Ultimate Motorcycling magazine‘s podcast includes newly-launched motorcycle reviews and people who are into the motorcycle lifestyle. Check out each episode‘s show notes for links to items mentioned during the chat.
Motos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
The Ultimate Motorcycling Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself. * * * * * I'm sure you've heard of Insta360, a leader in 360-degree action camera technology. Their latest just-launched 360-degree camera, Insta360 X5, shoots in ALL directions at once…and it does it in incredible 8K30 hi-resolution. This will give you epic motorcycling shots without even aiming the camera. Just hit record… focus on your ride… and then find the best angles in the edit using Insta360's mobile app. It's easy, smooth, and packed with AI tools for a faster workflow! X5 is every camera you'll need in one … you can see more of your bars with an immersive POV, or you can film unique, third-person shots of you and your bike. From morning rallies to night rides, X5's huge sensors, triple AI chip, and dedicated low-light shooting mode, deliver unmatched detail and image quality …around the clock! It's waterproof, reliable, and features Insta360's toughest-ever lenses and lens guards. And by the way, both of those are completely replaceable, so you can ride with confidence. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "ULTIMATE", available for the first 30 purchases only. * * * * * This is a big year for the Harley-Davidson Softails, as they're brought into the 21st century with a comprehensive electronics package, a bigger motor, revised suspension, and a few more goodies. It's even bigger for the Fat Boy, as this is the 35th anniversary of the chubby-tired custom inspired by the 1949 Hydra-Glide. Literally reflecting that milestone is the chrome-drenched 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Gray Ghost, which is the newest member of the Icons Collection, and it makes a statement like no other. Don Williams rode the Gray Ghost extensively and gives us his thoughts not just on the exquisite looks, but also on how the Fat Boy actually rides. * * * * * The Snippet this episode is brought to you by Schuberth. In response to the market's growing demand for advanced connectivity, SCHUBERTH renewed its partnership with Cardo Systems® with the introduction of the SCHUBERTH SC EDGE based on the appreciated PACKTALK EDGE. As connectivity becomes increasingly relevant for modern motorcyclists, SC EDGE empowers riders to communicate effortlessly, enjoy their favorite music, and receive GPS directions - all while keeping their hands safely on the handlebars. Jonathan Handler gives us some insight into the new communicators that simply snap into most of the new Schuberth helmets that have been already prewired and are ready to accept the unit. * * * * * In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with motorcycle adventurer “Itchy Boots”. Noraly Schoenmaker is an astonishing young woman who travels to incredible—and sometimes dangerous—destinations on her Yamaha Tenere. Since 2018, Noraly has ridden over 175,000 kilometers through more than 70 countries, documenting her adventures on her YouTube channel, which boasts over 2.7 million subscribers. Her engaging storytelling, fearless spirit, and love for exploring diverse cultures and landscapes inspire countless fans to embrace adventure and independence. Noraly's new book published by Atria Books is out in a couple of weeks on July 3rd. “Free Ride” is her story of heartbreak, courage, and the 20,000-mile motorcycle journey that changed her life. When the books is out you will be able to find at good bookstores and also purchased on Amazon. * * * * * Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week's episode is brought to you by Yamaha. Are you ready to experience the motorcycle that is redefining the Supersport class? The new Yamaha YZF-R9 with its 890cc CP3 engine delivers incredible power and torque. Its lightweight aluminum frame, carefully developed rider's ergonomics, and adjustable KYB suspension, provide spectacular agility and control. Ride MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics with the R9's winglets, designed to enhance handling and agility. The R9 is more than just a machine; it's an experience. With its aggressive R-Series bodywork, LED lighting, and Brembo Stylema front brake calipers, every detail is impressive. The YZF-R9: Accessible Supersport performance starting at $12,499. Visit YamahaMotorsports.com to learn more. * * * * * In this first segment this episode, I chat with Tom Montano about riding the new Yamaha R9. He attended the launch recently at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California. You may remember Tom from the Podcast he did with us a couple of years ago… he's a highly experienced, fast guy, with 14 race starts at the Isle of Man TT to his name. So the Supersport Yamaha seems like the perfect fit to be ridden on track by such a great rider. * * * * * Watching the Isle of Man TT this week, I noticed that almost all the riders racing there wear an Arai helmet—and that includes Michael Dunlop, now the all-time record holder with 32 TT wins to his name. Why do you think Arai is so popular at the world's most dangerous motorcycle race event? Well, Arai's mission has always been the protection and comfort of every person who chooses an Arai helmet. Their foundational principles of protection first, exceptional quality, and rider comfort have never been forgotten in over six decades of helmet design and manufacturing. But beyond comfort, protection is really the critical reason to wear an Arai. The Snell Standard, said to be the strictest in the world, has a 17mph drop speed for the shock absorption test. As riders, we ride faster than that on a daily basis. Therefore, in the unlikely event of a crash, Arai knows it is important to “slide and avoid direct impacts to reduce the amount of impact energy that enters the helmet as much as possible”. There's a lot of reasons why you should join the most demanding riders in the world and wear an Arai helmet. To learn more, visit www.AraiAmericas.com * * * * * Today's Snippet brings you the newly launched X5 camera from Insta360, a leader in 360-degree action camera technology. Associate Editor Neil Wyenn has owned most of the Insta360 cameras and he tells us why the new X5 with its huge sensors, triple AI chip, and dedicated low-light shooting mode, as well as its toughest-ever replaceable lenses and lens guards is such a big improvement over the previous models. Don't forget: to bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "ULTIMATE", or click here Insta360 (available for the first 30 purchases only). * * * * * Our guest this episode is Candy Hunter, owner of WOW Motorcycles in Marietta Georgia. She chats with Teejay about the challenges of owning the largest pre-owned motorcycle dealership in the country; her insight into the state of the motorcycle industry market in general, and a preview of some of the amazing and fun events they have planned. * * * * * Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Welcome to the Motos and Friends Podcast. This week's episode is brought to you by Insta360, a leader in 360-degree action camera technology. Check out their latest 360-degree camera, the Insta360 X5, that shoots in all directions at once in incredible 8K30 resolution. This translates into epic motorcycling shots without even aiming the camera. Just hit record, focus on your ride, and then find the best angles in the edit with Insta360's mobile app—it's easy, smooth, and packed with AI tools to make it easy and fast. See more of your handlebars with an immersive POV, or film third-person shots of you and your bike—the X5 is every camera you'll need. Plus, X5's huge sensors, triple AI chip, and dedicated low-light shooting mode deliver unmatched detail and image quality even at night. The X5 is waterproof, reliable, and features Insta360's toughest-ever replaceable lenses and lens guards. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "ULTIMATE", available for the first 30 purchases only. Or click here * * * * * This first segment features myself, Arthur Coldwells, and I chat with Matt Ayhan about the new Kawasaki Z900 SE. The Kawasaki Z900 is an inline-4 first launched in 2017, although of course its DNA can be traced all the way back to the original Midnight Prowler Z1 from the 1970s. I'm proud to say that I've owned both of these machines—the original 1976 Z900 back when I lived in England, and subsequently, I also owned a 2019 Z900 now that I'm an American. That latter model was inexpensive but also fairly basic. However, it was impressive; an excellent street bike that suited my needs at the time. Having said that, it did need a few upgrades. Well, it seems Kawasaki agree, and recently launched the Z900 SE edition—and I believe it fits the bill nicely. Matt Ayhan went to the launch, and gives us the low down. * * * * * Hey, adventure riders, are you ready to take your rides to the next level? Introducing the SCHUBERTH E2—the second generation of SCHUBERTH's legendary adventure helmets! Whether you're riding hard on the roads or tackling the trails, the E2 has you covered with cutting-edge safety and comfort. The E2 has a 2-position top vent ventilation system ensures a fresh airflow, while its fog-resistant visor keeps your view crystal clear in cold conditions. Plus, the SCHUBERTH E2 features a new enlarged spoiler for better aerodynamics and an air extractor for a quieter, more comfortable ride. The SCHUBERTH E2 meets the highest safety standards. The E2 also comes with a pre-installed comms system, so you can stay connected on the go. Visit SCHUBERTH.com to check out the E2 and explore more options for your next adventure. * * * * * Today's Snippet brings you the newly launched X5 camera from Insta360, a leader in 360-degree action camera technology. Matt Ayhan also went to the launch of the new Insta360 X5 camera at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Arizona. Our friends from the Yamaha Champions Riding School were there with riding tips and the awesome fleet of Yamahas they provide. Matt gives me his impressions of the new X5 camera and why it is making such a splash in the world of action cameras. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "ULTIMATE", or click here Insta360 available for the first 30 purchases only. * * * * * Our guest this episode is lady racer and now team owner Melissa Paris. Melissa was a fierce and fearless competitor when she was racing full-time. She broke barriers in a male-dominated sport, and made history as the first woman to qualify for a World Supersport race, and also achieved the highest female finish in the Daytona 200 that year finishing in the top 10. Other career highlights include winning the Lightweight GP National Championship, and earning multiple top-10 finishes in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. Melissa was also part of the first all-female team to complete the Bol d'Or 24 Hour World Endurance Championship race, and repeated that feat at LeMans a year later. Now she's translated her competitive skills to her Moto America race team named MP13. The team now competes in the Supersport and Super Twins categories. Married to five-time AMA Superbike champion Josh Hayes, this amazing and inspirational lady manages to balance her and Josh's racing exploits while they raise their two kids as well. Instagram MP13 Facebook MP13 * * * * * Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
