The Honda MiniMoto concept has been an unqualified success. It started 11 years ago with the Honda Grom, and five models now feature the same 125cc motor in different chassis and transmission configurations. Now, the 2025 Honda Dax 125 is the latest member of the family, recalling the classic Trail 70 that debuted in 1969. Don Williams spent some time with the very entertaining new Dax 125, and tells us all about it.

Our guest this week is Gary Turner, Managing Director of Blackstone TEK (BST). a company renowned for its design and production of carbon fiber wheels and other composite components for motorcycles. Gary chats with Neale Bayly and takes us through his amazing motorcycle journey. Turner started racing when he was 16. Some of the bikes Gary has ridden and raced include the rare and incredible Britten, as well as the Ducati Supermono. BST supplied the carbon fiber on such super-exotics as the Ecosse and the various Confederate models, and is currently a partner with Arch Motorcycle, the Gard Hollinger/Keanu Reeves project. It’s been a fascinating ride so far for Gary, and it’s an equally fascinating high-octane listen for us.  

Oh and FYI… if you’re on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App. That’s F-A-I-D-R, and it’s a new concept in podcasting.  

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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Hello everyone, welcome once again to Motos and Friends, the podcast brought to you by the Editors at Ultimate Motorcycling magazine.  My name is Arthur Coldwells.

This week, Editor Don Williams tells us about Honda’s revamped version of its mid-size ADV-bike, the Honda NX500. The NX is a lot more than just a rebadged CB500X though, although it is the same reliable, versatile, broadly accommodating motorcycle it has been for over a decade. While the NX500 isn’t likely to be the coolest bike in your garage, it might be the most versatile and practical, and despite a litany of upgrades and new features, it’s only $100 more than last year’s CB500X‚ so it’s definitely a steal. Honda clearly hasn’t lost sight of what makes their midsize adventure bike so appealing, and Don thoroughly enjoyed putting it through its paces. 

As many listeners may know, I had the new Suzuki GSX-S1000 GX+ on long-term test until recently, and frankly I loved the bike from the outset. The GX+ is now considered to be Suzuki’s flagship. With its plethora of features and complex electronics systems, I decided to ask Chase Rastegar and Avery Innis from Suzuki to appear on this episode as I wanted them to de-mystify the GX+ and find out what really makes it so very good.  

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! Anyway, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode.

Oh and FYI… if you’re on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App. That’s F-A-I-D-R, and it’s a new concept in podcasting.

We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:

  @ultimatemotorcycling

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Motos and Friends is brought to you by Arai helmets. If you’re into Dual-Sport, then you’ll want to check out the new Arai XD-5. It’s a completely redesigned helmet, and as with everything from Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. 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.

This episode features Don Williams and Nic de Sena discussing the 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 900. We first met Triumph’s gateway Bonneville-based motorcycle back when it was known as the Street Twin in 2016, known as the most affordable parallel-twin-powered machine in Triumph’s Modern Classic lineup. A name change and a few updates later, this fun-loving standard seizes the middleweight mantle, slotting itself between the Speed 400 (a single-cylinder machine, BTW) and the larger-displacement Speed Twin 1200.

In our second segment this week, Neale Bayly chats with racer Pat Mooney. Pat recently retired from road racing, but his exploits and story from his long career are an entertaining listen.  

Oh and FYI… if you’re on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App. That’s F-A-I-D-R, and it’s a new concept in podcasting.

We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:

  @ultimatemotorcycling

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The Motos and Friends Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha.

Have you seen the Yamaha MT-09, the ultimate Hyper Naked experience? Now this is a gift you’re really going to want to give yourself! The MT-09 is ready to dominate the streets with its aggressive styling, powerful CP3 engine, and advanced technology. The 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine delivers thrilling torque, exceptional fuel efficiency, and with its quick, precise handling and great brakes, the MT-09 absolutely delivers pure performance. The MT-09 comes with a full-color TFT display and intuitive switchgear so you can customize your ride with four different display themes. Make no mistake: The MT-09 is more than just a motorcycle; it's a stunning statement. With its aggressive styling, unmatched performance, and incredible handling, this is a real motorcycle that turns heads. Check out the MT-09 at your local dealer or at YamahaMotorsports.com

In this week’s first segment, Editor Don Williams tells us about the riding the new Honda Shadow Aero. This classic cruiser has been around for a long time, but it’s had a recent upgrade that’s worth mentioning. This uber-cool looking machine is incredible value for money, and yet it also provides that street-cred we all like too.

