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In Rider Rewind, a special section in 2024 issues that celebrates moments in Rider’s 50-year history, we showcased Motorcycles of the Year for 1990-2006 in the October issue and for 2007-2023 in the November issue. Our May 1990 issue included our Touring’s Top Ten Awards, the precursor of the Motorcycle of the Year award. For the past 35 years, Rider’s editors have reviewed the annual batch of new and significantly updated motorcycles and narrowed them down to a handful of finalists. The Motorcycle of the Year is the bike we believe best fulfills its intended purpose and advances the state of motorcycle design, performance, and function. Our May 1990 issue states “Among the eight motorcycle and two miscellaneous categories, there will be no ties, no honorable mentions. Just Touring’s Top Ten as determined by the Rider staff.” In the early days, we published the Touring Top Ten, which included the best seven motorcycles in various categories, two general categories (such as Top Innovation), and a Motorcycle of the Year. We limited motorcycles to those in the current model year, and production timing used to be so early that we published the Touring Top Ten in the May issue. As the magazine’s mission expanded, our annual awards evolved. In 1999 – our 25th anniversary – they became Rider’s Top Ten. In 2003, we adopted our current format of selecting a top tier of finalists and one winner. Production timing has changed such that the MOTY selection was pushed later into the year, and we began to include current and upcoming model years because they now often overlap. The 1990 Bike of the Year was the BMW K1: “And even if the K1’s sizzling paint and aerodynamic bodywork fails to impress, with its unique Motronic ignition/fuel injection, Paralever rear suspension/swingarm that eliminates shaft-drive jacking and innovative approach to various rider conveniences – not to mention ABS – the K1 is truly a technological achievement for BMW, if not the motorcycle industry.” For the 2024 Motorcycle of the Year, there were nearly 100 eligible contenders. We narrowed them down to 10 finalists and one winner.  Related: 2023 Motorcycle of the Year Without further ado… 2024 Motorcycle of the Year Finalists 1. Can-Am Origin and Pulse Can-Am Origin Re-entering the motorcycle market after a decades-long hiatus, Can-Am has embraced the electric future with the Origin dual-sport and the Pulse roadster, which are propelled by a 11-kW Rotax E-Power motor with an 8.9-kWh battery, producing 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque. The bikes have innovative features like active regeneration and an enclosed drive chain in an oil bath with an automatic tensioning system. Read our Can-Am Origin and Pulse Review 2. CFMOTO Ibex 450 CFMOTO Ibex 450 CFMOTO has been selling motorcycles in the U.S. for only a few years, and it continues to expand its lineup. Its new Ibex 450 is a highly capable rally-style adventure bike powered by a 449cc parallel-Twin that makes 44 hp and 32.5 lb-ft of torque. Priced at just $6,499, it’s equipped with tubeless spoked wheels, switchable ABS and TC, adjustable suspension and seat height, and more. Read our CFMOTO Ibex 450 First Ride Review 3. Honda CB650R and CBR650R Honda CBR650R with E-Clutch Honda’s CB650R naked bike and CBR650R sportbike received expected updates like new styling, a TFT display, and revised switchgear. Unexpected was the new E-Clutch, which enables riders to start, stop, and change gears without using the clutch lever. Riders can switch between automatic and manual clutch operation, giving newbies a helping hand and veterans more flexibility. Read our Honda CB650R and CBR650R with E-Clutch Review 4. Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 In the evolution of the Husqvarna Svartpilen from 701 to 801, its 673cc Single was replaced with the 799cc LC8c parallel-Twin also found in KTM’s 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. Compared to the 701, the 801 has more horsepower (105), more torque (64.2 lb-ft), and a higher power-to-weight ratio. The “Black Arrow” is brimming with useful tech, is a full-tilt backroad bomber, and won’t break the bank at $10,899. Read our Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 First Ride Review 5. Indian Scout Lineup Indian Scout 101 A decade after its 2015 debut, Indian’s Scout platform got a full makeover. The cast-aluminum frame was replaced with a tubular-steel unit, and the entire lineup is now powered by the SpeedPlus 1250 V-Twin, which produces 105 hp (110 on the 101 Scout) and 82 lb-ft of torque. Five models – Scout Bobber, Sport Scout, Scout