I’m lucky enough to live in a part of Tennessee that only gets snowfall once or twice a year and where the roads are ridable practically all year round. However, the temperatures still drop below freezing, making for chilly winter rides. To continue riding throughout the winter, I ordered up a full suite of heated gear from Kemimoto, a company that makes accessories, parts, and gear for motorcycles, UTVs, snowmobiles, marine sports, and other outdoor activities. 

I ordered a vest, jacket liner, pants liner, gloves, and socks, all with heating capability. The gloves and socks come with rechargeable batteries, while the jacket and pants liners connect to the motorcycle’s battery with the included cable. The vest does not come with a battery included and doesn’t connect to the motorcycle’s battery, so I used a rechargeable battery with USB ports that I already had. 

Hooking up the included cable to my motorcycle’s battery for the jacket and pants liners was easy. The cable comes with four fuses to work with different battery power ratings, as well as an adapter to split power between the jacket and pants. Most often, wearing the vest with a rechargeable battery under my riding jacket was enough to keep me warm, but it’s nice to have the heated jacket liner if it gets really cold. However, since the jacket is a bit big on me, it’s cumbersome to stuff under my protective riding jacket. The vest is also big for me but not as difficult to slide a jacket over. I recommend looking at the sizing guidelines on Kemimoto’s website and perhaps buying a size smaller than usual. 

It takes some time to plug everything in and turn on each piece of heated gear to my desired temperature (each piece has three heat levels). Having heated gear is a game-changer and transforms my rides from barely tolerable to perfectly cozy. The jacket liner, vest, and pants liner also allow independent adjustment of different heating zones. The socks also come with a handy keychain remote fob that allows me to adjust the heat level without having to dig through my gear to get to the socks. 

From full charge on the highest heat setting, the rechargeable batteries in the socks and gloves lasted about 3-4 hours, so if you plan to ride for longer than that before charging, backup batteries are a must. With the heat level on the lowest setting, the batteries lasted about 6.5 hours. The battery life for the heated vest will depend on the capacity of the battery you use. The jacket and pants liners get warm almost immediately, and the rest of the gear only takes about five minutes to fully heat up. 

My only gripe with this heated motorcycle gear is that the colors indicating the heat level on each garment are not consistent. Each one uses a red light to indicate that the heat is at the highest level. For the two lower levels, the color of light is either blue, green, or white. On the gloves, jacket liner, and pants liner, blue is medium, and green is low. The socks are the opposite, with green being medium and blue being low. And on the vest, white is medium, and blue is low. The inconsistent light color does not affect the gear’s performance, but it does create some confusion when trying to determine what level of heat the gear is set to.  

This heated motorcycle gear has allowed me to have a comfortable riding experience during times when I either wouldn’t have ridden at all or would’ve been very cold. Now I can ride year-round while my friends and neighbors grumble about having to park their bikes for the winter. 

The Kemimoto heated jacket liner is available for $129.99, the pants liner is $109.99, the vest is $69.99, the gloves are $119.99, and the socks are $49.99. Kemimoto also offers other heated gear suitable for motorcyclists, including a new voice-controlled heated vest. All of this gear is available for purchase on the Kemimoto website. 

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

The post Kemimoto Heated Motorcycle Review | Gear appeared first on Rider Magazine.

As motorcycle gear technology evolves and improves, a lot of riding gear has become hyper-specific for a certain type of riding or certain weather conditions. We can’t all have a different motorcycle jacket for every day of the month, and the Joe Rocket Turbulent Jacket provides good adjustability, fit, and protection for most everyday riding.

The Turbulent has a water-resistant Rock Tex outer shell, which feels tough and rugged. I’ve been wearing this jacket for a few months now, and the outer shell still holds its shape. Included is CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows, plus removable spine armor. The shoulder and elbow armor is easy to access from exterior zippered pockets, meaning you don’t have to burrow up inside of the sleeves if you want to remove the armor to wash the jacket.

The Turbulent’s full-sleeved insulated liner provides good warmth for cooler rides, is less bulky than layering a sweatshirt under my riding jacket, and is easily removable via interior zippers and snaps inside the sleeves. For those days when it’s cool in the morning but warm by the afternoon, I’ll start out with the liner and later remove it and stow it in the jacket’s large lower-back pocket.

When the temperatures continue to rise, the Variable Flow ventilation system allows for nice airflow. There are zippered vents on the sleeves and on both sides of the back that can be opened to let streams of cooling air flow through the jacket.

The Turbulent jacket comes in men’s and women’s versions, and there are some differences in the fit and adjustment between the two. I’ve been wearing the women’s version, and I enjoy its adjustment capability. The Full Flex back expansion panels make the jacket easy to put on or take off. There are also adjustment points at the hips and forearms that allow me to loosen or tighten the jacket as needed.

In addition to the large storage pocket on the back, there are two handwarmer pockets with the zippers tucked from view, an internal chest pocket, and a pocket inside the insulated liner. The Turbulent also comes with an 8-inch zipper for attachment to pants, reflective piping in the front and rear, and a reflective Joe Rocket logo on the shoulder.

I’ve found this jacket to be a great everyday jacket that suits a wide range of needs. The water-resistant outer shell prevents light rain from getting through, the adjustment options allow for a custom fit, and the liner lets me adjust the jacket for temperature changes throughout my ride.

The women’s Turbulent comes in black, blue, gray, hi-viz, and pink in sizes XS-2XL starting at $169.99, while the men’s version comes in black, red, blue, gray, hi-viz, or orange in sizes S-3XL starting at $179.99. The men’s jacket also comes in black up to 5XL and M-3XL Tall.

