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--- transportation:motorcycles [2024/02/06 01:55] – [Articles] timb
+++ transportation:motorcycles [2025/07/31 05:43] (current) – [Safety] timb
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 ====== Manufacturers ======
+== 10 Underrated Motorcycle Brands That Deserve More Love ==
+D Figg - May 17, 2025 7:30 pm EST
+The world of motorcycles has its darlings, like Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Honda, and Ducati. Some are famous for looking cool, others for making the fastest motorcycles in the world. These days, when you hear the word motorcycle, chances are that one of these makes will spring to mind, but what if we told you that there are loads of other companies out there? Ones that operate in the U.S. and that have solid engineering, distinctive styling, and, in many cases, better value, but without the celebrity endorsements and million-dollar T.V. ads?
+So, the question becomes: Are these smaller and less well-known makers any good? Should we be giving them more attention? And the answer is a resounding yes — just because they are smaller doesn't mean that they're not worth our time. In fact, these underdogs often produce some of the most interesting machines on the market precisely because they don't have to please marketing departments, focus groups, and shareholders whose idea of risk is ordering spicy food at a chain restaurant.
+The brands on this list may not have the prestige of legacy manufacturers, but what they do have is potential — and in some cases, brilliance. Some are startups with fresh ideas, some are resurrections of historic names, and others have been quietly building excellent machines for years while barely registering in the public consciousness. Here are 10 motorcycle brands that deserve far more attention than they get in the American market.
+Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1858579/underrated-motorcycle-brands-deserve-more-love/
 ==== Honda ====
@@ Line 50: / Line 66: @@
+===== Arch =====
+== Which Engine Does Arch Motorcycle Use In Its Bikes? ==
+KR Manalo - July 17, 2025 10:45 am EST
+Founded in 2011 by Gard Hollinger, and actor and motorcycle collector Keanu Reeves, ARCH Motorcycle is an American boutique motorcycle manufacturer. Known for creating custom one-off bikes, Arch Motorcycles aims to combine the best elements of a sport bike and a traditional American cruiser. Along with its first model, the KRGT-1, which is the base model launched in 2015, the brand now offers two other models, the 1S sport cruiser introduced in 2022, and the Method 143, released in 2017, all of which are categorized as sport cruiser bikes. All Arch Motorcycles use S&S engines.
+Specifically, modified S&S V-twin units. One of them has a capacity of 124 cubic inches, or 2,032 cc, is fuel injected, and puts out 93.5 horsepower and 121 lb-ft of torque. Based on the S&S 124, Arch further modifies the engine to meet its own performance and design requirements.
+One example of this is its unique downdraft intake system, as well as the distinctive headers that are integrated with Yoshimura exhausts. Both the KRGT-1 and 1S use the 124ci S&S V-twin engine, while the Method 143 uses the more powerful 143ci S&S V-twin engine.
+Because of its distinctive and throaty growl sound, classic styling, and performance capabilities, V-twin engines are popular among riders and motorcycle enthusiasts. V-twins are distinguished by their long stroke and massive pistons, which, at lower RPMs, provide a strong pull. This gives a strong powerband with ample acceleration and momentum without requiring frequent downshifts, which makes V-twin engines ideal for sport cruisers like Arch Motorcycles.
+Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1912707/arch-motorcycle-what-engine-use-bikes/
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 https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/benda-launches-new-lfc-700-and-lfs-700-models/
 ===== Gaokin =====
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 https://electrek.co/2022/08/04/kawasaki-unveil-two-lower-cost-electric-motorcycles/
+== Every New Kawasaki Motorcycle Announced For 2025, And What They Cost ==
+Michael Bruton - Oct. 12, 2024 7:30 am EST
+For Kawasaki, staying ahead of rivals like that means constantly revamping a lineup of motorcycles that stretches back to 1963. From rare collectibles to eye-catching examples of industrial art to the latest and greatest with a 2024 lineup that covers everything from dirtbikes to supersports, hordes of fans from all over the world delight in owning, racing, and riding Kawasakis.
