I am trying it on my bike gear, seems to work but we shall see.  

Thanks for checking out ADVMoto's stage by stage quick summaries of the 2026 Dakar Bikes categories! We want this to be a handy place to check results and watch recap videos. All videos are sourced from Honda Racing HRC YouTube channel. (@HondaRacingHRC). If you have any information to add or see errors, please let us know!

 • Dakar 2026 – Stage 2 Motorcycles Report

> All Riders Summary – Stage 2

On the road from Yanbu to AlUla, Stage 2 reshaped the front of the bike race as Daniel “Chucky” Sanders powered to the special‑stage win and took over the overall lead for Red Bull KTM. Edgar Canet limited the damage with second on the day despite road‑opening duties, while Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes and Tosha Schareina delivered a wall of red for Honda just behind, confirming that the factory fight is firmly between KTM, Honda and Hero.

Further down the top ten, Ross Branch rebounded from his Stage 1 penalty with a fast and tidy ride that moved him back toward overall contention, and Rally2 contender Michael Docherty again inserted himself among the factory bikes with another top‑ten stage. Riders like Luciano Benavides, Adrien Van Beveren and a tightly packed second wave of Rally2 and privateer entries used Stage 2 to consolidate rather than gamble, knowing that the rockier AlUla terrain can end a rally in one mistake and that the real selection will come as the kilometres and fatigue stack up over the coming days.

> USA Riders Summary – Stage 2

Stage 2 from Yanbu to AlUla reinforced the strength of the U.S. attack at the front, as Ricky Brabec finished third on the special and tightened his grip on a front‑running overall position. Skyler Howes backed that up with fourth on the day, keeping both factory Hondas well inside the top ten on combined time as the rally moved inland.

Behind them, Nathan Rafferty continued to chip away at the desert on his BAS World KTM, logging another solid finish in the mid‑to‑rear pack while adapting to the rockier AlUla terrain and the mental grind of long liaisons. His approach remains classic privateer Dakar: ride within his limits, manage the bike, and let consistency and reliability carry him up the order as other riders falter later in the rally.

Daniel “Chucky” Sanders struck back on the run from Yanbu to AlUla, winning Stage 2 for Red Bull KTM and seizing the overall lead as Edgar Canet, Ricky Brabec and Honda’s pack kept the gaps within a few minutes. The results confirmed that the early days of Dakar 2026 would be a three‑way fight between KTM, Honda and Hero rather than a runaway for any one factory.

> Dakar 2026 Stage 2 Bike Results – Yanbu > AlUla (January 4, 2026)

Stage 2 pushed the bikes inland from the Red Sea coast into rockier, more technical terrain around AlUla, blending stone fields, camel tracks and small dune belts. With Canet opening the road after his Stage 1 win, navigation, starting position and bonus time became as crucial as outright speed, and any mistake risked both time losses and early damage to the bike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhg9EOV8Jr4

> Overall Top 10 Bikes – Stage 2

> Overall Motorcycle Standings After Stage 2 (Top 10)

Sanders’ Stage 2 win moved him into the overall lead, with Canet, Brabec and Schareina all within just a handful of minutes and Ross Branch recovering from his opening‑day penalty to climb back toward contention. The gaps remain tight enough that one mistake on the way into and around AlUla could still reshuffle the entire top ten, especially as navigation and fatigue start to bite.

By the end of Stage 2, Sanders had turned early pressure into control, but the time gaps behind him were still small enough that any crash, penalty or big navigation error on the next AlUla loop could rewrite the story at the front.

• Dakar 2026 – Stage 1 Motorcycles Report

> All Riders Summary – Stage 1

Stage 1 around Yanbu set the tone for Dakar 2026 with a blend of speed and precision, as Edgar Canet stunned the established order by converting his prologue form into a full special-stage win for Red Bull KTM. Daniel Sanders shadowed his young teammate to lock out a KTM one‑two, while Honda and Hero quickly responded with Ricky Brabec, Tosha Schareina, Nacho Cornejo and Ross Branch all planting their factory colors near the front.