Classic, Super Scout, and 101 Scout – are available in three trim levels. Read our Indian Scout First Ride Review 6. KTM 890 SMT KTM 890 SMT SMT stands for “Supermoto Touring,” two words not normally used together to describe one motorcycle. The original 2010-2013 KTM 990 SMT was a touring variant of a big-bore Supermoto platform, while the new 890 SMT is a sport-touring variant of the 890 Adventure R mixed with some 890 Duke bits. With 17-inch wheels shod with sticky tires, it’s a hooligan’s dream with enough comfort for weekend getaways. Read our KTM 890 SMT Review 7. Royal Enfield Himalayan Royal Enfield Himalayan When Royal Enfield’s Himalayan adventure bike debuted in 2016, it was a solid but low-power, low-tech machine. It got a major overhaul this year, with a new liquid-cooled 452cc Single that makes more power (39.5 hp, up from 24) and torque (29.5 lb-ft, up from 24), a new chassis, and more modern features and styling. We were impressed with its capabilities when we tested it in the Himalayas. Read our Royal Enfield Himalayan First Ride Review 8. Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, Rider’s 2022 MOTY, delivered “all the performance a street rider needs in a refined, comfortable, sophisticated package at a reasonable [price].” The new GX+ version is taller with a more upright riding position, blending sport-touring with attributes of an ADV to be the “supreme sport crossover.” It also has a 6-axis IMU and Suzuki’s first electronic suspension system. Read our Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ First Ride Review 9. Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X Triumph Speed 400 Known for its 675cc-and-up sportbikes, ADVs, roadsters, and neo-classics, Triumph expanded its lineup with the Speed 400 roadster and Scrambler 400 X, both powered by a 398cc Single. They’re fun, stylish bikes that are beginner- and budget-friendly – just $4,995 for the Speed 400 and $5,595 for the Scrambler 400 X. If we’re going to attract the next generation, we need more bikes like these. Read our Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X First Ride Review 10. Yamaha MT-09/SP Yamaha MT-09 SP The MT-09 is a hugely popular bike for Yamaha, so much so that it is now in its fourth generation since being introduced in 2014. We’ve always been big fans of its rowdy inline-Triple. Updated for 2024, the bike is a riot to ride yet offers a high level of refinement and sophistication for $10,599. The SP version, which gets up-spec suspension and brakes, is even better. Read our Yamaha MT-09 First Ride Review Read our Yamaha MT-09 SP Review And the 2024 Motorcycle of the Year winner is… BMW R 1300 GS BMW R 1300 GS Thousands of street-legal motorcycles have been released over the past 50 years, and we’ve ridden and evaluated as many of them as we could get our hands on. Most have been good, some have been great, but only a few have achieved icon status. Two such motorcycles – Honda’s Gold Wing and BMW’s R-series GS – certainly qualify as icons, and both have won Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year award twice. The Gold Wing won in 2001 and 2018, and the BMW R-GS won in 1995 and 2005. With the introduction of the R 1300 GS for 2024, BMW’s R-series GS can add a third Rider MOTY title to its long list of awards and accolades. BMW R 1300 GS Over the past two decades, the adventure-bike segment has exploded, and nearly every manufacturer offers multiple adventure models, ranging in size from less than 400cc to well over 1,200cc. The genesis of this trend – one of the few bright spots in the motorcycle industry since the Great Recession of 2008 – can be traced back to 1980, when BMW launched the R 80 G/S. It was the first motorcycle that delivered on-road comfort and performance and genuine off-road capability in equal measure. The R-series GS evolved steadily over time, with engine displacement increasing, new features and technology being added, and market share growing. The R-series GS is BMW’s bestselling model, and the one-millionth boxer-powered GS was built in mid-2023. Last September, on the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad’s first production motorcycle, the new R 1300 GS was unveiled. BMW R 1300 GS Development of the R 1300 GS started seven years ago – two years before the R 1250 GS was introduced. Having squeezed as much as possible out of the existing platform, which started with the R 1200 GS introduced in 2004, BMW knew that taking the R-series GS into the future and maintaining its position in the market required a clean-sheet design. Only the butterfly valves and a few bolts and connectors carry over from the R 1250 GS. The