Put your credit card back in the wallet. Don’t click on that “BUY” button. Hold that order a little longer. We’ve got a treat planned.

24^th of April 2023, sees the return of the popular KTM SMT.

Unique character. Addictive power. A Sport Tourer with a throttle-blast. KTM is proud to have taken the SMT, shaken the formula and added some READY TO RACE magic. These Adventure motorcycles and Naked bikes have had their own way for far too long. It’s time to turn over the tarmac once again with a classic.

It’s not fake news, the SMT is coming back, hell yeah!
Want to be one of the first to know more? Hit on the link here!

The Husqvarna Racing teams are looking to make waves in 2023 across the 3 disciplines of racing.

Barend Du Toit joins the team to compete in the volatile MX125 class onboard the brand-new TC125. Joining him on the Motocross front is Davin Cocker who will once again compete in the MX2 class and looks to add to his podium finish from 2022 before he sustained a season-ending injury. Last but certainly not least is Josh Mlimi who will take on the MX1 class onboard his FC450.The Cross Country team also sees Ryan Pelser joining the stables who will take part in the OR3 class, after finishing in the runner-up spot last year. Ryan looks to improve his position and compete for Championship Honours. Team veteran, Davin Cocker has moved up to the OR2 class to put him into a position to fight for overall wins as well as class glory.Travis Teasdale, a well-known name in racing, has joined the Husqvarna Enduro team onboard his TE300 and will take up the challenge in the E2 National Enduro and Extreme Enduro championship. Joining him on the Enduro scene is young gun Heinrich Aust. The likable youngster has returned from injury and is hungry to get back to his winning ways of the past and prove himself in the ever-competitive Enduro championship. 

Team manager, Grant Frerichs, was struggling to keep his smile back when commenting on the team for the year's challenge ahead. “We have made some vital changes in the team for this year and the excitement from the new athletes have added to the enthusiasm of the other riders. We are going racing with championship competitors across the board and I look forward to lots of success in 2023 with the Husqvarna racing squad.”

The KTM racing teams are set to continue their winning ways from 2022 with many familiar faces returning to the Ready To Race stables again in 2023! 

The Red Bull KTM team consists of 4 familiar faces and will field two number 1 machines in the form of Luke Grundy in the MX125 class and Cameron Durow in the MX2 class. Durow is the stand-alone MX1 rider and after his runner-up finish last year in the championship he is definitely the person to beat in both these classes. Joining Grundy in the MX125 class will be last year's MX 85 National Champion, Trey Cox who looks to wet his feet and prove his worth in the highly competitive 2-stroke 125cc class. Jonothan Mlimi rounds off the team in the MX2 class, returning to the class after his maiden outing last year. Mlimi is hungry to get back to his winning ways of the past and add to his, already impressive, championship tally on his 250 SX-F.

The Brother Leader Tread KTM Cross Country team remains unchanged in the rider line-up but will field Kerim Fitz-Gerald in the seniors class for the first time. Matthew Wilson will return to defend his 2022 Championship in the OR3 class while Scott Heygate fights for his first championship in the OR2 class. Bradley Cox heads up the OR1 class and looks to regain his number 1 plate again in 2023.The Brother Leader Tread KTM Enduro team has had an injection of new blood in the form of Dylan Jones in the E1 class. William Slater will return to the team, after a successful first outing for the team at the 2022 Roof of Africa. Although the youngest on the team, Matthew Stevens is the longest-standing member and steps up onto the 150 EXC this year to compete in the high school class. Grant Frerichs, the team manager, commented, “We are looking forward to another great year of racing with the team. We have competitive riders across all the racing facets and the vibe across the entire team is unrivaled. We kick off the season next weekend with the first round of Motocross and we are definitely ‘Ready to Race’!

The first-ever BRABUS 1-Second-Wow effect on two wheels is going dark with the world premiere of the next chapter in the collaboration between leading European motorcycle manufacturer KTM and world-renowned German luxury mobility brand BRABUS.

