News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
BMW Motorrad USA and BDR present Chattahoochee BDR-X
BMW Motorrad USA and non-profit organization Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®) are proud to present the Chattahoochee BDR-X, the fourth route collaboration between the two adventure riding community partners.
The Chattahoochee BDR-X will take riders on a 350-mile loop through the north Georgia mountains. The route combines a collection of graded forest roads, primitive two-track, and scenic backcountry pavement under the dense canopy of the Chattahoochee National Forest for an unforgettable experience. Unique to the south, the Chattahoochee BDR-X can be ridden most of the year and is best between March and December, weather permitting.
“We’ve designed this BDR-X to be “the Greatest Hits” of the Chattahoochee National Forest region with a blend of scenic backcountry paved and gravel roads, and incredible forest riding that crisscrosses the Appalachian Trail multiple times. Riders will encounter notable North Georgia highlights such as the Toccoa River swinging footbridge, Camp Frank D. Merrill US Army Ranger training facility, stunning mountain lakes, state parks, numerous creek crossings and more — all set beneath a lush forest canopy.” said Kirk Lakeman, Route Architect and BDR Board Member
How to watch
The full route and accompanying film will be unveiled during a live YouTube broadcast on Thursday, September 19th. The event will feature a 30-minute documentary film screening, the release of GPS tracks, waterproof route map, and route resources, along with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the route’s development and the inaugural expedition.
Event: Chattahoochee BDR-X Live Route & Film Premier
Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Time: 7:00 pm Eastern / 4:00 pm Pacific time.
Links: YouTube.com/RideBDR or RideBDR.com/Hoochee
The broadcast will be hosted from BDR headquarters in Seattle and feature live appearances by members of the expedition film team from the BMW U.S. Rider Academy in Greer, SC, conveniently located near the route.
“Riding the BDR-X Chattahoochee felt like a highlight tour of the beauty of unseen Northern Georgia mixed with incredible backroads and fun, local stops along the way.” said Louise C. Powers, Adventure riding instructor and expedition film team rider.
“Backcountry Discovery Routes, and Kirk in particular, put together a great route for a long weekend and it was perfect on the R 1300 GS. Even riding for three days in the rain and mud couldn’t dampen the fun we shared and the surprises we found along the way.”
Backcountry Discovery Routes®
Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that creates off-highway routes for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel. The organization’s work includes promoting rider education and safety campaigns, driving economic support to rural communities, and encouraging responsible motorcycle travel in the backcountry. Through the careful investment of funds and working with land managers and other public benefit organizations, BDR seeks to keep remote public roads open for motorcycling for generations to come.
BDR delivers turn-key trip planning resources to the community including GPS tracks, digital maps, travel information, route condition updates, YouTube videos, Q&As, and other information – all available 24/7 on www.RideBDR.com. The organization relies on the generosity of donors and a team of volunteers and ambassadors who contribute thousands of hours each year to help carry out this mission.
Since 2010, BDR has created routes in Washington, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, the Mid-Atlantic region, Southern California, the North-East region, Wyoming, Oregon, and Northern California. In 2022 BDR introduced a new concept of shorter, BDR-style routes that loop, called BDR-X. Current BDR-X routes include Red Desert, Wyoming; PA Wilds, Pennsylvania; Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert, Oregon; Black Hills, South Dakota, and now in Chattahoochee, Georgia.
BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
www.bmwgroup.com and www.bmwmotorcycles.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BMWMotorradUSA
Twitter: www.facebook.com/BMWMotorradUSA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@bmwmotorrad
Triumph Reveals New Speed Twin 1200 RS and Next Generation Speed Twin 1200
Triumph Motorcycles has announced significant updates to its Speed Twin 1200, as well as the launch of a new Speed Twin 1200 RS, which is more focused, more engaging and with even sharper responses.
Available in dealers around the world from December 2024, the new Speed Twin 1200 features chassis upgrades including Marzocchi forks and twin Marzocchi rear suspension units, further enhancing the engaging and dynamic handling, taking corners in a balanced, natural and confidence-inspiring way.
This sophisticated handling is coupled with extra performance, with an extra 5PS peak power to deliver added character and sports thrills. New technologies, like Optimised Cornering ABS and traction control, are integrated seamlessly and sensitively.
The styling has been refreshed to blend a bright, contemporary sports style with modern classic design DNA, and features beautiful design details that showcase Triumph’s exceptional build quality.
The new RS model will offer riders even more. Sportier ergonomics, courtesy of repositioned handlebars and rear-set footpegs, are matched with an exceptional level of specification including fully adjustable Marzocchi forks and top-spec Öhlins rear suspension units, as well as Brembo Stylema calipers. A pair of Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tyres are fitted as standard and Triumph Shift Assist is included for the first time on a Modern Classic.
