Successful Start to 2022 Cross Country Season for Brother Leader Tread KTM   

Brother Leader Tread KTM’s Bradley Cox has opened the season with victory. In what was an unforgettable start to the 2022 National Cross-Country Championship, the rider stormed to both the Overall and OR1 Class win at Legends MX on Saturday, 26 February.  

As the reigning champion, it’s no secret that Cox lined-up for the event with a target on his back. Undaunted by the pressure, he set off with a blistering pace to win the time trial. He commented, “I definitely felt the pressure coming into the race. I know that I have a big target on my back being the defending champion. I also feel the pressure to live up to last year’s performance and be a good role model to the younger guys coming through the ranks. I didn’t let it get to me though, and felt relieved to kick the event off by winning the time trial.”While he set off for the main race with a slower pace than he’d hoped, it wasn’t long before the rider found his groove and took the lead. “Once I managed to take the lead I didn’t look back. This was my first race on the KTM 450 XC-F and I couldn’t have asked for a better debut on the big bike. It was a tight, rocky track but with the 450 being so versatile, if you know how to ride it then you can make anything work.” 

In the highly competitive OR2 Class, Brother Leader Tread KTM unleashed the flying Zambian,Scott Heygate. It was an impressive debut performance for the rising star who managed to finish second in his class and fourth overall – his best national finish in South Africa to date. Heygate took the OR2 lead in the early stages of the race and inched his way to the front of the pack overall. After a costly mistake on the second lap, however, the rider found himself struggling to get his motorcycle out of a mud hole. He explained, “It took me a while to get out of that situation and I lost a lot of valuable time. Nevertheless, I put my head down and pushed from that point forward until I reached the finish line. I still managed to end the race with my best ever result in South Africa.”

Joining him in the OR2 Class was Red Bull KTM’s Kerim Fitz-Gerald. With years of experience to fall back on, the former South African Motocross champion started the day with his fastest time trial finish yet. Early into the main race, however, a fall on the rocky section of the track left him struggling to get back to the pits without a clutch. “The day started off really well, but on the second lap I unfortunately had a fall and broke my clutch lever right off. I had around 24km’s to finish without it, which made things really difficult - especially going up some of the climbs. The team managed to fix that for me in the pits and also gave me some solid advice about giving the rest of the race my best shot. I went back out there with the right attitude and knew that whatever the result, I would open myself up to learning as much as I could from this race,” said Fitz-Gerald. 

His determination and sense of grit was rewarded with a hard-earned third place finish in his class behind his teammate. 

A cherry on top of what was a highly successful day of racing for the orange team was a victory from new recruit Matthew Wilson. The team added the young gun to their cross-country roster in the OR3 Class this season. After a solid time trail, the 17 year old capitalised on his position to push his way to the front of the pack. Despite facing some challenges on the rocky section of the track, the rider pulled off a debut OR3 Class victory and third place overall for the Brother Leader Tread KTM team onboard his KTM 250 XC-F.

“The track was actually more demanding than I thought it would be – it had a little bit of everything. I’m really happy to have gotten the experience and pulled off the win on my debut race for the team!” said Wilson. 

The end of the 2022 Dakar Rally in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in which Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team riders Adrien van Beveren and Andrew Short finished in fourth and eighth place respectively, brings to a close Yamaha's long and storied association with the 450cc motorcycle class at both the Dakar Rally and the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

Yamaha is the only brand that has featured in every Dakar Rally since its inception, with Frenchman Cyril Neveu taking victory aboard a Yamaha XT500 on the very first edition in 1979 and following that up with a second win a year later. Dakar Legend Stéphane Peterhansel scored a record six victories for Yamaha in the 1990s with Italian Edi Orioli adding to Yamaha's success in Africa with victory in the 1997 edition.

In more recent years the unique WR450F 2-Trac enjoyed a successful start in the 400cc Super Production category, finishing best in class at the 2004 and 2005 races with David Frétigné. He rode the bike to third overall at the first South American edition in 2009, with Hélder Rodrigues also finishing on the podium in 2011 and 2012, before Olivier Pain took third in 2014. For 2015, Yamaha brought a brand new WR450F Rally, with the Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team coming close to podium finishes on several occasions, with Adrien van Beveren missing out on winning the 2018 edition just a few kilometres from the finish.

