Field of view Tuareg 660: a lens on the alpine pastures

He’s a photographer who specialised in fashion and has always been passionate about motorcycling.

Adriano Cisani, astride his Tuareg 660, rode from Milan to the mountains for the first meeting with “his” cow amidst the high mountain pastures. This is his story, with a video produced for the occasion, a story of personal points of view and individual growth, with a love for two-wheelers.
Photographer Adriano Cisani specialises in fashion and art photography. For his passion and work, he has to constantly challenge himself in search of new stimuli, new stories and new emotions to capture with his camera. He owes much to the city where he works, Milan, a city that, as he says, gives you energy but at the same time takes it away. And this is why every now and then it is necessary for him to escape the traffic of Milan on his Tuareg 660.
The occasion to set off on this new adventure is one of those special ones that take you back in time, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, putting you in contact with the simple and genuine nature of the high mountain pastures. As a birthday present,  Adriano was given the certificate of adoption of Rata, a dairy cow! What better excuse than this to get on his motorbike and ride up to the alpine pastures, among the breath-taking views and magnificent roads around the Maniva pass?

Adriano and the cows: symbolism and inspiration.

“I’ve always been fascinated by this animal that is so powerful and yet at the same time so friendly and tame. I consider a cow to be the perfect synthesis of contrasts, a bit like the fusion of yin and yang. My very first stuffed animal was a little cow, and even though my first encounter as a child with a real cow was traumatic – I got gored – this connection remained over the years, until my uncle gave me this adoption certificate for Rata. It’s a start-up project that supports young alpine breeders and every month gets me some cheese – delicious! – made from the milk of the adopted cows.”

The meaning of being a biker.

“Travelling by motorbike allows you to get into direct contact with what is around you. A motorbike is the perfect vehicle for reaching the places I’m looking for – the most isolated ones – to find the best stimuli and inspirations for my shots. Unlike a car, a motorbike facilitates more direct communication, and in a way it generates a more immediate empathy with the people you meet. It may sound  trivial, but seeing someone approach you on a motorbike – hearing them from a distance – helps to break down communication barriers. What’s more, riding a motorbike for me is an educational activity in so many ways. It can help you face life’s problems from a different perspective, with greater awareness of your own resources; it’s something that makes you grow, the moment you realise you’re capable of overcoming the challenges that the road presents.”

Educational experiences on two wheels.

“I will certainly never forget my first time solo in the Agriates desert in Corsica, where it was just me, my bike, and a tent. Spending nights in the cold under the starry sky was an incredible experience. Being isolated for days in the ‘wild’ environment of a relatively remote area like that really made me re-evaluate so many aspects of life. When you set off on a journey like that, you have a heightened sense of how vulnerable and ‘small’ we are compared to the nature surrounding us. On a motorbike, the constant presence of risk, even if it’s only marginal, forces you to sharpen your senses, to stay focused on everything around you. Then if the unexpected does happen, that’s when you feel most alive. When it happened to me, I skid out and my bike went flying into the current of a river, my instinctive response, after the first moment of panic, was to retrieve the bike as quick as possible, fix what could be fixed and try to start again. It’s from overcoming challenges like this that you learn how every obstacle, big and small – in motorcycling as in life – has to be faced head-on.”

Thanks to the ability to reach even the most inaccessible places and the freedom to stop anywhere, to capture and immortalize the perfect moment, the Tuareg 660 is Adriano’s ideal work companion. With the fusion of two of his passions, photography and motorcycling, the Tuareg 660 has become the ultimate means of transforming every ride into an adventure and every trip into a mission, always in search of the best shot, the right atmosphere, and the most powerful stories to be told, with the camera lens as a filter, guided by his instinct and creativity.