See all of Rider‘s Apparel Reviews here.

The post Joe Rocket Turbulent Motorcycle Jacket Review | Gear appeared first on Rider Magazine.

These days, I’ve become so enthralled by all the great motorcycle roads around the world and on my bucket list that I forget about the ones close to home. For this ride, I retraced steps from my early riding days with a 140‑­mile Tennessee motorcycle loop around my hometown of Dover, which is located on the Cumberland River about 30 miles west of Clarksville and, as the crow flies, a little over 60 miles northwest of Nashville.

Scan QR code above or click here to view the route on REVER

I was joined by my husband, Jake, on his Can‑­Am Ryker Rally, and I was aboard a Honda Rebel 1100T DCT test bike.

Related:

• 2023 Can-Am Ryker Rally Review | Road Test
• 2023 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT and Returning Models | First Look Review

We started out at the Dyers Creek boat ramp, just across the river from downtown Dover. Then we rode across U.S. Route 79 and onto Bumpus Mills Road. This road has some of the best curves of the loop – the perfect way to get our blood pumping at the beginning of the ride.

When we got to the end of the road at the junction with State Route 120, we turned north and stopped at the family‑­owned Bumpus Meals Diner. We had hoped to pop in for a bite of their handmade desserts and a cup of coffee, but the diner was closed that day as the family and staff were enjoying the Thanksgiving weekend.

Oh well, onwards we went. The next stretch of the ride took us into Kentucky on State Route 139. It can be tempting to pick up the speed on this road, but we knew we couldn’t get too carried away. Much of this land is farmed by Amish communities, and you never know when you’ll run up behind a horse‑­drawn buggy just over the next hill.

An optional spur is to take a right on State Route 164 and visit the Oak Ridge Country Store. We love their homemade cheeses, deli sandwiches, and local canned and pickled foods. There are other stops along the road where you can purchase smoked meats, honey, fresh produce, and other goods.

We continued our Tennessee motorcycle loop north until we came to U.S. Route 68, where we turned west for 15 miles and rode over the Cumberland River and into Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. We turned south at the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, also known as The Trace (not to be confused with the Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs between Nashville and Natchez, Mississippi).

The Trace is a beautiful road that runs right through the center of LBL. Along the way are the Golden Pond Visitors Center and Planetarium, picnic areas, a bison range, campgrounds, the Turkey Bay OHV Area, and the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum.

We continued through LBL and back toward Dover. At the end of The Trace, we turned west on U.S. Route 79 and popped in at Brien Dill’s Piggly Wiggly. I worked at this grocery store throughout high school and college and still enjoy stopping by to visit with past coworkers and the owner, Brien, who rides a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and loves chatting about motorcycles.

Down the highway about 6 miles, we turned south onto State Route 232, also known as the “Baby Dragon.” Unlike the famous 11‑­mile road in East Tennessee with a similar name, the Baby Dragon doesn’t have tight, technical curves, but it has plenty of long sweepers with good visibility. By the time we got to the end of the Baby Dragon, we were getting hungry, so we stopped at Southernaire Motel & Restaurant for a meatloaf plate with turnip greens and black‑­eyed peas.

After a tasty lunch, we continued east through the towns of Stewart, Tennessee Ridge, and Erin until we got to Cumberland City, where candy‑­striped steam stacks from the TVA power plant stretch up into the sky. We rode down to the ferry, paid 75 cents (tickets are $1 for out‑­of‑­state motorcycles), and hopped over the river.

The last leg of this route goes through Indian Mound, the part of Stewart County where I grew up. Maybe I’m biased, but this is my favorite portion of this favorite ride. The roads through the Mound rise up over ridges and snake down along creeks and past fields of cattle. The last road is Old Highway 79, the curviest road of the loop.

At the end of Old Highway 79, you’ll find yourself back on U.S. Route 79 and just a stone’s throw away from the boat ramp where we began this route. Revisiting these roads and stops that have always been a part of my life gave me a renewed appreciation for my community and town. Sure, there are places in the world with more dramatic views and more exciting roads, but at the end of the day, these are the roads I’ll always come back to.

Tennessee Motorcycle Loop Resources

• Tennessee Tourism
• Land Between the Lakes Natl. Rec. Area

The post Small Town Tennessee Motorcycle Loop | Favorite Ride appeared first on Rider Magazine.

When I’m traveling and tell other riders that I’m from Tennessee, they tell me they’re jealous. They talk about how lucky I am to live in a state with so many fantastic riding roads through the Great Smokies. However, before last summer, I had to shamefully admit I’d never ridden in East Tennessee.

I got the opportunity to change that in June when I needed some photos for my CFMOTO 450SS review. I’d get to spend a couple days away from the desk, experience Appalachian riding, put some miles on the test bike, and get paid for it! Talk about a win‑­win‑­win‑­win.

As with most trips, this one didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

I ran into my first hiccup just past Nashville. When I stopped to pull up directions for the next leg of my journey, my phone’s map wouldn’t load. I also wasn’t able to call or text. I didn’t know where I needed to go other than in a general southeast direction.

Unable to rely on my phone for navigation, I stopped at gas stations along the way to ask locals for directions. Most were happy to help, and some were so happy that they took half an hour to tell me their own motorcycling stories. I enjoyed these interactions, but it was getting late, and I was still a long way from 129 Cabins in Robbinsville, North Carolina, where I’d be staying.

When night fell, I was on the highway that would take me directly to the cabin, and I started to relax. Then I saw a sign that read “Motorcycles: High crash area next 11 miles.” Before I knew it, I was on the Tail of the Dragon.

