The KTM Adventure Rider Rally invites ADV riders of any brand to come to Deadwood, South Dakota, for four days of adventure riding and KTM motorcycle demos.
The rally is based out of The Lodge in Deadwood and will take place Oct. 10-13, 2024. Participants can expect rides featuring extensive double-track trails, red dirt/clay, rocky sections, snaking turns, mountain climbs, and valleys. Landmarks in the region include Devil’s Tower, Spearfish Canyon, the Black Hills, and more.
Routes include various loops suitable for different skill levels, so all adventure riders will be able to enjoy the event. Ride groups will consist of two to four riders of similar skill level. If you’re bringing your buddies, you can register to be placed in the same ride group.
The first day of the event, Oct. 10, is the demo day, on which participants can try out KTM models from the list below. The pre-event dinner on Thursday night is also included in the cost of registration.
The KTM 790 Adventure is one of many models that will be available for demo rides during the KTM Adventure Rider Rally event.
The next two days are ride days when participants will enjoy riding with their ride group. On Saturday, participants can recount the tales of their adventures during the included Awards Dinner. There will also be shorter rides and games on Sunday. Throughout the event, some KTM ambassadors and athletes will be present, including Marvin Musquin, Ryan Dungey, and Taylor Robert.
Registration is now open, but space is limited, so it’s recommended to register early. Registration includes an event t-shirt and hat, the pre-event dinner, breakfast from Friday to Sunday, and the Awards Dinner on Saturday. Registration costs $350, and there’s a “meals only” package for $175 for those traveling with participants. Visit the KTM website to register.
In this issue, as part of KTM’s “30 Years of Duke,” we review three updated models: 390 Duke, 990 Duke, and 1390 Super Duke R Evo. We also review the Suzuki GSX-8R middleweight sportbike and Triumph’s smallest streetbikes: the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X.
Kickstarts has a first look at the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, as well as a look at the upcoming Americade rally and the Edelweiss Grand Alps Tour. Our Summer Buyers Guide lists gear, parts, and accessories to help you get the most out of the riding season.
In our On the Road feature, Steven Goode rides scenic byways in almost every state to support a good cause. And for our Favorite Ride, Kenneth W. Dahse explores the Upper Delaware River Watershed.
Our Exhaust Note comes from Jamie Elvidge, a Rider staffer from 1985-1988, and Quinn Redeker discusses exercises to improve coordination in Motor School. Celebrating Rider’s 50th anniversary, our RiderRewind section highlights some interesting and wacky fashion shoots from the past.
L-R: Perry Steed, Jason Conyers, and Bruce Knobloch getting in some practice miles before their Ride for Light to raise awareness of veteran suicide.
Just because his first mission is complete doesn’t mean the battle is over for Perry Steed. In May 2022, the former Army paratrooper set out on his first Ride for Light, hitting 48 states on his BMW R 1200 GS and carrying the ashes of two brothers in arms. His goal was to raise awareness for the issue of veteran suicide. Two years later, Steed is taking a second Ride for Light, but this time, he’s kicking it up a notch, taking the show on the road – or more appropriately, making the road into a show.
The 2024 Ride for Light will still be under the banner of Operation: Purpose, the 501(c)(3) that Steed set up to foster and nurture a community of veterans in Wilmington, North Carolina, which has a large military population. However, the ride itself is more about the larger epidemic of veteran suicide. And this time, Steed won’t be riding alone.
“We’re a blended crew this year,” he told me. “I’ve got my battle buddy who I actually grew up with. He and I joined the Army within a couple of days of each other. We had the same job, went through basic training and AIT (advanced individual training) together, and were at Fort Bragg together.”
L-R: Perry Steed, Bruce Knobloch, and Jason Conyers.
Steed said Bruce Knobloch came to see him the night Steed’s oldest child was born, but after that the two men lost track of each other for almost 19 years until reconnecting this past summer.
Knobloch has been a motorcycle enthusiast for 20 years. When the two met up after all those years and the 2022 Ride for Light came up in conversation, Knobloch told Steed that he would’ve gone along if he had known about it.
“I told him, ‘Well, I’m doing it again.’”
The other addition to the crew is cinematographer Jason Conyers.
“When I got back from my 2022 ride, I joined the American Legion and became a Legion Rider because they really showed up and supported me,” Steed said, adding that one of the Legion Riders he met was Conyers, who was out of the Navy and had a film studies degree. “I was telling him what I was wanting to do, and he’s like, ‘Well, I’ll go with you, and I’ll document the whole thing.’”
Steed tapped some of his other resources, including a film studies professor at the University of Colorado and an art director for North Carolina PBS, who told him that once a documentary gets on one PBS station, the other states will pick it up.
“Of course, I gotta be censored a little bit,” Steed said. “I can’t just let it fly, but that’s fine.”
The 2024 Ride for Light began taking shape. There was just one glitch. On the 2022 Ride for Light, Steed had taken several opportunities to ride his GS off-road. This was something he wanted to do even more for the 2024 ride. When it came to Knobloch, Steed said if there was anyone in the high school yearbook with the caption “Least likely to own a Harley-Davidson,” it would’ve been Knobloch, yet that’s all he had owned since. He recently traded a CVO Street Glide for a Pan America.
However, Conyers had a Low Rider.
“I told him, ‘You ain’t going with me on that bike.’”
Unsure what to do, Steed got on a call with a guy he met through some restoration work Steed had done on a 1961 BMW R50S. He told Steed “consider me a friend” and offered up business advice.
1961 BMW R50S restored by Perry Steed.
“I needed someone who was not close to me that I could run some of this shit by, because everything I say, people are like ‘Yeah, man, that’s a great idea.’ I know not all my ideas are great, and I need someone who will tell me, ‘That’s freakin’ stupid.’”
During the phone call with Sean Slovenski, Steed explained Operation: Purpose and the Ride for Light, and in a stroke of good fortune, Slovenski donated two bikes: a 2010 BMW R 1200 GS with just 15,000 miles on it and a 2009 BMW R 1200 RT.
“He said, ‘Do whatever you want with the bikes,’” Steed said, adding that Slovenski recognized that the RT didn’t necessarily fit with the trip. Slovenski told Steed he could sell it to help fund the trip and that Conyers could ride the GS.
With the bikes lined up, the trio set a launch date for May 18 from Beaufort, South Carolina, after they attend an event with Operation Patriots FOB, a veterans and first responders support group.
Working with Bruce on his bike, adding Denali D7 lights and a few other parts before the trip.
Steed told me the plans for the ride with a mix of excitement and reverence for the places they’ll be riding and visiting.
They’ll start with the South Carolina Adventure Route – or SCAR.
“We’re gonna ride part of that from Beaufort up to Suches, Georgia, and then we’ll head backcountry through Tennessee and Kentucky to get up to Louisville,” he said, adding that the good thing about the SCAR for someone without a lot of off-road riding experience like Conyers is that it’s mostly just two-lane road. “There’s some dirt and gravel, but nothing crazy.”
However, he said the real exciting part will be the BLM land out West.
Jason’s BMW GS in a little deeper than expected.
“You know, really getting off the beaten path, out to where there’s no lights, no light pollution, and it’s just us out there. Three guys, talking smack and eating and sleeping under the stars.”
As for their on-road plans, Steed said they intend to visit a variety of places, from veterans cemeteries to a speaking engagement at an American Legion nursing home in Minnesota to the location of a large parcel of land that is being turned into a veterans retreat by a family who lost their son to suicide.
As with the first trip, they’ll be carrying the ashes of veterans.
“There’s a really horrible statistic that I want to lay on you that will blow your mind,” Steed told me. “There’s over 3,000 unclaimed veteran remains every year. A lot of these guys – very often Vietnam vets – through whatever happens, when they die, no one is able to locate the next of kin.”
Steed said there is a nonprofit organization in Wilmington called Veterans Memorial Reef that takes ashes and inters them in an artificial reef 5 miles offshore.
“I told them I would pick up whatever I can carry along the ride. So I’m leaving room on my bike for that.”
But as Steed said in 2022, this isn’t a trip about death. It’s a trip about life, so along the way, they’ll make “buddy checks” with as many other veterans as possible, spreading hope, love, and camaraderie.
That’s the most important aspect of the ride, and Steed said even if they don’t end up making a documentary, he just wants to get these two other guys out on road.
When I first connected with Steed in 2022, he was already a couple months into his ride and had stopped in Mexican Hat, a small town in southeastern Utah that was a favorite place of his father-in-law, an important figure in Steed’s life.
When I called him this time around to talk about Ride for Light 2024, he said that just the night before, he had been replaying in his head that conversation we had almost two years ago.
