In many ways, buying a motorcycle is similar to buying a car. However, there are few expenses you shouldn’t forget about while you shop for your next bike.
Should You Give Your Off-Road Motorcycle Spoked Wheels?
Going off-roading on your motorcycle can be fun, provided you have the right gear. However, that doesn’t just mean getting the right helmet, jacket, boots, gloves, and so on. Your bike also has to be prepped for the off-pavement excursion. But besides installing a skid plate, an off-road motorcycle needs the right tires and wheels. …
Kingston Custom Takes the 2021 BMW R 18 Art Deco
The 2021 R 18 is BMW’s take on the retro-style cruiser, complete with Bavarian flair. And some of its design elements harken back to the German brand’s classic models. Naturally, though, some tuners and customizers are always willing to take BMW’s bikes further in terms of performance and style. For example, Kinston Custom, the shop …
The Best Tight-Space Electric Bicycle for under $500 Weighs Only 37 Lbs
People are not as comfortable riding on crowded busses, trains, or carpooling due to the global health crisis. So, many people are finding that the electric bicycle is a great commuting alternative. But, some of the electric bikes are bulky, large, and heavy. However, there is one better suited for the commuter that is affordable …
Can You Get a Recumbent Trike as an E-Bike?
Although e-bikes aren’t necessarily ‘traditional’ EVs, they do boost your pedaling with an electric motor. Some models don’t even require you to pedal. And several motoring companies—including Jeep, Triumph, and Harley-Davidson—are getting into the e-bike game alongside existing bicycle brands. But, while you can turn a ‘normal’ bicycle into an e-bike, can you do the …
Easy Maintenance Keeps Your Electric Bike or Scooter Battery in Top Shape
Many consumers have a general idea of how to take care of a car, truck, van, or SUV. Yet, electric bike or scooter maintenance is often bewildering to the same consumers. Keeping any vehicle operating in tip-top shape is important. Doing so prevents many unhappy surprises. So, here are a few easy tips to keep …
Jay Leno’s Rotary 1975 Suzuki RE5 Is Smooth but Unsuccessful
While the return of the rotary to Mazda’s US lineup is great news for the engine’s fans, it’s worth pointing out that it’s not the only automaker to use it. And cars aren’t the only motor vehicles to feature the ‘spinning Dorito.’ A small handful of motorcycles used rotary engines in the past. And recently, …
The Best Hands-Free Scooter Premium Experience For 2021 According to CNET
Electric scooters have been a growing trend in recent years. That is especially true during the global health crisis of the past year. Many people are now more conscious to avoid busses and trains. So, some are using a scooter to navigate to and from work. Others are using a rental scooter for last-mile transportation …
E-Bike Maker Sondors Has a $5000 Electric Motorcycle
As e-bikes grow in popularity, they’re starting to edge into the territory and price category of cheap urban-focused motorcycles. In fact, a few motorcycle companies, including Triumph and Ducati, have branched out to e-bikes to reach more customers. But the reverse is also possible, as e-bike maker Sondors has demonstrated with its Metacycle electric motorcycle. …
3 Things You Need To Know Before Buying an Electric Scooter
Electric scooters have seen a little bit of an uptick in sales during the last year’s global health crisis. People have been leery of riding in crowded busses, trains, or carpooling. So, the electric scooter has been getting some attention from consumers. So, what should somebody look for when purchasing their first one? Not all …
An Electric Scooter With a Born To Be Wild Chopper Aesthetic Is Forbidden Fruit
Electric scooters are nice transportation tools. Just, nice. But, consumers are not all alike. Some of us like vehicles or tools with an extra edge to them. Nice is not enough. For example, there are motorcycles, and then there are choppers. Well, a company has figured out a way to make a scooter a little …
Is the 2021 Triumph Bonneville T100 Just a De-Contented T120?
If you’re looking for a new bike with a classic look, Triumph is a popular choice. The British brand has several retro models, such as the Thruxton café racer and off-road Scrambler lineup. But the Triumph Bonneville is arguably the brand’s most iconic model, retro or otherwise. And today, you can buy it in two …
The FBI Raided Ducati North America’s Headquarters – No One Is Quite Sure Why
The FBI doesn’t raid automotive manufacturers that often. However, like any business, if you get funny with your money, the Fed will come calling before too long. FBI issues or not, Ducati has been a staple in the performance motorcycle world for a long time. Anyone who has a love for sportbikes has a place …
Classic Motorcycle Ignition Systems Are Simpler Yet More Complicated
For those looking to start riding a classic motorcycle, know that it comes with some unique, and more frequent, maintenance needs. These bikes have manually-adjusting carburetors, for example, and shorter overall service intervals. Plus, those used to modern computerized ignition systems might be overwhelmed when it comes time to fixing a classic motorcycle’s system. But …
5 Celebrity Motorcycles That’ll Make You Drool
Being a rich and famous celebrity means you can afford to splurge on some luxury items. These celebrities picked out some seriously rad motorcycles.