+Kawasaki recently unveiled its lineup for 2025. Marked by the introduction of an all-new bike and displacement and technology upgrades for four already popular nameplates, join us as we explore every new offering from Kawasaki in 2025 and what it will cost to put one in your garage.
+Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1685447/kawasaki-2025-motorcycle-lineup/
+===== KTM =====
+== 4 Motorcycle Brands Owned By KTM ==
+Ivo Gievski - July 22, 2025 9:30 am EST
+With factory teams in most racing categories, including Moto GP, Motocross, Supercross, Enduro, and Rally, KTM is one of the most recognizable motorcycle brands in the world. KTM is also very successful on the commercial market — today, it's Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer.
+Naturally, with so much brand cachet, KTM has acquired other motorcycle manufacturers over the years. However, even the brand KTM operates under the umbrella of Pierer Mobility AG. Don't worry, though — it's the same company. KTM AG changed its name to Pierer Mobility AG in 2019 but kept the KTM branding for its motorcycles.
+Still, pending regulatory approval, it will all change in 2026. Indian giant Bajaj Auto — the fifth-biggest motorcycle manufacturer globally — is set to acquire Pierer Mobility AG and all its brands, after owning 49.9% in the company. That would mean that KTM, including all the brands mentioned in this article, will be owned by Bajaj Auto next year. Of course, that's no reason not to learn more about Pierer Mobility's excellent motorcycle brands. Each has its own rich history, including many racing victories and memorable motorcycles. So, let's have a closer look at the four motorcycle brands owned by KTM.
+Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1914967/ktm-motorcycle-brands/
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 https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/qjmotor-to-launch-700cc-cruiser-bikes/
+===== Voge =====
+==== rr500s ====
+== This Gorgeous New Entry-Level Motorcycle Punches Well Above Its Weight ==
+You may not know the brand (yet), but this beguiling bike claims some compelling performance traits you wouldn’t guess from its specs.
+Steve Mazzucchi	- July 23, 2025 / Updated July 23, 2025
+Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more
+Exciting as it is on its own, the rise of small-displacement adventure bikes is not what you’d call an independent event.
+It’s actually part of a bigger trend, largely driven by overseas brands, toward more approachable and affordable motorcycles that newer riders aren’t afraid to swing a leg over.
+Latest example? A new sportbike from Voge, a moto-focused Chongqing, China-based premium sub-brand of the large industrial company Loncin.
+The Voge RR500S follows in the tracks of small-engined speed machines such as Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-4RR, CFMoto’s 500SR Voom, Kove’s 450RR and a bunch of QJMotors models.
+Not unlike those bikes, it’s out to prove you don’t have to be big to be badass — with a twist.
+https://www.gearpatrol.com/motorcycles/voge-rr500s-motorcycle/
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 https://www.hotcars.com/cheap-motorcycles-great-value-for-money/
+== 10 Of The Most Popular Motorcycles For Larger Riders ==
+Brian Nyambura - May 26, 2024 2:30 pm EST
+Motorcycles promise a thrilling experience for riders of all shapes and sizes. However, for larger riders, finding the perfect motorcycle is about more than just style and power. Ergonomics, comfort, and handling are crucial in offering an enjoyable ride.
+Below, we explore different types of motorcycles, showcasing different popular for larger riders. They range from the cruiser, which provides a relaxed riding position and a low seat height, to touring motorcycles, which are perfect for long journeys thanks to their comfortable seats and excellent wind protection. For the adrenaline seekers, there are a few sports bikes that, despite having a hunched forward posture, offer additional accessories to deliver a comfortable ride.
+These bikes are among the most popular alternatives for larger riders seeking to explore off-road trails, hit the track, or cruise down the highway. They not only offer comfortable seating positions, but they also have suspension systems that can accommodate more weight.
+Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1587634/motorcycles-good-for-large-riders/
+== What Does It Mean When A Biker Points Two Fingers Down? ==
+Chris Littlechild - Nov. 30, 2024 10:15 pm EST
+Whether we're driving a 2024 Lexus GX or riding a Limited Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycle, hundreds of people may flash past us without us even registering their faces. It can be quite isolating and existentially terrifying if you think about it. Let's think, instead, about the time-honored hand gestures we use to communicate with fellow motorists.
