Created Sunday 05 April 2020
See also: Autos, Transportation, Electric Motorcycles
Could we be flying from home to work daily in just a few years?
Charles Earley - 28 October 2022
The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) market is heating up. To expedite the arrival of urban air travel, companies are racing to develop the safest, most efficient technologies possible. Cars and personal aircraft are the most common VTOL vehicles, but flying motorcycles are gaining ground.
Because of the lack of protective barriers, flying motorcycles are highly technical and expensive technology that requires the perfect connection between human and machine. But, despite the difficulties, a couple of startups have made this possible.
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/
Every day is a good day to ride.
Nov 24, 2021 at 11:33am ET - Janaki Jitchotvisut
The adventure scooter market is heating up, and Aprilia is bringing the fire with its newest scooter model, the SR GT. First unveiled at EICMA 2021, the new line sees Aprilia taking its sporting SR scooter lineage, bumping up the displacement, and giving it a serious bit of adventure styling. The Aprilia SR GT comes in 125 and 200cc flavors, both of which offer nearly 6.9 inches of ground clearance for all your adventures.
The SR GT 125 is powered by Aprilia’s i-get 125cc single-cylinder engine, which makes a claimed 11kW (or 14.75 horsepower) at 8,750 rpm and 12 newton-meters (or 8.85 pound-feet) of torque at 6,500 rpm. Meanwhile, the SR GT 200 packs a 174cc single into the same space, making a claimed 13kW (or 17.43 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 16.5Nm (or 12.16 pound-feet) of torque at 7,000 rpm. Notably, the SR GT 200’s cylinder gets a Nikasil coating and a new piston designed to further optimize combustion efficiency as well as fuel economy.
Suspension on both SR GT variants consists of a 33mm Showa fork up front, offering 122mm (or 4.8 inches) of travel, as well as two Showa rear shock absorbers with coil spring and adjustable preload, which offer 102mm (or about 4 inches) of travel. Brakes feature a 260mm petal disc up front, as well as a 220mm disc in the rear. The rear disc is also petal-shaped on the 200 and 125 Sport versions—because of course, there are trim levels to be found in the SR GT family.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/550243/aprilia-sr-gt-scooter-launched/
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/
Sep 23, 2020 at 12:21pm ET - By: Dustin Wheelen
In July, a newly-filed patent tipped us off to Benda’s potential foray into cruisers. By combining muscle cruiser aesthetics with a four-cylinder engine layout typical of sportbikes, the Chinese brand gained a lot of attention with the BD700 design. Now, Benda is following up on the promise of the digital renders with the LF-01 concept at the 18th China International Motor Expo (CIMA).
Staying faithful to the styling we saw in the patents, the design team added a black and silver paint scheme to the concept along with LF-01 graphics on the tank, shoulder shrouds, and frame. Aside from larger fork covers, mirrors, and clutch and brake lines, the LF-01 looks remarkably similar to the BD700 patent. While there are no big surprises on the cosmetic front, the presentation gives us a better idea of the cruiser's capabilities.
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/445455/benda-unveils-lf-01-cruiser-concept/
Two bikes with the same 680cc engine, but very different styling.
By Ben Purvis - July 6, 2021
China’s motorcycle industry might continue to pose some problems in the future given its history of plagiarism and reputation for cheap, low-quality machines, but there’s no denying it’s currently one of the fastest-moving in the world, with a growing number of brands striving to create large-capacity models that can compete on the world stage.
Benda, a brand that was barely known a year ago, is at the forefront of this new Chinese charge, and it’s surprising many by not only promising new bikes and greater international access, but actually delivering on those vows. Now the firm has officially launched the production version of the LFC 700 cruiser powered by its own new 680cc four-cylinder engine, but also unveiled a second model, the LFS 700, that plants the same motor in a flat-track-inspired roadster.
https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/benda-launches-new-lfc-700-and-lfs-700-models/
Is this muscular cruiser destined for the U.S. and European markets?
Apr 28, 2022 at 2:22am ET - Enrico Punsalang
Chinese motorcycle manufacturers have long had a bad reputation for being industry copycats—taking the design and engineering concepts of other manufacturers, reverse-engineering them into substandard knock-offs, then selling them for a fraction of the cost. While this may be true to a certain extent even to this day, there’s no denying that Chinese companies are playing a huge role in keeping the brands we love alive and kicking.
Whether or not Chinese manufacturers upping their game in terms of design originality and build quality is a result of these partnerships is an interesting topic for discussion—perhaps something we can talk about in the future. What we do have up for discussion today, however, is a new heavyweight cruiser launched by Gaokin, a popular Chinese company with ties to some European manufacturers.
Chongqing Gaokin Industry Co. is the company behind a brand which you may be familiar with—Brixton. The British-inspired brand is responsible for bikes like the Crossfire 500 range of bikes, as well as the Bonneville-rivaling Cromwell 1200 which was showcased at EICMA 2021. The brand is then distributed in several parts of Europe by the Austrian company KSR. All that in place, it seems like this new cruiser could soon be storming the European market. So, what makes it special then?
https://www.rideapart.com/news/582501/gaokin-thor-gk1000-unveiled-china/
Jan 13, 2021 at 11:39am ET - Dustin Wheelen
It’d look mean if it weren’t so darn adorable.
We typically associate cruisers with the big and heavy V-twins produced by U.S. companies. Models like the Indian Springfield and Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage immediately come to mind. Whether it’s the relaxed ergonomics, V-twin soundtrack, or classic American styling that draws you to the segment, there aren’t many low-capacity entry points for beginners. Aside from the Rebel 300 and Yamaha's V Star 250, manufacturers rarely offer sub-500cc options in the category. To address the pint-sized hole in the market, Korea-based Hyosung offers the Aquila GV125S for aspiring cruiser riders.
Reminiscent of the Sportster or Scout, the Aquila clearly adopts the bobber aesthetic. With blacked-out components, trimmed rear fender, fork gaiters, and low handlebars, the GV125S looks like Hyosung shrunk an Iron 883. Of course, the liquid-cooled, six-valve 60-degree V-twin engine gives the baby bobber some street cred while managing 14 horsepower and 7 lb-ft of torque. The little lump mates to a 5-speed transmission and both reside in a traditional tubular steel frame.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/466001/hyosung-aquila-gv125s-baby-cruiser/
A millennial and his boomer dad fall hard for this retro-inspired entry-level cruiser.
