RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel Magazine

RoadRUNNER

RoadRUNNER is an independently owned and published motorcycle touring and travel magazine. On our website, you will find exciting travel stories, reviews, news, and other resources for planning your next motorcycle tour. We offer a wide variety of free content, but only our active web subscribers get access to the entire 650+ tour database, complete with maps and GPS route files. Web subscribers also enjoy exclusive web-only stories.

Click Tours in the top menu and start planning your next motorcycle adventure.

The Small Town That’s Got It All—Maggie Valley, NC

The Small Town That’s Got It All—Maggie Valley, NC

Scenic rides, beautiful nature, nearby entertainment and restaurants, fascinating history… Maggie Valley, NC, really does have it all. This small town is situated amidst the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, roughly 35 miles from Asheville, with easy access along US 19. Don’t let its size and relatively remoteness fool you—

Cable Ties Save the Ride!

Cable Ties Save the Ride!

How long do you think a rear tire would last if held together with four cable ties and some duct tape? A mile? Two miles? What if I told you it survived for 126 miles and was still rideable? To rewind a little, I had organized a Sunday ride for

It’s Okay to Ride to Okay, OK

Destinations Premium Content

It’s Okay to Ride to Okay, OK

Okay, let's go. But where? How about Okay, OK? Okay! Why is this place called Okay, OK, though? And what is there? Is it okay for motorcyclists to visit? Well, Okay wasn’t always Okay. The first European settler, French trader Joseph Bogy, arrived in this part of

10 of the Best Cities for Motorcycling in the US

10 of the Best Cities for Motorcycling in the US

If you ask 10 motorcyclists what the best cities for motorcycling are in America, you’ll get 10 different answers. Although it’s great that our country has such a buffet of excellent riding, it can also make it difficult to choose where to point your front wheel. It’s

Tucumcari Tonite! New Mexico’s Gateway to the West

Tucumcari Tonite! New Mexico’s Gateway to the West

There used to be a certain way to tell you’re approaching the New Mexico-Texas border on Route 66. As you rode on, every few minutes you would pass a sign reading: “Tucumcari Tonite!” Hundreds of these signs, each promising “2,000 motel rooms,” once enticed travelers on the Mother

Adrian, TX—The Midway Point of Route 66

Adrian, TX—The Midway Point of Route 66

Reaching the halfway point of any ride is an event in itself—there will be more miles behind you than there are ahead. Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on the ride, I suppose. On Route 66, though, you’ll reach that midway milestone in Adrian, TX.

5 Reasons to Plan Your Next Ride to Billings, MT

5 Reasons to Plan Your Next Ride to Billings, MT

When you find yourself perched atop millions of years old sandstone bluffs encircling a buzzing city below, with views of rolling plains and snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks on the not-so-distant horizon, you’ll know you’ve made it to Billings, MT. Although this one view alone is worth a visit,

Latest Motorcycle Reviews

2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: Tarmac to Trails

Motorcycle Review

2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: Tarmac to Trails

Every flat tire has a silver lining. Actually, not all of them, but it does sometimes apply. Case in point—I was geared up, packed up, and ready to roll out for a combination project involving a couple bikes, a tour feature, and a dedicated review. Yet, the moment one

When Honda's CB750 Changed Everything

When Honda's CB750 Changed Everything

The pages of two-wheeled history are overflowing with remarkable and influential machines that contributed to the evolution of the motorcycle. There have been a host of candidates worthy of honorable mention over the years that possessed unique designs and clever innovations that rapidly enhanced and furthered development. However, the list

Harley-Davidson Lowers 2025 Nightster Price to Below $10,000

Harley-Davidson Lowers 2025 Nightster Price to Below $10,000

Motorcycles—alongside everything else—are only getting more expensive these days. Harley-Davidson is bucking the inflationary trend and has lowered the price of the 2025 Nightster below $10,000. The base model 2025 Nightster in the Billiard Gray color scheme retails for $9,999 dollars, making it one of the

Review: 2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure

Motorcycle Review

Review: 2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure

The adventure motorcycle space has seen significant change in product diversity in recent years. While displacement one-upmanship continues at the far end of the displacement spectrum, roughly 16 years ago, a “middleweight” twin-cylinder category began gaining traction among adventure traveling enthusiasts. In the early 2000s, most big adventure bikes had