Those 11 miles with their 318 curves were the longest I’ve ever ridden. It was pitch dark with no other cars, bikes, or signs of human presence. The LED lights on the 450SS are great, but they shine in front of the bike while the road snaked away from where the headlight was pointed. I was also afraid of deer popping out from the woods since they’re a big cause of accidents in my area.

A stretch of road that many riders travel across the world to experience was a nuisance to me. I felt some guilt about that, but all I wanted was to get to my cabin in one piece. And eventually, I did.

After a delightful photoshoot with Killboy the next day, it was time to head home. My phone started working again after a simple restart, but the return trip took just as long as getting there. I dodged storms for hours, ducking into gas stations to keep the laptop in my backpack dry when rain poured down. When the skies cleared, the temperatures rose from 65 degrees to 98 with 100% humidity. Sitting on the interstate in stand‑­still traffic with no airflow in that kind of heat was draining.

Related: Killboy | Ep. 53 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

I finally made it home, and after a cold shower, I felt better. When my husband got home from work, I told him all about the storms and the heat and the traffic, filling his poor ears with complaints. Then I remembered riding along the Ocoee River. The rain had stopped for a while, and the temperature was just right. Mountains were rising on either side of me, and the river rushed by as kayakers navigated the rough whitewater. I remembered all the wonderful roads I’d sampled during the photoshoot, how much fun I had with the photographers, and how welcoming and peaceful the cabin was. And I knew I’d make this journey again, although with a little more preparation next time.

Riding is living times 10. There’s always something to complain about, but the beauty to be found is worth it.

The post The Ups and Downs of My First East Tennessee Motorcycle Ride appeared first on Rider Magazine.

The Triumph Bobber is the kind of bike that stops you in your tracks when you see it. It has the personalized look of a custom bike with the coherence and harmony of a factory model. Not long after picking up our test bike, I found out the Bobber will help you make new friends wherever you ride it. 

When I see a bike that looks as cool as the Bobber, I think, Nice, but how does it ride? I wonder if the builder, or in this case the manufacturer, sacrificed attention to ride quality, comfort, or performance for the sake of appearance. Fortunately, Triumph took measures to ensure that function was not the sacrificial lamb of form. 

Bare Necessities 

The “bobber” style emerged in America in the 1940s. Motorcyclists stripped their rides down, threw out everything that wasn’t essential, and tuned motors for a more exciting zero-to-full-power experience. These bikes were the simple bare necessities of motorcycling, and they appealed to riders who wanted a pure motorcycling experience without anything bogging them down. 

Triumph’s attempt at a bobber-styled factory bike also involved cutting down and tuning up. Although it’s not a lightweight motorcycle – claimed wet weight is 553 lbs – the stripped-down look comes in the form of well-hidden cables, a solo tractor seat, and of course, bobbed fenders. Adding to the look of an old-school bobber are the battery box wrapped in a stainless-steel strap and the twin throttle bodies that look like carburetors.  

The Triumph Bobber is powered by the liquid-cooled 1,200cc parallel-Twin with 4 valves per cylinder – the same engine found in Triumph’s popular Bonneville T120 model. However, the Bobber version of the engine gets a special tune and taller gearing. Adding to the experience is a set of slash-cut exhausts that direct sound to the rider for a powerful and pleasant rumble. 

When the Bobber was introduced in 2017, we were there for the press launch in Spain. Although our overall impression was positive, we noted some shortcomings. The small fuel tank had a limited range, and the single-disc front brake was mediocre. The Bobber Black remedied one issue by adding dual-disc front brakes, along with an up-spec 47mm KYB fork, a fat front wheel, and other extras. In 2021, the Bobber got an update that moved those Bobber Black components to the base model, as well as adding a larger fuel tank, LED lighting, cruise control, and new instrumentation. 

Take Me Higher 

My first day on the test bike would take me through the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia and North Carolina. The Bobber is easy to pick out in a parking lot, not because it’s super bright or super big (it isn’t either) but because it sits with a poise of cool confidence, ready to be admired. The solo tractor seat is a focal point of the Bobber, appearing to float above the hardtail-looking rear. Add in the blacked-out components, brushed steel slash-cut dual exhaust, chunky front tire, bar-end mirrors, and fork boots, and it’s hard to look away. 

Gear Up 

• Helmet: Arai Regent-X 
• Jacket: Fly Racing Women’s Butane 
• Gloves: Fly Racing Brawler 
• Pants: Alpinestars Daisy V2 Women’s Riding Denim 
• Boots: Highway 21 Axle Leather Waterproof 

The ergonomics of the Bobber provide a long and low riding position. The seat is adjustable fore and aft, which also changes the seat height from 27.6 inches in the forward position to 27.2 inches in the rear position. The seat is deceptively comfortable, appearing too thin to offer much support while actually providing plenty. The handlebar is a bit of a stretch for my arms, even with the seat positioned as far forward as it’ll go, but I became accustomed to the reach after a few miles, and it didn’t result in any discomfort or achiness after long hours. 

Upon turning the key and starting the Bobber, the bike comes to life with a satisfying rumble befitting the Triumph name. The engine got an upgrade in 2021 with lower emissions and a lift in power at 5,500 rpm. In the Bobber tune, this engine is claimed to make 76.9 hp at 6,100 rpm and 78.2 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. There’s always grunt on tap in any gear. 

Upon picking the Bobber up in Atlanta, I had to wade through traffic for what felt like forever before I could get out of the city and see what it’s capable of. While my impatience grew as the pleasing rumble reached my ears and low-end torque pulled hard off the stoplight, the crazy Atlanta traffic gave me the chance to test out the brakes. As cars darted around like pinballs, I was relieved to find abundant stopping power at the ready. Dual 300mm discs up front with Brembo 2-piston calipers, paired with a 255mm rear disc and a Nissin single-piston caliper, were up to the task and shed speed quickly. 

