Mike's Tenere & Motorcycle Blog

Yamaha Tracer 900 GT & Niken GT Demo Ride Reviews: Because both bikes utilize the same 847 cc cross plane triple (113 hp, 64 ft lbs motor, the Niken GT has 18% more flywheel mass) I will combine the Tracer 900 GT, a mid-sized tourer (474 lbs wet sans bags, w/18L fuel) & the new Niken GT, a tourer featuring a new design four fork, dual tired front end with a unique linkage system linking the tires/steering together, allowing individual suspension function with a maximum of 45* lean angle capability (589 lb wet sans bags, w/18L fuel).  Imho each of these bikes should have had larger fuel capacity being targeted at touring, particularly the Niken which weighs slightly more than a Super Tenere w/23 L of fuel.   I was able to demo ride the Tracer 900 GT 1st , then the Niken GT.   Both bikes offer similar accoutrements like quick shifter, cruise control, multiple ride/traction control modes, TFT electronic dashes, adjustable suspension, etc but differ in execution &...

2019 BMW R1250R Demo Ride I would have preferred a R1250RT, GS, GSA but the only sampling available for the Demo Ride of the new 1250 Shift Cam motor was a naked R1250R…which harkens me back to my 2003 R1150R…but that is where the similarities end! This is a mature naked bike with sophistication up its ying yang with semi-active suspension, enough technology/electronics to put a “SEG” on a NASA engineer, 6.5” colour TFT display with so much info on the “bike display screen” that you might get a Distracted Driving charge if you get caught staring at it too long, cornering ABS + Brembos with 1 finger power, quick shifter, 45mm forks (no telelever here), Dynamic ESA, cruise control…but the German exclamation mark is BMW’s new 1250 shift cam boxer motor (136 hp, 106 ft lbs) which is a marvel of precise fueling & torque EVERYWHERE in the powerband….all the while instilled with the unique boxer character, but now flexing Swarzenegger brawn and a steroidal wet fart exhaust that becomes so...

KTM 1090 Adventure R (demo Ride) Dirt bike DNA is prevalent with this tall 507 lb wet weight bike that had me on tip toes (6’ 1”, low seat position), seated closer to the tank/instruments on a comfy mildly stepped seat & narrower bars than the S10 + shod with TKC 80s on 21”/18” tire/wheel combo that added a cushioning & confident feel on the road surface. The shape of the low slung 23 litre fuel cell aiding mass centralization & side body panels provide good wind coverage of your mid torso down to below the knees. The oem sound & feel begs for an aftermarket exhaust to shrug off the epa sanitized aura which is dominated by induction noise until the rpms climb to the midrange & beyond. Once you become accustomed to living in the deliciously rewarding mid range of the LC8 75 degree v-twin (the gearing lands you above 3k rpm at most road speeds anyways + the motor is smooth & refined), it all comes into focus & is well balanced without the brute over achiever p...

KTM 790 Duke (aka The Scalpel) Demo Ride The motivation for riding this bike is similar to why I demo rode the MT-07 on Saturday, because the 790 Duke has a motor that will be utilized, with a slightly revised power band for better low/mid performance, in the upcoming 790 Adventure & R later this year. The 790 Duke is another small bike, albeit slightly more accommodating to my 6’ 1” frame than the MT-07, that features a new design parallel twin, sophisticated electronics suite w/multiple ride modes, quick shifter, slipper clutch, cornering ABS & traction control, etc One look at the flat, firm, thinly padded seat & ergos that load my wrists, put my head over the dash (mandating looking down to see it) & view of the front tire meeting the road suggest that this bike’s mission is not hours in the saddle! The optional low hung bar mirrors were all but useless & forced removing your focus from the road then having to refocus to use…not safe! The left was already broken...