KTM OFFERS FREE WARRANTY EXTENSION

COMPLIMENTARY WARRANTY EXTENSION ON STREET MODELS WITH OFFICIAL SERVICE COMMITMENT

KTM will provide all 2024 LC8c as well as LC8 STREET and TRAVEL model owners with the possibility to boost their official warranty period, in some cases to almost double. By simply having a service performed at any authorised KTM dealer, riders can get extra piece of mind for their motorcycle courtesy of a new worldwide promotion. Additionally, the warranty period for KTM PowerParts and KTM SpareParts for ALL street models will be extended to 24 months. These warranty extensions are free of charge.

2024 motorcycles with the LC8c and the LC8 engine specs currently fall under a 24-month warranty window from the take-into-use date. The fresh offer from Europe’s largest powered two-wheeler manufacturer will extend this to four and three years respectively.

2024 KTM LC8c models include the KTM 790 DUKE, KTM 790 ADVENTURE, KTM 890 ADVENTURE, KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, KTM 890 ADVENTURE R RALLY, KTM 890 SMT and the new KTM 990 DUKE. Customers that have services – performed by an Authorised KTM Dealer and within the 24-month warranty period – can prolong the protection until the next service, up to a maximum of four years.

2024 KTM LC8-equipped bikes include the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R, KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO, KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT, KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R, for which the service offer will convert from two to three years.

The use of KTM PowerParts or KTM SpareParts on all street models will carry a full 24-month warranty from the initial date of purchase.

Jens Tuma, Head of Customer Service – “We always advise our customers to use the official KTM network to get their motorcycles serviced, purely because the staff are specially trained on those particular models – and many more – and use approved parts and accessories where applicable. This way we can ensure best possible quality and value preservation of the bikes and it’s also a big reason why we’re really happy to make this warranty extension offer for KTM customers around the world.”

KTM UPDATES ITS SUPERSPORT RANGE

RACY NEW COLOURWAYS TAKE INSPIRATION FROM KTM FACTORY RACING

For 2024, KTM will introduce newcolour and graphic updates across its RCSUPERSPORT range, taking inspiration from past prototypesand current FACTORY RACINGcolour combinations.

The KTM RCrange represents the core SUPERSPORTmodel within the KTMline-up, delivering uncompromised sports bike aesthetics, nimble handling andimpressive performance on both street and track.

 For 2024, the range stays unchanged but introduces new premium hues, takinginspiration from the ultra-focused KTMRC 8C, KTM1390 SUPER DUKE R and Grand Prix racing team colours.

 At the top end of the line-up, the 2024KTM RC 390 receives two new eye-catching colour schemes, withorange-on-blue and orange-on-black options. Both receive striking, signatureorange frames, with the orange-on-black iteration sporting orange rims.

 Small in capacity but high in aggression, the 2024 KTM RC 125 brings all-new black andorange and blue and orange colour palettes to the starting grid.

Both optionsare finished with a gloss black frame, gloss black wheels and dark-tintedscreens to accentuate the colour highlights.

The 2024 KTM RCrange has its roots firmly planted on the race track, with undoubtable pedigreeand new sharp, striking, READYTO RACE colours to match.

RC 390 2024 – ORANGE

RC 390 2024 – BLUE

RC 125 2024 – ORANGE

RC 125 2024 – BLUE

MOTO GUZZI V7 STONE TEN

This new look for the king of motorbikes is a homage to the tenth anniversary of Moto Guzzi’s The Clan, the official community of owners and fans of Mandello machines.

DESIGN INSPIRED BY PASSION

This special livery is based on the logo of The Clan.  Featuring a black-and-white-checkered strip with a red border along the top of the fuel tank. Red details such as the shock absorbers and seat stitching add a touch of aggression, which is followed through onto the unmistakable eagle on the sides of the fuel tank and the words Moto Guzzi on the wheel rim channels. Last but not least, the badge on the handlebar riser marks this version as a special edition.

CELEBRATING IN STYLE

Features include bar end mirrors which have the effect of elongating the Stone Ten’s profile, making it appear even more dynamic than ever, along with a solid black anodised aluminium fuel tank cap. Other noteworthy touches include the Moto Guzzi 850 twin engine with head covers in an elegant graphite grey and throttle body guards also in black anodised aluminium.

