Are the heads of American motorcycle riders more, or less hardy, than those piloting English and Australian motorbikes? Your guess is as good as mine! But here is what a British and Australian review found: “Motorcyclists are at high risk in traffic crashes, particularly for head injury. A review of Read more
Fred Rau was hanging out at the Friction Zone (magazine) booth at the IMS show last month in Long Beach, CA. I yapped with him for a short spell about his motorcycle writing. I’ve been enjoying his articles for many years in Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN), where Fred served as Read more
Beware! If you are here to celebrate the religion of motorcycle tires and their infinite nuances, which are most appreciated by the high priests of motorcycle high-performance, you are in the wrong place. And if you are seeking insights into the dark side of the motorcycle tire religion, those whom Read more
If you like to brag about your favorite motorcycle, you probably already know you are not alone! Especially if you have gotten into any number of passionate “discussions” about which make is best. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Motorcycle Competitive Information Study, motorcycle owners are strong advocates Read more
Snow bikes? How about converting your own dirt bike to a power sled or buying one ready for the white stuff? Both are ways to extend your riding entertainment all year around. 2moto, based in Idaho, gives you the choice of buying their ready-to-ride +$12K “Ultimate Snow bikes” or converting Read more
For the first time since its inception in 1978, the Dakar Rally (or simply “The Dakar“), has been canceled. The reason given by the event’s French organizer, Amaury Sport Organization, is due to safety concerns for the participants. Coupled with international tensions in the region and recent terrorist events on Read more
What!? Yet another cruiser? And a chopped one right from the factory? We’ve come full circle with the terms “custom” and “chopper,” since those used to apply to what you did to your bike after it was completed by the factory. V-twins are still the most popular segment of motorbikes Read more
What would you build for yourself and a few friends if you ran a motorcycle manufacturing facility? If you were Claudio Castiglioni, Managing Director of Italian manufacturer MV Augusta, think in terms of speed, exotic components, more speed, and lots and lots of carbon fiber. The end product? An MV Read more
What’s the simplest thing you and I can do, as part of our motorcycle riding, to increase our enjoyment AND safety? Its simplicity belies its value. Take a break. Get off the bike and rest. Taking a break after riding for a while helps us to become more alert when Read more
I’ve been a fan of the Kawasaki KLR 650 for a loooong time. The 2008 model boasts its most significant upgrades since first being introduced in 1987. The bike is uniquely famous as an all-around, reliable beast-of-burden for taking you and stuff along either pavement and/or off-road adventures. As is Read more
There were all kinds of new, custom, vintage, and historical motorcycles at the International Motorcycle Show this month in Long Beach, CA. One that struck me as particularly unique was an electric dirt bike made in Switzerland by Quantya (established in 2005). This Quantya FMX (Freestyle Motocross) weighs 195 pounds Read more
Riding can be great fun on one end of an emotional spectrum and perhaps too relaxing on the other end of the same spectrum. And in between, a whole lot of different emotions can be experienced, as well. Regardless of whether we are riding in the city, or on a Read more
Once again, over 60,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts — including their friends and family — came out for the annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Show (IMS) in December at the Long Beach Convention Center, just south of Los Angeles. Indoors, the IMS features the newest models from the international motorcycle Read more
What are the three best ways to crash and kill yourself on a motorcycle? Bear in mind that motorcyclists just you like you and I get killed every day. Some crash and die instantly and some endure severe, painful trauma before succumbing to their injuries. A variety of factors can Read more
The Ventura-Maricopa Highway (California Route 33), and the section known as Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway (in honor of the first Hispanic National Forest Ranger), must have been specifically created for motorcyclists. Either that, or motorbikes were created in anticipation of this roadway: Motorcycles and Route 33 are a marriage made Read more