By Brandon Friederich - Dec 30, 2020
Search “millennials and motorcycles” on Google and you find story after story claiming that Gen X’s successors are killing the industry. Deeper research indicates otherwise. A 2019 Progressive International Motorcycle Show survey of 2,008 participants with zero experience on a bike found 81 percent planned on getting their motorcycle endorsement, and 64 percent of those people were less than 35. While those surveyed were participants in the organization’s Discover the Ride initiative—giving unlicensed newbies the opportunity to dink around on an indoor track at 11 mph—the fact remains: All it takes is a cursory experience on a bike to get folks interested. Even millennials.
As a 28-year-old who just spent the past months putting my first miles on a mean machine from Indian, I’m not just an interested millennial, but a fully addicted fiend who can’t stay off the two wheels of high-octane fun stowed in the garage. And neither can my 60-year-old dad. Both of us had the truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn to ride side-by-side on the Indian Scout Bobber Sixty. The entry-level model debuted in 2020 as a more approachable version of the Scout Bobber that doesn’t skimp on the stripped-down retro look, and it remains the most recent offering in the Polaris-owned marque’s Scout lineup of cruisers for the 2021 model year.
Kawasaki updates color palette for entry-level power cruiser.
By Aaron Richardson - November 12, 2020
Kawasaki is sticking to a proven recipe with the 2021 Kawasaki Vulcan S. Other than some sharp new colorways the motorcycle remains the same for the 2021 model year. There are still three variants, all powered by the 649cc parallel twin from the Ninja 650 and all equipped with the bike’s showpiece adjustable ergos.
he base Vulcan S can now be had in what Kawi is calling Pearl Blizzard White. The look is set off with a black tank graphic and wheels with electric blue accents.
If you’re going for a stealthier approach, Kawasaki offers the Vulcan S ABS in Metallic Flat Raw Graystone, a dark gray-on-black paint scheme with red accent striping on the tank, rear spring, and wheels.
https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/news/2021-kawasaki-vulcan-s-preview-first-look/
Micah Toll - Aug. 4th 2022 9:09 am PT
Kawasaki may have taken its sweet time to get into the electric motorcycle game, but the company appears to be making up for lost years. New VIN filings in the US point to two electric motorcycles that could be unveiled later this year.
The VIN filings list two previously unseen models with VIN codes that generally refer to Kawasaki’s sportbikes and roadsters.
More information available with the filings, which were uncovered by Motorcycle.com, shed light on the powertrain used in the two models.
Both models are listed as having zero engine displacement, zero strokes, and zero cylinders (which are the giveaways for their electric status), and both are listed as producing a claimed output of 11 kW (15 hp).
https://electrek.co/2022/08/04/kawasaki-unveil-two-lower-cost-electric-motorcycles/
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/
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/
Sam Creedon-Gray - Tue, 16 Aug 2022
Seen as a competitor to the Honda X-ADV, the KYMCO DTX360 was designed for urban and country roads, as well as light off-road terrain. I found the ride comfortable and the bike incredibly easy to use, and the pop of the exhaust combined with the sound of the engine added to the riding experience.
https://www.visordown.com/reviews/motorbike/kymco-dtx360-living-scooter-motorcycle-review
At EICMA, Kymco took the opportunity to unveil their latest range of scooters for 2023, including the new CV3 three-wheeler.
Luke Newman - Sun, 20 Nov 2022
The historic Taiwanese motorcycle brand Kymco came to EICMA with a large range of new scooters to release. One of the standout scooters that was announced was Kymco’s first three-wheeled scooter, the CV3. Three-wheeled motorbikes may not be a brand-new concept with brands such as Yamaha and Gilera already having entered this market, but the arrival of Kymco’s CV3 is an exciting one.
https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/could-kymco-cv3-be-next-big-trike-market
Dubbed the C650V, the cruiser is well-capable to set a new benchmark in the middleweight cruiser market
Punya Sharma - 16 December 2022
The global footprint of Chinese motorcycle companies is getting bigger with each passing day. While the industry still hasn’t made huge strides yet, some of its products are rather impressive. Case in context is the MBP C650V cruiser that has reached British and European markets to set the middleweight cruiser segment ablaze. More importantly, it makes popular cruisers like the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 and Kawasaki Vulcan 650 look unimpressive.
Regardless of where you look, the middleweight cruiser segment is full of old-school motorcycles that haven’t been updated in a long time. This is where the MBP C650V launches its first attack. It boasts a refreshing design that’s in line with the usual beefy cruiser aesthetic but is also modern. The tank, in particular, looks standout, thanks to its muscular air intakes, especially since we’re used to seeing conventional teardrop designs in this space.
Feb 16, 2021 - Janaki Jitchotvisut
Follow the M to a full range of combustion and electric scooters and bikes.
While virtual presentations and videos are now pretty much the norm in the motorcycle industry thanks to the coronavirus, our hat is totally off to Austrian motorcycle and scooter distributor KSR. So far, in 2021, they’ve led many of us on a merry chase, thinking we would soon see a Malaguti revival, possibly taking the shape of an adventure bike.
As it happens, we were half-right. The bike we caught a tiny glimpse of earlier in the “Follow the M” video teaser series is, indeed, an ADV-styled creature. It’s called the X-Nord 125, and will be sold in versions both with and without hard luggage. The mysterious “M,” however, has about as much to do with Malaguti as it does with James Bond.
Friends, meet Motron. No, it is not what happens when a bunch of motorcycles come together to form one single giant robot to save humankind from a fast-approaching intergalactic threat. Instead, it’s KSR’s new motorcycle brand featuring both internal combustion and electric powertrains. Although the X-Nord 125 is the star of the company’s fourth and final “Follow the M” teaser, a full range of Motron bikes can be seen on the brand’s official website.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/488502/motron-motorcycles-european-launch-ksr/amp/
The firm’s ties to Harley could mean even more H-D Asia-market options.
