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Category: Car

2023 BMW R1300GS: Lighter, Stronger, and Ready for Adventure

BMW’s new R1300GS, priced at £15,990, is a noteworthy addition to the adventure bike market. It’s the lightest, most powerful, and compact GS in BMW’s lineup. This updated model comes with an impressive range of standard features, a fresh look, and a plethora of optional extras, such as an electronic ride height system, semi-active suspension with variable spring rates, and even a collision warning system that can apply the brakes in emergencies. Additionally, it offers a variety of front and rear seats, screen options, levers, new luggage choices, and extended travel off-road suspension, providing riders with a wide array of customization.

In response to increasing competition from adventure bikes like the Ducati Multistrada V4, Triumph Tiger 1200, KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, and Honda Africa Twin, BMW has made necessary updates to their iconic GS model. The 2023 R1300GS retains the GS identity but emerges as a smaller, smoother, lighter, more agile, and refined version compared to its predecessor, the BMW R1250GS. The changes and enhancements are substantial, and while they don’t transform the riding experience completely, they make the new GS a versatile machine catering to a broader range of riders and riding situations.

It’s essential to understand that the R1300GS is not designed to outperform KTM’s off-road capabilities, offer the same precision on the road as the latest Triumph Tiger 1200, or match the superbike-like speed of a Ducati Multistrada V4. However, the GS has never needed these attributes to maintain its popularity and continues to excel in off-road adventures, touring, and spirited riding. It remains an exceptional all-in-one bike that’s challenging to surpass.

BMW has made significant changes to the bike’s structure by replacing the old tubular steel chassis with a compact pressed steel shell that uses the engine as a structural component. The subframe is now constructed from cast aluminum, and a lighter lithium-ion battery comes as standard. The updated styling marks a significant departure from the chunkier appearance of the previous R1250GS. Despite the increased engine size, the R1300GS feels smaller and more streamlined. It’s a slimmer bike with a reduced fuel tank size. However, it retains the familiar GS character and design elements, ensuring a comfortable and recognizable riding experience.

Despite the new chassis, the R1300GS maintains a ride quality reminiscent of its predecessor. It’s stable and forgiving with a superb suspension that can handle a variety of riding conditions. While it may not be the fastest steering bike, it’s more agile and precise than before. This makes it easier to navigate and offers a more enjoyable riding experience. The front calipers and larger diameter discs provide strong and progressive braking performance, supported by a powerful rear brake.

The R1300GS’s 1300cc air/liquid-cooled boxer twin engine is more powerful and torque-rich throughout the rev range compared to its predecessor, especially between 3600rpm and 7800rpm. With a new oversquare layout, increased bore size, and reduced stroke, the engine delivers 143bhp of power at 7750rpm and 110lb-ft of torque at 6500rpm. The redline reaches 9000rpm, and the engine uses the ShiftCam valve timing system for improved low-end grunt and high-end performance. It breathes through a new stainless-steel exhaust.

This new engine is not only more powerful but also lighter and more compact, resulting in a more agile bike. The gearbox, now mounted beneath the engine, has improved accuracy, especially when equipped with the optional up/down quickshifter. The engine provides a flexible and predictable power delivery, making it ideal for road riding. It maintains its distinctive boxer twin burble at low revs and delivers strong acceleration, particularly in its sweet spot. The new engine’s refinement is complemented by smoother power delivery, making it user-friendly at road speeds.

October 28, 2023
A New Era of Sport-Touring: The BMW M 1000 XR Roars to Life

BMW has unveiled its new 2024 M 1000 XR, which is touted as the lightest and most powerful cross-over motorcycle in the world. This new bike is designed to meet the highest demands, whether you’re riding dynamically on winding roads, embarking on long-distance journeys, or hitting the track.

The M 1000 XR is the third model in BMW Motorrad’s M lineup, joining the ranks of the M 1000 RR superbike and the M 1000 R roadster. With the M series, BMW is catering to customers with high expectations for performance, exclusivity, and individuality.