“I was thinking about where I was at. I see constant reminders when I’m in my office, these little mementos from my trip, and I remember exactly where I was.”
Steed said that Conyers has been fortunate in that he’s done a few cross-country trips – but not Knobloch.
“Every veteran needs to see and experience what they fought to preserve,” he said. “I need to get these guys out on the road…and get myself back out there too.”
If you or someone you know is in danger because of suicidal thoughts or actions, call 911 immediately. Suicide is an emergency that requires help by trained medical professionals and should always be treated seriously.
Nationwide suicide hotlines, 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (8255), have counselors available 24/7. Other resources include Suicide.org, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the American Association of Suicidology. All provide comprehensive information and help on the issue of suicide, from prevention to treatment to coping with loss.
In KTM’s current lineup, the only street-legal, track-focused sportbike is the RC 390. The RC 8C is a track-only, homologation special limited to 100 units. KTM hasn’t offered a street-legal, liter-class supersport since the 1190 RC8, which was produced from 2008-2015. But starting in 2025, the KTM 990 RC R will fill that hole in the lineup. Read KTM’s full press release below for the inside scoop. Click here for details as well as the first episode in the 990 RC R documentary series.
KTM Roars Ahead: Unleashing the Dominant KTM 990 RC R Range
The KTM 990 RC R, which is set to roll off the Mattighofen production line in early 2025, has a dedicated Supersport persona but will be homologated for street use, catering to the desires of orange enthusiasts fixated on track days and individuals seeking to maintain the adrenaline rush with an exceptionally capable street bike. The all-new development embodies the fusion of Austrian engineering excellence and the ferocious racing DNA, delivering unrivaled performance while embracing the practical demands of the road.
The 990 RC R will excite enthusiasts with its street homologated model, but its race DNA will be intentionally unveiled in early 2024 in the form of a prototype, making appearances as a wildcard entry in non-point scoring outings across select European Supersport series, igniting anticipation among fans. KTM believes in developing this newcomer to their stable in the most READY TO RACE way possible – through racing.
2025 KTM 990 RC R Prototype
KTM is also filming a multi-part behind-the-scenes documentary about the R&D journey of the bike and its entry into the Supersport sector. This exclusive behind-the-scenes content will give viewers close, and not usually seen, insights into the fast-paced world of the Austrian-based factory and what it takes to craft a motorcycle from an idea into reality. Follow the final stages of the research and development process moving all the way from the very beginning to the final unveiling of the finished street homologated version of the 990 RC R. Click HERE for the inside scoop.
2025 KTM 990 RC R Prototype
KTM 990 RC R: The Purpose
Over the last fifteen years, KTM metered sport-orientated road products to the public at a time when the company was extending its off-road racing prowess to the asphalt: the KTM RC8, the KTM RC 390 and the track-only, limited edition KTM RC 8C were the prime examples.
Across that period KTM has merged R&D, learning, and roadracing accomplishments at a rapid rate. The company now caters to motorcyclists seeking a machine born from competition yet engineered to be the ultimate, advanced street tool. The search to minimize hard compromises brought on by overly sporty ergonomics and handling is over. The 990 RC R has been years in the making and with a wealth of data garnered by titles and trophies in almost every category of various MotoGP categories. The bike represents the natural evolution of the current KTM RC line-up, yet its sporting potential allows for a straightforward conversion into a 990 RC R TRACK edition. True to the READY TO RACE ethos, this edition is poised to make its debut in the second quarter of 2025.
2025 KTM 990 RC R Prototype
KTM 990 RC R: The Product(s)
The street homologated 990 RC R boasts an LC8c powerplant, honed for rasping torque and horsepower, pumped out through the new ergo-crafted and condensed stainless steel muffler and fettled through a shifter that can be reversed to race-shift as standard.
The steel frame has been engineered for dynamic performance, with increased weight bias towards the front end. It features a dedicated steering head angle of 25 degrees and offset for enhanced steering responsiveness. Beefed-up stiffness gives the right feel and stability under acceleration on bumpy roads or on racetracks while also maintaining agility, especially at low speeds. A diecast aluminum subframe contributes to the ride.
Ergonomics are key to the 990 RC R’s behavior. Lengthy experimentation primed the six contact points on the tank for a better connection, leaning and ‘tucking in’ to ensure comfort but also support for knees, arms, and lower pressure on the hands. A new fuel tank has been shaped as a main component of the ergo. Adjustable footrests play a part, as well as the fully adjustable WP APEX Open Cartridge Suspension and light weight cast aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin tires.
The MotoGP heritage is evident with the wind-tunnel-chiseled aero wings that provide stability for braking and cornering and other edges and profiling around the bodywork that screams ‘racer.’
If there were any lingering doubts about the bike’s intended purpose, the minimal modifications required for the transition to the KTM 990 RC R TRACK edition should indisputably reinforce its racing pedigree. Crafted by KTM in their Austrian factory, the modifications strip away the road-legal essentials, incorporate protective components, fine-tune adjustments, customize further, and revise racing bodywork, including a full exhaust system. These modifications ensure that riders focus on lap times rather than leisurely rides. Additionally, the ease of repair, low maintenance requirements, and extensive official dealer support provide further advantages.
KTM 990 RC R: The Promise
“The KTM 990 RC R is a groundbreaking innovation for those who live for the thrill of cornering. It’s for those who lean close to the road, almost brushing their knees, and then push the limits, dragging elbow to the tarmac on the racetrack. This bike offers power and prestige without the exorbitant price tag. At last, we can unveil our KTM 990 RC R and introduce a truly exceptional motorcycle to dealerships in early 2025, fulfilling the anticipation of countless riders and race enthusiasts. Our Duke range and other street products have garnered a loyal following for their distinct character; we believe the KTM 990 RC R will quickly attain cult status because it excels at the two things it was designed for so remarkably well. Success will be evident on the track, but the unparalleled experience for customers on the road will truly set it apart.” – Riaan Neveling, Head of KTM Global Marketing
The countdown to early 2025 starts right now. Follow the final stages of development in the special documentary video series by clicking here.
Motorcycles equipped with quickshifters, which allow upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch, have become commonplace in the last few years. The BMW Motorrad Shift Assistant Pro is an optional quickshifter on many BMW models, including the new R 1300 GS, the M 1000 XR, and many others. Even with a quickshifter, riders must use the clutch to pull away from a stop. BMW’s new Automated Shift Assistant eliminates the need to use the clutch at all, and it will be an option on R-series models powered by boxer Twin engines. Read the full press release below.
With the new Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), BMW Motorrad presents an innovative technical solution that makes riding simpler and more comfortable. True to the motto “Simplify your ride,” the riding experience is enhanced by automation of the clutch and gear shifting process, without sacrificing the emotionally important dynamics of shifting.
The Automated Shift Assistant features a clever functional design in which two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the six-speed transmission, which is the main difference to a conventional shift assistant. There is no need for a hand lever to operate the clutch manually. Starting, stopping, and maneuvering are all made easy with the Automated Shift Assistant.
BMW Automated Shift Assistant
Riding with the Automated Shift Assistant becomes more enjoyable thanks to fast, precise, rev- and load-adapted gear changes. The rider’s workload is reduced, which makes riding more enjoyable. In addition, the Automated Shift Assistant creates a more direct connection with the powerful boxer engine, as the precise clutch actuation makes it easier to control the riding experience via the throttle and gearshift lever.
In ‘M’ shift mode, gear changes can still be made by foot control, allowing the rider to decide when to change gears.
In ‘D’ shift mode, the Automatic Shift Assistant really comes into its own. Shift points are automatically selected by the engine control unit. In both “M” and “D” modes, the rider benefits from smooth and perfectly executed gear changes, resulting in efficient motorcycle acceleration and increased riding stability.
BMW Automated Shift Assistant
When shifting up, for example, the possible jolt associated with a classic manual transmission with a manual clutch is largely eliminated, as is the risk of helmet-to-helmet contact between rider and passenger.
Downshifts are also designed to be as smooth as possible, minimizing chassis disturbances. Specific characteristics of the automated shift function are assigned to the different riding modes to ensure perfect shift behavior in each riding situation. In combination with Active Cruise Control or front collision warning, the networking of functions brings the future of motorcycling to life.
Automated Shift Assistant: Automated clutch and gear shifting for a new riding experience.
In difficult riding situations, using the clutch and throttle takes a lot of concentration. If you are travelling with luggage and perhaps a passenger, using the clutch and gearshift takes up resources. The rider remains in control and has more freedom in every riding situation with the Automated Shift Assistant. Riding becomes a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
BMW Automated Shift Assistant
The torquey boxer engine enables almost effortless starts on uphill gradients, for example, thanks to automated clutch operation, which also pays dividends in terms of better vehicle control off-road or on difficult surfaces.