Triumph’s Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent said: “The new Speed Twin 1200 RS is more focused, more engaging and with even sharper responses. It’s designed for riders who want the absolute best in dynamic performance, with classic sporty looks.
“The updates to the new Speed Twin 1200 are a significant evolution for this much-loved model, and as always, we’ve made sure we retain the superior handling and classic style that everyone admires, while introducing extra power and technology that improves the riding experience seamlessly.”
CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC SPORTS STYLE
The new tank is more sculpted, with raked lines and deep front cutouts, and there is a new flip-up filler cap. The side panels are simpler and styled to integrate into the new minimal throttle body covers with their brushed aluminium finisher.
Many classic-inspired details have been refined and updated, including new black powder-coated engine casings, which are now leaner and more angular. More compact silencers add to the timeless beauty of the uninterrupted exhaust run.
The elegant round headlight is now an LED unit with a new DRL light signature, with a new brushed aluminium bezel and stylish cast aluminium finishers.
The stunning one-piece bench seat has been reprofiled to be shallower and more sculpted, matching the sporty styling, and is narrower at the front, facilitating an easier stand over position for riders. The RS seat gains a sporty and stylish napped finish with exceptional stitch detailing.
New cast aluminium wheels perfectly complement the new bodywork with seven pairs of slim spokes angled in a sporty turbine pattern.
For the Speed Twin 1200, two split-colour designs accentuate the modern feel further, with a bold ‘1200’ tank graphic separating either a Crystal White or Carnival Red upper from a Sapphire black lower that creates a sleeker look by making the tank appear shallower and longer. There’s also a more classically inspired Aluminium Silver option with discreet ‘1200’ numbering and twin black stripes.
The Speed Twin 1200 RS comes in two choices; a bright Baja Orange or subtle Sapphire Black, both with RS decals in gold which complement the anodised suspension components.
FOCUSED DYNAMIC HANDLING
Increasing choice for riders, each Speed Twin 1200 model has its own specific riding position, creating a distinct feel and personality.
Creating a more spacious feel while riding, the bars on the new Speed Twin 1200 are higher and further forward than the previous model. The 43mm diameter Marzocchi forks and twin Marzocchi rear suspension units have been upgraded and now feature remote reservoirs in addition to adjustable preload on the back. These upgrades to the chassis increase the agility of the dynamic Speed Twin 1200, while ensuring a smooth, high-quality ride in real-world conditions. New Triumph-branded radial calipers mounted to twin 320mm discs provide excellent stopping power, together with all-round Metzeler Sportec M9RR tyres, fitted as standard.
For riders looking for an even more dynamic performance and extra thrills, the new Speed Twin 1200 RS has a more engaged and focused riding position. With the rear of the bike raised, the seat height increases slightly. The handlebars remain at the same height as the previous generation, but move further forwards, while the footpegs are slightly raised and further back.
Top specification suspension matches the dynamic attitude of the RS, with fully-adjustable Marzocchi forks and Öhlins rear suspension units. Added finesse is provided by twin Brembo Stylema calipers on 320mm discs and high performance Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tyres as standard.
THRILLING SPORTS PERFORMANCE
An extra 5PS of peak power has been achieved from Triumph’s impressive high-compression Bonneville 1200 twin engine, reaching 105PS at 7750rpm, pulling harder for longer up to the rev limit. The 270-degree firing order and low inertia crankshaft provide instant response with distinct and characterful power pulses, and retains a rich torque delivery throughout the rev range, peaking at 112 Nm.
BLENDING LATEST TECHNOLOGY WITH CLASSIC DESIGN
Combining modern performance with classic personality, riders can tailor the engine response with Road and Rain riding modes, and now benefit from Optimised Cornering ABS and traction control, which are fitted as standard on both models. The focused Speed Twin 1200 RS has an additional Sport riding mode, which sharpens the throttle response and optimises the traction control settings, adding to the bike’s powerful and dynamic feel.
In a first for the Bonneville platform, and unique to this version, the Speed Twin 1200 RS will be fitted with Triumph Shift Assist, an up and down quickshifter that perfectly complements the power delivery and character of the bike. Discreetly placed behind the gear-shifter, the bike’s modern classic styling is maintained.
New LCD and TFT displays have been meticulously encased in a classic circular dial, improving visibility and functionality, while retaining the Speed Twin’s timeless look. This enables compatibility with turn-by-turn navigation and phone connectivity, as well as concealing a convenient USB-C charging socket.