With 44 Dakar Rallies behind it, Yamaha will no longer race at the event with the WR450F Rally but will continue to have a presence in the SSV category supporting racers with its Yamaha YXZ1000R prototype project, which was raced in the 2021 and 2022 Dakar Rally editions, finishing 2nd and 6th as part of the ongoing development program. On two wheels the focus will shift to meeting evolving customer requirements in the off-road sector, considering the future introduction of the new Ténéré World Raid.

Yamaha would like to thank everyone involved in organising the Dakar Rally, the team’s crew, the riders and the sponsors who worked with the manufacturer over the last four decades and brought so much success and many emotions.

Eric de Seynes: President, Chief Executive Officer, Yamaha Motor Europe

"Yamaha has a long and storied history with the Dakar Rally, starting in 1979 at the first ever edition and running unbroken into the modern era. It's also an event that I personally have a real passion for, having twice contested the event and for many years worked closely with Jean-Claude Olivier, who not only raced and won stages at the Dakar but also oversaw Yamaha's most successful pioneer period in the rally. However, while the Dakar Rally has mainly succeeded in remaining close to its roots, even when it moved out of its spiritual home of Africa, the world in which it exists has changed considerably. Our off-road customers now have different expectations and they look for different products, and we must cater for these if we are to stay connected. It is for this reason we have decided to end our long history on two wheels at the Dakar Rally and in the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, while simultaneously strengthening our commitment to racing the Dakar on four wheels with the Yamaha YXZ1000R SSV. However Yamaha's commitment to Rally Raid events with motocycles is not over, but our future engagement must have a closer connection to our customers and their aspirations, developing further the Ténéré 700 potential towards a direction which will enable them to rediscover the more adventurous side of Rallies."

The KTM 890 DUKE GP shows off its namesake with a unique GP-inspired livery, adding to the KTM 890 DUKE’s ultra-sharp street fighter image.

The KTM 890 DUKE GP presents a compact and well-balanced performance motorcycle made for riders who relish fast country roads. It strikes the ideal balance between high performance and agility, with real-world riding demands and usability. 

Making use of the astonishing LC8c parallel twin, the KTM 890 DUKE GP churns out a respectable 115 hp and 92 Nm. And with the LC8c being the most compact engine in this segment, maintaining the bragging rights of being the chosen platform for producing the most agile motorcycle in its class. 

The same can be said about the overall design. The KTM 890 DUKE GP is aggressive in its stance, bristling with typical KTM design highlights and purposeful, compact proportions. Thanks in part to lightweight craftsmanship and advanced engineering, the KTM 890 DUKE GP is also one of the lightest motorcycles in its segment, with special attention given to the overall riding experience. 

Agile and precise handling comes courtesy of geometry developed specifically for sporty street riding, the KTM 890 DUKE GP is all about handling. High quality WP APEX suspension at each end ensure a perfect connection with the road and promote ultimate ride confidence. 

It took a mere 1 minute and 55 seconds for all 154 ultra-exclusive BRABUS 1300 R motorcycles to sell out via KTM’s digital pre-order platform – approximately a BRABUS 1300 R sold every second - making a true statement about exclusivity, hand-built luxury, and individual sovereignty.

The BRABUS 1300 R represents a full-powered partnership between two European superpowers, namely KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH and BRABUS, to create a unique first entry for BRABUS into the world of motorcycling. 

Based on the new KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R EVO, the BRABUS 1300 R is a worthy addition to the BRABUS portfolio of bespoke, high-performance machinery, boasting incredible power from its astonishing 1,301 cc V-Twin engine. All this combined with high levels of sophistication thanks to WP semi-active suspension technology and rider-enhancing electronics. 

More astonishingly, however, is the truly unmatched sell-out time. No doubt, the quick-fire and rapid pre-orders meant a few buyers were left wanting. Thankfully, KTM has created an online waiting list, which will allow interested buyers the chance to get their hands on a BRABUS 1300 R should any previous reservation be cancelled.

Forty years ago the original XT600 Ténéré made real adventure a possibility for everyone. Developed from Yamaha’s Dakar race bikes, the first Ténéré literally opened up a new world for any rider with the desire to get away from the ordinary, escape from their comfort zone and see new faraway places.

