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
Riding well is a set of skills, not a talent. The basics below are taught in every good training course, and they are worth practicing again and again in a quiet parking lot before they are needed on the road. Clutch and throttle control Smooth starts come from the friction zone, the point where the … Read more
Cleaning a motorcycle is more delicate than washing a car. Exposed electrical parts, bearings, the chain and painted plastics all need care. Done properly, a regular wash also lets you inspect the bike closely and spot problems early. Prepare Let the engine and exhaust cool completely; cold water on a hot exhaust can cause stains … Read more
A motorcycle is less forgiving of neglect than a car. Tires, brakes and the chain have a direct effect on your safety, and small problems show up quickly in how the bike rides. A simple routine keeps it reliable and pleasant. Before every ride The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s T-CLOCS checklist is easy to remember: Tires … Read more
The motorcycle you dream of and the one you will ride well are not always the same. Choosing well means being honest about your experience, your body and how you will really use the bike. Start from how you will ride Sport bikes look exciting but their forward-leaning position is tiring on long rides, and … Read more