PREMIUM FINISH AND DETAILING
Riders taking a closer look will be rewarded with examples of Triumph’s acute attention to detail. From the re-styled heel guards and headlight bezel to the embellishers on the new side panels, these details are crafted from aluminum, with a brushed finish, and the aluminium swingarm and the new headlight brackets are clear-anodised to ensure that quality finish is even more durable. The Speed Twin 1200 RS comes with the special addition of brushed aluminium front and rear mudguards.
ACCESSORIES
More than 70% of Speed Twin customers add Triumph accessories to their bike, reflecting their personal style, which is why there is the option to add over 50 genuine accessories, including clip-on bars, a quilted bullet seat or a seat cowl, for those seeking a modern café racer.
ON THE ROAD
The new Speed Twin 1200 will be available from £12,495 OTR and the new Speed Twin 1200 RS will be available from £14,495 OTR. Customers can configure their own or find out more at triumphmotorcycles.co.uk. Bikes will be arriving in dealerships from December 2024.
SPECIFICATION – SPEED TWIN 1200 RS
| ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled parallel twin, 8 valve, SOHC, 2700 firing order |
| Capacity | 1200 cc |
| Bore | 97.6 mm |
| Stroke | 80.0 mm |
| Compression | 12.1:1 |
| Maximum Power | 105 PS / 103.5 bhp (77.2 kW) @ 7,750 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 112 Nm @ 4,250 rpm |
| Fuel System | Multipoint fuel injection with electronic throttle control. Three rider modes. |
| Exhaust | Brushed stainless steel 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin brushed stainless steel silencers |
| Final Drive | X-ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, slip & assist |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| CHASSIS | |
| Frame | Tubular steel, with steel cradles |
| Swingarm | Twin sided aluminium |
| Front Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy 17” x 3.5” |
| Rear Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy 17” x 5.0” |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 R17 |
| Front Suspension | 43mm upside-down Marzocchi forks, adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping. 120 mm wheel travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Öhlins RSUs with external reservoirs, adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping. 123 mm wheel travel |
| Front Brakes | Twin Ø 320mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema M4.30 radial calipers, OCABS |
| Rear Brakes | Single Ø 220mm fixed disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, OCABS |
| Instruments | LCD multi-function instruments with integrated colour TFT screen |
| DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS | |
| Length | 2073 mm |
| Width (Handlebars) | 792 mm |
| Height Without Mirrors | 1127 mm |
| Seat Height | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1414 mm |
| Rake | 22.6 ° |
| Trail | 92 mm |
| Wet weight | 216 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 litres |
| SERVICE | |
| Service Interval | 10,000 miles (16,000km) / 12 months |
| CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS (EU) | |
| Fuel Consumption | TBC |
| Emissions | EURO 5+ CO2 emissions and fuel consumption data are measured according to regulation 168/2013/EC. Figures for fuel consumption are derived from specific test conditions and are for comparative purposes only. They may not reflect real driving results. |
SPECIFICATION – SPEED TWIN 1200
| ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled parallel twin, 8 valve, SOHC, 2700 firing order |
| Capacity | 1200 cc |
| Bore | 97.6 mm |
| Stroke | 80.0 mm |
| Compression | 12.1:1 |
| Maximum Power | 105 PS / 103.5 bhp (77.2 kW) @ 7,750 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 112 Nm @ 4,250 rpm |
| Fuel System | Multipoint fuel injection with electronic throttle control. Two rider modes. |
| Exhaust | Brushed stainless steel 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin brushed stainless steel silencers |
| Final Drive | X-ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, slip & assist |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| CHASSIS | |
| Frame | Tubular steel, with steel cradles |
| Swingarm | Twin sided, fabricated aluminium |
| Front Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy, 7-spoke, 17 x 3.5 in |
| Rear Wheel | Cast aluminium alloy, 7-spoke, 17 x 5.0 in |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 160/60 R17 |
| Front Suspension | Ø 43mm upside-down Marzocchi forks, 120 mm wheel travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Marzocchi RSUs with external reservoirs and adjustable preload, 116 mm wheel travel |
| Front Brakes | Twin Ø 320mm floating discs, Triumph branded four-piston radial calipers, OCABS |
| Rear Brakes | Single Ø 220mm fixed disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, OCABS |
| Instruments | LCD multi-function instruments with integrated colour TFT screen |
| DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS | |
| Length | 2070 mm |
| Width (Handlebars) | 792 mm |
| Height Without Mirrors | 1140 mm |
| Seat Height | 805 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1413 mm |
| Rake | 22.4 ° |
| Trail | 91 mm |
| Wet weight | 216 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 litres |
| SERVICE | |
| Service Interval | 10,000 miles (16,000km) / 12 months |
| CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS (EU) | |
| Fuel Consumption | TBC |
| Emissions | EURO 5+ CO2 emissions and fuel consumption data are measured according to regulation 168/2013/EC. Figures for fuel consumption are derived from specific test conditions and are for comparative purposes only. They may not reflect real driving results. |
PERFORMANCE + PROTECTION: Polaris Introduces RZR Pro R Factory-Armored Limited Edition
Polaris Off Road, the world’s leader in off road innovation, and Pro Armor, a leading side-by-side aftermarket accessories brand, today unveiled the arrival of the all-new RZR Pro R Factory-Armored Limited Edition. The all-new RZR Pro R brings together revitalized bold RZR styling and craftsmanship with Pro Armor’s unmatched vehicle protection accessories, creating a rugged yet stylish limited edition vehicle.