SPORTY IN LOOKS AND PERFORMANCE

The Arrow exhaust takes the Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Ten’s performance up a notch, increasing power from 48 to 49 kW (66.5 horsepower) at 6700 rpm and maximum torque, which improves from 73 to 75 Nm at 4900 rpm. The Ten version’s Arrow exhaust is also available as an optional for all bikes in the Moto Guzzi V7 family.

The new Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Ten will be available from Moto Guzzi dealerships from May at the price of £9,300 OTR.
 

THE CLAN

Created in 2014, Moto Guzzi The Clan is the official community that has connected thousands of bikers, who are united by their passion for Mandello’s two-wheeled beasts. With over 50,000 current members from all over the world, it is a unique forum for sharing experiences, forging bonds, taking part in rallies and getting to know riders who often end up being future travel companions.

APRILIA ALL STARS 2024 – 8 JUNE IN MISANO

THE BIG APRILIA FESTIVAL IS BACK ALONG WITH THE FABULOUS RS-GP MACHINES OF THE MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE APRILIA RACING RIDERS: VIÑALES, ESPARGARÓ, SAVADORI, OLIVEIRA, AND FERNA´NDEZ

JACOPO CERUTTI AND FRANCESCO MONTANARI WILL BE WITH THEM, DOMINATORS WITH THE APRILIA TUAREG IN THE AFRICA ECO RACE

MAX BIAGGI WILL LEAD THE TEAM OF GREAT CHAMPIONS, TO CELEBRATE THE ITALIAN BRAND WITH THE MOST VICTORIES IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GP MOTORCYCLE RACING, ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF FANS AND THE EXTRAORDINARY ATMOSPHERE OF APRILIA ALL STARS

THERE WILL BE LOTS OF BIKES, TEST RIDES, EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND THE MUSIC OF RADIO DEEJAY FOR A FESTIVAL UNDER THE BANNER OF PASSION AND LOVE FOR MOTORSPORT

Noale, 19 February 2024 – The Aprilia All Stars event is back, the huge Aprilia festival that gives motorsport fans a unique day of incredible bikes and legendary champions.
Misano World Circuit, Saturday, 8 June is the date and place that fans will want to add to their calendar and not miss. A unique opportunity – entirely free – to see and enjoy firsthand the on-track performance of the magnificent Aprilia RS-GP machines that are participating in the MotoGP championship and meet the riders.

As always, the brightest stars will be the Aprilia Racing riders, Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales, Lorenzo Savadori, Miguel Oliveira, and Rau´l Ferna´ndez. Champions not only on the track but, in true Aprilia All Stars tradition, they will also be among the fans in the paddock to celebrate Aprilia, the European brand with 297 GP triumphs in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing. All the greats of Aprilia history will be with them, led by six-time world champion Max Biaggi.

Something new for this edition will be the participation of Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, fresh from the triumphant début astride the Aprilia Tuareg in the Africa Eco Race. Cerutti, dominator of the African race, and Montanari will also meet their fans in the festive and informal atmosphere of Aprilia All Stars and they will be showing off the fabulous Aprilia Tuareg, dominator of the desert.

As always, Aprilia All Stars will be an all-around festival for our entire family of fans. The paddock will be constantly buzzing with fabulous test rides where enthusiasts will be able to put the bikes from the Aprilia range through their paces on the Romagna roads, all free of charge, as well as the Racing Museum, with the racing bikes that built the legend of the Italian brand, a must-see for any enthusiast.

The music of Radio DeeJay will provide the soundtrack of an event which will be rich with initiatives, such as the “Aprilia vista dall’Oriente” exhibit, with the spectacular photos of Japanese photographer Aki Kusudo, a total immersion in the racing world that tells the story of Aprilia’s commitment in the MotoGP championship.