Ben Purvis - March 31, 2022
We recently saw a duo of new QJmotor 700cc parallel-twin sportbikes set to be launched soon and now it appears the same engine is destined for an upcoming cruiser model. QJmotor is the Chinese-market motorcycle brand of manufacturing giant Qianjiang, which also owns Benelli and has partnerships with both Harley-Davidson and MV Agusta. For the former, Qianjiang is developing 353cc and 500cc parallel-twin models, using essentially the same engines and frames it already employs for the QJmotor and Benelli brands. For MV, Qianjiang makes the Lucky Explorer 5.5, which is basically an up-spec’d version of the Benelli TRK 502. Now the company has revealed two design sketches for cruisers, both using the same 75 hp, 693cc twin that’s already used in a QJmotor roadster model and will soon appear in the “701″ and “701R” sportbikes.
https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/qjmotor-to-launch-700cc-cruiser-bikes/
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
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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/
V Star 250, Bolt R-Spec, and XSR models return, but Mr. Max gets the axe.
By Andrew Cherney - November 18, 2020
Last week Yamaha touted its new naked and hyper naked sportbike releases to the world, but this week we’re getting word on the status of the rest of the 2021 streetbike releases. As you might expect from this later tranche, most of the bikes are returning models in the company’s Sport Heritage and Transcontinental Touring series, so we’re seeing the Bolt R-Spec, V Star 250, both XSRs, and the Star Venture tourer making their comebacks with few (if any) changes.
https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/story/bikes/yamaha-announces-2021-cruiser-and-standard-models/
Published: Apr 05, 2020 at 8:00am By: Enrico Punsalang
There are quite a lot of options for first time or veteran riders looking for fun, lightweight motorcycles.
Getting into the world of motorcycles is undoubtedly and exciting journey. With so many options to choose from, one can easily get overwhelmed. When choosing your first motorcycle, it’s best to start with something lightweight, not too tall, and more affordable. Although not applicable to all, here’s a list of the top 10 best motorcycles under 500 lbs according to yours truly.
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/407988/top-10-lightweight-beginner-friendly-motorcycles/
Published: Apr 05, 2020 at 10:00am By: Enrico Punsalang
Please don't die.
Browsing the classifieds can be an exciting, oftentimes, knee-jerk reaction inducing experience. Finding a 1000cc sportbike for under $5,000 is really easy to do, especially if you’re looking at older models from the early 2000s. Conversely, new, slightly used bikes come at a significant discount as opposed to their brand new counterparts.
However, buying your first bike isn’t about getting the most powerful, or technologically advanced motorcycle you can afford. Some say, you should never get your dream bike as your first bike—that is, of course if your dream bike is a powerful sportbike, or torque monster naked bike.
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/407989/5-used-bikes-that-are-terrible-for-beginners/
By Bill Roberson - October 9, 2019
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the open road on the back of a motorcycle.
Are you considering getting into the hobby? Do you want the best motorcycle for your commute? Does a road trip sound like an adventure to you? One of the first questions you’ll need to answer is what kind of motorcycle is right for you. Most people have a clear idea of what they want to ride, but if you’re undecided, here’s a primer on the primary types of two-wheelers.
For decades, most motorcycles fell into two primary camps: street bikes and dirt bikes. Many even looked somewhat the same. But around about 1982, bike makers began to tailor their bikes to different kinds of riding and the motorcycle world fractured into several specialized segments. That trend continues to evolve today. So what kind of bike sounds like the most fun to you? Keep in mind that some motorcycles fit in more than one (or two or three) categories.
https://www.themanual.com/auto/what-kind-of-motorcycle-should-i-get-motorcycle-types/
Apr 27, 2020 at 2:07pm By: Sabrina Giacomini
We're going cruisin'.
It’s hard not to like a good cruiser. Whether you have a preference for an entry-level, jack-of-all-trades, a good-looking piece of history, or a gutsy power cruiser, chances are that there’s a bike out there for you. Yes, even for those among us who normally don’t like cruisers. There are enough variations out there to sway even the most hardcore haters.
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/415242/new-cruisers-motorcycles-2020-overview/
By Surendhar M - April 25, 2020
2020 Yamaha Bolt takes power from a 941 cc v-twin engine developing 54 PS at 5,500 rpm and 80 nm of peak torque at 3,000 rpm, launched in Japan
Yamaha has unveiled the new version of the Bolt motorcycle, sold under the brand’s Sport Heritage class, for the overseas markets and it will be introduced from the middle of this year to replace the existing model and June 18 is its launch date in Japan before reaching markets like the United States.
Compared to the outgoing Bolt, the 2020 version looks similar on the outside as the minor updates will help in expanding its lifecycle further. It features round-shaped headlamp, wide padded split seats for comfortable touring and high-set handlebar with traditionally positioned mirrors.
https://gaadiwaadi.com/2020-yamaha-bolt-cruiser-launched-priced-at-rs-6-9-lakh-jpy-9-7-lakh/
Honda’s entry-level cruiser is updated in all the right ways
By Morgan Gales - April 27, 2020
The beauty of the Honda Rebel has traditionally been in its accessibility. A low price tag, low seat height, and an easily managed powerplant have made it one of the best entry-level bikes of the last several decades. Now as Honda continues to expand on 2017’s redesign, the Rebel 500 and 300 maintain their positions as two of the best new bikes for beginners but the improved comfort, suspension, and styling for 2020 also make them great all-around cruisers, period.
https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/story/bikes/2020-honda-rebel-500-first-ride-review/
Think twice before buying one of these motorcycles used, or you might end up disappointed.
by Goran Radanovic - May 09, 2020
Every year, more consumers are veering towards purchasing motorbikes instead of cars. Many people have found the appeal of riding fast to work while saving a lot of gas and circumventing traffic to be irresistible. There's also the aspect of wearing leather that appeals to a lot of riders, and some women love nothing more than a guy on a bike.
