Columns Premium Content

A New Scared

The dictionary says “fear” is a noun. I was taught that a noun is something you can put in a box. Can you put fear in a box? Fear, by definition, is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or

News

MotoVermont Smoky Mountains Tour

Want to see the Smoky Mountains in all their glory? MotoVermont’s Smoky Mountains dual sport tour takes you on a twisty-packed ride through the forests and mountain roads of North Carolina and Tennessee. This six-day, 685-mile journey traverses 5,000-foot passes, wildflower-filled valleys, and thrilling water crossings in the

Columns

Moto Mojo: the Octane Problem

What’s Right For Your Bike For many motorcyclists, the octane numbers such as 85, 87, 89, and 91 (or 93) on the gas pump might as well read “nope,” “almost there,” and “that’s the stuff.” And it’s a logical assumption that when something costs more, it must

Tips

Common Motorcycle Insurance Questions Answered

Decoding Motorcycle Coverage One of the most common questions I hear regarding motorcycle insurance is, “What is the average cost of a motorcycle insurance policy?” Another common question: “What do I really need on my policy, and what can I do to drop my overall insurance cost?” Here are some

News

Ride1Up Revv1: A Small Ebike for Big Adventures

There’s nothing like navigating open roads on a big motorcycle, but sometimes a smaller-scale riding adventure is what you need. Ride1Up’s new Revv1 can be just the right ride for those occasions. The Revv1 is a new, moped-style electric bicycle. But this isn’t a hipster-y motorized bike

Events

KTM Adventure Rally Heads to Norway

Adventure motorcycling enthusiasts had better start learning how to ride like a Viking. This year’s KTM Adventure Rally is heading north to the land of the fjords. The 2023 KTM Adventure Rally takes 150 intrepid KTM riders to Norway on July 24-28 to tackle the Scandinavian country’s spectacularly

News

Moto Morini is Coming to North America

Mamma mia, the Italians are coming! The iconic Italian motorcycle brand Moto Morini has announced it will enter the North American market. Moto Morini has already been on its globetrotting adventure, with operations in Italy, India, and Asia. Now, the company is looking to establish a presence in the U.

Tips

The Hunt: Buying a Bike off Craigslist

Shopping for a new bike can be a whole lot of fun, but actually buying one can turn into a nightmare. For many of us, going to a dealership to look at brand new (or almost new) bikes just isn’t financially an option, so to get what we’re

Events

Kawasaki Elektrode Experience Brings Riding to Your Children

Are your kids always saying they’d like to ride a motorcycle like their mom or dad? Then the Kawasaki Elektrode Experience is your chance to acquaint your child with a kid-sized and kid-friendly bike. Kawasaki Elektrode Experience is a nationwide tour that aims to introduce young, fledgling riders to

News

Harley-Davidson Celebrates 120th Anniversary at 2023 H-D Homecoming

Harley-Davidson has been manufacturing classic American motorcycles for a while — 120 years, to be precise. The Motor Company is celebrating its 120th anniversary at the 2023 Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival. The event will bring hordes of H-D riders, their friends and families, and probably some music lovers as well to Milwaukee,

Sidetracked Premium Content

The Kerfuffle

At 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque, the BMW R 1200 GS can sling mud from its Shinko knobby like a snow blower in a Louisiana swamp. My pal Jay Rothstein sits unaware atop his clutch-less KLR 650, 12 miles north of Gypsum, CO. Afternoon rains have turned this

Tips

Motorcycle Licensing Laws Are Different for Teen Riders

Some time ago, Pennsylvania instituted training requirements for teens wanting to obtain their motorcycle license. Under Pennsylvania’s law, all 16- and 17-year-olds applying for a motorcycle license must first complete the state-approved motorcycle safety program. Courses like Pennsylvania’s Basic Rider Course are meant to provide young bikers with