There will also be spaces for eSport, shopping dedicated to Aprilia Racing brand apparel and merchandising, food areas, and much more.

Tuareg Experience Baja: off-roading in Baja California!

At the end of October last year, the Tuareg 660 was the star of the exclusive Experience organised by Aprilia US, which allowed a diverse group of bikers to embark on an unforgettable motorbike expedition through star-spangled California and the Mexican state of Baja California. A tour that we at #bearacer club will try to sum up for you, accompanied by spectacular images and video captured along the American West Coast:  this is the Baja Tuareg Experience!

Striking landscapes, at times arid and wild, that fuel the adventurous spirit in all of us, but at the same time hospitable and reassuring; just like the unmistakable Aprilia riding experience on the Tuareg.

The overall route clocked up an impressive 1,300 miles (more than 2000 km) in 6 days from San Diego to Bahía de los Ángeles and back, through dramatic coastal sections and challenging detours into the dusty hinterland of Mexican dirt roads, passing through desert landscapes and mountain chains with breathtaking colours. Settings in which the Tuareg 660 bikes performed exceptionally well, proving to be the perfect tool to transform the adventurous ambitions of every participant into a real-life experience.

IMPRESSIONS FROM THOSE WHO WERE THERE

Nothing brings together a group of individuals like sharing the search for and discovery of such powerful emotions. And so, 11 bikers, who came with different expectations, riding styles and experiences, found themselves in just a few hours clocking up the miles with a unity of purpose and the high spirits of a truly exploratory expedition.

From the off-road enthusiast to the avid track racer, all the Baja Tuareg Experience participants went away thrilled with the surroundings as well as the Tuareg 660 riding experience. In a landscape seemingly tailor-made for the two sides of the Tuareg, the multiple transitions between asphalt and off-road brought out the best in the qualities of this bike, developed to fuel the desire to explore the world in all conditions. A bike with performance, style and above all a true Aprilia feeling.

Having set out as individuals, the 11 motorbike travellers returned home as friends, united by the sharing of stories and experiences from these 6 intense days that they couldn’t wait to repeat as soon as they could.

Needless to say, some of them have already decided to “extend the Experience” by adding a new Tuareg 660 to their garages: perhaps this is the most tangible proof of how, deep down, we are all thrill-seekers. When we find what’s right for us, we can’t let it go… but first we have to try it!

The Tuono V4 Factory fears nobody!

Aprilia's star motorcycle scoops top marks in the Streetfighter category at Motociclismo magazine's Tester Day 2023 event.

Tester Day, organised by the Motociclismo magazine, is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year for two-wheel fans. Its brilliant and unique formula offers bikers the chance to take part in a “mini comparison”, by trying out a selection of bikes in the same category from different brands across a single day, making it easy to appreciate their advantages and differences. Then, at the end of the day, all participants are given a detailed questionnaire and asked to rate their experiences.

Over 1000 scorecards were submitted by riders at Tester Day 2023 in Sestriere, Northern Italy, and the honours in the Streetfighter category went to the Tuono V4 Factory, racking up an impressive average score of 9.3/10. The Tuono 660 Factory also scored respectably in the same category, with 8.12 points.

NEW COLOUR SCHEMES, THE SAME MOTO GUZZI STYLE

In its Nero Ossidiana black livery, the V100 Mandello becomes even more sophisticated and domineering while the V7 Stone displays its dynamism and energy in the camouflage tones of Verde Camo. The Moto Guzzi range welcomes new colour schemes that showcase the distinctive character of every model. Browse the brochure and begin your journey towards your next destination.

V100 Mandello Nero Ossidiana

V100 Mandello Nero Ossidiana

V7 Stone Verde Camo

V7 Stone Verde Camo

Moto Guzzi V85 Range

Enduro travel for the Moto Guzzi brand gets a refresh with a range full of distinctive personalities. The streamlined V85 Strada, the original V85 TT “All-Terrain” and the V85 TT Travel, AKA the great explorer.