The Motos and Friends Podcast is brought to you by Arai helmets. The founder of Arai Helmets was the man who created the first motorcycle helmet in Japan to protect his own head, and as a result, launched the Japanese motorcycle helmet industry. Arai focuses on glancing off performance, accumulating small differences decade after decade, to further rider protection. The Arai Difference: If your experience has been that “Arai helmets are hard to get on,” then the Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening than previous models for easier on/off, is the helmet you've been waiting for. Once inside, you will be amazed at the extreme comfort, a key benefit of the Contour-X for long-distance touring, and if you're into ADV or dual-sport riding, then you'll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. So try on an Arai at your local dealer. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. * * * * * This week's two segments both bring you something a little different… In our first segment, Don Williams and Kelly Callan chat about Beta Alp X 350. This modest displacement single cylinder four-stroke from the Italian factory is described as an “Urban Adventure” bike. With styling that would fit well in a Mad Max movie, the rugged looking machine exudes fun and cool in equal measure. Don and Kelly discuss whether the Alp X lives up to its charisma. * * * * * Today's Snippet brings you the newly launched X5 camera from Insta360, a leader in 360-degree action camera technology. Adam Singer from Insta360 tells us all about the incredible new X5 that shoots in ALL directions at once, and in 8K30 mega hi-resolution. You can create epic motorcycling shots without even having to aim the camera. Literally, just hit record… focus on your ride… and then in the easy and smooth edit find the best angles using Insta360's mobile app. Its amazing AI tools make it super quick. The X5 is every camera you'll ever need in one, so for instance, you can try an immersive POV that includes your handlebars; or try unique, third-person shots of you and your bike. From morning to night, X5's huge new sensors, triple AI chip, and dedicated low-light shooting mode, deliver never seen before detail and image quality. It's waterproof, reliable, and has inexpensive, completely replaceable, lenses. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "ULTIMATE", available for the first 30 purchases only. For more information, visit Insta360.com. * * * * * Our guest this episode is again, something different. I doubt you have ever heard of IR Kinetics. The company uses a proprietary infra-red technology that tracks objects to within centimeters of their locations—in real time. For motorcycle enthusiasts, this has massive implications. One example they're currently working on is where video gaming and MotoGP could intersect. The company could create a hybrid experience where you could ‘virtually' race against the other riders on track. Imagine if you could line up on the grid next to Marc and Pecco, and see if you could compete? This is just one of many ideas from IR Kinetics. Teejay Adams chats with Gill Switalski (CEO of IR Kinetics), and Steffi Laier, the 3-time World Champion motocross racer in 2009, 2010, and 2011. They enthusiastically explain the technology and how it's about to change our motorcycling world. It's a cliché, but it could literally be a game-changer. Check out this video on IRK * * * * * Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
The Motos and Friends Podcast is brought to you by Arai helmets. The founder of Arai Helmets was the man who created the first motorcycle helmet in Japan to protect his own head, and as a result, launched the Japanese motorcycle helmet industry. Arai focuses on glancing off performance, accumulating small differences decade after decade, to further rider protection. The Arai Difference: If your experience has been that “Arai helmets are hard to get on,” then the Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening than previous models for easier on/off, is the helmet you've been waiting for. Once inside, you will be amazed at the extreme comfort, a key benefit of the Contour-X for long-distance touring. If you're into ADV or dual-sport riding, then you'll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. So try on an Arai at your local dealer. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. * * * * * In our first segment, Don Williams and Kelly Callan chat about her recent visit to the Moto Guzzi factory in Noale, Italy, and her ride on the all-new Moto Guzzi V7 Sport. This is really cool retro-ride, but with modern amenities and Moto Guzzi's legendary handling. * * * * * Today's episode is sponsored by Insta360, a leader in 360-degree action camera technology. (check out Marc Marquez Insta360!) Insta360 just-launched their latest 360-degree camera, Insta360 X5, and it shoots in ALL directions at once… in incredible 8K30 hi-resolution. This will give you epic motorcycling shots without even aiming the camera. Just hit record… focus on your ride… and then find the best angles in the edit using Insta360's mobile app. It's easy, smooth, and packed with AI tools! X5 is every camera you'll need in one … you can see more of your 'bars with an immersive POV, or you can film unique, third-person shots of you and your bike. From morning rallies to night rides, X5's huge sensors, triple AI chip, and dedicated low-light shooting mode deliver unmatched detail and image quality! It's waterproof, reliable, and features Insta360's toughest-ever lenses and lens guards ...and by the way, both of those are completely replaceable. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "ULTIMATE", available for the first 30 purchases only. For more information, be sure to check out the link above, or visit Insta360.com. * * * * * Hey, adventure riders, are you ready to take your rides to the next level? Introducing the SCHUBERTH E2—the second generation of SCHUBERTH's legendary adventure helmets! Whether you're riding hard on the roads or tackling the trails, the E2 has you covered with cutting-edge safety and comfort. The E2 has a 2-position top vent ventilation system ensures a fresh airflow, while its fog-resistant visor keeps your view crystal clear in cold conditions. Plus, the SCHUBERTH E2 features a new enlarged spoiler for better aerodynamics and an air extractor for a quieter, more comfortable ride. The SCHUBERTH E2 meets the highest safety standards. The E2 also comes with a pre-installed comms system, so you can stay connected on the go. Visit SCHUBERTH.com to check out the E2 and explore more options for your next adventure. * * * * * Our guest this episode is Jensen Beeler, CEO of Kramer Motorcycles, USA, distributors of the highly specialized German-engineered, track-only racebikes. MotoGP fans have been asking for many years why so few Americans make it to MotoGP any more—and it's not because we lack the talent! Truth is, youngsters in this country simply don't get the experience of riding purpose-built racebikes. Our motorcycle racing tends to be on converted production motorcycles—and as good as they are, it's not the same thing. Moto America's just-launched Talent Cup class uses the brand new specially designed Kramer APX-350 MA spec motorcycles, specifically to nurture US youngsters into Moto3, and then hopefully on to MotoGP. These Kramer machines are accessible and relatively affordable. Jensen explains how and why this strategy is likely to work, and why it matters to anyone interested in seeing America compete on the global stage of motorcycle racing. * * * * * Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This episode is brought to you by Schuberth helmets. In our first segment, Don Williams asks Kelly Callan about her recent visit to the Aprilia factory in Noale, Italy, and her ride on the all-new 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457. This upright, naked, sporting motorcycle sounds like major fun, and it's also priced just right too. Hey, adventure riders, are you ready to take your rides to the next level? Introducing the SCHUBERTH E2—the second generation of SCHUBERTH's legendary adventure helmets! Whether you're riding hard on the roads or tackling the trails, the E2 has you covered with cutting-edge safety and comfort. The SCHUBERTH E2 is the perfect mix between comfort and the aggressive look and feel of an offroad helmet. The new E2 also integrates all the latest SCHUBERTH standards in terms of safety, aerodynamics and aeroacoustics performance. Need to stay cool in extreme heat? The E2 has a 2-position top vent ventilation system ensures a fresh airflow, while its fog-resistant visor keeps your view crystal clear in cold conditions. Plus, the SCHUBERTH E2 features a new enlarged spoiler for better aerodynamics and an air extractor for a quieter, more comfortable ride. With P/J homologation, a fiber glass shell, and the Anti-Roll-Off-System, the SCHUBERTH E2 meets the highest safety standards. The E2 also comes with a pre-installed comms system, so you can stay connected on the go. Ready to ride with confidence? Visit SCHUBERTH.com to check out the E2 and explore more options for your next adventure. Our guest this episode is award-winning stuntman, Rick English. Despite his humility and modesty, Rick has an astonishing list of movies where he's ridden and crashed motorcycles, including Mission Impossible 5, Batman, Kingsman, Deadpool, and Inception. More recently he's worked on Netflix movies The Union, and Back in Action with Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. Teejay Adams chats with Rick about what it's like to work with stars like Tom Cruise, Ben Affleck, Ryan Reynolds, Mark Wahlberg, and so many more. Rick gives a special shout-out to Knox Armor that he uses to protect himself when he knows he's going to hit the ground hard. You can also follow him on X @Rick_English. Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Hey there, riders and road lovers, welcome back to the Motos and Friends Podcast, brought to you by the editors at Ultimate Motorcycling. The Motos and Friends Podcast is brought to you by Arai helmets. The founder of Arai Helmets was the man who created the first motorcycle helmet in Japan to protect his own head, and as a result, launched the Japanese motorcycle helmet industry. Arai focuses on glancing off performance, accumulating small differences decade after decade, to further rider protection. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. This episode we're revving up with something seriously cool—the 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus Limited 112. This classic bagger's got a championship heart, rocking the same motor that's snagged back-to-back MotoAmerica King of the Baggers wins. You've seen the 108 in the Pursuit and Challenger, but now the Chieftain's stepping up with a slick liquid-cooled V-twin, some chassis upgrades, as well as a bunch of fancy electronic rider aids. Don Williams hit the Nevada desert to put this 21st-century beast to the test. Our second segment this week is a real treat, because Arthur Coldwells sits down with the legend himself—three-time world Grand Prix Champion Freddie Spencer. 