Hello everyone and welcome to Motos and Friends, brought to you by the Editors at Ultimate Motorcycling.  My name is Arthur Coldwells. This week’s first segment is the 2024 Yamaha MT-09, one of the highest performing naked upright sportbikes out there. Senior Editor Nic de Sena recently returned from the launch of the all-new three-cylinder Yamaha, and it seems he was impressed. Motos and Friends is brought to you by Arai helmets. If you’re into Dual-Sport, then you’ll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. It’s a completely redesigned helmet, and as with everything from Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. One of the major changes is the new VAS-A visor system, derived from the one originally developed for the Corsair-X. The new visor is designed to maximize surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal of the visor and peak.  Arai is obsessed with every detail—even those unseen. There is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”.   For instance, if your experience has been that helmets are hard to get on, then try the Arai Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening for easier on/off.  Once on, you will be impressed at the amazing comfort of the Contour-X, especially if you’re into long-distance touring. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with national-level Moto Trials rider and GasGas engineer Daniel Blancgonnet. Trials is an interesting discipline as although it is without doubt the slowest of all motorcycle sport, it is also arguably the hardest one to be really good at. Daniel gives us his interesting insight into what the sport is about, why he finds it so challenging, and what he really loves about it. Doing that while also working for the Pierer Mobility Group and GasGas at the same time just might be the perfect motorcycle career!      So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This week’s first segment is brought to you by editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena. Don recently returned from Spain where he rode the new 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801. Performance comes in many forms, and certainly the Svartpilen has a unique take on things while delivering amazing speed. It’s a premium motorcycle with lots of high-end features and a unique, almost steampunk look to it that makes it a real standout. It’s fast and user-friendly, and if doing things a little differently appeals to you, then Don’s take on the new Husqvarna will be of interest. Motos and Friends is brought to you by Arai helmets. Arai is obsessed with every detail—even those unseen. There is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”.   For instance, if your experience has been that helmets are hard to get on, then try the Arai Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening for easier on/off.  Once on, you will be impressed at the amazing comfort of the Contour-X, especially if you’re into long-distance touring. If you’re into Dual-Sport, then you’ll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. It’s a completely redesigned helmet, and as with everything from Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. One of the major changes is the new VAS-A visor system, derived from the one originally developed for the Corsair-X. The new visor is designed to maximize surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal of the visor and peak. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more. If you’ve ever found yourself away from home and pining for a motorcycle ride, then Twisted Road might be the answer. In this second segment, Teejay Adams chats with Austin Rothbard, creator of the App that he describes as “the Airbnb of motorcycling”. Although your first take might be skepticism that anyone would want to rent out their precious motorcycle, it turns out that there are plenty of people not only willing to do so, but who are doing it regularly. The App has been around since 2017 and so it’s an idea that seems to be well evolved. Interesting! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

