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Motorcycle
A black-and-orange 2020 KTM 200 Duke

Meet KTM’s Cheapest New Naked Bike: The 200 Duke

Generally speaking, it’s best for beginning riders to start with small-capacity motorcycles. Not just because they’re easier to control, but because of lower repair and replacement costs. But it’s not like getting a moped or a scooter is your only option. There are several affordable sport bikes and adventure bikes, just to name 2 categories, …
2020 Mazda 3 driving by snow

The First Mazda Vehicle Was… A Tricycle Truck?

Mazda is a Japanese car company that has gained some serious traction here in the states. The production cars are zippy and affordable. Plus, they are comfortable and on the luxurious side for the price point. This year, the brand also won more Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other auto brand. A Mazda comes …
A motorcycle rider looks for a parking spot outside the Full Throttle Saloon during the 80th Annual Sturgis Rally

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Sees 460,000 Mostly Unprotected Bikers

The town of Sturgis, in South Dakota, holds a motorcycle rally every year. It is known as one of the largest, if not the largest, motorcycle-based festival in the nation. Motorcycle enthusiasts from all backgrounds, socio-economic classes, and nationalities arrive in town for ten days of motorcycle culture appreciation. This year’s event just concluded, seeing …
Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained holds a carburetor in his right hand and an electronic fuel injector in his left hand

Your Fuel Injectors Really Do Need to Be Cleaned

Oil and coolant aren’t the only fluids involved in car and motorcycle maintenance. But even if you change your transmission fluid, if your vehicle isn’t electric, it’s not going to run without gasoline or diesel. Or rather, it won’t run unless the fuel makes its way into the combustion chamber. Which, in modern vehicles, is …
A white-and-red 2016 Triumph Bonneville T120 next to a red-and-white 1959 Triumph Bonneville T120

A Classic Triumph Bonneville Doesn’t Have Modern Reliability

While there’s no shortage of vintage-style bikes on sale today, arguably the segment’s best example is the Triumph Bonneville. Although the Ducati Sport 1000 sort of got there first, the Bonneville, Thruxton café racer, and Scrambler have together inspired a whole host of neo-classic motorcycles. Some, though, maybe inspired to get their hands on a …
A black 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR in a studio

The Harley-Davidson XLCR Is the Forgotten American Cafe Racer

Though the electric LiveWire is an honest performance bike, Harley-Davidson’s bread-and-butter is still cruisers, tourers, and baggers. But the American motorcycle company has attempted to branch out over the years, though not always successfully. And with its current condition, it’s likely the previously-teased café racer and flat tracker concepts won’t be made anytime soon. But …
A black 2021 Honda ADV150 rides down a wet road

Is the Honda ADV150 Really an Africa Twin Scooter?

Honda’s Africa Twin is one of the best reasonably-priced ADV motorcycles on sale today. But off-roading on 2 wheels isn’t only limited to motorcycles. With the right gear, scooters, even vintage Vespas, can hit the dirt, too. And the new-to-the-US Honda ADV150 claims to channel some of the Africa Twin’s off-pavement spirit. But does it …
A head-on view of the Electra Meccanica Solo three-wheeled autocycle.

Autocycles Are Here, Even If They Face Slow Public Acceptance

In an article posted yesterday, I discussed what an autocycle is. I also mentioned some of the realities autocycle manufacturers are facing. Those included the changing regulations recognizing them as a separate vehicle class from a motorcycle, a growing shift to, and acceptance of, electric motivation, and the psychological barriers for consumers who want to …
A biker couple wearing black leather motorcycle jackets

Why Do Bikers Wear Leather Jackets and Gear?

Whether you ride on pavement or go off-road, proper motorcycle safety gear is a necessity. And that doesn’t just stop at a quality helmet, either. Gloves, boots, jackets, and pants are all part of the ensemble. And besides helmets, few things are as closely tied to the biker image than the leather motorcycle jacket. But …
A head-on view of the Electra Meccanica Solo three-wheeled autocycle.

Autocycles: Social Norms Are Holding Them Back

Autocycles are a mode of transportation that has struggled to gain popularity. While motorcycles with sidecars and trikes have their place, an autocycle for daily use is even less popular. Part of that is that there is a lack of knowledge about what an autocycle is and how it fits in our automotive culture. Today, …
A blue 1st-gen Suzuki SV650

Is the Suzuki SV650 Really a Good Beginner Motorcycle Recommendation?

Typically, many recommended beginner motorcycles are small-capacity machines. Bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 400, or the Honda Grom and its 125cc cousins, the Super Cub and Monkey. However, there’s another bike, with a noticeably larger engine, that’s also often recommended to newer riders: the Suzuki SV650. But is it actually suitable for beginners? The Suzuki …
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman standing in front of their blue and orange Harley-Davidson LiveWires in the middle of the desert

Ewan McGregor Goes a Long Way Thanks to Rivian and the Harley-Davidson Livewire

Electric vehicles, whether trucks or motorcycles aren’t typically the steeds of choice for off-road adventures. Especially not ones like the Harley-Davidson LiveWire which, despite offering genuinely impressive performance, isn’t exactly an ADV bike. But if an Indian Scout Sixty can tackle Amazonian jungles, then an electric Harley should be able to as well. And movie …
An ND Mazda Miata equipped with Cravenspeed's short shifter

What’s a Short Shifter, and Does Your Car Need One?

Engine swaps and new exhausts aren’t the only modifications that can increase performance. True, handling mods like performance tires, stiffer sway bars, and new engine mounts aren’t as flashy as a turbo. But they can sharpen your vehicle’s reflexes. However, if you drive a manual, there’s one more thing you might want to consider getting: …
A blue-and-white 2020 Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

Husqvarna Vitpilen vs. KTM Duke: Which Bike Should You Buy?

In the US, Husqvarna is arguably best-known for its dual-sport motorcycles. But the Swedish company also has a café racer, the Husqvarna Vitpilen. However, rather like Harley-Davidson once provided engines to Buell, many of Husqvarna’s bikes are built around KTM powertrains. In the Husqvarna Vitpilen’s case, it’s based on the KTM Duke naked bikes. But …
A white-tanked 2020 Moto Guzzi V7 III Special in front of a body of water at sunset

The Moto Guzzi V7 Is an Overlooked Brand-New Vintage Bike

Those who want classic motorcycle looks without the hassle are a bit spoiled for choice right now. Almost every manufacturer offers a vintage-looking bike. Honda has the Monkey and Super Cub, Triumph the Thruxton café racer and Bonneville, and Royal Enfield’s developing a scrambler. There’s one retro motorcycle, though, which deserves some more attention: the …