Columns

Speed The Wheel: The 800-Mile Caffé Africano

As motorcyclists, generally speaking, we tend to be a bit more whimsical and spontaneous than your average Joe. We prefer to cling to the youthful endeavor of chasing desires—however pointless, however ridiculous. I say this without apology. A motorcycle will do that to you. Adult responsibilities are constantly conspiring

Do Good

Do Good: Motorcycle Relief Project

Every rider knows the kind of inner peace rolling down highways or bouncing across off-road tracks can bring. Motorcycle Relief Project (MRP) aims to let wounded warriors and struggling first responders experience that same feeling. MRP, based in Evergreen, CO, organizes Relief Rides, five-day dual sport and adventure bike tours

Tips

Riding in Cold Weather

Those of us living in the northern latitudes have recently been in the grip of a particularly cold blast of winter weather. Although many of us like to ride throughout the year, there are additional risks that need to be mitigated for cold weather riding: Wind Chill Risk—Wind velocity

News

Harley-Davidson Adversary Collection

Many a Harley-Davidson rider enjoys adding a personal touch to their bike. The H-D Adversary Collection lets you do just that with official H-D parts [https://imp.i104546.net/MXP2QM]. You won’t have to wonder if they’ll fit your bike—as long as you have a 2021 or

Tips

Pure Magic: Power to the Rear Wheel

It’s been said many times, “Anyone can ride a motorcycle fast in a straight line”.  Starting and stopping can sometimes results in a crash, especially during a turn.  Sure, you can pedal or glide your feet like Fred Flintstone for stability—but there is a better way. Ask a

News

Women in the Front Seat Documentary Launches on Amazon Prime

Female riders form an important but often overlooked part of the motorcycling community. Women in the Front Seat provides an insider perspective into what it means to be a lady in the saddle. Now available for streaming, this feature documentary follows filmmaker Indy Saini on her solo cross-country journey aboard

News

BDR Gearing Up to Release New Oregon Route

Adventure riders will soon have a new playground to rip through. Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), an adventure motorcycling non-profit, is preparing to release its latest route on February 4. Located in Oregon, this 12th BDR route starts in Beaver State’s southeastern, high desert environs. From there, riders head north

Zen Motorcyclist

Zen Motorcyclist: The Best Lessons

I have a tendency to meet people at the supermarket when I take the motorcycle for my weekly supply run. I like the looks I get carrying my grocery bags and helmet; people wonder where I’m going to put everything. I’ve written before about others feeling at ease

Tips

What you should know when buying a used motorcycle

Motorcycles are a big investment, so luckily there are plenty of less expensive, used bikes on the market. However, there are many things you need to consider. From accident records to service history, it’s important to take the time to inspect and research the bike you’re buying. Follow

Events

The Little Motobi That Could

Tearing through a small village on the Adriatic Coast, the thundering sound of our redlined engines reverberates off the ancient stone walls in a glorious cacophony. This group of breakaway riders is determined not to relinquish a single position, collectively disregarding posted speeds as mere suggestions. The crowds lining the

Do Good

Do Good: Motorcycle Missions

The tragedies of life don’t only impact on their immediate victims. The rescuers are all too often shaken to the core as well by the terrible things they routinely witness. But who can help the helpers? Motorcycle Missions can. Motorcycle Missions [https://motorcyclemissions.org/] is a nonprofit organization that

Jan/Feb '23

ZenMoto: Kickstand Up

In 1968, a technical writer from Minnesota left Minneapolis on his 1966 Honda CB77F Super Hawk with his 11-year-old son Chris as pillion. The two had a pair of Harley-Davidson beetle bags and a mountain of gear strapped to their 305cc, 28 hp motorcycle. This was the start of a

Columns

Pure Magic: Head and Eyes

Have you ever tried using a Magic Eraser to fix a display of childhood wall art? Just put a little water on the thing and it works. Like pure magic, it removes marks from almost anything. What’s the worst that could happen if it didn’t perform as advertised?