Triumph has introduced the new Speed Triple 1200 RS with major upgrades over the prior model. More horsepower and torque, the latest Öhlins semi-active suspension and other chassis changes, including lighter wheels.
Husqvarna, and sister company KTM, have about as much experience building single-cylinder engines as anyone in the industry. Of course, their off-road bikes are single-cylinders, as are their street legal Enduros.
KTM continues to introduce new, interesting models utilizing the redesigned 399 cc single. The latest is the 390 Enduro R. Weighing a claimed 350 pounds wet (with an empty fuel tank), this is a street-legal enduro that should be quite capable off-road.
MD has always loved Bridgestone S22 tires. Designed for sporty riding on the street and the occasional track day, the S22 stood atop many motorcycle hypersport tire shootouts, even four years after its introduction.
When KTM developed its 799 cc parallel twin and introduced it to the US market in the form of the 790 Duke, MD was there to test it. Like virtually every other journalist, MD was very excited by the performance, handling and character of this new middleweight twin naked bike.