Motos and Friends from Ultimate Motorcycle magazine

Motos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Weekly

A weekly podcast from the Editorial team at Ultimate Motorcycling. The first segment includes product reviews, and the second segment chats with someone moto-interesting. That includes riders, racers, collectors, industry insiders who have something entertaining to share. All feedback and suggestions welcomed at producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com.

  1. 17 June

    Moto Morini Vettore 450 + Lost Coast on BMW R 12 G/S and Honda Africa Twin

    This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. Have you ever wanted to ride a real MotoGP track? Well, here’s your chance! Leod Escapes does all sorts of incredible touring experiences with the very best that Europe has to offer. Fabulous accommodation, incredible food, and motorcycles what more can you ask for! So for the trip of a lifetime, visit LeodEscapes.com and check out your dream vacation. *  *  *  *  * Not many of us have heard of Moto Morini, the old Italian brand. Now Chinese-owned, the new Moto Morinis are still designed in Italy and are making a comeback. Don Williams recently rode the Vettore 450 adventure bike and gives us his thoughts on whether this bike has earned a place in the highly competitive US ADV market. Associate Editor Freeman Wood and his good friend Alex Cobb decided to try the Lost Coast BDR-X route on the 2026 BMW R 12 G/S and Honda Africa Twin . Teejay Adams chats with Freeman and Alex about how both bikes fared on the 500-mile, figure-eight loop that ventures deep into the untamed heart of Northern California’s last stretch of undeveloped coastline. You can also check out their travels on Instagram @woodysmototravels *  *  *  *  * Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well. Don't forget 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!   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

    1hr 26min

  2. 3 June

    Yamaha MT-07 + Nikolas Lazos

    This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. Have you ever wanted to ride a real MotoGP track? Well, here’s your chance! Leod Escapes does all sorts of amazing European tours, including the incredible Munich to Mugello tour at the end of June, or you can try the Core of Catalunya or the Portimão Andalusia trips, both in October. These are incredible touring experiences with the very best that Europe has to offer. Fabulous accommodation, incredible food, and motorcycles! So for the trip of a lifetime, visit LeodEscapes.com, now. *  *  *  *  * In our first segment, Don Williams and Nic de Sena chat about the latest Yamaha MT-07. The amazing motor in the Yamaha is mostly unchanged, however just about everything else with this bike has changed. Don and Nic have extensive experience riding this beast and you’ll hear both their likes and a couple of dislikes too.   *  *  *  *  * Our guest for this episode is Nikolas Lazos, a 15-year old young man from Melbourne, Australia who starting racing in the Supersport 300 category in Australian Superbike last year. Nikolas had an awful crash at the tail end of last year that put him out of contention for the Championship. Teejay chats with Nikolas about his journey so far, and the physical and mental challenges he’s facing coming back from injury. *  *  *  *  * Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well. Don't forget 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!   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

    1hr 11min

  3. 20 May

    2027 Suzuki GSX-R1000R + BTR Build Off Winner + Brian Bentley and the Ducati 916

    Hello and welcome again to the Motos and Friends Podcast. This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. My name is Arthur Coldwells. *  *  *  *  * Have you ever wanted to ride a real MotoGP track? Well, here’s your chance! Leod Escapes does all sorts of amazing European tours, including the incredible Munich to Mugello tour at the end of June, or you can try the Core of Catalunya or the Portimão Andalusia trips, both in October. These are incredible touring experiences with the very best that Europe has to offer, as well as riding these amazing tracks on brand new BMW S1000RRs. So for the trip of a lifetime, visit LeodEscapes.com, now! *  *  *  *  * In our first segment, Nic de Sena tells us all about his recent trip to Spain to ride the new 2027 Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Suzuki did a slightly different spin on this particular launch where they split the journalists into teams of 3, and had a 6-hour endurance ‘race’ to see how well everyone fared. Nic gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to the new Gixxer and for such long track sessions! Rider Market from just outside Orlando, Florida, is the winner of the recent Royal Enfield BTR Build-Off competition in the Road Race category. Brian Koster is the Parts Director at Rider Market and he tells us briefly about the machine and parts he selected that made this retro-looking Royal Enfield stand out and take the trophy.   Our guest for this episode is Brian Bentley. A few years ago, just prior to Covid, Brian had a chance to buy a Ducati 916. He’s always been a major fan of the bike ever since it launched in the early nineties. He’d actually been looking for a 748 for a while, but when this great example came to his attention he couldn’t resist. The only snag was that it was completely disassembled. So, Brian did what any reasonable bike-fanatic would do: he loaded all the endless boxes of parts into the trunk of his SUV, headed home to Daytona Beach, and started the build. Brian recounts the story of this incredible machine and what eventually happened to it in the end.    *  *  *  *  * Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well. Don't forget 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!   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