Since the 1980s many thousands of riders have chosen the Ténéré as their long distance travel companion. During this time Yamaha’s original adventure bike has continuously evolved, and more recently the introduction of the Ténéré 700 has inspired a new generation of riders to chase the Next Horizon.In a very short period of time the Ténéré 700 has earned the respect of riders all over the globe who appreciate its high torque CP2 engine, versatile chassis and unrivalled durability and reliability. It is a worthy successor to the original bike that changed motorcycling forever, and in just a few years it has become the model of choice for a diverse group of riders who value the accessibility and freedom that it offers. It’s also shown its incredible versatility in the hands of legendary names such as multiple round the world rider Nick Sanders through to extreme enduro legend Pol Tarrés.

Following the huge success of the Ténéré 700 and the Ténéré 700 Rally Edition, Yamaha are now ready to launch the ultimate long distance Yamaha adventure bike that is designed to offer a whole new world of possibilities to everyone who has the spirit of adventure within their soul.

New Ténéré 700 World Raid: Fuel your life with a New Horizon

The Ténéré 700 was just the beginning. Now Yamaha is about to open up a new dimension in adventure riding with the latest Ténéré 700 World Raid – a premium long distance motorcycle that offers excellent on/off road ability combined with outstanding versatility and an enjoyable riding character.This third member of the Ténéré 700 family brings so much to the world of motorcycling by giving all kinds of riders the chance to live out their dreams. The world has changed dramatically in the last few years, and this motorcycle gives everyone the chance to rediscover the freedoms that were taken for granted.

Equipped to go further than any previous Ténéré, and featuring the most advanced specification that includes state-of-the-art suspension for added confidence and comfort, improved ergonomics, rally-inspired styling and multi-mode instruments with incoming call and text message notifications, the Ténéré 700 World Raid is a motorcycle that can make the world seem a much smaller place.  Twenty-three-litre capacity dual side-mounted fuel tanks

The Ténéré 700 World Raid is Yamaha’s most extreme long distance adventure bike with the ability to go further than ever before. Adventure riders are fearless characters who are always looking for the next challenge, but the one thing that’s always at the back of every long distance rider’s mind is the availability of fuel in a remote environment.

The new 23-litre dual side-mounted fuel tanks are designed to bring peace of mind on the longest trip and eliminate the range anxiety that every rider has experienced when the reserve light starts to flash. In typical usage conditions these new tanks are estimated to be able to give a range of up to 500 km, giving a higher level of autonomy that makes the Ténéré 700 World Raid a master of the wilderness.The unique twin side-mounted design offers a number of significant advantages compared to simply making the tank higher and wider in order to increase its capacity. By having two separate tanks that are positioned lower,and locating the fuel pump in a lower position in one of the tanks, the bike’s centre of gravity can be kept almost the same as with the existing Ténéré 700 that has a 16-litre tank – helping to maintain agile handling despite the increased weight of a larger fuel load.

The vehicle mass is further centralised, with an ideal weight distribution between front and rear.An important feature of this new layout is that the highest point on the new twin side-mounted tanks is lower than the top of the tank on the Ténéré 700, reducing the height difference between the tank and seat to give a much flatter profile for increased rider mobility and easier front/rear weight shifting when riding off road.

Another benefit of this dual tank design is that the movement of the fuel is limited, compared to a one big tank layout and this gives benefit especially while cornering. And finally, the Ténéré 700 World Raid’s dual side-mounted fuel tanks are not only a reminder of the bike’s desert rally heritage, but are also clear evidence of the DNA this new adventure model shares with some of Yamaha’s most successful factory race bikes.

Flat seat for improved rider agility

As well as the reduced height of the new dual tank design, the Ténéré 700 World Raid also benefits from a new 890 mm high seat that gives a much flatter profile for a smoother transition between the seat and tank. This design enables the rider to move backwards and forwards with minimal effort when shifting their body weight to maintain control on rough terrain, and the new ergonomics are suited to both sit down and stand up riding positions.

The seat’s two-piece design allows for the easy removal of the rear section to enable the fitment of accessories such as a rack or luggage. The seat is made from two different kinds of leather, with a high grip zone in the centre and a smoother zone that enables freedom of movement while riding.

Five-inch colour TFT meter with mobile connectivity

The new 5” colour TFT meter is linked with the bike’s Communication Control unit (CCU) which talks to the MyRide app, giving connectivity in the form of text message and incoming call notifications that are displayed on the instrument panel – and mobile battery status is displayed as soon as a connection is established.

This connectivity and the ability to identify any technical issues that need rectifying provide added peace of mind and reassurance to adventure riders, especially when they are taking part in long distance trips in unfamiliar territory.