When I finally got out of the city, I headed for higher ground. The Bobber’s tall gearing and smooth delivery allowed for both relaxing and sporty riding – a great combo for someone who likes to do both. I could cruise down the two-lane country roads with my hair in the wind, or I could twist around curves through the mountains with plenty of gusto. The Bobber is easy to maneuver and handles tight turns with grace – the downside being that the pegs often meet the pavement when ridden aggressively. 

Where the original Bonneville Bobber had a fuel capacity of 2.4 gallons, resulting in a frustrating number of gas stops required, the current Bobber bumps capacity up to 3.2 gallons. During my time with the bike, my average fuel consumption was 61.1 mpg, netting nearly 200 miles from full to empty. 

The Bobber’s handling was an absolute pleasure – as long as the roads were smooth. When I got to a bumpy road, I discovered the first and perhaps only change I would make if I owned a Bonneville Bobber: the suspension. The monoshock with linkage at the rear didn’t soak up bumps well enough for me, and I found myself lifting up on the pegs when I saw inconsistencies in the road ahead to save my spine. My only other complaint about riding the Bobber is that speeds past 75 mph produce a strong gust of wind at my upper body and helmet, but I’ll take the excuse to stay off the highways rather than dilute the muscular attitude of the Bobber with an unsightly windshield. 

K.I.S.S. 

While the soul of the bobber style is stripping down to the basics, the Triumph Bonneville Bobber comes with some electronics that are simple and easy enough to use that they don’t take away from that pure motorcycling experience but rather enhance it. Two ride modes (Road and Rain) can be selected with a toggle on the right switchgear to change the throttle map. The Bobber also has cruise control, operated with a single button on the left switch. Switchable traction control and ABS are both standard. 

The dash is graced by a beautiful round analog speedometer with an inset LCD screen that shows fuel level, gear indicator, and ride mode. A round button on the left switch is used to cycle through extra information, including two tripmeters, odometer, rpm, average fuel consumption, fuel range to empty, and a clock. 

The 2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber comes in four color options with a starting MSRP of $13,795. Our test bike was in the Matte Storm Grey / Matt Ironstone color with an MSRP of $14,295. For 2023 only, Triumph is also offering a Bobber Chrome Edition with chrome treatment on the gas tank.  

Keeping true to the history of bobber-styled bikes, Triumph also offers a list of accessories for customization, including an ape-hanger handlebar, a diamond-stitched comfort seat, a forward-controls mounting kit, footboards, saddlebags, heated grips, a Fox rear suspension unit, and more. 

I tested the Triumph Bonneville Bobber over the span of a few weeks, and it continued to grow on me during that time. When the sunlight hit the Bobber upon opening my garage door before a ride, I knew I had a fun time ahead of me. I had people sticking a thumbs-up out of car windows as I rode by and plenty of compliments about the bike at gas stops. Whenever someone asked me if it rode as good as it looked, I was pleased to be able to say, “Yes, absolutely.” 

Check out more motorcycles in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide.

2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber 

• Base Price: $13,795  
• Website: TriumphMotorcycles.com  
• Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles  
• Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin, SOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.  
• Displacement: 1,200cc  
• Bore x Stroke: 97.6 x 80mm  
• Horsepower: 76.9 @ 6,100 rpm (factory claim)  
• Torque: 78.2 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (factory claim) 
• Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated assist wet clutch 
• Final Drive: Chain  
• Wheelbase: 59.1 in.  
• Rake/Trail: 24.5 deg./3.6 in.  
• Seat Height: 27.2-27.6 in.  
• Wet Weight: 553 lb   
• Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gal.  
• Fuel Consumption: 61.1 mpg 

The post 2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Review | First Ride appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Motorcycles offer many advantages over other methods of transportation. However, one drawback is a lack of storage space. Whether packing for a weekend trip or picking up a few groceries on your way home from work, having a versatile motorcycle luggage system can be a game-changer, and that’s what the Nelson-Rigg Commuter luggage series provides.

See all of Rider‘s luggage reviews here.

The Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tail Bag is a useful piece of gear that allows for quick attachment and removal. It’s made with UltraMax fabric with UV protection and a molded EVA carbon-like panel that helps the bag to hold its shape. It also comes with a waterproof rain cover, internal straps with hook-and-loop fastening, and a mesh pocket under the lid.

Perhaps the most convenient aspect of this particular bit of motorcycle luggage is how easy it is to attach and remove from a bike. The bag comes with four straps and four attachment points. It can be secured on the bike in two ways, either by removing the passenger seat and looping the straps under the seat before replacing it or by fixing the straps to solid points on the bike. The bag also comes with a shoulder strap that can be looped through a D-ring to convert the bag into a backpack.

The Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tail Bag comes in three sizes: Lite (11.7 liters, 15.3 liters expanded, $119.95), Sport (16.4 liters, 22.3 liters expanded, $129.95), and Touring (24.8 liters, 33.0 liters expanded, $159.95).

The Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tank Bag is constructed of the same materials as the Commuter Tail Bag, and it includes a waterproof rain cover and a clear map/phone pocket.

Like the Tail Bag, the Tank Bag attaches to most motorcycles, either by straps or magnets. The magnet system is easiest to use, since all that’s required is untucking the magnets from the nonslip bottom and sticking them to a metal tank. To use the strap system, loop one strap around the neck of the bike and attach the two ends to buckles on the bag, then loop a second strap through a solid point under the seat and attach the ends to the other two buckles.