    1hr 40min

  4. 6 May

    Benda Napoleonbob 500 + Gary Christopher of Honda

    This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes.  Have you ever thought “MotoGP… well that’s an easy sport”? Yes you have? Well, here’s a chance to prove to yourself if you could have been a contender! You can ride one or all of the classic MotoGP tracks, like Mugello, Portimao or Catalunya.   Leod Escapes does all sorts of amazing European tours, including the incredible Munich to Mugello tour at the end of June, or the Core of Catalunya and the  Portimao Andalusia trips, both in October. These are incredible touring experiences with the very best that Europe has to offer, as well as riding these amazing tracks on new BMW S1000RRs. So for the trip of a lifetime, book here at LeodEscapes.com, now! *  *  *  *  * In our first segment, Don Williams talks about a bike brand you’ve probably never heard of: the new Benda Napoleonbob 500. It’s a really nice looking entry or intermediate level cruiser-style bike, and yes, it’s from China. Don gives us the lowdown on its performance, quality, and of course, its price.     *  *  *  *  * Our guest for this episode is Gary Christopher. When I first started around 25 years ago, Gary was the Senior PR manager for American Honda motorcycles. Of course with a lifelong career at Honda he’s seen some incredible things, and ridden a few bikes that you’ve probably never even heard of. His stories are dripping with nostalgia, and even if his time was before your interest in motorcycling got started, his knowledge and experiences are an absolute treat to hear. *  *  *  *  * Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well. Don't forget 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!   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

    1hr 55min

  5. 22 Apr

    Triumph Trident 660 + Leod Escapes + Freddie Spencer Update + Bike Shed Vikki van Someren

    This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a REAL MotoGP track?  One of the many Leod Escapes is the incredible Munich to Mugello tour which starts at the end of June. You get to ride the Dolomites, Europe’s most famous motorcycle playground, and then spend three days on Italy’s most famous track. And get this: Leod Escapes is offering an incredible discount: for two free nights on a “Track & Tour” simply add it when booking, and then at check out use the code ULTIMATETRACK. Places are limited, so visit LeodEscapes.com now to book your trip of a lifetime. *  *  *  *  * In our first segment, Nic de Sena chats with Don Williams on his impressions of the new Triumph Trident 660. Nic traveled to Spain to ride Triumph’s middleweight roadster that comes with mechanical revisions that go beyond skin deep. *  *  *  *  * Later this episode we have an update from Freddie Spencer on his new venture. But before that, Teejay Adams chats with Vikki Van Someren, one of the founders and partners in the famous Bike Shed destination venue. It’s a place of Common Ground, where people from all walks of life come together to share their passion for two-wheels, whether they ride a motorcycle or not. Vikki is a dynamic and energetic host who exudes warmth and welcome. *  *  *  *  * And finally this episode, before you check out, make sure you hear the update from three-times world Champion Freddie Spencer. Freddie is starting an interesting new venture with friend and business partner Camille Conrad, and they tell us all about it. *  *  *  *  * Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well. 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!   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

