Yamaha’s Stunning R3 – It’s About Time
On the cover this issue are several motorcycles so start with the big one dead centre – the Yamaha YZF-R3. Yamaha finally enters the popular and growing small displacement arena with a bike to compete with the two top models in the category, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Honda CBR300R (which has just replaced the CBR250R). Like the KTM RC390 that also joined this fight for 2015, the R3 comes to the game with a larger motor than the other two machines. An edge is an edge. If you are going to come to this playing field your A-game is essential as the prices differences are minimal and all the machines are good. To succeed a bike needs something that stands out be it performance, styling or equipment. We ride the R3 on the track to see if it has the track and more importantly the street credentials to swing new and experienced riders over to this new option in a crowded field of good choices.
CBRs – Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Also on the cover are three of Honda’s CBR models which represent only slightly more than half the CBR family. Over the past several years Honda has been working hard, and often going out on a limb, to generate excitement among that elusive beast – the new rider. The new CBR300R is arguably the most significant model in this effort but just as importantly it is backed up by a corporate ladder of progressively larger bikes. Outgrow the 300? Try the CBR500R. Out grow that, try the CBR650F. Want something far more hard edged. Welcome to the CBR600RR or the CBR1000RR. How about the ultimate weapon in Honda’s sportbike lineup – the CBR1000RR-SP. We ride all of Honda’s CBR offering from small to large. Honda wants you to stay on a Honda for life. For those with a sporting intent this might just be a match made in heaven.
Touring – The Continental Divide
Beyond the motorcycle news, our travel feature in this issue is a long and winding road – and one mostly made from dirt – down the Continental Divide from Alberta to the Mexican border. Yes it can be done without too much pavement getting in the way – as long as all the roads are open, which unfortunately they aren’t always.
Speaking of riding in the mountains, it may be warm down here but you are still going to run into cold temperatures – and maybe even snow – in the higher elevations. We look at the best ways to stay warm when the temperature outside isn’t.
Going, going, gone!
Bonhams Auction can be a veritable motorcycle paradise if you are a collector of old and sometimes not so old motorcycles. They have a big auction coming up with some very significant finds. We take a look at a few we wouldn’t mind having in our garage.
What else? We ride, and try to ride, to a few fire lookouts in BC. Where are you going to find a better view than a fire lookout? We make a list of just a few of the must-do motorcycle events this summer so you can pack-up and go.
Enjoy.