Riding pleasure takes on a whole new meaning when you choose the automated D mode. Optimally selected gear changes create a new riding sensation. The right gear is automatically selected according to the rider’s individual riding needs, resulting in a harmonious and extremely smooth driving experience.
Automated Shift Assistant: Electromechanical clutch and gearshift actuators combined with sophisticated electronic controls.
The Automated Shift Assistant is the logical and technical evolution of the BMW Motorrad Shift Assistant Pro. Two electronically controlled electromechanical actuators operate the clutch and gearshift, enabling easy starting and automated gear changes. The rider’s shift request is transmitted to the control unit via a gearshift lever sensor, which is actuated by the conventional foot-operated gearshift lever. Additional sensors determine the revs of the transmission input shaft and the clutch position. These values are transmitted to the
TCU (Transmission Control Unit), which is closely linked to the engine control unit, for control of the clutch and shift actuation.
The clutch is operated by an electro-mechanical actuator combined with a hydraulic system with a direct hydraulic connection between the clutch master and slave cylinders. The actuator regulates the required clutch slip, engages the clutch when changing gear and disengages it when stopping.
In manual shift mode “M”, the rider can move the gearshift lever in the desired direction in the usual way. If the revs in the desired target gear are within the maximum or minimum rev range, the shift is made directly. If the engine revs fall below a gear- dependent minimum speed, downshifts are performed automatically in manual mode. This prevents the engine from stalling.
In shift mode “D” the gears are changed automatically depending on the riding mode, engine revs, throttle position and lean angle parameters. Gears are shifted according to the riding situation and dynamic requirements.
The benefits of the Automatic Shift Assistant (ASA):
Completely eliminates the need for the rider to operate the clutch.
Dynamic and comfortable gear changes for more riding pleasure.
Choice of manual or automatic gear shifting.
Automatically adapts gear shifts to the rider’s dynamic preferences in D mode.
Eliminates the possibility of engine stalling during gear shifts.
Beartooth Pass Summit (see next photo) was the crescendo of a magnificent ride on Beartooth Highway from Wyoming into Red Lodge, Montana. Hairpin curves, few guardrails, and sweeping views make it one of the best scenic byways in America. (Photos by the author)
In 2021, Steven Goode completed the Great American Deli Schlep, a 75‑day, 15,000‑mile motorcycle ride during which he visited the best Jewish deli in nearly every state and raised funds for MAZON, a Jewish nonprofit that fights hunger in America. You can read Goode’s feature about that ride here. –Ed.
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” This is a quote by Susan Sontag and words I ride by.
After completing four major motorcycle trips around our wonderful country, each ranging from 11,000 to 17,000 miles, I told my wife I was done with long‑distance rides. Sort of the same way I’ve told her, many times over, that this was going to be my last motorcycle purchase. Of course, she didn’t believe me.
So when a riding buddy said we should plan a big trip, I was all in. All I needed was a cause and a theme for the ride.
For a cause, I chose the Parkinson’s Foundation. In 2001, my mother passed away from Parkinson’s disease. A motorcycle trip supporting this cause would be a great way to not only honor her memory but raise money to support finding a cure and providing resources for those afflicted with this terrible disease.
Every trip starts with a send-off and the first mile. This banner about supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation made the entire journey with me.
Although my mother most likely would not have approved of my 60‑day, 16,000‑mile motorcycle trip – she was still a mother after all – she would have been extremely proud of my commitment to this cause. She had a wild side, but she didn’t show it often for fear of encouraging her sons to follow in her path, which we did anyway.
My late mother was the inspiration for this tour. This photo shows us in our backyard in 1979.
When I told the Parkinson’s Foundation about my plan, they were immediately supportive and offered to help create public awareness for the trip. An important part of the publicity was social media. I’m in my late 60s, and I didn’t do Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc., so their team handled that for me. They also created logos and designed T‑shirts, banners, and a web page for my blog. Klim supported the ride by providing me with a Latitude Gore‑Tex suit, and Nelson‑Rigg provided some waterproof luggage.
Scan the QR code or click here to make a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
We named the ride The Great American Scenic Byways Tour supporting Parkinson’s Foundation. After reviewing the route and the time necessary to complete the ride, my friend said the trip would require too much time away from work, so he bowed out. Since I had already committed to the Foundation and this was a personal ride on behalf of my mother, I decided to go alone.
My friend Bruce Benton joined me for a wonderful ride on the Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee and North Carolina.
For those of you who are curious how someone plans a 16,000‑mile trip, here are a few guidelines. First, get a map of the United States and put markers next to the places you plan to travel to. Second, using the rough route map, create a spreadsheet with columns for the city in which you begin your day’s ride; the destination city for that day; miles you plan to ride each day; and notes about the route, landmarks, and things to see. Good planning is key for a successful ride, and being organized reduces stress.
In Delaware I rode the Bayshore Scenic Byway. My Honda Gold Wing was a faithful companion on my deli schlep and scenic byways tours.
A key element to any trip of this magnitude is planning for unforeseen events. My mantra is “It’s all about Plan B.” On a two‑month trip, there will be at least one unexpected twist pop up. Mine came three days in when my dermatologist called to tell me I had a melanoma on my back and he wanted to surgically remove it as soon as possible. Plan B: I turned the bike around, made a beeline to Chicago, had the surgery, and was back on the road 17 days later.
Cape Hatteras Light Station on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway in North Carolina.
The beauty of this ride’s theme was that each scenic byway has its own personality. Like a thumbprint, every byway is unique. Almost everyone I met during the trip asked me, “What is the best scenic byway?” Just like when asked what the best motorcycle is, I answered, “The one I’m riding.” There are good reasons why National Geographic picked each of these byways to include in its guide. Each one gives the rider a special glimpse into the beauty of the region.
This is the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, North Carolina, where the weather seems to change every minute. The quintessential scenic byway is one of America’s treasures.
For example, the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway in Kentucky took me into forested backcountry, and I was able to get lost in my thoughts in the deep woods. One of the interesting features of this scenic byway is the Nada Tunnel, which is 900 feet long but only 12 feet wide and 13 feet high. There’s a single lane through the mountain, with no lights or painted lines. While pondering how to go through it, I asked some local Harley riders for advice. They said, “Look for a headlight at the end of the tunnel. If you see one, don’t go.” I felt like I was in a Road Runner cartoon.
The Nada Tunnel is located near the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway in Kentucky.
In Newport, Rhode Island, the scenic 10‑mile Ocean Drive provided a glimpse of how the other half lived during the Gilded Age in the late 1800s. The Vanderbilt, Astors, and Morgans all had their summer homes along this rocky coast.
Mansions along Rhode Island’s Ocean Drive.
Spanning two states, the Talimena National Scenic Byway follows Arkansas Highway 88 and Oklahoma State Highway 1. On the morning I planned to ride it, the forecast said it would be 105 degrees in Dallas, Texas, my next destination. I left at 5 a.m. to arrive in Dallas in time to beat the heat. This early start gave me an opportunity to watch the sunrise over the byway.
Sunrise over the Talimena National Scenic Byway, which goes through Arkansas and Oklahoma.
After five days on the road, I could no longer remember where I was the day before, what I had for dinner the night before, or which hotel I stayed in. That’s one of the great things about a two‑month motorcycle trip – getting lost in the journey. Writing a blog forced me to recreate the trip daily so it didn’t become one huge blur, and it also allowed friends, family, and supporters to follow my progress.
An old steam train in Essex on the Connecticut Valley Scenic Byway.
Another benefit of a trip of this scale is all the things I learned along the way. Like a school on wheels, I learned about our United States up close and personal, gaining a new appreciation for each region’s distinct personality and history. After the trip, I had a better understanding of our collective history. Whether it was exploring what life was like on plantations, following the Trail of Tears, or riding the path of Lewis and Clark, I was able to take a long look at our country and how we grew up as a nation, both the good and the bad.
Slave quarters at the Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana. This tour provided an education on America’s past, present, and future.
Every long motorcycle trip has unexpected moments, and one left me speechless and cleaning the mess off my bike for days. Leaving Elko, Nevada, to ride to Idaho, I took State Route 225, a two‑lane road with virtually no traffic. As I was riding north, I noticed something that looked like pinecones on the pavement up ahead. Once I got closer, the “pinecones” began to scurry. As I continued to ride north, they completely covered the road. Then I noticed that the road’s tire tracks were turning red, not asphalt gray. It was an infestation of Mormon crickets, which are about 2 inches long and don’t fly, and I was riding through an invasion of Biblical proportions that went on for 50‑plus miles!