The opening day also underlined just how deep the field is this year, with Rally2 standout Michael Docherty sneaking into the top ten outright and riders such as Luciano Benavides, Adrien Van Beveren and other satellite entries hovering close enough to pounce on any early mistakes. Penalties and small errors – most notably Branch’s speeding infraction – reminded everyone that discipline matters as much as raw pace, but with the entire top ten still covered by only a few minutes, Stage 1 felt more like a high‑speed prologue to a long and increasingly technical Saudi campaign.

> USA Riders Summary – Stage 1

American riders opened Dakar 2026 strongly on Stage 1, with Ricky Brabec leading the charge in third on the day and settling into an excellent early overall position. Skyler Howes also cracked the top ten, giving the United States two factory Hondas inside the sharp end of the classification from the very first full stage.

Further back, Utah-based privateer Nathan Rafferty began his second Dakar with a steady, survival‑focused ride on his BAS World KTM, coming home well down the order on corrected time but keeping his bike and body in one piece on a fast, rocky opener. Together with other U.S. privateers, Rafferty’s goal on day one was more about avoiding big mistakes than chasing stage times, leaving the American camp with both front‑running factory hopes and a solid privateer presence as the rally heads inland.

Edgar Canet backed up his prologue win with a commanding Stage 1 victory around Yanbu, leading a Red Bull KTM one‑two ahead of Daniel Sanders while Honda and Hero filled out a tightly packed top ten that sets up a fierce bikes race for Dakar 2026. The young Spaniard’s pace and composure immediately marked him as more than just a prologue specialist in his first full Dakar campaign.

> Dakar 2026 Stage 1 Bike Results – Yanbu Loop (January 3, 2026)

Stage 1’s loop out of Yanbu mixed jagged rock gardens, narrow passes and faster sandy sections near the finish, forcing riders to balance aggression with respect for the terrain on the very first full day. With bonuses not yet decisive, raw pace and avoiding mistakes defined the order more than big navigation gambles.

Overall Stage Top 10 Bikes – Stage 1

*Branch was on pace for the win before a six‑minute speeding penalty dropped him to seventh on corrected time.

> Overall Motorcycle Standings After Stage 1 (Top 10)

The early general classification mirrors the Stage 1 special, with Canet leading Sanders and Brabec while small gaps across the top ten suggest a tightly contested first week ahead.

The early general classification confirms that all of the expected factory contenders are already in the fight, with penalties and small mistakes more decisive than outright speed on day one.

• 2026 Dakar Route Map Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy_ggP7iI3E 

Source

https://ebay.us/m/7Tddld

PROS......Fecking cheap

CONS....... Bugger all ...we'll maybe the tyres

Truth is I really can't fault it off the shelf , one or two bits need that personal touch coz I ride like a twat

1...rally seat

2...better sump guard 

3...better hand guards 

4... rash bars

5....and tyres 

If you haven't tried a chincky special its really worth a try

EICMA 2025 made one thing clear: the future of motorcycling is leaning hard on its past. From BMW’s long-awaited F 450 GS and Royal Enfield’s evolved Himalayan lineup to the rebirth of British and Italian icons like Norton, BSA, Moto Morini, and Aprilia, the show floor was filled with adventure and dual-sport machines that fuse modern engineering with familiar, time-honored badges.

EICMA isn’t just a place for motorcycle brands to show their latest products – it is a global stage that showcases the future of performance, design, and innovation under a single roof. Like every year, launches and reveals were aplenty at this year’s Milan event, but one thing stood out: the resurrection of brands and motorcycles, especially in the adventure bike category.

Come to think of it, this makes a lot of sense. As markets mature and riders grow nostalgic, there’s a renewed appetite for machines that blend modern performance with old-school soul. This year’s show captured that spirit perfectly, and it wasn’t just through retro styling; there was a lot more to it.