+If another driver takes a moment to stop and let us out, they certainly earn themselves an appreciative little half-wave. If they do just the opposite and speed out in front of us, an admonitory blast of the horn is in order, or perhaps a rather unfriendly type of hand gesture may come out. Hand gestures on the road can make for a surprisingly elaborate language, and this is especially true for bikers.
+There's often a sense of community and kinship among the motorcycle faithful, whether a large group of bikers are taking a long-haul trip together or one rider happens to pass another on a lonely stretch of road. They often have just a split second to express all of this, and one of the biker hand signals employed in this respect is a downward motion with two fingers. This isn't a warning or an instruction, but simply a quick greeting from a fellow biker as you flash past each other. Something of a salute, you might say, sometimes known as the biker wave. There are a lot of important tips a new biker should know, and interpreting such signals is an important one.
+Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1722192/biker-points-two-fingers-down-meaning/
+== Why Do Some Motorcycles Have A X On The Headlight? ==
+Shane Schmid - Jan. 11, 2025 2:15 pm EST
+There are motorcycle types every rider should know, and interestingly, each one has its own culture. For example, take the motorcycle clubs designated as "outlaw gangs" by the FBI with their Harley-Davidson Dyna, Street Glide, and Road King models and decked out in black leather. Now contrast that group with the motocross crowd, who ride models like the lime green Kawasaki KX and bright blue Yamaha YZ450F bikes designed to conquer rugged off-road tracks.
+So, when you see a group of riders sipping coffee next to stripped-down, classic-styled bikes like the Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS, you can rest assured, this is yet again another unique culture within the motorcycle world, café racers. For those interested, there are plenty of options when it comes to the cheapest café racer motorcycles you can buy in 2024.
+One of the identifiable qualities of café racers can be spotted on their headlights, which often feature an "X" design using tape. Placing tape across the headlight has a lot to do with style, and is a basic modification any rider can perform, staying true to the café racer history of handmade alterations. It's also rooted in traditional track racing as a measure of safety when competing at high speed.
+Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1753957/motorcycle-x-headlight-reason/
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 https://gizmodo.com/tiktok-police-chase-youtube-1849960203
+===== Safety =====
+== My quest to make motorcycle riding that tad bit safer ==
+April 30, 2025 - Harry Gill
+It began with a spark—a dormant passion reignited after many years away from motorcycling. Life had steered me in different directions, away from the saddle, but something deep inside pulled me back to the thrill and freedom that only riding offers.
+Returning to motorcycling after such an extended hiatus was daunting yet exhilarating. I vividly recall my first CBT session: the nerves, the good-natured laughter at my clumsy mistakes, and the sheer joy when everything finally clicked into place. It was during this session that a critical moment of inspiration occurred. My instructor casually suggested lightly applying the brakes during engine braking to alert drivers behind that I was slowing down. Given motorcycles’ inherent lightweight design and strong engine braking, the risk of being rear-ended was significant.
+It struck me profoundly how something so vital could be left to mere habit—this realization triggered my engineering instincts. Relying solely on human memory and habitual action seemed inadequate and unreliable. I wondered: “Could technology automate this essential safety process?” Thus, BrakeBright was conceived—a smart brake-light system specifically tailored for motorcycles. BrakeBright intelligently detects when the motorcycle slows due to engine braking, activating the brake lights even before the rider manually applies the brakes. Moreover, during intense braking scenarios, it flashes proportionately to the braking intensity.
+https://gill.net.in/posts/my-quest-to-make-motorcycle-riding-safer/
+== Why Do Bikers Lean Sideways Around A Turn? ==
+Nate Williams - July 20, 2025 9:35 am EST
+Motorcyclists aren't trying to earn style points when they lean into a curve in the road, nor are they showing off with some dangerous gravity-defying stunt. It's a safety measure, and it's an absolute must for bikers to maneuver corners properly. Unlike cars, it's not enough for motorcycles to just steer into a turn using the handlebars. At any speed faster than a crawl, a biker has to lean into a curve to make it around safely. The science is simple: This sideways lean effectively counteracts the powerful forces of gravity on both the rider and the bike itself. Without it, the motorcycle would likely crash.