The Commuter Tank Bag comes in two sizes: Lite (5.8 liters, 8.4 liters expanded, $119.95) and Sport (10 liters, 14.5 liters expanded, $139.95).

I appreciate the versatility and ease of attachment and removal that the Nelson-Rigg Commuter motorcycle luggage provides. I use the Sport sizes of both bags for weekend trips and daily commutes and find they provide plenty of space for my storage needs. They have proven to be durable, hold their shape well, and can be used on almost any motorcycle. The only downside I’ve encountered is that they would be easy for someone to snatch off my bike since the attachment points are visible and simple to undo, so I park where my bike is visible during lunch stops and remove the bags when I’m done riding for the day.

The post Nelson-Rigg Commuter Motorcycle Luggage: Tail Bag and Tank Bag | Gear Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

When a new rider asks for advice on a good first bike, they quickly find out that opinions vary wildly. Some will suggest a bike in the 250-300cc range, but that might not be ideal for riders who frequently travel at highway speeds. Others will suggest larger-displacement bikes that the new rider won’t outgrow, but those might be too intimidating and squash what little confidence the new rider had to begin with.

The 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator seeks to be the Goldilocks in this story, slotting above the smaller-displacement beginner bikes to be the bowl of porridge that is just right: It’s an approachable machine that will grow with a new rider while providing enough punch to entertain an intermediate rider.

The Eliminator also seeks to attract new riders with a sport-cruiser style. The new 451cc parallel-Twin derived from the Ninja 400 likes to rev high and provides pizzazz, and the new chassis and ergonomics fall somewhere between a cruiser and a standard, making for a controllable yet comfortable riding experience. Add to that a light curb weight of only 386 lb for the base model, and you get a motorcycle that’s both easy and exciting to ride.

Related: Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS | First Ride Review

While the 2024 Eliminator is an all-new model for Kawasaki, the name is a familiar one. It first appeared in 1985 with the ZL900 Eliminator, a cruiser stuffed with the ZX900 Ninja’s liquid-cooled inline-Four. The Eliminator name carried on to other models up into the mid-2000s. Now, the Eliminator has returned and brings some of the sport-influenced lineage with it.

The Eliminator makes some nods to its namesakes in the styling department. The round headlight harkens back to earlier days, although now all lighting is LED. The tailsection is also reminiscent of older models, as are the headlight cowl and fork boots available on the SE version of the Eliminator.

These styling hints are incorporated into a contemporary look, so nobody will think you’re riding around on your dad or mom’s old bike recently unburied from the back of the garage. With a mostly blacked-out frame and other components, a slim fuel tank, and a tidy taillight and turnsignals, this is a modern-looking machine.

Kawasaki did a good job of making the Eliminator feel like a “real” cruiser – although the same can’t be said for its sound. The parallel-Twin uses a 180-degree crankshaft instead of the more popular and rumbly 270, so it doesn’t have a deep exhaust note befitting a cruiser. Some are more interested in how a bike performs, but there’s something to be said – particularly for cruisers – for sound and style. Deep down, we love a bike with character, and whereas Kawasaki has paid attention to the character of the Eliminator’s style, the company has missed the mark on giving us those nice rumbling exhaust notes we expect from a cruiser.

GEAR UP

• Helmet: SMK Gullwing Modular
• Jacket: Highway 21 Women’s Pearl
• Gloves: Highway 21 Women’s Black Ivy
• Pants: Alpinestars Daisy V2 Women’s Riding Denim
• Boots: Highway 21 Axle Waterproof Shoes

The good thing is that once you start riding, you remember that exhaust notes are superficial, and the real spirit of a motorcycle lies in its performance. What the engine lacks in sound, it makes up for in the riding experience. The liquid-cooled 451cc parallel-Twin with DOHC is derived from the Ninja 400’s 399cc platform, and its extra displacement comes from lengthening the stroke by 6.8mm, from 51.8mm to 58.6. That longer stroke adds torque befitting a cruiser, and that extra grunt is obvious while riding. This is a bike that is happy to lope through town and sit comfortably in a cruiser rev range with nice low-end pull. That is, until you decide to twist that throttle for a little more pep.

Upon that twist, you’ll discover that this engine has so many revs to give. Redline shows at 11,000 rpm on the tachometer, and the power keeps building until that limit. Where you’d expect a cruiser like this to need shifting much earlier, this engine is eager to rev. Although Kawasaki doesn’t slot the Eliminator into the “sport-cruiser” category, the engine’s attitude certainly does. It pulls down low for a satisfying power surge, and then it continues building power all the way to its rev limit.

Engine performance is only a small part of the equation for a fun and comfortable beginner to intermediate bike. We need ergonomics to match. The riding position of the Eliminator is sportier than most cruisers. The mid-mount footpegs give a sense of control that is often lacking on more forward-mounted cruiser pegs. The 28.9-inch seat height is also a little taller than many cruisers. At five-foot-one, I am not able to flat-foot on the Eliminator, but I feel stable enough that I would be comfortable on this bike as a new rider. Accessory seats that raise or lower the height by 1 inch are available. The stock seat is nice and plush with a slightly scooped-out design.

The Eliminator’s brakes are uninspiring but get the job done. Up front is a single 310mm disc with a twin-piston caliper, and in the back is a single 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper. The ABS version of the Eliminator adds $300 onto the base price and 2 lb to the wet weight. The 41mm telescopic fork has 4.7 inches of travel, and the twin shocks have 3.1 inches of travel, and there is no adjustability. The suspension felt well balanced and absorbed all but the most egregious road bumps.