The heart of the M 1000 XR is its powerful 4-cylinder in-line engine, based on the M RR engine. It boasts an impressive peak power output of 201 horsepower at 12,750 rpm, which is 31 horsepower more than the 2024 S 1000 XR. The engine also delivers a maximum torque of 83 lb-ft. at 11,000 rpm. It can rev up to 14,600 rpm, providing substantial power for high-performance riding.

Significant improvements in acceleration and pulling power, especially in the range from 10,000 to 12,000 rpm, make the M 1000 XR a true powerhouse. A shorter secondary gear ratio and revised gear ratios in 4th, 5th, and 6th gears contribute to increased rear-wheel pulling power in all gears. The M 1000 XR also features BMW’s ShiftCam technology for varying timing and valve lift, enhancing power delivery across various riding conditions.

The intake system has shorter intake runners for optimized air charge at high engine speeds. The M 1000 XR is equipped with a full E-throttle system, making it responsive and adaptable to different riding situations.

For the exhaust system, BMW developers aimed to increase power and torque delivery while reducing weight. The M 1000 XR features a lightweight exhaust system with two three-way catalytic converters and a titanium rear muffler with a carbon end cap.

The M 1000 XR’s engine offers significantly improved riding performance, boasting quicker acceleration and more pulling power. In tests, it has shown impressive acceleration times, such as 7.4 seconds to reach 124 mph, outperforming the S 1000 XR by 1.3 seconds. This bike is designed to be equally capable on the track and for everyday street riding.

The M 1000 XR offers various riding modes, including “Rain,” “Road,” “Dynamic,” “Race,” and “Race Pro 1-3.” These modes cater to different riding scenarios, from everyday commuting to high-performance track riding.

It also features the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and a DTC wheelie function, both supported by a 6-axis sensor. These systems enhance safety and performance during acceleration and control wheelies, ensuring a more dynamic and secure riding experience.

Additionally, the bike includes Shift Assistant Pro for quick gear changes without using the clutch, Launch Control for perfect race starts, Pit Lane Limiter for maintaining precise speeds in the pit lane, and Hill Start Control Pro for easy starts on inclines.

The bike comes equipped with lightweight forged aluminum wheels as standard. Additionally, the M Carbon wheels, available as an option, are even lighter, contributing to improved acceleration, braking, and handling.

A notable feature is the Brake Slide Assist function, which is especially valuable for track riders. This feature allows riders to brake drift into corners with a controlled slide. The system limits rear wheel brake pressure through the ABS Pro system while controlling rear wheel slip through engine drag torque control. Riders have significant influence on the drift behavior through handlebar force, making this an essential feature for track enthusiasts.

The M 1000 XR is equipped with a modern instrument cluster featuring a large 6.5-inch TFT display. It offers a range of customizable screen displays to provide riders with essential information. The instrument cluster ensures excellent readability under various lighting conditions, enhancing user-friendliness.

The display also incorporates a start-up animation with the iconic M logo. As a part of the M lineup, this bike boasts a host of advanced electronic rider aids and safety features, including an OBD interface for the M GPS Datalogger and M GPS Laptrigger.

October 28, 2023
Is the BMW R 12 the Future of Cruiser Motorcycles?

Images of the new BMW R 12 cruiser motorcycle have surfaced following the completion of its homologation process in Australia. This model appears to be a smaller sibling to the established BMW R 18 cruiser, although BMW has not yet officially confirmed its existence.

While the image quality is not ideal, it offers a first look at the R 12 cruiser. It retains the rear shape of the R 18, but the handlebars are flatter than those typically seen on a cruiser. The BMW R 12 cruiser takes design cues from Harley-Davidson, particularly its smaller models. It is expected to weigh 229kg, slightly heavier than Harley’s Nightster at 216kg. The cruiser’s 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels feature tires with the same dimensions as Harley’s Nightster, Street Bob, and Softail.

The R 12 will be powered by a 1,170cc boxer engine, the same one found in the existing R 12 NineT scrambler-style naked motorcycle, producing 95bhp and 81lb ft (110Nm). The R 12 is also expected to feature dual front discs with ABS and EBV.

