MOTORCYCLISTS ARE A MINORITY ON THE ROAD. And amongst the majority of motorists who view motorcycles from inside their cars, there seems to be a few stereotypes accorded those of us on two wheels. What stereotypes have you been labeled? But first, let’s visit the dictionary. Stereotype from the American Read more
DO WE NEED MOTORCYCLE FASHION SHOWS? I’ve been going to the annual Long Beach Motorcycle Expo for many years. The weekend event draws tens of thousands of visitors from from all over Southern California to see the latest bikes and gear. Of particular note for this stop of the U.S. Read more
THE OLDER I GET THE MORE I LIKE OLDER MOTORCYCLES. And I’m not only talking about the motorbikes that were prominent when I started riding back in the 1970’s. I’m talking about bikes that go back throughout the 20th century and even back into the 19th century. BUT WHY? Beats Read more
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK IS AN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE EXPERIENCE ALL BY ITSELF. However, it is especially suited to motorcyclists as a result of its reasonably well maintained asphalt, lots of curves and great scenery. It has an added advantage of being in the shadow of its more famous big sister, Yosemite Read more
LOSING A MOTORCYCLE TO THEFT DOES NOT MAKE A PLEASANT MEMORY. I’ve had one bike stolen. It was about 1985 and it was locked to a street-light pole with a heavy chain outside my apartment in Boston. In fact, it was secured with a really heavy chain and a big Read more
WHAT’S BETTER THAN MOTORBIKE RIDING AND CAMPING ALONG THE BIG SUR COASTLINE? Not too much. On the other hand, I’m one for riding and camping anywhere with mountains and lots of twisty roads. No matter, this roller-coaster motorcycle ride is fabulous entertainment on a grand scale. The Pacific Ocean and Read more
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, PARTICULARLY ROUTE 120 (TIOGA ROAD), EPITOMIZES MOTORCYCLE RIDING PLEASURE: as long as you ride early enough in the morning to beat the crowds. Don’t get me wrong. I love Yosemite. But I don’t love how popular this place is. Yosemite, and for that matter, Yellowstone National Park, Read more
WHAT ARE THE BEST MOTORCYCLE ROADS? I’m sure there’s a bunch of roads you could name right now that you deem as your favorites. But did you know that there is an even bigger bunch that is officially designated as “National Scenic Byways“? And, by the way, what the heck Read more
WANT TO STAY IN THE SADDLE LONGER AND MORE COMFORTABLY? Add a kidney belt to your road-riding apparel. My first kidney belt supported my guts and lower back in the 70’s during a tremendous amount of dirt bike riding. Man, do those things make offroad moto-life more enjoyable. At some Read more
FEW MOTORCYCLISTS CONTEMPLATE “COLD” WHEN RIDING DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK. In fact, most anyone – riders or not – equate Death Valley with scorching desert heat.  More pertinent to riders, the park usually envelopes motorcyclists with moderate temperatures only in the late fall, winter and early spring. Of course, Read more
Take the free Twisted Grip Motorcycle Personality Test and check out your personality analysis – all in 2 minutes. There are six questions, with multiple-choice answers (you can only select one answer per question). Your instant personality results may surprise you. You may find the analysis insightful, entertaining, or amusing. Read more
THE ONLY THING THAT RELATES THE GOD OF MERCURY TO ALL MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IS HIS HELMET. Well, that may be a stretch. (Not all bikers wear helmets). But it’s probably closer to a truth than any whimsy that depicts all motorcycle riders as coming from Mercury. Sure, of all the Read more
READING ABOUT MOTORCYCLES IS DEFINITELY NOT AS FUN AS RIDING THEM. Regardless, much can be learned from books and magazines to increase your riding pleasure. Over the years I have continued to digest a quantity of motorcycle magazines each month and I revel with each new issue that I receive. Read more
THE DEBATE GOES ON. I’ve never struggled so much to write a motorcycle article as I have with this one. A reader challenged me to enter the discussion about loud pipes earlier this year. At the time, I thought it an easy endeavor because I had my own years of Read more
GOOD GIFTS. BAD GIFTS. OFFBEAT GIFTS. MOTORCYCLE GIFTS. Motorcycle apparel, parts and accessories for men, women and children. Heck, there’s motorbike gifts for adventure riders, cruisers, dirtbike riders, dual-purpose riders, luxury-touring riders, sportbike enthusiasts, sport-touring riders, vintage motorcyclists and anyone else who is interested in two-wheeled, motorized vehicles. Check out Read more