same obsession for motorcycling, Triumph announces their plans to celebrate in 2022 the landmark 120-year anniversary of this iconic British motorcycle brand.
The very first production Triumph motorcycle went on sale to the public in April 1902, starting one of the world’s richest and most exciting brand stories; a story that has gone on to encompass countless legendary motorcycles, and playing a significant role in shaping the motorcycle world we enjoy today.
Triumph’s modern era began in 1990 with a completely original range of motorcycles designed and built in a brand new, state-of-the-art factory at Hinckley.
In the three decades since, Triumph has built and sold more motorcycles than at any previous time in its history through an international network of more than 700 dealers in 57 countries.
And despite recent challenges, the passion for Triumph shared around the world by owners, riders, fans, and dealers has made the last 12 months the most successful ever, with more than 75,000 bikes registered globally, equating £650 million ($877 million USD) in motorcycle sales.
Triumph represents the very pinnacle of Great British design and engineering, with a line-up of world-beating bikes spanning multiple genres from adventure to roadsters to modern classics, each delivering Triumph’s renowned reputation for class-leading handling, finish and detailing, and original, authentic design.
Today Triumph operates across five manufacturing facilities, all managed and led by the global headquarters in Hinckley, Leicestershire, where every Triumph is conceived, prototyped, and tested in Triumph’s center of design excellence by our in-house team. The most recent addition to Hinckley’s impressive infrastructure is an all-new UK assembly plant, built to enhance Triumph’s global manufacturing flexibility and complement the existing multi-million-pound paint shop and rapid prototyping facilities.
A truly global operation, Triumph has 13 sales and marketing offices around the world, manufacturing and production facilities located in Thailand, where the company has its own casting, injection-molding, machining and assembly facilities, and plants in India and Brazil, which assemble bikes destined for local markets.
Triumph’s Factory Visitor Experience* at Hinckley opened in 2018 and invites visitors to get a taste of Triumph’s manufacturing expertise as well as showcases the most important collection of motorcycles from the iconic British firm’s past and present.
From January 2022 Triumph will invite fans from all over the world to join the factory in celebrating the pure spirit of motorcycling, in a series of stories, meet-ups and special events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for more details to come in the new year.
*The Triumph Factory Visitor Experience is free to visit. It is located at Triumph’s HQ in Hinckley, England and is open daily Wednesday through Sunday, from 10am – 4.30pm.
The Steady Garage crew includes (from left) Web/Media Director Duy Nguyen, Technical Director Kevin Dunn, CNC Engineer Brude McKee, Art/Creative Director Francis Clemente, and Mechanical Engineer Jimmy Chen, posing here with some of their project bikes. Photo courtesy Steady Garage.
Featured In the November 2021 issue of Roadracing World:
When American Honda introduced its all-new 2022-model Grom to journalists, the company let them loose on the tight mountain roads in the Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles. And for a base of operations, American Honda chose one of its partners, Steady Garage.
Don’t let the name fool you. People who are ‘steady’ do not stuff hot rod CBR300R motors into Grom chassis, but the guys at Steady Garage have been doing that and more at their shop in Irwindale, California, for nearly 10 years…
—Shops: Steady Garage, by David Swarts
There are many sub-cultures within the two-wheel world. There are people who are passionate about mini-motos and scooters, including the guys at Steady Garage and their customers. Read about a project that started with a trio of childhood friends and has become one of the leaders in this fascinating niche. It’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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Ana Carrasco (11) became the first woman to win a solo motorcycle road racing World Championship when she won the 2018 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship. Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission celebrates its 15-year journey
FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission (CFM) had its first commission meeting 15 years ago in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. The decision to create the commission was done earlier that year in February 2006 and in June the FIM also signed the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport.
During the last 15 years the CFM has focused on providing more opportunities for women involved in all motorcycling activities and making the motorcycling world more inclusive. Today the CFM launches its 15-year anniversary video presenting the highlights of the past decade and a half. As the video demonstrates, at the moment women have their own World Championship series in Trial, Motocross and Enduro and World Cup series in Snowcross, Cross Country and Baja. The number and level of riders have grown year after year providing some very interesting battles for the spectators.
Beside the sport activities the CFM has recently put more focus on training and inspiring women to aim for the leadership roles within motorcycling. As a second part of the anniversary campaign the commission will launch the second edition of the “Dream Big” book that presents many inspiring stories of women from different roles within the motorcycling world.
FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission Director Nita Korhonen: “The last 15 years have been a great adventure for our commission and a lot has happened since our first meeting in Brazil in the autumn of 2006. Today it is natural that women can succeed and even win World Championships in motorcycling against male competitors, but we hope to see also more women in the leadership roles on a national and international level. Today we celebrate the last 15 years with our milestone video and as a second part of the celebration campaign we will soon launch the successor of the Dream Big book. The third and final part will be a big surprise that we hope will show the direction for the future of the CFM.”
FIM President Jorge Viegas: “Women are a natural part of motorcycling and the FIM strongly supports the presence of women in all the motorcycling activities worldwide. We need more diversity in motorcycling and we all have to work towards a more equal and more gender balanced world. The FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission has done a brilliant job over the past 15 years and during this time we have seen many great achievements and milestones. I hope that one day women will be so well represented in motorcycling that there is no longer a requirement to have a dedicated women´s commission anymore.”
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Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
April 8, 2026
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We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
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This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
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Disability profiles supported in our website
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Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
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Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