Since motorbikes have seen massive growth in popularity over the last several decades, several motorbike manufacturers have come into the market to get their share of the pie. Some have managed to produce excellent bikes and some haven't. Even the established manufacturers couldn't make every models appeal to everyone's needs. Some of the bikes didn't meet the market's expectations. So, which motorbikes should you consider twice before purchasing?
https://www.thethings.com/looking-for-a-used-motorcycle-stay-away-from-these-models/
May 14, 2020 at 6:30pm By: Janaki Jitchotvisut
It's an electric leaning trike!
Vehicle manufacturers often veer off into the three-wheeled wilds, with varying results. From classics like Piaggio Apes and tuk-tuks to more modern takes like the Arcimoto FUV, it’s a form factor that has long fascinated, even if it hasn’t ever been quite as big a global presence as two-wheeled motorbikes.
Tilting three-wheelers, by contrast, are relatively new developments. There’s the Yamaha Niken, introduced in 2019. There’s also the Tilting Motor Works trike conversion kit. Now a new electric challenger is rising to the challenge, and it is the Ako trike from Vilnius, Lithuania.
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/423391/ako-trike-leaning-electric-prototype/
May 17, 2020 at 4:00pm By: Justin Hughes
Alex Simmons shares five ways you can get on two wheels for dirt cheap.
These uncertain times may not be the best time to buy a motorcycle. Or are they? If you are fortunate enough to still be working full time, you may not actually need your $1,200 stimulus check to pay your basic bills. I've never had a lot of money to spend on motorcycles. Most of mine have cost under $1,000. This might be the final push you need to do the same. A $1,000 budget leaves the remaining $200 of your stimulus available to register, insure, and title the bike, if necessary. This gets you on the road for no additional outlay from you, and pumps your money back into the economy.
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/423726/5-ways-buy-motorcycle-under-1000/amp/
May 24, 2020 at 3:45pm By: Justin Hughes
When conventional wisdom isn't true.
One of my favorite motorcycling groups, New England Riders, recently asked its members, “What are some of the most common untruths that are popular with some riders?” The answers were quite enlightening. Some were the usual suspects, while others I hadn't even heard of before. Here are the top ten answers from this discussion.
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/424990/10-most-common-motorcycling-myths/amp/
October 31, 2019 Cars : Motorcycles By Bryan Campbell
In some respects, motorcycles are like power tools: there are dozens of manufacturers building them and almost too many different kinds to even count, but each one is designed to be best at a specific job. Unlike power tools, though, motorcycles can stir the soul and take you on adventures.
by Matthew Skwarczekon - July 21, 2020
While a standard motorcycle, like the Street Triple R, is a good all-around bike, it’s not the best for every situation. For relaxed, long-distance riding, a cruiser motorcycle makes a bit more sense. And, while some cruisers come with large price tags, you don’t need to break your budget to afford one. There are a number of cruiser motorcycles available for less than $10,000.
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-best-cruiser-motorcycles-under-10000-on-sale-today/
A cruiser isn't a bike you ride for a few years. Once you find a good one, it stays with you for life. Just make sure it's cheap to maintain.
By Testimony Olajire - 21 August 2020
For many enthusiasts, riding a cruiser is a part of life. And we can easily see why. There aren't many things that offer as much freedom and excitement as riding on a badass cruiser. That’s why many love them. Another quality that's exclusive to these motorcycles is the ability to be customized to a fault. Owners practically have a canvas upon which they can tell their story or explain their philosophy.
The trusty Tourer motorcycle must munch the miles quickly, comfortably and reliably… but which is the BEST Tourer motorcycle money can buy in 2020?
By Phil West - Fri, 28 Aug 2020
When it comes to long distance motorcycling comfort, mile-eating ability and luxury, the ultimate is the purpose-built tourer motorcycle.
With big, grunting but smooth engines that make light work of pulling two riders and their luggage; road-oriented chassis that give planted, reassuring handling without the dirt compromises of an adventure bike, and generous weather protection and equipment that cosset the passing of every mile, a tourer, quite literally, has it all.
But what’s currently out there – and which is the best? You’d be forgiven for thinking that, with the huge popularity of adventure bikes, pure tourers are a thing of the past – but you’d be wrong.
https://www.visordown.com/features/top-10s/top-10-best-touring-motorcycles-2020
Manufacturers have their view on the growing campaigns to limit the noise of motorcycles or ban them altogether from certain popular routes
By Ollie Barstow - Fri, 28 Aug 2020
Manufacturers have intimated they will need to factor in new solutions for upcoming models amid a wave of bans, fines and restrictions being imposed on perceived noisy motorcycles across Central and Northern Europe.
While the debate over the ‘nuisance’ caused by certain motorcyclists has raged for years, the argument is increasingly taking on a more volatile tone in Europe as councils wage war with legislation and bans being imposed on certain routes.
With noise-measuring devices already being trialled in some countries, the German Federal Council launched the ‘Initiative Against Motorcycle Noise’ in May calling for bans for those who flout the rules.
https://www.visordown.com/news/general/manufacturers-speak-out-calls-ban-noisy-motorcycles-spread
There’s no time like the present to give yourself a present
John Burns - November 13, 2020
Well, this is too easy. The best time to buy a motorcycle is after your ship comes in, ie., when you become wealthy. As one of our favorite bucks-up bike fanatic/collectors said when asked what’s the best time to buy: “I never gave it any thought.”
When you don’t have to think about it is always a good time to buy a new motorcycle. And even if you do have to think about it, bikes are still cheap compared to most of the finer things in life, so anytime is still a good time.
For those of us not born to the manor, for whom money is a consideration, the question becomes slightly more complicated.
If you’re fortunate enough to live where there’s not a serious winter, fall is a great time to buy. You can still ride most days, but even in sunny California, the days get short, the nights grow cold, and bike sales slow.
Buying in the fall doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a fantastic deal on the bike of your dreams, though. Depending on the seller’s sophistication and bottom line, he knows as well as you his bike will be worth more in the springtime, when the sap, estrogen, temperature, and testosterone are all rising.
https://www.motorcycle.com/features/when-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-motorcycle.html
Tim Huber - Feb 1, 2021
Drawing ample inspiration from US-built motorcycles of yesteryear, cruisers have long been the most popular and best-selling bike style on North American shores—the world’s largest motorcycle market. In a bid to cater to the US and Canada’s cruiser-centric customer base, major manufacturers have pored an enormous amount of resources into the development, manufacturing, and marketing of their respective cruiser bike lineups.