While the R 12 has a slightly longer wheelbase, its weight is expected to be almost identical to the R 12 NineT. BMW has yet to confirm the R 12’s existence, and no information is available about its release date or when it will be available in dealerships.

Considering BMW’s recent R18 model, a smaller and more efficient engine would likely offer more performance per unit displacement. The R nineT engine is more powerful and has only slightly less torque than the R18’s massive 1,800cc engine. Additionally, the R nineT engine is more flexible and could be optimized for more low-end torque with some ECU tuning. Using a smaller engine would also result in a lighter and more compact motorcycle, which could make the BMW cruiser more competitive in its class.

October 26, 2023
The Stylish Yamaha XSR900 GP: A Mix of Retro Aesthetics and Modern Features

Yamaha, the renowned motorcycle manufacturer, has unveiled a new bike, the Yamaha XSR900 GP, that’s turning heads. It’s a blend of classic and modern design, making it one of the most striking factory-made motorcycles we’ve seen.

Yamaha doesn’t have as many modern classic models as brands like Triumph or Royal Enfield. But they’ve been actively involved in the custom build scene through their ‘Yard Built’ initiative. This has produced several exceptional custom Yamaha bikes.

The XSR900 GP is reminiscent of a high-quality custom build rather than an off-the-shelf bike. It’s based on the ‘DB40’ prototype Yamaha showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year. The production version retains the stunning design and adds practicality for the street.

Yamaha’s rich history in motorcycle racing plays a significant role in the XSR900 GP’s design. The manufacturer has a strong legacy with riders like Giacomo Agostini, Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey, Max Biaggi, and Valentino Rossi. The iconic Yamaha Deltabox chassis, introduced in the 1982 YZR500 OW61 Grand Prix bike, is still used in several Yamaha motorcycles today, including the XSR900.

The XSR900 GP draws inspiration from Yamaha’s Grand Prix racing heritage and the 80s and 90s boxy aesthetic. The attention to detail is remarkable, from visible fasteners on the half-fairing to a small rectangular LED headlight. The cockpit features clip-on handlebars and a relocated digital display within the fairing. Tubular fairing stays with beta pin bolts, a first for Yamaha production bikes, add to the vintage appeal.

The XSR900 GP’s eye-catching livery is reminiscent of Wayne Rainey’s 1990 YZR500, with red and white colors, yellow ‘number boards,’ and silver finishes for the chassis and swingarm. Yamaha has paid close attention to how the graphics align with the front fork angle.

Beneath the striking bodywork, the XSR900 GP is essentially an XSR900 but with frame tweaks and a reinforced swingarm to accommodate the sportier clip-ons. The riding position is set up to be spirited but not overly aggressive, with higher clip-ons, a thicker seat, and adjustable foot controls. It inherits the XSR900’s KYB suspension, Brembo front brakes, ABS, and electronic rider aids. New switchgear and bar-end mirrors enhance its appearance, and it rides on rotary-forged aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires.

The XSR900 GP uses the same 889cc triple-cylinder engine, offering 117.4 hp and 93 Nm of torque. Yamaha claims it has a higher top speed and better acceleration due to the aerodynamics of its fairing. The radiator’s air ducts aid in heat dissipation. The XSR900 GP will be available in two color options: ‘Legend Red’ and ‘Power Grey.’ Buyers can also opt for lower fairings, a different license plate holder, a tinted screen, and an Akrapovič exhaust system.

October 26, 2023
BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition: A Century of Motorcycle Excellence

The BMW R nineT, often called the “ninety,” made its debut in 2013, coinciding with BMW Motorrad’s 90th anniversary. This motorcycle marked a shift in BMW’s design, as it retained the air/oil-cooled version of the boxer engine, different from the newer water-cooled “water boxer” R 1200 GS. Over the years, the R nineT platform has given rise to various retro-inspired models, each with its unique style and riding experience.

In 2013, BMW introduced the R nineT as the first model in its Heritage line. It embraced a modular platform that not only allowed for multiple model variations but also encouraged customization by owners. This bike stood out with its classic yet stylish design, featuring gloss black paint, brushed aluminum tank sides and tail cowl, and spoked wheels.