Access to the relevant information is crucial on every long distance expedition, and Ténéré 700 World Raid riders can choose from three different themes on the new 5” colour TFT meter.

The ‘Explorer’ screen layout features a modern digital design that provides all of the machine’s key running data in a contemporary and easy to read style. The ‘Street’ screen features a tachometer with a circular dial and needle that give a more conventional look from the analogue era, and the ‘Raid’ screen is inspired by a typical rally racing roadbook and features two independent countdown tripmeters that enable the rider to see the distance to the next waypoint.

Located to the right of the dashboard area there is a USB type A socket that can power navigation systems or charge mobile devices.Three-mode on/off road ABS

For optimal controllability in varying riding conditions the new Ténéré 700 World Raid is equipped with three-mode ABS that can be selected when the bike is stationary, via a specific menu available in the meter, operated by the right handle switch. Mode 1 is fully on, with both wheels benefitting from ABS as required legally while riding on public roads. Mode 2 and 3 have been introduced for non-public roads riding. In detail, Mode 2 (new function developed for Ténéré 700 World Raid) is front wheel on, rear wheel off, and this is the recommended mode for terrain such as gravel tracks, where low levels of grip are likely to be experienced. Mode 3 is fully off, suitable for experienced riders who want to enjoy pure off road riding.

The instrument panel shows when Mode 2 and Mode 3 are active, and the rider can return immediately to Mode 1 at any time when moving or standing still by pressing a button on the left side of the instrument panel.

High specification 43 mm KYB front forks, 230 mm travel

For refined off road handling performance the suspension system on the Ténéré 700 World Raid features a number of significant upgrades. Newly designed 43 mm KYB front forks give 230 mm of wheel travel – 20 mm more than the Ténéré 700 – offering increased shock absorption potential on rough terrain. The new forks are equipped with a spring preload adjuster, in addition to the rebound and compression damping adjusters and air bleeding screw already featured on the Ténéré 700, enabling the rider to set the suspension to suit different terrain and loads.

For increased durability with reduced internal friction, the longer travel 43 mm front forks feature a resilient Kashima coating applied on outer tube, with a distinctive dark bronze colour, while lightweight fork internal components are used in order to minimise weight, despite the longer stroke.   Öhlins steering damper

For better controllability – particularly in off road riding situations – an Öhlins steering damper is fitted as standard equipment. Mounting position is close to the top triple clamp, allowing the rider to quickly adjust the unit to his preferred levels of feel and feedback on a variety of terrain, thanks to 18 different damping settings.

Full spec aluminium piggyback rear shock, 220 mm wheel travel

The rear suspension has also been upgraded to match the new front forks, and features a revised linkage design with a piggyback type shock absorber with longer stroke. The rear suspension’s damping characteristics, spring rate and linkage ratios have all been optimised in order to give a comfortable ride on the road together with the ability to take some hard hits during off road exploration.

For consistent damping performance the new shock features an aluminium body for good heat dissipation, while the separate piggyback type oil reservoir prevents cavitation – and like the forks, the new shock gives 20 mm more wheel travel, and is fully adjustable for spring preload, as well as compression and rebound damping.

A new rubber bumper has been introduced as well to increase performance on energy absorption in case of bottoming.

High-torque EU5 CP2 engine

Yamaha’s iconic 689 cc liquid-cooled in-line two-cylinder engine is the driving force behind the new Ténéré 700 World Raid. Featuring a 270° crankshaft that gives it a characteristic uneven firing sequence, this ‘crossplane concept’ CP2 engine is renowned for its strong linear torque output as well as its ultra-responsive and easily-controllable performance that makes it so enjoyable and rewarding to ride at all speeds.

Compact dimensions and low weight make the CP2 unit ideal for the demands and requirements of adventure riding – and with a linear torque delivery providing plenty of low to mid-range pulling power, this rugged, reliable and economical engine is particularly suited to the varied on and off road terrain typically encountered by adventure riders. Already proven with the best-selling Ténéré 700, this engine is one of Yamaha’s most legendary powerplants, with more than 221,000 CP2-engined units sold since introduction.

Ténéré 700 air cleaner box

The Ténéré 700 family has a new air cleaner box, specifically designed to handle the extreme off road terrain that this long distance adventure bike is built for. The Ténéré airbox has been equipped with a forward-facing intake duct that is designed to prevent ingress of dust and debris thrown up by the rear wheel.

