Jon Beck - RoadRUNNER

California : A Light Bike Adventure Ride

The southwestern corner of the United States is arguably both an adventure bike paradise and an ideal testing ground. Seemingly endless deserts stretch in all directions, containing virtually every type of terrain imaginable. However, the difficulty of this terrain comes in large doses at times. Where the fuel range and

Nov/Dec '19 Premium Content

Nebraska: Hiding in Plain Sight

The most interesting stories can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.Writing about a state whose slogan is “Honestly, it’s not for everyone” presents certain challenges. Almost entirely lacking obvious picture-postcard scenes or renowned destinations, Nebraska forces the traveler to look deeper at wherever they are. The

May/Jun '19 Premium Content

Penticton, British Columbia: Discovering the Undiscovered

The teacher in The Truman Show, who stated “Oh, you’re too late. There’s really nothing left to explore,” was incorrect. There is always something new to be discovered. Exploration can be as simple as visiting a place you’ve never been—perhaps venturing across the US-Canada border, as

May/Jun '19

2019 Beta 500 RR-S: From The Land of Da Vinci, A Motorized Work of Art

It’s been said that the “best bike” is one that makes you want to turn the key each day. The Beta 500 RR-S definitely fits that category. A just-right exhaust note roars to life from a package that’s the stuff of off-road riders’ dreams. Given that this test

Mar/Apr '19 Premium Content

Southern California: Spanish Galleons to Austrian Motorcycles

Familiarity doesn’t necessarily breed contempt, but it can breed ignorance. When traveling to far-flung adventurous lands, one’s attention is typically at peak levels—absorbing the sights and sounds, mental notes becoming etched into memory like words chiseled into stone. It’s easy to forget that your exotic destination

Mar/Apr '19

2019 ZERO MOTORCYCLES: First Impressions of the Latest in Electric Motorcycles

It’s possible to sum up this bike review in three words: I want one. As someone who regularly shoots cameras that don’t use batteries, riding a motorcycle that runs exclusively on one is an interesting exercise. The Zero DSR is possibly the most technology-driven bike I’ve ever

Sep/Oct '18

2018 KTM 1090 Adventure R / 1290 Super Adventure S

Both of these adventurers suffer from an enviable identity crisis. Either one can roam into the other’s terrain and feel quite at home. The crossover gap between the two machines widens in direct proportion to the difficulty of the terrain.The KTM 1090 Adventure R Wants to be a

Nov/Dec '17 Premium Content

The Azores: Little Adventure

Selecting a location roughly 75-percent smaller than Rhode Island to test a prototype adventure motorcycle would seem to be a less-than-ideal decision. However, just as one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, never underestimate the level of excitement that can be found in a small space.Juggling Time

May/Jun '17 Premium Content

Southeast Australia

To experience as many different environments as possible, in only three weeks: this is our mission. What better place to attempt such a journey than Australia, a beautiful and largely unknown country with a population of only 24 million people. Aboard an R 1200 GS, I’m joined by a

Sep/Oct '16 Premium Content

Albania: Carving a Country of Contrast

There’s a man taking his bear for a walk. Traffic is a bit heavy and quite chaotic, but he doesn’t appear concerned. Drivers yield as if there is a codified rule of the road providing bears the right-of-way. This scene might seem unusual in Los Angeles or Munich,

Mar/Apr '16

1997, 1999, and 2016 Honda Africa Twin Comparison

Looming nearly 6,300 feet above the French countryside, the brilliantly lit peak of Mont Ventoux draws closer. Rather than follow the incessantly curvy pavement towards the top, our small band of riders elects to veer off the famed Tour de France route onto unpaved roads. Steep drops, threatening us