Following the success of the initial R nineT, BMW introduced several retro-inspired models. These included the stripped-down Pure, the cafe racer-styled Racer, the scrambler-style Scrambler, and the ’80s throwback Urban G/S. Each model brought a unique visual appeal and an enjoyable riding experience. The Racer, in particular, offered a sportier riding position, although it could be somewhat uncomfortable on longer journeys.

The R nineT Pure model, tested by Rider magazine in 2017, stood out for its simplicity and versatility. It offered the freedom of the open road and reminded riders of the fundamental joys of motorcycling. In 2019, BMW celebrated the 50th anniversary of its “slash five” series by introducing the R nineT /5. This bike featured a distinct design with a Lupine Blue tank and front fender adorned with white double pinstripes. In 2021, to mark 40 years of the GS line, BMW introduced a striking yellow-and-black version of the Urban G/S, inspired by the iconic R 100 GS.

Now, for its centenary in 2023, BMW Motorrad has unveiled the 100 Years Edition of the R nineT, along with a similar commemorative edition of the R 18 cruiser. Both of these models are limited to 1,923 units globally, paying tribute to the year when BMW began manufacturing motorcycles.

The R nineT 100 Years Edition shares the classic air/oil-cooled 1,170cc opposed flat-Twin engine, featuring a longitudinal crankshaft, a 6-speed transmission with a hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch, and shaft final drive. This powerplant delivers 109 horsepower and 85.5 lb-ft of torque, providing ample thrust for the 487-pound motorcycle.

To honor this momentous occasion, the R nineT 100 Years Edition comes adorned with an array of factory-custom details. True to expectations, the 100 Years Edition boasts a striking black-and-white appearance. The front fender, tank, and rear seat cover are painted in a special Avus Black. The use of chrome-plated tank panels and side covers, reminiscent of the iconic R 75/5 “Toaster” tank, adds a touch of nostalgia to the bike.

In particular, the R nineT’s tank and rear seat cover feature a Classic Chrome finish, achieved through a meticulous “paint on chrome” process that uses Chromium III, complying with EU health standards. The result is a mesmerizing mirror finish that seamlessly blends into the surrounding black paint. The chrome-plated exhaust manifolds and brushed aluminum twin silencers further enhance the bike’s appearance.

The black theme continues with the Option 719 Classic spoked tubeless wheels, black anodized rims, tank knee pads, tubular steel frame, swingarm, fork tubes, and air intake snorkels. A dash of dark oxblood red on the two-tone black/oxblood red seat adds a subtle yet appealing touch of color.

In addition to its striking appearance, the R nineT 100 Years Edition embraces modernity with an array of features, including Ride Modes Pro (Dynamic, Road, and Rain), ABS Pro, Automatic Stability Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Engine Brake Control, and LED lighting with an Adaptive turning headlight. These electronic aids work in the background, enhancing the riding experience without being intrusive.

A chrome badge on the tank proudly displays “1 of 1,923” and the “100 Years BMW Motorrad / Make Life a Ride” logo, emphasizing the bike’s unique significance. The R nineT 100 Years Edition isn’t merely a collector’s piece; it’s meant to be ridden and enjoyed. Riding it is an exhilarating experience, with the iconic sound and feel of the boxer engine providing a rhythmic heartbeat-like cadence.

With a wet weight under 500 pounds and around 100 horsepower reaching the rear wheel, the R nineT delivers brisk performance. Its compact dimensions, responsive suspension, and powerful brakes make it well-suited for spirited riding. The bike leans into corners eagerly and provides a satisfying rush when exiting.

Despite its classic appearance, the R nineT 100 Years Edition is equipped with modern technology. While it doesn’t feature BMW’s latest air/liquid-cooled 1,254cc boxer engine with ShiftCam variable-valve technology, this bike is equipped with various advanced features that operate subtly in the background.

