Café racers are some of the most popular kinds of retro motorcycles on sale today. And while some are purely about the aesthetic, others, like the Triumph Thruxton RS, channel the performance spirit of their ancestors. But for Jay Leno, there’s one bike that stands above the rest: the Egli-Vincent by Patrick Godet. A Patrick …
Apart from your helmet, one of the most important pieces of motorcycle gear is CE-certified armor. However, as vital as it is, an armored jacket isn’t necessarily on the cutting-edge of biker safety. That’s because you can now choose from a wide selection of motorcycle airbag jackets. But even though the latest ones offer some …
The 2021 Pan America 1250 is a distinct departure for Harley-Davidson. Apart from tweaking Ewan McGregor’s and Charley Boorman’s LiveWires, Harley hasn’t released its own adventure bike. The Buell Ulysses came close, but it didn’t wear a Harley-Davidson badge. So, does the Pan America 1250 have what it takes to compete? Which adventure bikes is …
Drones used to be these hyper futuristic devices that felt more like the Marvel Cinematic Universe than they felt real. These days drones are nearly as ubiquitous as microwaves. They deliver stuff, photograph, and film, and even put on spectacular light shows. The dirtbike and dual-sport worlds have really taken a shine to the films …
Changing things like the handlebars and wheels on your motorcycle isn’t always just about aesthetics. As with aftermarket mirrors, some modifications are as much about safety and comfort as they are about looks. Especially when it comes to handling-related accessories. And if you’re trying to improve your bike’s handling, one common recommendation is fitting a …
From new windshield wipers to extra power outlets, there are plenty of accessories available to make life easier for motorists. And if you’re planning a road trip, one common recommendation is a police radar detector. Anyone with a history of speeding tickets would likely consider it a must-have. But is it an accessory worth buying? …
Although Harley-Davidson arguably established the cruiser motorcycle formula, plenty of other companies have introduced their takes. And not all of them from the States. BMW, for example, now has the R18. And thanks to its new engine, the Honda Rebel 1100 is a genuine Harley and Indian alternative. Plus, freshly updated from Britain, there’s the …
Usually, bobbers are associated with American motorcycles. For example, the latest Indian Scout Bobber. However, just like American companies have dabbled in café racers, so too have European brands released bobbers. And for 2022, British brand Triumph has updated its own Bonneville Bobber. What makes the 2022 Triumph Bonneville Bobber different from the regular Bonneville? …
While it makes several retro bikes, Triumph is arguably best-known for the iconic Bonneville. And for 2022, the entire lineup is getting an update. But there’s another vintage-style motorcycle that was also recently updated: the Moto Guzzi V7. So, now that these classic-looking bikes have been refreshed, which one should you pick? The 2021 Moto …
If the Jeep Wrangler is the King of the aftermarket in the 4×4 world, then Harley-Davidson is definitely the King in the motorcycle world. Harley peeps love to dress their big V-twins to the nines. Although Harley-Davidson does offer bolt-on big-bore kits and pistons and such, most Harley aftermarket stuff tends toward vanity, until now. …
With Harley-Davidson’s recent financial troubles, the fate of some of its concept motorcycles was uncertain for a time. But after the electric LiveWire ferried Ewan McGregor in Long Way Up, we learned that Harley was still planning on releasing the Pan America adventure bike. And now, it’s finally arrived. The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250: …
While riding a classic motorcycle can certainly be fun, it requires some additional upkeep compared to a modern one. Classic bikes have carburetors, for one, as well as older ignition systems and brake designs. Admittedly, you can upgrade or swap out these vintage components for modern parts that require less maintenance. But what about ditching …
Sometimes, a shuttered motorcycle brand comes back from the dead. It happened to Indian, after all, and Soriano. And some companies are resurrected more than once. Up until now, it seemed like Buell Motorcycles would just be another brand left by the wayside. But now it’s back for the third time. Buell Motorcycles and EBR …
For every revived motorcycle brand like BSA, there’s an equal number of classic ones that still lay by the wayside. Here in the US, for example, we have historic brands like Henderson and Pierce-Arrow. And from Britain, we have marques like Vincent and Velocette. But there’s also Matchless. Matchless made its reputation through winning races …
Designing a car or a motorcycle goes far beyond just its looks. The suspension, the transmission, the engine—all of that and more is part of vehicle design. And when it comes to the engine, it’s not just a matter of cylinder count or its relative position. There’s also the option of making the engine a …
If you’re looking for a solid affordable cruiser, the Honda Rebel lineup is a good place to start. And because of their smaller-capacity engines, the Rebel 300 and 500 also make excellent starter bikes for beginners. For 2021, though, Honda is giving its entry-level cruiser a bit more grunt in the form of the Rebel …
Vintage-inspired designs are found in every corner of the motorcycle world. That’s especially true for many of the cruisers Harley-Davidson and Indian offer. However, even historic models evolved over their lifetimes—why should their modern versions be any different? That’s why, for the 100th anniversary of the Chief, Indian is giving it a redesign. And it’s …
Safely riding your motorcycle isn’t just about having the right gear. Yes, you need to have a good helmet and the proper armor. But just like with cars, riding requires learning the necessary skills. And knowing how to countersteer on your motorcycle is one of them. How do you countersteer on a motorcycle? Countersteering goes …
It’s hard to overstate the CB750’s impact on the motorcycle world. When it launched in 1969, its affordable performance and technology helped coin the term ‘superbike.’ It also launched the Universal Japanese Motorcycle segment, and inspired rivals like the BMW R90S. But the CB750’s status can overshadow some of the other contemporary Honda four-cylinder bikes—including …
While the original 1950s Super Cub was a humble motorcycle, it set the stage for Honda around the world. And in many ways, it helped change US consumers’ perspectives on motorcycles. But Honda didn’t jump straight from the Cub to bikes like the CB750 and the CBX. In addition to models like the CB360, Honda …
