Excellent 2012 Dakar
Once again living up to it’s claim to be the “Ultimate Rally Race” the 2012 Dakar delivered spectacular racing from start to finish, with nail biting finishes in all classes.
In the bike class the exciting battle between KTM legends Marc Coma and Cyril Despres continued as if uninterrupted from the previous 6 years in which each took 3 wins. Despres took the honors in 2012 but expect Coma not to be happy with his 2nd place and relaunch with a vengeance next year. Read more…
Yamaha Super Ténéré Worldcrosser
The Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré ruffled some feathers when it was launched in 2010. The big, full-featured adventure bike immediately won an ardent following and can now be seen on the most challenging routes around the world.
The big Yam is, however, a little on the heavy side for technical riding. Weighing in at 538lbs (244kg) dry, the brute can be a handful in tight twisty uphills – although it’s 110 horses willingly pull the 575lbs (261kg) wet weight (plus rider and pillion) with ease. But that output and weight gives it a power-to-weight ratio less than it’s main competitors: Read more…
New Honda 250 Dual Sport
Even while Kawasaki’s KLX250S has enjoyed run-away success in the light Dual-Sport class the Honda XR250R and XR250L is not forgotten in the mind – and memories – of experienced adventure riders. Second-hand XR250Rs and XR250Ls remained sought-after long after production ceased. These tough little machines introduced many riders into the world of adventure bike riding.
So it is with great anticipation that the world awaits the introduction of a new Honda 250 dual-sport bike. Read more…
KTM Adventure 1200, 1000 and 800
The fastest-growing segment of the motorcycle market, the dual-sport adventure market, is being treated to mouthwatering new offerings.
Austrian DS company, KTM, is said to be polishing off their latest power tools as replacements for the iconic KTM 990 series: the KTM 1200 Adventure which will also be available in 1000cc and 800cc formats. Read more…
And this runs on batteries?!
0 – 60mph in 4.5 seconds. 285 horsepower rear-wheel drive. A drag coefficient of only 0.27. Top speed 130mph. And it runs on batteries?!
Yes, sir! This is the Tesla Model S, a gasoline-free automobile with so many features and gadgets the manual reads like a best-seller. But throw the book aside. That is what Tesla has done every since they designed their first roadster. This beauty is not your normal run of the mill. Read more…
Harley Davidson Adventure Riders
When William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson presented the world with a new motorcycle in 1903 they probably did not realize what adventure were awaiting them. The world, that is. Because Harley-Davidson went on to cross the world, literally, on some of the craziest, hardest, bone-breaking adventure rides.
Harley Davidson has been around the block, supplying the police since 1911, exporting to Japan since 1912, supplying armies during World War I (20,000 bikes) and World War II (60,000 bikes), winning races, breaking speed records, and conquering hearts the world over. Read more…
Dakar route 2012
The problem with having 12 months in a year is that 11 of them is without a Dakar race! Because in each adventure rider there is a Dakar rider lurking.
The Dakar route covered countries in Africa from the first race in 1979 to 2007. In 2008 the race was cancelled due to security concerns in Africa. In 2009, the Dakar moved to South America. It proved to be a popular decision, attracting more spectators than ever and offering better television coverage than before. The Dakar route for 2012 will include Argentinia, Chile and Peru. Read more…
Honda NX650 Dominator
The Honda NX650 Dominator was produced between 1988 and 2000. It became a legendary dual-purpose motorcycle and, with its “low weight, relaxed torque, fine handling” the choice of many RTW (Round-the-World) motorcycle adventurers.
The Dommie – as it became known – basically is a XR650L with a fairing, slightly different frame and some refinements. The dual exhaust pipes added some low and mid range torque and some extra horsepower.
The dual pipes look stunning and make the NX650 sound like a lion purring. Even when you open the throttle aggressively the Dommie does not growl; instead, it just purrs louder, running ahead of the pack. Read more…
Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200
You don’t call this the new kid on the block. This is a giant. And it’s here to proof it, taking on the likes of BMW R1200GS, Yamaha Super Tenere and Moto Guzzi Stelvio. Obviously, they won’t take it lying down. Meaning the big-bore adventure fight is set!
Bring on the open road, check the pre-load, set your seat height, swing the engine, kick it into gear, turn the ear! The new 1200 Triumph Tiger Explorer looked ready even before you hit the start button. Read more…
Get a life, get a hog!
Every year Americas spend billions on life coaches, self-improvement courses, plastic surgery and botox. Harley Davidson offers an affordable alternative… as their TV ad explains: Read more…