And while this has resulted in a buyer’s market that’s been flooded with increasingly capable and competitively-priced two-wheeled wares, the sheer number of available makes and models in the cruiser space can make shopping for a ride in the segment rather daunting. So, with this in mind, we’ve rolled back the last few years of model releases in this space to deliver this guide on the best cruiser motorcycles. In addition to counting down our picks for the latest and greatest available offerings in the sector, we’ll also be exploring what to look for and consider when shopping, along with a brief dive into the history of the cruiser genre and what qualities and factors make them unique.
The year’s hottest middleweight adventure bikes battle it out – on paper
Troy Siahaan - February 22, 2021
No category in motorcycling right now is as hot as the middleweight adventure bike category, with the flames ignited by the likes of the KTM 890 Adventure R and Yamaha Tenere 700. Two very different motorcycles with one common objective, the MO crew has finally been able to gather the KTM and Yamaha together for a right ‘ol shootout. While we were at it, we brought the BMW F850GS Adventure, Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel, and Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro along for the ride in a classic MO extravaganza.
In lieu of our most anticipated shootout of the year, which has just concluded by the time you read this, we’ll whet your appetite with some bench racing based on all the bike’s specs. While you at home don’t realize it, the actual riding portion of this test has been several months in the making, dating back well into 2020. Several obstacles and delays meant gathering all the bikes together at the same time was much more of a pain in the arse than we could have ever imagined, but here we are. Finally.
Since you probably don’t want to know how the sausage is made, we’ll jump right into this war of specs, breaking each bike down by certain categories and telling you where they stack up. So, let’s begin.
https://www.motorcycle.com/features/2021-middleweight-adventure-bike-spec-shootout.html
From foreign to domestic models, there are dozens of great cruiser motorcycles that go completely overlooked by buyers. Here are our favorites.
By Paolo Finistrella - 13 April 2021
Endless possibilities the road opens up, every morsel of your entire being alive to the infinite mystery of it all, freedom to explore, to discover, to see: that's what the cruiser lifestyle is all about.
The cruiser movement began in the 1930s and this time the new explorers were young American men and women who wanted to travel the length and breadth of their country, both for pleasure and to find a place to call home. Born in the U.S., the passion for Cruiser Motorcycles soon spread around the world.
Manufacturers all over the world produced cruiser motorcycles because the love for this kind of bike spread and different communities were born around this way of living as well as traveling.
We’ve collected some of our favorites Cruiser Motorcycles here. Not everyone knows about these Cruiser Motorcycles that can be purchased for less than $10,000!
https://www.hotcars.com/cruiser-motorcycles-no-one-buys-but-they-should/
A new cruiser bike can cost a pretty penny, regardless of its brand and displacement. Luckily, the used market is packed with cheap options.
By Paolo Finistrella - 8 June 2021
Cruiser motorcycles have always represented, first in American culture and then worldwide, a starting point for dreaming: becoming free and being able to go wherever you want, in comfort and safety, exploring the world thanks to journeys that have no end.
Many Japanese and American manufacturers have built legendary motorcycles: Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha on the one hand, the magnificent and glorious Harley Davidson on the other. It's hard to say which is the best cruiser bike ever: there are different displacements, different power, and weight and you can't say which bike is absolutely the best.
Today, thanks to a thriving second-hand market with so many choices, you can easily find the best bike for your taste and needs. Here is a list of real bargains you can find on the market for an average of less than $10,000.
Not all cruiser bikes are created equal. Some are good for beginners and commuters, others are seriously powerful beasts reserved for the experienced.
Nzilili Sam - 4 September 2021
For the largest part, cruiser-style motorcycles are based on American cruiser bikes of the 1930s — the Harleys and Indians with fat tires, low saddles, and gracefully sculpted fuel tanks. In the modern world, cruisers are available in different types and forms. Manufacturers are turning out new renditions of the cruiser, some of them pretty far from the art deco of the early cruiser machines.
Choosing the right beginner cruiser bike depends on several factors. The primary one is the overall stature. A beginner should put their feet on the ground comfortably to support the cycle and themselves. Other factors include the engine size of the bike, its weight, among others. Anything below 600cc would do for a beginner cruiser. An experienced rider can push anything that moves on two wheels, irrespective of the motorcycle's engine size, height, or weight. That said, dive in for five of the best beginner cruiser bikes and five machines for the seasoned rider.
https://www.hotcars.com/cruiser-bikes-for-beginners-or-experienced-riders/
By Loz Blain - November 24, 2021
EICMA: it's motorcyclese for Christmas, when the factory elves bring forth a bounty of gifts for the coming year and unwrap them in front of … Well, generally in front of a gaggle of hungover journos who have been lured to the event with truckloads of free grog. And yet there's many a twinkle in many an eye when a manufacturer manages to correctly gauge which way the wind's blowing years in advance and present the perfect motorcycle for the moment.
Anecdotally speaking, the great plague of 2020-21 seems to have been a boon for motorcycling. Lockdowns and travel restrictions worldwide created a new type of COVID customer out of those lucky enough to remain employed; with fewer holidays and less going out, bank balances swelled along with spicy wanderlust over future adventures in the great Afterwards.
Garages started looking like they had a bike's worth of extra room in them, and people had the wonderful excuse that they didn't want to go catching public transport and getting sick. Sales rocketed skyward.
https://newatlas.com/motorcycles/eicma-2021-new-motorcycles/
Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have built some seriously cool cruiser bikes, but can they compete against the American heavy-hitters?
Martin Peter - 16 January 2022
Americans love all kinds of motorcycles, but cruisers are among the top three most popular segments. There are many reasons why we love cruiser motorcycles - their cool designs, relaxed riding position, comfortable seats, forward-set footpegs, and torquey engines. For these reasons, cruisers have always been the best bikes for enthusiasts who enjoy taking long-distance rides.
https://www.hotcars.com/coolest-japanese-vs-american-cruiser-bikes/
The top standards and cruiser-styled bikes you can buy in 2022 for under 10 grand.