The round instrumentation screen also harkens back to Eliminators of yore. The LCD screen has a tachometer up top, speedometer, gear indicator, clock, fuel level, and the option to switch between odometer, two tripmeters, fuel range, and current and average fuel consumption.

The Eliminator pairs with Kawasaki’s Rideology app. Once connected, the display will show message and call information. More interesting are the options available on the app itself, which includes vehicle information and general display settings (such as preferred units and clock format).

Most interesting is Rideology’s ability to log your rides. I used the app to track our test ride in and around Oceanside, California, and it showed a map of the route and information such as date and time, location, mileage, total trip time, and average speed. I found this feature quite fun, and I enjoyed the ability to look back at my route after the ride had ended. The app stops tracking the ride if the bike is keyed off, but as long as the rider remembers to resume the route on the app after gas or lunch stops, that isn’t an issue.

Other useful technologies on the Eliminator are the slip/assist clutch and the positive neutral finder. The slip/assist clutch results in a very light clutch pull and easy shifting, which was helpful for reducing fatigue during our several photo stops throughout the test ride day. The positive neutral finder is a feature that is quite helpful for newer riders. When stopped or traveling below 6 mph, a lift of a toe from first gear will automatically access the neutral position and prevent upshifting to 2nd gear.

Related: 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR | First Ride Review

The Eliminator’s closest competitor is the Honda Rebel 500, which has a starting price of $6,449 for model year 2023. Both bikes have a sporty cruiser style, and a glance at the spec charts shows similar numbers. The Honda Rebel has 20cc more displacement than the Eliminator, but they make roughly the same torque (about 32 lb-ft). Kawasaki has not released horsepower figures for the Eliminator, but we expect those numbers to be similar as well. The Eliminator is lighter than the Rebel by 26 lb for the ABS versions, and the Eliminator has a longer wheelbase by about an inch. There are other small differences, but they stack up closely.

The Eliminator comes in three versions. The base model has an MSRP of $6,649. For an extra $300, you can upgrade to the ABS version. Both the base model and ABS version are available in Pearl Robotic White and Pearl Storm Gray. Tack on another $300, and for $7,249, you’ll get the SE version, which includes ABS, a headlight cowl, a USB-C outlet, fork boots, and a two-pattern seat. It’s also the only version available in the eye-catching Candy Steel Furnace Orange/Ebony colorway.

As someone who loves to see new riders finding their place in the world of motorcycling, I’m glad Kawasaki has recognized a hole in its lineup and made the effort to fill it, providing a cruiser option that’s more approachable and significantly lighter than the 650cc Vulcan S. With its light weight, low seat height, comfortable riding position, and a Ninja-derived engine, the Eliminator is a motorcycle that is as welcoming as it is fun.

Check out more new bikes in Rider‘s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide

2024 Kawasaki Eliminator Specifications

• Base Price: $6,649
• Price as Tested: $6,949 (w/ ABS)
• Website: Kawasaki.com
• Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles
• Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
• Displacement: 451cc
• Bore x Stroke: 70.0 x 58.6mm
• Torque: 31.7 lb-ft (factory claim)
• Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
• Final Drive: Chain
• Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
• Rake/Trail: 30 degrees/4.8 in.
• Seat Height: 28.9 in.
• Wet Weight: 386 lb (388 lb w/ ABS)
• Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gal.

See all of Rider‘s Kawasaki coverage here.

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When I’m riding, no one has to tell me that the journey is the destination, because I’m usually not thinking about where I’ll end up. I’m thinking about how much fun I’m having in the moment. However, motorcycles are also a way to get from Point A to Point B. Eventually, the joy of the journey ends, and I have to park and dismount. After that, I must use my feet to get to where I’m going. I start walking, and before I know it, the motorcycle boots that were so comfy minutes before suddenly remind me that the boots were made for riding, not walking, and that’s just what they do. That’s not the case with Highway 21’s Axle Waterproof Motorcycle Shoes.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

Whether I’m riding or walking, zipping or skipping, the Axles feel like they belong. They also look like they belong, with an appearance that resembles high-top sneakers. The black leather upper provides a discreet look, while the suede cuff and trim around the metal eyelets add character.

While riding, the Axle shoes feel comfortable and protective. They are not as bulky as some riding boots, making it easier to feel where my foot is and get my toe under the shifter. The composite shank helps isolate vibrations, although my feet and legs get a little tingly after long hours in the saddle. I’ll take some vibration to be able to feel where my foot is, but others might prefer more damping.

Part of the walkable comfort of the Axle shoes is due to their flexibility and light weight. They are easy to move around in, and the mesh inner liner adds comfort. However, that flexibility comes at the price of some protection. The shoes do have dual-density ankle protectors and reinforced toe and heel boxes for support and impact protection.

Highway 21 also offers a version of the Axle shoes with a textile upper, which have an appearance that appeals to me more than the leather upper. However, the leather version has a great advantage: Hydraguard waterproofing. If there is one bit of riding gear I want to be waterproof, it’s my footwear. Squishing around on soggy feet can turn a good day into an unpleasant one. While riding in the rain wearing the Axle shoes, my feet stay completely dry, and the leather keeps my feet warmer than the textile version, making these shoes preferable for cool weather riding.

Highway 21 Axle Leather Waterproof Motorcycle Shoes are a great option for commuters or riders who spend a lot of time walking in their riding footwear. They are available in men’s and women’s sizes for $139.95, and the textile version without waterproofing is available for $109.95.

The post Highway 21 Axle Waterproof Motorcycle Shoes | Gear Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Earlier this year, we tested the 2023 CFMOTO 300SS, a small and capable sportbike that is the company’s bestseller worldwide. Next up the ladder is the CFMOTO 450SS, which joined the 10-model lineup this year.  