Review: 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9

Motorcycle Review

Review: 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9

Putting the Fun Back Into Supersport The press briefing for the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 included constant reminders from the company brass that the newest R-model motorcycle is as much, if not more so, a high-performance street bike as it is a thoroughbred racer. It’s a conflicting sentiment, considering our

Review: 2025 Aprilia Tuono 457

Motorcycle Review

Review: 2025 Aprilia Tuono 457

Based on the technical platform of the RS 457, the new Aprilia Tuono 457 is a true naked bike dedicated to everyday riding with a touch of sportiness. The Italian twin carries an important name: the first Tuono 1000 was presented in 2002, paving the way for powerful naked bikes

Review: 2025 Triumph Tiger Sport 800

Motorcycle Review

Review: 2025 Triumph Tiger Sport 800

There are few motorcycle marques that have the kind of revered cache in their badge like that of Triumph. The legendary British brand began producing motorcycles and delivering two-wheel dreams in 1902. Like so many other manufacturers, Triumph was hit by the tsunami of Japanese product and went into receivership

News

RoadRUNNER's 25-Year Collection

RoadRUNNER's 25-Year Collection

You've heard by now that we are celebrating 25-years of RoadRUNNER. There's a lot happening this year to commemorate this milestone. Help us celebrate by shopping our 25-Year Collection in the online store! You'll find a variety of T-shirts, back issues, posters and more.

Harley-Davidson Lowers 2025 Nightster Price to Below $10,000

Harley-Davidson Lowers 2025 Nightster Price to Below $10,000

Motorcycles—alongside everything else—are only getting more expensive these days. Harley-Davidson is bucking the inflationary trend and has lowered the price of the 2025 Nightster below $10,000. The base model 2025 Nightster in the Billiard Gray color scheme retails for $9,999 dollars, making it one of the

Enter to Win a 2025 BMW R 1300 GSA + Earn Extra Entries

Enter to Win a 2025 BMW R 1300 GSA + Earn Extra Entries

RoadRUNNER is celebrating a monumental milestone—our 25th year publishing the best motorcycle travel magazine! To show our appreciation for the incredible community of riders and adventurers who have supported us through the years, we’re kicking off 2025 with an epic announcement. One lucky person will win a brand

Triumph Unveils New Enduro Models 2025 | RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel

Triumph Unveils New Enduro Models

Triumph might be best known for its street bikes, like the classic Bonneville, and adventure motorcycles, including the Tiger range. However, the brand is now expanding onto dirt trails with all-new enduro machines. The TF 450-E and TF 250-E are competition-only dirt bikes developed in collaboration with enduro world champions

Enduristan Expands to USA

Enduristan Expands to USA

Motorcycle luggage manufacturer Enduristan keeps gearing bikes up to conquer challenging trails. Now, the company is also looking to conquer North America. The soft luggage maker recently announced its plans to expand its presence in the U.S. Enduristan is aiming to expand its dealer network to new locations. In

25 Years on the Road—Come Celebrate with RoadRUNNER

25 Years on the Road—Come Celebrate with RoadRUNNER

We’re celebrating 25 years of RoadRUNNER, and you’re invited to the party! Join us in beautiful Kingsport, TN, for a weekend of fun and good company as we mark this big milestone. Whether you’ve been reading since the beginning or just picked up your first issue, this

Motorcycle Awareness & RoadRUNNER Safety Collection

Motorcycle Awareness & RoadRUNNER Safety Collection

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. It's about more than educating others to look out for us—we also must be prepared for the unexpected. Below you will find several articles to help you get ready for the riding season ahead. We also just launched our Safety Collection in

City Escapes

City Escape: Salem, Oregon

City Escape: Salem, Oregon

Let’s escape the city—the city of Salem, OR, that is. Twisties abound. The Beaver State capital is located along the Willamette River in Western Oregon. This route leads you up and down, twisting through the valleys and foothills of the Cascade Mountains to the east and rich farm

City Escape: Telluride, CO

City Escape: Telluride, CO

Telluride, CO, is a popular adventure riding destination, thanks to its location in the San Juan Mountains and proximity to other locations, such as Moab, UT. This City Escape, however, demonstrates that even street riders can have fun in this area. Being paved in its entirety, this route can in

City Escape: Los Angeles, California

City Escape Premium Content

City Escape: Los Angeles, California

The little-known village of Santa Paula, CA, sits just east of the more familiar Ojai and Ventura, and is twice as charming. It’s home to a fascinating history of the local oil business and a bronze statue that honors two heroic motorcyclists. This tour starts and ends at the