With its punchline “Ready to Race” you have to take KTM seriously in the performance world, and so this week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the new KTM 990 Duke. Although in engine capacity terms it’s almost a liter-bike, actually the 990 Duke is classed as a middleweight. But, having thrashed this beauty around the roads of southern Spain, Nic chats with Don and gives his reason why this mid-size beast is clearly punching above its weight.   In the second segment this week, Arthur Coldwells has a really enjoyable chat with Richard Worshum, co-Founder and Designer of the exquisite retro-style Janus motorcycles. Although manufactured in Goshen, Indiana, with modern materials and using modern engines, the Janus range of bikes clearly hearken back to a much simpler time. Richard admits they can hardly be considered performance machines, so what exactly is it that makes these machines so darned attractive? Is it just the cool looks, or is there something else that’s maybe not quite so obvious?      We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the new 2024 Aprilia RS 457. This is Aprilia’s newest entry into the highly competitive lightweight sportbike class. The smallest RS has it all, including a parallel-twin motor, full electronics suite, and an excellent handling chassis. What’s not to like? Nic shares his thoughts on the Aprilia, where he rode it on track in Italy, sharing the track with Maverick Vinales. Sounds like fun! In the second segment this week Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with Mark Foster, Founder and expert roaster of the acclaimed Fosterbuilt Coffee, based in the Catskill Mountains of New York state. Well what does that have to do with motorcycles, I hear you ask. Well, Mark is also a passionate motorcycle guy, and in this month of April he’s giving away a custom Royal Enfield 350 motorcycle. Please visit the Fosterbuilt Coffee website for details of how to enter to win. Watch the video here. But hurry, you only have a few days to get your entry in!  We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the 2025 Triumph Daytona 660. The all-new middleweight triple stands out amongst the well-established parallel twins in the class—and it does it for an exceptional price.  In the second segment this week I chat with the three founders of Moto-Cyco Touring Adventures. Pat Campbell, Greg Mason, and Scott Urwick want to share their passion for themed guided tours throughout what they believe is the best place in the United States to ride—New England.   All three guys (and their wives!) are serious motorcycle enthusiasts with more than three-and-a-half decades of combined riding experience. They have led safe, organized group rides for over 10 years and collectively, they average more than 50,000 miles of riding every year. The themed rides sound spectacular, and after hearing their story I believe you will feel the same. I hope you will consider joining them on one of their rides.    We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the latest addition to the Harley Icons Collection, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydraglide Revival. This beautiful new softail commemorates the 75th anniversary of the hydraulic telescopic fork debuting on a Harley-Davidson. Don rode the Hydraglide Revival with his usual enthusiasm for all of these Icons Collection bikes, and of course he answers the big question: does the Hydraglide ride as beautifully as it looks?   Fair warning: The second segment this week is going to be controversial. Were you taught NOT to cover the brakes when riding? Were you taught NOT to brake on entry into a corner? Were you ‘coached out’ of new rider training because you didn’t grasp it quickly enough? It seems that although new rider training is excellent in many regards, there are certain fundamentals being taught that are just plain wrong. At best, they’re causing recently new riders to leave the sport—and at worst, these incorrect fundamentals are costing lives. This episode, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with several people who recently attended new rider training to get their take. The main discussion is led by Nick Ienatsch of Yamaha Champions Riding School, one of the several passionate voices trying to get things changed. Whether you think you’ve been taught correctly or incorrectly, this segment will be of interest to you. We need training groups and indeed, the industry itself to get behind this movement to evolve and improve these significant points. We need those with a passion to ride motorcycles to stick with it, and not get put off and leave the sport. If you agree, please leave a comment on our social media or message us directly. Let’s get the word out and make a positive change! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio. It has been around eight years since Moto Guzzi updated the Stelvio, and so expectations were quite high when Nic went to the launch in Spain. Don chats with Nic about his experiences with the new Stelvio, and whether this new version is now a credible ADV bike.   Motos and Friends is brought to you by Arai helmets. Yes, there is such a thing as “The Arai Difference” and it reflects the company’s incredible attention to detail. For instance, if your experience has been that helmets are hard to get on, then try the Arai Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening for easier on/off; it is the helmet you’ve been waiting for. Once on, you will be amazed at the extreme comfort of the Contour-X, a key benefit for long-distance touring. Another example of “The Arai Difference”: Side Air Channels. The Corsair-X utilizes internal ducting, which effectively increases the extraction of hot, moist air from the eye-port area, to both help reduce shield fogging and increase your comfort. Get to your local Arai dealer and try the Contour-X and the Corsair-X, you won’t be disappointed! If you want to learn more, visit AraiAmericas.com. In the second segment this week, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with Ray Hammons. Despite his mature age, a couple years ago Ray realized a long time dream—to learn to ride a motorcycle. To say that he jumped in with both feet is somewhat of an understatement. Ray was fortunate enough to attend the YCRS Champ Street School when he first got his license, and interestingly, he credits the school with saving his life almost immediately. The topic of whether you should cover the brake when riding is actually quite controversial, and if you do it during an MSF course, you will fail. This is patently wrong, and Ray is clearly hoping the right people wake up, and this change is made to rider training across the country.   We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