October 25, 2023
Discover the Unique Paintwork of the 2024 Triumph Stealth Edition Motorcycles

Triumph is introducing the 2024 Triumph Stealth Edition lineup, featuring eight custom-style paint finish motorcycles in their Modern Classics series. These bikes display unique tank designs with hand-painted finishes that transform with changing lighting conditions. The custom paintwork transitions from a base layer of metallic Silver Ice to dark-to-light Sapphire Black graphite, followed by a translucent tinted lacquer topcoat, creating a dramatic effect. The eight models are the Bonneville Speedmaster in red, the Bobber in purple, the T100 and T120 in blue, the Speed Twin 1200 in red, the Speed Twin 900 in green, the Scrambler 900 in orange, and the T120 Black in a matte silver finish. These limited edition models are expected in dealers in spring 2024.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster Red Stealth Edition offers an intense red design that complements its performance and torquey 1200cc Bonneville engine. It features a 1200cc high-torque Twin engine and a 47mm Showa cartridge fork, providing great maneuverability and control. The base price for this model starts at $14,595.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Purple Stealth Edition displays a deep and vibrant purple color. It boasts 78 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm and features a 16-inch fat front wheel and chunky 47mm front fork. The starting price for this model is $14,595.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville T100 Blue Stealth Edition offers a torque-rich, low-inertia 900cc engine with 64 hp at 7,400 rpm. It features high specification cartridge front fork, twin rear shocks, and 32-spoke wheels. The starting price for this model is $11,745.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Blue Stealth Edition features a vibrant blue finish and modern capability. It comes with a 41mm cartridge fork, preload-adjustable twin rear suspension units, and twin Brembo front brake calipers with ABS. The starting price for this model is $13,495.

The 2024 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Stealth Edition is distinguished by its matte silver finish and premium blacked-out details. It offers a 1200cc Bonneville engine, creating a head-turning choice for riders. The starting price for this model is $14,295.

The 2024 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 Red Stealth Edition displays a vivid candy red paint finish. It features a 1200cc Bonneville Twin engine with 99 hp at 7,250 rpm and a distinctive exhaust sound. The starting price for this model is not provided.

The 2024 Triumph Speed Twin 900 Green Stealth Edition is a rebranded version of the former Street Twin, now known as the Speed Twin 900. It offers a rich green tank design and incorporates features such as Brembo front brakes, two riding modes, ABS, and switchable traction control. The starting price for this model is $10,645.

Triumph’s James Wood mentioned that these limited edition models have a dramatic aesthetic and deep, rich finish that varies with changing lighting conditions, giving each bike a unique look. Triumph dealers are now accepting orders for these models.

October 25, 2023
BMW R 1250 RT: The Perfect Sport-Tourer Bike

I enjoy testing motorcycles, but traveling to swap test bikes can be a hassle. The 2023 BMW R 1250 RT made my recent 900-mile roundtrip from Utah to California a breeze, and it’s a bike I’d gladly ride 500 miles a day in any season.

The BMW R 1250 RT is a sport-touring bike that combines sport performance and comfort. It’s equipped with a powerful 1,254cc engine, offering 136 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. The ShiftCam technology provides power on demand, making it easy to adapt to different riding conditions.

The bike has various riding modes, including Road, Rain, and Eco. The Dynamic mode enhances throttle response, perfect for twisty roads. The bike’s braking system and suspension keep it stable during rapid speed changes.

The R 1250 RT comes with a 10.25-inch color TFT panel that offers all the necessary information and connectivity features. The LED lighting, self-canceling turn signals, and adaptive headlight provide excellent visibility.

The semi-active suspension adjusts in real-time to maintain stability during acceleration and braking. The bike’s cruise control is perfect for maintaining a set speed, and the Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts speed based on vehicles in front.

The R 1250 RT is not just a performance machine; it’s also a comfortable touring bike. It’s designed to accommodate a passenger and gear, and the bike’s features like electric windscreen and a comfortable seat make it ideal for long journeys.

The bike’s wind protection is impressive, and it even comes with a top case accessory for added support. The BMW R 1250 RT is a testament to the brand’s evolution from a solid touring machine to an exciting sport-tourer. The 2023 BMW R 1250 RT offers a blend of sporty performance and touring comfort. Whether riding solo or with a passenger, this motorcycle is a highly capable and enjoyable choice for long-distance trips.