    1hr 47min

  6. 8 Apr

    Yamaha YZF-R7 + Joe Rascal update + Dylan Code

    This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. *  *  *  *  * Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a REAL MotoGP track? …or maybe you HAVE ridden one and want more? Well, one of the many Leod Escapes is the incredible Munich to Mugello tour which starts at the end of June. You get to ride the Dolomites, Europe’s most famous motorcycle playground, and then spend three days on Italy’s most famous track. And get this: Leod Escapes is offering an incredible discount if you book before April 17th: for two free nights on a “Track & Tour” use the code ULTIMATETRACK.  Or for one free night on a Trippinar use the code ULTIMATETRIP. Simply add the extras when booking, and then at check out use the code. Places are limited on this bucket list trip, so visit LeodEscapes.com now to book your ride of a lifetime. *  *  *  *  * In our first segment, Don Williams discusses the 2026 Yamaha R7. Four years after its debut, the R7 gets its first major upgrade. Improvements to the R7 range from electronic to mechanical, and ergonomic to cosmetic. There’s a lot to know about this popular Championship-winning supersport bike, and Don lets us in on a few of its secrets. *  *  *  *  * Earlier this year we brought you two guests from the new-on-the-scene Joe Rascal brand. Archie ‘Maddog’ McDonald is one of the riders in the new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup race series with MotoGP this year, and as it turned out is the Winner of the first race. James Tonna is the Chief Rascal, and with his business partner Barry Fitzpatrick they are the brains and money behind the entire Joe Rascal initiative. We had a chance to catch up with Archie and James at the recent COTA MotoGP round. *  *  *  *  * Most of you will have heard of Keith Code and the California Superbike School. Keith’s legendary teaching has helped thousands of motorcycle riders improve their techniques both on- and off-track. Keith’s son Dylan has now taken the reins at the Superbike school known for his expertise in cornering physics, technical training, and his role in managing the school's global operations. He specializes in training riders from novice street riders to seasoned racers. He is incredibly articulate and this episode Teejay Adams chats with him about not just what happens at the Superbike School but also his journey getting there.  *  *  *  *  * 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!   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

    1hr 52min

  7. 25 Mar

    Indian Chief Vintage + Leod Escapes + BDR

    This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. *  *  *  *  * Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a REAL MotoGP track? …or maybe you HAVE ridden one and want more? Well one of the most popular Leod Escapes is the ‘Core of Catalunya’ trip, this October. Leod Escapes gets help from local enthusiasts to show you the roads, the cantinas, the views, the food …and most importantly, the curves, that make this a perfect trip. Stay in the towns where locals riders go to escape the busy streets of Barcelona; ride the same mountain and coastal roads that local racers have ridden for generations. This is the ideal trip for couples too… so your better half will fall in love with Barcelona while you’re enjoying a new BMW S1000RR for three full days on the incredible Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya track. And get this: Leod Escapes is offering an incredible discount if you book before April 17th: for two free nights on a “Track & Tour” use the code ULTIMATETRACK.  Or for one free night on a Trippinar use the code ULIMATETRIP. Simply add the extras when booking, and then at check out use the code and the money will be pulled off the total. Visit LeodEscapes.com now to book the ‘Core of Catalunya’ ride of a lifetime. *  *  *  *  * In our first segment, Don Williams and Nic de Sena discuss the new Indian Chief Vintage. This Indian is a heritage-driven cruiser that blends mid-20th-century American design language with the thoroughly modern Chief platform. It’s built around the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-twin that’s wrapped in classic valanced fenders and deeply nostalgic detailing. *  *  *  *  * Have you heard the latest from Insta360 about the new Ace Pro 2 Supercross bundle? The partnership between Insta360 and the Supercross World Championship includes world champion Jett Lawrence and the bundle features the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera. The amazing Ace Pro 2 has 8K, AI-powered video, a large sensor and Leica lens that gives you 4K, 60fps video. There’s a PureVideo Mode for low light conditions; it’s waterproof, has a 180-minute fast charging battery, and it supports 1TB microSD cards. The Supercross Edition bundle includes a Helmet Chin Mount, two Flexible Adhesive Mounts, a Lens Guard, and a 128GB microSD card so that you can get going immediately. Head over to Insta360.com and use the promo code ULTIMATE. *  *  *  *  * BDR or Backcountry Discovery Routes organization, is a non-profit that creates off-highway routes for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. In the second segment this episode, Teejay chats with Inna Thorn, the Executive Director, and Bryce Stevens, the Co-Founder and Routes Development Director. Bryce is heavily involved in scouting, designing, and mapping new routes for BDR. If you’re not familiar with BDR, Inna and Bryce give us some background and what’s new in the world of adventure motorcycling in the US.   BDR website - https://ridebdr.com/ MTBDR Film Tour Dates and Locations -  https://ridebdr.com/news/mtbdr-film-tour/ BDR Routes Overview - https://ridebdr.com/routes-overview/ Support BDR - https://ridebdr.com/become-a-supporter/ *  *  *  *  * 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!   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