The same authenticity combined with greater comfort, enhanced technology and a new Euro 5+ engine, all designed to satisfy your adventurous side.

The Moto Guzzi V85 is the leading iconic adventurer on the market. Its combination of evocative style and modern technology will get the emotions firing even before you jump on board. 

This is a complete V85 range, guaranteed to take riding experience to the next level of enjoyment. Fine-tuned with the introduction of improved torque at low speed and increased the maximum power of the new Euro 5+ twin-cylinder engine to 80 horsepower at 7750 rpm. 

The electronics have been improved, starting with the 6-axis inertial platform (accessory on the V85 Strada version) which enables the ABS Cornering function and makes handling the various controls even more precise. MGCT traction control, ABS and Ride-by-Wire electronic acceleration are managed via a selection of totally customisable riding modes, with Road, Sport and Rain being joined by Off-Road, developed expressly for the V85 TT and V85 TT Travel, and Custom, available as an accessory on the V85 Strada.

Another aspect that has undergone extensive work is aerodynamic protection, resulting in new handguards, a new fuel tank cover and a redesigned windshield with 5 adjustable positions.

Three new versions of the mighty V85, three distinct characters and three different expressions of the Enduro travel concept, but each has been designed to unleash your desire to get going, no matter what your destination.

V85 STRADA

Urban and Road-oriented, the original road bike

Agile, slimline and all about riding pleasure, the Moto Guzzi V85 Strada is the “practical machine” that takes the lightness, practicality and streamlined approach of the Eagle’s Enduro bikes to the ultimate level. Ideal for everyday use around town, it is also more than up to the challenge of winding, curvy itineraries further afield. Its minimalist, dynamic aesthetic is showcased by its Nero Isola black and Grigio Brera grey colour schemes. This is a bike that you’ll feel at ease with instantly, with its adventure bike riding position, reduced weight (4kg lighter than the V85 TT version) and outstanding handling courtesy of aluminium alloy rims and tyres with road tread.

V85 TT

“All-terrain” style and character

The V85 TT embodies the original spirit of the V85 and the Enduro bike that was up for every challenge. Spoked rims around sculpted tubeless tyres, an engine protected by an aluminium sump guard and more protective handguards ensure the journey continues even when you leave the asphalt behind and hit the dirt. There’s no lack of authenticity when it comes to style either, with the distinctive red frame of the V85 TT combining with a choice of two new twin-toned liveries called Rosso Fuji (red) and Grigio Tambori (grey). The rear shock absorber spring, now featuring a practical knob to adjust preload, is also in red.

V85 TT TRAVEL

Ready for adventure

The Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel is the great explorer of the family, with all you need to travel wherever and whenever throughout the seasons, complete with baggage and a passenger. Equipment includes a set of side bags with a burnished finish, heated, adjustable handles and rider seat; and a new artfully-shaped Touring windshield complete with side deflectors. With its exclusive new Bronzo Deserto colour scheme, the V85 TT Travel proclaims its vocation to transform every trip into an adventure.

The road bike, the all-rounder, the voyager. The Moto Guzzi V85 range introduces a trio of new models, each with a distinctive personality. Which one will join you on your next adventure?

An enhanced range of accessories, designed for new adventures

The updated Moto Guzzi V85 catalogue of original accessories is more comprehensive than ever, featuring new components including particular attention to providing a range of storage options. The Urban collection’s pair of side bags and top box are now available in new finishes, while the trio of aluminium cases has been enlarged and revamped in terms of style and accessibility. New accessories include the versatile Tank Bag and Roll Bag.

Like all authentic motor bike components, every accessory is designed and made by Moto Guzzi and thoroughly tested under rigorous conditions, to ensure you benefit from total quality and reliability when you set out on your adventures.

INTRODUCING THE KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R – THE BEAST, REBORN

The 2024 KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R and KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO have erupted into the Naked segment without warning, sending a clear message to the competition: there is a new BEAST on the prowl.