Whether you buy the brand-new model or a vintage one, the Honda Trail 125 is a great casual entry into motorcycle off-roading. And for those who prefer a bit more stability, Honda also has ATVs like the FourTrax Rancher. However, once upon a time, the Japanese brand had yet another offering: the 3-wheeled Honda ATC …
It used to be that a black leather jacket was the traditional motorcycle rider calling card. Not just to other people, but to fellow riders as well. But while a Schott Perfecto is no longer de rigueur, the motorcycling community is still all about camaraderie. And part of expressing it is with the ‘motorcycle wave.’ …
Since the first rumors of the Hayabusa’s return hit the Internet, Suzuki’s reborn superbike has prompted significant speculation. What kind of engine would it use? Would it still be as ridiculously fast? Well, those questions can finally be answered, because Suzuki has officially revealed the 2022 Hayabusa. And from the looks of things, ‘Busa fans …
Robert Knievel, better known as Evel Knievel, captured what motorcycle culture is all about. His rebellious nature fueled his bold and ambitious career as a professional daredevil. “Evil Knievel” was the nickname a police officer gave him in jail one night after he crashed his motorcycle while trying to escape the fuzz. But fearing an …
Sportbikes like the Suzuki GSXR and Ducati Panigale V4 are the usual tools of choice for motorcycle racing. At least, for racing on dedicated paved tracks. But in 2020, a handful of luggage-equipped cruisers took to Laguna Seca to compete in the King of the Baggers. And safe to say, the event was a big …
The upcoming Pan America is going to bring a touch of adventure to Harley-Davidson’s current crop of cruisers. And given the off-road motorcycle segment’s current popularity, it has a great sense of timing. However, while the Pan America is the first adventure bike to wear the Harley badge, it’s not the first ADV with a …
While bikes like the BMW S 1000 RR can out-handle the Hayabusa, the Suzuki sportbike wasn’t really about corner carving. No, it earned its reputation on its ludicrous levels of speed. Unfortunately, regulation changes meant Suzuki had to clip the Hayabusa’s wings, seemingly for good. But based on some recently-released videos, it seems the ‘Busa …
From quickshifters to lighter wheels, there are plenty of accessories available to motorcycle riders. Some modifications focus on making the bike quicker. But others, like aftermarket mirrors, are about making riding easier, safer, and/or more comfortable. The latest patent from Michelin falls into that vein. But it’s not, as you might expect, some kind of …
While the Custom 1250’s future was uncertain, Harley-Davidson is indeed putting the concept bike into production. And while it broadly follows the cruiser formula, the motorcycle has a few flat-tracker elements, too. But until it officially debuts, the only street-legal American factory flat-tracker is the Indian FTR. And for 2022, Indian is giving it an …
2-wheeled off-roading fans certainly had reason to mourn when Kawasaki discontinued the KLR650 in 2018. Although the dual-sport was a bit of a dinosaur, its simplicity was part of its appeal; hence its 32-year production run. Still, while used models are plentiful and affordable, the cancellation left Kawasaki without an entry for the currently-booming large-capacity …
100 years is enough time for a brand to die and be reborn. Or, in the case of a motorcycle company like Moto Guzzi, enough time to keep going. 2021 marks the centenary anniversary of Ewan McGregor’s favorite brand, making it the oldest European motorcycle company in continuous production. And to mark the occasion, the …
Despite its financial struggles, Harley-Davidson is going forward with some of its anticipated motorcycle introductions. The Pan American adventure bike, for example, has a 2021 release date. So does the Custom 1250, though it may have a different name. However, not all of the company’s bikes are heading into 2021. Specifically, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 …
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. …
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 …
Whether you visit virtually or in-person, motoring museums offer an excellent opportunity to learn about and view classic cars and bikes. Especially since some historic and obscure models can only be seen in museums like the Henry Ford. Sadly, the vintage car and motorcycle world has just lost one of these repositories: the Top Mountain …
A solid motorcycle helmet, while absolutely vital, is just one of several safety accessories you need to go riding. You also need good gloves, a proper jacket, and a solid pair of boots. And, naturally, you also need a pair of quality pants. For casual riders, that typically means a pair of motorcycle jeans. However, …
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, …
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. …
Getting an internal-combustion engine up and running requires a lot of moving parts. And without proper maintenance, the entire process can grind (sometimes literally) to a halt. Hence why fuel injectors sometimes need cleaning and spark plugs need changing, and so on. But some maintenance items need attention even if the part in question isn’t …
Although Vespa scooters are designed around urban commuting, they’re more capable than some may realize. Classic models even compete in off-road rallies from time to time. However, given that they’re scooters, Vespas aren’t necessarily the most practical choice when it comes to hauling cargo. At least, most Vespas aren’t; the Piaggio Ape, aka the Vespa …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
If you’ve been eyeing a classic car or motorcycle, know that their maintenance schedules are typically shorter than their modern counterparts. Oil changes are more frequent, for example. Plus, even the best-kept vintage vehicles are, well, vintage—and time decays all eventually. And one of the biggest changes is learning to live with and adjust a …
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 …
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 …
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 …
A good-fitting helmet is the bare minimum when it comes to motorcycle gear, especially safety-related gear. Naturally, not every rider needs every kind of gear. For example, if you only ride in moderate climates, you probably won’t need heated gear. However, wearing motorcycle armor is definitely a necessity. And it needs to be found elsewhere …
