Tag Archives: considered

Pro Circuit KTM300SX Exhaust: Product Review

Product: Pro Circuit faced a challenge with the 2023 KTM 300SX as many riders found the stock powerband to be too powerful. The bike has undergone significant changes for 2023, with the inclusion of an electronically controlled power valve and throttle-body fuel injection integrated with spark advance through the ECU. It also offers two maps accessible through a handlebar-mounted switch – a mild white map and a powerful green map. However, the two maps have different port timing, which was not possible with previous systems. Improving the exhaust system for a bike with so many variables is quite tricky. The Works pipe, manufactured by Pro Circuit for almost 40 years, is typical of their systems. It features a raw, unfinished steel exterior and uses all the original mounting hardware. We paired it with the Pro Circuit R304 stainless/aluminum silencer, which is part of the Shorty line, similar in length to the original but with a round shape instead of oval.

the r304 is a round shorty silencer
The R304 is a round Shorty silencer made of aluminum and stainless steel.

Our Take: The stock KTM 300SX can be quite challenging to handle, especially in the green map. It provides power comparable to a 450, but only briefly in the middle. The ramp-up is short before and after the power burst, requiring the rider to hold on tight and shift quickly. The white map offers an easier riding experience, but once you have experienced the sheer power of the more aggressive green map, it’s difficult to go back. With the addition of the Pro Circuit Works pipe and silencer, the KTM becomes more manageable in the green map without sacrificing power. The ramp-up now starts at lower RPM and the over-rev is slightly higher. In the middle range, it actually produces a little more power than the stock exhaust, while still being easy to handle. The exhaust note is slightly louder than the stock system, but it has a rich sound that we enjoy.

Racing against 450 four-strokes will still be a challenge for the 300SX. It requires a tighter grip, quicker shifting, and more precise throttle control. However, the Pro Circuit pipe is a step in the right direction, and we are impressed that it is already available for such a new bike. We also appreciate the raw steel finish, although it’s important to note that it requires regular maintenance to prevent rust (minimum with WD-40) and occasional cleaning with Scotch-Brite.

Price: $334.95 for the pipe, $171.95 for the silencer

Contact: www.procircuit.com

BMW Motorrad presents ConnectedRide Smartglasses.

The BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses are bringing science fiction into reality. These innovative motorcycle goggles feature head-up display technology, similar to what you find in cars, and project vital information like navigation, speed, and gear directly into the rider’s field of vision in real time. This allows for safer and more anticipatory motorcycle riding.

Connecting the Smartglasses to your smartphone is a breeze using Bluetooth and the accompanying app. You can position the projection and adjust settings before and during your ride using the multicontroller on the motorcycle’s handlebars.

Not only do these smartglasses enhance riding safety with their individual user interface, but they also offer a high level of comfort. They are specifically designed for the needs of motorcyclists and can be customized to fit various helmets and face shapes. They are even comfortable enough for long day trips, thanks to the lithium-ion battery that provides up to ten hours of operation.

The BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses come with two sets of certified UVA/UVB lenses. One set is 85% transparent and ideal for helmets with built-in sun visors, while the other set has tinted lenses, turning the smartglasses into stylish sunglasses.

For those who wear glasses, there is an RX adapter available (+/- 4.5 diopters) that can be ordered online. The user manual of the ConnectedRide Smartglasses contains a QR code for easy access to this accessory.

The official presentation of the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses will take place on July 7, 2023, during the BMW Motorrad Days event in Berlin.

The key features of the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses include:

  • Available in two sizes (M and L) with different nose pads.
  • Two sets of lenses (tinted lens and 85% transparent lens) with an integrated light sensor and certified UVA/UVB filter.
  • RX adapter for adjusting the lenses to the required visual acuity (up to max. 4.5 diopters).
  • Bluetooth connectivity to smartphones via the BMW Motorrad Connected App.
  • Real-time GPS data transfer from the app to the smartglasses.
  • Head-Up function for navigation with individual display.
  • Display of speed, speed limit, gear, and navigation information.
  • Integrated light sensor and optics module for secure data transfer and display.
  • Lithium-ion battery providing up to ten hours of operation.
  • USB charging cable included.
  • Operating temperature range of -10° to +50°C.
  • Color: Anthracite.
  • Recommended retail price (RRP): €690.00.

For more information about BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment, visit the BMW Group PressClub website.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Website: www.press.bmw.de
Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, with brands including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad. They also provide premium financial and mobility services. With over 30 production sites worldwide and a global sales network in more than 140 countries, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and over 202,000 motorcycles worldwide in 2022.

In the financial year 2022, the BMW Group achieved a profit before tax of €23.5 billion on revenues amounting to €142.6 billion. Sustainability and efficient resource management are at the forefront of the company’s strategic direction, from the supply chain to production and the end-use phase of all products.

For more information, visit the following:

Suzuki Introduces a Special 25th Anniversary Edition of the Hayabusa Motorcycle

In 1999, Suzuki launched one of the most iconic motorcycles in pop culture. Known as the Suzuki Hayabusa, it was designed to be the fastest production motorcycle in the world. The Hayabusa quickly achieved this goal and became a symbol of high-performance motorcycle culture. It gained popularity among young motorcyclists and even found its place on bedroom walls.

Although it no longer holds the title of the fastest motorcycle in the world, the Suzuki Hayabusa remains a formidable powerhouse in terms of sheer speed. It boasts a 1,340cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four engine that produces an impressive 187 horsepower. The Hayabusa is also equipped with advanced electronic rider aids, including a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) that enables features like cornering ABS and traction control.

Suzuki Unveils Limited 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa
The limited 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa. Source: RideApart

Over the past 25 years, Suzuki has produced over 200,000 units of the Hayabusa, solidifying its position as a symbol of technological excellence. To celebrate the motorcycle’s anniversary, Suzuki has released a special limited-edition version of the Hayabusa.

One notable feature of the 25th Anniversary Hayabusa is its exclusive color scheme. It combines orange and black, paying homage to previous generations of this superbike. The graphics on the motorcycle also showcase the Hayabusa branding, with engravings on the muffler and chain. Furthermore, the fuel tank prominently displays a 25th Anniversary emblem and a 3D Suzuki emblem. To enhance its sporty appearance, the limited-edition Hayabusa comes with a seat cowl instead of a pillion seat.

As of now, Suzuki has yet to announce the pricing and availability details for the 25th Anniversary Hayabusa. For more information about this motorcycle, as well as the rest of Suzuki’s lineup for 2023 and 2024, it is recommended to contact your local Suzuki dealership or visit Suzuki Global’s official website.