2014 Honda Valkrie

Big cruisers are good for one thing and only one thing -- burnouts. And this big new Honda is no exception. I'll take it!

Yamaha Cross-plane Twin

While the Yamaha news release of the 850cc triple turns out to be slightly less crazy than anticipated (with a conventional triple's 120-degree firing order), the newer news of an actual cross-plane twin with a 270-degree crank is obsession worthy. Displacement is unknown at the moment and is estimated to be somewhere between 550-900cc. Any way we cut it, there are sure to be some fun two-wheeled sleds harnessing the magic of that twin engine. I can't wait.

Yamaha Cross-plane Triple

Yamaha is about to release info about their concept engine and "new sports" machine featuring a mid-capacity four-stroke triple with an uneven firing order. Ohhhhhh yeahhhhhhh. And I can't get my mind off it.

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere (again)

This bike still has my mind. This week the passion for it remains. I do plan to add one to the stable for long two-up journeys.

As with most motorbikes, it's the accessories list that really makes them special. And the XT1200 is no exception. Here's what this one will get:

• California Scientific windshield
• Touratech adjustable windshield mount with GPS bar
• Touratech headlight bezel
• Touratech LED daytime running lights with headlight bezel
• Touratech anodized Zega Pro 38/45 liter hard bags + mount
• Touratech handguards, red, with white handguard extensions
• Pro Taper Raptor handle bars
• Twisted Throttle handlebar risers for 1 1/8" bars
• Alt Rider crash bars
• Alt Rider skid plate
• heated handgrips
• heated passenger seat

Yamaha WR250R In Sight

As one of the earlier posts on MotoBum's Obsession This Week, the Yamaha WR250R has been high on the list of needed machines. Now it is time to pull the trigger. With a deposit down on a 2012 last-year's-model, it's time to get the machine that will take my development to the next level.

Why the WR250R? Since 2008, it continually defines what the most badass dual-sport motorcycle is. What else on the road weighs 300 lbs wet and can run on a trail at speed or on an Interstate? There aren't many motos that delve well in this arena -- certainly not many, if any, as good as the fuel-injected WR250R. 

The real driver for this need is the relationship to the WR250X supermoto and its rich aftermarket for stunt parts. The X model has different wheels, front brakes, and front fork -- beyond that, the machine is the same as the R model. That means that the parts designed for the X fit the R. And that means that a handbrake and dual-caliper rear brake bracket are only a "phone call" away. Same for stunt pegs, 12-bar, and axle sliders. 

I may have the first actual stunt dual-sport motorcycle. And I like it that way. The trick will actually be riding it well. And that is exactly why the hammer will strike the primer on this bike -- I need it for my development. With a wedding to wheelie this summer and a memorable ORBDR trek planned, I need the absolute best machinery that money can buy. The WR250R is it.