Yamaha’s exciting new FZ-09 triple is light, torquey, and easy to handle. Some say the suspension is too soft; we say that’s not true unless you’re on track. Judge for yourself!
Attached above is some on board footage from our test of Yamaha’s affordable FZ-09, which will surely put up a fight for some of the more expensive nakeds, such as the Triumph Street Triple, MV Agusta Brutale 675 and the Ducati 848 Streetfighter.
Here’s a snippet from our review: “I had read the hype and I was greatly looking forward to experiencing this motorcycle. Happily, it didn’t disappoint in any way; the FZ-09 is simply, and utterly brilliant. After thrashing the bike mercilessly, I realized why the 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 had made such a positive impression on me and touched my hooligan soul. It brought back the essence of why I ride — laugh out loud fun.”
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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