The powersports industry continues to evolve, with recent developments including app rebrands and model name changes. Here's a breakdown of some key news:
RISER App Becomes Cardo Ride
Cardo Systems has officially integrated the RISER app into its ecosystem, rebranding it as "Cardo Ride." This move consolidates over ten years of riding data into a unified platform. According to a press release, Cardo acquired RISER back in 2023. Existing RISER users will retain their accounts, tracked miles (totaling over 124 million globally), and favorite routes. The update primarily involves a change in name and some feature enhancements.
New Features in Cardo Ride:
- Enhanced Newsfeed: The app's Newsfeed has been rebuilt to improve readability and facilitate local community discovery.
- Local Rider Highlighting: A new algorithm highlights active riders in the user's vicinity, making it easier to connect with local riders and discover new routes.
- reWind Feature: The reWind feature has been upgraded to create cinematic video files of completed rides on a 3D map, optimized for social sharing.
According to Alon Lumbroso, CEO of Cardo Systems, the goal is to provide a more technologically advanced experience for riders. Cardo Ride will sync with Cardo hardware but will also remain free and accessible to all riders, regardless of their communication gear. A premium "Cardo Ride Pro" tier will offer advanced features like PackRide notifications, offline maps, and a high-fidelity reWind 3.0.
CFMoto 1000MT-X Rebranded as Ibex 950 for North America
CFMoto's adventure touring bike, known as the 1000MT-X in many global markets, will be sold as the Ibex 950 in the United States and Canada. This name change aligns the model name more closely with the bike's engine displacement of 946.2cc.
The Ibex 950 joins the Ibex 450 and 800 in CFMoto's North American adventure lineup. The engine is a version of the second-generation LC8c engine previously used in the KTM 990 Duke, according to Cycle World. CFMoto is advertising 111 hp and 77 ft.-lb. of torque, a performance increase over the Ibex 800.
Ibex 950 Features:
- Five ride modes
- Three-mode traction control
- Lean-sensitive ABS
- Bidirectional quickshifter (standard)
- Fully-adjustable 48mm KYB forks and monoshock
- Radial Brembo four-piston calipers with 320mm discs
- Standard and low seat height options (34.25 inches and 32.7 inches, respectively)
With EPA certification already secured, the Ibex 950 is expected to arrive in showrooms soon. An official debut date for the 2027 model is anticipated.
New Tax System in India
A new tax system in India is imposing a 40% tax on motorcycles with engine displacements above 350cc, according to webbikeworld.com. This change could significantly impact the availability and pricing of larger-displacement motorcycles in the Indian market.