Capture the magic of life on two wheels with Insta360 X4, the most popular camera for motorcyclists today! There’s also the Insta360 Ace Pro2 action camera that comes with a Leica lens for a crystal clear picture. With the X4 you can shoot full 360-degree video in 8K resolution, and then choose any angle you want after your ride. It's incredible! From immersive POVs to unique, third-person shots of you and your bike, the X4 does it all. You'll get over 2 hours run time at 5.7K or you can plug it into your bike's USB port and go all day. It even doubles as a dash cam! It's totally waterproof, tough as nails, and incredibly easy to use. By the way, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the motorcyclist in your life, you should check out the great promotion we’re running just in time for this Holiday Season! The first 30 purchasers that head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code MOTOSANDFRIENDS will bag a free $99 Motorcycle Kit plus a selfie stick.

In our second segment Neale Bayly chats with Jim Calandro. Jim started his motorcycle career when he was stationed in Germany many years ago, and after a number of years on several different bikes (including a Suzuki Gixxer 750) he started racing his RD400 Yamaha. We pick up Jim’s story when he started racing, and then went on to found the Ducati Club in Charlotte North Carolina, which organized track days, weekends away, a magazine, and a website. Jim’s accomplished moto career also included some coaching with Sport Bike Track Time. Neale’s chat with Jim is a fun look at the good times he’s had, thanks to his love of two-wheels.       

Oh and FYI… if you’re on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App. That’s F-A-I-D-R, and it’s a new concept in podcasting.

We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:

  @ultimatemotorcycling

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Hello again and welcome to the Ultimate Motorcycling Podcast brought to you by Yamaha.

Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself.  

What’s better than riding Triumph’s new TF 450-RC motocross bike we ask? Well the answer has to be riding the new Triumph motocross bike alongside the GOAT Ricky Carmichael! In the first segment this episode, Will Embree chats with Don Williams about riding the new machine; hanging with Ricky Carmichael, and they go on to discuss the state of motocross and off-road racing in general, in this country. If you’re into dirt bikes, you’ll really enjoy this one.  

With the Snippet this episode, we’re bringing you the second part of the amazing action cameras from Insta360. Associate Editor Neill Wyenn has had several Insta360 cameras and now gives us the lowdown on the latest version, the new Insta360 X4. We’re right in gift-giving season so what better gift for any motorcycle rider is there than a great action camera? So, just in time, don’t forget that the first 30 purchasers who use the promo code MOTOANDFRIENDS, will bag a free Motorcycle Kit plus a selfie stick! That’s a $99 value with your Insta360 X4 purchase. Head to the Black Friday sale and save up to 47%!! 

In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with motorcycle designer John Keogh. John first worked on the Triumph T595 Daytona and Speed Triple before going freelance. He was then instrumental on various designs at Buell working on the XB Firebolt, the Lightning, the Ulysses & the 1125R. John was also a design partner at US-based Taylormade Racing with the Brough Moto 2 project in 2013, that was a full-monocoque GP bike with a carbon-fiber chassis raced by Jeremy McWilliams at the British GP in 2014.

John Keogh Instagram 

GSKRacing design/prints

We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:

  @ultimatemotorcycling

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The Motos and Friends Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha.

Introducing the Yamaha MT-09, the ultimate Hyper Naked experience. With its aggressive styling, powerful CP3 engine, and advanced technology, the MT-09 is ready to dominate the streets. Feel the raw power of the MT-09's 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine. Delivering thrilling torque and exceptional fuel efficiency, this machine is built for performance. Experience the future of Hyper Naked technology with the MT-09's five-inch full-color TFT display and intuitive switchgear. Customize your ride with four different display themes and navigate effortlessly through the controls. The MT-09 is more than just a motorcycle; it's a statement. With its aggressive styling and unmatched performance, it's ready to turn heads and dominate the streets. Discover the MT-09. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com

If you’re on iOS, you can listen to this podcast on the new Faidr App a new concept in podcasting.

In this week’s first segment, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena tell us about the 2024 BMW R 12 nineT. With the standard R 12 taking on the job as a sporty cruiser for urban dwellers, this version of the model looks to satisfy more performance-oriented customers. Don put plenty of miles on the new R 12 nineT up and down California and he tells us all about it.

For the Snippet this episode, we’d like you hear more about the amazing action cameras from Insta360.  I asked Adam Stringer from Insta360 to tell us his take on why their cameras are so popular with motorcycle riders, and to let us know what’s new from the company. Oh yes… and don’t forget, the first 30 purchasers who use the promo code MOTOSANDFRIENDS, will bag a free Motorcycle Kit plus selfie stick! Those are worth $99 with any Insta360 X4 purchase. So head to store.insta360.com and get yours now.

In our second segment Teejay Adams has a chat with Ed Milich, a life-long motorcycle rider, and a mechanical engineer for over two decades. He is now a consultant and expert witness supporting legal clients on motorcycle and vehicle-related subjects. Ed is a championship-winning motorcycle racer and fabricator, and has won races at Daytona, Willow Springs, Laguna Seca, Miller Motorsports Park, Barber Motorsports Park, and numerous other venues on motorcycles of his own construction and design. In the good ole print days, Ed was a regular contributor to several magazines including Motorcyclist, American Historic Racing Motorcycle Magazine, and the Moto Guzzi National Owners Magazine.