October 25, 2023
Honda’s Rebel 1100: A Closer Look at the 2024 Models

In 2024, Honda is bringing back the Rebel 1100 cruiser in two different forms. This year, they’re not making any major mechanical changes to the bikes, but they are giving them fresh and modern colors for the new year. While the release is focused on the European market, it’s likely that these popular models will make a return to the US line in the near future.

The Rebel 1100, or the CMX1100, keeps its beloved neo-bobber styling. It has a stripped-down appearance that conceals its true power and capabilities. Under its modest exterior, there’s an impressive 1,084cc parallel-twin-cylinder engine with 80 horsepower. This engine is designed to provide strong torque in the lower and midrange, making the bike exciting to ride. Riders have found it to be a thrilling experience, and it’s one of the reasons for the bike’s popularity.

The Rebel 1100 is a success not just in the US but also across the pond. In fact, it’s the second-best seller in the European custom bike segment, following only its smaller counterpart, the Rebel 500.

This bike comes with mid-mount controls, throttle-by-wire technology, easy handling, adjustable engine power, and traction control. Additionally, there’s an option for a DCT transmission. All of these features make the Rebel 1100 an excellent value for riders. However, the release didn’t include any pricing information, so we’ll have to wait for that.

For 2024, the primary update for the CMX1100 Rebel is the introduction of two new contemporary color options: Glint Wave Blue Metallic and Iridium Gray Metallic.

The CMX1100T Rebel, which is the touring version of the bike introduced last year, is designed for long-distance adventures. It features a broad aerodynamic half fairing and hard saddlebags. This year, it gets a fresh look with a Gunmetal Black Metallic color scheme and a pair of new bronze wheels. Both of these Rebel models are expected to arrive in European dealerships early in 2024. American Honda is also likely to make announcements about returning models later in the year.

October 23, 2023
2024 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Bike: Lighter and More Powerful Advancement

BMW Motorrad has unveiled its latest adventure bike, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, representing a significant step forward in the world of adventure motorcycles. This new model serves as the successor to the previous R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure, emphasizing weight reduction and enhanced performance while staying true to the iconic GS legacy.

The heart of the R 1300 GS is the renowned BMW Motorrad boxer twin engine, which has been in production for over a century. With a larger capacity and more aggressive bore/stroke measurements (106.5mm x 73mm), this 1,300cc engine remains air/oil/water-cooled and features four-valve cylinder heads, along with dual-overhead camshafts. Notably, it retains BMW’s ShiftCam variable valve timing technology, which was first introduced in the 2019 BMW R1250GS Adventure.

This potent engine now boasts a 13.3:1 compression ratio, an increase of 0.8 from its predecessor. It runs on premium 91-octane fuel from a 5.0-gallon aluminum fuel tank. Power is efficiently transferred to a road-friendly 17-inch rear spoked wheel via a six-speed gearbox, which is now positioned under the engine. A hydraulic oil-bathed multiplate clutch and reliable Cardan-style shaft final drive complete the powertrain. BMW states that the boxer twin delivers 145 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 109.9 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm, making it the most powerful boxer twin in terms of horsepower.

Jochen Beck, the project manager of the BMW R 1300 GS, expressed the team’s commitment to bucking the trend of larger bikes, focusing instead on weight and dimension reduction. The result is a more compact and lean GS, achieved through innovative design and manufacturing methods. The engine serves as a load-bearing component within a steel main frame, with a lighter aluminum subframe taking the place of a heavier steel counterpart.

The R 1300 GS features BMW’s effective Telelever front suspension, providing a balance between steering and damping functions for optimal performance. It comes with a 19-inch front wheel, chosen over larger 21-inch wheels featured on other adventure motorcycles. The rear suspension incorporates a single-sided aluminum swingarm and BMW’s trusted paralever, seamlessly combining suspension and final drive responsibilities. Suspension travel remains consistent at 7.5 inches in the front and 7.9 inches in the rear. The wheelbase has been extended by 0.16 inches to 59.76 inches.