Following the luxury mobility brand’s initial entry into the world of exclusive modern motorcycling, this highly limited special edition is the follow-up to the exclusive BRABUS 1300 R released in 2022. A direct evolution of its predecessor, characterized by the best of both brands, new signature features and an entirely unique identity of its own. Production will be limited to 290 units, available in selected markets, opening the door to an elite range of BRABUS Night Riders. Bold. Luxurious. Badass. The BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23.The BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 is luxurious design, BRABUS typical attention to detail and ultra-limited exclusivity. Conceptualized to make a statement and merge pure, luxury infused energy with undaunted Naked bike precision. The new Edition 23 represents the very best of both brands in its aggressively elegant looks, functionality and power.

Returning and enhanced highlight ingredients of the BRABUS design DNA – including two legacy paint schemes, forged BRABUS Monoblock Z wheels, high-end carbon body elements and a stylish bespoke seat, treated with expert attention to detail by the BRABUS interior specialists in Bottrop, Germany – define the motorbike’s exceedingly unique and sporty character while ensuring an instant 1-Second-Wow factor.The platform of the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 remains the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO. As KTM’s evolution in performance-built motorbikes, this model offers the best in cutting-edge riding experiences, uncompromising ergonomics and the bike’s beating heart: an exceptional LC8 V-Twin engine producing 180 hp at 9,500 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm out of its 1,301 cc. The BRABUS dual-pipe slip-on exhaust underscores its unmistakable character as well as its massive sound.

The BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 maintains and expands its ‘Black and Bold’ identity with a collection of new features. A distinctive headlight mask, complete with exposed-carbon side fairing, power domes as well as BRABUS Signature Stripes in the air scoop accentuate the Edition 23’s unique face. Redesigned side panels and air-ducts serve as a further homage to decades of experience in processing prepreg carbon fibre.In keeping with the design’s sporty, aggressive flair, the ultra-lightweight carbon fibre one-piece undertray now features an all-new pillion seat cover. Adopting the design cues of the ignition cover and matching the body colour, this upgrade gives the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 a more compact and powerful silhouette. The seat has been reupholstered to feature the BRABUS “Crest” stitching pattern. Finally, all-new handlebar end mirrors were purpose-built to round off the motorbike’s one-of-a-kind appearance while allowing for precise adjustments.

Inspired by the design of the brand’s fleet of exclusive 1-Second-Wow supercars, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 is also equipped with BRABUS Monoblock Z forged wheels. State-of-the-art manufacturing processes and a brand-new finish in “Platinum Black” ensure a hallmark BRABUS look as well as maximum strength.To add an extra touch of unique individuality, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 is offered in two definitive colour schemes – “Superblack” and “Stealth Gray”. Production will be limited to 145 units for both variants, available in selected markets.

From a technical standpoint, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 utilizes the latest WP APEX semi-active suspension technology. This allows riders to select between six dedicated damping modes - COMFORT, STREET, SPORT, TRACK, ADVANCED – at leisure or in AUTO mode, which automatically adapts to road as well as riding conditions.

Highlight features and bespoke parts include:

// BRABUS Sign of excellence with limited-edition number
// BRABUS Monoblock Z lightweight 9-spoke “Platinum Black” forged wheels
// BRABUS slip-on double-pipe exhaust • BRABUS custom-made heated seat
// BRABUS start-up animation
// BRABUS colour scheme for the dashboard
// UNIQUE black frame
// BRABUS carbon fibre air ducts
// BRABUS carbon fibre headlight mask
// BRABUS carbon fibre belly pan
// BRABUS CNC-machined triple clamp
// BRABUS CNC-machined adjustable front brake and clutch lever
// BRABUS CNC-machined adjustable foot pegs
// BRABUS CNC-machined reservoirs and oil tank caps
// BRABUS pillion seat cover
// BRABUS handlebar end mirrors
// Carbon fibre undertray with short license plate holder
// LED turn indicators with integrated brake lights
// WP APEX semi-active suspension
// WP PRO COMPONENTS (WP APEX PRO 7117) steering damper
// 5 riding modes (STREET - SPORT - RAIN - PERFORMANCE - TRACK)
// Quick turn throttle twist grip
// Heated grips
// Lightweight Li-Ion battery
// Various carbon fibre parts

Beyond offering an extraordinary riding experience, the BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 makes an undeniable statement of luxury, exclusivity, and BRABUS heritage styling. The BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 will be available exclusively through the official KTM.com pre-order web page.

Click HERE for the pre-order page. Pre-orders will start on February 16th @ 15:00 CET.

