Bike Rider Magazine

23/01/2025

KTM recently unveiled the 125 and 390 SMC R and has now unveiled the Enduro R versions of the same, showing no signs of backing down despite their current economic troubles.

Sporting minimal bodywork, the two motorcycles are based on the Duke platform. However, to suit their Enduro characteristics, KTM has tweaked fitments and revised the ergonomics. The footpeg position has been changed to better suit stood-up riding while the radiator has been moved higher for better ground clearance. Even the steering head angle has been revised and the bikes come with new subframe mounts and a 25mm taller handlebar.

Read more here: https://www.brm.co.nz/new-ktm-125-and-390-enduro-r-unveiled/

KTM has unveiled the 125 Enduro R and 390 Enduro R for international markets and is likely to bring them to Australia and New Zealand by mid-2025.

22/01/2025

With TV3’s forecaster discussing warnings the night before, it looked like a bleak day to test motorcycles. But, as Kerry helpfully reminded me, I always tell her riding in the rain is ‘character-building’, so we were looking at some serious improvements in character as we headed out into a nasty easterly flow.

There’s been massive interest from the adventuring world in the new 450cc model from Chinese manufacturer CFMoto. But is this affordable, small-capacity off-roader the unicorn adventure machine many have been searching for?

Paul headed out in the rain to find out…

Read the full review here: https://www.brm.co.nz/cfmoto-450mt-review-adventure-unicorn/

CFMOTO Motorcycles New Zealand CFMOTO New Zealand CFMoto CFMOTO Singapore

There's been massive interest in the new 450cc model from CFMoto. We headed out in the rain to find out if it is the unicorn ADV many have been searching for.

22/01/2025

"A month ago, I thought an adventure bike was typically not the sort of machine you’d ride every day unless you wear a red cape or have an arc reactor for a heart, that is. But as Benelli decided to lend us the TRK 702 as a longtermer, I started to think differently…"

The Benelli TRK 702 aims to be a no-nonsense adventure motorcycle. Having ridden it for a good 500kms, Neil finds out if it can be his pick for everyday adventures.

To read more, head to the BRM website of click on this link: https://www.brm.co.nz/benelli-trk-702-long-term-review-an-everyday-adv/

Benelli

I thought an ADV was typically not the sort of machine you'd ride every day. But with the Benelli TRK 702 as a longtermer, I started to think differently…

21/01/2025

Just goes to prove how versatile adventure bikes are!

Can't imagine the factory expected the GasGas to be used on a race track by a pro competitor though 😂

Worth stopping by if you're in the Naki to see the sweet Givi showroom and all the goodies you can get from luggage to protection and more.

If you’re in New Plymouth, why not stop by the Givi Specialised showroom and check out the bike Rodney rode to 3rd place in the Cemetery Circuit Suzuki Series GIVI Adventure Bikes class. It’s exactly as it was raced (well, we had to put the side stand, mirrors and registration plate back on to ride it down to the shop).

21/01/2025

TT racer Davey Todd was in NZ for the past couple of months, competing in the Suzuki International Series.

Here's episode 2 of his video blog, racing against NZ's best at Manfeild.

https://youtu.be/MPrlGlenLFI?si=HjlGp3VmAzQFn-2p
Cemetery Circuit Suzuki Motorcycles NZ Suzuki NZ Fans of Isle of Man TT Isle of Man TT - Unofficial

Round 2 of the New Zealand Suzuki series takes us to Manfield Circuit! Plenty of drama at this round and not short of excitement! Instagram - Fa...

21/01/2025

Looking for a modification that will take the CFMoto 450MT to the next level of adventure riding goodness?

MotoSR reckons they've found it.

Read more: https://www.brm.co.nz/checking-out-the-cfmoto-450mt-suspension-upgrade/
CFMOTO Motorcycles New Zealand CFMOTO New Zealand Motosr

Motorcycle suspension tuner, MotoSR, has come up with the first suspension upgrade for the massively popular CFMoto 450 MT adventure bike. And it's really good.