Higher windscreen, easy-to-remove side deflectors, LED flashers and front cowling

For additional wind protection on long distance adventures the bike is fitted with a 15 mm taller screen with easy-to-remove side deflectors, and LED flashers are original equipment.

The front panels surrounding the radiator and the interior panel around cockpit area are manufactured from tough fibre glass composite material. These are designed to be able to handle rugged off road riding.

Larger footrests

Yamaha’s designers have developed the Ténéré 700 World Raid to the highest specification without compromise.

New larger footrests underline this close attention to detail. The larger surface area gives greater grip for the rider’s boots, and also reduces pressure on the soles when riding on extreme terrain. A larger surface area also prevents mud and sand build up, and the removable rubber inserts improve the boot/peg stability in wet conditions.

By removing the rubbers inserts, the footpegs become rally-race oriented components, in terms of look and performance.

New three-piece aluminium engine guard

For increased protection when riding off road, the bike is fitted with a new three-piece aluminium engine guard that helps to prevent accidental damage caused by rocks, stones and any other debris. Thanks to new suspensions with longer stroke, ground clearance is 250 mm.

New radiator grille

To ensure that the radiator maintains its high levels of cooling efficiency during off road riding, a new radiator grille is fitted. Featuring vertical louvres like Yamaha’s off road competition models, this new grille is designed to protect the radiator from debris thrown up by the front wheel.

Ténéré 700 World Raid Key Features

23 litre capacity dual side-mounted fuel tanks

Flat Rally inspired two-piece seat

5” colour TFT meter with mobile notification connectivity

USB type A

3-mode switchable ABS

High specification 43 mm KYB front forks, 230 mm travel

Öhlins adjustable steering damper

Aluminium piggyback rear shock, 220 mm wheel travel

High windscreen, easy to remove side deflectors and LED flashers

Fully new cockpit area and new front cowling

New larger rider footrests with easy-to-remove rubber inserts

3-piece aluminium engine guard

New aluminium die-cast engine support

New radiator grille

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is pleased to announce the Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team, which will head its efforts in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship aboard the Attack Performance Yamaha R1s for the next two seasons. The team will field a two-rider effort led by the reigning MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne and new addition Cameron Petersen.

Fresh N Lean, America’s #1 Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meal delivery company, returns as the title sponsor and will continue to fuel the team for championship-proven performance on the track with quality nutrition that is easily prepared, organically sourced, and available in a variety of diets; all focused on optimizing human potential. Coming on board this season is another industry leading sponsor – Progressive Insurance, a leader in the commercial auto insurance industry and the #1 motorcycle insurer in the United States. Returning to the team’s powerhouse line-up of partners is Yamalube and Yamaha Financial Services.

Yamaha also extends its partnership with Attack Performance, one of the sport’s leading manufacturers of high-performance components and services for modern sportbikes. Since 2020, Attack has carried on the winning tradition of the Yamaha R1, enjoying two dominant seasons with 33 victories and two titles in the premier class. Attack Performance principal Richard Stanboli will also return as the team manager.

Gagne enters his third season with the team and aims to keep the #1 on the front of his Attack Performance Yamaha R1. Last year was a standout season for the Colorado rider who added several record-breaking accolades en route to claiming his first title in the premier class a weekend early. He notched an impressive 16-consecutive race wins, and then added one more victory to score the most wins in a season, putting him tied on the all-time win list with Nicky Hayden and making him the active leader in Superbike wins heading into the 2022 season. Gagne also has a pair of support class championships to his credit - the 2014 Daytona Sportbike Championship and the 2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Championship.

Petersen joins the team in 2022 and also has a championship-proven history in the support class category, taking the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 crown in 2020. The South African had a solid return to the premier class in 2021, scoring his debut Superbike victory at the season finale in Barber and ended the year third in the points standings with a total of five podium appearances. He looks to build on his progress in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship as he returns to the Yamaha brand.

In addition to the 10-round MotoAmerica Superbike season, the team will race the Daytona 200 aboard the Attack Performance Yamaha R6 as the series makes its debut at the legendary Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on March 10-12.

The team would like to also thank its technical partners for their continued support of the championship-winning program: Akrapovic, Braking, TrackDaz, Capit, HHR-Carbonin, Suter, OZ, DID, NGK-NTK, and Zero Gravity.

KTM is pleased to announce an exciting new collaboration with world-renowned luxury mobility brand, BRABUS. As a first step into this exceptional venture, the launch of the all-new BRABUS 1300 R represents performance and refinement of the highest level, as well as BRABUS’ expansion into the world of premium motorcycling.