Concrete test for the riders of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team in Malaysia: Luca Marini is first, while Marco Bezzecchi eighth, in the combined standings

Sepang (Malaysia), February 12th 2023 – A more than constructive first approach to the Ducati Desmosedici GP for the duo of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team: Luca Marini leaves behind the first official test of the 2023 season with the absolute best lap time (he was the fastest also in Valencia last November). Three demanding days and uncertain weather with Marco Bezzecchi in P8.In the slipstream of the strongest guys after the Day1 and very fast under the rain yesterday, Luca is the protagonist of a last and significant step forward today. At the end of the day, after dedicating himself to a positive sprint race simulation, he scores an excellent 1.57.889.
 
Leader after the first two days thanks to the lap signed on Friday (1'58.470), Marco closes in crescendo, satisfied with the progress made during the test and managing to improve his best up to 1.58.363.
 
For both, the next appointment, in three weeks, is in Portimao for the last MotoGP test before the first race, also in Portugal, on March 26th.LUCA MARINI

A good start and a fantastic test: we followed the program and we fully done it. We made some good steps forward in terms of engine brake, traction and front feeling. If I had to describe it, but not only for the lap time, the perfect test! I also kept a good pace in the sprint race, low 59, and I also attempted some overtaking simulations. We needed to better understand how to deal with this type of distance because it will be a demanding race. The standings amazed me, there are 20 riders in 1 second of gap. The level is very high, anyone can win, but the important thing is to stay there.

The KTM Group’s racing and production alliance with high quality lubricant firm, Motorex, will reach two decades of longevity in 2023. A renewed deal between Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer and the Swiss specialists will continue to see Motorex as the ‘first fill’ choice for the KTM Group’s brands as well as the principal option in various world championship race disciplines.

KTM and Motorex marked a strong momentum of progress, growth and outstanding success since the first formalisation between the companies for competition in 2003. Motorex, established in Langenthal, Switzerland over 105 years ago was able to bring their immaculate production standards and advanced oil solutions to the KTM serial production line as well a race paddocks around the world.KTM claimed the first of their 19 DAKAR rally victories in 2001 and then counted on Motorex’s contribution through a run of rally supremacy. The same lofty standards towards product development and first-class solutions have helped amassed over 330 FIM world titles to the KTM archive, running through Grand Prix wins and podium appearances in Enduro and MXGP (where KTM owned premier class crowns from 2010-2014, 2017, 2018 and 2021, and MX2 championships in 2004, 2008-2014, 2016-2020 and 2022), AMA Supercross and AMA Pro National Motocross and MotoGP™, Moto3™ and Moto2™.

Motorex’s has not only affected peerless achievement on track but has been a notable ingredient in the thrilling performance and character of KTM production motorcycles, especially during the expansion of the portfolio that saw the Austrian company post another record sales year in 2022 with over 375,000 units sold worldwide.

Hubert Trunkenpolz, Member of the Executive Board, KTM AG: “KTM and Motorex is a shining example of two partners with mutual goals for the best possible standards. We have a long and exciting story together, both in racing and with how we have been able to expand our production and reach. Motorex will continue to be our premium lubricant for every motorcycle that rolls out of our factory and will be present in a great many of our immensely successful race teams. We’ve come two decades together and we hope for more.”

Edi Fischer, CEO, and Ronald Kabella, Director of Powersports at MOTOREX AG:“Trust and reliability are essential qualities in any partnership. And numerous joint projects in the areas of first fill, series production, the global aftermarket and racing over the past 20 years have only served to strengthen them. Even after nearly 120 world championships involving countless hours of nervous anticipation, nail-biting and finger-crossing at the race track, our collaboration has lost none of its allure. Both partners are thoroughly convinced that the partnership between KTM and MOTOREX will deliver more interesting results in the future too. And we're proud to play our part in the continuing success story of the KTM GROUP going forward.”

At the recent Classic TT even, held at Red Star, Suzuki were happy to unveil their new 2023 V-Strom 1050DE. With a wealth of updates, including a 21-inch front wheel, and a bag full of new electronics, it'll certainly be a great addition to the big-capacity Adventure bike market.

Go to www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for more details.

The time has finally come: the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team unveils Its 2023 colours ahead of the upcoming FIM Superbike World Championship campaign, with a brand-new rookie duo composed of Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter, set to run the new livery for the first time at the Portimao test (31st January-1st February).

