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Blue-gray 1953 Condor A580 motorcycle in a parking lot
Motorcycles

The Condor A580: The Swiss Military’s BMW Bike Alternative

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Black-and-silver Buell Lightning with green helmet on a city street
Motorcycles

Buell: The Sportier Side of Harley-Davidson

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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a red, white, and blue CBR1000RR-R sport bike racing down the street
Motorcycles

The New Honda Fireblade Is Actually Coming to America

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 …
by Jordan Almond
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Aston Martin AMB 001 with blue body panels and tan seat
Motorcycles

Aston Martin and Brough Superior Are Making a $121,000 Superbike

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 This …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Black 1975 BMW R75/5 motorcycle on its center stand
Motorcycles

Why Are Classic BMW Motorcycles So Popular?

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Red 1976 Kawasaki KZ900 LTD in a parking lot
Motorcycles

The Kawasaki KZ900 LTD Was the First Power Cruiser

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Black-and-gold 1989 Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy in a studio space
Motorcycles

The Honda GB500 Tourist Trophy Scooped the Cafe Racer Trend

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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White 1983 Yamaha XJ650 Seca Turbo in front of a fence
Motorcycles

Yamaha Is Getting Back Into Turbocharged Bikes

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Used 2013 BMW F 800 GS motorcycle with saddle bags
Motorcycles

The Best Used Off-Road Motorcycles Under $10,000

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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2020 KTM 390 Adventure motorcycle sliding through the desert
Motorcycles

The Best New Off-Road Motorcycles Under $10,000

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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2020 BMW F 850 GS Adventure with white, red, and blue livery parked in hangar
Motorcycles

What Do You Need to Go Off-Road on a Motorcycle?

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. …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Red 2012 Triumph Street Triple R from the rider's right side
Motorcycles

Is the Triumph Street Triple R a Good First Motorcycle?

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Diagram showing Harley-Davidson's self-driving motorcycle patent
Motorcycles

Is Harley-Davidson Working on a Self-Balancing Motorcycle?

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Red 2012 Triumph Street Triple R from the rider's right side
Motorcycles

5 Things I Enjoy About My Triumph Street Triple R

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Red 2012 Triumph Street Triple R
Motorcycles

5 Things That Annoy Me About My Triumph Street Triple R

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 This …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Gray 2020 Triumph Street Twin parked in front of a brick wall
Motorcycles

Triumph Is Doing What Harley-Davidson Should’ve Done Years Ago

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Side-rear view of a black-and-gold 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S, parked in front of the setting sun
Motorcycles

The Kawasaki Vulcan May Be Getting the Ninja H2’s 200-Hp Engine

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Black-with-yellow-pinstriping 1973 Honda CB350 Four motorcyle parked on lawn in front of artwork
Motorcycles

The Honda CB350 Four: The Forgotten Mini Superbike

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Gunmetal gray Beeline Moto mounted on Triumph Bonneville T120's handlebars
Motorcycles

Beeline Gives Any Bike Cheap GPS Navigation

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, …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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Yellow-trimmed 2020 Moto Guzzi V85TT Adventure being ridden through a mountain forest stream
Motorcycles

The Moto Guzzi V85TT Is a Unique Adventure Bike

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 …
by Matthew Skwarczek
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