6 - 2025 | Road Dirt

Pedal Power to Moto Power

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | Jun 26, 2025 | Ride Life |

I, like most of you readers, consider my motorcycles to be my “freedom machines”, an activity to get out with the wind in my face, enjoying the sights and sounds around me, and exploring new roads and places. And if you’re riding with buddies, the friendly interaction when you stop is another benefit. Rylee’s two-wheeler will become just that for her very soon. More than transportation, mastering the skill will give her satisfaction and confidence, and it ill be an exhilarating experience, that she’ll miss in the winter.

Summer Tire Test 2025- Dunlop Roadsmart IV vs Bridgestone Battlax T33

Posted by Ted Edwards | Jun 24, 2025 | Bikes & Gear, Nuts & Bolts |

However, while some of these claims are true, some are not. Our years of testing has shown that even in this age of technological advancement you can go wrong with your tire choice. Over the past three years and tens of thousands of miles of testing we have found differences both subtle and massive among the sport touring tires. Fellow tester and tire geek Dave Wensveen and I have seen it all from brilliant handling and amazing wet grip to tires that degrade after only 2,000 miles. There are brilliant tires out there, really good tires and absolutely bad tires. Road Dirt is here to help you make an informed choice.

Small Bore Mania 2025

Posted by Mike Boyd | Jun 20, 2025 | Bikes & Gear, Rides & Roads |

I had the opportunity to attend this year’s Smoky Mountain Small Bore Rally again, and the weekend was truly bigger and better than ever. I am amazed every year at how much time, imagination, and of course money these folks devote to their passion for these small size and displacement motorcycles.

Helmet Review: HJC i31 Tevis

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | Jun 16, 2025 | Bikes & Gear |

The new version is called the HJC i31 Tevis. I’ve always had a solid color helmet rather than one with wildly colored graphics, but this time I decided to go with some colors, which match those of my newly repainted Triumph America. I loved the way it looked, but the trouble began with the first time I put it on. Or more accurately, the first time I attempted to put it on.

Riding Honda’s 750 and 1000 Hornet

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jun 10, 2025 | Bikes & Gear |

I’m riding a 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet on this our first of a two-day press demo of the new Hornet 750 and 1000 models, and the roar of this 755cc twin as I’m galloping through the swift traffic is fueling my thirst to pin the throttle. This engine is howling, daring me to pour more coal to the fire. I’m obliging, at least as much as I’m able in the fast, dense traffic. Soon, we catch the front group, traffic thins as we roll northeast past Roseville, and we settle into a nice 75 mph cadence heading for the hill country before us.

The Worst Road In The World

Posted by Ted Edwards | Jun 9, 2025 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Two weeks deep into my journey through the west I am passing through Tonopah to overnight at Ely and eventually ride the Bonneville Salt Flats. Highway 6 connects Tonopah to Ely, a 168 mile stretch of highway dissecting the hot gut of Nevada. There are no services on the road, no towns, no stops, no gas stations, no civilization, not a damn thing. One hundred and sixty eight miles of empty. This crappy Subway restaurant is the last oasis on the way to nowhere, and my last taste of electricity, indoor plumbing and air conditioning. At least the employees here are friendly, or trying to be.

Record Crowds At Road America

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Jun 2, 2025 | Industry & Racing |

The famous Road America race course saw its largest ever attended motorcycle racing audience over the weekend, with the MotoAmerica series roaring into Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The weather was perfect, the track conditions were ideal, and the crowds came from near and far, filling the stands, the campgrounds, and along the fences around this legendary track. They were not disappointed, as the racing was outstanding.