RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel Magazine

A Decade-Long Riding Tradition

Every summer we do at least one group ride. We used to spend the whole week together, but now, three days is about the best we can manage. This year, we chose Oregon and Washington State. Most of the group flew into Portland and rented BMWs. With a fresh Ducati

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Double Crosse Near La Crosse, Wisconsin

The city of La Crosse, perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, bills itself as the top Midwest motorcycle getaway destination. It may very well be the case, as it has incredible riding roads, unique destinations, and a location that is close to Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Des Moines

Roundtrip Tour Premium Content

Wild Winds Across the Badlands of New Mexico

Rarely do I heed a warning before a long-distance ride. This message, however, is from my nephew Ruben, who is a wildlands firefighter stationed in Silver City, NM. A credible source. His message is, "It's supposed to be very windy across New Mexico, starting tomorrow." He is also a rider,

Roundtrip Tour Premium Content

Mongolia: In the Footsteps of Genghis Khan

We’re stopped at the top of a hill on the outskirts of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Ahead of us is a vast valley framed by impossibly large mountains that stretch into the distance. From our vantage point, we can see the criss-cross pattern of the

Destinations

In Pursuit of Wildness: Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in America.It’s a summer day and I’m filling up my motorcycle gas tank in Baker, CA, when I asked the gas station attendant how hot it is. I’m a bit surprised when he points

Jul/Aug '22 Premium Content

Georgia: The Little Great Country

Canyons like Utah, glaciers on 16,000-foot-high mountains, prairies like Mongolia, and a subtropical coastline—Georgia has it all and much more. Yes, I came because of the great landscape. But already my first day on the bike reveals a flaw in my travel plan. I didn’t include the

Classic Roads

Classic Roads: Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon

These two classic roads, taken together, offer motorcyclists one of the most challenging days of mountain riding available anywhere. The full 138-mile route starts and ends in Tellico Plains, TN, at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center. From there the road rapidly gains altitude on SR 165. At around the halfway

Latest Motorcycle Reviews

Motorcycle Review

Review: 2022 Yamaha XSR900

The first small turn of the throttle as the XSR900 warmed up served as an enticing preview of what the new Yamaha had in store beneath its retro-styled aesthetics. The high-performance CP3 cross-plane triple-cylinder configuration of its engine possesses an enthralling sound and a quick-revving demeanor. Once underway, the bike’

Jul/Aug '22

Review: 2022 Triumph Trident 660

Even in pleasant southern California, some of the best roads close for the winter. That’s because they’re foolish, whimsical ribbons that we would never build today. More than 80 years after the invention of the American superhighway, our mountain roads make no sense. They connect small tourist villages

Motorcycle Review

Review: 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660

For many years after the retirement of Aprilia’s ETV 1200 Caponord, the Italian company lacked an adventure touring bike in its line-up. Finally, we got the Aprilia Tuareg 660 which we tested in Sardinia. The Italians have chosen to name the bike after their legendary Tuareg 250 Rally bike

Jul/Aug '22

Review: 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+

There’s a transformation unfolding in motorcycling. It’s driven by those who have enjoyed a history with sport bikes, but are now expanding their focus—riders accustomed to the high performance achieved in the past few decades seeking a more versatile package. This new niche is reflected in Suzuki’

May/Jun '22

Review: 2022 LiveWire ONE

LiveWire, the one-time harbinger of Harley-Davidson’s electrified future, was relaunched last year as a standalone original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with the titular name of ONE gracing its only model offering. The financial repercussion of this seismic rebranding was an MSRP decrease of $7,800 from $29,799 to $21,

Motorcycle Review

Review: Oset 24.0 Racing

Los Angeles was already a little rough around the edges; it didn’t need a years-long pandemic. But despite ourselves, the lockdown looked good on us. We were more polite and patient, even when the streets weren’t so pretty. Delivery drivers stripped their latex gloves into gutters, and paper

News

Triumph Acquires Electric Bike Maker OSET Bikes

The floodgates have really opened for electric motorcycles. Triumph, who just completed its TE-1 electric project, has now acquired electric bike manufacturer OSET Bikes. OSET, launched in 2004, is best known for its children’s electric off-road motorcycles. The company has sold more than 40,000 bikes featuring its own

News

Aprilia Announces Tuareg 660 Baja California Tour

The only way to truly experience a motorcycle is to get out and ride it. Aprilia is now offering riders a chance to get acquainted with the Tuareg 660 on the Aprilia Tuareg 660 Experience—Baja California tour. This six-day tour takes riders from San Diego, CA, to Bahía de

News

Triumph Completes Phase 4 of TE-1 Electric Bike Project

Electric bikes seem to be cropping up all over the place recently. Not to be outdone, Triumph has just reached a significant milestone on its own electric journey. Triumph has completed the TE-1 electric development project. Carried out in collaboration with electrification experts, academia, and the UK government, the project

News

Bonus Offer: 2022 Special Collector's Issue Now Available to Pre-Order

Our 2022 Special Collector's Issue is now available to PRE-ORDER. This issue showcases a regionally balanced mix of both previously-featured and new motorcycle tours with trip planning information and spectacular photography. This special issue is printed on the high quality paper that you've come to expect from RoadRUNNER, and finished

News

Eat and Ride in the Southern Appalachian Mountains with RoadRUNNER!