BMW’s mini GS leads the charge - 

• BMW F 450 GS: A Lightweight Adventure Bike With Dakar DNA

Leading the way was BMW Motorrad, which unveiled the long-awaited F 450 GS. For years, BMW’s adventure lineup has been dominated by the heavyweight R 1250 GS (recently replaced by the 1300) and the midsize 800 and 900 series, but the 450 brings the brand back into a segment it helped define decades ago — lightweight, rally-bred adventure bikes designed to be ridden hard and far.

The bike is set to be produced by India’s TVS Motor, the same manufacturer that worked on BMW’s G 310 models. That includes the engine too – an all-new 420cc parallel-twin producing 48 horsepower and 32 lb-ft of torque. All that power should feel even punchier considering the F 450 GS weighs 393 lb, compared with the Himalayan 450’s 432 lb and the Ibex 450’s 430 lb wet weight.

Compact, punchy, and unmistakably GS, the new model signals a strategic push toward younger riders and emerging markets, where accessibility and versatility matter as much as badge value. The best part about the F 450 GS is that it serves as a subtle nod to BMW’s Paris-Dakar-winning history. The only real question is when it will make its way to the USA.

• Royal Enfield Himalayan Rally 450 and 750: Evolving an Adventure Icon

If BMW represents heritage reinterpreted, Royal Enfield embodies heritage refined. The Indian manufacturer has spent the past decade methodically modernizing its lineup without losing its vintage charm. At EICMA, Enfield took another bold step by unveiling the Himalayan Rally 450 (packaged as the Himalayan 450 Mana Black) and offering a glimpse of the much-talked-about Himalayan 750.

Both bikes speak to the brand’s deep connection with long-distance exploration. The 450 Mana Black edition boasts a matte black colour scheme with rally accessories, including a high-set, beak-style fender, flat bench-style seat, knuckle guards, and a rally-style rear panel as standard.

The 750 Himalayan, showcased as a “work in progress” model with limited details, is built around a 750cc motor. The engine looks very similar to RE’s 650 twin but will likely have a longer stroke than the 650cc unit. The bike itself appears to use an entirely new chassis with a revised headstock and a new subframe. Suspension consists of adjustable USD front forks and a monoshock, while the design remains unmistakably retro, carrying forward the same philosophy as the current Himalayan.

• Norton and BSA: Classic British Motorcycle Brands Return to the ADV Segment

Norton Motorcycles’ storied comeback under TVS Motor’s leadership continued with the introduction of an entirely new range of motorcycles, including the reintroduced Atlas and Atlas GT adventure models built around a 585cc inline-twin engine and Kayaba suspension.

The Atlas twins marry traditional British twin-cylinder aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering, combining sculpted tanks, upright geometry, and a distinct silhouette that recalls an era when motorcycles were both beautiful and brutal.

But Norton isn’t the only British brand scripting a revival. BSA Motorcycles unveiled its first adventure motorcycle, the Thunderbolt 334. Based on the Yezdi Adventure (sold in India), it’s a compact, approachable ADV that borrows styling cues from its 1960s namesake.

It’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 334cc single-cylinder engine that complies with Euro 5+ standards. The bike features three ABS modes — Rain, Road, and Off-Road — along with a six-speed transmission and traction control. There are also USD forks, a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, a slip-and-assist clutch, and a reinforced bash plate for use on varied terrain.

It’s a proper ADV that looks like it can take a beating and do it with a lot of charm. Where the original Thunderbolt was a symbol of post-war performance, the modern version embodies small-bore practicality and classic design sensibility — a reminder that heritage doesn’t have to mean high displacement.

• Moto Morini and Aprilia: Expanding Italy's ADV Lineup

Next up on the revival bandwagon are the Italian brands. First is Moto Morini, which revealed its all-new single-cylinder Kanguro enduro. For those who might not know, the name dates back to the 1980s, when it belonged to a practical dual-sport that blended utility with Italian style.

The 2025 version captures that same spirit, wrapped around a modern chassis and engine platform that makes it far more capable than its predecessor. Its 300cc single-cylinder produces 34 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable even for A2 license holders.

