It’s definitely possible to have a great off-road bike adventure without going broke. But, as with cars, paying a bit more for a motorcycle, especially an ADV, sometimes does mean getting a few extra appreciable features. That doesn’t mean that you have to go for a company’s range-topping flagship motorcycle, though. In fact, $15,000 can …
While off-roading on 2 wheels can be done on dirt bikes and dual-sport motorcycles, adventure bikes trade some suspension travel for more comfort. And usually, the added refinement and tech comes with a higher price tag. But there are ADVs that let you hit the road and the dirt without going broke. The bikes that …
While it faces an image problem, Harley-Davidson does still make some impressive motorcycles. Especially when it comes to tourers and cruisers. Although some of its newer bikes can be fairly pricey, Harley’s reputation for design conservatism means used models offer similar looks at a discount. Unfortunately, many past Harley-Davidsons suffered reliability and quality-control issues, which …
In an article about Ducati motorcycles on The Things, the difference between other bike prices and Ducati prices is posed as being the same as the difference between “I like it” and “I love it.” If you are willing to pay more for an Italian machine, you’ll end up with something fast built for long …
If you live in a dense city area, or perhaps just need a simple mode of transportation to get around the suburbs, then a scooter like the Honda Ruckus could be a great choice. Sure, an electric car like the Nissan Leaf could work as well, but a Ruckus would be a much more efficient …
Increasingly-tougher emissions regulations make for interesting, and high-performance, motorcycle tech. For example, Yamaha’s getting back into turbochargers, for one. And Kawasaki is working on putting a manual transmission in an electric motorcycle. However, that’s not the only new bike the Japanese company seems to be developing. There are already rumors about the brand’s 200-hp supercharged …
Despite taking off from the line quickly, Harley-Davidson’s electric LiveWire hasn’t really taken off in terms of sales figures. And the American motorcycle company’s future as a whole doesn’t look terribly bright. Which is a shame for electric motorcycle fans, because the LiveWire itself is a well-made bike. But in making it, Harley should’ve taken …
Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, and even though it is one of the least practical vehicles you can possibly choose, motorcycle fans seem to exist in every state – yes, even Alaska. Motorcyclists are well aware that their choice of vehicle can be dangerous for any number of reasons. Outside of ideal weather conditions …
The Honda Gold Wing is a classic touring bike that has been around for decades. The Harley-Davidson Road Glide entered the seen in 1999 as another touring bike designed for long stretches of road and bit of adventure. How do these two popular touring motorcycles compare? When in comes to straddling your ride and hitting …
Battery-powered bikes, like other EVs, have benefits besides high performance. However, although electric motorcycles do generate fewer emissions, not all of their building materials are necessarily as kind to the planet. And for many potential owners, there’s always the question of, not just battery range, but battery longevity. Brooklyn-based Tarform’s Luna, though, is trying to …
With a $121,000 price tag, the Aston Martin AMB 001 is one expensive motorcycle. You could almost get 3 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glides for that much. Or about 35 Honda Groms. But the AMB 001 isn’t the only pricey bike available for purchase. However, the rest of the world’s most expensive motorcycles might be easier …
Whether it’s on pavement or going off-road, long motorcycle trips require a certain level of comfort. That’s why many touring and adventure bikes feature heated grips, for instance. But there is such a thing as too much heat. That’s why motorcycle jackets and gloves have vents and mesh. However, that doesn’t really work if you’re …
The G-Wagon isn’t the only off-road vehicle with military history. Motorcycles were commonly seen transporting messages and troops—usually over difficult terrain. Today, those going off-road on 2 wheels prefer dual sports or adventure bikes. BMW is a popular choice for the latter. But decades before the first BMW ADV, the Swiss military turned to Condor’s …
Even outside of Henderson, American motorcycle companies have included more than just Harley-Davidson. And we’re not talking about Indian, either. In addition, even before Harley tried branching out into new segments, there was one American bikemaker that offered not just sports bikes, but innovative entry-level ones, too. That company was Buell. And although it’s still …
The all-new Honda CBR1000RR…-R Fireblade SP is coming to American motorcycle showrooms as a hulked up 2021 model of the familiar Honda CBR1000RR sport bike. There were apparently not enough Rs for this speedster––so Honda added more. Honda Powersports advertises this designated factory racer as “everything but the factory contract.” Named the Fireblade––presumably alluding to …
Despite its somewhat rocky financial position, Aston Martin’s not quite dead yet. And it’s actually branching out into the 2-wheeled segment—specifically, with motorcycles. But the upcoming Aston Martin AMB 001 isn’t a solo effort, though. To develop it, Aston Martin called upon another iconic British company: Brough Superior. This isn’t Brough Superior’s newest bike RELATED: …
Although cars and motorcycles differ on a few maintenance items, they both need to be washed regularly. Giving your motorcycle a wash isn’t just about aesthetics, though. It removes contaminants, like bugs, which can damage the paint, and potentially cause rust. Unfortunately—or, rather, given how they can damage paint, fortunately—you can’t just take a motorcycle …
Cooper Webb finished 2019 strong, earning the season title for Monster Energy Supercross. He’s still on the rise in the 2020 racing season––poised as the only rider with a fighting chance against current points leader Eli Tomac. Today we see if he rides his KTM 450SXF factory race build to victory. Webb could take the …
