HOW OFTEN DO YOU DROP YOUR MOTORCYCLE? I don’t mean crash it, although that would certainly be a pertinent answer. In this instance, I simply mean dropping it while you’ve stopped, or while riding very slowly. One example would be pulling up to a stop sign and putting your foot 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
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
The Norge 1200 is the most recent (since 2005) PURPOSE-BUILT “sport-touring” motorcycle offering in our world, brought to us by Italian maker, Moto Guzzi. Side note: Some might argue that the Kawasaki Concours14 is the “newest,” “purpose-built” sport-tourer in the motorcycle world, since it was introduced in July 2007. But Read more
The North American debut of the new Harley Davidson XR1200 motorcycle was featured at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, CA, on December 5, 2008. The all-new Harley Davidson XR1200 had its world debut in Europe earlier in 2008. I took the bike out for a test Read more
Motorcycle camping isn’t for everyone. But if you love to ride and you love the outdoors, it might be an experience worth trying. Lots of motorcyclists do enjoy the combination of riding and camping, but for this simple message, I want to speak to those riders who haven’t. The term 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
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
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
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
“Check your bike before each ride” and “Wear all your safety equipment” are two practical pieces of advice in a public service announcement (see below) that features US Secretary of Transportation, Mary E. Peters (served 2006 to 2009 under President George W. Bush), who is also a motorcycle rider. While Read more