Hello everyone and welcome once again to Motos and Friends, brought to you by the Editors at Ultimate Motorcycling magazine.  I’m Arthur Coldwells. This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide. The new Street Glide has had a total revamp, from the new fairing and lights, to the engine and chassis, the Street Glide is now an even more serious bagger than before. Nic and Don take us through their experiences with the new machine and why they’re so pumped on the changes. In the second segment this week, recently appointed Head of MV Agusta North America, Luca Dovesi, chats with me about his vision for MV Agusta North America. Luca talks about the challenges he’s facing and how he plans to leverage KTM’s sales and distribution expertise to rebuild faith in the MV Agusta brand. We all know that the Italian manufacturer has always designed and produced the most exquisite and innovative motorcycles. But now, with the Pierer Mobility Group’s considerable commitment and horsepower behind them, the future just might be looking pretty bright for MV Agusta, and us, the consumers in America. So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This week, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the new Triumph Scrambler. This model uses the 1200 twin engine from the Bonneville range, and it in two distinct flavors, the X and the XE. Previous versions of the Scrambler were not very off-road focused, however Triumph has changed all that, and Nic had the opportunity to do a lot of pretty hard-core desert riding in his quest to find out how capable the Scrambler truly is once it goes off-pavement.    In the second segment this week, I chat with the recently appointed Head of MV Agusta North America, Luca Dovesi. Luca started his career with Ducati in Thailand, and he then moved on to KTM Singapore where he was head of After Sales and Network Development. Three and a half years later, in January 2023, he was brought in by KTM from Singapore, to head up the re-organization and re-emergence of MV in the US. As Head of the premier brand of Italian performance motorcycles, Luca’s energy and enthusiasm came across very clearly as we talked about the progress made so far, and what KTM’s plans are for the storied Italian marque.    So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his thoughts on the new Suzuki GSX-8R. This is the fully faired, slightly more sporting version of the excellent GSX-8S upright middleweight that came out last year. The 8R uses the same new, highly acclaimed, super-smooth parallel-twin engine seen on several models, and clearly putting it into a really sporting-style motorcycle makes sense. Nic spent a couple of days on both the street and at Chuckwalla Raceway in California on the new bike.      In our second segment this week, Neale Bayly chats with Paul Murphy of Meticulous Restorations. Paul is a world-class restorer, currently operating out of Canada;  he has restored some amazing machines.        So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

Whether you define the new Royal Enfield Shotgun as a cruiser or a bobber, it is certainly an awesome-looking retro-styled motorcycle. Kelly Callan recently spent a couple of weeks with the new version of the 650-twin, and she gives us her thoughts.   In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with the one-time USA coast-to-coast speed record holder, Andrew Pieper, about the trials and tribulations of that challenge. The shortest distance between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans is the distance between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Diego, California. To attempt to do this trip in one go isn’t an easy endeavor, and it requires a lot of pre-planning, and a team of people to help make it a success. Andrew’s time was very recently beaten by a few minutes, so naturally he’s planning on getting the record back! His chat with Teejay is an interesting insight into his preparation and how he actually did it.     We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

