A mainstay in the supermoto world, the 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM is based on the long-running DR-Z400S dual sport motorcycle.
To make it supermoto ready, Suzuki gives the DR-Z400SM 17-inch street wheels and tires, plus an inverted fork. Just a few pounds heavier that its dual sport counterpart, the DR-Z400SM is a fun street machine.
The price is kept down by sticking with a carbureted motor and steel-frame chassis that is over a decade old. While not for racing, the 2018 DR-Z400SM is gigantically fun in the tightest twisties, as well as being a highly capable commuter bike—all you have to do is resist the temptation to turn into an unrepentant hooligan.
Wheelies and curb hopping are a constant enticement on the 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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