Today, some of the most popular bikes in a motorcycle company’s lineup are the retro-style ones. That’s something BMW knows very well. And not just because of the reception its own RnineT café racer and upcoming R18 cruiser enjoy. Classic BMW motorcycles have also become a trend in their own right. Classic BMW motorcycle history …
German-born Honda Racing Corporation team hero Ken Roczen is a Supercross warrior. After a daunting broken arm sustained in a dirt bike crash at the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross Championship at Anaheim, Roczen was sidelined due to his brutal injury. About a year later, the former Red Bull KTM rider was injured again while riding …
Even before the supercharged 200-hp Ninja H2, Kawasaki offered some pretty powerful motorcycles. And that includes cruisers. Today, the idea of a ‘power’ or ‘muscle cruiser’ isn’t that unusual. Harley-Davidson, Ducati, and (arguably) Triumph offer bikes that fall into those categories. But the 1976 Kawasaki KZ900 LTD was the first. How the Kawasaki Z1 led …
Italian bikes, especially classic ones, haven’t really had a reputation for reliability. And Ducati is no exception. The motorcycle company has been dinged in the past by Consumer Reports for its rather high rate of customer problems. Which, if you’re interested in buying a used one, isn’t reassuring. However, just as it’s possible to find …
The modern café racer trend arguably got its start with the Ducati Sport 1000. But Honda actually beat the Italian motorcycle company to it by a few decades. And the Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy didn’t just ape the styling of the 50s and 60s racers. In some ways, it’s arguably a more-accurate throwback than anything …
Quite a few so-called scrambler motorcycles have the style, but not a lot of off-road substance. The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, though, isn’t one of them. And just like Triumph did with its Scrambler, the Italian company has shown that through racing. In fact, in this year’s Mint 400, a Ducati Scrambler won its inaugural …
When it comes to 2020 motorcycles, liter bikes are the most exciting. Each of these superbikes boasts a powerful 1 liter-displacing engine and trickle-down race technology. But we already know all of these sportbikes are fast. Which ones are the fastest and baddest of all? Here are the leading liter bikes of 2020. Everyone has …
Before the Panigale V4, Ducati’s sportiest bikes all used the Italian brand’s 90° V-twin, aka ‘L-twin,’ engine. And, to be fair, it’s not like the company abandoned that engine completely. The rest of its lineup, from the Scrambler to the Diavel cruiser, all use L-twin engines. And you can still get a Panigale with it. …
Harley-Davidson is one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world. But recently the company has been struggling.
High-RPM redlines and more cylinders are usually how motorcycle companies increase performance. But Yamaha is going to use something that, while common in cars, isn’t really seen in bikes: forced-induction. Not a supercharger, like on the Kawasaki Ninja H2, though. Instead, Yamaha is re-introducing turbocharging to its motorcycle lineup. The Yamaha turbocharged bike news Performance …
When it comes to fast and famous sportbikes, the Japanese big four are often the first liter bike manufacturers that come to mind. But in 2011 everything changed. The Supertest World Association awarded ‘Bike of the Year’ to the German BMW S1000RR after its first year of production––on Japanese soil––and European motorcycle fans were validated, …
There are a number of excellent affordable motorcycles that you can take off-road. However, some may be nervous about bringing a brand-new bike to get banged up off-pavement. However, as is the case for most beginner bikes, the simple solution is to get a used motorcycle. It’s likely already been beat-up a bit. Plus, buying …
Off-roading on 2 wheels can be tricky—but it doesn’t have to be expensive. There’s a wide selection of modern affordable motorcycles with a degree of off-road prowess. But the best-suited are adventure motorcycles and dual sports. And, if you thought off-road adventures were outside your budget, the bikes described below sticker for under $10,000. Best …
Preparation is key for off-roading a truck or SUV. And it’s even more important if you’re going off-road on a motorcycle. However, getting ready for an off-pavement motorcycle adventure doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s what you’ll need. Picking an off-road motorcycle The first step is figuring out what kind of off-road motorcycle you’ll need. …
For city dwellers that don’t need a car, a scooter can be a perfectly sensible and fun form of transportation. There are so many electric scooters currently available on the market with various power outputs, battery range, and pricing that it can be hard to pick the right one. But if money is not an …
Though it makes a motorcycle with a 200-hp supercharged engine, Kawasaki also offers bikes with engines better-suited to newer riders. Bikes like the Z125 Pro, and the Ninja 400 sportbike. And as bikes like Honda’s RC166 show, sometimes the smallest engines are the most impressive ones. That’s a sentiment the upcoming Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R clearly …
Buying a motorcycle is often as much about style as it is about performance or practicality. In terms of looks, Triumph does well on the retro front, with bikes like the Thruxton café racer. But the company also has sportier offerings, like the Triumph Street Triple R. I recently bought a 2012 model to serve …
Most recommended beginner bikes are fairly small so newer riders aren’t intimidated at balancing on and handling them. That’s in contrast to some of Harley-Davidson’s bikes. Even its cheapest bike, the Street 750, is about 100 pounds heavier than my Triumph Street Triple R. But Harley may have a solution that could attract new customers …
The 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is a top performer among others in its class. The ZX-14R motorcycle enjoys a loyal and loving fan base––and for good reason. This Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle is a powerful machine and buying it new is all too tempting. But if you want to save some money, you are probably already …
The all new Ducati Panigale V2 is a magnificent motorcycle that offers unmatched performance. What did critics love about this new bike?
