It’s been about a year since the completely new Kawasaki Concours14 (4 cylinder, 1400cc) was released to the public for the first time — if it seems to you it’s been longer than that, it’s because it was “announced” in 2006. So how has this Concours14 been received in its Read more
Indian Motorcycles have a storied past going back to 1901. Hard to believe it now, but Indian was once the largest motorbike manufacturer in the world up until the first World War, producing over 20,000 bikes per year. By 1911, Indian riders held every American speed and distance record. In Read more
In 2003, Kawasaki introduced the Z1000, with a heritage going all the way back to 1973 when the famous KZ 900 was introduced — a very powerful bike of that era. In 1977, the KZ900 became the KZ1000, which later became more famous as a police bike used all the Read more
Introduced in 2001, the V-Rod family is manufactured for riders in tune to a different roadway rhythm, at least compared to Harley’s more traditional lineup of its internationally famous cruisers. Arguably the most unique offering from HD, this series of bikes is a statement that stakes a claim against Japanese Read more
QUESTION: What do you get when you cross a motocross bike and road racer? ANSWER: Supermoto (or Supermotard). These bikes were developed for supermoto racetracks that typically include about 2/3 tarmac and 1/3 dirt with small jumps. By adding headlights, taillights, horn, mirrors and street-legal tires, manufactures started selling these 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
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
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
1) What would you recommend as a “first†motorcycle for a newbie? 2) With a gazillion bikes to choose from, how would you advise a friend, new to the world of motorcycling, on which bike to purchase? 3) Should it be a used bike or a new one? You and Read more
For most new riders, buying any used bike would be more practical than buying a brand-new motorcycle: Consider it as a training bike. Be willing to drop it – because you probably will while becoming acquainted with it. Be willing to damage a few levers or turn signals, scratch up Read more
The first print ads are out for the brand new, 1400cc, Kawasaki Concours14. And…the bikes themsleves are finally in the dealerships as of the first week of July. (According to my local Kawasaki dealer, the launch date has been delayed numerous times). You can see the ads in the August Read more
Smooth. Introduced in March 2006, the Kawasaki ZX-14 Ninja is that and more. More power that is. Arguably the world’s fastest superbike, taking the title that Suzuki’s GSX1300 Hyabusa has held since 1999. Of course the original 1999 Busa was also faster than any of its later brethren, since ’99 Read more
Ride a street motorcycle? If it’s got more than two cylinders, there’s a good chance you are piloting the offspring of this Honda CB750. The waves created in 1969 when Honda launched its CB750 KO are still splashing to this very day. With the introduction of its transverse, inline, 4-cylinder Read more