Since 1977, the BRABUS name has been synonymous with luxury, handcrafted exclusivity, and performance. Known globally among enthusiasts for the creation of high-performance supercars and as automotive individualization experts for over four decades, BRABUS has since also established itself in the marine sector through its series of exclusive day boats. Now, the company is expanding once again - broadening its focus towards high-end motorcycling in collaboration with KTM. The BRABUS 1300 R 

The all-new BRABUS 1300 R boasts, exclusive, high-end elegance design, combined with brutal performance. It is the first ever BRABUS motorbike – an unmistakable Naked bike designed for enthusiasts with an eye for details. Developed to merge both BRABUS’ and KTM’s deeply rooted identities and design styles, the BRABUS 1300 R represents the best of both brands. Key ingredients of the BRABUS ‘Black and Bold’ design language including two signature paint schemes, forged BRABUS Monoblock Z wheels, high-end carbon body elements and a stylish custom-made seat, treated with expert attention to detail by the BRABUS interior specialists. This all defining the bike’s exceedingly unique and sporty character and ensuring an instant 1-second wow factor. Making use of the astonishing V-twin engine, which pumps out 180 hp at 9500 rpm and 140 Nm at 8000 rpm: performance that you’d expect from the BRABUS brand. Designed to challenge the limits of forward thrust, it sets a new standard for exclusive high-performance desirability. 

To add an extra touch of exclusivity, the BRABUS 1300 R is offered in just two distinct colors – MAGMA RED and SIGNATURE BLACK. Only 77 of each color will go into production, with 77 signifying the year in which the BRABUS company was formed. From a technical standpoint, the BRABUS 1300 R makes use of the latest WP APEX semi-active suspension. This allows riders to select between 6 dedicated damping modes - COMFORT, STREET, SPORT, TRACK, ADVANCED - or an AUTO mode that automatically adapts to road and riding conditions. Notable features and bespoke parts include: 

● Sign of excellence with limited edition numbering 
● WP APEX semi-active suspension 
● WP PRO COMPONENTS (WP APEX PRO 7117) steering damper 
● 5 Ride modes (STREET - SPORT - RAIN - PERFORMANCE - TRACK) 
● Quick turn throttle twist grip 
● Various carbon fiber parts 
● BRABUS Lightweight Monoblock Z 9 spoke forged wheels 
● BRABUS Slip-on double-pipe exhaust 
● BRABUS custom made heated seat 
● BRABUS air ducts 
● BRABUS headlight mask 
● BRABUS CNC-machined triple clamps 
● BRABUS CNC-machined adjustable front brake and clutch lever 
● BRABUS CNC-machined adjustable footpegs 
● BRABUS CNC-machined reservoirs and oil tank caps 
● BRABUS carbon skid plate 
● BRABUS carbon pillion seat cover The BRABUS 1300 R is about so much more than just an extraordinary riding experience, it also makes an unapologetic statement about luxury, exclusivity, and sovereignty. 

The BRABUS 1300 R will be available exclusively through the ktm.com pre-order web page.

Winning a very impressive and highly commendable 26 National titles.

Due to their unrelenting commitment to these classes they most certainly deserve everything they've achieved, so well done to all concerned.

Surely other 'certain' importers need to take a stern look at these results and do something about it instead of 'hoping' that things will get better - just a thought?

The KTM 890 DUKE R slices into the new model year with the all-new Atlantic Blue base color lifted directly from its big brother, the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R.

Having been around since 2020, the KTM 890 DUKE R has proven itself to be the undisputed champion in the middleweight segment. Boasting an impressive 121 HP and 99 Nm of torque, it represents as a serious option for race-centric riders looking for agility, punch, and poise. The KTM 890 DUKE R is dubbed THE SUPER SCALPEL on account of its lightning-fast steering geometry. Thanks to the load-bearing design of its tubular steel chassis and adjustable WP APEX suspension, it remains a no-compromise middleweight naked bike, equally at home on twisty mountain passes as it is on the racetrack, delivering more power, more torque, and more intense asphalt-carving agility than any other parallel twin in the segment. 