The 2021 Honda CB1300 Bikes Are Future JDM Collectibles
Just like with cars, circumstances sometimes keep bikes region-bound. The Suzuki Hayabusa, for example, is no longer sold outside the US due to emissions regulations. But the US motorcycle community misses out on models, too. Neither the Czech- nor the Indian-made Jawas are sold here, for instance. And sadly, it seems neither the 2021 Honda …
Does Your Motorcycle Need a Quickshifter?
While the number of available automatic and no-shifting motorcycles is slowly growing, most bikes still use manual transmissions. That means not only learning how to operate a clutch but also how to shift gears smoothly and quickly. One way to speed up shifts on a car is to install a short shifter. And while a …
Does a Motorcycle Kickstarter Work Like an Electric Starter Motor?
If you plan on riding a classic motorcycle, you’ll naturally notice several differences compared to a modern bike. Carburetors instead of fuel injectors, for example, and fewer electronics. And depending on how old the motorcycle is, it may have a kickstarter instead of an electric starter. So, how does it work—and is it worth keeping …
Is Life as Beautiful on a Vintage Vespa as It Is on a Modern One?
Scooters may not be as fast or as powerful as motorcycles, but they’re typically a more-approachable option for new two-wheel riders. And in the scooter world, few names are as recognized as Vespa. The Italian brand has been in the business for some time, and as a result, has a wide repertoire of classic models. …
Recall Alert: The Honda Africa Twin Has a Corrosive Gas-Tank Issue
Adventure bikes have truly taken over the motorcycle scene. Ever since Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman strong-armed their BMWs across the world in Long Way Round, people have been crazy about these bikes. In efforts to capitalize on this craze, Honda brought the Africa Twin back in 2015. Since then, it has been a goal …
Should You Change Your Motorcycle Mirrors?
New jackets and gloves aren’t the only accessories available for motorcyclists. Just like with cars, there are a variety of ways for you to modify your bike, from handlebars to heated grips. And a common modification is swapping out the standard motorcycle mirrors for some aftermarket ones. But is it a modification worth pursuing? Why …
The 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Offers a Real Adventure
Adventure bikes are common choices for those interested in do-it-all motorcycles. They work as good urban commuters, excellent tourers, and, as befits their name, can tackle off-road terrain. Hence why Ducati calls its adventure bike ‘Multistrada,’ for ‘many roads.’ And for 2021, it’s been updated into the Ducati Multistrada V4, complete with some significant industry-first …
Riding the 2020 Ducati Monster 821 Is ‘Borderline Magical’
Motorcycle aficionados will tell you that when it comes to bikes you daydream about, the Ducati Monster is either at or near the top of their list. If it’s not, it should be. The 2020 Ducati Monster 821 continues the proud tradition of exceptional bikes that the line has maintained since its debut in 1993. …
Can a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE Keep up With a Honda Africa Twin Off-Road?
Adventure bikes form one of the most popular motorcycle segments for a good reason. Models like the Honda Africa Twin strike a balance between off-road capability and on-road civility, able to commute and venture into the dirt. However, they’re not the only bikes that can do that; scramblers can, too. While some scramblers are more …
How Much More Dangerous Are Motorcycles Than Cars?
