The Honda Grom - Big fun on a little bike

For those among us that were lucky enough to have a minibike growing up, you know the perma-grin that resulted from riding that thing anywhere and everywhere. My personal weapon of choice was a 1972 Honda Trail 70, and I rode that thing into the ground. Little bikes are just plain fun!

Honda looks to have broken from their vanilla coma recently, with new bikes that don't just play it safe. One such bike is the 2014 Honda Grom. A 125cc, four-speed, fuel injected little brute that promises to have any rider causing neighborhood mayhem like they did back in the day.

Details about this bike can be found on Honda's website.


Below you'll find a video showing Nick "Apex" Brocha put the little beast through it's paces. Enjoy!

Foreign Adventures - Dual Sport Bikes From Around the World

Sometimes it's interesting to see what other countries are using out on their wilderness two-tracks, bombing through the countryside. While the enduro / dual sport / adventure touring market continues to grow here in the U.S., we still miss out on some cool looking bikes only available elsewhere. This post is just a glimpse at what we might be missing, and is by no means a comprehensive list. Some of them are funky; some are downright bad ass. Have a scroll through and see what the rest of the world is riding on their trails and roads. Enjoy!

Blata 125 BXE - Czech Republic

Borile Multiuso 230 - Italy

Derbi Terra Adventure 125 - Spain

GasGas 450Rf - Spain

Honda NX4 Falcon - Mexico

Honda XRE300 - Brasil

Jawa 660 - CzechRepublic

Minsk C4200 - Belarus

Moto Morini Scrambler 1200 SE - Italy

Scorpa TRide 2.8 - France

Yamaha XT660Z Tenere - Europe

Motomel Skua 250 - Argentina

Benelli TRE 1130K Amazonas - Italy

Beta Alp 4.0 - Italy

Abu Dhabi Full Speed Ahead

After another great year of Dakar, it's left many of us looking forward to seeing more extreme desert racing. The next big event on the calendar for many of the Dakar rally riders is the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, held April 4th through April 11th. Formerly known as the UAE Challenge, this cross country rally event follows routes through the Liwa Desert and parts of an area on the Arabian Peninsula known as the Empty Quarter. It is also now considered the season opening event for the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship.

With Cyril Despres recently leaving the KTM team for "new challenges" (some speculating a move to the factory Honda team), Marc Coma is the man in the spotlight, attempting to defend his WCCCR title after coming back from a recent shoulder injury. ADDC 2013 should prove to be another great show for fans of cross country rally racing. At the time of this writing, just twlve days remain before the event begins.

For full details on the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, including video highlights and photos of previous years, visit the official website at the link below.

http://abudhabidesertchallenge.com/

Trick Oil Cooler for the Honda XR650L

Here at Zen Moto we are always on the lookout for well made products that support offroad and adventure riders, the core of our customer base. One such trick piece of kit we have been installing lately is a product offering for the Honda XR650L; an oil cooler setup made by a local ADV Rider inmate, GSMark.

Two versions of the kit are available; the Lite version with a standard guard, and the HD version with a guard that frame mounts for added oil cooler protection. Both kits have the option for either a bare aluminum or gloss black powder-coated oil cooler per your preference. Kits are also available for the Honda XR600 and NX650/Dominator. One of best parts about this oil cooler kit, beyond the excellent build quality and design, is the comprehensive installation instructions that it comes with. Mark does a fantastic job of stepping you through the installation process, with full diagrams and useful model-specific data for setup. And, of course, if you don't want to hassle with the install yourself, Zen Moto can get it taken care of for you!

Take a look at Mark's vendor page for more detailed photos and information: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=652313&highlight=cooler+xr650l

You can also call in to the shop any time and place your order. (480) 600-2978.

Testing the KTM 1190 Adventure

 I'm sure you've been keeping an eye on the new offering from KTM if you're into the adventure bikes. And maybe even if you're not. One thing is for sure, the KTM 1190 Adventure is not simply KTM's answer to the BMW GSA. It's a whole lot more.

An amazing amount of development went into making this beast as you will see from the review referenced here from Visor Down. Take a read through and follow the link at the end to browse the full review and first ride impressions.


via VisorDown.com
It's not often you see the word ‘mayhem’ in a manufacturer’s press kit, let alone in the introduction to an adventure bike but this is KTM and those orange fellas like to do things differently.

Using the same 1195cc engine that powers the RC8R superbike, mayhem definitely sounds like it’s a mere twist of the throttle and the surrender of a skinny rear tyre away but KTM were keen to stress that even though the 1190 Adventure has the highest power to weight ratio of any bikes in this sector, outright power was never on the drawing board; more versatility was the aim and not just in the engine but across the motorcycle as a whole.

