10 - 2024 | Road Dirt

Harley-Davidson Dealerships Closing at Alarming Rate

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 31, 2024 | Industry & Racing |

I read a notice today concerning the closure of a significant Harley-Davidson dealership in Southern California, the Los Angeles Harley-Davidson in Fullerton. As of October 31, 2024, this legendary motorcycle dealership is closing its doors. The news came after several other industry posts I recently read, confirming the closure of multiple large and noteworthy H-D dealerships across the country. Taboo Harley-Davidson in Alexandria, Louisiana shut down on October 16, New York City Harley-Davidson back in September, as well as about five to six others over the past couple of months.
What is happening at the Motor Company?

Recent Study: The Most Dangerous States For Motorcyclists

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 29, 2024 | Ride Life |

We recently were sent the results of a 10 year study concerning motorcycle injuries and fatalities state by state across America. Utilizing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the law firm of Easton & Easton in Southern California compiled some eye-opening stats that we thought were worth sharing. Motorcycling is more than a hobby for many of us; in some ways more than even a passion. Motorcycle riding is a way of life, a lifestyle that we embrace, a culture we join and participate in. And because we love it so much and it’s so ingrained in our daily lives, we need to be aware of the dangers all around us and the inherent risks involved, so we can live and ride accordingly.

Through the Lens: Kenny Roberts at Barber Vintage Fest

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Oct 24, 2024 | Legendary Bikes |

At this year’s 19th Annual Barber Vintage Fest, a new display was unveiled. Three-time Grand Prix World Champion Kenny Roberts and his son, Kenny Roberts Jr. were featured in a new exhibit at the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. Three historic bikes are now on display for motorcycle fans to enjoy their racing significance. Kenny Roberts, Grand Marshal at this year’s event, and his 1980 Yamaha YZR500 (OW48) along with Kenny Jr.’s 2000 Suzuki RGV500, and the 1998 Modena KR3 500 ridden by Kenny Jr. were prominently featured. The Barber Museum is a bucket list trip for anyone who loves any type of motorcycle.

MZ’s Moto Memories: Kawasaki Concours

Posted by Mark Zweig | Oct 21, 2024 | Legendary Bikes, Rides & Roads |

While there, I also happened to see a brand new, gleaming fire engine red Kawasaki ZG 1000- the Concours- sitting on the showroom floor right next to the Triumphs. I had been a Kawasaki man since my first G4TR “Trail Boss” I got as a kid and had probably already owned at least 20 more Kawasaki street bikes by then, mostly 3 cylinder two-strokes. And they had a reputation for being fast. The Concours was based on a 1000cc Ninja, which I knew was fast, but the Concours had a shaft drive, which appealed to me for distance riding. It also had a 7+ gallon fuel tank and detachable hard “briefcase” bags that looked like they should be on a BMW airhead, with an optional dealer-installed trunk bag as well. And it was only $8800 brand new. The decision wasn’t difficult. I put the beautiful Hinckley sport tourers right out of my mind, and wrote a check for the Kawa Concours.

American Motor Drome Wall Of Death

Posted by Mike Boyd | Oct 18, 2024 | Ride Life |

My first experience with the American Motor Drome Co. Wall of Death was at the Barber Vintage Festival in 2004. I was amazed by this legendary thrill show and have attended each year since, for the last 15 years now. Motor drome motorcycle stunt shows have a rich history in American motorcycling culture, and are a very unique subculture unto themselves.

FIRST LOOK: 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9

Posted by J. Joshua Placa | Oct 9, 2024 | Bikes & Gear |

Tucked inside an old, concrete smog-test garage in Los Angeles, Yamaha hid its newest edition of its R-series lineup. It didn’t seem much of a mystery to the seasoned sportbike journalists gathered around. Rumors spread, teasers released, sporty minds connected the dots, which led to the 2025 YZF-R9.

FIRST LOOK: 2025 Triumph Trident 660

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 8, 2024 | Bikes & Gear |

What is unique about any triple cylinder motorcycle engine, and it’s certainly true of Triumph’s 660, is the happy medium it takes between a twin and a four. The Trident triple delivers 90% peak torque from 3,600-9,750 rpm, giving the rider kind of a “best of both worlds” between a twin and four-cylinder engine. You get the lowdown pull and strong mid range of a twin, with the high revving top end power of a four. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of a throaty triple?

Neale Bayly Rides: A Fire-Breathing Yamaha

Posted by Neale Bayly | Oct 2, 2024 | Ride Life |

With the tuned motor, lowered gearing and motocross bars, the RD400 wheelied through the first three gears, and immediately began jacking adrenaline through a system going through intense motorcycle withdrawal at an alarming rate. Thankfully, the RD quickly ran onto reserve (the method used before fuel lights) and I flicked the petrol switch and carefully burbled back to the storage area to hide it while attempting to come down off the high. Wow! If you’ve never twisted the Go Handle of a tuned up two-stroke twin on a narrow English street, I would advise going straight out and giving it a go. It’s shocking!