The 2022 Giveaway Shamrock Tour will take place in the Southeast. The base location will be announced soon, but for now let's find out what we will be eating on this tour. The people of Appalachia have lived off the land for centuries. They’ve been “eating local" out of

News

2023 Suzuki Hayabusa

Suzuki has pulled back the curtain on its 2023 bike range. Needless to say, the lineup also features a new iteration of the famous Hayabusa. Although the bike has received a restyling, it remains instantly recognizable from its aerodynamic, falcon-like silhouette. New style stems from reshaped vents and new logos.

City Escapes

Jul/Aug '22

City Escape: Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota is called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but this counterclockwise loop from the Twin Cities into Wisconsin follows large and small rivers. You’ll be riding along the mighty Mississippi, the Chippewa River, and the Saint Croix River. Two of these waterways are so big that at certain

Jul/Aug '22

City Escape: Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ, offers on-road and adventure rides within minimal miles of the city. Tucson is in southern Arizona, between the Santa Catalina and Tucson Mountains. Mount Lemmon, Picture Rocks, Signal Hill, and the Saguaro State Park have cacti-lined roads and plenty of twisties. Incredible landscape changes unfold as you leave

May/Jun '22

City Escape: New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is known for its nightlife, distinct music, and rich Creole culture. Visiting New Orleans is always exciting, and arriving via motorcycle takes things up a notch. This route is your chance to explore the Mississippi Gulf Coast, see scenic swamplands, and even go looking for gators.Riding

Shamrock Tours

Motorcycle Ride in Fayetteville, Arkansas - RoadRUNNER Shamrock Tour®

Jul/Aug '22 Premium Content

Fayetteville, Arkansas Shamrock Tour®

I grew up in Arkansas, so it’s fitting that I’m heading to the Ozarks for my first Shamrock Tour®. I plan to spend roughly a week in northwest Arkansas, with Fayetteville as my home base. The Bikes, Blues, and BBQ 2021 rally was set to provide plenty of

May/Jun '22 Premium Content

Leesburg, Virginia Shamrock Tour®

“The Civil War defined us as what we are and it opened us to being what we became, good and bad things. It was the crossroads of our being, and it was a hell of a crossroads.” —Shelby Foote, The Civil War: A Narrative Mid-Atlantic Civil War TrailsBetween 1861 and

Mar/Apr '22 Premium Content

Moab, Utah Shamrock Tour®

We all know Moab, a small town in Utah that caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain bikers dream of riding the famous Slickrock Bike Trail, while kayakers and rafters can paddle up to 120 miles on the Colorado River. Side-by-side and Jeep drivers test their luck at the Sand Flats Recreation

Products Reviews

Moto Market

Moto Market: Atlas Vision Brace

The Atlas Vision Brace aims to do one thing only—it reduces compression forces like no other brace. Compared to full-frame braces, it provides 50% higher compression force reduction and 66% greater range of motion, while being 45% lighter. This low-profile, minimalist anti-compression collar is well-suited for adventure riders who

The Best Vintage Style for the Woman Motorcycle Rider

Buyers Guide

The Best Vintage Style for the Woman Rider

It’s a great time to be a rider. Never before in the history of motorcycles have there been so many options when it comes to both motorcycles and riding gear. There’s a bike for every riding style, preference, and price—whichever mount you choose, there’s plenty of

Moto Market

Moto Market: Fly Racing Title Glove

The Fly Racing Title Glove is an uncomplicated, motocross-style glove that keeps your hands warm and dry in any conditions. Weatherproofed with Hipora technology, they block both wind and water, while 3M Thinsulate insulation keeps heat where you need it. A nylon/spandex shell and a thumb stretch panel ensure

Product Review

Review: Biltwell Gringo S Full-Face Helmet

Southern California-based Biltwell has been in the business of producing stylish motorcycle riding gear as well as parts and accessories for over a decade now, and the retro-inspired Gringo S is one of the company's staple products. Reminiscent of the original Bell Star (circa the 1970s), the Gringo S offers

Buyers Guide

Best Helmets for Sport Touring Riders

Riding long distances on a motorcycle can be easy, and it can be tiring. Many things go into making a long 2-wheeled trip enjoyable, but the helmet you choose can make all the difference. Sport touring riders need a helmet that is comfortable for hours on end, relatively quiet, fits

News

No More Borders: Comms System Brands Join Forces with New Open Intercom Standard

Talking to your riding friends from the saddle was difficult if you used different communicators. But no more. A new standard is set to revolutionize bike-to-bike communication. Major wireless comm system manufacturers—including Cardo, Midland, and Uclear—have released a new open, industry-wide standard for Bluetooth communicators. Dubbed the Open