Taking a pause to enjoy a view of the Sawtooth Mountains after riding the Ponderosa Pines Scenic Byway in Idaho.
My original plan was to ride through California’s Death Valley National Park. Just before I left, I received a call from my son. “Dad, did you hear that a 65‑year‑old guy just died in Death Valley? He had two flat tires on his car, and nobody came to his rescue. Are you sure you want to go into Death Valley by yourself, on your motorcycle, with temperatures reaching 115 degrees?” Plan B: Due to the intense heat and time constraints after my unexpected surgery, I opted to bypass California, Oregon, and Washington.
The Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway in Kansas.
My favorite scenic byway changed from day to day. When I was on the East Coast, I loved the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway in Maine. Riding the 17.6‑mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge‑Tunnel (U.S. Route 13) in Virginia, which includes a tunnel under the water, from Norfolk to Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge, was spectacular.
Somewhere in Maine, on my way to Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway.
Out West, it was U.S. Route 191 (Coronado Trail) in Arizona and State Route 12 in Utah. Beartooth Highway in Wyoming and Montana is a must‑ride. It is hard to choose only one scenic byway because each is special, and every one of them gave me new perspectives on the areas I was traveling through.
U.S. Route 191 in Arizona between Alpine and Morenci is known as the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway – one of my all-time favorites.
People also asked, “How do you pack for such a big trip?” My only advice is to take less than you think you need but all that’s necessary for unforeseen conditions (rain, cold, heat, etc.). You must think through all the variables and prepare a Plan B. If traveling solo, use a satellite tracking device so family and friends know how to find you.
Riding through Bryce Canyon National Park, which is located just off Scenic Byway 12 in Utah.
Long motorcycle trips are not for everyone, but I love not knowing what is on the other side of the hill and feeling the thrill and power of the bike beneath me, experiences that keep me going day after day. I highly recommend checking out National Geographic’s Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways, picking a region, and planning your own adventure. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Take the time to enjoy the sights, sensations, and sinuous curves on America’s rich bounty of scenic byways.
On the way down from the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado.
During his Great American Scenic Byways tour, Steven Goode raised nearly $22,000 for the Parkinson’s Foundation. To make a donation, use the QR code aboveor click here. To read Goode’s blog, visit this page on Facebook. Below you’ll find a complete list of the scenic byways Goode rode on this tour.
The snaking Hawk’s Nest section of New York Route 97 clings to rocky cliffs hundreds of feet above the Delaware River. It was a highlight of this New York and Pennsylvania motorcycle ride.
The Upper Delaware River Watershed encompasses thousands of square miles in New York and Pennsylvania, with hundreds of miles of serpentine roads rolling through forests, farmland, small towns, and historic sites. It makes for a superb ride, so I fired up my Kawasaki Vulcan and hit the road to explore it.
From West Milford, New Jersey, I rolled north on smooth East Shore Road through state forest land and then along the sparkling shoreline of Greenwood Lake. With the morning sun twinkling through the trees and the cool, fresh air energizing me, I rode through the Black Dirt Region of southern Orange County, New York, a beautiful area of farmland renowned for its rich, black soil.
Cruising through Port Jervis, I wound through the Hawk’s Nest section of State Route 97, which is designated as the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway for 70 miles. This sinuous roadway is cut into the mountainside, offering excellent views of the Delaware River far below.
Leaving the river behind near Pond Eddy, I climbed deeper into the watershed. I’m not religious in the traditional sense, but I love viewing unique churches. Two impressive ones grace the treelined State Route 41: Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church with its white facade and metal domes and the rustic log St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Glen Spey, New York, stands as a citadel of hope.
From Glen Spey, I weaved through the wooded route to Eldred, where I blasted up scenic State Route 55 to Lake Superior State Park, a good place for a relaxing swim or walkabout. From there, I made a pilgrimage to Bethel, site of the famous 1969 Woodstock music festival where 400,000 people gathered for three days of peace and music.
No longer the rural field of Max Yasgur’s farm, it is now part of the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. This concert venue’s museum honors the 1969 festival, and the original concert field has been preserved. A monument near the stage site memorializes the groups who performed there.
From Bethel, I blasted northwest on country backroads to the impressive Stone Arch Bridge Historical Park and then onto Roscoe for lunch at the Roscoe Diner. Next, I crossed the Beaverkill River, a tributary of the Delaware River. Both the Beaverkill and the Downsville covered bridges are off State Route 206, and riding a motorcycle through these wooden structures is a joy not to be missed.
The Stone Arch Bridge, built in 1880, adorns its namesake park in Kenoza Lake, New York. It is as famous for its beautiful architecture as it is for a murder committed on the bridge in 1892.
Downsville is also home to the 15-mile-long, 5,700-acre Pepacton Reservoir on the East Branch of the Delaware River. State Route 30’s twisties follow the reservoir’s shoreline and then the snaking river. With my Vulcan purring and the afternoon sun reflecting off the water, I cruised SR-30 to State Route 17. In Hancock, I dropped my kickstand at the tidy Hancock House Hotel, which has a pub and a restaurant on-site, making it an ideal overnight stop for riders.
The next day, I fired up my Vulcan and savored the crisp air and deep blue sky as I rumbled over the river into Pennsylvania. State Routes 191, 247, and 370 roll through farmland and forest. On SR-370, I spotted a bear crossing the road – not an unusual occurrence in rural Pennsylvania.
This rural Pennsylvania road passes through the green pastures of a family farm.
Riding south on State Route 296 to Waymart is one of my favorite roads: smooth with a mix of farmland and forest on both sides. At Waymart, I crossed over U.S. Route 6 – known locally as PA Route 6 – which spans the northern part of the state and offers hundreds of miles of excellent riding opportunities.
At Hawley, I picked up a winding section of PA Route 6 and then followed State Route 590 to Lackawaxen, where SR-590 begins to parallel the Lackawaxen River, another tributary of the Delaware. It was a beautiful day, and I stopped to watch some kayakers on the river.
The author’s bike soaks up some rays as he explores a farm stand on Pennsylvania Route 296 near Waymart.
Crossing the Lackawaxen River, I stopped to rest at the Delaware Aqueduct, known as the Roebling Bridge, which was built in the mid-1800s and is the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the U.S. Crossing the river here allows you to continue north or south on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.
New York and Pennsylvania Motorcycle Ride Resources
Does your left hand know what your right hand is doing? In this Motor School, we discuss how to hop up your internal processor with neuro training exercises. This one is the Tennis Ball Drill.
Over the years, I’ve done plenty of things to stay ahead of the next guy during motorcycle competitions. Mondays and Wednesdays were my heavy days when I’d do four to five credit-card lifts to purchase titanium bolts, special suspension coatings, and maybe a dash of custom motor work. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’d bulk up with some online shopping for protein supplements, rehydration drinks, and energy bars. If some guy with a cool haircut made performance promises and all I had to do was eat it, drink it, or bolt it on, then I was all in. Money well spent, right?
You know how this story goes. Over time I learned the uncomfortable truth that no amount of “stuff” was going to get me to the finish line ahead of the next guy unless it was matched with equal parts time and effort. Bottom line: No matter how trick your high-speed, sweat-wicking racer briefs are, they simply won’t do any of the work for you. Not even the ones with Grip Strips to stop them from riding up.
Alas, the inconvenient truth: If we want to see performance gains, we can’t cheat when it comes to climbing the mountain. In my case, the mountain was a combination of seat time on the bike, fitness training off the bike, and an academic journey to learn new and better ways to do things I’d already spent years doing. The climb was rarely joyous, but the view got better as the oxygen diminished, and I grew to appreciate all the hard-fought little battles that helped me improve as a result.
But I’m not here to give you the “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” spiel because you probably know all that. Nope, today I’m bringing you some next-gen stuff that yields gifts that money just can’t buy. I call it Brain Racing, and it means improving your reaction time, hand-eye coordination, peripheral vision, and more. Known in pro sports circles as neuro training, it’s about stimulating your brain’s neural networks through games and drills to improve your performance and safety on the bike.
Watch your perception-reaction time get faster after just a few rounds of the Ball Drop Drill. Jaco’s not available? Grab a friend.
But before we strap in, this is the part of the story where you can take the blue pill and stop reading, or you can take the red pill and take the ride with me. What’s it going to be, Neo? Do you want to see how deep the rabbit hole goes?
Since you’re still with me, you first need to understand that our reaction times are based on a few key factors:
Perception: When we perceive something, we know, with high confidence, what we are seeing, hearing, and/or feeling. Perception can be negatively impacted by fatigue, lack of sleep, age, drugs, alcohol, and poor eyesight and/or hearing.
