Tag Archives: editors picks

Steven Goode: Ep. 27 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Ep 27 Steven Goode Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Our on Episode 27 of the Rider Magazine Insider podcast is Steven Goode, a lifelong motorcyclist who has a has completed impressive long-distance motorcycle tours. In recent years, Steven rode 14,000 miles to the four corners of the U.S., 11,500 miles to visit all the lower 48 states, and 17,000 miles to visit nearly every national park America (read his story “One Ride, 47 National Parks” in the July 2021 issue of Rider). This past summer, Steven embarked on a 75-day, 15,000-mile ride around the country to visit the best Jewish deli in nearly every state. His journey became known as the “Great American Deli Schlep” and he raised nearly $20,000 for MAZON, a nonprofit organization that fights hunger. You can read about Steven’s deli tour in the December 2021 issue of Rider and on his blog (greatamericandelischlep.medium.com). Even though Steven’s trip is over, MAZON’s mission is not. Please consider making a donation at mazon.org/delischlep.

You can listen to Episode 27 on iTunesSpotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.

Visit the Rider Magazine Insider podcast webpage to check out previous episodes:

The post Steven Goode: Ep. 27 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

British Motorcycle Gear Adventure Jacket | Review

British Motorcycle Gear Adventure Jacket
Testing the British Motorcycle Gear Adventure Jacket on the 2022 Kawasaki KLR650. (Photo by Drew Ruiz)

Like an adventure-touring bike, an adventure-touring jacket needs to be ready for anything, come what may. It should provide comfort and protection in a range of conditions and stand up to abuse. The British Motorcycle Gear Adventure Jacket was originally designed for the Dakar Rally, which puts more demands on riders, motorcycles, and gear in a fortnight than run-of-the-mill adventure riding will do in a year (or even a lifetime).

The Adventure’s outer shell is made of 500-denier nylon with anti-abrasion overlayers on the elbows and shoulders that are backed by EVA foam. The adjustable waist/kidney belt on the outside of the jacket also has EVA foam padding along the back. The inside of the jacket is lined with stretchy, breathable athletic mesh, and there are pockets for shoulder, elbow, and back armor. Knox CE shoulder and elbow armor is provided; back armor is sold separately for $29.

British Motorcycle Gear Adventure Jacket

To deal with the variable weather conditions, there’s a waterproof/windproof layer that can be zipped over the jacket, and it can be conveniently stored in the large, rectangular pocket at the lower back. There’s a removable hydration system with a bladder and a long tube that secures to the front of the jacket. Zippered vents – large ones on the inner forearm and smaller ones at the front and back of the shoulders – provide ventilation. There are numerous fit adjusters (neck, arms, cuffs, waist, and hem) and pockets (two on the inside and seven on the outside).

My first test of the BMG Adventure Jacket was at the press launch for the new Kawasaki KLR650 and on my 1,000-mile ride home from the event. Over five days of riding, I encountered chilly mornings in the mountains of northern New Mexico, a drenching monsoon thunderstorm in Arizona, and 120-degree heat in the Mojave Desert. In the months that followed, I wore the jacket during on- and off-road rides in Southern California.

In terms of fit, function, and style, the jacket has performed admirably. I have been particularly keen on the soft neoprene-lined collar, built-in hydration system, and mesh-lined vents. Of course, on the hottest days, more ventilation would have been appreciated, but in those extreme situations only a full mesh jacket would have done the job. The easy-on, easy-off rain/wind layer served me well when I needed to quickly adapt to sudden changes in the weather.

If you’re looking for a versatile, practical, three-quarter-length textile touring jacket, then BMG’s Adventure Jacket is good option at a good price. It’s available in sizes XS-4XL in orange or blue for $279.99.

For more information: See your dealer or visit britishmotorcyclegear.com

The post British Motorcycle Gear Adventure Jacket | Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Monimoto 7 Anti-Theft GPS Tracker | Gear Review

Monimoto 7 Anti-Theft GPS Tracker review

Back when I lived in Philadelphia, I rode around the city with a 15-pound Kryptonite chain slung over my shoulder like a bandolier. When I needed to park my motorcycle, I’d find a spot near a big post and shackle the rear wheel with the chain. Those were simpler days, when phones were dumb and Mark Zuckerberg was still picking his nose in grade school.

Now, like everyone, I carry a smartphone in my pocket wherever I go, allowing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google) to track my every movement and activity. But hey, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff. I get to doomscroll or watch funny cat videos instead of having to endure a single moment of boredom ever again. LOL, j/k.

Just as the REVER app on my iPhone means I no longer need to mount a dedicated GPS on my bike, the Monimoto GPS tracking app means I can leave the Kryptonite chain at home.

