Road Dirt

Bikes That Catch Our Eye for 2026

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Jan 29, 2026 | Bikes & Gear, Legendary Bikes |

Every January, the motorcycle brands start debuting their new year models, with previews and “sneak peeks“ for the motorcycle media. Year after year, it kind of gets monotonous and boring- different colors, new paint schemes and patterns, some new tech in the electronics package, maybe a little tweak in the brakes, suspension or powerplant, and/or more farkles in the OEM accessory parts bin. So many of the motorcycle media outlets feel the need to kiss up to the brands, running glowing previews of every detail of a “new” bike, even if the specs were the same as last year, just wearing a new colorway.
Same pablum and blather, different year…

Scotland on Two Wheels

Posted by Neale Bayly | Jan 27, 2026 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Back in the saddle of a motorcycle on Scottish roads for the first time in 25 years, my good friend Dennis Gage and his son Sam were joining me for the ride. Car buffs will know the flat-cap wearing, mustachioed Dennis from his hit television show, “My Classic Car.” As motorcyclists we enjoy a similar natural rhythm on the road, so riding together is always a pleasure. And, with two brand new Triumph Sprint STs, four days and a map of Scotland in front of us, it was with great spirits that we headed away from base camp, my sister’s house just outside Glasgow, to go exploring that summer.

Then Came Bronson

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jan 22, 2026 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

In 1969, a man quit his job, threw a leg over his Harley, and rode away from everything- and an entire generation wanted to follow him. His name was Jim Bronson. And though he only existed on television screens for one brief, beautiful season, his spirit would outlive the show by decades.

Winter Work: Harley-Davidson Super Reach Seat

Posted by J. Joshua Placa | Jan 20, 2026 | Bikes & Gear, Nuts & Bolts |

After much meditation, thought, internal debate, posterior pain, and consulting with my witch doctor, I finally concluded it was time to find a touring machine, one with some built-in creature comforts. For me, this translated to a smooth, powerful motor and a seat that will stay comfortable for many a mile. Unfortunately, the 2012 Road King Classic I picked up came with an aftermarket saddle that was, as hard as it is to believe, too cozy.

A Day At The Ducati Museum

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Jan 15, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Legendary Bikes |

My wife and I took a trip to Italy and Spain recently, our first trip to either country, and being a long time MotoGP and motorcycle racing enthusiast I had to take advantage of being in an area full of motorcycle racing talent, tracks and experiences. Our trip was over Christmas and New Years so with no races going on, I knew the one place I wanted to visit- the Ducati Museum in Bologna, Italy.

Rob’s Monthly Musings: Awake, Alert, Aware

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jan 13, 2026 | Ride Life |

I was out for a ride on a rare, warm winter day recently, and making a left-hand turn onto a side road, I found myself suddenly stopping behind a small transport van. There was a gas station entrance to the right, and opposite on the left was the entrance/exit for a restaurant. In the moment, I considered a quick skirt to the right around the van, so I could continue on my way. But further examination halted my impulse. I glimpsed a black pickup truck ahead, coming the opposite way, and a small silver sedan stopped at the restaurant exit. The transport van was waiting to make a left into the restaurant parking lot, while the black truck suddenly took its left into the gas station lot. Had I not paused before making an impulsive move, I would’ve been broadsided by the pickup truck. A little awareness and prudence quite possibly saved my life.

Ducati Enters Supercross

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Jan 9, 2026 | Industry & Racing |

It’s early in the new year, and motorcycle racing is already beginning. The annual Dakar Rally is now several days in, and here in the states, the Monster Energy Supercross World Championship series kicks off in Anaheim, CA this weekend. Among the contenders lining up at the starting gates will be another internationally known and respected brand in Ducati. Partnering with Red Bull and Troy Lee Designs, Ducati is betting the farm on having success in the dirt like they do in MotoGP, MotoAmerica, and other race series.

Flow Rider

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jan 5, 2026 | Ride Life |

Descending off the high plains of panhandle Texas and into the desert and Mesa’s of New Mexico, the setting sun was splashing a kaleidoscope of color across the sky. Behind us, as darkness crapped over the canopy above, a full moon was rising behind our right shoulders. Mike was riding lead, his silhouette framed by the sinking sun, and I fell into a completely calm state, almost like a trance, and time seemed to stand still.

Trippin’ On Two Wheels, Part 1

Posted by Neale Bayly | Jan 2, 2026 | Ride Life |

It all started in a seaside resort in Italy. Well, to be a bit more accurate it started at the Misano Circuit Sic 58 in the summer of 2002. June 14th to be precise. It was the first World Ducati Week and the festivities ran through to the weekend that the circuit hosted its round of the World Superbikes series. At that time American Ben Bostrom was flying high and Troy Baylis was the reigning world champion, both on Ducati 998s, while Colin Edwards was attempting to break the Ducati dominance on his Honda. Heady times. Well not as heady as ending up with a bedroom next to Ben Bostrom’s heartthrob girlfriend. But I digress.