We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:

  @ultimatemotorcycling

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Welcome the Motos and Friends Podcast from Ultimate Motorcycling, brought to you by Yamaha.

Introducing the Yamaha MT-09, the ultimate Hyper Naked experience. With its aggressive styling, powerful CP3 engine, and advanced technology, the MT-09 is ready to dominate the streets. Feel the raw power of the MT-09's 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine. Delivering thrilling torque and exceptional fuel efficiency, this machine is built for performance. Experience the future of Hyper Naked technology with the MT-09's five-inch full-color TFT display and intuitive switchgear. Customize your ride with four different display themes and navigate effortlessly through the controls. The MT-09 is more than just a motorcycle; it's a statement. With its aggressive styling and unmatched performance, it's ready to turn heads and dominate the streets. Discover the MT-09. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com

In this week’s first segment, Editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena tell us about the incredibly versatile KTM 890 SMT. Could this bike be an all-rounder? Every rider will see its strengths differently. The SM part stands for Supermoto, however the T actually means touring—and you’re not touring when you’re riding supermoto …or can you? There are even more uses for the SMT that aren’t revealed in the three-letter designation, so Don and Nic push the starter button, and bring the LC8c parallel twin to life.

Capture the magic of life on two wheels with Insta360 X4, the most popular camera for motorcyclists today! Shoot full 360-degree video in 8K resolution, then choose any angle you want after your ride. It's incredible! From immersive POVs to unique, third-person shots of you and your bike, Insta360 X4 does it all. You'll get over 2 hours run time at 5.7K or plug it into your bike's USB port and go all day. It's totally waterproof, tough as nails, and incredibly easy to use. It even doubles as a dash cam! To bag a free Motorcycle Kit plus selfie stick worth $99 with any Insta360 X4 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code MOTOANDFRIENDS, available for the first 30 purchases only.

In our second segment Teejay Adams chats with lady-racer Holly Varey. You may know that Holly was one of the competitors in Royal Enfield’s brilliant BTR racing series in 2022 and 2023, and in the final race she finished on the podium. But there’s a lot more to Holly’s racing and she also wrenches and competes in several different AHRMA historic racing classes on a variety of machinery. Teejay caught up with Holly after the recent Barber Vintage Festival at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. Holly is very articulate and descriptive, so it’s fascinating to hear her talk about how she got started, what motivates her, and about some of the awesome motorcycles she’s ridden along the way.

Holly Varey: Instagram | Facebook 

Royal Enfield BTR: Instagram | website 

Vintage Road Racing Association: Instagram | website

AHRMA: Instagram  | website

  @ultimatemotorcycling

 @UltimateMotoMag

 @UltimateMotorcycling

 [email protected]

Welcome the Motos and Friends Podcast from Ultimate Motorcycling, brought to you by Yamaha.

Introducing the Yamaha MT-09, the ultimate Hyper Naked experience. With its aggressive styling, powerful CP3 engine, and advanced technology, the MT-09 is ready to dominate the streets. Feel the raw power of the MT-09's 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder engine. Delivering thrilling torque and exceptional fuel efficiency, this machine is built for performance. Experience the future of Hyper Naked technology with the MT-09's five-inch full-color TFT display and intuitive switchgear. Customize your ride with four different display themes and navigate effortlessly through the controls. The MT-09 is more than just a motorcycle; it's a statement. With its aggressive styling and unmatched performance, it's ready to turn heads and dominate the streets. Discover the MT-09. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com

In this week’s first segment, Nic de Sena tells us all about the new Yamaha MT-09 SP. The SP comes hot on the heels of the standard MT-09 update earlier this year, with three key upgrades: top-shelf KYB suspension, Brembo brakes, and some interesting racetrack-inspired electronics.

Interestingly, the MT-09 SP has now been joined by the long-awaited 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9. Revealed just last week, the track-only R9 is the larger sibling to the R7. It’s got the same excellent triple-cylinder CP3 engine as the MT-09, yet the R9 is a full supersport machine that’s positioned to go up against the other machines in the class. It’ll be interesting to see how it fares, and as soon as we’ve had a chance to ride it, we’ll let you know!

Capture the magic of life on two wheels with Insta360 X4, the most popular camera for motorcyclists today! Shoot full 360-degree video in 8K resolution, then choose any angle you want after your ride. It's incredible! From immersive POVs to unique, third-person shots of you and your bike, X4 does it all. You'll get over 2 hours run time at 5.7K or plug it into your bike's USB port and go all day. It's totally waterproof, tough as nails, and incredibly easy to use. It even doubles as a dash cam! To bag a free Motorcycle Kit plus selfie stick worth $99 with any X4 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code MOTOSANDFRIENDS, available for the first 30 purchases only.