As a motorcycle rider, you likely know the dangers of getting on the road. If you don’t, you should familiarize yourself with the statistics, common hazards, and how to avoid them. Motorcycles can offer enjoyment, excitement, and relaxation. But whether you’re riding a Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ducati, or another bike, you face greater danger …
Honda Super Cub C125 vs. Aventon Level E-Bike: Back To Basics
Although mopeds are arguably even easier to own, for much of the world, motorcycles are some of the most affordable motor vehicles. And one of the cheapest is the Honda Super Cub C125, the modern version of the best-selling motor vehicle ever. But thanks to electric motor assistance, e-bikes are able to keep pace with …
The Honda PC800 Pacific Coast Is an ’80s Bike for Drivers
Trying to bring car owners into the motorcycle world has led to some interesting products. For example, the Polaris Slingshot, the 3-wheeler from Indian’s owner. And there’s the Morgan 3-Wheeler, which has an actual S&S bike engine. But some brands attempted to tackle the task from a different angle. Rather than build a bike-like car, …
Simon Cowell Eyes Potential Lawsuit Against Electric Bicycle Maker
Simon Cowell is a name that many associate with television shows such as American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and X-Factor. As a successful television personality, entertainment manager, and recording industry executive, he has been able to enjoy some of the finer things in life. So, it is no surprise that he has been seen around in …
The BMW R90S Created Sport-Touring To Take on the CB750
With the sheer variety of motorcycle types available today, it’s often easy to forget that some are fairly-recent creations. The adventure bike category, for example, didn’t exist until BMW launched the 1981 R80 G/S. Others, though, evolved from older designs, such as how UJMs fostered standards. And BMW has some familiarity with this as well. …
Psychic Alert! Honda Files a Patent for a Mind-Controlled Motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle can be tough in certain situations, but what if you could do it with your mind? Of course, you already do ride a motorcycle using your mind as your brain transmits messages to signal your arms and feet to move and drive the bike, but what if you could make it respond …
2020 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe vs. Yamaha XSR900: Going Beyond Nostalgia
Aping the classics is a common theme in the motorcycle world today. You have café racers, bobbers, scramblers, and bikes like the Trail 125 and Monkey. However, with improvements in bike technology, even though the 2020 Kawasaki Z900RS Café and Yamaha XSR900 recall their predecessors, they offer more than design alone. But which one of …
2020 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe vs. 2019 Honda CB1000R: Which Captures the UJM Spirit Better?
When the Honda CB750 launched in 1969, it helped create a new kind of bike: the Universal Japanese Motorcycle. Over the next few years, other Japanese manufacturers like Kawasaki would release UJMs of their own. Eventually, this class of bike morphed into the standard motorcycle segment. This, given the current retro trend, gives us the …
Vintage Honda Trail Bikes Channel Simple Pleasures
It may surprise some, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has actually boosted motorcycle sales. Especially ones designed for off-roading, such as adventure bikes and dual-sports. And it’s not just new models that are gaining popularity. As with classic SUVs, vintage off-road bikes have captured buyers’ attention with style, simplicity, and fond memories. This is why, …
What’s That? You Want a 2-Stroke Scented Candle For Christmas?
With all the holidays coming up, there are plenty of opportunities to give and receive gifts from friends, family, and loved ones. This can come with stress and anxiety, whether financial or simply not knowing what to get someone, buying presents can be tough. What do you get your weird, car-nerd niece or your wacky …
Honda Made a Super-Rare, Christmas-Themed Bike You’ve Never Heard Of
Collectors are a big part of the motoring world. Some people love cars, trucks, and motorcycles so much that they buy many of them just to preserve and house them. What makes something collectible is usually a mix of rarity and quality. Of course, there are exceptions to this, but for the most part, that …
The 2021 Ducati Monster Is Reimagined With the Panigale’s Help
Though Ducati produces a range of desirable motorcycles, the Monster may arguably be the most important. Before the Scrambler, it was the Italian brand’s entry-level model. And it’s still one of Ducati’s best-selling and most reliable bikes. For 2021, the Ducati Monster enters its next generation. And while it’s leaving something behind, thanks in part …
The Suzuki GS750 Is a Refined and Underrated Classic Bike
Modern bikes may have better technology, but it’s important to remember that what we call classic motorcycles were once cutting-edge machines. And even if bikes like the BMW K1 didn’t always sell well, they did at least introduce new features. But there’s something to be said about taking an idea and honing it. Such is …
The Schott Perfecto; The Coolest Piece of Motoring Gear Ever
