There are a couple of things I prefer not happen to me while perched atop my faithful machine. One of them is getting a flat tire. The idea of picking up a nail or some other form of road shrapnel bothers me for two reasons: One, most of the time I’m clipping along at a good rate of speed, and the thought of sharp debris attaching itself to one of my tires and shredding it into tiny pieces while I am hurling myself through a corner is upsetting to say the least.

Two, if I manage to survive the tire blowout unscathed, there’s the less dramatic issue of being in … Continue Reading

When you talk about motorcycle technology, most of us think of electronics of some sort, fuel-injection controllers or a navigation system — or maybe even the latest high-powered exhaust. As a rule, motorcycle jackets don’t usually fall under the category of innovative, high-tech gear. Until now.

We first told you about d3o technology in February of 2010 (see “What We Saw at Indianapolis Dealer Expo”). Today, we’re pleased to share that J&P Cycles now sells the new Firstgear Rainier jacket that employs d3o T3 intelligent shock absorption armor in the shoulders and elbows, providing incredible protection for riders who fall off their bikes. How much … Continue Reading

There’s one constant that remains true in motorcycling and it’s this: All of us have different tastes and opinions about what we ride. Just read the biker forums and comments on Facebook and you’ll see constant buzz about what somebody rides or what they should do to their ride.

I’m certainly among those with an opinion or two. Just take a look at my bikes and you’ll see a theme. These motorcycles are all purpose-built to be quick and agile, with no added radios, cup holders or luggage — pretty much just keys and a seat. The problem with this, of course, is that when I’m out all day or … Continue Reading

In today’s installment of Two for Tuesday we’re going to cover a sensitive subject.  There’s no tip-toeing around the topic, so let’s just call it what it is. It’s that burning in your buttocks that’s been colorfully described as many things, including swamp ass, monkey butt and biker butt.

No amount of high-dollar motorcycle seats or cushions or pads can prevent this malady, and it’s not just a long day of riding that can put that uncomfortable swagger in your walk. It could arrive after a long day of walking around your favorite biker event in the hot sun wearing your riding gear. However you get it, it’s going to … Continue Reading

As this most terrible of winters in a century thankfully draws to a close, a lot of us are venturing out, getting back in the saddle and hitting the road. But temps remain a bit cool, and we’ve got the perfect apparel to make it easy to stay geared up and still be comfortable.

It’s not quite time for a t-shirt and a cool breeze, but the folks at Alpinestars offer motorcycle clothing and gear for everyone from road racers to NASCAR drivers. They walk that fine line between keeping you in good shape in the event of a “get off” and saving you from boiling in your jacket.

One … Continue Reading

Our Industry Icon Series continues with The Family Ness — three generations of bike builders headed by Arlen Ness, who is widely considered the godfather of custom bike building. Arlen Ness Enterprises manufactures and markets incredible custom parts that enable enthusiasts to build their own bike from the ground up. Each year sees this family business introducing new parts for Harley-Davidsons as well as Victory bikes and metrics.

As a result of good genes and heredity, son Cory and grandson Zach are recipients of Arlen’s incredible talents. All three of them share their thoughts on bike building, the state of the industry and Ness history. Enjoy the video below … Continue Reading

The Vance and Hines/Harley Davidson XR1200 series kicked off its second season with a bang in Daytona with lots of new faces on the grid. Five time Daytona 200 winner Scott Russel, 2007 Daytona 200 winner Steve Rapp were among those to join the exiting class in 2011 along with J&P riders former dirt track superstar Joe Kopp and young gun Michael Beck. We had a chance to catch up with some of the riders during qualifying, here’s how the race unfolded.

… Continue Reading

We are an industry filled with interesting people. And in our recent travels to dealer shows and industry events in Cincinnati and Indianapolis, we have had the opportunity to chat with some of the motorcycle industry’s true innovators. These folks were here in the beginning, or they greatly improved what was introduced in the beginning.

Their designs and improvements to every part on our bikes have resulted in standards that continue to make motorcycle riding the highlight of many of our lives. As a result of these industry giants, we decided it was time to formally interview some of them. So welcome to the first of a series of videos … Continue Reading

So you finally went out and pulled the trigger on a new fly-by-wire bagger. And after a few miles you added some stuff just to get it how you like it. Maybe you put on a comfy seat, some extra lights here and there and just the right amount of chrome.

Then you got down to business and put on a free-flowing air cleaner, a performance motorcycle exhaust and a fuel-injection controller. Now you’ve got a sharp ride — and a runner to boot! But if you’re looking for a few inexpensive ways to dial in that new-found power and set yourself apart from your buddies, you … Continue Reading

In 2009 Harley-Davison debuted the XR1200 in the United States after originally planning to sell the bike overseas. But a public protest from this side of the pond prompted H-D to bring the bike stateside — a decision that delighted hooligans (including myself) everywhere. The XR is a mix of old school flat track and modern super-moto, wrapped up into a package that begs to wheelie, stoppie and otherwise be flogged.

With all the excitement that the bike was stirring, V&H and Harley decided to put together a five-race series in 2010 with the emphasis on rider ability and having fun at the racetrack. It was definitely not about creating … Continue Reading