In our second segment I chat with motorcycle racing royalty, 3-time 500cc World Champion ‘King’ Kenny Roberts. Both Kenny and his son’s world championship winning motorcycles—as well as one of Team KR’s Proton MotoGP racebikes and all their memorabilia—is now all a permanent part of the Barber Motorsports Museum Collection. 

I sat down with Kenny at the recent Barber Vintage Festival, and he talks to me in his frank and funny style about almost everything. Why the bike now on display (his 1980 Grand Prix race-winning Yamaha YZR500) is his favorite race bike; what drove him to such extraordinary achievements; and what it was like to ride—and win—on the fearsome Yamaha TZ750 2-stroke dirt tracker that one time at the Indy Mile. Kenny candidly tells me what’s different about the modern era race bikes compared to his era; why he wouldn’t hire legend Max Biaggi to ride his KR MotoGP bike; what he thought of his fearsome rival Barry Sheene, and of course, with a twinkle in his eye—why he likes English women. It’s a fascinating insight into one of the truly greatest motorcycle racers of all time.

So, without further ado, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we really think you’re going to enjoy this episode!

We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:

  @ultimatemotorcycling

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The Motos and Friends Podcast from Ultimate Motorcycling is brought to you by Yamaha.

Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself.  

Unfortunately it rained at the launch earlier this year in Spain, so Nic de Sena got hold of a 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo and tested it thoroughly on both track and on the street in California. You may be thinking of switching brands, or you might also be looking to upgrade from a middleweight, but as Nic said, the big KTM super-naked gives you “the most fun for the buck”. It’s a highly complex machine and Nic explains all.

In our second segment this week, Arthur Coldwells chats with the thoughtful and brilliant motorcycle designer, JT Nesbitt of Bienville Studios in New Orleans. Actually, JT is the designer of the premiere edition cover bike of Robb Report Motorcycling magazine back in 2004—the Wraith. JT’s latest project is the exquisite-looking Magnolia 4; a breathtakingly beautiful retro-styled, inline-4 motorcycle. Check out Bienville Studios for pictures and more information on the design journey that JT and his team have been on for the last few years.  

By the way, if you’re into Dual-Sport riding, then should check out the new Arai XD-5. It’s completely redesigned, and typical Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. For example, the new visor system is designed to maximize vision and surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal. 

Arai is obsessed with every detail; there is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”. A helmet is not only about safety, it’s also about comfort. The incredible fit and plush interior of any of the Arai helmets is immediately noticeable.

So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. 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.

We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:

  @ultimatemotorcycling

 @UltimateMotoMag

 @UltimateMotorcycling

 [email protected]

Hello everyone and welcome to the Motos and Friends Podcast, brought to you by Yamaha.

Discover the thrill of the open road with the 2024 Yamaha Tenere 700, the ultimate adventure bike designed to conquer any terrain. The Tenere 700 has a powerful 689cc liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder engine, delivering adrenaline-pumping performance for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration. It's built for the bold; ready to tackle gravel, dirt, or pavement with equal confidence. With a lightweight chassis and long-travel suspension, every ride feels effortless, offering agility and stability in every twist and turn. Plus, adjustable suspension means you can tailor the ride to suit your adventure style. Learn more at YamahaMotorsports.com and visit your Yamaha dealer to experience the thrill of the Tenere 700 for yourself.  

Suzuki’s new flagship is a street sportbike with adventure bike styling. I’ve been riding the all new crossover GSX-S1000 GX+ with its awesome electronics package and semi-active suspension. I was able to have an extensive chat with Teejay Adams on the pros and cons of this magical motorcycle.

In our second segment this week, Teejay chats with EveAnna Manley. She is President of Manley Laboratories, the Chino, California, based Manley Labs that produces recording, mixing, mastering and playback audio equipment. But there’s a lot more to EveAnna than just designing and manufacturing incredible audio gear, she’s also an avid motorcycle rider and is Secretary of the Pasadena Motorcycle Club, the third one oldest motorcycle club in the world! She’s a multi-talented lady with a great sense of humor too.

By the way, if you’re into Dual-Sport riding, then should check out the new Arai XD-5. It’s completely redesigned, and typical Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. For example, the new visor system is designed to maximize vision and surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal. 

Arai is obsessed with every detail; there is such a thing as “The Arai Difference”. A helmet is not only about safety, it’s also about comfort. The incredible fit and plush interior of any of the Arai helmets is immediately noticeable.

So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. 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.

We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:

  @ultimatemotorcycling

 @UltimateMotoMag

 @UltimateMotorcycling

 [email protected]