The 1190 Adventure is the replacement to the successful and cult 990 Adventure, which ceased production at the end of last year after almost 10 years. When you look at the growing list of Adventure bikes, the 990 Adventure is arguably still the best bike for the type of riding these bikes pretend they get used for: unpaved roads. So it’s ironic then that in order to sell more bikes in this class, it’s versatility not unpaved road performance that really counts.

That versatility presents itself in many ways, from the less off-road biased wheel sizes (19/17 as opposed to the 21/18 on the 990), to the 23-litre tank (19.5-litres on the 990), to the adjustable seat height and the sophisticated electronics package. The 1190 Adventure features traction control, combined ABS, power modes and optional electronically adjustable suspension, which you’d only really expect to see on a top of the range superbike.

Looks are subjective and I rarely mention them but it does appear that KTM have made an effort to make this bike whisper ‘DO YOU WANT SOME?’ and by that I mean the aggressive angular lines and the expected bright orange have been softened off somewhat. It's not quite as brash. It doesn’t look like it’s going to spit in your face.

Sat on the bike, it feels tall but not unwieldy. At 860mm, it’s no higher than the 990 but 10mm taller than the 2012 1200GS and for comparison, just 40mm taller than a CBR600RR. At 212kg wet and around 230kg fully fuelled it feels lighter than its size would lead you to believe. KTM boast it has the best power to weight ratio in its class.

The clocks are big, bold and all-digital except for an analogue rev-counter; a great combination. On the left of the rev-counter is a digital panel that gives you in-depth readouts of everything from power and damping modes, to consumption, trip, air temperature and your current position in the Dakar, probably.

You can’t fail to notice how light the clutch is. The all-new slipper clutch features a ramp-action to hold the plates in place under load, meaning lighter springs can be used which translates into a lighter lever action. Just one finger needed.

Although the motor is from the RC8, it’s undergone some serious changes both in terms of hardware and software. The 1190 Adventure’s gearbox uses different ratios to the RC8; first gear is now shorter, making clutchless low-speed control more controlled while all the ratios have been shifted away from the RC8’s 170mph top end. The pistons have been redesigned too and borrow technology used in F1, the skirts use a coating that’s designed to reduce friction and helping the engine respond quicker.

Read the full article at: http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/first-ride-ktm-1190-adventure-review/22286.html

Red Bull Romaniacs - Enduro for the Hardcore

In the heart of Romania, nestled in the mountains of Transilvania, lies the city of Sibiu. This is the host city of one of the worlds most grueling and technical motorcycle enduro events. Brainchild and organizer of this event, Martin Freinademetz, has explored this area of Romania for years on his motorcycle and finally decided that an organized enduro event here would be a great test for the world's top riders. In 2004, the first Romaniacs hardcore enduro event was held, showcasing both the beauty and brutality of the tracks and terrain. Now in its tenth year, the Red Bull Romaniacs event continues to impress. More information can be found on the event's website:    

www.redbullromaniacs.com

Included below is the televised footage from the 2012 Romaniacs event. Enjoy!

World Travelers at Zen Moto

Here at Zen Moto, we've had the privilege of helping a number of world travelers as they make their way around the globe on their motorcycles. Many thanks to all those on the forums that recommend us for a shop stop in the Phoenix area. We're always happy to help. 

We recently had the pleasure of meeting Andi Delis of New Zealand, half of the Two Moto Kiwis husband and wife team currently on their way through Mexico, headed for South America and beyond. Andi was in the process of getting his newly acquired KTM Super Enduro sorted out and geared up for the trip south. While the acquisition of that bike turned out to be a financial headache for him, it seems that they are back on track and on the road to continue their adventure. We wish Andi and Ellen the very best in the journey ahead and were glad we could help them get their new steed mechanically sorted.

Be sure to take a look at their website at twomotokiwis.com and follow along on their trek. Any donations to help offset their costs I'm sure would be greatly appreciated. It's good karma for when you decide to take up an adventure like this yourself!

Giant Loop Now Offers a Lifetime Warranty

Via MotorcycleUSA.com & Giant Loop

Adventure motorcycle soft luggage innovator Giant Loop has extended its warranty coverage to span the product’s lifetime. The new limited lifetime warranty protects the original purchaser against product defects in materials or craftsmanship and was prompted by the proven high quality of the company’s made-in-USA products.

“When we started Giant Loop in 2008, we didn't really know what to expect,” says Harold Olaf Cecil, Giant Loop’s co-founder and owner. “Then, we were concerned that dirt bikers would thrash our bags and demand a warranty replacement.”

“As it turns out,” Cecil explains, “Giant Loop products have proven to be durable and defect free to the point that our return rate is less than 0.1%.”

