Instead of posting an immediate reaction to BMW’s R1200GS Adventure when the updated Liquid-Cooled version of it became available a couple of years ago, I wanted to wait and see how this latest version of the famous “GSA” performed in the rental business for a while. After all, it’s probably not just my personal opinion of how the bike rides & feels that you’re probably interested in. Those of us in the international motorcycle rental business are in a unique position to comment on the overall performance of these bikes and their durability, dependability, etc. over some time. So here we are, about 2 years after the updated, Liquid Cooled “Water Boxer” version of the GSA became available….
Owning & Riding the Latest BMW R1200GS Adventure (2014+ Liquid Cooled model)
The KTM 690 Enduro vs. Honda XR650R [Honda? Where are you?]
My question is simple: "Why isn't Honda Motorcycles putting their race-winning, widely respected, all-around excellent XR650R back into production?"
First, kudos to Honda for bringing back the Africa Twin, the bike that we're all excited to start riding more and integrating into our list of motorcycle rental options after some testing. But really, why wouldn't they start production on the XR650R again, too?
The XR has already been designed, built, proven, and adored by riders with tremendous success. The blueprints are already there, it's not like they'd have to entirely design or redesign a motorcycle, and a slightly-improved XR650R would take a HUGE chunk out of KTM's 690 Enduro dominance in this mid-cc's dual sport category (more on that below.)
So I ask: "Honda Motorcycles.....where have you been, and isn't it about time to start building this possible KTM-Killer again?"
Best Adventure Bike: Kawasaki's KLR 650 Is Tough To Beat in Value
Over the past few years, I'd had a few chances to hop various Kawasaki KLR 650's for an hour or so, although usually only on pavement. Only on recent riding research projects for our new "Best of Northern Patagonia" tour did I finally have the chance to ride the KLR to such an extent that I feel prepared to share my opinion about this motorcycle.
-RIDE Adventures, LLC
BMW Motorcycle Rentals: Why are so many rental fleets BMW?
Have you noticed that BMW motorcycle rentals seem to make up the majority of the rental options around the world? This fact is not without reason, as the BMW brand seems to grow with popularity each year. While this posting might seem like a paid advertisement by the German motorcycle manufacturer, we assure you, such is not the case. In fact, we'd like to point out that their designs are far from flawless, and each model released each year seems to have been plagued by at least a couple of "routine issues." In general though, we think that the BMW motorcycle options are amongst the very best, and here are a few reasons why:
BMW F800GS & Motorcycle Aerodynamics: Does your front wheel shake?
2012 Triumph Tiger 800XC Adventure Bike Review by Damon Bourne
From time to time, we're asking riders we know to chime and offer us a "behind the scenes" look at their motorcycles, products, and riding gear. This particular post comes from Damon Bourne of Madison, Wisconsin, following his first trip on the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail this past weekend:
The 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure bike is here! Well, almost...
The world of Adventure Motorcycle Riding is exploding these days, but not everyone can find an "adventure motorcycle" that fits their size or riding ability.