The transmission decides how you interact with your motorcycle: whether you pull a clutch lever and click through gears, or simply twist and go. The choice has grown in recent years, with several automated options appearing alongside the traditional manual. Manual sequential gearbox Most motorcycles use a manual sequential gearbox, usually with five or six … Read more
The engine shapes a motorcycle’s character as much as its looks. Two bikes with similar horsepower can feel completely different because of the engine layout and how it delivers power. Here is a guide to the main types and the numbers on the spec sheet. Single-cylinder Simple, light and narrow, singles power small commuter bikes, … Read more
Feet and ankles are vulnerable on a motorcycle: they can be crushed under the bike, twisted in a fall or scraped along the road. Proper riding boots protect them while still letting you feel the gear lever and rear brake. Types of riding boots Protection to look for Good boots protect the ankle bones with … Read more
Hands are almost always the first thing to touch the ground in a fall. They are also your connection to the throttle, brake and clutch. Good gloves have to protect without making the controls harder to feel. Short or gauntlet? Short gloves end at the wrist. They are comfortable and easy to put on, popular … Read more
A good riding jacket protects you against abrasion and impact, keeps you comfortable in different weather, and makes you visible. The best one is the jacket you will wear on every ride, including short trips in the heat. Leather or textile? Leather offers excellent abrasion resistance and molds to your body over time. It is … Read more
Every type of helmet involves a trade-off between protection, comfort, visibility and convenience. If safety is your top priority, the answer is simple: a well-fitting full-face helmet. But it helps to understand the other options. Full-face helmets A full-face helmet covers the whole head and includes a chin bar. It offers the most protection: studies … Read more
Customizing a bike is part of the fun of owning one. Done well, it makes the bike more comfortable, more practical or simply more yours. Done badly, it can hurt reliability, resale value and even legality. Planning helps. Start with comfort and ergonomics The most useful modifications often fit the bike to your body: These … Read more
A few well-chosen accessories make riding safer, easier and more enjoyable. Many others just add weight and clutter. These are the ones riders tend to keep using year after year. Helmet communicator A Bluetooth communicator clipped to the helmet lets you hear navigation instructions, take calls hands-free and talk to other riders in a group. … Read more
Motorcycle camping combines the freedom of riding with the freedom of sleeping wherever you stop. The challenge is space: everything has to fit on the bike without making it heavy or unstable. Hikers’ gear, built to be light and compact, is a good starting point. Shelter A one- or two-person backpacking tent packs small and … Read more
A motorcycle trip is one of the best ways to travel: you feel the landscape, the weather and the road in a way no car allows. It also leaves less room for mistakes in planning and packing. A bit of preparation makes the difference between an adventure and an ordeal. Choose the route Scenic routes … Read more