Processing: We need to process whatever we just saw, heard, or felt to know what to do with it. This means we must understand the information clearly. If we are not clear in our assessment of the stimuli, processing will be delayed and reaction times will suffer. More complex information takes longer to process.
Response: Once we perceive and process the information, we need good motor function to respond. This is where fitness and coordination work for us, and lack of physical conditioning or underlying motor problems work against us.
Make sense? Ready to order a 3-pack of Super Reflexes? Nice try, but you can’t call the 800 number on your screen or just wait for the Amazon delivery. No, we can’t just flip a switch, drink the magic elixir, and expect to see results. We need to invest some sweat equity in the form of coordination and reaction drills. So yes, I’m giving you work to do, but allow me to tidy up my hair and make you some outlandish promises: These drills will improve your coordination, processing, and reaction time. Remember, we don’t just want to grow older, we want to grow better.
The Crazy Cat Drill is staple in pro sports and promises quicker perception, processing, and response in high-intensity situations.
Tennis Ball Drill: Grab a tennis ball, stand 6 feet from a wall or garage door, and start by throwing underhand and catching overhand using the same hand. Simple. After a few minutes, do the same thing but catch in the opposite hand. Next, wick it up by closing your distance to 3 feet from the wall and using two balls, alternating between hands for both throw and catch. Watch your coordination blast off.
Ball Drop Drill: This exercise requires your riding buddy Jaco, but all we need are those two tennis balls you just threw over the fence. With Jaco holding a ball in each hand and his arms outstretched at chest height, you stand opposite, as if a mirrored reflection, and mimic his hand position and posture so that both your hands are touching each other’s at the knuckles. At some point, Jaco will drop one or both balls without warning, requiring you to snatch them from thin air as they fall. The lower you go, the harder it gets.
Crazy Cat Drill: Stand facing a wall from one foot away and hand Jaco a laser pointer. When he says “go,” Jaco will shoot little laser spots on the wall, and you must touch them as quickly as possible. The laser only hits for a millisecond, so you need to pay attention, tap where it hits, and get set for the next one. Once you get the hang of it, Jaco can ramp it up with more spots spaced farther apart.
From the comfort of your Lazy Boy, these might seem a bit silly. I get it, you became an adult and put away childish things. But these drills work. It’s no coincidence that pro athletes who live and die based on their ability to see, react, and respond in high-intensity situations practice these very drills. I’ll make you a bet: If you do these drills every day for one week and don’t have better focus, dexterity, and reaction time on the bike when Day 8 rolls around, I’ll buy you some racing stickers for your motorcycle. Placed correctly, those alone should be good for five to seven extra horsepower.
Quinn wears Lee Parks Design gloves exclusively. Find Quinn at Police Motor Training.
A motorcycle rainsuit is like insurance: You may not need it often, but when you do, you’re darn glad you’ve got it. In early April, a buddy and I rode from California to Texas to see the solar eclipse. Nelson-Rigg sent us some gear to evaluate during our nine-day, 4,200-mile journey, including Route 1 cruiser luggage (look for my review soon) and Solo Storm rainsuits, which are sold separately as a jacket and pants.
Raingear is typically used to keep riders dry in rainy conditions, but we first used our Solo Storm rainsuits on a dry morning. When we awoke before dawn on Sunday in Lordsburg, New Mexico, it was 30 degrees outside. With a 700-mile ride ahead of us, we’d be slabbing it on I-10 for an hour before the sun came up. There was no rain in the forecast, but we donned our rainsuits to block out the biting wind, and they helped keep us warm, or at least less cold.
The Solo Storm jacket and pants have a polyester oxford outer shell with a waterproof/windproof polyurethane backing and electronically taped seams. The front of the jacket has a full-length zipper with a two-layer storm flap that seals with hook-and-loop, and the wrist cuffs and tall collar also seal with adjustable hook-and-loop.
The outside of the jacket has adjustable waist straps, a drawstring around the hem, two waterproof cargo pockets, an adjustable zippered back vent, and reflective accent material. There’s breathable mesh at the back, a rain hood stored in the collar, and a built-in zippered pouch that the jacket can be stuffed into.
The Solo Storm pants have an elastic waistband with adjustment straps on both sides, and the pant legs are extra large for pulling on over boots and other gear (putting a plastic bag over your boot first makes raingear slide on more easily). The insides of the legs have a layer of heat-resistant material, the seat is reinforced with non-slip material, and there are adjustable gussets at the lower leg to keep the pants from flapping in the wind.
The true test of any motorcycle rainsuit is riding in a downpour. Just 150 miles from home at the end of the trip, that’s exactly what we encountered. After putting on the suits at a gas stop, we rode through a major gully washer on I-40, which caused traffic to slow down from its usual 80 mph to around 45. For the next 50 miles, we rode cautiously and stayed dry. We were in and out of rain for the final 100 miles, but not once did either of us feel a cold stab of water leaking through.
The Nelson-Rigg Solo Storm jacket retails for $79.95 and is available in sizes S-4XL in Black, Hi-Vis Yellow, or Orange. The pants retail for $49.95 and are available in sizes S-4XL in Black only.
The Alps are world-famous for their endless curving roads and motorcycle-friendly culture. The Edelweiss Grand Alps Tour will allow you to experience the best of them.
Take a motorcycle trip of a lifetime with us on the Edelweiss Bike Travel Grand Alps Tour. Join Rider contributing photographer Kevin Wing on this 15-day tour through Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy. The Alps have some of the best motorcycle roads in the world, and this tour has been carefully created to include beautiful scenery, overnight stays at charming alpine villages and towns, hundreds of hairpin bends, and some of the highest passes in the Alps.
Old-world architecture and charming villages are some of the many highlights of this tour.
The tour starts in the town of Seefeld in Austria’s state of Tyrol, then heads through Austria, stopping one night in the village of Galtür, and then into Switzerland, with a stop in Andermatt, a village in the Swiss Alps. The tour travels west through Switzerland and into France at Chamonix, a town at the foot of the famous 12,000-feet Aiguille du Midi. In France, the tour circumnavigates the snow-covered mountain of Montblanc with a stop in Briançon, the highest city in France and the second highest in Europe.
Professional photographer and long-time Rider contributor Kevin Wing will be on this tour July 21 to Aug. 3.
After France, you’ll head into Italy with stops in Aosta, Lago Maggiore, Livigno, and Collalbo. The tour spends a rest day in Collalbo in the Dolomites before passing back into Austria to the skiing town of Kaprun. After 15 days of some of the best riding in Europe, the tour concludes back in Seefeld.
Included in the price of the tour are all overnight stops at comfortable middle-class hotels, breakfast every day, two picnics, 11 dinners, motorcycle rental, third-party liability insurance, a tour information package, tour guides, and a support van for luggage.
You’ll enjoy scenery like this day after day.
Motorcycle rentals available include models from BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, KTM, Suzuki, and Triumph, and pricing for the tour starts at $7,670 for a rider in a double room. Optional upgrades include certain motorcycle models, a single room for $960, the Alps Prep Course for $470, and the Guided City Tour for $460.
Join us on the Edelweiss Grand Alps Tour from July 21 to Aug. 3, 2024. For those who can’t make the first dates, this tour will run again from Sept. 14 to 28. For more information and to reserve your spot on this tour, visit the Edelweiss Bike Travel website.
Views of Lake George and riding in the Adirondacks are highlights of the Americade rally.
Americade, the largest U.S. motorcycle event to welcome all brands of motorcycles and types of riding, returns to Lake George, New York, from May 29 to June 1. The rally starts off with the Rider-sponsored Opening Celebration on May 28 with live music, prizes, and entertainment, followed by four days of nonstop events, shows, demos, activities, and more.
If you’re at Americade, make sure to visit our Bring It Bike Show and consider entering your bike. The show is sponsored by Rider and American Rider and is open daily from Thursday to Saturday. Like the rally, Bring It welcomes all types of interesting bikes, and categories include American Bagger, American Cruiser, European, Japanese, Adventure, and Anything Goes. Daily winners will be invited to the Best of Show judging on Saturday, where the winner will receive $1,000.
Winners of the 2023 Bring It Bike Show at the Best of Show judging event on Saturday night. (Photo by Matt Gustafson)
If you want to get some seat time on new motorcycles, Americade is hosting the most demo rides in the rally’s 41-year history. There will be 17 manufacturers providing demo rides Wednesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Can-Am, CFMOTO, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Moto Morini, Piaggio, Rewaco Trikes, Triumph, Vespa, and Yamaha. There will also be displays by Buell, GasGas, and Stark Future.
The Americade Expo offers more than 300,000 square feet of vendors selling motorcycle gear and accessories. Browse the expo to see, touch, and buy thousands of motorcycle items in one place.
There’s always a wide selection of bikes parked on Canada Street during Americade.
