Today, sportbikes are just one of several kinds of motorcycles available to buyers. But, like with any other kind of bike, they didn’t just spring up out of nowhere. For example, the modern standard motorcycle evolved from the UJMs of the ‘70s. And while several sporty motorcycles came before it, the Honda CB400F Super Sport …
Whether used Suzuki or brand-new Ducati, sportbikes are the motorcycles of choice for dedicated track-day racers and handling aficionados. And like any other kind of bike, sportbike performance ranges from mild to extreme. However, there’s a distinct gap between a street-legal bike and a true racing machine. The 2020 Triumph Daytona 765 Moto2 Limited Edition, …
Sportbikes make for excellent fun, but these motorcycles are sometimes too extreme for every-day riding. More to the point, some aren’t approachable enough for newer riders. However, some bike companies are solving this by turning their sportbikes into less-hardcore naked bikes. The Ducati Streetfighter V4, for example, is a naked, slightly toned-down version of the …
Besides supercross and motocross, motorcycle racing doesn’t always get a lot of attention in the US. True, flat-track racing is experiencing a resurgence. But overall, compared to something like the Daytona 500, bikes often play second fiddle here. However, thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to access international motorsports, including bike racing. And …
While you can theoretically ride a classic motorcycle regularly, it requires living and fiddling with older technology. Instead of fuel injection, for example, you have carburetors. And many motorcycles feature drum brakes rather than discs. However, is that something you can upgrade—and should you? How do drum brakes work on a motorcycle? Today, essentially all …
Today in the US, if you mention British bikes, Triumph is the first name that comes to mind. But it’s just one of several motorcycle brands that’ve sprung from the UK. While many have fallen into history’s pages, some, like BSA, have returned. It’s a similar story with another British marque, Clews Competition Motorcycles, aka …
Sometimes, it seems there are almost as many myths about motorcycle safety as there is genuine advice. And one that persists is the notion that ‘loud pipes save lives.’ I.e., the louder your motorcycle’s exhaust is, the safer you’ll be. But a new study has thoroughly debunked that. A Romanian study spells it out: ‘loud …
If you’re thinking about going off-roading on a motorcycle, buying a used one is a great way to save some cash. But there’s used, and then there’s classic. Naturally, the idea of taking a vintage bike off-road can seem rather daunting. However, while they don’t offer all the latest modern conveniences, some classic motorcycles are …
As fun as motorcycles are, they are also full of safety hazards. One of the biggest safety hazards is visibility. Seeing and being seen is a key component to keeping each ride safe. Indian Motorcycle has recently filled out a patent application that indicates that they’re working to develop new lighting technology that would make riding a motorcycle safer. Indian hopes …
Just like what’s happening in the car world, more and more motorcycle companies are getting in on electric models. That includes a few resurrected brands, such as Soriano and BSA. But BSA isn’t the only British bike brand with an interest in EVs. Triumph is working on its own electric motorcycle—and it could look a …
Although used bikes are easier on the budget, buying a new motorcycle has its advantages. Among them, the fact that a new motorcycle comes with a factory warranty. But just like with cars, not all bike warranties are created equal. So, how do the different motorcycle brands available in the US compare? Is there any …
While not every rider needs or can get the most out of the Panigale V4, Ducati’s latest superbike does benefit the motorcycling world as a whole. For one, the Panigale’s design helped improve the latest Monster. And, as with luxury car marques, new high-end Ducatis make used ones more attainable. But sometimes, a motorcycle isn’t …
The naked bike segment has become a hotly-contested one amongst motorcycle companies. But while brands like KTM and Husqvarna offer solid entry-level models, there’s even more competition in the ‘middleweight’ portion. And while Yamaha only introduced its small-capacity naked bike, the MT-03, to the US in 2020, the larger MT-09 has been here for some …
Back in the ‘60s, the BSA Rocket 3 was also sold as a Triumph: the Trident. And today, not only does the British brand have its own Rocket 3, but now the Trident is back, too. Naturally, such a history means the 2021 Triumph Trident 660 is under a bit of pressure to succeed. But …
Covering Supercross in Arlington, TX this weekend got me thinking about another related sport that my family loves. Motocross is another epic battle of the bikes where athletes come from near and far, ride in the dirt, in an effort to prove themselves the fastest––and the season is right around the corner. Supercross might seem …
From different wheels to grippier tires and beyond, there’s a myriad of ways to modify your motorcycle’s performance. And while adding a supercharger or cutting curb weight helps boost speed, there are other options. For example, fitting your motorcycle with upgraded suspension components. But is it necessarily a worthwhile investment? How does your motorcycle suspension …
Ken Roczen, Cooper Webb, and Eli Tomac are in the top three spots at the Arlington, TX AMA Supercross 2021. As the riders take a quick test ride over the track before racing, it’s hard to tell who is going to take it tonight. The heats feel chill, everyone is laying low for the main. …
Although the Pan America 1250 is finally out, there’s one more Harley-Davidson bike that’s yet to officially break cover. That would be the upcoming ‘high-performance custom model.’ Since we don’t know the official name yet, most have dubbed it ‘Harley-Davidson Custom 1250.’ However, new trademarks suggest the production bike may bear a familiar name: Harley-Davidson …
While the Super Cub has certainly cemented itself in motorcycle history, it’s not the only influential Honda bike. The CB750, for example, was the first motorcycle called a ‘superbike.’ Then there’s the GB500 Tourist Trophy, which previewed the modern café racer trend by over a decade. This week’s Bring a Trailer bargain, though, is more …
Going for an extended test drive before buying a car is important, but it’s even more so for motorcycle shoppers. You won’t really know if you’re more comfortable on a cruiser or a standard until you ride them. Luckily, as with cars, motorcycle rentals from sites like Riders Share offer such opportunities. However, as Riders …