There is more motorcycle content online than anyone could read. The challenge is finding sources that are accurate, independent and useful for your type of riding. Here is a guide to the main categories. News and reviews Established magazines and websites such as Cycle World, Motorcyclist, RevZilla’s Common Tread, RideApart, Visordown and MCN (Motorcycle News) … Read more
Motorcycle films range from racing documentaries to road-trip adventures and cult dramas. Here is a selection that riders regularly recommend, with something for every taste. Documentaries On Any Sunday (1971): Bruce Brown’s documentary about motorcycle racing and riding culture, featuring Steve McQueen, is considered a classic. It captures the joy of riding better than almost … Read more
Motorcycles have changed more in the last fifteen years than in the previous forty. Electronics that were once reserved for superbikes now appear on mid-range models, and new technologies are aimed at the two big challenges for riders: safety and emissions. Electric motorcycles Electric bikes from makers such as Zero, LiveWire and Energica, and electric … Read more
The right apps help you plan better routes, stay in touch with your group and get help if something goes wrong. Here are the categories that matter most, with well-known examples in each. Route planning and navigation Car navigation apps choose the fastest route; riders often want the most enjoyable one. Many manufacturers also offer … Read more
Motorcycle events range from a coffee meet in a parking lot to rallies attracting hundreds of thousands of riders. Finding them is mostly about knowing where riders share information. Local sources Dealers and bike shops often host open days, demo rides and group rides, and they usually know what is happening locally. Clubs organize their … Read more
Brakes are the most important safety system on a motorcycle. Technology has improved enormously, but the rider’s technique still decides how much of that potential is used. Disc brakes Almost all modern motorcycles use disc brakes, at least at the front. A caliper squeezes pads against a disc attached to the wheel. Discs cool well, … Read more
Suspension keeps the tires in contact with the road and the bike stable under braking, acceleration and cornering. It is also one of the most misunderstood parts of a motorcycle. Many bikes ride far better after a simple setup for the rider’s weight. The basic components At the front, most bikes use a telescopic fork: … Read more
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
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