Gardner and Aegerter will make their WorldSBK debuts after having already enjoyed successful careers. Indeed, the Australian already boasts a Moto2 title in 2021, while the Swiss rider is a three-time champion, after winning the last two WorldSSP campaigns and being crowned FIM Enel MotoE World Cup Champion In 2022.

Both are eager to shine in their new journey as the new GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team duo look forward to a strong season, with their target to learn and make progress at each round to allow them to fight at the front.

The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team colour scheme has undergone minor but significant changes to its livery. Moreover, the team is delighted to welcome back several key partners, as well as introduce new ones for this season, who will be significant in the squad's successes.

Remy Gardner: GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

"Finally, I can see myself in blue! I'm excited about this new chapter, new paddock, and new bike; I'm thrilled. The team and Yamaha have been great, and we have enjoyed a good chemistry since the very first test. I can’t wait to start the season in Phillip Island. I am looking forward to starting a new project, and the championship looks very exciting. We'll keep working during the test days, trying to extract as much potential as possible to be ready for the first round of the season."Dominique Aegerter: GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

"I'm really looking forward to riding the new colours on track, I love the scheme, and I can't wait to show you on track the new livery. It's cool, and I hope you'll like it and we hope it will also be fast at every circuit, which is the most important thing. It's nice to be part of the Yamaha and GRT family, we already enjoyed good times in the first pre-season tests, and I believe we're working well together. We aim to improve consistently at each round, and I'm confident we can achieve this. l cannot wait for Phillip Island to begin a new, thrilling championship."Filippo Conti: Team Manager, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

"We're all excited about this new beginning. Having Remy and Dominique with us represents a thrilling challenge that everyone in the team is looking forward to. Both riders will be racing in WorldSBK for the first time, but we're still talking about two great riders, as well as World Champions. We'll try to help them to reach their maximum potential from the very first races, with the goal of progressing and improving at each round. I want to thank Yamaha for the support they give us every year; we're more than ready to begin a new season together. In the same way, I'd like to thank all the partners who will support us again and say welcome to the new ones who will be crucial to the team's results. Now we need to keep working during the test sessions to be ready for the first round of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship."

The wait is finally over, Honda Quest True Adventure officially returns in 2023.

The adventure race that represents a journey of true grit, heart and determination onboard the ultimate adventure motorcycle on the planet, the Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 is back!

New Format

2023 will mark the start of a new approach to Honda Quest True Adventure.  Quest will now be held every two years with Honda Quest 2023 taking place in October this year.

Road To Quest 

Over the past months Honda fans and customers alike have had the opportunity to test ride the Quest Spec’d CRF1100 at Honda Wing Dealerships across the country through “Road To Quest” activations. The aim of Road to Quest is to not only involve the Honda Motorcycle Dealer network in the build-up to Quest 2023 but to take Quest to the people by giving everyone the opportunity to test ride the Quest Spec’d CRF1100 in off-road conditions while learning more about Quest and all that it represents. With Road to Quest coming to an end over the next two months in Gauteng, it is almost time to put the wheels in motion for the main event in October. Do you have what it takes?

We are looking for true adventure riders who can adapt to the journey with good humour and grace. Are you a resourceful and dependable team member when an adventure becomes challenging? Do you have a love for the places further off the beaten track? Are you willing to try your hand at all the challenges the desert will throw at you – sand and riverbeds, rocky trails, muddy gravel, and nights under the stars? Then Honda Quest True Adventure is for you!

Honda Quest is not a race, nor is it a rally. Honda Quest is simply a chance to be able to compete together with a teammate in the most beautiful of South African locations, living for a brief condensed moment, the epitome of adventure aboard the ultimate adventure motorcycle, the Honda Africa Twin CRF1100.

What happens next?

The much-anticipated call to entry will officially open on April 1, 2023 and will remain open for two weeks. After the call to entry window is closed the Quest Management Team will select 200 lucky riders to compete in one of four regional qualifier events to be held in June and August 2023. During these regional qualifying events 30 semi-finalists will be selected to attend the Bootcamp weekend in September. The 30 riders will be subjected to riding challenges, personality, general knowledge, mechanical & geography evaluations and more. 14 lucky competitors will then be chosen to compete in Honda Quest 2023 onboard the specially spec’d CRF1100 Africa Twin models supplied by Honda Motor Southern Africa. 