2025 is the 40-year anniversary of his double Championship win, and he asked Freddie about that unreal season where he pulled off something that will never be repeated: winning both the 250cc and 500cc class Championships at the same time. That's the equivalent of winning both the Moto2 and MotoGP Championships in the same year. Most people likely assume that riding both machines at the limit is similar… Wrong. Actually it takes total single-minded discipline and a completely different riding style for each one. Freddie gives us the nuances of exactly what he had to do, and how he accomplished it. So, grab a drink, settle in, and let's hear from Freddie about how he literally made history at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, where he beat the very best in the world—twice in the same year. Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Arthur Coldwells had the chance to ride the all new Harley Softail Cruisers recently, and he has to say, he quite liked them! The six models can be separated into three distinct genres, Classic, Statement, and Sport, and although he definitely erred towards his favorite category, he can still see the appeal of the others. Harley made some big changes including adding the new 117 ci motor, and he chats with Editor Don Williams about what he discovered and how they all rode. The Motos and Friends Podcast is brought to you by Arai helmets. The founder of Arai Helmets was the man who created the first motorcycle helmet in Japan to protect his own head, and as a result, launched the Japanese motorcycle helmet industry. Arai focuses on glancing off performance, accumulating small differences decade after decade, to further rider protection. The Arai Difference: If your experience has been that “Arai helmets are hard to get on,” then the Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening than previous models for easier on/off, is the helmet you've been waiting for. Once inside, you will be amazed at the extreme comfort, a key benefit of the Contour-X for long-distance touring, and if you're into ADV or dual-sport riding, then you'll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. So try on an Arai at your local dealer. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. In our second segment this week, Neale Bayly chats with author Sam Manicom. Sam's amazing story-telling recounts his adventures that really began with his travels in Africa. The adventures he recounts in this episode make for some fun listening, and his final message at the end will certainly inspire all of us ...and perhaps, a few may even take his advice! Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Our first segment this episode features the all new KTM 250 Duke. I think we can all agree that little bikes are fun. Especially if you're coming off a liter-bike or even a fast middleweight, a smaller bike by comparison feels lightweight, flickable and so easy to ride. We loved the KTM Duke 200 a few years back when we had it on extended loan, however it did feel just a teensy bit underpowered when we ventured out beyond the city, and especially if we had to take to a freeway or two. KTM has addressed that, and with new Duke 250 adding another 50cc, it makes a huge difference. Don Williams and Kelly Callan spent some time with the new KTM 250 Duke, and they absolutely loved it. Our guest this week is Brian Case, Executive Director of the Barber Motorsports Museum in Alabama; home to one of the greatest motorcycle collections anywhere. A few months back, Teejay Adams attended the glittering Motorcycles by Moonlight event dinner, held each year during the Barber Vintage Festival. It's a pretty magical event, and so Teejay finds out from Brian why it's a must-do event if you're at all interested in motorcycles. Oh and FYI… if you're on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App. That's F-A-I-D-R, and it's a new concept in podcasting. Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
The Honda MiniMoto concept has been an unqualified success. It started 11 years ago with the Honda Grom, and five models now feature the same 125cc motor in different chassis and transmission configurations. Now, the 2025 Honda Dax 125 is the latest member of the family, recalling the classic Trail 70 that debuted in 1969. Don Williams spent some time with the very entertaining new Dax 125, and tells us all about it. Our guest this week is Gary Turner, Managing Director of Blackstone TEK (BST). a company renowned for its design and production of carbon fiber wheels and other composite components for motorcycles. Gary chats with Neale Bayly and takes us through his amazing motorcycle journey. Turner started racing when he was 16. Some of the bikes Gary has ridden and raced include the rare and incredible Britten, as well as the Ducati Supermono. BST supplied the carbon fiber on such super-exotics as the Ecosse and the various Confederate models, and is currently a partner with Arch Motorcycle, the Gard Hollinger/Keanu Reeves project. It's been a fascinating ride so far for Gary, and it's an equally fascinating high-octane listen for us. Oh and FYI… if you're on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App. That's F-A-I-D-R, and it's a new concept in podcasting. Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Hello everyone, welcome once again to Motos and Friends, the podcast brought to you by the Editors at Ultimate Motorcycling magazine. My name is Arthur Coldwells. This week, Editor Don Williams tells us about Honda's revamped version of its mid-size ADV-bike, the Honda NX500. The NX is a lot more than just a rebadged CB500X though, although it is the same reliable, versatile, broadly accommodating motorcycle it has been for over a decade. While the NX500 isn't likely to be the coolest bike in your garage, it might be the most versatile and practical, and despite a litany of upgrades and new features, it's only $100 more than last year's CB500X‚ so it's definitely a steal. Honda clearly hasn't lost sight of what makes their midsize adventure bike so appealing, and Don thoroughly enjoyed putting it through its paces. As many listeners may know, I had the new Suzuki GSX-S1000 GX+ on long-term test until recently, and frankly I loved the bike from the outset. The GX+ is now considered to be Suzuki's flagship. With its plethora of features and complex electronics systems, I decided to ask Chase Rastegar and Avery Innis from Suzuki to appear on this episode as I wanted them to de-mystify the GX+ and find out what really makes it so very good. Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! Anyway, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode. Oh and FYI… if you're on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App. That's F-A-I-D-R, and it's a new concept in podcasting. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Motos and Friends is brought to you by Arai helmets. If you're into Dual-Sport, then you'll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. It's a completely redesigned helmet, and as with everything from Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. This episode features Don Williams and Nic de Sena discussing the 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 900. We first met Triumph's gateway Bonneville-based motorcycle back when it was known as the Street Twin in 2016, known as the most affordable parallel-twin-powered machine in Triumph's Modern Classic lineup. A name change and a few updates later, this fun-loving standard seizes the middleweight mantle, slotting itself between the Speed 400 (a single-cylinder machine, BTW) and the larger-displacement Speed Twin 1200. In our second segment this week, Neale Bayly chats with racer Pat Mooney. Pat recently retired from road racing, but his exploits and story from his long career are an entertaining listen. Oh and FYI… if you're on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App. That's F-A-I-D-R, and it's a new concept in podcasting. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
The Motos and Friends Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha. Have you seen the Yamaha MT-09, the ultimate Hyper Naked experience? Now this is a gift you're really going to want to give yourself! The MT-09 is ready to dominate the streets with its aggressive styling, powerful CP3 engine, and advanced technology. The 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine delivers thrilling torque, exceptional fuel efficiency, and with its quick, precise handling and great brakes, the MT-09 absolutely delivers pure performance. The MT-09 comes with a full-color TFT display and intuitive switchgear so you can customize your ride with four different display themes. Make no mistake: The MT-09 is more than just a motorcycle; it's a stunning statement. With its aggressive styling, unmatched performance, and incredible handling, this is a real motorcycle that turns heads. Check out the MT-09 at your local dealer or at YamahaMotorsports.com In this week's first segment, Editor Don Williams tells us about the riding the new Honda Shadow Aero. This classic cruiser has been around for a long time, but it's had a recent upgrade that's worth mentioning. This uber-cool looking machine is incredible value for money, and yet it also provides that street-cred we all like too. Capture the magic of life on two wheels with Insta360 X4, the most popular camera for motorcyclists today! There's also the Insta360 Ace Pro2 action camera that comes with a Leica lens for a crystal clear picture. With the X4 you can shoot full 360-degree video in 8K resolution, and then choose any angle you want after your ride. It's incredible! From immersive POVs to unique, third-person shots of you and your bike, the X4 does it all. You'll get over 2 hours run time at 5.7K or you can plug it into your bike's USB port and go all day. It even doubles as a dash cam! It's totally waterproof, tough as nails, and incredibly easy to use. By the way, if you're looking for the perfect gift for the motorcyclist in your life, you should check out the great promotion we're running just in time for this Holiday Season! The first 30 purchasers that head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code MOTOSANDFRIENDS will bag a free $99 Motorcycle Kit plus a selfie stick. In our second segment Neale Bayly chats with Jim Calandro. Jim started his motorcycle career when he was stationed in Germany many years ago, and after a number of years on several different bikes (including a Suzuki Gixxer 750) he started racing his RD400 Yamaha. We pick up Jim's story when he started racing, and then went on to found the Ducati Club in Charlotte North Carolina, which organized track days, weekends away, a magazine, and a website. Jim's accomplished moto career also included some coaching with Sport Bike Track Time. Neale's chat with Jim is a fun look at the good times he's had, thanks to his love of two-wheels. Oh and FYI… if you're on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App. That's F-A-I-D-R, and it's a new concept in podcasting. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Hello again and welcome to the Ultimate Motorcycling Podcast brought to you by Yamaha. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself. What's better than riding Triumph's new TF 450-RC motocross bike we ask? Well the answer has to be riding the new Triumph motocross bike alongside the GOAT Ricky Carmichael! In the first segment this episode, Will Embree chats with Don Williams about riding the new machine; hanging with Ricky Carmichael, and they go on to discuss the state of motocross and off-road racing in general, in this country. If you're into dirt bikes, you'll really enjoy this one. With the Snippet this episode, we're bringing you the second part of the amazing action cameras from Insta360. Associate Editor Neill Wyenn has had several Insta360 cameras and now gives us the lowdown on the latest version, the new Insta360 X4. We're right in gift-giving season so what better gift for any motorcycle rider is there than a great action camera? So, just in time, don't forget that the first 30 purchasers who use the promo code MOTOANDFRIENDS, will bag a free Motorcycle Kit plus a selfie stick! That's a $99 value with your Insta360 X4 purchase. Head to the Black Friday sale and save up to 47%!! In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with motorcycle designer John Keogh. John first worked on the Triumph T595 Daytona and Speed Triple before going freelance. He was then instrumental on various designs at Buell working on the XB Firebolt, the Lightning, the Ulysses & the 1125R. John was also a design partner at US-based Taylormade Racing with the Brough Moto 2 project in 2013, that was a full-monocoque GP bike with a carbon-fiber chassis raced by Jeremy McWilliams at the British GP in 2014. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