design objectives were to make the R 1300 GS lighter, more compact, more powerful, and more capable than its predecessor. The new GS weighs 26 lb less than the R 1250 GS. Displacement increased from 1,254cc to 1,300cc, peak horsepower was boosted from 136 to 145, and peak torque increased from 105 to 110 lb-ft. BMW R 1300 GS The R 1300 GS has new electronic rider aids, a completely new frame, and upgraded EVO Telelever and EVO Paralever suspension with optional adaptive vehicle height control. The GS’s new styling has been somewhat controversial, particularly its more aerodynamic bodywork and X-shaped matrix headlight, but BMW designers wanted to set the R 1300 GS apart from its predecessors. After test riding the R 1300 GS on- and off-road at its global launch, we had this to say: “Hands down, the R 1300 GS is the best GS yet. The traits that the boxer-powered GS are known for – engine character, balance, comfort, and versatility – are better than ever. It looks and feels much slimmer than before, and the increased power and torque are impressive.” Congratulations to BMW for the R 1300 GS, Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle of the Year! To find a BMW dealer near you, visit the BMW Motorrad website. The post 2024 Motorcycle of the Year appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Could Republicans win a sizeable majority in the U.S. Senate? According to internal GOP polling, Democrats’ hope of retaining the upper legislative chamber is becoming increasingly slim. Polling from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) shows the GOP leading Senate races in Ohio, Montana, and Wisconsin. “Our latest polling shows Republican Tim Sheehy up 8 points over Democrat incumbent Jon Tester (50% – 42%),” an internal memo read. “Our most recent NRSC polling shows Bernie Moreno leading Democrat incumbent Sherrod Brown by 2 points (45%-43%),” it continued. “The latest NRSC polling shows Hovde narrowly ahead of Baldwin 48% to 47% in a head-to-head matchup. This is the first time we have seen Hovde with the lead in our internal polling,” it added. Michigan and Pennsylvania are toss-ups, while the gap appears to be closing in Arizona and Nevada. “Recent Pennsylvania Senate polling shows a tight race, with Senator Casey holding a narrow 44% lead over McCormick at 43%,” the memo read. “Our recent internal polling currently has Mike Rogers and Elisa Slotkin dead even in a head-to-head matchup (48%–48%),” it continued. “The Nevada Senate race remains close despite Democrats spending over twice as much in this race as Republicans have. Sam Brown is down 5 points to incumbent Jacky Rosen, 43%-48%,” it noted. “Our Senate polling has continued to show that it will be a tight race in Arizona. The race has not shifted since August as Kari Lake remains down 4 points on the ballot against Ruben Gallego at 45%-49%,” it added. Senate polling for @NRSC (R) Montana Sheehy: 50% Tester (inc): 42%——Ohio Moreno: 45% Brown (inc): 43%——Wisconsin Hovde: 48% Baldwin (inc): 47% Full ballot – Tie 46-46%——AZ Senate Gallego: 49% Lake: 45% AZ President Trump: 49%… pic.twitter.com/aJdY5vFdCb — InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) October 15, 2024 “Republicans’ chances of winning a sizable Senate majority depend on the Rust Belt,” POLITICO noted. Dueling GOP polling memos show Rust Belt is key in Senate fight https://t.co/CmjTUbxUaI — POLITICO (@politico) October 15, 2024 From POLITICO: But their internal numbers and public polling diverge in four places: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. All four states have had some tantalizingly competitive results that indicate they are firmly in the mix for the GOP. But just how competitive they are depends on whose polling is more accurate. Republicans need to flip only two seats to secure a majority. West Virginia is a near-certain pickup and based on polling Montana looks likely to provide a second gain. The rest of the map will determine how big a GOP majority could be — and the recent polling flood suggests that the strongest place to pad the margin lies in the Rust Belt. All the NRSC’s polls were conducted in the last two weeks. They declined to comment on the memo, which was dated Oct. 13 and sent by Jason Thielman, the committee’s executive director. "Internal polling of likely voters for the Rogers campaign has him down by one, according to a memo obtained by Axios." Basically what the NRSC and other non-partisan polls have shown. https://t.co/YetsYIot81 — Joel Weingart (@JoelWeingart_) October 15, 2024 Per Axios: The Senate Leadership Fund is dumping another $10.5 million in Michigan to bolster former Rep. Mike Rogers in his bid for Senate, Axios has learned. All signs are pointing to the state becoming one of the most competitive in the battle to control both the Senate and the White House. If Michigan flips, Democrats will face a much steeper path to victory. SLF, linked to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, only started going into Michigan this month, with a $22.5 million investment announced Sept. 30th. They have focused their spending in Montana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Review the full internal memo below:

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the state’s GOP gubernatorial candidate, has filed a lawsuit against CNN, claiming defamation. Today Mark Robinson announced a defamation lawsuit in response to CNN’s salacious, coordinated & disgraceful election interference smear campaign against him. pic.twitter.com/zkojbVfywm — Matt Hurley (@mhurleyofficial) October 15, 2024 “Jesse Binnall is taking CNN and their buddies to task for the attacks against me and my family. This will go down as the greatest case of election interference in our state’s history. They are going to pay the price and we are going to win the election!” Robinson said Tuesday. Jesse Binnall is taking CNN and their buddies to task for the attacks against me and my family. This will go down as the greatest case of election interference in our state’s history. They are going to pay the price and we are going to win the election! — Mark Robinson (@markrobinsonNC) October 15, 2024 FOX 8 reports: On Tuesday, Robinson and his attorney, Jesse Binnall, who represented former Pres. Donald Trump in multiple cases including his unsuccessful attempts to have the 2020 election thrown out, announced in a Tuesday morning news conference that they had filed a defamation lawsuit. They accuse The Assembly and CNN of publishing false articles in September that allege that Robinson frequented a pornographic video store and pornographic message boards at various points in the 1990s and early 2000s. The complaint claims that the defendants — CNN and Louis Love Money, who spoke to The Assembly in September — intentionally shared defamatory statements about Robinson to interfere with the election. Robinson is seeking damages of no less than $50 million. BREAKING: North Carolina GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson has sued CNN over its recent report alleging he made explicit racial and sexual posts on a pornography website’s message board. https://t.co/56aDKS4B42 — The Associated Press (@AP) October 15, 2024 “I received a text from @markrobinsonNC this morning— let’s just say I’ve never seen him more determined in a text. He’s going after @CNN — and rightfully so. No more should the Right put up with the slanderous rhetoric of the Left — it’s time be bold as lions,” Allen Mashburn, a contributor for The Blaze, commented. I received a text from @markrobinsonNC this morning— let’s just say I’ve never seen him more determined in a text. He’s going after @CNN— and rightfully so. No more should the Right put up with the slanderous rhetoric of the Left— it’s time be bold as lions. https://t.co/HnR7kgeuKa — Allen Mashburn (@Mashburn4NC) October 15, 2024 WATCH: JUST IN – Mark Robinson Launches $50 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against CNN — 'The Strong Will Stand and Fight'Raleigh, NC | North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has announced a massive defamation lawsuit against CNN. This legal action follows a report from the network… pic.twitter.com/zl4mD26FBa — Overton (@overton_news) October 15, 2024 From the Associated Press: Robinson, who announced the lawsuit at a news conference in Raleigh with a Virginia-based attorney, has denied authoring the messages. CNN “chose to publish despite knowing or recklessly disregarding that Lt. Gov. Robinson’s data — including his name, date of birth, passwords, and the email address supposedly associated with the NudeAfrica account — were previously compromised by multiple data breaches,” the lawsuit states, referencing the website. Robinson, who would be the state’s first Black governor if elected, called the report a “high-tech lynching” on a candidate “who has been targeted from Day 1 by folks who disagree with me politically and want to see me destroyed.” WATCH:

Three times as many children have been trafficked for sex in the United States under the Biden and Harris administration than during the Trump administration, according to bombshell data from the Department of Health and [...] The post HHS Data Reveals Child Sex Trafficking Cases Soared Threefold Under Biden and Harris appeared first on The People's Voice.