The enduro is built on a steel frame with an aluminum swingarm, a 41 mm front fork, and a rear shock absorber with progressive linkage, offering 9.8 inches of wheel travel. ABS is switchable, and Moto Morini is even offering a Rally version, which features a low fender and a compact windshield.

Then there’s Aprilia, which plans to expand its adventure range with the Tuareg 457, effectively democratizing the revered Tuareg nameplate. While Aprilia has yet to formally reveal the bike, there have been multiple sightings, most recently in Tunisia. It will likely share the RS 457’s engine, which produces 47.6 horsepower, and is expected to feature a 7.9-gallon fuel tank and a dry weight of 353 lb.

• Why the Revival Trend Makes Sense

As EICMA wrapped up, it felt as though the motorcycle industry had come full circle. After years of chasing bigger engines and ever more complex tech, manufacturers now seem to be turning toward simple, soulful motorcycles that prioritize accessibility above all else.

So why the sudden wave of revivals? The answer lies in a mix of emotion and economics. In an increasingly digitized, electric, and efficiency-driven world, motorcycles remain one of the few products powered as much by feeling as by function. Manufacturers have realized that tapping into their history doesn’t just appeal to older enthusiasts — it also resonates with younger riders searching for authenticity in a sea of increasingly tech-heavy machines. Also, we' continue to see legacy defunkt brands, which have been kicked around for decades, now being bought and revived by Asian mannufacturers looking to bring excitement and value to the motorcycle market.  

There’s also a clear business logic. Reviving a dormant nameplate carries less risk than inventing a new one. Heritage gives brands the advantage of instant recognition, while modern engineering ensures performance and compliance with global standards. It’s a win-win that allows companies to grow without losing their identity.

And if this year’s EICMA is any indication, the past isn’t just returning — it’s accelerating toward the future, throttle wide open.

Source

My thinking room. 

Something retro or retro styled for me, middle weight around, 60 to 70 ish BHP, 200 ish KG or less. 

Twin or 4 pot.   

Probably less than £5K budget for me, or else I would be in domestic strife.   Lot of interesting stuff out there for £2 to £2.5 K

I like sports bikes but prolly would rarely ride such a thing, to uncomfy and don't really care about boasting numbers or tearing around like a nutter bastard.   

I ride with a group of old feckers so big 1000cc plus blasters are pointless given where I live and ride most of the time.    Rather use the rev range on something smaller than have to tickle a beast 100+ Bhp around.   

Also I'm average height and getting smaller and older so big adventure stuff doesn't interest me really.  

Thinking Bonneville/Scrambler/Speed twin, W800, Intercepter (really), type of stuff.     BMW R series stuff or older K75 Bricks.  Do like a Z650RS, Do like a older 90's CB750 retro or a Kawasaki Zephyr.   

I like older 70's and 80's Japanese 4s but don't know if i can be arsed to fettle them commensurate to their age.    Just want to get on and ride.  

It means there will be bagger racing in Europe, hopefully Knockhill will be on the calendar at some point.

https://www.visordown.com/news/italjet-shifts-focus-away-dragster-platform-high-spec-roadster-400?fbclid=IwZnRzaAN4FP9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR5DJsV0-Wu2hMwHuoIiMAxuYKvtMAMubGHrJuWPvKSCMfym9Nt1smOs7kAXKA_aem_okqaKBNklIg6clJ0SWrHxg&utm_campaign=mrf-facebook-visordown&mrfcid=2025110569086100c912c4624e9ace24

Washed the CBF off when I got back.   Ended up only covering 60 miles.  Better than nothing  

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2027-bmw-f-450-gs-first-look-hurry-up-and-wait?srsltid=AfmBOop7RqDe9vnv8Peus1lPugX50Q5XIwbaJbtchvSd5kQXGceB9Dmc

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2025/october/honda-e-clutch-range-update/

Kawasaki just rejoined the middleweight adventure game with the 2026 KLE500 ABS, a machine that bridges city streets and dirt trails under the company’s new banner: Life Is a Rally. Ride It. The model resurrects a nameplate familiar to long-time riders but reimagines it for the modern dual-sport era—lighter, more refined, and far more connected than its 1990s predecessor. We'll have another article on KLE 500's history and evolution coming up soon, but first we wanted to get this urgent release from Team Green out!

