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--- transportation:motorcycles [2025/01/16 00:46] – [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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 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://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/
@@ Line 725: / Line 854: @@
 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 ======
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 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