• 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 First Look2021 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 First Look
    Harley reveals the Street Bob 114 as a new model for 2021. (Harley-Davidson/) The cinematography was damn good, the lighting divine, and the production values—outstanding. But the spare storyline of HD21, Harley-Davidson’s first-ever virtual reveal for a new model year, was focused on the Softail lineup which added just one new model for 2021, the Street Bob 114. Sure there were subplots and supporting characters, like a brawny Fat Boy 114 sporting a blingy “refresh” (and adding a touch more pandemic-inspired poundage) as well as the subtle culling of what… Read more »
    Published: January 19, 2021 - 22:50
  • 2021: The Year of the Motorcycle Brakelight, Part 32021: The Year of the Motorcycle Brakelight, Part 3
    Sneaking just enough pressure on the brake lever to illuminate the brake light without slowing the motorcycle has benefits. (Cycle World Archives/) In Part 1 of this “The Year of the Motorcycle Brakelight” series we discussed speed, but perhaps in a surprising way. It’s easy to believe that running a faster lap time necessitates riding faster everywhere, and that might be initially true for the novice track rider, but the secret to speed lies in the ability to slow and turn. Our bikes will roll through the middle of a… Read more »
    Published: January 19, 2021 - 21:00
  • 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
    2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP (Honda/) Ups “Take-it-to-a-new-level” hardware Trickle-down tech from MotoGP RCV Impressive handling and feedback Downs Handlebar positioning causes wrist pressure Limited-production-only model in US market 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP (Honda/) Verdict The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP challenges the likes of the Ducati V4 S with its engine development and race charisma in a street-legal package. Overview The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is the embodiment of decades of racing history and development. Its wonderful balance of power, chassis, and tech make it a superb corner-carving superbike.… Read more »
    Published: January 19, 2021 - 20:20
  • 2021 KTM 250 SX-F2021 KTM 250 SX-F
    2021 KTM 250 SX-F (KTM/) Ups Most-in-class peak horsepower Nimble and lightweight handling Well-tuned suspension settings Best-in-class brakes Downs Less low-end power than class-leading Yamaha YZ250F Wider-than-usual handlebar Verdict Raw horsepower and leading torque figures, a proven chassis, and improved suspension settings make the 250 SX-F a well-rounded racebike right out of the box. 2021 KTM 250 SX-F (Jeff Allen/) Overview As winner of Dirt Rider’s Best Motocross Shootout for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), the KTM 250 SX-F was bound to stoke the fires of competition, and so… Read more »
    Published: January 20, 2021 - 19:09
  • 2021 Suzuki DR-Z400SM MC Commute Review2021 Suzuki DR-Z400SM MC Commute Review
    Budget-minded riders that want to have urban fun, without breaking the bank will appreciate Suzuki’s DR-Z400SM. Built around Suzuki’s tried-and-true DR-Z dual-sport bike, the SM version trades its dual-purpose off-road setup for a road going configuration for those who want to slice through traffic and carve corners on the weekend. In this episode of MC Commute we swing a leg over Suzuki’s purposely retro street-legal supermoto. Tune-in and see what it’s like to ride. Suzuki continues to offer its affordable $7,499 DR-Z400SM street-legal supermoto bike for US consumption. (Adam Waheed/)… Read more »
    Published: January 20, 2021 - 17:48