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
Motorcyclists are far more vulnerable than car occupants. In the US, NHTSA data show that riders are many times more likely per mile traveled to die in a crash than people in cars. Most of the risk can be managed, though, by a few habits applied on every ride. Assume you are invisible The most … Read more
Getting a motorcycle license takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on where you live. The details vary by country and state, but the path is similar everywhere: learn the theory, train, pass a practical test, then meet the legal requirements for owning and riding a bike. In the United States Each state … Read more
A motorcycle balances on two contact patches about the size of your palm. Tires therefore have a huge influence on grip, stability, braking and comfort. Understanding the sidewall markings and choosing the right type is worth the effort. Reading the sidewall A typical rear tire marking looks like 180/55 ZR17 73W: Also look for the … 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
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
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
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
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
