Tag Archives: trails

Watch Chris Birch Jump the KTM 890 Adventure R Over and Over Again

I like using grime, particularly right here in Utah. The trails are plentiful, well-kept, and have various levels of technicality that push me to be a greater rider. But even after greater than a decade doing this professionally, in addition to using bikes since I used to be 17, I watch somebody like KTM’s Chris Birch and simply need to cowl my face and conceal in a nook. 

Good lord, dude, how’d you get this freakin’ good? 

I ask this after watching Birch’s newest video with KTM in the place he takes the model’s middleweight 890 Adventure R to my state of residence and completely rails the rattling factor. He jumps it, goes up a gnarly and tight hillclimb which he practically falls off the opposite facet, after which goes again down it. 

He and his using companion—who’s operating a KTM 450 XC-F—then run washes, and customarily make using these technical as hell trails look straightforward. But what I actually get out of this movie is that the majority of us rider writers might use some extra tutelage from people like Chris to get the complete bananas out of the journey bikes we experience and write about.

I imply, I do know everybody thinks they push their machines, but when Chris’ means to take a reasonably heavy bike into spots the place most would second-guess throwing a two-stroke at, what the heck are all of us doing? We may very well be pushing stuff just like the KTM 890 Adventure R, Honda Transalp, Yamaha Tenere 700, and others a lot extra. It additionally simply goes to indicate you the extent of engineering a producer like KTM is placing into these machines if Chris can do all this with out challenge. 

I’m simply in awe of the masterclass Chris places on on this video which, actually, is like all the man’s movies. You’re left simply questioning, “How can I get better?” Maybe it is by shopping for a KTM? Maybe it is asking Chris to coach me? Whatever the case could also be, watch the video above and get hungry to begin operating some trails, as using season is simply across the nook. 

2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM And S Get Light But Important Updates

The updated 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S and KLX230SM ABS are right here in your trails, your streets, and all the pieces in between. Besides the anticipated paint and graphics updates that include nearly each new mannequin 12 months, the 2024 KLX230 S will get a suspension replace, whereas the KLX230 SM will get a brand new seat, along with an LED headlight. Let’s have a look.

The 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S

2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S

Powered by Kawasaki’s air-cooled four-stroke 233cc single-cylinder engine, the KLX230 S makes a claimed 13.2 pound-feet of torque at 6,400 rpm. It’s mated to a six-speed gearbox.

For 2024, the KLX230 S will get a rear subframe redesign, which helps permit for longer rear wheel journey whereas nonetheless preserving good floor attain in attain for the rider. It has a 53.7-inch wheelbase and a full 9.5 inches of floor clearance.

Suspension-wise, you may discover a 37mm telescopic entrance fork with 7.9 inches of suspension journey, with a rear Uni-Trak linkage providing 8.9 inches of journey out again with preload adjustability. The revised aluminum swingarm, Kawasaki says, drops about 2.6 kilos over the load of the earlier technology swingarm.

The 2024 KLX230 S rides on a 21-inch entrance and an 18-inch rear wheel. It’s accessible in each ABS and non-ABS variations, and has petal disc brakes entrance and rear. The brakes differ barely between the ABS and non-ABS variations, with the ABS model having a 265mm entrance brake disc and the non-ABS model having a 240mm entrance brake disc as a substitute. In each instances, a 220mm rear brake disc does the job.

Seat top is a extra approachable 33.2 inches. Curb weight is 293.2 kilos. LCD instrumentation and smartphone connectivity by way of Kawasaki’s Rideology The App comes normal on this bike.

The 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM

2024 Kawasaki KLX230SM - Studio - Right Side

The 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM advantages from the identical engine, ergonomics, and subframe adjustments because the 2024 KLX230 S, however provides a extra supermoto-oriented character to the proceedings. 

Instead of the 21-inch entrance and 18-inch rear wheels discovered on the KLX230 S, you may discover a pair of 17-inch wheels at each ends on the 2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM. As for brakes, a 300mm semi-floating petal entrance disc does the job up entrance, whereas a single 220mm rear disc handles issues within the rear. 

Suspension-wise, you get an inverted 37mm entrance fork, in addition to the Uni-Trak rear linkage that is additionally discovered on the KLX230 S. Spring settings are a bit stiffer to account for the road-biased nature of this machine. Similarly, the footpegs on the SM have rubber pads to mirror their avenue orientation.

A brand new LED headlight, a two-toned and flattened-out saddle, and a redesigned tank/shroud/cowl unit full the KLX230 SM bundle for 2024. 

Pricing, Colors, and Availability

Kawasaki sells its bikes in a number of markets world wide. As such, pricing and availability might differ based mostly in your geography. For probably the most correct data in your space, your greatest guess is to succeed in out to your native Kawasaki vendor with any questions you will have.