The Polaris RZR Pro R Factory-Armored Limited Edition has been meticulously crafted from front to rear bumper. From its striking visual and custom appearance to its enhanced durability, this limited edition vehicle features Pro Armor front and rear bumper, Pro Armor skid plates, Pro Armor Flow Formed Beadlock wheels, a 32” Rigid® light bar, and custom paint and graphics with color-matched seats and dash color. The custom Orange Marmalade paint color is a first for Polaris, inspired by the colors synonymous with sunset and desert landscape. Combined with the ProStar Fury 2.0 naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that seamlessly puts out 225HP, the RZR Pro R Factory Armored Limited Edition unleashes relentless power and style through intense dune and desert terrain.
“The partnership between Polaris and Pro Armor draws upon the brands’ shared passion for off-road innovation, performance and quality,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President and General Manager of Polaris Off Road Vehicles. “RZR Pro R represents the ultimate combination of power, strength and durability in the industry, but armed with Pro Armor’s unmatched protective solutions, this new limited edition version takes Pro R’s durability to a new level while the precise Pro Armor fitment and color-matched accessories provides a bold, custom-like style statement.”
Exclusive Upgrades Include:
- Bold Style: Polaris’ signature bold design is brought to life with custom paint in orange burst/matte marmalade and graphics that embody the RZR spirit, adding an unmistakable flair to the rugged exterior. Pro Armor’s Mark Lopera, a renowned custom painter, collaborated with Polaris to create this ultra unique paint color to represent the lifestyle, flash and high energy of the Southwest.
- 32” Rigid® Light Bar: Keep your adventures going confidently in the dark with this Rigid® SR-Series 32 in, featuring a 20,064 lumen output that travels up to 3,077 ft. for added visibility. Combined with an IP68 rating the best possible dust and moisture resistance, and an unbreakable scratch resistant polycarbonate lens, this light can tackle any job you encounter.
- Pro Armor Front and Rear Bumpers: Made from 1.75″steel tubing, welded and fit tested, mounts directly to the chassis. Pro Armor’s stylistic protection, these bumpers provide additional protection during off-road excursions.
- Pro Armor Flow Formed Beadlock Wheels: Designed for superior strength and performance, the Pro Armor 5307 Beadlock Wheel features a unique design and offers a 1,740 LB load rating. Flow Forming Technology involves the application of pressure to the inner barrel of the wheel, while spinning and after it has been casted. This process stretches and compresses the aluminum, which increases tensile strength.
The RZR Pro R Factory-Armored Limited Edition will be loaded with features from the RZR Pro R, including a 74″ stance and 104.5” wheelbase for supreme stability, MaxLink suspension with 29″ of usable travel that absorbs whoops, and a rear toe link to keep the machine grounded and tracking, delivering precise control. Additionally, the DYNAMIX DV semi-active suspension automatically and individually adjusts each shock’s compression and rebound damping based on terrain and driver input, allowing it to handle the wide open terrain. Pro Performance True 4WD with driver-selectable modes allows riders to seamlessly adapt traction to changing conditions, optimizing performance and enabling them to tame the terrain. The 2025 RZR Pro R Factory- Armored Limited Edition features the industry’s first heated and vented seats, providing an enhanced comfort on hot and cool days.
The RZR Pro R Factory-Armored Limited Edition will have a limited production of less than 500 units globally, including both 2-seat and 4-seat configurations, and will begin shipping to dealers this month, September 2024. Following launch, the vehicle will be displayed at the 2024 Sand Sport Super Show in Southern California, Sept. 20-21.
To learn more, please visit Polaris.com/RZR or join the conversation and follow on Facebook sm, Instagram sm, YouTube sm and X sm.
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