The Motos and Friends Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha. Introducing the Yamaha MT-09, the ultimate Hyper Naked experience. With its aggressive styling, powerful CP3 engine, and advanced technology, the MT-09 is ready to dominate the streets. Feel the raw power of the MT-09's 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine. Delivering thrilling torque and exceptional fuel efficiency, this machine is built for performance. Experience the future of Hyper Naked technology with the MT-09's five-inch full-color TFT display and intuitive switchgear. Customize your ride with four different display themes and navigate effortlessly through the controls. The MT-09 is more than just a motorcycle; it's a statement. With its aggressive styling and unmatched performance, it's ready to turn heads and dominate the streets. Discover the MT-09. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com If you're on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App a new concept in podcasting. In this week's first segment, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena tell us about the 2024 BMW R 12 nineT. With the standard R 12 taking on the job as a sporty cruiser for urban dwellers, this version of the model looks to satisfy more performance-oriented customers. Don put plenty of miles on the new R 12 nineT up and down California and he tells us all about it. For the Snippet this episode, we'd like you hear more about the amazing action cameras from Insta360. I asked Adam Stringer from Insta360 to tell us his take on why their cameras are so popular with motorcycle riders, and to let us know what's new from the company. Oh yes… and don't forget, the first 30 purchasers who use the promo code MOTOSANDFRIENDS, will bag a free Motorcycle Kit plus selfie stick! Those are worth $99 with any Insta360 X4 purchase. So head to store.insta360.com and get yours now. In our second segment Teejay Adams has a chat with Ed Milich, a life-long motorcycle rider, and a mechanical engineer for over two decades. He is now a consultant and expert witness supporting legal clients on motorcycle and vehicle-related subjects. Ed is a championship-winning motorcycle racer and fabricator, and has won races at Daytona, Willow Springs, Laguna Seca, Miller Motorsports Park, Barber Motorsports Park, and numerous other venues on motorcycles of his own construction and design. In the good ole print days, Ed was a regular contributor to several magazines including Motorcyclist, American Historic Racing Motorcycle Magazine, and the Moto Guzzi National Owners Magazine. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Welcome the Motos and Friends Podcast from Ultimate Motorcycling, brought to you by Yamaha. Introducing the Yamaha MT-09, the ultimate Hyper Naked experience. With its aggressive styling, powerful CP3 engine, and advanced technology, the MT-09 is ready to dominate the streets. Feel the raw power of the MT-09's 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine. Delivering thrilling torque and exceptional fuel efficiency, this machine is built for performance. Experience the future of Hyper Naked technology with the MT-09's five-inch full-color TFT display and intuitive switchgear. Customize your ride with four different display themes and navigate effortlessly through the controls. The MT-09 is more than just a motorcycle; it's a statement. With its aggressive styling and unmatched performance, it's ready to turn heads and dominate the streets. Discover the MT-09. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com In this week's first segment, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena tell us about the incredibly versatile KTM 890 SMT. Could this bike be an all-rounder? Every rider will see its strengths differently. The SM part stands for Supermoto, however the T actually means touring—and you're not touring when you're riding supermoto …or can you? There are even more uses for the SMT that aren't revealed in the three-letter designation, so Don and Nic push the starter button, and bring the LC8c parallel twin to life. Capture the magic of life on two wheels with Insta360 X4, the most popular camera for motorcyclists today! Shoot full 360-degree video in 8K resolution, then choose any angle you want after your ride. It's incredible! From immersive POVs to unique, third-person shots of you and your bike, Insta360 X4 does it all. You'll get over 2 hours run time at 5.7K or plug it into your bike's USB port and go all day. It's totally waterproof, tough as nails, and incredibly easy to use. It even doubles as a dash cam! To bag a free Motorcycle Kit plus selfie stick worth $99 with any Insta360 X4 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code MOTOANDFRIENDS, available for the first 30 purchases only. In our second segment Teejay Adams chats with lady-racer Holly Varey. You may know that Holly was one of the competitors in Royal Enfield's brilliant BTR racing series in 2022 and 2023, and in the final race she finished on the podium. But there's a lot more to Holly's racing and she also wrenches and competes in several different AHRMA historic racing classes on a variety of machinery. Teejay caught up with Holly after the recent Barber Vintage Festival at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. Holly is very articulate and descriptive, so it's fascinating to hear her talk about how she got started, what motivates her, and about some of the awesome motorcycles she's ridden along the way. Holly Varey: Instagram | Facebook Royal Enfield BTR: Instagram | website Vintage Road Racing Association: Instagram | website AHRMA: Instagram | website We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Welcome the Motos and Friends Podcast from Ultimate Motorcycling, brought to you by Yamaha. Introducing the Yamaha MT-09, the ultimate Hyper Naked experience. With its aggressive styling, powerful CP3 engine, and advanced technology, the MT-09 is ready to dominate the streets. Feel the raw power of the MT-09's 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine. Delivering thrilling torque and exceptional fuel efficiency, this machine is built for performance. Experience the future of Hyper Naked technology with the MT-09's five-inch full-color TFT display and intuitive switchgear. Customize your ride with four different display themes and navigate effortlessly through the controls. The MT-09 is more than just a motorcycle; it's a statement. With its aggressive styling and unmatched performance, it's ready to turn heads and dominate the streets. Discover the MT-09. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com In this week's first segment, Nic de Sena tells us all about the new Yamaha MT-09 SP. The SP comes hot on the heels of the standard MT-09 update earlier this year, with three key upgrades: top-shelf KYB suspension, Brembo brakes, and some interesting racetrack-inspired electronics. Interestingly, the MT-09 SP has now been joined by the long-awaited 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9. Revealed just last week, the track-only R9 is the larger sibling to the R7. It's got the same excellent triple-cylinder CP3 engine as the MT-09, yet the R9 is a full supersport machine that's positioned to go up against the other machines in the class. It'll be interesting to see how it fares, and as soon as we've had a chance to ride it, we'll let you know! Capture the magic of life on two wheels with Insta360 X4, the most popular camera for motorcyclists today! Shoot full 360-degree video in 8K resolution, then choose any angle you want after your ride. It's incredible! From immersive POVs to unique, third-person shots of you and your bike, X4 does it all. You'll get over 2 hours run time at 5.7K or plug it into your bike's USB port and go all day. It's totally waterproof, tough as nails, and incredibly easy to use. It even doubles as a dash cam! To bag a free Motorcycle Kit plus selfie stick worth $99 with any X4 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code MOTOSANDFRIENDS, available for the first 30 purchases only. In our second segment I chat with motorcycle racing royalty, 3-time 500cc World Champion ‘King' Kenny Roberts. Both Kenny and his son's world championship winning motorcycles—as well as one of Team KR's Proton MotoGP racebikes and all their memorabilia—is now all a permanent part of the Barber Motorsports Museum Collection. I sat down with Kenny at the recent Barber Vintage Festival, and he talks to me in his frank and funny style about almost everything. Why the bike now on display (his 1980 Grand Prix race-winning Yamaha YZR500) is his favorite race bike; what drove him to such extraordinary achievements; and what it was like to ride—and win—on the fearsome Yamaha TZ750 2-stroke dirt tracker that one time at the Indy Mile. Kenny candidly tells me what's different about the modern era race bikes compared to his era; why he wouldn't hire legend Max Biaggi to ride his KR MotoGP bike; what he thought of his fearsome rival Barry Sheene, and of course, with a twinkle in his eye—why he likes English women. It's a fascinating insight into one of the truly greatest motorcycle racers of all time. So, without further ado, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we really think you're going to enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