The KLE500’s design makes its intent obvious. A tall windshield, short rally-style tank, and sweeping side panels frame a purposeful stance built around 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels. A compact skid plate and trellis frame signal equal readiness for commuting or exploring. On the highway, the upright riding position and elevated screen deliver comfort and visibility. Off the pavement, long-travel suspension, slim bodywork, and generous ground clearance invite riders to stand and steer with confidence.

• 2026 KLE 500 Powerplant

Powering the new KLE is Kawasaki’s 451 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, the same base engine used in the Ninja 500 and Z500. Tuned for torque and tractable response, the twin delivers smooth, linear pull from low revs and steady acceleration up top, staying within Europe’s A2 license limit of 35 kW (47 hp).

Engineers fitted lightweight internals, oil-cooled pistons, and a downdraft intake system for efficient breathing. The result is crisp throttle reaction and minimal vibration, aided by a fully machined balancer shaft. A six-speed gearbox with Assist & Slipper Clutch gives an easy lever pull on long rides and added stability under aggressive downshifts—features that make the bike equally friendly for new and seasoned riders.

A high-tensile steel trellis frame forms the foundation and wieghs only 41.8lbs. Rather than borrowing motocross geometry, Kawasaki engineered the chassis for balance between highway composure and trail stability. At just over 40 lb, the frame uses reinforced gussets and cross members for rigidity without excess weight. The engine acts as a stressed member, rotated forward to lower the center of gravity, helping the KLE feel lighter than its numbers suggest while maintaining 6.8 inches of ground clearance. A 4.2-gallon tank provides useful range without compromising agility. For reference, Kawasaki's Ninja 500 gets about 45-55 mpg. 

• 2026 KLE 500 Suspension and Brakes

Suspension hardware moves the KLE beyond entry-level expectations. The front features a 43 mm KYB cartridge-type inverted fork with 210 mm of travel, while the rear employs Kawasaki’s New Uni-Trak® linkage offering 200 mm and adjustable preload. The setup prioritizes comfort in the first part of the stroke and strong resistance to bottoming in the last, keeping the ride plush yet controlled. Braking is handled by a 300 mm front disc with dual-piston caliper and a 230 mm rear, both managed by a selectable Nissin ABS system that can be switched off for dirt riding.

• 2026 KLE 500 Ergonomics and Electronics

In keeping with its dual-purpose mission, the ergonomics cater to a broad range of riders. A wide aluminum handlebar, slightly forward footpegs, and a narrow midsection create a natural position for both seated and standing control. The 33.9-inch seat height balances reachability with leg comfort, while hollow-core foam provides long-distance support. Rubber-topped footpegs can be stripped to reveal serrated metal surfaces for off-road grip. The adjustable windshield offers three heights—standard, +27 mm (~1inch), and +55 mm (~2 inches)—giving riders flexible wind protection for touring or trail work.

Instrumentation merges classic clarity with modern tech. The base KLE500 ABS uses a high-contrast LCD display with a sweeping bar-style tachometer and the full range of trip, gear, and fuel data. Connectivity comes through Rideology The App, allowing smartphone pairing for route logging, maintenance tracking, and on-screen notifications. Riders can check remaining range, review fuel economy, or use optional voice commands for navigation and search functions.

For those seeking more, the KLE500 SE ABS upgrades to a 4.3-inch full-color TFT display with customizable backgrounds and auto-brightness. The SE also gains a taller 4.1-inch touring screen, larger aluminum skid plate, metal-reinforced hand guards, LED turn signals, and exclusive graphics. Both versions share the same trellis frame, engine, and wheel sizes but differ in trim, giving riders the choice between practical and premium adventure features.