The new warranty policy states, “Giant Loop provides to the original purchaser a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials or craftsmanship if purchased directly from a Giant Loop authorized dealer. This warranty covers defective materials and craftsmanship only, and does not include damage due to normal wear and tear or misuse. Failure to comply with the included instructions for this Product will void the limited lifetime warranty. If defects in the materials or craftsmanship of the Product exist, notify Giant Loop immediately of the defect. Giant Loop will provide for repair or replacement of the Product, after Giant Loop has determined, in our sole discretion, that a defect is present. Proof of purchase is required to utilize the limited warranty provisions.”

If a problem occurs with a Giant Loop product that is not the result of a defect in materials or craftsmanship, or is otherwise outside of the scope of the limited warranty, then Giant Loop offers repair service for a fee.

“Our goal is to treat Giant Loop customers as we want to be treated ourselves,” says Cecil. “We want to exceed our customers' expectations with quick, friendly, responsive service that sets right any problem.”

Made in USA, the Giant Loop line of super rugged, ultra lightweight, high performance motorcycle soft luggage fits a wide array of adventure, sport, dual sport and dirt bike makes and models, requiring no special racks, mounts or braces.

Giant Loop products are available from international distributors and from a network of dealers throughout the USA. For all the details, go to www.giantloopmoto.com, or visit the “Go Light, Go Fast” blog at giantloopmoto.blogspot.com.

Dakar 2013 is about to begin!

For all of you who love to watch the action of Dakar every year, it's nearly time to start the mayhem once again! This year should prove to be yet another great test of endurance, though it appears we won't be treated to the bike battle we witnessed last year with Marc Coma's withdrawal due to a shoulder dislocation. That said, I'm sure Cyril Despres and the rest of the field will still provide us with some great racing.

Here's an article and video to get you primed for another great year of Dakar:

A CLEAR PATH TO SANTIAGO FOR DESPRES?

Via DAKAR.com

All the usual reference points around the bike event came crashing down at the same time as Marc Coma did in the 3rd stage of the Morocco Rally. Despite his best efforts and intensive use of the Coué Method, the Catalan rider has been unable to overcome his dislocated left shoulder injury. So the traditional duel between him and Cyril Despres will not take place in the Dakar 2013. The two KTM riders have not only shared the championship between them since 2005, (4-3, “advantage France”), they have also won 43 of the 90 special stages! The most logical – but also most simplistic – analysis leads one to think that Despres has an easy ride to get ahead and increase his list of triumphs by winning his fifth title in Santiago. Cyril does not share this point of view, being very aware of the hazards of the event, and he is not counting his chickens about the ‘clear road' that has opened up before him: “Marc's Dakar came to an end on a lump of camel grass, one of the thousands we come across. When people tell me I'm on my own now I can't resist a little smile: we're going to have to deal with loads of camel grass, stones, climbs and descents”, he says. Despres could also benefit from a star adviser in the bivouac: “Marc has told me he will be in Lima, and if he stays on for the rally it will certainly be advantageous in terms of strategy, preparation of the road-book, etc.”

Accustomed to mainly focusing his energies on his own performance, Despres also points out that “several riders will now fancy their chances of a podium finish”. Coma's withdrawal could well have a liberating psychological effect on all the competitors who have previously finished behind them! Indeed, if the ‘rebellion' of the other riders gains momentum there are several possible candidates for the title. Some who have already savoured a place on the podium have good reason to feel optimistic: Francisco ‘Chaleco' Lopez, 3rd in 2010, has an opportunity to win in the Chilean capital, and he has always done best on his home territory (4 stage wins in Chile); David Frétigné, 3rd in 2009, returns to the Dakar with Yamaha and a strong ambition; the Portuguese rider Helder Rodrigues, who has just left Yamaha for Honda, was the first rider on the heels of Despres and Coma in 2011 and 2012, while David Casteu, present on the last podium in Dakar in 2007, is still in with a shout.

The Dakar 2013 could also mean a ‘generation handover' in the class. People who seemed to be waiting for their moment to come might think it is now time to knock the top riders off their pedestals. In this respect, and despite Coma's absence, the Catalan ‘clan' is still well represented. His “water carrier” in recent years Juan Pedrero, will not be on his leader's bike, handed over to the American all-terrain star Kurt Caselli, but he will still try to make the most of the gap left by coma. The unobtrusive Jordi Viladoms, 4th in 2012, might also come out of his shell and grasp a potential opportunity. Above all, Joan Barreda has done brilliantly in the last two years, and at 29 years of age should show the maturity to fulfil his excellent promise. He was also the closest rider behind Despres during the Morocco Rally. Fewer than seven minutes separated the two men at the finish, i.e. much less than anyone could lose due to an inner tube problem or fuel line problem or a small navigation mistake… or a lump of camel grass! In any event, Despres will also need to keep an eye on Verhoeven, Gonçalves, Przygonski and company. His experience will help him to maintain his concentration.