Motorcycling provides the feeling of freedom and being at one with nature and your surroundings. Then there are different types of riding for different tastes. From street riding to dirt riding, to canyon carving. Canyon carving is an intense, exhilarating, fast challenge many motorcyclists are addicted to. It’s all about the curves, the lean angle, and speed.
Canyon carving can be dangerous and crashes do happen. So the first items required is the safety gear rated for racing. The helmet, riding boots, gloves, back, and chest protector for starters. An armored, one-piece, leather racing suit offers the best protection and maneuverability on the bike. Then there is the bike itself.
All riders have their preference for style of bike to ride. From cruiser to sportbike, to enduro, it depends a lot on the purpose. There are numerous styles of motorcycles that are suited for canyon carving riding along with their other style. Whichever style is ridden, the bike should also be extensively protected from crashes to decrease damages and repair costs. Items like frame sliders, bar ends, swing arm spindles, and axle sliders all help in protecting the investment. Read on why These Motorcycles Are The Perfect Canyon Carvers…
15 Yamaha R6
Yamaha introduced the YZF-R6 sportbike in 1999. It saw numerous revisions and updates over the years. Most recently, in 2017, the R6 underwent major aerodynamic changes to reduce the drag. The engine remained the same so it keeps the same rear-wheel power.
Its claim to fame is being the first stock four-stroke 600cc bike to produce 100 horsepower. With a wet weight of just under 420 pounds, the R6 is lightweight and nimble. It is ready to fly around the curves.
14 KTM Duke 690
Even though the KTM Duke 690 is single cylinder, it has plenty of power to handle the highway speeds or the thrill of canyon carving and the twisties. The 690 is a well-balanced, light bike that is able to handle the corners and curves you ride it into. Overall a bit pricey, but well worth it for the excitement.
13 Ducati Multistrada
The Ducati Multistrada is a motorcycle that is meant for excitement. Available in a 950 or 1260 cc version, it is designed and equipped to take on the highways or the twisties. It is sporty, but versatile, for exciting trips and traveling through mountains or canyons.
Newest versions are fully equipped with the latest technology like the electronically adjustable suspension dampers. Be prepared to open up your wallet on this one though, as its pricing hits the $30,000 mark.
12 KTM 990 SMT
Supermoto bikes are meant for and built for cornering. They are light, agile, and exciting to race around on. The KTM 990 SMT fits that description and more. It combines the supermoto concept with the ability of an adventure bike. It is a Supermoto Touring and an excellent choice for canyon carving.
11 Kawasaki Ninja 300
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is a great motorcycle for beginners. And even beginner riders may want to try the challenges of canyon carving. Experienced riders enjoy the Ninja 300 for its lightness and ease to “throw it around”. Some recommend dialing in the suspension to fit the rider and upgrading the stock tires for a better grab on the road.
10 Husaberg FS 570
Husaberg was an enduro motorcycle manufacturer with a lineup that included 125 cc up to 650 cc bikes. Their FS 570, is a supermoto style motorcycle that is lightweight, and nimble. It looks like a street-legal dirt bike, but instead of knobbies, it has street tires.
The Husaberg FS 570 devours corners on the track or in canyon carving. Even though the brand was discontinued in 2014 after 25 years, there are great deals to be had on used 570’s waiting for fun to be had.
9 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto’s personality comes alive in the twisties and corners of a racetrack or canyon. Introduced to the marketplace with the 2016, the 701 has been a hit with supermoto riders.
With a dry weight of 318 pounds, it is lightweight and easily maneuvered around any corners. The engine and suspension work together to get the most out of the bike's power. As it is a supermoto bike, you will need to decide if you will canyon carve knee down or foot out.
8 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory
Even though the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory is a street bike, it is designed as a race bike to handle the corners with total confidence. The aerodynamics of the front end allow the air to flow up and over the rider. The upright riding position and motocross-style handlebars give a comfortable, enjoyable ride.
The minimal fairing starts like a sportbike fairing around the headlamps. It then stops mid-way down the frame turning it into a naked bike. The bike is light and well-balanced making it the perfect bike to challenge cornering with.
7 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is agile and quick, but not too much bike to handle. The 636 cc engine is smooth and has the torque to keep up with other challenger’s canyon carving. The ZX-6R is stable and well-balanced when you push the outer limits on corners and tire edges. Ready to get rid of your chicken strips?
6 Triumph Tiger 800
The first impression of the Triumph Tiger 800 is, it’s an adventure bike that should be tackling dirt and mud. But you never know what challenges may reveal themselves on a motorcycle adventure. The Tiger 800 handles cornering like a sportbike, except with an upright riding position.
5 Yamaha FZ-09
The Yamaha FZ-09 fills two needs on a riders list. It is suitable as a commuter but ready to take on fun and excitement canyon carving. It is lightweight, agile and easy to handle. Improvements have been made to the suspension, clutch, and ECU making it even more stable. And with a more affordable price, it makes the FZ-09 even more attractive of a choice.
4 Ducati Monster 821
The Monster 821 is the middleweight of Ducati’s Monster lineup. The 821 cc bike produces plenty of power at 109 horsepower and 63 lb-ft of torque to take on the canyon. The newer versions have been designed for the rider to hug into the narrower fuel tank.
The handlebars are wider resulting in the rider putting more weight over the front wheel and planted. The price is a bit higher than other options, but the Ducati Monster 821 will not disappoint.
3 BMW R 1250 RS
The BMW R 1250 RS is a sport-touring option and one of the larger motorcycles on the list. The bike surprises many riders with its ability to keep up in the twisties and canyon carving. It is not as nimble and a bit more work on the rider’s part to canyon carve. But it steps up to the challenge. And for regular rides or trips, the bike offers a comfortable, upright riding position and the ability to carry all of your gear.
2 Honda CBR600RR
Honda’s CBR600RR is a middleweight sportbike Honda first released in 2003. It provided a compact, comfortable but not cramped seating position. The bike is well-balanced with improved suspension in models after 2013, and most of the weight on the front end. This contributes to the bike staying solid and planted in the canyon corners. Honda has discontinued its production, so there may be used options at a great price.
1 Cruiser Style
When the words canyon carving come up, the first thought probably is not on a cruiser style motorcycle. Low clearance not allowing much of a lean angle for cornering before the footpeg drags on the road surface. Add the differences in steering, seating position, longer wheelbase and canyon carving is a challenge.
Being aware of the challenges, many people have proven a cruiser bike can canyon carve. You may not be able to go as fast as the sportbikes, but it is still exciting and adrenaline pumping for the rider.
Sources: cycleworld.com, ducati.com, driving.ca, dirtrider.com, visordown.com, gearpatrol.com