The Motos and Friends Podcast is brought to you by Arai helmets. The founder of Arai Helmets was the man who created the first motorcycle helmet in Japan to protect his own head, and as a result, launched the Japanese motorcycle helmet industry. Arai focuses on glancing off performance, accumulating small differences decade after decade, to further rider protection.

The Arai Difference: If your experience has been that “Arai helmets are hard to get on,” then the Contour-X, designed with a wider bottom opening than previous models for easier on/off, is the helmet you’ve been waiting for. Once inside, you will be amazed at the extreme comfort, a key benefit of the Contour-X for long-distance touring. If you’re into ADV or dual-sport riding, then you’ll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. So try on an Arai at your local dealer. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out AraiAmericas.com to learn more.

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In our first segment, Don Williams and Kelly Callan chat about her recent visit to the Moto Guzzi factory in Noale, Italy, and her ride on the all-new Moto Guzzi V7 Sport. This is really cool retro-ride, but with modern amenities and Moto Guzzi’s legendary handling.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Insta360, a leader in 360-degree action camera technology. (check out Marc Marquez Insta360!)

Insta360 just-launched their latest 360-degree camera, Insta360 X5, and it shoots in ALL directions at once… in incredible 8K30 hi-resolution. This will give you epic motorcycling shots without even aiming the camera. Just hit record… focus on your ride… and then find the best angles in the edit using Insta360's mobile app. It's easy, smooth, and packed with AI tools! X5 is every camera you'll need in one … you can see more of your 'bars with an immersive POV, or you can film unique, third-person shots of you and your bike. From morning rallies to night rides, X5's huge sensors, triple AI chip, and dedicated low-light shooting mode deliver unmatched detail and image quality! It's waterproof, reliable, and features Insta360's toughest-ever lenses and lens guards ...and by the way, both of those are completely replaceable.

To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your Insta360 X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "ULTIMATE", available for the first 30 purchases only. For more information, be sure to check out the link above, or visit Insta360.com.   

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Hey, adventure riders, are you ready to take your rides to the next level? Introducing the SCHUBERTH E2—the second generation of SCHUBERTH’s legendary adventure helmets! Whether you’re riding hard on the roads or tackling the trails, the E2 has you covered with cutting-edge safety and comfort. 

The E2 has a 2-position top vent ventilation system ensures a fresh airflow, while its fog-resistant visor keeps your view crystal clear in cold conditions. Plus, the SCHUBERTH E2 features a new enlarged spoiler for better aerodynamics and an air extractor for a quieter, more comfortable ride.

The SCHUBERTH E2 meets the highest safety standards. The E2 also comes with a pre-installed comms system, so you can stay connected on the go. Visit SCHUBERTH.com to check out the E2 and explore more options for your next adventure.

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Our guest this episode is Jensen Beeler, CEO of Kramer Motorcycles, USA, distributors of the highly specialized German-engineered, track-only racebikes. MotoGP fans have been asking for many years why so few Americans make it to MotoGP any more—and it’s not because we lack the talent! Truth is, youngsters in this country simply don’t get the experience of riding purpose-built racebikes. Our motorcycle racing tends to be on converted production motorcycles—and as good as they are, it’s not the same thing. Moto America’s just-launched Talent Cup class uses the brand new specially designed Kramer APX-350 MA spec motorcycles, specifically to nurture US youngsters into Moto3, and then hopefully on to MotoGP. These Kramer machines are accessible and relatively affordable. Jensen explains how and why this strategy is likely to work, and why it matters to anyone interested in seeing America compete on the global stage of motorcycle racing.

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Here’s a quick reminder 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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