Beta Alp X 350 + IR Kinetics and Video gaming with MotoGP
Motos and Friends from Ultimate Motorcycle magazineShow Notes
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, and 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. * * * * * This week’s two segments both bring you something a little different… In our first segment, Don Williams and Kelly Callan chat about Beta Alp X 350. This modest displacement single cylinder four-stroke from the Italian factory is described as an “Urban Adventure” bike. With styling that would fit well in a Mad Max movie, the rugged looking machine exudes fun and cool in equal measure. Don and Kelly discuss whether the Alp X lives up to its charisma. * * * * * Today's Snippet brings you the newly launched X5 camera from Insta360, a leader in 360-degree action camera technology. Adam Singer from Insta360 tells us all about the incredible new X5 that shoots in ALL directions at once, and in 8K30 mega hi-resolution. You can create epic motorcycling shots without even having to aim the camera. Literally, just hit record… focus on your ride… and then in the easy and smooth edit find the best angles using Insta360's mobile app. Its amazing AI tools make it super quick. The X5 is every camera you'll ever need in one, so for instance, you can try an immersive POV that includes your handlebars; or try unique, third-person shots of you and your bike. From morning to night, X5's huge new sensors, triple AI chip, and dedicated low-light shooting mode, deliver never seen before detail and image quality. It's waterproof, reliable, and has inexpensive, completely replaceable, lenses. 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, visit Insta360.com. * * * * * Our guest this episode is again, something different. I doubt you have ever heard of IR Kinetics. The company uses a proprietary infra-red technology that tracks objects to within centimeters of their locations—in real time. For motorcycle enthusiasts, this has massive implications. One example they’re currently working on is where video gaming and MotoGP could intersect. The company could create a hybrid experience where you could ‘virtually’ race against the other riders on track. Imagine if you could line up on the grid next to Marc and Pecco, and see if you could compete? This is just one of many ideas from IR Kinetics. Teejay Adams chats with Gilly Switalski (CEO of IR Kinetics), and Stefy Bau. Stefy won three world motocross championships, two WMX USA championships, plus the Loretta Lynn AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship and seven Italian Championships. Gilly and Stefy enthusiastically explain the technology and how it’s about to change our motorcycling world. It’s a cliché, but it could literally be a game-changer. Check out this video on IRK * * * * * 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 co
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Hello and welcome again to the Motos and Friends Podcast. This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes. * * * * * Aprilia is bringing a scooter to North America, and it’s one designed to appeal to adventure motorcyclists. The SR GT 400 is a mid-size scooter built around a steel motorcycle-style frame, a 399cc single, and off-road-ready hardware. It reaches US dealers as soon as this month. Don Williams and Kelly Callan spent some time riding the Aprilia and were surprised by what they discovered. Is this a real motorcycle or just a good-looking urban scooter? * * * * * Cat McLeod is founder and owner of Leod Escapes, the ultimate tour company for sport-minded motorcycle riders. Cat talks to us this segment about some of his amazing European experiences and tours that include of course, riding some amazing MotoGP tracks on new BMW S1000RRs. If you like what you hear, now is the time to book your trip of a lifetime, so visit LeodEscapes.com to find out more. * * * * * Our guest this episode is Terry Vance, the multiple Motorcycle and Motorsports Hall-of-Famer. Terry is of course the former professional motorcycle drag racer, team owner, and co-founder of the high-performance parts company Vance & Hines. Teejay Adams chats with Terry about his incredible career that includes being the first rider to hit 200 mph in the standing quarter-mile. Having won this year’s MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers championship with Hayden Gillim riding the Vance & Hines factory Indian Challenger, and with Harley-Davidson’s recent withdrawal, Terry gives us his thoughts on where the series might go from here. * * * * * 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 [email protected]
This episode is brought to you by the 34th Annual Biketoberfest Our bike review this episode is the Yamaha MT-03. Do not underestimate this bike; you get a lot of motorcycle for your money! Associate Editor Kelly Callan rode the smallest MT for several weeks, and that included commuting on it. One of the things that impressed her, was how the MT-03 acted like a larger motorcycle. Kelly also spent some time chasing Editor Don Williams through the canyons when he was on the Yamaha MT-07—obviously a much larger machine. She tells us about how it all went. * * * * * We’re closing in fast on the 34th annual Biketoberfest, October 15–18, when all roads will lead to Teddy Morse’s Destination Daytona—the more than 100-acre motorcycle playground in Ormond Beach Florida. This week we get to hear all about it from Teddy Morse himself. With his trademark high energy and enthusiasm, he tells us all about his recently established Triketoberfest that happens the week before, and how the Destination Daytona complex turns into a full-throttle hub of demo rides, vendors, custom builds, live music, food trucks, shops, and nonstop pavilion energy. So, whether you’re on two wheels or three, whether you’re hunting parts or lining up a test ride; grab a cold one and soak up the energy and gorgeous Florida fall weather. This is one of the many Daytona Beach places where Biketoberfest feels like home. So don’t forget: make sure you download the Biketoberfest mobile App from Apple or Google Play or visit www.biketoberfest.org and we’ll see you there! * * * * * Our guest this episode is Greg Arnold, Mecum’s motorcycle auction director. He bought his first bike at eleven, joined the company in 2011, and has spent more than a decade helping turn this incredible event into the place collectors, consignors, and dreamers all show up. Next February 3rd through 6th, Mecum will—for the 36th time, bring the world’s largest vintage motorcycle auction back to South Point, Las Vegas. That’s over two thousand bikes over four days. Board-track racers, barn finds, customs, race iron, and especially, those incredible machines that make the room go quiet. Greg gives us insight into what it takes to make this event work so incredibly well, and if you’re interested in selling your pride and joy, what steps you have to take to make it happen. * * * * * 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 [email protected]