Andrew Cherney - April 25, 2022
Yep, we know; this post was up on our site last year too, but because we’ve noticed the subject matter has seen a big boost in traffic over the last year we figured it was ripe for an update with more current models. We’ve also added some machines that might not fall under the “cruiser” category, but still generally carry a similar retro aesthetic with a neutral riding position, and a standard-type architecture. Then again, we threw a minibike in here too, so go figure.
In short, there are plenty of new bikes sporting a decidedly throwback vibe available in 2022, and we’ve included several newbies that have done well on our test rides—and one that hasn’t even been tested yet. Thanks to the imposed price point, the favorites here tend to be urban-friendly, medium-displacement bikes. If you’re wondering why there are no Harleys on the list, the base Sportster Iron 883′s price was raised to $11,249 this year, leaving no more H-D models with a sub-$10K price tag.
https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/story/bikes/10-best-motorcycles-under-10k/
All scooters are motorcycles, but not all motorcycles are scooters.
Tony Markovich - Sep 26, 2022 8:00 AM
When I was a 14-year-old without a driver’s license, I bought a minty Honda Elite 50 for $500. A close friend also had an Elite, and another buddy had a Yamaha Vino. We rode rampant all over our small Indiana town, with every turn of the throttle dosing us with the joy of our newfound freedom. With our giant helmets bobbing around on our tiny bodies, the three of us looked goofy hitting the streets in our miniature Mighty Ducks Flying V, and our moms gave us an equally goofy label: The Moped Morons.
It’s something we still joke about to this day, but I only later realized that the name was totally inaccurate. We didn’t own mopeds, we owned scooters.
The terms motorcycle, scooter, moped, and motorized bicycle all serve specific purposes, but they’re often used interchangeably. We’re here to clear things up and set the guidelines, as the differences are in their designs and applications, even if there are exceptions to nearly every qualification.
A comparison of new-school cruisers.
Morgan Gales - October 14, 2022
There are faster machines, if that’s what you’re after, bikes with more power and less weight. Many even cost less than these. Yet the cruiser genre is home to some of America’s bestselling motorcycles. It’s no exaggeration to say that millions of riders have started out on bikes called Sportster or Rebel.
But after over three decades of successful manufacturing runs, both the Sportster and Rebel have changed. Honda’s Rebel brand is now a family of bikes in three displacements, 300cc, 500cc, and 1,100cc. Harley-Davidson’s Sportster is now a growing family of Revolution Max–powered machines, listed under the new Sport tab on Harley-Davidson’s website.
As the onslaught of new Cruiser bikes continues, here are some stand-out models to keep an eye out for heading into the new year
Zachary Dadfar - 16 December 2022
Cruiser motorcycles offer riders the perfect blend of power and comfort. Designed to offer more practicality and comfort compared to a sports bike, cruisers are the number one best-selling motorcycle class in the world. They look cool, sound great, and have a relaxed riding style - they are versatile motorcycles and their popularity backs it up. Whether you want to add saddle bags and panniers, or if you want a sportier city cruiser, there is a model out there that is certain to make your head turn.
Here are the top five cruisers to look out for heading into the New Year, some are already available for purchase and others are 2023 releases.
https://www.topspeed.com/five-cruiser-motorcycles-to-watch-out-for-in-2023/
Russ Good - Updated May 21, 2023 2:22 pm EST
Motorcycles fill an interesting niche in the realm of American transportation. They are considered “toys” to some, but to others, a bike can be their primary mode of transport, or a secondary vehicle they use exclusively for their commute to save on gas. Either way, the last thing anyone wants is to deal with mechanical issues when they just want to go for a ride.
Reliability is one of the biggest issues with motorcycles, but there's not a lot of info out there on which bikes require the least amount of maintenance. While all of them need regular maintenance like oil changes, some brands and bikes are notorious for spending as much time in the shop as they do on the road. SlashGear published a survey on reliability early in 2023 with some surprising results, and another common reference point for brand reliability is a 2015 survey done by Consumer Reports. Combining those reference points and doing some research into the brands mentioned, results in this list of some of the most reliable, low-maintenance bikes available.
Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1291904/motorcycles-with-lowest-maintenance-costs/
Maintenance: Of Everything by Stewart Brand - Chapter 2 - Vehicles
June 2023 - Stewart Brand
Start with the motorcycle. A motorcycle is a two-wheeled, unstable, heavy, complex machine that you wrap your delicate body tightly around and ride at high speed. The combination of exceptional intimacy and exceptional danger invites exceptional bonding. Nobody proclaims “Live to ride! Ride to live!” about cars. Philosophers don’t write extremely popular books about repairing cars, but two have about repairing motorcycles. Examining what interests them about fixing a motorcycle might turn up some instructive ways to think about repair in general.
The books are Matthew Crawford’s SHOP CLASS AS SOULCRAFT: An Inquiry into the Value of Work, and Robert Pirsig’s ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE: An Inquiry into Values. Crawford’s Soulcraft—with a motorcycle on the cover—was the sleeper hit of 2009, an instant best-seller that went through five printings in three weeks. Pirsig’s Art of Motorcycle Maintenance—with a wrench on the cover—was turned down by 121 publishers before finally coming out from Morrow in 1974. It sold five million copies in 27 languages, bent the culture of the day toward honoring maintenance, and was celebrated as “the most widely read philosophy book ever.”
Both authors use the details of motorcycle maintenance–especially the melodrama of repair–to ground-truth their philosophies, and their philosophies are deployed as a source of insight into the nuances of motorcycle maintenance. In both books, the motorcycle material serves as a framing device. Crawford uses it to celebrate the intelligence embodied in blue-collar work: “There was more thinking going on in the bike shop,” he notes, “than in my previous job at the think tank.”1 Pirsig uses it as a model for figuring out the structure of reality.
From efficiency and economy to skill-building and discovery, nothing beats a bike.