There will be plenty more going on throughout the event to keep attendees busy. Events to check out include the Pro Rodeo and BBQ, boat cruises and firework cruises on Lake George, comedy shows featuring Alonzo Bodden, the big Friday Night Spectacular party, Americade block parties, MotoMotion stunt shows, the Ladies Coffee & Motorcycle Club, Ameri-lympics Riding Games, and the Ride For Kids Ride.
Daily guided and unguided rides will take riders into the surrounding scenic areas. New rides include the Queens Loop around Lake George, the Skyline Ride along a mountain ridge, the Reservoir Ramble of winding waterfront roads, the NY & VT Covered Bridges Ride with at least seven covered bridges, and the Scenic Riding & Fine Dining Ride along the shores of Lake George and Lake Champlain. There will also be the Americade Adventure Rides, which will take ADV riders deep into the Adirondacks.
Early registration is now available at the Americade website. Multiday passes start at $105, or riders can choose to register at the event.
Motorcycle Awareness Month is a time to bring awareness to motorcyclists on our roads and to encourage both car drivers and motorcycle riders to work together to make roads safer. The American Motorcyclist Association, a nonprofit organization that works to promote the motorcycling lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling, has issued the press release below regarding Motorcycle Awareness Month and what it hopes to accomplish.
The AMA states that safety concerns are especially prominent during a time when more cars are featuring advanced driver assist capabilities and more drivers are distracted while driving. The organization encourages drivers to remain aware at all times and recognize that many driver-assist technologies, such as lane-keeping assistance and automated braking, are still in early stages of development.
Rider supports the AMA’s mission to promote motorcycling and safety. For more information, read the press release below or visit the AMA website.
As more riders return to the open road, the American Motorcyclist Association reminds motorists to look for motorcycles and extend courtesy to their two-wheeled counterparts this Motorcycle Awareness Month. May heralds the unofficial start of the summer travel season, and this annual campaign aims to increase awareness and advocate for enhanced safety measures that improve motorcyclist safety nationwide.
“The safety and increased awareness of motorcyclists on the road is one of our paramount concerns here at the AMA,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Motorcycle Awareness Month is the perfect time for the AMA to address our core mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. One of the best ways to accomplish that is by encouraging measures that make our members safer on the road.”
During Motorcycle Awareness Month, and all year long, it’s imperative that motorists and motorcyclists work together to create safe roadways and reduce the number of crashes on our nation’s highways.
In a recent survey, AMA members indicated that the most concerning issues facing motorcyclists on the road pertain to distracted driving and the inattentive usage of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) in cars and trucks. Regarding these dangerous issues, among others, the AMA stresses the importance of exercising vigilance behind the wheel and avoiding all distractions while driving.
The AMA also reminds those who own cars with advanced driver assist capabilities to remain alert and attentive when operating their vehicle. Additionally, drivers should remain aware of their surroundings when using driver-assisted technology, including lane-keeping assistance, automated braking and adaptive cruise control, as many of those features remain in the early stages of development.
The AMA was encouraged by a recently enacted law that permits lane-filtering in Colorado, as well as other efforts around the country to pass similar legislation. As seen through implementation in several other states, lane filtering reduces the possibility for rear-end collisions by allowing motorcyclists to filter through congested traffic at low speeds.
As we celebrate Motorcycle Awareness Month this May, the AMA urges all road users — including both cars and motorcycles — to drive safely and remain vigilant on the road to ensure a safe environment for riders and drivers alike.
Since the creation of Motorcycle Awareness Month in the early 1980s, the AMA and its network of clubs, state motorcycle rights organizations, the motorcycle industry and U.S. government entities have been steadfast supporters of Motorcycle Awareness Month. Stay engaged at the AMA website and the AMA’s social media channels throughout the month for more information on motorcycle awareness.
Join us on Ride to Work Day by riding your bike to help raise awareness of motorcyclists on our roads. Photo courtesy RTW.
Mark Tuesday, June 11, on your calendar and join fellow motorcyclists as we saddle up for the 33rd annual Ride to Work Day.
Ride to Work is a nonprofit organization that advocates for “the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation, providing information about everyday utility riding to the public.” The event was inspired by the “Work to Ride – Ride to Work” marketing materials from 1989-1991 by Aero Design and Manufacturing Company (now called Aerostich), with the first annual RTW Day taking place in 1992. Now, RTW takes place each year on the second Tuesday in June.
RTW Day helps raise awareness of motorcyclists on roads, and the purpose of the event is to demonstrate the following:
The number of motorcyclists to the general public and politicians
Motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life
Motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities
Motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation
In keeping with these goals, the RTW website offers an extensive list of resources for both cities and advocates, from information about lane splitting laws and parking regulations to research and articles about the benefits of using motorcycles as transportation.
Rider fully supports RTW’s mission and efforts to get more people riding, make our roads safer for riders, and convince local governments to introduce more moto-friendly ordinances.
You can find more information on the RTW website, Facebook page, and Instagram account. Help us spread the news about RTW Day, and support the event by participating.
Fifteen years on, The One Moto Show has become an awesome celebration of moto-culture with three days of food, music, art, and spectacular bikes like this H-D Panhead. (Andrew Cherney/)
Call it a moto-themed quinceañera, or call it the celebration of a decade and a half of two-wheel madness, but either way we knew that the 15th edition of Portland’s The One Motorcycle Show was gonna be one for the ages. From a humble beer-fueled collection of random vintage and handbuilt bikes scattered around a ramshackle warehouse in north Portland to its current riverfront digs at the hulking Zidell Yards Barge Building, The One Show has evolved into a multiday hootenanny far bigger than founder/coffeehouse master/chief janitor Thor Drake imagined at the time. To quote: “We started out with no idea how we’d pull this off, let alone what might happen afterward. It’s hard to believe how this has all come together!”
For the fourth year running, the ginormous Barge Building hosted hundreds of fascinating builds, with everything from vintage Panheads to MotoAmerica racers to clapped-out minis and everything in between. In addition to the usual beers and bands, you could find the trippy helmets of the 21 Helmets art display, the Direct Current electric custom sub-show, and this year a full slate of flat-track races from Milwaukee’s Flat Out Friday gang.
Mike Aldridge of MidCity SmashedBurger fame won the coveted Champ of Champs award—aka Best In Show—at this year’s event with his Harley Low Rider–based custom. With a Barnett clutch, Brembo dual discs, Galfer rotors, Brock’s swingarm, 24K gold Jade Affiliated wheels, Fox QSR shock and way, way more—the level of detail on this 2001 bike is insane, and the photo does not do it justice. (@mrpixelhead/)
In keeping with tradition, closing-day ceremonies had Drake crowning the top builders with handcrafted custom-made trophies—in the form of axes from Shwood Eyewear—denoting the various One Show categories, with MidCity Mike Aldridge snagging the coveted Champ of Champs prize. Our favorite category, though, had to be the Polished Turd award, given to bikes that “started ugly” but ended up pretty. Check out that bike as well as some of the rest of those bad boys below.