The CFMOTO 450SS rings in at $5,499, which is $1,000 more than the 300SS. For the extra grand, the 450 delivers 158cc more displacement and one more cylinder than the smaller bike’s 292cc Single. It also features a Brembo front brake caliper, adjustable levers, a more informative and brighter TFT display, and other upgrades. Color options for 2023 are Nebula Black with blue accents or Zircon Black with red accents. 

Level Up 

In the small sportbike segment, CFMOTO is the only manufacturer offering a 450, and the 450SS’s liquid-cooled 449cc parallel-Twin makes a claimed 50 hp at 9,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,600 rpm. Its closest competitors are the KTM RC 390 (44 hp, 373cc Single, $5,899), Kawasaki Ninja 400 (45 hp, 399cc parallel-Twin, $5,299), and QJ Motor SRK400RR (44 hp, 400cc parallel-Twin, $5,099). The CFMOTO, KTM, and QJ Motor all come standard with ABS, but it’s a $400 upgrade on the Kawasaki. 

GEAR UP

• Helmet: Fly Racing Revolt Rush
• Jacket: ScorpionEXO Women’s Cargo Air
• Gloves: Alpinestars Stella Copper
• Pants: Alpinestars Daisy V2 Women’s Riding Denim
• Boots: Highway 21 Axle Leather Waterproof Shoes

The 450SS’s engine has Bosch fuel injection, dual overhead cams with 4 valves per cylinder, and a 270-degree crankshaft, which gives it a rumbling sound and feel. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slip/assist clutch. The bike’s wet weight is 370 lb, only 6 lb heavier than the 300SS, and it has a 3.7-gal. fuel capacity, a 31-inch seat height, and a 53.5-inch wheelbase. 

Related: 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T | Road Test Review 

Suspension comes in the form of a 37mm inverted fork and a multi-link rear shock with preload that can be adjusted using the small toolkit under the seat. Stopping power comes from a radially mounted Brembo M40 4-piston front caliper biting a 320mm disc and a single-piston floating caliper and 270mm disc in the rear. 

First Date 

Upon pulling up at my local CFMOTO dealer and parking the 300SS beside the 450SS, I noticed that the 450SS has a similar overall appearance to the 300SS but with features that make it look sportier and a bit sexier. From the streamlined windshield and larger exhaust to the sliders on the bodywork and race-inspired winglets, the 450SS looks like it means business. Upon turning the key, the LED headlight performs a sort of welcome dance in which light flows from top to bottom and flashes to catch the eye of passersby. 

Firing up the 450SS produces a nice growl from the 449cc parallel-Twin. The seating position is comfortable for me, and I could ride the 450SS for longer periods of time than I could the 300SS before I needed to hop off and stretch out. At 5-foot-1, I had plenty of leg room and seat room. The reach to the clip-ons was a bit long but not uncomfortable. 

Rolling on the throttle, the 450SS delivers immediate power. Initial throttle response is a little jumpy, but that smooths out in higher gears. Once it gets going, the bike has enough power and grunt on tap for me to do everything I want to do whenever I want to do it. To see how the 450SS stood up against longer hours in the saddle and more aggressive corners, I spent three days putting about 700 miles on the bike in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. 

Wanting to make progress on my way to Robbinsville, North Carolina, from my home in Middle Tennessee, I ripped the 450SS up the interstate for about 130 miles, and the bike was happy to play along. (See sidebar below about 129 Cabins, a motorcycle-friendly inn where I stayed on this trip.) Whenever I needed to push past slower-moving traffic or change speeds, it was eager to comply. 

When I got off the interstate and started winding my way through the mountains, the 450SS felt right at home. One upgrade over the 300SS that I appreciated was the front brake. Where the 300SS’s front brake felt weak and needed some encouragement to apply the right amount of pinch, the 450SS’s Brembo M40 front brake was responsive and shed speed quickly. It was a welcome upgrade when I hit the twisty roads through the mountains, including my first foray on the Tail of the Dragon. 

The suspension provided confidence as I dipped and climbed. I adjusted the front brake and clutch levers with the dial adjustments on both, and I was glad to be able to shorten my reach and put the levers in easy grabbing distance. As a rider with smaller hands, needing to stretch my wrist to reach the front brake lever affects my grip on the throttle, and having a shorter reach allowed me to experience the 450 without such hinderances. 

On my return trip to Middle Tennessee, I rode on wet roads and dodged storms for several hours. Although I didn’t push the bike too hard in the rain, the CST Adreno HS AS5 tires never misbehaved. They held onto the pavement and provided adequate grip in the turns. When the roads were dry, the tires felt even better. Some riders who are more willing to push the 450SS to its limits might desire a higher-performing tire, but I found the stock tires were plenty for my needs. 

From the Cockpit 

The 5-inch TFT display is also an upgrade over the TFT on the 300SS. I found the display on the 300SS a little hard to see in direct sunlight, but the display on the 450SS is always bright and visible. It also provides more information than the display on the 300SS. You’ll find speed, a tachometer, a clock, gear position, and fuel level, as expected. With up and down arrows on the left switch, you can also toggle between a variety of information, including an odometer, two tripmeters, range, average speed, fuel consumption, and average mph per trip. 

The 450SS will also connect to a phone via Bluetooth, and from the CFMOTO app, the rider can pull up navigation and music on the display. The navigation worked the same as on the 300SS, which means there are still some kinks that need to be worked out. For example, when choosing a route on the app, I’m given two options. If I choose the longer option that avoids interstates and highways, the navigation will hold that route for a mile or two before trying to direct me to the faster route. I also still don’t like that the distance to the next turn is given in inches after coming within 0.1 mile of the turn, which was an annoyance with the 300SS as well. However, these are minor nuisances for which I expect CFMOTO will find a solution before long. 

