Motorcycle Mojo Magazine April 2019

a new wish list

After hitting many major cities across the country, the MMIC (Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council) motorcycle shows has now wrapped up, and as with every year, there were plenty of new models to drool over from every manufacturer. Whether you were looking for a new motorcycle or just like to keep up on the newest offerings, this was the place to get up close and personal with them all under one roof. Below are some of the more notable models that caught my eye and that I look forward to trying out this riding season. Listed in no particular order, among those is the BMW F850GS, an updated version of the very competent but outgoing F800GS. Hot on the heels of the F850GS is the KTM 790 Adventure. This bike is sure…

triumph factory custom thruxton and rocket

For 2019, Triumph is releasing a pair of limited-edition, customized production bikes as part of its Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) offer. The first specialized machine will be the Thruxton TFC, which boasts higher specs than the Thruxton R. It’s equipped with carbon-fibre bodywork that includes a frame-mounted fairing, titanium Vance & Hines mufflers, a Brembo radial master cylinder, fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, a machined top triple clamp and Metzeler Racetec RR radials. Plus, it’s tuned to produce 10 more horsepower, at 106, among a few other custom touches. Only 750 individually numbered machines will be produced worldwide, and the bike comes with a personalized book and a letter of authentication. But only 20 of the Thruxton TFCs will make their way to Canada. The Thruxton TFC retails for $23,500, an…

gs trophy moves to new zealand, without canada

The 2020 edition of the BMW International GS Trophy will be held in New Zealand. The GS Trophy is probably the most ambitious consumer-focused event ever held by a motorcycle manufacturer. Teams from around the world take part, with three riders from each country gaining access to this unique event by winning GS Challenge qualifying rounds held in their respective participating countries. Three GS Challenge rounds are held in each country, and the winners of each round are given riding gear, camping equipment and various other items they’ll need for the trip, and are flown to the hosting country, where they participate in the Trophy on BMW GS motorcycles provided by the manufacturer. Participating riders must ride BMW R1200GS motorcycles in the final test of the Challenge events, which is…

study reveals riding a motorcycle is good for you

Harley-Davidson funded a study that revealed what all motorcyclists already know: riding motorcycles reduces stress and has beneficial effects on mental health. The study was conducted by three researchers at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, led by neuroscientist and public speaker Dr. Don Vaughn. The research for the study included monitoring the biological and physiological responses of more than 50 experienced riders, using portable EEG devices. Parameters measured included heart rate, electrical brain activity, and levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. Riders subjected to the study had their brain activity and hormone levels measured before, during and after riding a bike, driving a car and resting. The results revealed that riding a bike decreased hormonal biomarkers of stress, increased heart rates and adrenaline levels, enhanced sensory focus more…

by the numbers

3.24 That’s the height in metres of the highest trials motorcycle wall climb. This astounding feat was achieved by Antoni (Toni) Bou in Barcelona in 2014. Toni Bou is an internationally renowned motorcycle trials rider and 24-time world trials champion. 4 This year’s day in May that encourages women around the world to get on their bikes and ride. For more on Female Ride Day, go to motoress.com. 200 The number in millions of Haynes Manuals that have been sold around the world. John Haynes published his first manual in 1966. He recently passed away at the age of 80. 7 The number of medals won by Canadians for Snow BikeCross in X Games since the snow bike categories were created in 2017. Two gold by Cody Matechuk (snowcross ’18, ’19); one silver by Matechuk (snowcross ’17);…

say what?

editor@motorcyclemojo.com LIKES CANADIAN CONTENT Since I discovered your wonderful Canadian magazine a number of years ago, I always eagerly await the next issue. To the credit of all involved, the magazine is first class! It’s an honour to have been selected for the 2019 calendar, and many thanks for the generous prize pack! Keep up the good work, and the great integrity that the magazine exudes. MICHAEL AHRENS VIA EMAIL MOTO SOCIAL David [G. Williams] – Thank you for writing such a nice piece about us in Motorcycle Mojo (“Everyone’s Invited” – Jan/Feb 2019). It communicated who we are and what we’re all about in a very inviting and personal way. Thanks for being a part of this good vibe tribe we’re trying to build and also for helping spread the word. Hit us up if you…