With 2024 marking 30 YEARS OF DUKE, the all-new KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R and its high-tech stablemate – the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO – have evolved into their most fearsome iterations yet.  

The numbers tell the story – 1,350 cc, 190 Hp at 10,000 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm, ripping into the tarmac with pure ferocity and a new, more aggressive look to match. Impressive figures aside however, it is its effectiveness at getting power to the ground that makes it even more potent.  

For 2024, THE BEAST has undergone a striking aposematic evolution, sending a clear warning message to anyone brave enough to take it on. An all-new LED headlight unit dominates, with new tank spoilers and added winglets making it known that it is not to be messed with. A further reduced subframe cover eliminates the brake light making for an even sharper look and riding experience. With a lower overall profile and more emphasis placed on the compact chassis, the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R looks more muscular and aggressive than ever before. In short, KTM upped the attitude by lowering the altitude.

A redesigned air intake and airbox see a revised fuel tank with an overall tank capacity of 17.5 litres – an increase of 1.5 litres over its predecessor. This not only takes the riding range up to around 300 km / 185 miles but also performs an important ergonomic function. In the hunt for grams, every panel has been calculated for optimum thickness and minimised where possible, with new tank spoilers and added winglets increasing downforce.

However, it is the lightweight and ‘smart’ headlight design that makes the biggest visual impact. Weighing in at nearly 700 g less than the previous unit and boasting an alien-like design, it adds an all-new aggressive glare to the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R. Position and daytime running lights are located on the profile of the headlight, which auto-adjusts in intensity according to ambient light conditions.

Additionally, the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R and KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO are fitted with Coming Home light functionality as standard. Here, the headlight will remain on for a short period of time after the ignition has been switched off, allowing for greater ambient visibility. This not only illuminates the surroundings but provides a level of safety when parking in dark areas.

Backing up its muscular stance, at the heart of this ferocious BEAST sits an enlarged powerplant – an updated version of the LC8 – further marking its territory as the alpha. The bore is increased to 110 mm to achieve an engine displacement of 1,350 cc, with an all-new cam shift integrated on the cylinder heads. This provides more power and torque throughout the rpm range and allows for a more differentiated fuel mapping to meet the latest EURO 5+ emission regulations.  

Getting that power to the ground comes courtesy of new, lightweight MICHELIN Power GP tyres with dual-compound technology, as well as a new WP APEX shock absorber which is fully adjustable, allowing for separate high and low speed adjustments, rebound and toolless pre-load adjustment. Improved DCC settings provide better pressure balance resulting in less compromise between suspension comfort and performance, while new 48 mm WP APEX Open Cartridge forks with split function provide optimised settings.  

On the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO however, the suspension management is taken to an all-new level with the latest generation of WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT). As the most advanced suspension system on the market, it features electronically controlled magnetic valves for variable damping, providing a wide range of adjustability – from maximum comfort to track-ready stiffness. Here, the SCU (Suspension Control Unit) adapts the damping rates via the magnetic valves in real-time, reading the road surface and rider style to automatically adjust the suspension on the fly. 

The technology feast doesn't end there, with both the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R and KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO debuting updated PERFORMANCE and TRACK MODES, complete with lap timer and telemetry stats, as well as optional ENGINE BRAKE CONTROL and an updated SUSPENSION PRO module for the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO. 

The KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R and KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO are available in select 30 YEARS OF DUKE colourways, reminiscent of the orange scheme found on the 2005 KTM 990 SUPER DUKE. Both 2024 models will be available from January 2024 onwards, UK pricing below:

  • 2024 KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R – £17,999 OTR
  • 2024 KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R EVO – £19,599 OTR

 A full range of specially developed KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear are available for riders to personalise their motorcycles and get themselves kitted up in READY TO RACE gear, both functional and casual.

KTM will also be giving away a brand new KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R towards the end of the year. Entrants are encouraged to visit KTM.com to sign up for the KTM newsletter and be entered into the lucky draw.