Few items of clothing occupy such an undisputed corner of culture as the leather motorcycle jacket. The moment you see a black motorcycle jacket, your brain connects that jacket with the word “cool.” Leather jackets are cool – full stop. The Fonz didn’t wear a leather jacket because he rode a motorcycle; he wore one …
Harley-Davidson’s Custom 1250 Concept Is Coming in 2021
While bikes like the Street Glide show that Harley-Davidson still builds good cruiser motorcycles, that’s no longer enough to sustain the brand. Other bike companies, such as BMW and Royal Enfield, have been making inroads on the segment. And while Indian still makes cruisers, it now offers flat-trackers, too. But following the announcement of a …
Watch Jay Leno’s Ride of the (Honda) Valkyrie Rune
If you’re asking for a good touring motorcycle, a common answer is ‘Honda Gold Wing.’ New or used, it’s a reliable, comfortable bike that can hang with the best cruisers Harley-Davidson has to offer. And as with models like the Harley-Davidson Sportster, the Gold Wing has served as the base for many customization projects. For …
NHTSA’s Motorcyclist Tips to Stay Alive While Riding
Every motorcyclist knows how dangerous the roads can be. Unfortunately, accidents take motorist lives every single day across the country, regardless of what vehicle you drive. There are a lot of reasons why motorcycles are more dangerous than your standard cars, and that means they require extra safety precautions to ensure you make it home …
Riding Minimal: Indian Scout Bobber vs. Triumph Street Triple R
While cruisers and standard motorcycles are fairly different, they’re both commonly-chosen riding options. And they’re both available in ‘stripped-down’ forms: cruisers have bobbers, and standards have naked bikes. I own one of the latter: a 2012 Triumph Street Triple R. But after my recent time with a 2021 Indian Scout Bobber, I’ve grown to appreciate …
The Honda XR650L vs. Kawasaki KLR 650 – Let’s Put the “Duel” in Dual-Sport
Kawasaki and Honda have ruled the motorcycle scene for decades. Their fierce rivalry has produced some of the coolest motorcycles ever made. The competition drives both companies to continually produce high-quality performance machines that make bike lovers crazy trying to pick between the two. The dual-sport powerhouse models from each company are probably the most …
The 2021 Indian Scout Bobber Converted Me To Cruisers
Up until recently, if I had to choose between a cruiser and a standard motorcycle, I’d typically pick the latter. That’s why I bought one, a Triumph Street Triple R. However, after spending some time with a 2021 Indian Scout Bobber, I’m not so sure which kind I’d pick. Because while it isn’t perfect, it …
The 3 Things That Make the 2021 Indian Scout Bobber Feel Special
The original 101 Scout still looms large in Indian’s history even after almost a century. Its modern namesake, though, seems hell-bent on living up to that legacy. And in the Indian Scout Bobber’s case, it not only has a vintage name but vintage-inspired looks. However, the design is only part of what makes this bike …
The 3 Drawbacks of Riding a 2021 Indian Scout Bobber
The rise of the retro motorcycle segment doesn’t just mean more scramblers and café racers. It also touches on cruisers in the form of factory bobbers. For example, the latest version of the Indian Scout Bobber. I recently spent a few weeks with the 2021 model riding in and around Chicagoland. And during that time, …
The Storied British Bike Brand BSA Is Back–and It’s Electric
For every successful brand like Harley-Davidson, there are dozens of motorcycle companies that didn’t make it. Just in the US, there was Crocker, Henderson, and Pierce-Arrow; even Indian went dormant for a time. However, just like Indian, some famous names are making a comeback. Including one well-known British marque that’s been reborn as an electric …
The 2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport Is Made for On-Road Adventures
For those looking to combine off-roading with long on-road rides, the usual motorcycle of choice is an adventure bike. However, while there some fairly affordable models available, these bikes can get pricey quickly. That’s the issue that Triumph is trying to tackle with its new Tiger 850 Sport. The 2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport is …
The 2021 Honda Trail 125 Is an Off-Road Refuge in Simplicity
For those looking to go off-road on their motorcycles, an adventure bike is the common steed of choice. And with models like the Royal Enfield Himalayan and KTM 390 Adventure, tackling trails doesn’t have to mean draining your wallet. But even off-road motorcycles like those may be a bit intimidating for some, especially for newer …
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 Was Voted the Best Motorcycle for Beginners
Today’s motorcycles offer plenty of new technology. They’re also designed for various functions and types of riders. There are standard/retro, adventure, cruiser, superbike, supermoto, electric, and mini versions. But some people are looking for a motorcycle for beginners. The top pick of the bunch is the Kawasaki Ninja 400, according to Popular Mechanics. The best …
Is the 2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift 2 Bikes in 1?
While the 2021 Multistrada V4’s new features are worth noting, it’s not the only Ducati motorcycle getting an update. The Ducati Scrambler lineup, which includes the off-road Desert Sled model, is also being tweaked for 2021. However, one of those tweaks involves replacing two trims, the Café Racer and Full Throttle, with a single one: …