Kawasaki’s attention to detail extends to everyday convenience. The aluminum rear frame is strong enough to carry panniers and a top case simultaneously, while the standard bash plate and exhaust routing maintain clearance and symmetry for luggage mounting. The radiator fan shroud directs hot air away from the rider and tank—small but thoughtful touches that improve comfort on long days.

• 2026 KLE 500 Wheels and Tires

The bike’s 21-/17-inch wheel combination rides on lightweight aluminum rims with steel spokes wrapped in IRC GP-410 tires. Their tread pattern blends street grip with wide center blocks for dirt traction, ensuring stability on pavement and bite on loose surfaces. The single-disc front brake setup saves unsprung weight and helps suspension follow terrain better, underscoring Kawasaki’s emphasis on balance over brute force.

A wide accessory catalog completes the package. Factory options include panniers, top box, heated grips, larger screens, crash protection, fog lights, center stand, and GPS mounts—everything a commuter or long-distance traveler could need. An Ergo-Fit low seat and alternate pillion seat allow riders to tailor fit and comfort, while optional LED fog lamps and a large skid plate prepare the bike for extended back-country use.

• 2026 KLE 500 Pricing and MSRP

Now for perhaps our favorite part! Rather than bringin the all new model in at around nine or ten thousand dollars, they made the smart decision to make the new KLE 500 affordable. With all the features and a proven powerplant, this could be a great option for a specturm of new and old riders.

In the showroom, two color schemes mark the launch: Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony for the base model at $6,599 USD, and Pearl Blizzard White with Metallic Bluish Green for the SE at $7,499 USD. Both are available immediately through Kawasaki dealerships. Listed out differenlty below.

Kawasaki KLE500 ABS (background)
Color: Metallic Carbon Gray/Ebony
MSRP: $6,599
Availability: Now

Kawasaki KLE500 SE ABS (foreground)
Color: Pearl Blizzard White, Metallic Bluish
Green
MSRP: $7,499
Availability: Now

 The KLE500’s revival isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about reconnecting Kawasaki’s adventure DNA with qualities the modern market demands. Compact, efficient, and affordable, it offers a bridge between commuter practicality and off-road curiosity for a broad spectrum of riders.  While we can't yet comment on how it actually rides, we're initially happy with the bike's redesign and market placement. In an era of increasingly heavier and more expensive adventure bikes, Kawasaki’s message is refreshingly clear: Versatilty should be fun and affordable! Now that's a message we can get behind.

Stay tuned for our upcoming artlce on KLE 500 history and whether or not we think the new KLE 500 checks all the boxes needed for success. Until then, for more information, visit: Kawasaki.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLUmucmSsdo

Source

After that new chain and sprockets on How Highs Ninja plus stripped and cleaned both brakes with new fluid front and back.    Also changed the oil and filter.  
 

Finally set about sorting my CBF. When I had my MoT last week the tester said the rear sprocket was on the wrong way around.   Nothing to worry about but he just pointed it out.    Now being me I did worry so had to sort it out.   

Before 

After

Also stripped and clear the rear brake as I haven’t done that this year.  

All back together now 

Not sure my hands will ever be clean again and I’m bleddy knackered.  

Also having come off a night shift I needed a breakfast.   I like that they do what is coming on for a healthy option.  

 

I waited while they did my bike so had a mooch around the showroom.  They always seem to have an interesting selection of bikes.  
I do like the HRC colour scheme, looks the mutts nuts IMHO. 

17k

All the Hornets 

Lovely VFR

Pretty stuff 

Love this colour scheme.   Playa Black.  Not sure I fancy bike but I do like the way it looks.  

New Classic 350 Goan, very striking in the flesh

My mate at work is thinking of trading his NC750 X for one of these NX 500s. 

Cool Daytona 660.  

Monster.  

Allsorts of other stuff including a really nice V-Rod but I only focused on the stuff I like.