For riders seeking enhanced suspension, the optional Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, an upgrade from the previous Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), now includes spring preload adjustment and variable semi-active damping. This system is managed through various rider-selectable ride modes, vehicle dynamics, and rider control input. It also allows for changes in vehicle height based on terrain and riding conditions.

The 2024 R 1300 GS introduces four distinct riding modes (Road, Rain, Enduro, and the new Eco setting). For those desiring advanced options, the Ride Modes Pro package offers Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, and Enduro Pro modes. The bike now incorporates radar-powered cruise control, providing intelligent pacing of vehicles ahead and enhancing front collision and lane change warnings. The system can apply brakes to reduce the risk of sudden vehicle deceleration accidents.

October 22, 2023
Heritage Meets Performance: The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a remarkable motorcycle that holds great significance in the world of motorcycling. With its classic design, impressive performance, and superb build quality, it showcases Royal Enfield’s journey, from its roots to its current position, and hints at where it’s heading. The Super Meteor 650’s vintage styling pays homage to the brand’s original cruisers, like the 1952 Meteor and 1956 Super Meteor. Its 648cc parallel-twin engine continues the beloved thumpy character that enthusiasts have come to cherish in the INT650 and Continental GT 650. Moreover, the exceptional fit and finish of the Super Meteor 650 set a new standard for Royal Enfield.

The Super Meteor 650 is a retro-styled middleweight cruiser designed to be both accessible and functional, offering a comfortable riding posture. It comes with a class-leading starting MSRP of $6,999, making it a highly affordable option in the middleweight cruiser category. Designed around Royal Enfield’s beloved parallel-twin engine, the Super Meteor 650 competes with models like the Kawasaki Vulcan S and the Honda Shadow line. Although it boasts a smaller engine size compared to the discontinued Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster, it is well-suited to fill the void left by that American V-twin.

The motorcycle is powered by a SOHC fuel-injected engine with a 78.0 x 67.8mm bore and stroke and four valves per cylinder, featuring a 9.5:1 compression ratio. It delivers a claimed 46.4 hp and 38.6 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine has been tuned differently compared to the 2022 Royal Enfield INT650, resulting in slightly varied power delivery. Expect similar results on the dyno when tested.

The Super Meteor 650 features an all-new chassis designed by Harris Performance, a renowned British chassis specialist owned by Royal Enfield since 2015. The tubular-steel frame ensures a low center of gravity and a comfortable seat height of 29.1 inches. With a rake of 27.6 degrees, a trail of 4.7 inches, and a longer wheelbase of 59.1 inches, the motorcycle provides a stable and comfortable ride. The increased wheelbase also allows more space for a passenger. The Super Meteor 650 is equipped with tubeless alloy rims and tires sized 100/70-19 front and 150/80-16 rear.

For suspension, it features a non-adjustable 43mm Showa Big Piston inverted fork with 4.7 inches of travel and twin shocks with five-step adjustable preload, offering 4.0 inches of travel. In terms of safety, the motorcycle is equipped with non-switchable ABS. It doesn’t feature other electronic interventions or ride modes, preserving a classic riding experience throughout. The retro-themed instrument panel includes an analog speedometer and a digital information screen displaying a fuel gauge, gear position indicator, tripmeters, and a clock. Additionally, the Super Meteor 650 incorporates Royal Enfield’s Tripper turn-by-turn navigation pod, which connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth. To enhance the bike’s visceral feel, it utilizes a mechanical throttle cable that provides a solid, analog connection between rider and machine.

The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is available in three variants: Astral ($6,999), Interstellar ($7,299), and Celestial ($7,499). The Astral model offers a choice of three colors (green, black, and blue), while the Interstellar variant features a two-tone paint scheme in green or gray. The Super Meteor 650 Tourer is available in Celestial Red or Celestial Blue and includes a windscreen, deluxe touring seat, and pillion backrest. The bike’s iconic cruiser styling is further complemented by a 4.2-gallon teardrop fuel tank with a metal gas cap. Additionally, all models come with LED lighting, marking a first for Royal Enfield.

October 22, 2023