Despite a few minor annoyances, I’m enjoying riding my Triumph Street Triple R. It doesn’t have the classic styling of the Bonneville or Thruxton. Nor is it off-road-capable like the Scrambler. However, the naked motorcycle does have its own positive points. Shifting and throttling the 2012 Triumph Street Triple R One key take-away from taking …
After passing my motorcycle safety course, I spent some time test-riding different bikes before eventually buying a used Triumph. Specifically, a 2012 Triumph Street Triple R naked bike, in-between a standard and a sportbike. And although I’ve enjoyed riding it overall, there are a few places where it could be improved. The turn signals RELATED: …
On the surface, Triumph and Harley-Davidson can seem somewhat similar. Both motorcycle companies offer bikes that lean on nostalgia and retro designs, after all. And both also derive quite a bit of revenue from apparel sales. However, while Triumph these days seems to be doing OK, Harley-Davidson is decidedly not. And, as YouTuber Different Spokes …
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS entered 2020 as the motorcycle that maintains its mission to represent the non-H2 Ninja flagship. Experienced riders can make this machine do amazing things. Nicknamed the “14R,” this Ninja sportbike has been the Ninja ZX-14R since the 2012 release of its current generation. The 2020 Kawasaki ZX-14R is one of the most powerful production …
Harley-Davidson isn’t the only motorcycle company with cruisers. While Kawasaki may be better known for sportbikes and dual sports, it also offers café racers, touring bikes, and cruisers. In fact, the Kawasaki Vulcan is one of the quickest cruisers on sale today. But it may be getting even quicker. New rumors suggest Kawasaki may be …
The 60s and 70s saw some incredible feats of motorcycle engineering, and Honda’s bikes were no exception. Although this was the era of the café racer, the Super Cub dominated the entry-level segment. And Honda’s Grand Prix-winning RC166 showed just how far the Japanese company could push small engines’ performance. But despite these achievements, the …
While built-in navigation is quickly becoming common in cars, very few motorcycles offer it. Those that do are typically expensive long-distance touring bikes, which are designed to tackle extended rides. But even if you only stick to known roads, having a helpful guide home isn’t a bad idea. Plus, Rebelle Rally and similar situations aside, …
Ducati may hog the limelight, but Italy is home to quite a few storied motorcycle brands. Ducati itself wouldn’t be where it is without Cagiva’s help, for instance. Energica has cornered Italy’s electric bike scene. Then there’s Moto Guzzi, perhaps the oldest European motorcycle company still in business. The V7 III neo-classic bike may be …
Jay Leno isn’t just a car collector, he also loves motorcycles. It was only recently that Leno unveiled his rare motorcycle room.
James Bond’s usually seen behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. However, motorcycles have also featured in the fictional British spy’s adventures. Though the bad guys are usually the riders, Bond himself has taken to 2 wheels on occasion. Most recently, in the upcoming film No Time to Die, aka ‘Bond 25.’ To commemorate it, …
Even though it’s struggling now, Harley-Davidson is still the longest-lived American motorcycle company around. Indian was founded at about the same time, but it went out of business before being brought back. However, in the early days of the motorcycle, Indian and Harley were just 2 of many competing brands. And there was one in …
Over the last three seasons, we’ve watched Eli Tomac achieve a ton of wins and podium finishes aboard his Kawasaki KX450F motorcycle. Now, he’s won his first 450SX championship title. Obviously, he’s a fantastic rider with grit and determination. He also puts on a show every race with passes and crashes for the books. But …
