Motorcyclist

Motorcyclist Highlights from the May/June 2017 Issue

Framed: A Motorcycle Photo Diary

August 12, 2017

The best shots of the issue Framed and highlighted for you. A racing inspired showcase including flat track, Incas Motorcycle Rally and Phillip Island. Big powerful photos that capture the spirit and inspire you to ride, race or set out on your next motorcycle adventure. Save them for your desktop or mobile phone.

Flat Track Racing: Kawasaki Ninja 650

While much of American Flat Track’s limelight is trained on the renewed factory rivalry between Harley-Davidson and Indian, 12 of the 18 machines that lined up for the opening AFT Twins main event in Daytona were powered by Kawasaki’s parallel-twin Ninja 650—the privateer engine of choice. Among them was Henry Wiles’ unique machine (No. 17), which mimicked the single-cylinder motocrossers that are no longer campaigned in the premier class and which required a different riding style than the more traditional Harley V-twin of Jake Johnson (No. 5). Wiles finished third.Brian J. Nelson

Airborne KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Peru is well suited for serious off-road riding, having hosted the Incas Rally (organized by Acerbis in the 1980s and '90s) and the Dakar Rally in 2012. Recent years had been relatively quiet on that front, but Dakar organizers recently announced a Lima start for the 2018 edition. In the meantime, KTM chose the South American country to launch the 1290 Super Adventure R. Our own Ari Henning was impressed with how well the 160-hp, 500-pound, $18K ADV bike handled the coastal desert's rugged terrain.KTM

2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R Burnout!

It's a long haul to Australia's Phillip Island, but with MotoGP and World Superbike racers routinely naming it among their favorite tracks, Executive Editor Zack Courts was keen to experience mind-meltingly fast sections like Stoner Corner and Lukey Heights aboard the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Afterward, he pronounced the island "one of the most epic and visceral racetracks" he has ever ridden. He admitted the traction control is a bit simplistic compared to that offered by some of the competition but appreciated that it puts significant adjustability in the rider's hands—a trait that proved handy when it came time to dispose of some surplus rubber at the test's conclusion.Suzuki

World's Best Motorcycle Roads: Hard Knott Pass, Lake District, England

Snaking its way through the verdant hills of Lake District National Park between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley, Hardknott Pass is a favorite of motorcyclists, sports-car drivers, and cyclists in and around Cumbria, England. Hardknott owes its exciting course to the Romans, who first paved this route in AD 110. Looking west from the summit at just over 1,200 feet, the Isle of Man is visible on clear days. Sections of the road have a 33-percent grade, making Hardknott one of the two steepest roads in England. As the summer months are the busiest, early morning or late evening are the best times to ride this challenging strip of tarmac.James Green

Gold Wing vs Vulcan: A Trailer Adventure

Touring motorcycles towing dirt bikes across the Southwest.

Flat Track Racing: Kawasaki Ninja 650

Airborne KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R Burnout!

World's Best Motorcycle Roads: Hard Knott Pass, Lake District, England

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