Hello and welcome again to the Motos and Friends Podcast. This episode is brought to you by the 34th Annual Biketoberfest October 15th through 18th * * * * * In our first segment this episode Don Williams tries out his first e-clutch motorcycle: the new Honda CB750 Hornet. The Honda 750 is already an excellent motorcycle in its own right; it’s fast, and it handles beautifully. So, does adding the E-Clutch system to an already fabulous motorcycle really make any difference, or is this just an engineering exercise for the sake of it? Don Williams explains how the system works, and whether the E-Clutch is actually an upgrade. * * * * * We’ve talked recently about the upcoming Biketoberfest in a few weeks time, and for sure it’s a great party and social event for motorcycle riders everywhere. But we don’t want to leave you with the impression that’s all it is. So Brian Bentley—born and raised in Daytona Beach—takes us through a sample itinerary of how you could spend your four days plus at Biketoberfest. Truth is, there are a ton of things to do in the October sunshine, and Brian’s example itinerary will give you a lot of ideas. And don’t forget: make sure you download the Biketoberfest mobile App from Apple or Google Play or visit www.biketoberfest.org. * * * * * In our second segment this episode Arthur Coldwells chats with Tony Bracalente, founder of Ryder-Gear. Tony is a Navy veteran and was a nuclear engineer on submarines; he’s also a frequent track rider and racer. He founded Ryder-Gear as a result of his own track riding needs, and after friends kept asking him to help them out with what they needed, he eventually started the company. Tony’s interesting background and story-telling ability gives some insight into what it takes to improve motorcycle safety both on the track, and on the street. * * * * * 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 [email protected]
Hello and welcome again to the Motos and Friends Podcast. This episode is brought to you by the 34th Annual Biketoberfest October 15th to 18th * * * * * In our first segment this episode Don Williams takes us for a ride on arguably the most comfortable British take on the American cruiser: the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster. It’s a superbly relaxed motorcycle in an equally relaxed state of tune, so while you shouldn’t be swayed by the “Speed” in its name, there’s a lot more to the Speedmaster than you might imagine. * * * * * Now here’s a really cool event you absolutely cannot miss—yes, we’re rapidly approaching the 34th Annual Biketoberfest Rally in Daytona Beach, sunny Florida. Biketoberfest this year runs October 15th through the 18th. Biketoberfest is all about the beautiful Florida weather, live music, the industry’s top vendors, bike shows, and motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway. And don’t forget, there are miles of spectacular rides along the famous A1A, the historic Main Street and the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop. There really is something for everyone here, and almost every event and attraction is free to attend. So, if you want a fun few days out in the Florida sunshine, Biketoberfest really is the place to be. Make sure you download the Biketoberfest mobile App from Apple or Google Play or visit www.biketoberfest.org for more details. * * * * * In our second segment this episode Teejay Adams catches up with World Cup Bagger racer, Archie McDonald who first came on this podcast last December. Whether you’ve watched any of the World Bagger Cup racing or not, you’ve likely heard of it. Despite a lot of initial skepticism, the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup really seems to have captured the racing public’s imagination. The Championship is now being led by Archie, and despite never having seen most of the tracks before, that he’s beating several very experienced and highly talented competitors, shows what an amazing talent he is. Archie is also extremely mature for his just 19-years of age, and sadly, in the last few months he’s had to grow up even faster after his older brother Toby took his own life in April. Archie brings us up to date with his racing for the Joe Rascal team, and he speaks candidly with Teejay about his brother and how Toby’s passing has affected him. Fair warning: if you’re sensitive to this topic please be careful listening to this segment, and if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, know that support is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14. Archie McDonald Instagram Archie McDonald Racing Facebook Archie McDonald Motos & Friends Dec 2025 REMIX RECOVERY * * * * * 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 [email protected]
This episode is brought to you by the 34th Annual Biketoberfest October 15 to 18 * * * * * The modern superbike class is an arms race fought on several fronts. There’s still the battle for horsepower supremacy, that fuels endless spec-sheet skirmishes on internet forums. But what has caused more than a few designers to burn the midnight oil is the bold new frontier of MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics, and the challenge of integrating those into the already exceedingly complex superbike. Nic de Sena rode the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R at a recent Laguna Seca track day with Volant Vivere and he tells us all about what he discovered and what it takes to go fast. * * * * * Now here’s a rally you absolutely cannot miss—yes, we’re rapidly approaching the 34th Annual Biketoberfest Rally in Daytona Beach, sunny Florida. Biketoberfest this year runs October 15th through the 18th. Biketoberfest is all about the beautiful Florida weather, live music, the industry’s top vendors, bike shows, and motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway. And don’t forget, there are miles of spectacular rides along the famous A1A, the historic Main Street and the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop. There really is something for everyone here, and almost every event and attraction is free to attend. So, if you want a fun few days out in the Florida sunshine, Biketoberfest really is the place to be. Make sure you download the Biketoberfest mobile App from Apple or Google Play or visit www.biketoberfest.org for more details. * * * * * Austin and Ellie got married in 2022 and recently returned from a four-year trip around the world riding their Ural sidecar. The epic trip is documented on their Instagram page @sidebysidecar. In this second segment, Teejay Adams chats with them about the challenges and effort it took to make it all happen, and some of the adventures they had along the way. * * * * * 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 [email protected]