John L. Stein - September 5th, 2023 3:24 PM
The marriage of the early 20th Century “safety bicycle” and a simple engine created the motorcycle template as we now know it. As such, at their design core, motorcycles are simple, efficient devices, a trait they’ve possessed for over 120 years. But it takes more than efficiency to ensure the survival and evolution of any consumer product. The secret other ingredient is that motorcycles feed us on some essential levels, from the joy of being in motion, to rewarding us for problem solving, to promoting social interactions, to building a skillset that “normal” folks don’t possess. Read on for seven reasons you might want to ride a motorcycle.
https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/how-to/why-ride-a-motorcycle-44594233
Dennis Chung - November 27th, 2023 3:41 PM
Best Lightweight / Entry-Level Motorcycle of 2023: Kawasaki Eliminator
Best Lightweight / Entry-Level Motorcycle of 2023 Runner-Up: Royal Enfield Hunter 350
https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/mobos/best-lightweight-entry-level-motorcycle-of-2023-44596900
These motorcycles bring affordability, performance, and reliability under one roof. The Japanese make up the majority of this list; it's no surprise.
Rohit Ajit - 4 February 2024
Whether you're an amateur rider buying your very first motorcycle or a seasoned veteran looking to add another one to the stable, budget will always be a restrictive factor. Buying a motorcycle is a decision that involves both the mind and the heart. As riders, we will always seek bikes with the highest performance, dripping with tech and all the features we can dream of, but more often than not, these machines cost much more than we can afford. We can only marvel that we live in a time when superbikes north of 200 horsepower are the norm and come with many features to make life easier for the rider without compromising performance.
For riders who can't afford such machines (which is most of us, truth be told), all isn't lost. There are several amazing motorcycles out there that are dependable and affordable while still packing enough performance and features to keep riders from feeling like they're missing out. However, not all affordable motorcycles are a safe choice. Several options on the market at the entry-level seem promising on paper but fall apart while using them daily in the real world. These are the top offerings, including exciting models from the likes of Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha (to name a few), that do not compromise the spirit of motorcycling.
https://www.hotcars.com/cheap-motorcycles-great-value-for-money/
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/
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/
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/
In hindsight, this may not have been the suspect's smartest move.
Passant Rabie - 6 January 2023
A biker in Georgia was on the run from the law and almost got away with it, that is until he prematurely posted about his victory on social media.
The Clayton County Police Department issued arrest warrants for an unidentified motorcyclist who uploaded a video of themselves being chased by the police on TikTok and YouTube, WSB-TV reported.
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/
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/
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/
Aug 21, 2021 - Tripp On Two Wheels
A highly entertaining film on how to operate and ride a motorcycle. Produced for the British military in 1942, teaching wartime dispatch riders to ride their primarily Norton motorcycles (several other makes of motorcycles such as Harley-Davidson, Triumph and BSA were also used in the war effort by the British Army). These procedures also applied to other British World War II motorcycle makes such as Triumph and BSA.
Kyle Wiggers - November 16, 2020 5:00 AM
Ride Vision, a startup developing “collision aversion” technology for motorcycles, today emerged from stealth with a $7 million round led by investment platform OurCrowd. Ride Vision also unveiled an AI-driven safety alert system called Ride Vision 1 that will go on sale in several European countries in early 2021. A spokesperson said the fresh capital will be used for marketing, distribution, and R&D as the company looks to expand its 20-person team.
There are more than 700 million motorcycles on the road globally, according to estimates. And motorcycles currently account for 28% of all fatal road accidents, resulting in the death of roughly 378,000 people a year. That number could tick upward soon, as motorcycle sales have skyrocketed during the pandemic.
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/
SnugsMoto units save my ears while letting the music play on.
By Morgan Gales - April 9, 2021
Every so often I look back on my earlier, simpler days riding motorcycles. I’ll think about my 1978 Honda CB750, my $100 open-face Fulmer helmet, and my deerskin work gloves. Then I’ll look down at the cellphone mounted to my handlebars, turn up the volume on the song I’m listening to, and continue motoring smoothly down the road. It’s a different experience, not better or worse, but more casual.
Older riders tell me it’s a millennial thing, which makes sense as audio storage and delivery technology has come a very long way in the last few decades, but I have been riding with music for years. Like occasionally driving a car, it’s become part of the transportation experience. For the last five years or so, this meant riding with a Cardo or Sena unit in my helmet, but there’s one problem with putting speakers over your ears: You have to turn them up loud enough to hear over all of the other noise.
By Katie Rees - 4 October 2021
If you own a motorbike, wearing a helmet is essential for your safety.
However, unlike driving a car, helmets limit the ability to be able to listen to music or communicate with others while riding.
Motorcycle headsets enable you to be able to receive navigation instructions, make calls, and listen to your favorite songs while remaining protected through wearing a helmet.
Here are the best motorcycle headsets available today.
https://www.makeuseof.com/best-motorcycle-bluetooth-headsets/
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
Al Williams - April 11, 2021
[Robert Murray-Smith] doesn’t like the price of inverters to convert DC to AC. That led him to build a dynamotor, or what is sometimes called a motor-generator set. These devices are just DC motors driving a generator. Of course, motors can also be used as generators and [Robert] had a stack of brushless motors in the form of PC fans. A two-fan dynamotor was born.
The brushless motors are attractive because, traditionally, the brushes are what usually fail on a dynamotor. The fan that will act as a generator needs some surgery, but it is simple. He scraped off all the control electronics and connected wires to the coils to form a three-phase generator. There’s no need for the fan blades in that configuration, either. If you were using ordinary motors and a generator, getting shafts concentric would be an important task. With the fans, it is simple to just line up the mounting holes and you get perfect alignment for free.
How does it work? [Robert] has a second video showing the output on a scope. You can see both videos below. The dynamotor makes a good-looking sine wave, probably much better than most reasonable-priced solid state inverters. He didn’t mention how much current he could successfully draw, but it probably isn’t much. You’d also need a transformer to replace a commercial inverter that would put out line voltage, so that would be some more loos in the system. On the other hand, if you wanted AC at a lower voltage, you might just replace all the transformers, if you were building a piece of gear yourself.
