Rob Brooks

Life Saving Helmet Tech

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 12, 2026 | Bikes & Gear |

Back in January, Fox 10 Phoenix covered a serious motorcycle crash in Arizona where a rider went down on a rural road and was completely hidden from view. He may not have been found in time if not for an automatic emergency alert triggered at the moment of impact. That same incident has since been featured in People Magazine, bringing national attention to how modern safety technology can step in when riders are compromised in a collision and can’t call for help themselves.

Indian’s New CEO Mike Kennedy: A True Biker

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 6, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

Following Indian Motorcycle’s recent split with Polaris, becoming a completely standalone motorcycle manufacturer again, the 125 year old legacy brand brought on Mike Kennedy as CEO to oversee operations. It’s refreshing to see a true motorcycle guy take the helm at Indian, especially given other manufacturer’s hiring of European shoe guys and pizza guys to run their operations. Kennedy is a true biker, a lifelong motorcycle rider, and a veteran in the powersports industry.

The Passing of a Motorsports Icon

Posted by Rob Brooks | Feb 17, 2026 | Ride Life |

This morning during breakfast, I got a text from my friend Neale Bayly, simply stating, “Mr. Barber passed away”. I was stunned, and quickly found an American Motorcyclist Association press release in my inbox with a bit more information.

Montana BDR Debuts

Posted by Rob Brooks | Feb 3, 2026 | Rides & Roads |

The newest BDR route has recently been announced in Montana, and Triumph Motorcycles sent us some information on this extraordinary new portion. The motorcycle brand is once again partnering with and helping sponsor the new Montana route (MTBDR), with valuable travel resources that can benefit riders, as well as the rural communities the roads and trails navigate through. As dual sport and adventure riding continues to grow here in the States, the BDR network is growing with it.

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.

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.

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.

Rob’s Monthly Musings- Year End Reflections

Posted by Rob Brooks | Dec 5, 2025 | Ride Life |

It has been quite the holiday season already here in the United States. Although everyone celebrated Thanksgiving, it seems like Christmas decoration, sales, and the general spirit of the season began right after Halloween. So much of it is commerce-driven, of course, but I still love this season, when you peel back all of the extraneous layers

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.