Ultimate Adventure Bike issue 8

These have been uncertain times. Unprecedented times indeed. The contrast that is the simplicity of motorcycle riding compared to the rottenness of world politics and a virus running rampant could never be clearer. The connection between rider, machine and the earth has been somewhat severed for a time. But our dreams, in both day and night, are full of landscapes, hills, deserts and rivers. Places we’ve seen and places we long to visit. There will be time. Wheels will turn freely once again. What we know is that when isolated, it’s the feeling of being hemmed in that stings the most. For anyone that’s ridden to reach a new border, crossed a mountain range or continent and admired lands that aren’t familiar, all from the back of their motorcycle, it…

AGV’s Adventure Touring helmet, the AX9, receives two brand new colourways for 2020 in the ‘Atlante’ in White/Blue/Red and the ‘Trail’ in Gunmetal/Orange. The AX9 has been part of our helmet rotation at UAB magazine for some time now and it’s certainly a favourite. The shell is constructed of carbon, aramid and fibreglass and allows for four different configurations so you can find the ideal comfort level. WHAT WE LIKE: Little resistance from the peak Comfortable padding Good visor seal Good venting Easy to fit a comms system WHAT WE DON’T LIKE SO MUCH: Chin guard feels too close Could be lighter…

The KTM 790 ADVENTURE is a high-performance motorcycle that’s lightweight and compact, one that specialises in adventure touring that has the ability to explore offroad when the tarmac ends. Designed with KTM’s offroad genes it offers unlimited adventure whether it’s on a twisty mountain pass, offroad trail or transcontinental crossing. The new KTM 790 ADVENTURE is made for you to go and find these roads less travelled. Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations!The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.…

SUPER-BRIGHT 5.5-INCH DISPLAY During day and night, and for use in any weather. BIRDSEYE SATELLITE IMAGERY You’ll have access to global BirdsEye Satellite Imagery with direct-to-device downloads via Wi-Fi connectivity and no annual subscription. PRELOADED OFF-ROAD MAPS Adventurous riding is encouraged with preloaded off-road topographic maps. PRELOADED ON-ROAD MAPS Be ready for the ride with preloaded street maps for all of Australia. Map updates included. SIMPLE MAP SWITCHING Quickly toggle between on-road maps, topographic maps and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery so you can always have the perfect map for your ride. TRACK RECORDER Record your route using the track recorder and save or share it for future adventures. SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE RIDES Easily send GPX files from your phone to your zūmo XT, or share GPX files with fellow riders by using the Garmin Drive app. INREACH PAIRING…

One of the most interesting facets of the Pierer Mobility Group product portfolio announcement was the hinting at several new models under development across brands. For KTM there appears to be an 890 and 490 coming, while Husqvarna looks to have a 501, 250 and/or 401 as well. This sort of saturation of market has made it very difficult for the Japanese to get or maintain penetration in the enduro segment to the point where three of the Big Four have essentially left it to Yamaha to produce two models to go up against KTM/Husky’s seven standard models and multiple special editions. KTM’s close relationship with Chinese manufacturer CFMoto seems to be getting tighter. CFMoto is the sole distributor of KTM in China as well as a manufacturing partner for models…

Triumph Motorcycles has signed on to a long-term, non-equity partnership with Indian manufacturer Bajaj to build and distribute mid- and lower-capacity motorcycles within the south-Asia region. Interestingly, Bajaj owns a large chunk of KTM but that should not point to the direction Triumph will take under the new agreement. As stated in the offi cial press release: “Going forward Bajaj will take over Triumph’s Indian distribution activities, at a date yet to be confirmed, leveraging the great expertise that Bajaj has in this region. In their other key overseas markets, where Triumph is not currently present, Bajaj will represent Triumph and offer the new mid-capacity bikes as part of the full Triumph line-up. In all other markets where Triumph is present today, the motorcycles developed together from this partnership will join…