Today, most manufacturers have bikes equipped with compact yet powerful 270-degree parallel-twins.
Enrico Punsalang - Jan 31, 2024 at 4:48am ET
Parallel-twin engines are a staple in the motorcycle world. Nearly all motorcycle manufacturers have a range of parallel-twin-equipped machines meant to target the mid-size segment across all disciplines of motorcycling. Given the massive popularity of this compact, cost-effective engine configuration, it’s pretty interesting to see just how much this engine has evolved in just a matter of years.
As is the case with all of FortNine’s videos, their latest video is thoroughly informational, well-researched, and excellently executed. It tackles the subject of the beloved parallel-twin engine, more specifically, the sudden surge in popularity of the so-called “crossplane” parallel-twin, characterized by the use of a 270-degree crankshaft. In the video, Ryan goes into great detail and dives into some really deep math when it comes to explaining the ins and outs of parallel-twin engines. Indeed, the first parallel-twin engine found in a production motorcycle dates all the way back to 1894, in the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller motorcycle that made use of a straight twin – also referred to as in-line twin or parallel-twin – engine.
https://www.rideapart.com/news/706775/fortnine-270-parallel-twins-popularity/
Below is the Online Motorcycle Repair Course. I will try to take you from knowing nothing about Motorcycle Repair to being able repair your own and others Motorcycles. How much you learn and how well you repair your motorcycle will depend on you. Remember what the Bible tells us… “ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” (Colossians 3:23) In other words always do your very best. In reality, you are really working for God, and not man.
If you are just looking for general Motorcycle stuff go back to index and pick from there.
Doing it yourself.
By Kevin Cameron - November 30, 2020
I’ve written about this before but it’s a message that bears repeating.
We live in a time of marvelous, highly capable motorcycles in every category, but the old tradition of at-home maintenance has grown thin, that of dads who on certain Saturdays confidently changed the oil in the family car’s engine, or replaced noisy wiper blades, or replaced a fan belt. More than one woman has told me, with a certain ironic look, that “Today’s guys know mainly two things: How to do whatever it is they do at work, and how to watch sports on TV.”
When, during the 1970s and ’80s, I modified cylinders or machined heads for more compression for club racers, I wasn’t asked for carburetor jetting specs. When I’d offer, riders would say, “I’ll handle it.” During the ’90s that changed, and so did the population of people going racing. The older “man in a van with a plan” was being replaced by box trucks filled with bikes that were increasingly professionally prepared. People picking up custom pipes or altered cylinders from me wanted carb jetting specs, and they wanted to be guaranteed their engines would never, ever seize. Eventually I stopped doing that work because a day was clearly coming when I would need something like doctors’ malpractice insurance.
https://www.cycleworld.com/story/blogs/ask-kevin/importance-of-working-on-your-motorcycle/
Zac / @kawazacky - 12/24/2020
Ah, fall. The time of year when responsible motorcyclists in snowy climates put their bikes away for the winter, avoiding all those icy, salted roads that will rot your bike’s exhaust out, or skid you into the ditch.
Some North American rider put away their bikes months ago, when there was a cold snap in early fall. Ha! Sissies! For those of us too lazy hopeful to put the bike away early, it’s actually been a decent fall for riding. Here in eastern Canada, Indian summer came in for early October, and stayed around for a couple of months. But, looking at the forecast, I can see it’s time to put the Battery Tender on the machines, and fill the tanks with fuel stabilizer.
https://advrider.com/can-fuel-stabilizer-kill-your-motorcycle/
History Garage - 2021-08-06T22:02:23+00:00
When Emile Leray’s Citroen 2CV broke down in the Sahara Desert in 1993, he tore the car apart and built a motorcycle from the parts to escape dying from the elements. It worked.
That was 25 years ago. Leray gets the MacGyver Award for that year, and every year thereafter, as nobody has done something quite so badass since then, except in movies.
This is a true and factual story…
As Emile Leray wiped the sweat from his brow in the Sahara heat, he knew the clock was running out. It had been 12 days of labor trying to make his own motorcycle without parts.
When he started this project, he thought it would take three days at best. He also thought he had about ten days of water.
Money buys happiness for some people, but sometimes, money just buys money-pits
Aayush Rathod - 18 September 2023
Many bikers choose motorcycles because they seem to be a lot cheaper than cars in terms of maintenance and ownership costs. Meanwhile, others chose motorcycles to go as fast as possible and have maximum fun without breaking the bank. Most motorcycles meet the criteria, especially Japanese ones, for being ridiculously easy to maintain and cheap to own with basic maintenance. It’s partly due to their reliability and efficiency ratings, but even most European and American bikes come close.
However, not all bikes are easy to own. Some motorcycles are as reliable as your local cable company and ridiculously expensive to maintain. These bikes have this reputation due to many reasons: high insurance premiums, spare parts availability, luxury premium, or engines that shouldn’t exist on two wheels. These are the ten motorcycles that belong to that category of being expensive to run.
https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles-that-cost-a-fortune-to-run/
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.
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.
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/
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/
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
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.
Offering more safety over a standard two-wheeler, three-wheeled motorcycles are rising in popularity. Here are the best ones on the market right now.
By Charles Bravins - 22 June 2021
Whenever you think of a motorcycle, what naturally comes to mind is a two-wheeled machine. Well, that’s expected because the very definition of a motorcycle is a motorized bicycle. However, over the years, there’re a bunch of people who’ve thought differently.
Three-wheeled motorcycles are now becoming a mainstream topic. Previously left to DIY’ers who wanted to bolt in an extra wheel or fit a sidecar, mainstream manufacturers such as Yamaha and Harley-Davidson are now producing three-wheeled motorcycles aimed at this emerging market.
But why build them in the first place? Because of one simple reason – stability. Most lovers of three-wheeled motorcycles prefer these rides because they offer less risk of falling. However, that added security comes at the cost of less maneuverability and a hefty price tag.
That’s why you must make the right pick when shopping around for your three-wheeled motorcycle. And these 10 might just be what you’re looking for.
https://www.hotcars.com/here-are-the-best-threewheeled-motorcycles-on-the-market/