19/01/2025

New Zealand’s FTN Motion is taking the electric motorcycle world by storm! 🌍⚡ Their latest model, the Streetdog80, has already SOLD OUT ahead of its February launch. 🚴‍♂️💨

At a time when we’ve seen challenges in the electric vehicle segment—like UBCO’s unfortunate receivership—FTN Motion proves there’s still room for innovation and success in the electric bike space. 💪🔋

Want to know how they’re doing it? And why the Streetdog80 is turning heads? 🛵👀

👉 Read the full story now on Bike Rider Magazine: https://www.brm.co.nz/streetdog80-electric-motorcycle-ftn-motions-new-model-fully-reserved-ahead-of-launch/

FTN Motion has a full order book for their new Streetdog80 electric motorbike, with the look and design of the new model set to be unveiled in February 2025.

17/01/2025

KTM had showcased the 390 SMC R and 125 SMC R a few months ago at the 2024 EICMA in Italy. Now, the Austrian brand has officially revealed full details of both of its newest supermotos- and they do look interesting!

The 390 SMC R and 125 SMC R borrow their engines from the 390 Duke and 125 Duke respectively. However, KTM have fiddled with the setup to suit the supermoto’s character. The unit now gets a new airbox that allows the engine to sit higher, providing more ground clearance and altering the riding posture too.

Both motorcycles adorn the traditional SM attire that includes minimal bodywork, single headlamp, high-set mudguard and a flat seat with a nine-litre fuel tank.

KTM has added a new stainless steel exhaust that has saved 2kgs. It has also tajen the two-piece steel trellis chassis and updated it with a new steering head angle, subframe mounts and triple clamps.

The setup is paired with a bolt-on steel trellis subframe that supports the seat and diecast swingarm. The motorcycles also have a different footpeg location compared to the 390 Duke and 125 Duke for supermoto lean angles.

Read more here: https://www.brm.co.nz/ktm-390-and-125-smc-r-full-details-revealed/

KTM had taken the wraps off the 390 and 125 SMC R at the EICMA and has now revealed full details of the supermotos.

17/01/2025

Ever wondered how Dakar riders manage to find their way while racing across endless sand dunes or endless featureless rocks? Usually, it's been through meticulously following a paper road book. But for the 2025 event, that's all changed!

Check out the new way for the racers to find waypoints while also being monitored by the organisers and watch Daniel Sanders make it all look far too easy!

Read more:

Have you ever wondered how the Dakar riders find their way through a baron desert or rocky moonscape? Well, for decades, Dakar Rally riders have relied on the humble paper roadbook, meticulously scrolling through its pages mid-ride, deciphering cryptic tulip diagrams, and trusting their instincts to...

17/01/2025

Italian scooter manufacturer, Vespa, has taken the wraps off its latest special-edition model called the 946 Snake.

The scooter is built on the 946 platform (usually used for special iterations) and pays homage to the Chinese lunar calendar. And since 2025 is the year of the snake, it is only apt for the scooter to follow suit. Now, the Vespa 946 Snake is limited to just 888 units to make it special and comes with a pricing that would make it more of a collector’s item than an everyday commuter.

Read more here: https://www.brm.co.nz/limited-edition-vespa-946-snake-revealed/

The 946 Snake is Vespa latest special-edition scooter that is built to pay homage to the Chines lunar calender.

16/01/2025

Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle branch, LiveWire, have unveiled the S2 Alpinista. The new electric motorcycle is the latest iteration based on the existing LiveWire S2 platform.

The S2 Alpinista’s design doesn’t stray away from the platform. Rather, it uses a new headlight and bar-end mirrors to change its appearance. Underneath, it borrows components from the flat track inspired S2 Del Mar but comes with tweaks to make it better on the road.

Want to know more? head to: https://www.brm.co.nz/harley-davidson-unveils-new-livewire-s2-alpinista-e-motorcycle/

Harley-Davidson

The new S2 Alpinista is Harley-Davidson ’s latest iteration of the electric LiveWire S2 platform that claims a 193km range!