While its forward momentum and agility are exemplary, the KTM 890 DUKE R also excels when slowing down. Front monoblock Brembo Stylema calipers grabbing meaty 320 mm discs on the front, along with an adjustable Brembo MCS master cylinder, mean that THE SUPER SCALPEL stops as quickly and precisely as it attacks apexes. A set of sticky Michelin Power Cup 2 tires provides reliable grip on all asphalt surfaces in all weather conditions. In terms of electronic wizardry, the KTM 890 DUKE R makes use of Cornering ABS and Cornering MTC (motorcycle traction control) with a 6D lean angle sensor that not only detects the side-to-side (roll) and forwards and backward (pitch) movements of the bike, but also the rotation of the bike on its vertical axis (yaw). This translates into comprehensive traction control management, accomplished by the use of a wheel slip control sensor and a pitch angle control sensor. A selection of ride modes—namely RAIN, STREET, SPORT, and optional TRACK mode—ensure full rider customization, nine levels of adjustable traction control slip, anti-wheelie on/off, and the additional throttle control setting. The biggest difference is obvious: the KTM 890 DUKE R now features a premium hue of matt paint. Called ‘Atlantic Blue’, the color is reminiscent of the palate used on the KTM RC16 GP racer and recently the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, adding to THE SUPER SCALPEL’s READY TO RACE demeanor. Typical of all KTM ‘R’ models, the signature orange frame continues to provide the perfect contrast of colors while strengthening the READY TO RACE presence. 

With its new look to match its performance and character, the KTM 890 DUKE R once again promises to be a track-ready machine you’ll want to ride every day. As always, a full range of specially created KTM PowerParts has been developed to personalize and further intensify your ride. A range of KTM PowerWear ensures the rider gets the most out of themself and boosts their READY TO RACE performance. 

The 2022 KTM 890 DUKE R will arrive on authorized KTM dealer floors from Febuary 2022 onwards. For more information, visit ktm.com. 

KTM’s 12eDRIVE and 16eDRIVE balance bikes provide the best and easiest way for kids to discover the first shoots of two-wheeled adrenaline and the 2022 models have been styled to carry that special ‘READY TO RACE’ vibe. Speed and excitement whizzes from a durable e-mobility product that has ripped thousands of miles of terrain around the world and now comes in the latest KTM aesthetic to match the look of the factory race bikes!

Kids spend their days hunting fun. Some of them also want to look cool and copy their early sporting heroes. This is where the buzz and the new 2022 style of KTM’s balance bikes hit the mark. The practicality and the versatility of electric power provides the perfect entry-level platform for the smallest of potential bikers. Juniors can revel in the simplicity of power-assisted pace and the raw instincts of motorcycling thanks to the KTM 12eDRIVE and 16eDRIVE electric balance bikes. Any future rider can grasp the basic feeling of bars, wheels, torque and balance. They can emulate their Red Bull KTM Factory Racing heroes before developing to shred a track with a bike like the KTM SX-E 5 – an innovative electric motocrosser that can ‘grow’ with a child. 

The KTM 12eDRIVE is the ideal starter for rapidly changing children. Featuring 12” wheels with pneumatic tires and a low 33 cm seat height, it allows riders to learn to push or coast with confidence before graduating to the 3-level powered mode. It weighs less than 8kg, boasts an aluminum frame and BMX style forks. The KTM 16eDRIVE is the clear choice for slightly taller riders or those with more ‘miles’ or a slightly larger 45-61 inseam measurement. The bike has a high-output motor that is slightly more powerful than its smaller brother. It is fitted with larger 16” wheels and provides an increased 43cm seat height. 

Both models offer quick charging and roughly 30 - 60 minutes of run-time for an exceptional amount of fun, along with hours of hand-eye coordination and outdoor exercise. Kids can also appreciate the freedom and empowerment of a throttle. Light, portable, robust, intuitive and ‘race-styled’, both the KTM 12eDRIVE and the KTM 16eDRIVE are essential appetizers ahead of the wide possibilities and competitiveness offered by the KTM SX-E 5. 
To complete the package, KTM’s 2022 PowerWear catalog has a mix of eye-catching apparel, from protective to stylistically appropriate! The STATUS helmet has been made especially for KTM and electric balance bike riders by eyewear and bicycle helmet specialists 100%. The STATUS is light with washable, moisture-wicking liners, cheek pads and an adjustable peak. The American company’s STRATA goggles allow great vision through an anti-fog and anti-scratch lens, two-layer fleece-foam and a band with a silicone strap for better helmet grip. The ‘rigors’ of offroad can be tackled with the GRAVITY-FX EDRIVE shirt that gives mini-racers the same type of material and fabric performance as their motocross idols.