In the US, pricing and availability for the 2024 KLX230 S and 2024 KLX230 SM is as follows:

Bike Colors US MSRP Availability
2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S Lime Green, Battle Gray $4,999 Now (as of January 23, 2024)
2024 Kawasaki KLX230 S ABS Lime Green, Battle Gray $5,299 Now (as of January 23, 2024)
2024 Kawasaki KLX230 SM ABS Battle Gray $5,599 Now (as of January 23, 2024)

Watch: Walkaround A Honda Dash 125 In Malaysia

In the United States, model names like Groms, Daxs, and Trails are well-known, but Honda has hundreds of models in the small bike category. These bikes have a displacement of under 200ccs and are designed more for commuting and practicality rather than being fun toys.

In the Philippines, where I’m from, we see a ton of these bikes. While Filipinos are more familiar with the Honda Wave nameplate, the Dash is a close relative that I am quite familiar with. In Southeast Asian countries with underdeveloped roads and frequent rain, where traffic is a big issue, having a lightweight, low-power, and low-maintenance bike like the Dash is common. It’s often one of the first bikes that people ride before moving on to bigger ones.

A YouTube channel called “Small Bike Stuff” features a Honda Dash from Malaysia. The owner of the bike seems very proud of it, and rightfully so. While the Western idea of motorcycling involves big and powerful engines and heavy chassis for enjoyment, in Malaysia, owning and riding a motorcycle is seen as a practical tool for work and daily tasks. That’s why modifications like baskets, top boxes, and seat covers are common.

The Dash has a single-cylinder engine with 9.8 horsepower, which is designed for commuting rather than sport riding. The compression ratio is low, at 9:3:1, making it a low-strung engine. With 125ccs of displacement, the engine is robust and easy to maintain. It’s air-cooled, four-stroke, and has two valves.

The Dash is equipped with a four-speed rotary transmission and does not have a clutch lever, which is typical for underbone commuter bikes like this. The front brake of the motorcycle is a disc brake, while the rear brake is also a disc brake, which is considered a luxury for a bike at this price point. In the Philippines, bikes like these typically cost around $1,000 USD. The current brand-new price in Malaysia is 6,299 MYR for the two-disc brake variant of the Dash.

If given the chance, would you own a motorcycle like this? While there might be some riders in the West who would be interested, it’s important to note that these bikes are more suitable for back roads rather than highways, as their top speeds are around 50 miles per hour.

Introducing Baja Designs’ Dual S1 Kit for Suzuki Dual-Sports

When it comes to adventure and dual-sport riding, having proper lighting is crucial, especially when navigating trails. It’s easy for time to slip away when you’re an avid adventurer. Before you know it, night falls, and the trail ahead becomes a daunting challenge. This is particularly true if you ride a dual-sport bike rather than a full-fledged adventure motorcycle.

Dual-sport bikes often come with mediocre lighting systems, typically using halogen headlights with limited visibility. While some dual-sports are equipped with LEDs, they still can’t compete with the advanced lighting systems found on today’s top adventure motorcycles. However, the aftermarket is here to save the day. If you ride a Suzuki DR650 or DR-Z400 and plan to hit the trails until exhaustion, you need to check out Baja Designs’ headlight kit.

Check Out Baja Designs' Dual S1 Kit For Suzuki Dual-Sports

Baja Designs, a well-established player in the off-road and dual-sport market, has developed the Dual S1 headlight kit specifically for Suzuki DR650 and DR-Z400 motorcycles of all generations. According to the company, this kit fits bikes ranging from 1990 to 2023. The headlight comes with a high and low adapter harness that easily connects to the factory headlight plug. You can replace your stock headlight in just minutes with this plug-and-play setup.

The Dual S1 features a pair of Cree LED lights, each offering an impressive 2,320 lumens of output. One light serves as a spotlight, while the other has a wider field of view, ensuring excellent visibility of the trail even in the darkest conditions. Together, these lights emit a blinding 4,640 lumens combined. Keep in mind that you should check your local regulations to ensure this setup is street-legal.

Check Out Baja Designs' Dual S1 Kit For Suzuki Dual-Sports
Check Out Baja Designs' Dual S1 Kit For Suzuki Dual-Sports

The Dual S1 kit includes one S1 Spot LED clear bulb, one S1 Wide Cornering LED clear bulb, an S1 Amber Wide Cornering Lens, and a Dual S1 Faceplate to give your bike an OEM-plus look. The package also includes a wiring adapter and all the necessary mounting hardware. The price for this comprehensive lighting setup is an attractive $314.95 USD.