Neil “Morto” Olson won the Most DIY award for his 1949 Intrepid/Lutefisk Speed Single machine. The prize is handed out to bikes that “spare no expense on zip-ties and duct tape.” (Andrew Cherney/)
Koh Sakaguchi and Suicide Customs Inc.’s H-D Sportster-based stunner won the I Can’t Afford This prize (for bikes that redefine “high-end”) at the Builder Awards in the 2024 The One Moto Show. (Andrew Cherney/)
An enigma in the big-bore world of Indian, the single-cylinder side-valve 250cc Brave was produced in limited numbers by Brockhouse Engineering in England and never caught on in the US. Still cool to spot this bike at the show, brought in by Spryt Olson. (Andrew Cherney/)
Theresa Contreras walked away with the Female Builder award for the 2015 BMW R nineT she built with Jessi Combs (RIP). Eight years after completion, the bike still draws lots of eyeballs with its Schwinn-style flake seat, custom fabricated front fairing, billet wheels, and Theresa’s custom paint job. (@mrpixelhead / The One Moto Show/)
The Diamond In The Rough prize, doled out to wonderful gems “that go unnoticed” went to Robert Trottier’s very thoroughly detailed 2009 Indian Chief. (@mrpixelhead / The One Moto Show/)
Some bikes just look better in the light, and Aero Precision Metal Works’ hardtail build, dubbed “Cash Money,” is definitely one of those. Inside the show, we couldn’t make out all the incredible work—from the 96ci Ultima Shovel engine to the handmade frame and tank, to the handcrafted springer front end and wild paint from Coffin Garage—so thanks to Corey for sending this image. (Aero Precision Metal Works/)
Clancy Peterson’s 1978 Honda CB400T will proudly wear the Best Polished Turd title for 2024. Nice! (@mrpixelhead / The One Moto Show /)
A very cool and clean 1962 BSA Rocket, in full color. (Andrew Cherney/)
Leave it up to metalworking master Cristian Sosa to snap up the Electric Cowboy award, given to battery-powered customs that go above and beyond. The 2024 Ryvid Anthem from Sosa Metalworks is truly one of a kind. (@mrpixelhead / The One Moto Show/)
Although it didn’t win anything, Keith Young’s Honda CB550-powered “Holy Bike” had a crowd of admirers for much of the show. Fun fact: It’s got 550 holes in it. (Andrew Cherney/)
Also featured in the electric-themed show-within-a-show Direct Current display was Mitchell Witkamp’s lit-up 1995 BMW K1100LT, which snagged top honors for Best Weld. (@Mrpixelhead / One Moto Show/)
Winning the J&P Cycles Catalog Customs prize was Caleb Smythe’s 1980 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead. The award goes to DIY guys and gals with a project bike having any aftermarket retailer/catalog combination of parts. Pretty loose rules, but it basically encourages anybody with even a bare-bones build with parts to enter. (@mrpixelhead / The One Moto Show/)
Just a super-clean AMF-era Harley-Davidson. (Andrew Cherney/)
Founder Thor Drake picked out the One Show award himself, with this year’s prize going to Alex Stoos’ 2012 Harley Sportster. (@Mrpixelhead/)
Theresa Contreras was really digging her axe-shaped Female Builder award. (@mrpixelhead / The One Moto Show/)
See you at next year’s edition of The One Moto Show. (Andrew Cherney/)
Honda has updated three of its middleweight motorcycles for the 2024 model year. Included in this announcement are the Honda NX500 adventure bike (formerly called the CB500X), the Honda CBR500R sportbike, and the Honda CB500F naked bike.
“Honda’s midsize lineup remains a core focus for the company, as these models suit a wide range of riders, in terms of skill levels and preferred riding experience,” said Colin Miller, assistant manager of public relations at American Honda. “The advancements made with the NX500, CBR500R, and CB500F are aimed at enhancing the experience for all riders, from casual commuters to lifelong enthusiasts.”
These models join the list of Honda motorcycles already announced for 2024, including the new Honda Transalp, the updated Honda Shadow Phantom, the updated Honda Africa Twin, the returning Gold Wing family, the Rebel family, the NC750X, the SCL500, and others.
The CB500X adventure bike has been renamed the NX500 for 2024. Powered by a liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-Twin, the NX500 has a claimed wet weight of 432 lb (7 lb lighter than the CB500X), a wheelbase of 56.8 inches, a seat height of 32.8 inches, a 4.7-gallon fuel tank, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, and 7.1 inches of ground clearance. Suspension is provided by a 41mm fork with 5.9 inches of travel and a Pro-Link shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability and 5.3 inches of travel. Up front are dual 296mm discs with two-piston calipers, and in the rear is a single 240mm disc. ABS is standard.
Updates for the NX500 include a new ECU, lighter wheels, upgraded suspension settings, a new LED headlight, the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control, and a new TFT display.
The 2024 Honda NX500 will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $7,399.
2024 Honda CBR500R
2024 Honda CBR500R in Grand Prix Red
The Honda CBR500R sportbike gets refreshed for 2024. The CBR500R is also powered by the 471cc parallel-Twin. It has a wet weight of 421 lb, a wheelbase of 55.5 inches, a seat height of 31.1 inches, a 4.5-gallon tank, dual 296mm front brake discs with two-piston calipers, a 240mm rear disc, and standard ABS. Suspension consists of a 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork and a Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability.
2024 Honda CBR500R in Matte Black Metallic
For 2024, the Honda CBR500R receives sharper Fireblade-inspired styling, including a new fairing with winglets. Also included are new LED headlights, a new 5-inch TFT display, and Honda Selectable Torque Control.
The 2024 Honda CBR500R will be available in Grand Prix Red or Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $7,399.
2024 Honda CB500F
2024 Honda CB500F in Matte Black Metallic
The Honda CB500F naked bike shares an engine, brakes, suspension, and dimensions with the CBR500R, but with a lighter wet weight of 414 lb. Updates include new styling, a new 5-inch TFT display, and Honda Selectable Torque Control.
The 2024 Honda CB500F will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $6,899.
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo offers more power, sophistication, and capability than its predecessor. (Photos by Francesc Montero & Sebas Romero)
KTM is celebrating “30 Years of Duke” this year, and we’ve already reviewed two updated models, the 390 Duke and 990 Duke. We’ve saved the best – and biggest – for last, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Known for years as “The Beast,” the Super Duke gets a displacement bump from 1,301cc to 1,350cc (hence the evolutionary name change from 1290 to 1390) and other upgrades for 2024. KTM says it’s 60% new.
With an extra 10 hp and new cam shift technology, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo’s engine delivers more performance throughout the rev range.
To achieve the larger displacement, KTM bored out the Super Duke’s twin cylinders from 108mm to 110mm but left stroke the same at 71mm. There’s also a new cam shift system that alternates between two different valve lifts above and below 5,700 rpm, allowing for both a deep well of low-end torque and a screaming top end rather than having to compromise between the two. The 1390 Super Duke R Evo’s liquid-cooled, 75-degree LC8 V-Twin now makes a claimed 190 hp (up from 180) at 10,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque (up from 103) at 8,000 rpm, all while meeting Euro 5+ homologation.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is available in KTM’s signature “Ready to Race” orange as well as black. The black bike on the left is closest to stock, while the two orange bikes are fitted with many accessores from KTM’s PowerParts catalog.
Other engine changes include a redesigned airbox with a reduced stack height due to shorter throttle bodies, a larger throttle body inlet diameter (60mm, up from 56), a repositioned top-feed injector for better atomization of the fuel-air mixture, and revised 5th and 6th gears. Improvements in durability have enabled longer service intervals, with valve inspection checks now required every 60,000 km (37,282 miles).
2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo in stock trim
The redesigned air intake and airbox allowed KTM to increase the volume of the fuel tank from 4.2 to 4.6 gallons. Refreshed bodywork includes revised tank spoilers with new winglets that produce downforce at speed, a slimmer subframe cover, and a new, 1.5-lb-lighter LED headlight unit that’s shared with the 990 Duke.
New winglets on the tank spoilers add downforce at speed.
As before, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo has a chromoly-steel trellis main frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, and holding up the tailsection is a cast-aluminum/composite subframe. The updated WP Apex semi-active suspension consists of a 48mm inverted fork and a rear shock with multiple modes (Auto, Comfort, Street, Sport, and Rain). The optional Suspension Pro package adds Track and Pro modes, automatic preload leveling, anti-dive, and Factory Start, which reduces rear preload when coming to a stop to lower the seat height.
Updated WP Apex suspension with Semi Active Technology provides real-time damping adjustment with multiple modes. Nope, that triple clamp isn’t a stock item.
Throttle-by-wire and a 6-axis IMU allow for a full suite of electronics, including ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain), cornering ABS with a Supermoto mode that disables ABS at the rear, lean-sensitive traction control, and cruise control. The optional Tech Pack adds Motor Slip Regulation, Quickshifter+, Suspension Pro, and the Track Pack, which adds Track and Performance ride modes, engine-brake control, wheelie control, telemetry, and a lap timer.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo has top-shelf brakes and new stickier, lighter Michelin Power GP tires.
Top-shelf Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers squeeze 320mm discs up front, and they are controlled by a Brembo MCS (multiple-click system) radial master cylinder. A self-venting Brembo clutch master cylinder eliminates the need to bleed the hydraulic clutch system. The Super Duke’s 17-inch wheels are shod with new dual-compound Michelin Power GP tires, which save 1.2 lb of unsprung weight over the previous tires. Claimed wet weight for the Super Duke is 441 lb.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo has a 4.6-gallon fuel tank, which adds 0.4 gallon compared to the 1290.
We tested the 1390 Super Duke R Evo at Almeria Circuit, a racetrack in southern Spain. The English translation of the track’s website describes the 2.5-mile, 15-turn circuit as “expectacular” with “more hours of sun of Europe.” Actually, it’s a tricky track with multiple blind corners. And when we were there, it was cold with “more hours of clouds” and, after the first few sessions, “tears falling from the sky” (rain).
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is a light, compact machine, but it has a reasonably spacious cockpit with a comfortable riding position.
As a naked bike, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo has agreeable ergonomics, with an upright handlebar, adequate legroom, and a well-padded seat. Despite its “Beast” moniker, in today’s world of sophisticated electronics and refined tuning, the Super Duke is quite civilized, or at least it can be. Our slow-speed riding was limited to pit lane, but during our tests of previous models, the Super Duke has been well-behaved on city streets.
