Road Dirt Crew

Legendary Bikes: 1923 Ace Four Cylinder Sporting Solo

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Sep 24, 2021 | Legendary Bikes |

The spectacular 1923 Ace Four Sporting Solo was the ultimate American 4-cylinder motorcycle. Its reputation was second to none, and for a time was the fastest production motorcycle in the world when it was introduced. The Ace was the final legacy of William Henderson, who had already established his machines’ reputations as the toughest and fastest motorcycles on earth. William and Thomas Henderson founded the Henderson Motorcycle Company in Detroit in 1912, and the brothers immediately established an amazing reputation for their machines as durable, fast and beautifully built—the “Duesenberg of Motorcycles” they were often referred to as.

A Soaking Weekend At The Barber

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Sep 20, 2021 | Industry & Racing |

Despite a weekend at Barber Motorsports Park that featured horrendous weather and difficult racing conditions, the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Series ended as it should have with Jake Gagne winning a record 17th race to put an exclamation point on a season like no other.

Gagne Clinches 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Title

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Sep 13, 2021 | Industry & Racing |

Jake Gagne wrapped up the 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship across a record-setting weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park, the Californian winning his 16th race of the season to match the record held jointly by Josh Hayes and Cameron Beaubier for Superbike wins in a single season, while also tying three-time 500cc World Champion Wayne Rainey’s mark for career AMA Superbike victories.

Americans Podium at the 2021 ISDE

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Sep 10, 2021 | Industry & Racing |

Two of the U.S. ISDE teams visited the podium in their respective classes as the FIM International Six Days Enduro came to an end in Italy. The Women’s World Trophy team not only won gold for the U.S. but did so in spectacular fashion, beating second-place finishers Great Britain by just over 15 minutes. The Men’s U.S. World Trophy team, after running third throughout the event, maintained its third-place podium position.

Riding A Rocket- The Beast Is A Beauty

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Aug 31, 2021 | Bikes & Gear |

Triumph offered us a few weeks with a brand new 3R Black limited edition, and my response was, “Oh, absolutely! Phil will love this, being a much larger human than me,” as I just figured he’d be the primary “wrist” during our ride and review of the behemoth bike. I picked the bike up from Brian, Triumph’s go-to guy for prepping new machines for press reviews, to trailer it back across the insane maelstrom that is Atlanta traffic to my domicile in northeast Georgia. While strapping up the bike on my hauler, Brian quipped, “Rob, you really need to ride this bike yourself, not just Phil. Trust me, you won’t be intimidated by it.” He informed me that while the new Rockets have received a significant bump in displacement, from about 2300cc to 2500cc, they’ve lost over 100 lbs, from 797 lbs to about 668 lbs, full fluids. “They carry their weight low,” Brian observed, “are quite maneuverable and easy to handle at slow speeds. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much you’ll enjoy it too.”

Royal Enfield 2022 650 Twins Sneak Peek

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Aug 27, 2021 | Bikes & Gear |

Royal Enfield North America just announced the launch of new color schemes and upgrades for its 2022 650 Twin motorcycles—the INT 650 and the Continental GT 650. Both models will also receive a host of aesthetic upgrades, including blacked-out rims and fenders and black fork gaiters, adding a stylish flare to Royal Enfield’s modern classics.

Why We Ride To Party At Sturgis

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Aug 3, 2021 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Incredibly, in 81 years of the famous Black Hills Motorcycle Rally, there has never been an official Sturgis Rally Wrap Party. In 2021 that changes as Why We Ride, MOTOvational.org and the legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip host the VIP Sturgis Rally Wrap Party benefitting Treasured Lives. The limited seat event is a way to say, “until we meet again” and is aimed at motorcycle industry VIPs, brand leaders and all those who cannot imagine life without two wheels. The event is slated for Friday, August 13th at 6:00 pm. Registration is available at www.SturgisRallyWrapParty.com.

The Passing Of A Motocross Legend

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Jul 30, 2021 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

If you grew up in the 1950s-1970s and rode motorcycles, you doubtless were familiar with the names Rickman and Metisse. These bikes and frames were highly prized, and quite popular here in the United States. Their dirt racing prowess was unmatched in their time, and set a new standard for off-road motocross competition.
And two Brit brothers were behind it all, Derek and Don Rickman.

J & P Cycles Ultimate Builder Winners, Round 1

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Jul 28, 2021 | Bikes & Gear, Industry & Racing |

As the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows roll across the country this summer and fall, so too does the J & P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. The custom competition is actually in its 11th year now, but the partnership with IMS Outdoors this year means the show will expand to a nationwide, multi-venue, open-air competition, holding regional bike shows in nine cities as part of the IMS 2021 tour. The UBCBS, as it’s often called, has a rich history as the nation’s largest motorcycle builder competition, featuring hundreds of motorcycles and offering the chance to win tens of thousands in cash and prizes across the 2021 IMS tour this year. The opening round of the “bike build-off” took place at Sonoma Raceway this past weekend, and the bikes taking top prizes were stunning.