Cycle Gear

When I had my 2011 Triumph Bonneville America repainted last spring, the bike looked brand new. But the tail bag I’d used since the bike was new was looking a bit shabby and quite faded, and just didn’t look worthy of the rest of the motorcycle. So, I began the arduous search for a new bag.

The Call We All Dread

by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | May 8, 2024 | Ride Life | 3 |

The call came in early on a gray, wintry, February Monday morning. I was sitting at my desk preparing my activities for the day. It was the call that every motorcycle rider dreads getting- “Ken, it’s John.” Just the sound and tone of John’s voice told me this wasn’t going to be a happy chat. “Robert’s been in an motorcycle accident . . .it’s bad . . .real bad.” Those quiet words stabbed me like an icicle into my heart and sent a chill through my body that I can still replicate to this day.

Long-Term Review: 2023 Honda CB500X

by Rob Brooks | Aug 11, 2023 | Bikes & Gear | 19 |

I was riding the Honda CB500X back from spending the morning with my daughter and 3-month old grandson, throttling down a sparsely trafficked four lane county road. I glanced at my right mirror and noticed another motorcycle making for me in the right lane. I could tell by the silhouette it was another adventure bike by the wide panniers on either side. I gassed the little twin ADV, making him/her give chase. The stretch of road was undulating but largely empty, so we had some good natured fun diving across our pair of southbound lanes as he/she gradually gained on me. On a long straight the rider finally caught me and coming alongside on my right, I glanced over and saw my companion/competitor was a guy on a BMW 1250 GS. He was pointing at my Honda, pumping his thumb vigorously, clearly thrilled with our little chase through the curves.

Motorcycle Gear: REV’IT! Restless Jacket

by Rob Brooks | Jun 9, 2023 | Bikes & Gear | 0 |

I must admit, I’ve found myself more often reaching for my REV’IT! Restless brown leather jacket lately, for its comfort, versatility, protection, and just downright good looks when out riding. This might be my new favorite go-to coat for the street. It’s just so retro-cool. Makes this old fart look sharper than he is.

Trying On A Motorcycle One-Piece Suit

by Ted Edwards | Oct 3, 2022 | Bikes & Gear, Nuts & Bolts | 2 |

A motorcycle race suit is a substantial investment from your wallet towards your well-being and proper fit is crucial to safety. Comfortable race suits are more likely to get worn, while poorly fitting suits tend to stay on the hanger. Fit and flexibility also make the difference between feeling fresh or quickly reaching fatigue. Fresh riders are fast riders, fatigued riders make mistakes. I know this all too well.