An updated 5-inch TFT display with new menus and graphics simplifies navigation through the 1390 Super Duke’s many settings. KTMconnect Bluetooth smartphone connectivity adds navigation, music, and phone functions.
While learning an unfamiliar track on a cold day, the 1390 never felt edgy or twitchy. It was easy to modulate the bike’s throttle, and its handling characteristics were neutral and reassuring. After a couple sighting laps, I started to figure out Almeria’s layout and dial up my speed through the bends. It’s on corner exits that The Beast really comes alive, with heaps of torque at the ready. On the circuit’s two straights, I was able hold the throttle WFO and feel the remarkable amount of thrust the Super Duke is capable of.
A beauty of a beast, but definitely not stock, especially those slicks.
Approaching the end of those straights, a firm squeeze on the right lever threw everything into reverse, returning man and machine to more manageable speeds, and a light push on the handlebar quickly initiated a lean into the next corner. As my confidence increased, the Super Duke was right there with me, always ready to give more without ever crossing that invisible line into the abyss, where things go from great to oh-shit in the blink of an eye.
Judging by the speeds at which the former racers and track rats in our group passed me, the 1390 Super Duke R Evo is capable of much more than I was able to wring out of it. Then it started raining.
We huddled and shivered in the unheated paddock as dark clouds dumped sheets of rain on the track, glum faces all around. After a while, when the downpour gave way to drizzle, the KTM guys asked if we wanted to go out on the track to do rolling burnouts and wheelies. Not being a wheelie guy, normally I’d pass, but this was the perfect opportunity to test the new adjustable wheelie control, which can be set to one of five levels, from very low to very high, or it can be turned off.
The 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo makes more than enough power to loop a ham-fisted wheelie, so the adjustable anti-wheelie function provides a reassuring safety net.
Ripping a stylin’ wheelie turned out to be easy. The Super Duke makes so much low-end torque that no clutch work is required. I selected the medium wheelie setting, got going in 2nd gear, rolled off the throttle to compress the fork, then wacked the throttle open. The front wheel came right up but wouldn’t go higher than the set lift angle thanks to intervention from the IMU-based traction control system. From zero to hero with the press of a button.
Up, up, up to the desired height and then no more.
Later, I ventured out onto the track for one last session on damp pavement, but when another ride low-sided into the gravel ahead of me, I tucked my tail and returned to the paddock.
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo is a potent machine, with more power, sophistication, and capability than before. While its full potential can only be unleashed on a track in the right hands in the right conditions, it’s also a helluva streetbike, provided you can resist the temptation to go too far on the wild side.
Spring means the days are getting longer and the weather is warming up. Motorcycles that have been on trickle chargers in the garage are coming out into the sunshine and getting ready to hit the road. We know you are too!
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SW-Motech Micro WP Tank Bag
SW-Motech’s most popular product is now available in a waterproof version. This tankbag is made from thermo-welded TPU material backed with shape-preserving EVA elements, and it attaches to the tank with SW-Motech’s PRO Tank Ring System and magnetic guide. The bag’s MOLLE-compatible lid features a magnetic closure. The bag holds 5 liters, the zippers are lockable, and reflective details provide nighttime visibility. It is available for $204. The bike-specific Tank Ring starts at $30, and riders can find the correct ring for their motorcycle by using the bike filter on the SW-Motech website.
The Roadsmart IV tires feature a revamped formula with a claimed 23% more mileage for the front tire and 26% more for the rear compared to the previous generation. The new compound has Hi Silica X and Fine Carbon technology for better grip and stopping performance in wet conditions, and a new sidewall construction improves handling. The rear tire features Multi Tread Technology, which allows the center compound to last longer while compounds on the shoulders provide better grip. Dunlop says the tires have 15% lighter steering on turn-in than their predecessor. They have a ZR speed rating and start at $227.95.
The RPHA 12 is built with HJC’s Premium Integrated Matrix EVO construction, which provides a light weight with a robust structure. The helmet prioritizes aerodynamic performance with an optimized rear spoiler and a shell shape that reduces lift and drag for stability at high speeds. Also reducing drag and noise is the HJ-42 curved faceshield (Pinlock-ready) and two-way pivot ratchet system. The interior is fully removable and washable, and the cheek pads can be changed for a custom fit. A pull tab allows quick removal of the helmet in an emergency. It comes in solid and graphic colors starting at $479.99.
National Cycle Yamaha Ténéré 700 VStream Windscreen
National Cycle’s VStream windscreen for the Yamaha Ténéré 700 offers excellent wind protection in three sizes. The patented V shape and advanced dimensional contours push wind away from the rider’s helmet for a peaceful, quiet ride, and the passenger also receives some wind protection. The screen is made of polycarbonate for better optics, and it has 23 times the impact strength of acrylic. The screen also includes a Quantum hardcoat for scratch resistance. The Sport size (12 inches tall) is available for $134.95, the Sport/Touring size (15.5 inches) is $154.95, and the Touring size (18 inches) is $164.95.
The Hair Glove prevents knotting and tangling while keeping hair protected from dirt, dust, and other damaging elements, and it provides a sleek and stylish look with its cylindrical design. Snap buttons running the length of the Hair Glove keep hair in place, and the built-in Flex-Hook attaches to an elastic band to prevent it from sliding off even at high speeds. Simply hook it, wrap it, snap it, and go. The American Flag Angel Wings with Gems design ($33.99) pictured here is available in 4-inch and 8-inch (shown) versions, and some designs offer 12-inch sizes and smaller 1.25-inch bands.
The Contour-X full-face helmet features a new Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction shell that’s thinner and lighter thanks to a new fiber material and resin. The shell flares out 5mm around the opening to make the helmet easier to slide on and off, and the bottom of the shell also features Arai’s Hyper Ridge, which improves strength and shock absorption. The helmet includes a new odor-resistant, brushed-nylon interior that’s removable and washable and features adjustable Facial Contour System cheek pads. It includes seven intakes and six exhausts for airflow. Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $739.95.
These adventure and dual-sport tires focus on off-road performance with some on-road capability as well, with a 20% on-road and 80% off-road bias. The tires’ profile and tread pattern excel in aggressive off-road riding while being predictable on-road with consistent wear and comparatively low road noise. These tires are available in a Standard version and a Dakar version with a yellow stripe, a stiffer carcass, and a longer-wearing rubber compound. The XT+ tires are available for both tubeless and tube-type applications and in various sizes starting at $103.95.
The new Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Tail Bag comes in adventure (28 liters) or dual-sport (12 liters) sizes and is constructed from heavy-duty UV-treated PVC tarpaulin material with electronically heat-welded seams to make it 100% waterproof and dustproof. The bag is mounted using heavy-duty tension lock buckles and web straps. Two adjustable cross-straps inside hold your gear in place, and the bag includes reflective piping, a rubberized carrying handle, and a MOLLE panel on the lid. The adventure size is priced at $159.95, and the dual-sport size is $139.95.
Now that spring is here, it’s time to roll your motorcycle out of the garage and knock off the accumulated dust. You can get your bike shining like new again with Spectro Performance Oils’ Motorcycle Wash and Suspension Cleaner. The Motorcycle Wash is a spray-on/rinse-off cleaner that tackles the toughest dirt, grease, grime, bug splatter, brake dust, and road film. The Suspension Cleaner is a fast-acting, deep-cleaning degreaser that removes stubborn suspension fluid, grease, dirt, and debris without harming your seals or O-rings. Available at your local dealer or powersports retailer.
This helmet is constructed with a durable and lightweight polymer shell, and inside is a dual-density EPS liner with one softer layer and one that’s firmer for progressive impact absorption. The clear faceshield comes with an antifog coating and a durable hardcoat for scratch resistance, and the shield lock ensures the shield will remain closed in all conditions. The faceshield can be raised and fully hidden under the visor, and it’s designed to accommodate goggles with straps. The helmet also includes a drop-down sunshield. Available in sizes XS-2XL and four colors for $219.95.
The 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 is a new middleweight sportbike powered by a liquid-cooled 660cc inline-Triple that makes a claimed 94 hp at 11,250 rpm, with redline at 12,650 rpm, and 51 lb-ft of torque at 8,250 rpm, with more than 80% of the torque available from 3,125 rpm. Its MSRP is $9,195.
To test the Daytona 660, we rode the bike on a variety of roads in Alicante, Spain, and we found it to be a versatile, exciting motorcycle that is affordable enough for entry-level riders but capable enough for those with more experience and buying power.
ReloadeD DevilS - World News 
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