Residing in Northeast Pennsylvania has its perks—except for motorcycling during the winter months.

The weather teased the last few weeks, offering some beautiful riding days in the lower 50s (yeah, that’s nice when it’s typically below freezing!).

 But then it turned to the typical shitshow of snow and frigid temperatures that kept me off my bike for a few days (I guess spring isn’t coming as soon as we thought). 

With that said, not riding at least a few miles a week saddens me. So to stay sane, I read even more of the latest motorcycle news from my favorite online publications. 

Here’s what stood out this week. 

Team of R 1300 GS Riders Climb Chile’s Largest Volcano - in 24 Hours! 

In an insane display of endurance and machinery prowess, a team of four intrepid riders riding BMW R 1300 GS motorcycles conquered the Nevado Ojos del Salado Volcano. 

Yeah—conquered. 

Straddling the border between Argentina and Chile, this volcano is the world's highest above sea level, peaking at 22,615 feet. The adventure, set against the backdrop of the Atacama Desert, pushed the limits of what's possible on two wheels, achieving a feat that blends the spirit of adventure with Bavarian technical excellence.

The riders, including BMW Motorrad Development Manager Christof Lischka, Metzeler Test and Technical Director Salvatore Pennisi, Michele Pradelli, and Karsten Schwers, brought serious expertise to the expedition. 

Their successful climb builds upon the legacy of adventure motorcycling, pushing the boundaries further than the previous record set by riders on Africa Twins in 2017.

This extraordinary adventure, detailed in the original article on ADVPulse, is more than just a record-setting journey; it's a narrative of human ambition, technological triumph, and the unyielding call of the wild that adventure motorcyclists heed. For a more immersive experience of this thrilling expedition, you can read the full account on ADVPulse.

Motorcycle.com Reviews the Ducati 698 Hyperstrada Mono

For Ducati collectors, the Supermono remains at the top of my “elusive bastards” list to not only see in person but maybe ride or, better yet, own. 

The reason is simple: only 67 were produced between 1993 and 1997. And out of those, only two were produced in 1996 and 1997. So sure, I’d desire a 96 or 97.

Ever since I read Cycle World's review of the Supermono way back in 2007 by one of my favorite storytellers and global launch beer partners, John Burns, I've dreamt of adding one to my collection. They are out there. But finding one, well, that’s another question. 

So when the rumors spread about releasing the 659cc single engine for street bikes, I couldn’t read enough. Then it all arrived in one of the coolest platforms ever, the Hypermotard. I last rode a Hypermotard when Ducati launched the 939 in Spain’s Maspalomas on the island of Gran Canaria off Africa’s northwest coast. 

That bike was a hell of a lot of fun, and now I crave more than ever to ride the 2024 Hypermotard 698 Mono (yes, 695cc, but titled the 698 in typical Ducati fashion…we’re sure a 699 will follow, just like the 1199 followed the 1198). 

I wasn’t on the launch for this one, but thankfully many of my fellow moto journos got to ride it, including one of the fastest I’ve ever ridden with, Troy Siahaan. 

Troy gives the lowdown on Ducati's first-ever single-cylinder engine in recent times, the Hypermotard 698 Mono marking a significant departure from the brand's V-Twin and V4 heritage. 

The engine, dubbed the Superquadro Mono, is half the iconic 1299 Superquadro V-Twin. It shares the same piston, connecting rod, and cylinder head and even boasts the aluminum cylinder liner from the ultra-exclusive 1299 Superleggera. With a displacement of 659cc, contrary to what its name might suggest, this powerhouse churns out 77.5 hp, edging out many of its European rivals like the KTM 690 SMC R. 

This machine isn't just a new model; it's a statement from Ducati that innovation and tradition can coexist, bringing the thrill of the Supermono spirit to a wider audience. And for those of us dreaming of adding a Supermono to our collections, the Hypermotard 698 Mono might just be the next best thing. Well, not really, but it’ll be fun as hell to rip!

Check out Troy’s review of the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono.

Meet Harley’s First Dual Sport, the MT500 - Although Not a True Harley, Its Story is Cool

Diving into the annals of Harley-Davidson's storied past reveals a narrative that extends far beyond the chrome-clad cruisers emblematic of the brand’s legacy that began in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

But did you know that in the late 1990s, Harley entered the ADV market, long before its Pan America? Well, not so fast. 

Harley-Davidson simply recognized an opportunity to diversify its portfolio and tap into the lucrative market of military contracts. This ambition led them to acquire the rights to the Armstrong-CCM MT500. Harley would introduce a military-grade motorcycle into their lineup—a stark contrast to the company's customary offerings.

The Harley-Davidson MT500 remains a compelling chapter in the brand's history, showcasing its somewhat unknown willingness to explore uncharted territories, even if it remains a lesser-known footnote in the grand narrative of an American legend.

Want to learn more? Read Top Speed’s story here. 

Want one? Revival Cycles has one for sale!

Cycle News Recaps the 2024 AIMExpo

Yes, we continue to lack huge motorcycle shows in America. Every time I see memories show up in social media of the International Motorcycle Shows (IMS), my frown grows. 

Thankfully, we still have the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo). And the 2024 once again proved why it's the heartbeat of the power sports industry in North America. With an impressive turnout of more than 370 exhibitors—a notable leap from the previous year's 325—the Las Vegas Convention Center was abuzz with innovation, excitement, and the unmistakable roar of motorcycle passion.

Cycle News provided a kick-ass recap of this year’s expo, including showcasing a few (OK, very few) new models.  Moto Morini unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 X-Cape 1200 adventure bike alongside the new Corsaro 750 sport bike. Yamaha took the wraps off an innovative electric three-wheel concept vehicle, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in electric mobility. 

Triumph, riding high on its Supercross racing debut, showcased the formidable TF 250-X motocross bike, which promises to redefine the dirt biking experience. And not to be outdone, KTM celebrated 30 years of Duke heritage with the launch of the 1390 Super Duke R Evo, a bike that encapsulates the brand's commitment to adrenaline-pumping performance and cutting-edge technology.

Check out the video!

Want more with some cool images? Check out this AIMExpo highlight article by Cycle News.