The Motos and Friends Podcast from Ultimate Motorcycling is brought to you by Yamaha. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself. Unfortunately it rained at the launch earlier this year in Spain, so Nic de Sena got hold of a 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo and tested it thoroughly on both track and on the street in California. You may be thinking of switching brands, or you might also be looking to upgrade from a middleweight, but as Nic said, the big KTM super-naked gives you “the most fun for the buck”. It's a highly complex machine and Nic explains all. In our second segment this week, Arthur Coldwells chats with the thoughtful and brilliant motorcycle designer, JT Nesbitt of Bienville Studios in New Orleans. Actually, JT is the designer of the premiere edition cover bike of Robb Report Motorcycling magazine back in 2004—the Wraith. JT's latest project is the exquisite-looking Magnolia 4; a breathtakingly beautiful retro-styled, inline-4 motorcycle. Check out Bienville Studios for pictures and more information on the design journey that JT and his team have been on for the last few years. By the way, if you're into Dual-Sport riding, then should check out the new Arai XD-5. It's completely redesigned, and typical Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. For example, the new visor system is designed to maximize vision and surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal. Arai is obsessed with every detail; there is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”. A helmet is not only about safety, it's also about comfort. The incredible fit and plush interior of any of the Arai helmets is immediately noticeable. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Hello everyone and welcome to the Motos and Friends Podcast, brought to you by Yamaha. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself. Suzuki's new flagship is a street sportbike with adventure bike styling. I've been riding the all new crossover GSX-S1000 GX+ with its awesome electronics package and semi-active suspension. I was able to have an extensive chat with Teejay Adams on the pros and cons of this magical motorcycle. In our second segment this week, Teejay chats with EveAnna Manley. She is President of Manley Laboratories, the Chino, California, based Manley Labs that produces recording, mixing, mastering and playback audio equipment. But there's a lot more to EveAnna than just designing and manufacturing incredible audio gear, she's also an avid motorcycle rider and is Secretary of the Pasadena Motorcycle Club, the third one oldest motorcycle club in the world! She's a talented and multi-talented lady with a great sense of humor too. By the way, if you're into Dual-Sport riding, then should check out the new Arai XD-5. It's completely redesigned, and typical Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. For example, the new visor system is designed to maximize vision and surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal. Arai is obsessed with every detail; there is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”. A helmet is not only about safety, it's also about comfort. The incredible fit and plush interior of any of the Arai helmets is immediately noticeable. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Hello everyone and welcome to the Motos and Friends Podcast, brought to you by Yamaha. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself. Honda's legendary engineering prowess has led to many innovations over the years. Not least, Honda was the first company to come up with a seamless transmission in MotoGP, and of course we're now seeing the incredible Dual Clutch Transmission on several models, the favorite of mine being the outstanding Gold Wing touring bike. Well now we're seeing something very different again. The new Honda CBR- and CB650R models are now equipped with Honda's all-new E-clutch technology. This automates the clutch operation with computer-controlled electronic assistance—while still allowing the rider to use the clutch manually if they want to! This amazing innovation will especially appeal to new riders, but clearly it could be fitted to just about any of the Honda range too. Nic de Sena has ridden using the new e-clutch, and he and Don discuss the pros and cons. In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with Mark Long of the relatively new Driven to Ride podcast that shares the stories of motorcyclists from all walks of life. Mark came to podcasting via radio, so he's a genuine professional in the audio world, and as an avid motorcycle rider, it seems like a natural fit to have him around in the motorcycle audio business. Mark explores his life-changing experiences on two wheels, with one of his first ventures to the iconic Sturgis motorcycle rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota. If you haven't listened to Driven to Ride, then you really should. Anything we can all do to help bring more enthusiasts to motorcycling has to be a good thing! By the way, if you're into Dual-Sport riding, then should check out the new Arai XD-5. It's completely redesigned, and typical Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. For example, the new visor system is designed to maximize vision and surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal. Arai is obsessed with every detail; there is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”. A helmet is not only about safety, it's also about comfort. The incredible fit and plush interior of any of the Arai helmets is immediately noticeable. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Hello everyone and welcome to the Motos and Friends Podcast, brought to you by Yamaha. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself. There's nothing quite like massive amounts of torque to make a motorcycle accelerate in a real hurry, and that is one of the allures of an electric motorcycle. In this week's first segment, Don Williams talks about riding the new Verge TS Pro. There are several areas where this bike is unusual, not least its looks. But its claimed torque output of 738 ft/lbs is such a ludicrous-sounding number it raises a bunch of questions. Having ridden it briefly around Malibu, Don fills us in on whether this very different motorcycle is actually worth a real look. In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with Rick Glover and his son Cooper. Cooper is only just a teenager, but he's shown real promise on the racetrack, and indeed, he won the SFLMiniGP series Championship in 2023. Truth is, America needs these youngsters to progress in the sport so that we can have real competitors once more at the MotoGP level. Cooper's Dad Rick fills us in on the effort and commitment needed to bring his son to the forefront of motorcycle racing with the ultimate goal of reaching the world stage. So, from all of us here at Motos and Friends, we hope you enjoy this episode! By the way, if you're into Dual-Sport riding, then should check out the new Arai XD-5. It's completely redesigned, and typical Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. For example, the new visor system is designed to maximize vision and surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal. Arai is obsessed with every detail; there is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”. A helmet is not only about safety, it's also about comfort. The incredible fit and plush interior of any of the Arai helmets is immediately noticeable. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: Instagram links: Cooper Glover Racing SFLMiniGP Facebook Links: Cooper Glover Racing SFLMiniGP @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Motos and Friends is brought to you by Yamaha. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Whether you're chasing the next horizon on the highway, or blazing trails through the wilderness, the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700 is your ticket to adventure. Learn more at Yamaha Motorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself. In this week's first segment, our big boss Editor Don Williams chats with Senior Editor Nic de Sena about a new ADV machine he's recently been raving about: the all-new BMW F 900 GS. Don rode the middleweight 900 GS extensively, and he compares its upgrades to the previous model 850. So: is this new 900 a serious contender in the rapidly growing middleweight ADV category or is it just a slightly more powerful 850? In our second segment this week, I chat with Gard Hollinger, co-Founder of Arch Motorcycle. Since its inception, Arch has developed a stellar reputation for making exquisitely crafted and beautifully finished American V-Twin motorcycles. Of course most people already know that movie-star Keanu Reeves is the other half of Arch Motorcycle, so among the many things I wanted you to learn was how the company got started, where it's going, and whether Keanu is just a sleeping partner in the company? We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Motos and Friends is brought to you by Yamaha. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Téneré 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Téneré 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Whether you're chasing the next horizon on the highway, or blazing trails through the wilderness, the 2024 Yamaha Téneré is your ticket to adventure. Learn more at Yamaha Motorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Téneré 700 for yourself. In this week's first segment Don Williams and Nic de Sena tell you all about the new Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR Sport. Moto Morini has been around since 1937 and the now Chinese-owned company is bringing the classic Italian brand back to America. The STR Sport is an international mix of truly high-quality components, with a 650 parallel twin engine licensed from Kawasaki; Japanese suspension from KYB, Italian brakes from Brembo, and German electronics from Bosch. However, the Seiemmezzo is quite heavy, and Don gives us his impressions on how the bike rides and whether it's likely to be a real hit, or a miss. In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with Whit Bazemore. I think we can safely say that Whit is a major motorsports enthusiast as he's done a bit of everything including drag-racing Funny Cars at the top level. But his claim to fame is as an internationally renowned photographer who discovered that his real passion is MotoGP, and he's now planning to parlay his incredible photography into a digital MotoGP magazine called The Lean Angle. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Motos and Friends is brought to you by Yamaha and the Yamaha Tenere. Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. Whether you're chasing the next horizon on the highway, or blazing trails through the wilderness, the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700 is your ticket to adventure. Learn more at Yamaha Motorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself. Don Williams and Nic de Sena bring you this week's first segment on the all new BMW F 900 GS. These new middleweight enduro-style bikes are a departure from the more traditional heavyweight ADV bikes and we're seeing several of these appear on the market. Don tells us whether BMW goes far enough to compete with the likes of KTM and Husqvarna, or whether the F 900 GS doesn't quite reach the mark. In our second segment this week, Neale Bayly chats with Dustin Near. A few years ago, Dustin decided he'd had enough. So, he sold his house, quit his job, bought himself a Suzuki DR650, and headed off to South America to discover a life of adventure! Is this is the life we all secretly want… or will hearing Dustin's take on travel be enough to satisfy our wanderlust for the time being? We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Jonathan Handler take you to the South of France where Jonathan got to ride the local roads on the all-new, redesigned Triumph Rocket 3. The Rocket comes in two flavors: the Storm R model, and the Storm GT version. The two-and-a-half liter engine puts out a claimed 180 horsepower and a tarmac-shredding 166 ft/lbs of torque. Jonathan talks to us about his experiences of the local roads riding the beast, and whether the Rocket 3's astonishing numbers result in a well-tamed muscle-machine, or if it is completely unmanageable. Have you ever tried riding at the drag