15/01/2025

Husqvarna Motorcycles have unveiled a special-edition model of the Vitpilen 801 called the Aero Concept. The motorcycle has been kitted to the brim with a selection of top-of-the-line, high-performance aerodynamic parts.

To start off with, the Aero concept gets a custom full-system exhaust. The white header pipes are routed differently too and seem to be larger in diameter- resulting in slightly more horses at the higher end of the rev band. The pipes end in a centrally mounted underseat exhaust that is integrated with the seat cowl. The air intake has also been redesigned to accommodate the freer flowing exhaust.

Read more here: https://www.brm.co.nz/husqvarna-showcases-vitpilen-801-aero-concept/

The special-edition Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 is based on the standard model but comes with reduced weight, snazzy components and a futuristic look.

15/01/2025

The HJC RPHA 12 might not have a catchy name. But after using it on the road and the race track, we reckon it's a pretty slick helmet. And if you're looking for a helmet that's quiet, we reckon this is one of the best we've tried!

READ MORE: https://www.brm.co.nz/we-test-the-new-hjc-rpha-12-helmet/

HJC Helmets Motogear Aprilia

15/01/2025

BMW Motorrad has gotten back to the drawing board and come up with new and improved aerodynamics for the S1000 RR. The news comes after design patents from the company have leaked online.

This new aero update for the flagship sportbike could come in the form of cuts made in the existing fairing. As per the patent, the ducts would negate the need for any additional fitment and feature just above the headlights towards the end of the fairing. Moreover, these ducts are termed as tear-off edges and are meant to channel the airflow around the rider and reduce drag.

Read more here: https://www.brm.co.nz/bmw-s1000-rr-to-get-revised-aerodynamics/

15/01/2025

With the annual TT2000 endurance ride taking place in the South Island in February, we take a look back at Dave Britten's report from last year's ride.
With 2000km to be travelled between 12 noon Friday and 12 noon Sunday, a reliable, comfortable, and frugal bike will make the ride slightly easier. So, a last-minute issue with Dave's regular bike meant this was a baptism of fire for his new Honda Transalp.

Read more: https://www.brm.co.nz/tackling-the-2024-tt2000/

With the annual motorcycling endurance event taking place on February 14-16, 2025, we thought we’d look back at Dave Britten’s report on the 2024 ride.

14/01/2025

Mike Hood called into BRM HQ yesterday on his return from another epic South Island adventure on his CFMoto 450MT.
Make sure to check the feature in the next issue of BRM detailing where he went and what he’s done to his MT to make it such an adventure weapon. And with 19,000km on the clock, we reckon no-
one knows better what to do to an MT to make it the perfect adventure riding tool.

CFMOTO New Zealand

14/01/2025

Triumph Motorcycles has been spotted testing the Thruxton 400 once again. The test mule was spied in India where the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 are manufactured by the brand’s Indian partner- Bajaj Auto.

The Thruxton 400 looks exactly like what you’d expect. Borrowing its styling from the bigger models with the same name, it comes with a semi-fairing extending around the LED headlamp and slightly into the fuel tank, lending it a retro café-race look.

Although based on the Triumph Speed 400, the Thruxton will come with lower clip-on handlebars and bar-end mirrors to complete the appeal. Adding to that, the Thruxton is also expected to get a different seat to make the revised ergos more comfortable.

Read more on: https://www.brm.co.nz/new-triumph-thruxton-400-could-be-launched-soon/

(Triumph Speed 400 image used for reference)

Triumph has been spotted testing the Thruxton 400 in India once again suggesting that it could be introduced soon- most likely by mid-2025.

14/01/2025

Italian motorcycle accessory maker, Puig, has unveiled a new ‘Pista’ kit for the BMW R1300 GS. The kit transforms the adventure bike to become a race-prepped machine that would attempt the iconic Pikes Peak that Ducati and KTM have dominated in recent years.

Read more about the kit here: https://www.brm.co.nz/bmw-r1300-gs-puig-pista-kit-unveiled/

BMW Motorrad

Italian accessories brand Puig has unveiled a BMW R1300 GS with a kit that transforms the adventure bike into full race mode.