Road Dirt

Tombstone’s Helldorado Days

Posted by J. Joshua Placa | Nov 19, 2025 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

The way to Tombstone, AZ can feel like a wagon trail that happens to be paved. Passing through small, dusty towns that aren’t much more than stage coach stops, a place to get some grub, put up your boots, feed your steel horse and get back on the trail. For those of us who watched too many westerns, this is the way of the west. Whether you’re pushing cattle, prospecting for precious metals, running from the law, endlessly searching for a homestead or riding to the next cold beer, we are always trying to get somewhere else. Just passing through, gone before the dust settles. The West is less a place and more a state of mind. It embodies wanderlust, adventure, independence. Not much more needed than our ride, big black boots, and shoulders covered in well-worn leather. It is freedom. And for three days and nights in the third weekend of October for the last 96 years, it is Helldorado Days.

2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700: Just Right

Posted by Christian Pierce | Nov 17, 2025 | Bikes & Gear |

Somewhere in the middle of the design equation for form and function in motorcycling is the fun factor that makes a bike memorable to ride. And thankfully, the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 not only boasts the styling and engineering to make it a practical ADV bike, but it is also a thrill to ride. Whether you’re looking for a capable off-roader or a sensible commuter, the Ténéré 700 checks both of those boxes and more, a feat that few motorcycles on the market today can actually achieve.

The Rise & Demise of Vincent Motorcycles

Posted by Rob Brooks | Nov 13, 2025 | Legendary Bikes |

I inquired as to what he knew about the part, and the vendor explained, “When Vincent ceased motorcycle production in the mid-1950s, the company kept manufacturing small displacement engines, for everything from small boats to lawn mowers. This is a casting from one of their lawn mower engines, I believe.” We haggled for a moment, and I bought the part, if for no other reason but the Vincent logo and inscription. It fascinated me, and sent me down a rabbit hole of moto-history I knew nothing about.

Barber Vintage Festival 2025: Gasoline and Adrenaline

Posted by Drew Perlmutter | Nov 11, 2025 | Ride Life |

This wasn’t my first rodeo. Just my second. The last time I attended Barber Vintage Festival was a few years ago. I can hear some of you gasp in reaction, the sound of eyes rolling as you say, “Well I’ve been to all 20 of them.” Attending this year was a good reminder to not miss it next year. It really is one of the most exciting motorcycle events at one of the best motorcycle facilities in the world. And being only two hours away in Atlanta, I really had no excuses.
The Barber Vintage Festival is an event of epic proportions. The options of activities are seemingly endless; from the museum, to racing, the swaps, camping, and everything in between.

Chasing Curves and Carolina Sky: Part 2

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Nov 6, 2025 | Rides & Roads |

Day Two of our “Mild Hawgs” road trip broke with the sound of rain easing off the hotel roof and the aroma of coffee wafting from the lobby. Over breakfast, the group circled up, hashing out the day’s route. Word was “The Snake” (Hwy 421 outside Bristol) was still scarred from last year’s floods, and the forecast called for scattered showers late morning. With that in mind, we shifted gears, literally and figuratively, deciding to head west and south, jump on I-26, and pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville. A couple of us pulled on rain gear, just in case, while the others trusted the weather gods and Nate, our default road captain, to lead the way.

Fury: Honda’s Forgotten Chopper

Posted by Drew Perlmutter | Nov 4, 2025 | Bikes & Gear |

I was in a hurry. The day before I had arranged to pick up a 2025 Gold Wing 50th Anniversary Edition. I planned to put 6,000 miles on it that month, starting that same afternoon. While signing paperwork, something in the corner of my eye caught my attention: low, long, green, and slightly menacing. It gleamed under the warehouse lights — exaggerated curves and chrome in all the right places. ”Is… is that a Honda Fury?” I thought. It was. “They still make those?” They sure do.