    1hr 27min

  8. 11 Mar

    Triumph Trident 800 + Leod Escapes + Kira Knebel

    This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. The Triumph Trident 800 is a charismatic highly sporting machine, and Don Williams traveled all the way to the Island of Cyprus to test this latest offering from Triumph.   *  *  *  *  * Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a REAL MotoGP track? …or maybe you have ridden one and are salivating for more? Well, one of the many Leod Escapes is the incredible Munich to Mugello tour which starts at the end of June. As the name implies, you get to ride Europe’s most famous motorcycle playground, the Dolomites, and then spend three days on Italy’s most famous circuit. Cat McLeod gives us a few details on what to expect on this tour, and yes, you will definitely want to go!  Special deal for our listeners, use code ULTIMATETRACK gets you two free nights on a "Track & Tour" code; ULTIMATETRIP gets you one free night on a Trippinar! (codes apply up to April 17 2026) Places are limited on this bucket list trip, so visit LeodEscapes.com now to book your ride of a lifetime. *  *  *  *  * Have you heard the latest from Insta360 about the new Ace Pro 2 Supercross bundle? The partnership between Insta360 and the Supercross World Championship includes world champion Jett Lawrence and the bundle features the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera. The amazing Ace Pro 2 has 8K, AI-powered video, a large sensor and Leica lens that gives you 4K, 60fps video. There’s a PureVideo Mode for low light conditions; it’s waterproof, has a 180-minute fast charging battery, and it supports 1TB microSD cards. The Supercross Edition bundle includes a Helmet Chin Mount, two Flexible Adhesive Mounts, a Lens Guard, and a 128GB microSD card so that you can get going immediately. Head over to Insta360.com and use promo code ULTIMATE. *  *  *  *  * In the second segment this episode, Teejay chats with Kira Knebel. Kira is one of the most modest Championship Winners you’ll ever hear from. But don’t be fooled by this super-sweet lady—she turns into a tiger on the track. Part of the Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race crew, in 2025 Kira entered her second year of the program and felt somewhat confident that she could make her mark. And boy, did she ever! The racing was close; she had a spectacular spill at Road America; and yet she wasn’t fazed. It went down to the wire and Kira ended up taking the Championship win at the last round at The Ridge, in Washington state. It was a remarkable testament to her sheer toughness and never-give-up attitude. Here at Motos & Friends we’re proud to be part of her racing journey.   Broitomoto Kira Knebel Instagram  *  *  *  *  * 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!   @ultimatemotorcycling  @UltimateMotoMag  @UltimateMotorcycling  producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com

    1hr 44min
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About

A weekly podcast from the Editorial team at Ultimate Motorcycling. The first segment includes product reviews, and the second segment chats with someone moto-interesting. That includes riders, racers, collectors, industry insiders who have something entertaining to share. All feedback and suggestions welcomed at producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com.

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