City Escape: Grand Rapids, MN | RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel

City Escape: Grand Rapids, MN

Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but that’s selling it short—there are more than 14,000 lakes in the North Star State. This all-paved City Escape route takes you to see some of the most gorgeous of the bunch. These roads aren’t blessed with

Shamrock Tours

The Crooked Roads of Floyd, Virginia

Shamrock Tour® Premium Content

The Crooked Roads of Floyd, Virginia

It was a typical Tuesday night, kicking back after a long day in the photography studio, when I got the call. Josh’s voice said, “I’ve got something for you.” No further details were necessary. I knew it meant a ride—better still, riding and taking pictures documenting our

Arizona Tour | Honda Gold Wing | RoadRUNNER Motorcycle

Shamrock Tour® Featured

Tombstone’s Marshalls—A Fist Full of Days with Dad on Gold Wings

“There’s a feeling I get when I look to the west and my spirit is crying for leaving.” The line from “Stairway to Heaven” weighed heavily on my heart as I waited to board the big bird to Tucson, AZ, for another visit with my dad. The miracle of

Billings, Montana Shamrock Tour®: Exploring Montana’s Trailhead

Shamrock Tour® Premium Content

Billings, Montana Shamrock Tour®: Exploring Montana’s Trailhead

"Is your bike running and in gear?” I said nervously to Luke, one hand on my camera and one hand on the clutch lever. We watched the grizzly make its way toward us, just a few feet away at this point. This was one of the many moments on

Duluth, Minnesota Shamrock Tour®

Jan/Feb '25 Premium Content

Duluth, Minnesota Shamrock Tour®

A few months ago, I read an article in the New York Times describing the recent real-estate boom in Duluth, MN. Disaffected Sun Belt residents, tired of the costs, crowds, and climate pressures of life in the Southwest, are increasingly relocating to Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region. I guess the secret

Products Reviews

Review: Dr. Jekill and Mr. Hyde Nomad S Exhaust

Review: Dr. Jekill and Mr. Hyde Nomad S Exhaust

We live in an increasingly small world. It doesn’t take much to fly halfway around the globe in mere hours. Last week, I finished a fascinating book called Save Our Souls. Set in the late 1880s, it’s a true story chronicling the shipwreck of the Wandering Minstrel and

Review: Mosko Moto Backcountry Pannier Kit (v2.5)

Review: Mosko Moto Backcountry Pannier Kit (v2.5)

You can’t have a conversation in the adventure motorcycle industry without hearing the name Mosko Moto. Already famous for their luggage system, including the rackless Reckless systems and frame-mounted systems, the Mosko Moto Backcountry Panniers are a pinnacle of brilliant design, ease of use, innovative features, and rugged reliability.

5 Helmet Care Tips

5 Helmet Care Tips

For most riders, the helmet is the single most vital piece of gear. Although we often spend plenty of time picking out the perfect helmet, too many people forget to take care of their lid after purchase. Proper helmet maintenance not only extends the life of your investment, but also

Helmet Care Essentials

Helmet Care Essentials

Keeping your helmet clean is important if you want the lid to provide a pleasant riding experience mile after mile. Below are some items that can help to keep your helmet in good shape, alongside a few helmets we’ve been testing lately. Wisedry Charcoal Bag Insert Kit Helmets can

Riding With The Riser App

Riding With The Riser App

The days of planning motorcycling routes by poring over paper maps are long gone (unless that’s what you prefer). Powerful route planning apps, like Riser, let you whip up a tour and hit the road quickly and easily. Riser, owned by Cardo, is a multifunctional mobile app for motorcyclists.

Hear Clearly With The Cardo Packtalk Edge

Hear Clearly With The Cardo Packtalk Edge

Cardo is one of the most popular communications device manufactures for motorcycle riding. The company’s Packtalk Edge communicator is a favorite choice among riders—and now you have a chance to win one for yourself in our giveaway. Cardo Packtalk Edge, released in 2022, marked a significant milestone in

Michelin Anakee Adventure Tire

Michelin Anakee Adventure Tire

Adventure and adventure-touring motorcycles have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Motorcycle tire manufacturers have responded by introducing a slew of tires that perform well on both asphalt and dirt—like the Michelin Anakee Adventure tire. Released to the riding public in 2019, the Adventure tire is the