The 300SS comes with two ride modes. In contrast, the 450SS has no ride modes, but it does have two display modes. Concision mode provides more information and easier access to all the options, and Classics mode is simplified and puts revs and speed front and center. 

One More Round 

For a moto trip to and through the Appalachian Mountains, the CFMOTO 450SS proved a trustworthy steed that allowed me to work on my cornering skills with a confidence-inspiring ride. I enjoyed the 300SS as well, but if I were deciding between the two, I’d opt for the higher-powered and more refined 450SS for $1,000 extra. The parallel-Twin is impressively responsive, the Brembo front brake provides much better braking, and the dimensions are more comfortable for longer stints in the saddle. I’d be happy to keep this one in the garage and on the road for a while longer. 

2023 CFMOTO 450SS Specifications 

• Base Price: $5,499  
• Website: CFMOTOUSA.com  
• Warranty: 2 yr., unltd. miles  
• Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. 
• Displacement: 449cc  
• Bore x Stroke: 72.0 x 55.2mm  
• Horsepower: 50 hp @ 9,500 rpm (factory claim)  
• Torque: 28.8 lb-ft @ 7,600 rpm (factory claim)  
• Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch   
• Final Drive: Chain  
• Wheelbase: 53.5 in. 
• Seat Height: 31 in. 
• Wet Weight: 370 lb  
• Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal.  
• Fuel Consumption: 63 mpg 
• Estimated Range: 233 miles  

SIDEBAR: 129 Cabins 

My trip to Robbinsville, North Carolina, for this test ride not only provided me with excellent roads in the Appalachian Mountains but also a chance to get away and enjoy the beauty of the area. Not wanting to stay at an uninspiring chain hotel, I found a room at 129 Cabins that had exactly what I was looking for: proximity to great riding roads, solitude, and scenery. 

Located off of U.S. Route 129 about 25 miles southeast of the Tail of the Dragon, 129 Cabins offers six private rooms on a wooded hillside, each with a private motorcycle garage. I stayed in a room with a king bed, but other layouts have two full-size beds or a king and bunk beds. Each room includes a large TV, wi-fi, air conditioning, a bathroom and shower, a microwave, a minifridge, and a breakfast area with a table and coffee pot. Outside each room is a covered porch with rocking chairs and a supply of firewood for the firepits located around the cabins. There is also a lodge available for rent for larger groups. 

My room was clean and comfortable, as well as more spacious than I expected. The firepit provided a welcoming spot to relax in the evenings, and the porch was perfect for listening to the rain while I sipped my morning cup of coffee. 

I’d recommend 129 Cabins to anyone looking for an Appalachian motorcycle getaway. Pricing starts at $89, and more information can be found at the 129 Cabins website or by calling 865-771-0957. 

The post 2023 CFMOTO 450SS | First Ride Review  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

RPHA stands for Revolutionary Performance Helmet Advanced, and the RPHA series is HJC’s top-shelf models. The most recent addition to the line is the RPHA 91 modular motorcycle helmet with a Premium Integrated Matrix EVO shell made from a blend of materials that includes carbon-aramid, carbon fiber, glass fiber, organic nonwoven fabric, and linen fiber, all of which contribute to enhanced shock resistance and light weight. A size Medium weighs 3.8 lb.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

The RPHA 91 includes several thoughtful features, such as large, paddle-like air vents. They aren’t as hidden as the vents on other helmets; however, since operating the vents requires simply sliding or rocking a large paddle, they’re much easier to use than the smaller mechanisms found on many helmets.

Reaching up and sliding the vent on the top of the head or rocking the chin intake is effortless even with gloved hands, and there’s no searching and feeling to find them. The temple vents are operated with a slide and are much smaller, but I almost always leave them open.

Another nice feature on the RPHA 91 is the drop-down sunshield. Plenty of modular helmets have sunshields, but some of them don’t come down far enough. The RPHA 91 solves that problem with an adjustable sunshield. Removing the plate on the left side of the helmet reveals a three-setting switch. The switch allows you to set how far down the sunshield drops, and if it’s set to the lowest level, the sunshield also slides away from the face so you don’t have to worry about it bonking your nose on the way down. Dropping the sunshield to the middle position suited me the best.

HJC also made the flip-up chinbar more convenient on the RPHA 91. Although the chinbar doesn’t flip completely around to the back of the helmet like on the HJC i100 (see the HJC i100 review here), it can still be worn in the flipped-up position while riding, although doing so inevitably sacrifices some safety as it leaves your face vulnerable. HJC accomplished this with two design elements. The first is that, with the chinbar flipped up, there is minimal space between the chinbar and the top of the helmet, meaning wind won’t get in between and pull the helmet up. The chinbar also locks in the opened position so it won’t move or drop down during a ride. The lock mechanism is a little tricky to work with gloved hands but not impossible. I wouldn’t try to lock or unlock the chinbar while actively riding, but it’s easy enough to do if I have a few seconds at a stop light.

See all of Rider‘s HJC’s product listings or gear reviews here.

Other useful features include a neck roll that helps reduce wind noise, speaker pockets and channels to run wires for a comms system, and a Pinlock-ready faceshield (a Pinlock anti-fog insert is included). The RPHA 91 comes in XS-2XL in Black, White, Matte Black, Grey, Semi Flat Titanium, Semi Flat Anthracite, Semi Flat Metallic Blue, and three graphic colors starting at $549.99.

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