+See, when a motorcycle enters a turn, it starts being pulled on by centrifugal force,the outward pull you feel when rounding a curve. Centrifugal force pushes the motorcycle away from the direction it's turning, while, at the same time, gravity is pulling the bike straight down. All the while, there's friction between the tires and the road trying to keep the bike upright and on track. To balance these opposing forces, the rider has to lean into the curve. This shifts the center of gravity (COG) inward, helping the bike stay stable and keeping the rider in control. If you lean too far, you risk sliding. If you don't lean enough, the centrifugal force will push the bike outward, giving you less grip and still that risk of sliding.
+Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1915320/why-do-bikers-lean-sideways-while-turning/
+== Why Do Bikers Put An X Over Their Motorcycle Headlights? ==
+Daksh Chaudhary - July 26, 2025 9:35 pm EST
+Seasoned motorcyclists sometimes do things that are far beyond our understanding, like riding close to the yellow line or wearing too much leather. Similarly, if you've ever spotted a motorcycle with an X taped over its headlight, it might just be taken as a nice design preference. In reality, this little headlight mod actually has roots that go back decades, when it was not taken as a style trend, but something born out of necessity. It had everything to do with safety and racing within the biker culture.
+Let's go back to the 1970s, when café racers, a group of riders known for speed and stripped-down bikes, began taping an X over their headlights for safety. At the time, headlight glass was fragile and could shatter into dangerous, razor-sharp pieces during a crash. The tape helped keep the broken glass in place, reducing the risk of injury to the rider and others on the road. The X pattern was smart, as it held the glass together well without blocking much light.
+Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1920242/why-bikers-x-over-motorcycle-headlight/
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 https://venturebeat.com/2020/11/16/ride-vision-raises-7-million-for-ai-that-alerts-motorcycle-riders-to-collision-threats/
+===== Clothing =====
+==== Boots ====
+== If Your Motorcycle Boots Don't Check These 3 Boxes, It's Time For A New Pair ==
+Amber DaSilva - July 27, 2025 11:25 am EST
+What kind of boots do you wear on your motorcycle? Red Wings? Doc Martens? Blundstones? If your answer is any of those, you should rethink your riding footwear. None of those are protective enough to ride in or armored enough to keep you safe when you drop a bike on your leg, but they're not the only ill-suited footwear out there. In fact, plenty of so-called "motorcycle boots" share the same dearth of protection as those fashion boots you got at the mall.
+Rather than giving you a list of brands to look for, though, I'd rather teach you to fish — I'll give you a list of what to look for in your next motorcycle boot, so you can know that whatever you're buying is safe enough for your commute, road trip, or dirt ride. There are three main things that you'll want to look for in a motorcycle boot: Malleolus protection, crush resistance, and height. What do those mean, though, within the context of motorcycle boots?
+Read More: https://www.jalopnik.com/1922177/motorcycle-boot-buyers-guide/
 ====== Communications ======
@@ Line 704: / Line 903: @@
 https://www.makeuseof.com/best-motorcycle-bluetooth-headsets/
+====== Insurance ======
+== Motorcycle insurance explained: Types of coverage and how much you'll need ==
+Barbara Marquand - Thu, May 8, 2025 at 8:22 AM PDT
+Whether your ride is a lightweight scooter or custom chopper, motorcycle insurance helps protect you financially in case of a wreck or other mishap.
+Before buying a policy, understand the types of motorcycle insurance available, decide how much and which kinds of coverage you need, and then compare motorcycle insurance quotes from multiple companies to get the best deal.
+https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/insurance/article/motorcycle-insurance-152248786.html
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 https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles-that-cost-a-fortune-to-run/
+== How to Maintain a Motorbike ==
+Updated: June 5, 2024
+Lots of people get a little lazy about motorcycle maintenance over time. To keep your bike in good running condition, periodic maintenance is extremely important. Maintaining your bike regularly helps it to perform at its peak and ensures that you can enjoy safe, problem-free riding. A lot of the basic servicing jobs are easy enough to do yourself.