strip? In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with tuner and racer, ‘Shorty' Cruz, owner of Shorty's Performance in North Hollywood, California. Shorty and his amazing daughter Gisela both regularly ride at Irwindale Dragstrip where they test their bikes and reaction-times inexpensively and in a safe environment. Going to the raceway doesn't necessarily need a Top Fuel multi-million dollar dragbike; you ride whatever you like—fast or slow—and see if you're able to hone your skills and improve your technique, no matter what machine you're on. According to Gisela and Shorty, it's a fun, helpful community of like-minded people and it might just appeal to you to see what you can achieve on your bike. If you're interested in tuning your bike check out Shorty's Performance on Facebook. Here's a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media—we're on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there's something in particular you'd like us to cover, we'd love to hear those ideas too! Anyway, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Hello everyone and welcome to Motos and Friends, brought to you by the Editors at Ultimate Motorcycling. My name is Arthur Coldwells. This week's first segment is the 2024 Yamaha MT-09, one of the highest performing naked upright sportbikes out there. Senior Editor Nic de Sena recently returned from the launch of the all-new three-cylinder Yamaha, and it seems he was impressed. Motos and Friends is brought to you by Arai helmets. If you're into Dual-Sport, then you'll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. It's a completely redesigned helmet, and as with everything from Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. One of the major changes is the new VAS-A visor system, derived from the one originally developed for the Corsair-X. The new visor is designed to maximize surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal of the visor and peak. Arai is obsessed with every detail—even those unseen. There is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”. For instance, if your experience has been that helmets are hard to get on, then try the Arai Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening for easier on/off. Once on, you will be impressed at the amazing comfort of the Contour-X, especially if you're into long-distance touring. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with national-level Moto Trials rider and GasGas engineer Daniel Blancgonnet. Trials is an interesting discipline as although it is without doubt the slowest of all motorcycle sport, it is also arguably the hardest one to be really good at. Daniel gives us his interesting insight into what the sport is about, why he finds it so challenging, and what he really loves about it. Doing that while also working for the Pierer Mobility Group and GasGas at the same time just might be the perfect motorcycle career! So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week's first segment is brought to you by editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena. Don recently returned from Spain where he rode the new 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801. Performance comes in many forms, and certainly the Svartpilen has a unique take on things while delivering amazing speed. It's a premium motorcycle with lots of high-end features and a unique, almost steampunk look to it that makes it a real standout. It's fast and user-friendly, and if doing things a little differently appeals to you, then Don's take on the new Husqvarna will be of interest. Motos and Friends is brought to you by Arai helmets. Arai is obsessed with every detail—even those unseen. There is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”. For instance, if your experience has been that helmets are hard to get on, then try the Arai Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening for easier on/off. Once on, you will be impressed at the amazing comfort of the Contour-X, especially if you're into long-distance touring. If you're into Dual-Sport, then you'll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. It's a completely redesigned helmet, and as with everything from Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. One of the major changes is the new VAS-A visor system, derived from the one originally developed for the Corsair-X. The new visor is designed to maximize surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal of the visor and peak. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. If you've ever found yourself away from home and pining for a motorcycle ride, then Twisted Road might be the answer. In this second segment, Teejay Adams chats with Austin Rothbard, creator of the App that he describes as “the Airbnb of motorcycling”. Although your first take might be skepticism that anyone would want to rent out their precious motorcycle, it turns out that there are plenty of people not only willing to do so, but who are doing it regularly. The App has been around since 2017 and so it's an idea that seems to be well evolved. Interesting! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
With its punchline “Ready to Race” you have to take KTM seriously in the performance world, and so this week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the new KTM 990 Duke. Although in engine capacity terms it's almost a liter-bike, actually the 990 Duke is classed as a middleweight. But, having thrashed this beauty around the roads of southern Spain, Nic chats with Don and gives his reason why this mid-size beast is clearly punching above its weight. In the second segment this week, Arthur Coldwells has a really enjoyable chat with Richard Worshum, co-Founder and Designer of the exquisite retro-style Janus motorcycles. Although manufactured in Goshen, Indiana, with modern materials and using modern engines, the Janus range of bikes clearly hearken back to a much simpler time. Richard admits they can hardly be considered performance machines, so what exactly is it that makes these machines so darned attractive? Is it just the cool looks, or is there something else that's maybe not quite so obvious? We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the new 2024 Aprilia RS 457. This is Aprilia's newest entry into the highly competitive lightweight sportbike class. The smallest RS has it all, including a parallel-twin motor, full electronics suite, and an excellent handling chassis. What's not to like? Nic shares his thoughts on the Aprilia, where he rode it on track in Italy, sharing the track with Maverick Vinales. Sounds like fun! In the second segment this week Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with Mark Foster, Founder and expert roaster of the acclaimed Fosterbuilt Coffee, based in the Catskill Mountains of New York state. Well what does that have to do with motorcycles, I hear you ask. Well, Mark is also a passionate motorcycle guy, and in this month of April he's giving away a custom Royal Enfield 350 motorcycle. Please visit the Fosterbuilt Coffee website for details of how to enter to win. Watch the video here. But hurry, you only have a few days to get your entry in! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the 2025 Triumph Daytona 660. The all-new middleweight triple stands out amongst the well-established parallel twins in the class—and it does it for an exceptional price. In the second segment this week I chat with the three founders of Moto-Cyco Touring Adventures. Pat Campbell, Greg Mason, and Scott Urwick want to share their passion for themed guided tours throughout what they believe is the best place in the United States to ride—New England. All three guys (and their wives!) are serious motorcycle enthusiasts with more than three-and-a-half decades of combined riding experience. They have led safe, organized group rides for over 10 years and collectively, they average more than 50,000 miles of riding every year. The themed rides sound spectacular, and after hearing their story I believe you will feel the same. I hope you will consider joining them on one of their rides. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the latest addition to the Harley Icons Collection, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydraglide Revival. This beautiful new softail commemorates the 75th anniversary of the hydraulic telescopic fork debuting on a Harley-Davidson. Don rode the Hydraglide Revival with his usual enthusiasm for all of these Icons Collection bikes, and of course he answers the big question: does the Hydraglide ride as beautifully as it looks? Fair warning: The second segment this week is going to be controversial. Were you taught NOT to cover the brakes when riding? Were you taught NOT to brake on entry into a corner? Were you ‘coached out' of new rider training because you didn't grasp it quickly enough? It seems that although new rider training is excellent in many regards, there are certain fundamentals being taught that are just plain wrong. At best, they're causing recently new riders to leave the sport—and at worst, these incorrect fundamentals are costing lives. This episode, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with several people who recently attended new rider training to get their take. The main discussion is led by Nick Ienatsch of Yamaha Champions Riding School, one of the several passionate voices trying to get things changed. Whether you think you've been taught correctly or incorrectly, this segment will be of interest to you. We need training groups and indeed, the industry itself to get behind this movement to evolve and improve these significant points. We need those with a passion to ride motorcycles to stick with it, and not get put off and leave the sport. If you agree, please leave a comment on our social media or message us directly. Let's get the word out and make a positive change! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio. It has been around eight years since Moto Guzzi updated the Stelvio, and so expectations were quite high when Nic went to the launch in Spain. Don chats with Nic about his experiences with the new Stelvio, and whether this new version is now a credible ADV bike. In the second segment this week, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with Ray Hammons. Despite his mature age, a couple years ago Ray realized a long time dream—to learn to ride a motorcycle. To say that he jumped in with both feet is somewhat of an understatement. Ray was fortunate enough to attend the YCRS Champ Street School when he first got his license, and interestingly, he credits the school with saving his life almost immediately. The topic of whether you should cover the brake when riding is actually quite controversial, and if you do it during an MSF course, you will fail. This is patently wrong, and Ray is clearly hoping the right people wake up, and this change is made to rider training across the country. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Motos and Friends, brought to you by the Editors at Ultimate Motorcycling magazine. I'm Arthur Coldwells. This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide. The new Street Glide has had a total revamp, from the new fairing and lights, to the engine and chassis, the Street Glide is now an even more serious bagger than before. Nic and Don take us through their experiences with the new machine and why they're so pumped on the changes. In the second segment this week, recently appointed Head of MV Agusta North America, Luca Dovesi, chats with me about his vision for MV Agusta North America. Luca talks about the challenges he's facing and how he plans to leverage KTM's sales and distribution expertise to rebuild faith in the MV Agusta brand. We all know that the Italian manufacturer has always designed and produced the most exquisite and innovative motorcycles. But now, with the Pierer Mobility Group's considerable commitment and horsepower behind them, the future just might be looking pretty bright for MV Agusta, and us, the consumers in America. So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the new Triumph Scrambler. This model uses the 1200 twin engine from the Bonneville range, and it in two distinct flavors, the X and the XE. Previous versions of the Scrambler were not very off-road focused, however Triumph has changed all that, and Nic had the opportunity to do a lot of pretty hard-core desert riding in his quest to find out how capable the Scrambler truly is once it goes off-pavement. In the second segment this week, I chat with the recently appointed Head of MV Agusta North America, Luca Dovesi. Luca started his career with Ducati in Thailand, and he then moved on to KTM Singapore where he was head of After Sales and Network Development. Three and a half years later, in January 2023, he was brought in by KTM from Singapore, to head up the re-organization and re-emergence of MV in the US. As Head of the premier brand of Italian performance motorcycles, Luca's energy and enthusiasm came across very clearly as we talked about the progress made so far, and what KTM's plans are for the storied Italian marque. So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his thoughts on the new Suzuki GSX-8R. This is the fully faired, slightly more sporting version of the excellent GSX-8S upright middleweight that came out last year. The 8R uses the same new, highly acclaimed, super-smooth parallel-twin engine seen on several models, and clearly putting it into a really sporting-style motorcycle makes sense. Nic spent a couple of days on both the street and at Chuckwalla Raceway in California on the new bike. In our second segment this week, Neale Bayly chats with Paul Murphy of Meticulous Restorations. Paul is a world-class restorer, currently operating out of Canada; he has restored some amazing machines. So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Whether you define the new Royal Enfield Shotgun as a cruiser or a bobber, it is certainly an awesome-looking retro-styled motorcycle. Kelly Callan recently spent a couple of weeks with the new version of the 650-twin, and she gives us her thoughts. In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with the one-time USA coast-to-coast speed record holder, Andrew Pieper, about the trials and tribulations of that challenge. The shortest distance between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans is the distance between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Diego, California. To attempt to do this trip in one go isn't an easy endeavor, and it requires a lot of pre-planning, and a team of people to help make it a success. Andrew's time was very recently beaten by a few minutes, so naturally he's planning on getting the record back! His chat with Teejay is an interesting insight into his preparation and how he actually did it. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Triumph's revamped Tiger 900 lineup looks like a high-end, highly capable ADV styled motorcycle. Senior Editor Nic de Sena recently visited Malaga, Spain to ride the Rally and GT Pro versions. Nic gives us his thoughts on what has changed with the new Tiger, and a comparison between the two variations. In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with Aussie motorcycle racer Tayla Relph. Tayla was recently selected to enter the inaugural FIM Women's Motorcycling World Championship, that is starting this year. Tayla talks about the physical and financial challenges, and the motivation that has brought her to competing at the top of her sport. Here's a little known fact: Teejay's son Reed went to high-school in Brisbane with Tayla! So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode! 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Lineup First Look 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro Review TaylaRelph#28 Instagram TaylaRelph#28 Facebook Tayla Relph Email Reed Peters Photography Landscape Architect We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week's first segment features Senior Editor Nic de Sena, freshly returned from India, where he rode the all new Royal Enfield Himalayan ADV bike. The Himalayan has gone through a generational upgrade, with a bigger, more powerful motor and the addition of Showa suspension just to start with. Royal Enfield is clearly upping its game, and Nic gives us his thoughts on the new machine and where it fits into the market. Motos and Friends is brought to you by Arai helmets. Yes, there is such a thing as “The Arai Difference” and it reflects the company's incredible attention to detail. For instance, if your experience has been that helmets are hard to get on, then try the Arai Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening for easier on/off; it is the helmet you've been waiting for. Once on, you will be amazed at the extreme comfort of the Contour-X, a key benefit for long-distance touring. Another example of “The Arai Difference”: Side Air Channels. The Corsair-X utilizes internal ducting, which effectively increases the extraction of hot, moist air from the eye-port area, to both help reduce shield fogging and increase your comfort. Get to your local Arai dealer and try the Contour-X and the Corsair-X, you won't be disappointed! If you want to learn more, visit AraiAmericas.com. In our second segment this week, I chat with Chris Fillmore from the Pierer Mobility Group, the owners of the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas brands. After retiring from his professional superbike racing career, Chris has now worked for PMG for around 10 years, including his recent stint as the manager of the flat-track racing program. Chris and I talk about his race experience from Motocross, Supermoto, Superbike, as well as his insight into riding a flat-track motorcycle as well. Chris' laid-back demeanor belies his incredible ability to go fast on just about any motorcycle. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
This week's first segment is brought to you by Editor Don Williams who recently rode the new 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700. Although the Tenere has been around for some time now, unusually, Don never quite managed to get the chance to ride one. So he looks at the Tenere and it's updates for 2024 from a fresh perspective. The big question is whether the Tenere is getting too long in the tooth to maintain its place in the market, or is it a really good, mature motorcycle that absolutely deserves to be on your shopping list? In our second segment this week, I chat with my friend Heath Cofran, the US Communications Lead for Alpinestars, the innovative safety company that we're all so familiar with. Heath chats about some of the upcoming ideas from the company; the Tech-Air safety system and its development; and the really interesting new Supertech R10 helmet that was just launched last year and worn for the first time by Jorge Martin and Jack Miller in MotoGP. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Freshly returned from the intro of the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+, Senior Editor Nic de Sena gives us his thoughts on the new crossover bike from the big S. This is another sport-touring variant on the fantastic inline-four GSX-S1000 upright naked model, and although Suzuki have the really great GT+ in the lineup, this new GX+ now comes with semi-active electronic suspension and a comfortable riding position. So if you're in the market for a sport-tourer, the GX+ is definitely another one to add to your list of possibles. In our second segment this week, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly chats with Laverda engineer, Keith Nairn. Based in Scotland, Keith is a highly specialized engine builder and tuner of these legendary Italian muscle machines. If you have need of Keith's expertise, you'll be able to contact him through his website at LaverdaScozia.co.uk. So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling—we hope you enjoy this episode and of course, have a fabulous Holiday season! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In the first segment this week, Editor Don Williams on the new Benelli Imperiale 400. This hyper-retro machine has styling that makes it look it comes straight from the 1940's or possibly 1950's. On paper, the Benelli is truly unimpressive, but always one to keep an open mind, Don takes to the urban streets curious to see who exactly might enjoy this motorcycle. There's a chance that Benelli with the Imperiale, has managed to create a riding experience that is a good deal more than just the sum of its parts. In our second segment this week, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly chats with author Rob Brooks. Rob is the founder of the Road Dirt dot com website, and he has also authored a couple of books available on Amazon as well. Despite a bit of a rough start to his motorcycling career, Rob has most definitely found his passion, and he clearly plans to keep exploring the world of motorcycles for a long time to come. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In our first segment this week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena gives us his take on the Kramer EVO2-690SP. This is a KTM powered turnkey race or track only motorcycle available to all enthusiasts of speed. The Kramer's amazing light weight and impeccable handling were to much temptation for Nic who decided to race it in the recent AHRMA round at the Barber Motorsports Park vintage festival. He did well. In our second segment this week, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly chats with Neil Spalding. Neil is arguably the MotoGP technology writer, and as well as magazines and newspapers, he also writes the technical summaries for the MotoGP season review and Motocourse. Neil is also the author of the critically acclaimed series of books on MotoGP Technology, the officially licensed technical analysis of the MotoGP class. He was also part of the British Eurosport MotoGP commentary team. Neil is not just a technical whiz, he also raced in a long club career where he won two Championships. Ultimately, he went on to run his own team in the British Supersport Championship. Neil has worked in MotoGP for the last 15 years, and when not at the circuits he runs Sigma Performance, a supplier of racing slipper clutches. Don't forget—we're still running our Cortech Lite gloves giveaway! Simply go to the Ultimate Motorcycling Instagram or Facebook pages and find the Cortech gloves post. All you have to do is Like the post and two winners will be selected at random each week. We will message you if you're one of the lucky winners. Please note this is only open to residents of the USA. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In the first segment this week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena chats with Arthur Coldwells about Ducati's new Diavel V4. As the name implies, the savage new engine from the new MotoGP World Champions slots nicely into the Diavel chassis. The big question of course is whether this is too much motor for this style of bike? In our second segment this week, Arthur chats with Ryan Smith of CarbonSmith. Ryan is on the cutting edge of the 3D printing business, and as he personally races a motorcycle in the Moto America Twins Cup series, he has the perfect test bed for all things carbon that he manufactures. It's a fascinating business and as well as his off-the-shelf carbon parts, if you want something more specialized, Ryan is likely the guy that can make it for you. Don't forget—we're still running our Cortech Lite gloves giveaway! Simply go to the Ultimate Motorcycling Instagram or Facebook pages and find the Cortech gloves post. All you have to do is Like the post and two winners will be selected at random each week. We will message you if you're one of the lucky winners. Please note this is only open to residents of the USA. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In the first segment this week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena chats with Arthur Coldwells about KTM's latest Super Duke 1290 GT. That's the sport-touring version of the Super Duke R. The question is whether KTM overly detuned its fierce superbike, or whether even in touring mode, the heart of The Beast is still just as savage. In our second segment this week, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly talks with master mechanic David Behrend. David's amazing career has taken him all over the world as mechanic and Crew Chief for some of the greatest riders in Moto America, World Superbike, and Moto2. David is now Technical Director for Andreani Suspension USA; if you have suspension or handling questions—David is the guy to help! So from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling—we hope you enjoy this episode! Don't forget—we're still running our Cortech Lite gloves giveaway! Simply go to the Ultimate Motorcycling Instagram or Facebook pages and find the Cortech gloves post. All you have to do is Like the post and two winners will be selected at random each week. We will message you if you're one of the lucky winners. Please note this is only open to residents of the USA. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In the first segment this week, Associate Editor Jess McKinley—freshly returned from the launch in Spain—gives us the low down on BMW's all-new 1300 GS. This highly anticipated new version of the quintessential ADV bike that arguably invented the category, has now been radically changed. Jess tells us what the remarkable new GS is like to actually ride, both on- and off-road. This week's Snippet features the Moto-Girl Lara Cargo pants that TeeJay has been wearing recently. Regular listeners will know that Teejay is a big fan of the Aussie-made Moto-Girl gear, and so she talks with distributor Amanda Phoenix of Peak Moto Gear, about the new Lara Cargo pants, and why they might work for you. In our second segment this week, Associate Editor Jonathan Handler talks to us about his latest acquisition—the all-new Schuberth S3 helmet. Schuberth have a reputation for stellar quality, and of course the S3 exemplifies that. However Jonathan brings us up to speed on the rest of the standout features of the S3, and why you should definitely consider one as your next helmet. So from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling—we hope you enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
Welcome once again to Motos and Friends, the weekly podcast from the editorial team at Ultimate Motorcycling. My name is Arthur Coldwells. Honda's much anticipated XL750 Transalp was launched last year at the international EICMA show. Editor Don Williams was rather hoping Honda would bring it to the US, and it seems he's got his wish. After attending the US launch a few weeks ago, Don gives us his impressions of the exciting new ADV bike that is all Honda. In the second segment, I chat with my buddy George Beavers. George and I have ridden together for many years on the street, and he's also raced the same Southern California tracks as I used to compete on. In this segment, George and I chat about his recently launched Moto California touring company. In September we had the pleasure of attending the dress rehearsal of the kind of touring he's going to be hosting around the roads in Tuscany. It was truly a dream vacation, and I was excited to hear from George about his plans for the company's future. Regular listeners will have heard me wax lyrical about the new Cortech Lite range of gloves that I've been wearing for the last couple of months. Well… I twisted the corporate arm, and they kindly agreed to us giving away TEN pairs of the Cortech Lite gloves on our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook. All you have to do is like the post; follow Cortech; and tag 2 friends in the comments, to be entered into a random drawing. We will contact the winners by DM. This giveaway is limited to US residents only. Check us out on your favorite social platform for all the details and hopefully you'll win a pair of Cortech Lites! So from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling—we hope you enjoy this episode. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In this week's first segment, Editor Don Williams takes us through the new 2023 Kawasaki KLR650 S. This simple machine has been around—in various iterations—for over 30 years, and could arguably be called the “original” ADV bike. Of course it has its pluses and a couple of minuses too, depending on what you use it for. This new S model has a reduced seat height which will certainly appeal to many riders. Don takes us through everything this new version of the venerable KLR does well, and not so well. In the second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with Maddi Patterson (Insta @maddi_paddy). Maddi started out as an umbrella girl on the MotoGP grid. But, there's a lot more to Maddi than just good looks. She's bright, articulate, and a really good creative writer. Ultimately, she's managed to parlay those talents into becoming a journalist. Maddi's driving force is helping others, and she's done everything from adopting a donkey, mentoring young up and coming racers, and advocating for rider safety. Significantly, she and her husband raised money for Ukraine and made several trips to the war zone carrying in much needed medical supplies. There's a lot to be admired about Maddi Patterson, including her survival from a life-changing accident. So from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling—we hope you enjoy this episode. Racing for Ukraine We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In our first segment this week, Nic de Sena tells about his recent comparison test between the Kawasaki's all-new ZX-4RR and Yamaha's brilliant YZF-R7. He rode both bikes at the Streets of Willow Springs and although they're actually very similar in some ways, they are of course very different machines in other ways. In our product Snippet this week, I chat with Teejay Adams about the new Cortech Lite gloves. Essentially, Cortech has utilized a new type of material that is both super-thin yet tough, and perfectly suited to lightweight riding gloves. In our second segment Teejay Adams has a fun chat with an influencer she recently met on the Kawasaki Eliminator launch in California. @AyaLolwut (Instagram) is a motorcycle enthusiast through and through. Aya is a software engineer for a healthcare provider, and she also models—sometimes with a motorcycle, sometimes without. Aya is a busy lady and seems to split her time between riding, modeling, riding, working, wrenching, and then apparently, riding some more. So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling—we hope you enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In this week's episode we hear about the Honda CRF300LS from Associate Editor Kelly Callan. It's a dual-sport bike that is likely to interest entry-level or novice riders. However, it's also capable enough that it may also appeal to intermediate and even experts who want to have some inexpensive fun. In our product Snippet this week, Arthur Coldwells introduces you to the recently launched Cortech Lite gloves that have really got riders talking. Essentially, Cortech has utilized a new type of material that is both tough, yet also super-thin, to make 3 variations of a riding glove. He's a big fan of feel and feedback when riding, so he decided to try out a pair of Cortech Lites when on a recent tour round Tuscany with MotoCalifornia. Our second segment features Mark ‘Thriller' Miller. Mark's electrifying 20-year professional racing career saw him race—and finish on the podium—at Macau; 46 starts at the Isle of Man TT; National factory racing during the AMA heyday; and even a stint endurance racing at the Bol d'Or 24 hours. Mark is now a commentator at the IOM event, and his easy style of narrative makes for fascinating listening. It belies his electrifying experiences that include surviving a shockingly fast crash at Ago's Leap, as well as winning a TT riding the fabled Moto Czysz electric racebike. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In this week's first segment, Senior Editor Nic de Sena tells all about the Aprilia RS 660 Trofeo. The fabled Italian racing marque has produced a track-only version of its excellent streetbike, and Nic gave it a good thrashing around Laguna Seca recently. Even if you're not a track junkie, you'll find this to be an interesting take on an already really good machine. In the second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with teen racing sensation Kayla Yaakov. Kayla made a name for herself in the smaller classes as she was growing up, but having just turned 16 a few weeks ago, she was able to move up a class and race 600 Supersport for Tytler's Racing at the last Moto America race of this year. In case you're thinking this may be hype—she finished on the podium in 3rd place, having started the race 13th on the grid. That's a heck of an accomplishment for a first race in the most competitive class of them all. Teejay chats with Kayla about growing up and where it all started. From all of us here at Motos & Friends… we hope you enjoy this episode! Kayla Yaakov Facebook Kayla Yaakov Instagram We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
In this week's first segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams headed off to Oceanside to try out the all new Kawasaki Eliminator. This cruiser-style motorcycle is perhaps a little more Pro Street than cruiser, and Teejay gives us her take on who this motorcycle is aimed at, and how it performed. In the second segment, Teejay chats with Dale Schmidtchen. Dale has been around racing and the motorcycle industry for several decades now, and he has the inside track on some interesting stuff. He recently moved to Thailand for work, but has clearly fallen in love with the country and its people. Sure, we've all heard about the bars and nightspots, and the amazing beaches, but there's a lot more to Thailand than just those. The motorcycle culture and especially racing is absolutely enormous in Thailand, and Dale's stories about the country and its sights make the place sound very appealing indeed. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest: @ultimatemotorcycling @UltimateMotoMag @UltimateMotorcycling producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com
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