Christian Pierce

Yamaha XSR700: Back to Basics

Posted by Christian Pierce | Aug 6, 2025 | Bikes & Gear |

For most riders, there exists a motorbike that made us fall in love with motorcycling. These are the near-perfect bikes that seal our fate and turn us into lifelong motorcycle enthusiasts. In riding the 2025 Yamaha XSR700, my passion for two-wheels was instantly renewed by this same experience. This is one of those bikes, one I will speak of years from now, as one of the best motorcycles I’ve ever ridden. So, prepare yourself for a glowing review of the XSR700, as I celebrate my rejuvenated appreciation for motorcycling thanks to this stellar offering from Yamaha.

2025 Indian Scout 101 Ride & Review

Posted by Christian Pierce | Mar 25, 2025 | Bikes & Gear |

While I may not have 101, there are plenty of reasons to love the 2025 Indian Scout 101. This new addition to the Scout lineup is a powerful mid-sized cruiser, with a low center of gravity, nimble steering, and an improved suspension system. That list alone makes this one of the best Scouts I’ve ever ridden, but add to that comfortable ergonomics, a user-friendly dash, and eye-catching paintwork, and the 2025 Indian Scout 101 is a cruiser I’d not only recommend, but I’d seriously consider purchasing myself. With that said, as a motorcycle journalist I try to maintain an impartial opinion of the bikes I review, but every so often a motorcycle comes along that really resonates with me. The Scout 101 is one of those motorcycles.

Listen Up

Posted by Christian Pierce | Mar 1, 2021 | Nuts & Bolts, Ride Life |

Podcasts are popular because they captivate listeners without the major expense of a video production. So, content creators have sought podcasts as a way to engage with an audience at an affordable rate. And the strategy is clearly working. Podcasts have been a huge hit, as people can listen to them on a commute, while they work, during a workout, etc. Before the pandemic hit, I used to listen to podcasts daily while I sat in traffic to and from work. I won’t lie, I don’t miss the commute or the traffic, as I’m currently working from home, but I do miss the chance to listen to the occasional podcast. I have since started listening to them during my regular jogs, as a change of pace from the steady stream of hair bands I typically listen to. It was during these jogs that I encountered the wave of new motorcycle-themed podcasts. I’ve sampled as many as I can and wanted to take this opportunity to share my findings with our readers.

Another Year Without The TT

Posted by Christian Pierce | Dec 7, 2020 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

Just when I thought hope was on the horizon, the pandemic reared its ugly head once again. Last week, I learned that one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, the Isle of Man TT, has been cancelled for 2021. The upcoming races were scheduled to start at the end of May. So, despite the promising news involving international vaccine programs to combat the spread of Covid-19, it would appear that 2021 will be a far cry from normal as well (at least to start the year).

Lost in Translation

Posted by Christian Pierce | Oct 14, 2020 | Bikes & Gear, Ride Life |

There are few universal truths in the world, but one I’ve come to learn with regard to motorcycle repair is that if an aftermarket part promises it will fit, you can be damn sure it won’t. Inevitably, something always gets lost in translation. Yet knowing these dangers, I still venture into the world of aftermarket parts hoping and praying that things will be different this time.

A Pandemic Purchase

Posted by Christian Pierce | Jul 24, 2020 | Ride Life |

I didn’t set out to buy a used motorcycle during a pandemic, but that’s exactly what happened.
Like most people right now, I just needed an escape, something that would enable me to clear my head for a bit without talk of epicenters, vaccine trials, personal protection equipment, etc. So, while my kids watched cartoons after dinner, I got in the habit of surfing Craigslist to see what two-wheeled deals were available.

The Marvelous Isle of Man

Posted by Christian Pierce | Jul 3, 2020 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

At some point in the future, as we look back on the year 2020, there will be several asterisks noting that the pandemic interrupted everything from sporting events to concerts and conventions. We are all facing that harsh reality, including those of us in the motorcycle community who look forward to the annual races and rallies. Yet for me, it was the cancellation of one of the sport’s most renowned contests that really hit home, specifically the legendary Isle of Man TT.

Life Happens

Posted by Christian Pierce | May 24, 2020 | Nuts & Bolts, Ride Life |

We all have dreams and aspirations but sometime no matter how hard we wish or try, life happens, and plans get delayed for days, weeks, months, or even years. In a world currently coping with a global pandemic, I’m sure life is happening to a lot of folks out there right now, as we take the appropriate steps to endure this trying time.