Triumph’s revamped Tiger 900 lineup looks like a high-end, highly capable ADV styled motorcycle. Senior Editor Nic de Sena recently visited Malaga, Spain to ride the Rally and GT Pro versions. Nic gives us his thoughts on what has changed with the new Tiger, and a comparison between the two variations.    In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with Aussie motorcycle racer Tayla Relph. Tayla was recently selected to enter the inaugural FIM Women's Motorcycling World Championship, that is starting this year. Tayla talks about the physical and financial challenges, and the motivation that has brought her to competing at the top of her sport. Here’s a little known fact: Teejay’s son Reed went to high-school in Brisbane with Tayla! So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This week’s first segment features Senior Editor Nic de Sena, freshly returned from India, where he rode the all new Royal Enfield Himalayan ADV bike. The Himalayan has gone through a generational upgrade, with a bigger, more powerful motor and the addition of Showa suspension just to start with. Royal Enfield is clearly upping its game, and Nic gives us his thoughts on the new machine and where it fits into the market. Motos and Friends is brought to you by Arai helmets. Yes, there is such a thing as “The Arai Difference” and it reflects the company’s incredible attention to detail. For instance, if your experience has been that helmets are hard to get on, then try the Arai Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening for easier on/off; it is the helmet you’ve been waiting for. Once on, you will be amazed at the extreme comfort of the Contour-X, a key benefit for long-distance touring. Another example of “The Arai Difference”: Side Air Channels. The Corsair-X utilizes internal ducting, which effectively increases the extraction of hot, moist air from the eye-port area, to both help reduce shield fogging and increase your comfort. Get to your local Arai dealer and try the Contour-X and the Corsair-X, you won’t be disappointed! If you want to learn more, visit AraiAmericas.com. In our second segment this week, I chat with Chris Fillmore from the Pierer Mobility Group, the owners of the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas brands. After retiring from his professional superbike racing career, Chris has now worked for PMG for around 10 years, including his recent stint as the manager of the flat-track racing program. Chris and I talk about his race experience from Motocross, Supermoto, Superbike, as well as his insight into riding a flat-track motorcycle as well. Chris’ laid-back demeanor belies his incredible ability to go fast on just about any motorcycle. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

This week’s first segment is brought to you by Editor Don Williams who recently rode the new 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700. Although the Tenere has been around for some time now, unusually, Don never quite managed to get the chance to ride one. So he looks at the Tenere and it’s updates for 2024 from a fresh perspective. The big question is whether the Tenere is getting too long in the tooth to maintain its place in the market, or is it a really good, mature motorcycle that absolutely deserves to be on your shopping list?    In our second segment this week, I chat with my friend Heath Cofran, the US Communications Lead for Alpinestars, the innovative safety company that we’re all so familiar with. Heath chats about some of the upcoming ideas from the company; the Tech-Air safety system and its development; and the really interesting new Supertech R10 helmet that was just launched last year and worn for the first time by Jorge Martin and Jack Miller in MotoGP. We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

Freshly returned from the intro of the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+, Senior Editor Nic de Sena gives us his thoughts on the new crossover bike from the big S. This is another sport-touring variant on the fantastic inline-four GSX-S1000 upright naked model, and although Suzuki have the really great GT+ in the lineup, this new GX+ now comes with semi-active electronic suspension and a comfortable riding position. So if you’re in the market for a sport-tourer, the GX+ is definitely another one to add to your list of possibles. In our second segment this week, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly chats with Laverda engineer, Keith Nairn. Based in Scotland, Keith is a highly specialized engine builder and tuner of these legendary Italian muscle machines. If you have need of Keith’s expertise, you’ll be able to contact him through his website at LaverdaScozia.co.uk. So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling—we hope you enjoy this episode and of course, have a fabulous Holiday season! We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

In the first segment this week, Editor Don Williams on the new Benelli Imperiale 400.  This hyper-retro machine has styling that makes it look it comes straight from the 1940’s or possibly 1950’s. On paper, the Benelli is truly unimpressive, but always one to keep an open mind, Don takes to the urban streets curious to see who exactly might enjoy this motorcycle. There’s a chance that Benelli with the Imperiale, has managed to create a riding experience that is a good deal more than just the sum of its parts.       In our second segment this week, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly chats with author Rob Brooks. Rob is the founder of the Road Dirt dot com website, and he has also authored a couple of books available on Amazon as well. Despite a bit of a rough start to his motorcycling career, Rob has most definitely found his passion, and he clearly plans to keep exploring the world of motorcycles for a long time to come.   We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

