Columns

A collection of 165 posts

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A Brief Description of Motorcycle Chassis & Suspension Geometry

It’s been said that a motorcycle “functions entirely in accordance with the laws of reason.” I believe that to be the case.  But what are those “laws of reason?” Here, I will focus on some of them, specifically physics and geometry.  After all, it is the sacred geometry that

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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

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Motorcycle Fuel Injection Explained

Fuel injection (FI) has revolutionized motorcycles, marking a significant shift in how our engines burn dinosaur juice. Carburetors were used for much of the 20th century, but fuel injection became mainstream on motorcycles during the late 1990s and early 2000s.  That change was largely driven by stricter emissions regulations and

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Generational Hubris

Miranda Cain road races motorcycles. She’s my grandniece.  Her mother and father were motorcyclists. An aunt and uncle of hers were motorcyclists. Her boyfriend is a motorcyclist and raced for a while. Three of her granduncles are motorcyclists.  It’s great having another generation in our family involved in

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Is Premium Fuel Really Better for Motorcycles?

When it comes to feeding your motorcycle, the choice between regular and premium gasoline often raises questions about cost, performance, and long-term engine health. Is premium fuel always the right choice, or are there situations where regular fuel is more appropriate? Let’s dive into your fuel tank and find

Christa's Journal

Christa's Journal—Our First American Adventure

My husband Christian and I grew up in Austria, a mountainous country of endless winding passes and deep valleys. The stunning landscapes were the backdrop to our childhoods, instilling in us a love for adventure. In the ‘90s, we discovered our passion for motorcycling, which allowed us to explore the

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Start Your Engines!

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World’s First Self-Riding Motorcycle Goes Rogue, Now Touring Without Owner

In a development no one saw coming—except, perhaps, every science fiction writer ever—the world’s first self-riding motorcycle has gone rogue.  Originally designed as an advanced AI-powered touring companion, the prototype Iron Phantom 900 AI, was supposed to revolutionize long-distance riding. Instead, it has broken free from its

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The Fork in the Road

September, 2005. I remember Christa’s email like it was yesterday: “We would like to use your submission ‘Las Vegas’ in one of our next issues.” I read it once, twice, a million times and I still couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t born a writer. I never did

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You Never Forget Your First

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My ‘Cold Open’ with RoadRUNNER

"Wow!” That was my reaction when I first laid eyes on RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel. My moto-journalism aspirations skyrocketed, however, in the fall of 2003, when I was asked to do a multi-day touring article for the publication. Christian Neuhauser, the magazine’s founder, and his Austrian family

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KTM Through the Years

At the time I’m writing this, most motorcycle enthusiasts know something about the troubles facing KTM. Following a host of rumors that surfaced at the end of 2024, the Austrian company and Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, has officially entered “self-administration.”  This means legal restructuring for KTM’s parent

Tips

Tips For Changing Your Own Oil

Changing your motorcycle's oil is essential for maintaining engine performance and longevity. Oil changes are one of the easiest maintenance jobs on a bike, so almost anyone can pick it up in no time. Not only is it fairly simple, but it can save you some money over

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Understanding Motorcycle Engine Sizes and Power Dynamics

When considering a motorcycle’s performance, many riders focus on engine size, often expressed in cubic centimeters (cc). Engine displacement is certainly an important factor, but it alone does not directly determine how much power a motorcycle produces.  In this article, I will explore the nuances of engine displacement, power

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Buying Into Cool—The Mystique of Harley-Davidson

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Mornings

“There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.” —Bernard Williams Morning. When the day is fresh with promise. A clean canvas for life.  Motorcyclists universally enjoy mornings—they love rising early to ride. Whether it’s a spontaneous decision to go for a jaunt,

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Motorcycle Airbag Vests: Your Inflatable Guardian

Gasp, screech, bang. If you hear that horrible series of sounds, you’re much better off in a car than on a motorcycle. At least in an automobile, you can rely on an airbag absorbing some of the impact. Honda put an on-board motorcycle airbag in the 2005 Gold Wing,

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How to Find Reputable Motorcycle Reviews

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Motorcycling Saved My Life

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The Evolution of Motorcycle Standardization

At the dawn of the 20th century—not long after their first documented invention in 1885—motorcycles had already taken on the classic characteristics that still shape them today. They had two wheels of relatively similar size, a frame, a centrally-mounted engine, the rider sat upright between the axles, and

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Easy Rider: A Motorcycle Anthem of Rebellion That Changed Cinema Forever

Easy Rider was released to incredible fanfare in 1969. The movie made its director, Dennis Hopper, instantly famous, upended the trends of Hollywood, and altered the way studios conducted business—for a while anyway. Easy Rider was a low-budget film that broke from convention, confusing movie executives with its mostly

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Interview with BMW Engineer Toni Decker

Toni Decker, born in 1963, joined BMW as a trainee in 1988 and started to work for the Bavarian manufacturer in 1990 as a design and project engineer. He is best known for being the project leader for the K-series of motorcycles. I sat down with Decker to ask him

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Pirelli-Metzeler Motorcycle Test Center

Most motorcyclists are familiar with the Italian island of Sicily as a vacation destination. In the off-season, Sicily’s mild temperatures, low-traffic roads, and spectacular landscapes tempt people to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s bad weather.  Some motorcycle companies have also recognized this and carry out their endurance runs and

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A Complete Guide to Motorcycle Cooling System Inspection & Maintenance

Many modern motorcycles utilize a liquid cooling system. These systems pump a water-based coolant through jackets in the cylinders, heads, and radiator to keep the engine at the ideal operating temperature.  Like everything else on your bike, though, this system requires regular maintenance. I’ll walk you through the basic

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A Look Back—25 Years of RoadRUNNER

In the summer of 1999, my parents Christian and Christa, my brother Manuel, and I moved from Austria to North Carolina for a change in scenery and, perhaps, a quieter life. In addition to their photography business, my parents brought their motorcycles across the pond. My dad had his 1997