The Prize

The winning team will be crowned champions of Honda Quest True Adventure 2023 and they will also win the bikes they competed on.

For more information, make sure to follow Honda Wing SA on Facebook and Instagram as well as the Honda SA website using the links below. 

https://www.facebook.com/HondaWingSA

https://www.instagram.com/hondawingsa

https://www.honda.co.za/motorcycles

The full KTM ADVENTURE family has all the performance and travel/adventure segment-leading features a rider will ever need. Sometimes, however, bikers just want the most effective way to get from ‘A to B’ and with a motorcycle that endlessly invites temptation to an alternative path. This is where the sheer usability and superb power and handling engineering of the 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE (spoked wheel edition) comes to the fore.

This compact and highly advanced package is one of the most versatile in the KTM range. The 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE is not only about the epic outings but also the ‘every day’. Want that serviceable and dependable machine for the commute but also something that can handle a light offroad blast? No problem. Desire a bike that can still put out the torque and motor performance for a longer weekend ride-out with buddies? Easy. Need a modern, developed, race-informed all-rounder to discover the delights of a trail for the first time and for A2 requirements? Look no further. 

For 2023 KTM have not only splashed the KTM 390 ADVENTURE with a sharp, fresh look but have also beefed-up the offroad credibility even more. The bike now has tough and light black anodized aluminum rims and spoked wheels (19” front and 17” rear) so even the hardest of bumps and stones will not bring a journey to a swift halt. The 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE warranted this upgrade considering the strengths of the rest of the motorcycle, and to emphasize that ‘adventure’ really can be part of the daily routine. Elsewhere the impressively compact 4-stroke 373 cc single cylinder engine uses twin overhead camshafts, four values, a balancer shaft and electronic FI for smooth and uninterrupted momentum to the beat of 44hp and 37Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. Two catalytic converters ensure the system breathes within Euro5 emission targets while the fuel tank (sized for a 14.5-liter fill) vapor design also boosts the eco-friendliness of this particular KTM ADVENTURE. 

The 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE may have smaller dimensions and specs compared to some of its big brothers but it does not lack features essential to adventuring. Ride-by-wire, Motorcycle Traction Control, Cornering ABS, OFFROAD mode (more rear wheel slip) and linked OFFROAD ABS (disengaged on the rear, reduced on the front) are feathered by the 46mm throttle body and the slipper clutch while being administered through the 5” color TFT and intuitive handlebar switch. 

Light weight and unbeatable agility is partly supplied by a chassis that takes its design cues from KTM’s work at the sharp end of rally competition. The KTM 390 ADVENTURE’s ’23 color also comes from this racing background. The steel trellis design and subframe construction achieves a satisfying blend of both feel, flex and long-term comfort; even the wind of the exhaust system is optimized for prime centralization. WP Suspension APEX hardware is adjustable for compression, rebound and preload and achieves that rare chemistry of tactile grip with the road and confidence-inspiring efficiency for the dirt. 

Add bodywork that has been angled to protect zones of the bike and thrust the rider into full-control stance, a two-tier seat (that can be easily removed to reveal storage space and even swapped out for other models in the KTM PowerParts collection), LED lights, a windshield with two positions and wide ‘all-day’ footpegs, Brembo BYBRE brakes (320 front and 230 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers on the front) and the 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE is complete. Live adventurously. 2023 KTM 390 ADVENTURE highlights 
// New tougher aluminum spoked wheels for robust extra offroad potential and all-round topline performance granted by the CONTINENTAL TKC70 tires 
// Brand new 2023 color and graphics scheme for fresh vibrant and sporty look 
// Dependable 373cc 4-stroke single engine pumping out 44 hp at 9000 rpm & 37 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. Euro5 ready for the best emissions count 
// Lightweight and reassuring steel trellis chassis with adjustable WP APEX 43 mm forks and shock 
// Bosch electronics helping to inform the latest generation of Motorcycle Traction Control and Cornering ABS systems 
// 172 kg fully fueled, 14.5-liter tank and 830 mm lowest seat height 
// Wide selection of KTM PowerParts including accessories, aftermarket components, aesthetic touches, riding gear and more