In our first segment this week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena gives us his take on the Kramer EVO2-690SP. This is a KTM powered turnkey race or track only motorcycle available to all enthusiasts of speed. The Kramer’s amazing light weight and impeccable handling were to much temptation for Nic who decided to race it in the recent AHRMA round at the Barber Motorsports Park vintage festival. He did well.    In our second segment this week, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly chats with Neil Spalding. Neil is arguably the MotoGP technology writer, and as well as magazines and newspapers, he also writes the technical summaries for the MotoGP season review and Motocourse. Neil is also the author of the critically acclaimed series of books on MotoGP Technology, the officially licensed technical analysis of the MotoGP class. He was also part of the British Eurosport MotoGP commentary team. Neil is not just a technical whiz, he also raced in a long club career where he won two Championships. Ultimately, he went on to run his own team in the British Supersport Championship. Neil has worked in MotoGP for the last 15 years, and when not at the circuits he runs Sigma Performance, a supplier of racing slipper clutches. Don’t forget—we’re still running our Cortech Lite gloves giveaway! Simply go to the Ultimate Motorcycling Instagram or Facebook pages and find the Cortech gloves post. All you have to do is Like the post and two winners will be selected at random each week. We will message you if you’re one of the lucky winners. Please note this is only open to residents of the USA.      We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

In the first segment this week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena chats with Arthur Coldwells about Ducati’s new Diavel V4. As the name implies, the savage new engine from the new MotoGP World Champions slots nicely into the Diavel chassis. The big question of course is whether this is too much motor for this style of bike?   In our second segment this week, Arthur chats with Ryan Smith of CarbonSmith. Ryan is on the cutting edge of the 3D printing business, and as he personally races a motorcycle in the Moto America Twins Cup series, he has the perfect test bed for all things carbon that he manufactures. It’s a fascinating business and as well as his off-the-shelf carbon parts, if you want something more specialized, Ryan is likely the guy that can make it for you.   Don’t forget—we’re still running our Cortech Lite gloves giveaway! Simply go to the Ultimate Motorcycling Instagram or Facebook pages and find the Cortech gloves post. All you have to do is Like the post and two winners will be selected at random each week. We will message you if you’re one of the lucky winners. Please note this is only open to residents of the USA.      We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

In the first segment this week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena chats with Arthur Coldwells about KTM’s latest Super Duke 1290 GT. That’s the sport-touring version of the Super Duke R. The question is whether KTM overly detuned its fierce superbike, or whether even in touring mode, the heart of The Beast is still just as savage. In our second segment this week, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly talks with master mechanic David Behrend. David’s amazing career has taken him all over the world as mechanic and Crew Chief for some of the greatest riders in Moto America, World Superbike, and Moto2. David is now Technical Director for Andreani Suspension USA; if you have suspension or handling questions—David is the guy to help! So from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling—we hope you enjoy this episode! Don’t forget—we’re still running our Cortech Lite gloves giveaway! Simply go to the Ultimate Motorcycling Instagram or Facebook pages and find the Cortech gloves post. All you have to do is Like the post and two winners will be selected at random each week. We will message you if you’re one of the lucky winners. Please note this is only open to residents of the USA.      We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

In the first segment this week, Associate Editor Jess McKinley—freshly returned from the launch in Spain—gives us the low down on BMW’s all-new 1300 GS. This highly anticipated new version of the quintessential ADV bike that arguably invented the category, has now been radically changed. Jess tells us what the remarkable new GS is like to actually ride, both on- and off-road. This week’s Snippet features the Moto-Girl Lara Cargo pants that TeeJay has been wearing recently. Regular listeners will know that Teejay is a big fan of the Aussie-made Moto-Girl gear, and so she talks with distributor Amanda Phoenix of Peak Moto Gear, about the new Lara Cargo pants, and why they might work for you. In our second segment this week, Associate Editor Jonathan Handler talks to us about his latest acquisition—the all-new Schuberth S3 helmet. Schuberth have a reputation for stellar quality, and of course the S3 exemplifies that. However Jonathan brings us up to speed on the rest of the standout features of the S3, and why you should definitely consider one as your next helmet.    So from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling—we hope you enjoy this episode!  We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com