Ryan Nolan

Riding The Yamaha MT-10 SP

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Nov 21, 2022 | Bikes & Gear |

When the MT-10 was first launched back in 2016, it struck a polarizing figure with that “love it or hate it” Japanese cyberpunk, transformer styling. Then add in that addictive R1-derived powerplant mated to a chassis that strikes a balance between aggressive and comfortable ergonomics. While out of the box many raved about the motorcycle, others felt some upgrades would really take things to the next level and really allow the bike to shine. Unfortunately, here in the USA we often are left wanting when special versions are released only in Europe or Asia. After the MT-10 was released it followed a similar pattern with an SP version, and we were left wishing we lived across the pond.

Pit Crew Life

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Apr 20, 2022 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

Daytona for racing fans conjures up many different thoughts and images. For some it means the Rolex 24, some the Daytona 500, others it means soaking up some rays at Daytona Beach, but for a lot of us motorcycle riders it means Bike Week. Yet for me personally, it means one thing- the Daytona 200. And this year, I would be attending as a motorcycle racing pit crew member.

A Racer Rides A Sportster

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Nov 17, 2021 | Bikes & Gear |

My heart has always been in sport bikes but I find myself with increasing interest in other forms of motorcycles, from motocross, supermoto, adventure, touring bikes, even the electric bike movement is starting to gain curiosity to me. One area however, that has never quite taken hold for me has been the cruiser world.

Original and Ultimate

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Aug 9, 2021 | Bikes & Gear |

Cue the Triumph 765 Daytona Moto2 Edition which was produced as a commemoration to Triumph’s return to the world championship. 765 models were produced with a claimed 128 hp and branded as the Ultimate Daytona. I did not order one, partly because my focus is on racing and as my wife likes to point out to me, we are short on garage space. However, a good friend of mine and fellow contributor Gerard was lucky enough to acquire one. Once I found this out I pitched the idea to him of a comparison between our Daytonas and he was immediately on board. It was time to see how the Original and the Ultimate compared.

Trackside At Laguna Seca

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Nov 24, 2020 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

As exciting as a track day is, especially when one is riding a new track like Sonoma Raceway, I knew our West Coast racing adventure had just begun. To have a successful weekend we needed to do two essential ingredients- preparation and relaxation. Those two tend to go hand in hand in my experience as the more prepared you are, the more relaxed you’ll be when the racing starts.

A Weekend Of Speed At Sonoma

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Nov 14, 2020 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

A few months ago, I was discussing the 2020 CCS (Championship Cup Series) season with friend and fellow racer Pat Coleman. Pat was telling me about his plans to race select MotoAmerica rounds in the Supersport class including his home round of Laguna Seca. Seeing as I had been there in 2019, I told him to count me in if he ended up going. Honesty, I did not need much convincing to justify a visit to the historic track and beautiful Monterey area. In this case it was made even sweeter by a few elements: I get to go help a friend, attend the final MotoAmerica round of the season, and see the debut of the Bagger class first-hand. It was going to be a heck of a trip!

The Fast Boys Finale

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Nov 7, 2020 | Industry & Racing |

I had the privilege to attend the final MotoAmerica round at the famous Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca race track, a definite thrill for me. It was an amazing weekend on so many levels, from thrilling on-track races in all classes, surprising announcements from Cameron Beaubier and Toni Elias, the off-the-chain King of the Baggers competition, and my own opportunity to turn some laps on the fabled track (more on that in an upcoming story).

The Fast Boys

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Jun 15, 2020 | Industry & Racing |

I had the opportunity, along with our fellow photographer Dean Phelps, to attend, shoot, and interview riders during the first race of the 2020 MotoAmerica season, albeit without fans. We’ve planned on following Superbike racer Max Flinders and Supersport racer Benjamin Smith, from preseason through end-of-season, so we made a point of checking in with them both across the weekend at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (my home track).

Back On Track

Posted by Ryan Nolan | Mar 11, 2020 | Ride Life |

For those that don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ryan Nolan, and despite my name sake I do not have a wicked fastball. I have been riding motorcycles for half my life and have become immersed in the sweet sport that is motorcycle road racing for the past 5 years. I am based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, just a short hop from Road America, a circumstance for which I feel very blessed. As you might imagine here in the Midwest, the “cabin fever” of not being able to ride during the winter months weighs heavy and the wish for throttle therapy becomes very real, very fast.