+https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-a-Motorbike?amp=1
+== Basic motorcycle maintenance checklist: Nine simple steps for a worry-free riding season ==
+Adam Ponzek - Mar 22, 2019
+Before you tuck the kickstand up this spring, download our spiffy maintenance checklist and use it as a guide to give your bike a proper once-over.
+It doesn’t take long, and the peace of mind you’ll get knowing you personally checked your machine from tip to tail will pay you back tenfold. Trust me, an hour in the garage now beats an hour on the side of the road troubleshooting or waiting for AMA roadside assistance.
+https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/basic-motorcycle-maintenance-checklist-9-simple-steps-for-a-worry-free-riding-season
+== 5 Motorcycle Maintenance Tasks You Can Do Yourself ==
+Mark Yarm - 2020-03-26
+When it comes to motorcycles, a little do-it-yourself maintenance could save you money and help keep you safe—and also empower you. “I like knowing that I’m the caretaker of my machines,” says Paul Olesen, a Wisconsinite who runs DIY Moto Fix. “There’s a sense of confidence every time I ride the bike that everything’s just right.” Here are Olesen’s top tips for mastering your own motorcycle maintenance.
+In practice, the requirements of each of these tasks can vary depending on your bike. Consult your owner’s manual before beginning to educate yourself about matters such as the location of filters and plugs, and which parts you must remove to access them; proper amounts and types of various fluids, and intervals for changing them; and torque specifications for reinstalling nuts and bolts to proper tightness. For bikes that lack a center stand, use a rear stand device to position them upright.
+https://living.geico.com/driving/cycle/summer-motorcycle-maintenance-checklist/amp/
+== Performing Motorcycle Maintenance To Keep Your Bike On The Road ==
+Keep your bike on the road without taking it to the shop and shelling out money for work that you can do yourself.
+Mark Zimmerman - Updated July 3, 2019
+I was a little surprised when someone recently asked me if it was possible to rack up a hundred thousand—or more—miles on a late-model cruiser without making any major repairs, and if it was, what sort of motorcycle maintenance it would take to do it. My knee-jerk reaction was to start cataloging all the things that would need doing, but the more I considered the question, the more I realized that while all devices are subject to the whims of mechanical misfortune, the current crop of motorcycles is for the most part as reliable as anvils. Barring any unforeseen mishaps, motorcycles last almost as long while needing only slightly more attention.
+This is particularly true if you purchase the bike new and can control how it's broken in and maintained from day one. If you buy a used bike, try to obtain all service documentation that you can and then start doing your own.
+https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/how-to-keep-your-bike-alive-with-routine-motorcycle-maintenance/
+== 10 maintenance tasks to do yourself ==
+New to biking? Getting hands-on with your motorcycle may be easier than you think
+Visordown News - 11 Jan 2017
+YOU DON'T have to have the mechanical know-how of a MotoGP technician to perform simple home-servicing tasks; some decent tools and a little common sense are all you need to keep your bike in tip-top shape.
+Ideally, get hold of a workshop manual for your machine for a better understanding of how each task should be carried out. Most will give pictures detailing each part of the process; a good manual will also list the tools you'll need to complete the job. Find yours here.
+Tools are like knives to a chef; using good ones is half the battle. Save the under-seat tool-kit for roadside emergencies and invest in quality for home maintenance.
+If you're lacking mechanical confidence, ask someone more experienced to help.
+https://www.visordown.com/features/top-10s/10-maintenance-tasks-do-yourself
+==== Video ====
+== 5 Basic Motorcycle Maintenance Tips for Beginners ==
+Strell - Sep 18, 2016
+I was very much confused when I started up with my motorcycle.
+Primary question were, what I need to do with the motorcycle to maintain it well.  Here are the few points which came to my mind, which can be followed for a healthy bike life.
+And dont forget to subscribe me if you like this video.
+https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=HI68MbhW9bk