Check out our 2022 Motorcycle Buyers Guide: New Street Models

Inside the box is the Monimoto 7 tracking device, which measures roughly 3.5 x 2.5 x 0.75 inches – smaller than a deck of cards and compact enough to fit under a motorcycle seat. There are also two AA lithium batteries to power the eSIM-enabled tracking device, two releasable zip ties for securing the device to the motorcycle, and a round key fob (1.6 x 0.4 inches) powered by a thin watch battery.

Installation is easy. Download the Monimoto app, follow the instructions to pair your phone with the tracking device, secure the tracking device under the seat, and attach the fob to your keychain. The app lets you know that the device is armed and ready.

Monimoto 7 Anti-Theft GPS Tracker review

If your motorcycle and the tracking device part ways with the fob and movement is detected, the Monimoto app sends an alert notification and an automated phone call that says “Alarm!” Then, the app keeps you updated and provides GPS coordinates for your motorcycle that are viewable on a map. If your motorcycle has indeed been stolen, you can share the tracking data with police. If the fob was on the motorcycle when it was stolen, you won’t receive alerts but you can start active tracking via the app.

The Monimoto 7 is easy to use and provides peace of mind. It uses the LTE-M (LTE Cat-M1) network, and currently works only in the U.S. MSRP for the Monimoto 7 is $199. It comes with an embedded eSIM card and a free 2-month subscription; after that it’s $49/year.

For more information, visit monimoto.com.

The post Monimoto 7 Anti-Theft GPS Tracker | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Fly Racing Resistance Jeans | Gear Review

Fly Racing Resistance Jeans Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS review
The rider is wearing Fly Racing Resistance Jeans, as well as Fly Racing’s Sentinel Helmet, Flux Air Jacket, and Milepost Boots. Next to him is the 2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200RS. (Photo by Kevin Wing)

The old maxim “you get what you pay for” is usually a reliable predictor of quality, but when it comes to Fly Racing’s Resistance Jeans, I’m not convinced the rule applies. They’re made of light, durable 12-ounce denim with an aramid fiber lining that provides abrasion protection across the entire seat and from the waistband down the front of each leg, finishing below the knee. Removable CE Level 1 knee armor adds extra impact protection.

Read our Fly Racing Flux Air Mesh Jacket review

Thoughtful design features include adjustable pockets for the knee armor with additional hook-and-loop patches that allow an inch of adjustment, ensuring it will be where it should if needed, regardless of the wearer’s height. The right front pocket is equipped with a lanyard for attaching keys, and removable hip armor pockets are compatible with optional Fly Barricade CE Level 1 armor ($23.95). Styling details include classic denim contrast stitching and plaid detailing inside the waistband and pockets. Quality touches include a durable YKK fly zipper and riveted front pockets.

Read our 2021 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS road test review

Fly Racing has made an effort to fit riders of various body types with a range of both regular and tall sizes. But if you’ve got an extra-long inseam like me, you’re still going to wish for an extra inch (I’ll leave it to you to add the punchline). The fit is slightly relaxed, and the straight-cut leg will go over all but the largest boots.

I’ve been wearing a pair of Resistance Jeans throughout the summer. They provide a solid balance between breathability and protection, remaining comfortable in hot weather, and they look great too. They also wash far better than some of the more expensive brands I wear, and I expect they will age over time like a favorite pair of old jeans. Most impressive, they’re a good value at just $129.95. I guess sometimes you do get more than you pay for.

Fly Racing Resistance Jeans are available in men’s regular sizes 30-40 and tall sizes 32-38, in either Indigo (pictured) or Oxford Blue (for a pre-washed look).

For more information or to find a Fly Racing/Western Power Sports dealer near you, visit flyracing.com.

Fly Racing Resistance Jeans review
Fly Racing Resistance Jeans in Indigo

The post Fly Racing Resistance Jeans | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Eddie Braun: Ep. 24 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Episode 24 Eddie Braun Stuntman Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Our guest on Episode 24 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Eddie Braun, a Hollywood stuntman who has worked on hundreds of TV shows and feature films, including The Avengers, Transformers, and the Rush Hour trilogy. In 2016, Braun successfully flew a steam-powered rocket over Snake River Canyon, completing the ultimate stunt that defeated legendary daredevil Evel Knievel in 1974. Braun did the stunt in “Evel Spirit,” a rocket rebuilt using engineer Bob Truax’s original design for Knievel’s SkyCycle, with the only change being a modification to the parachute. Braun’s 10,000-horsepower rocket reached 439 mph in 3 seconds and hit 8 Gs, soaring 3,000 feet across the canyon. Braun’s epic journey was chronicled in “Stuntman,” a documentary executive produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia, featuring a never-before released clip of rock guitarist Slash playing “Rocket Man” in support of Eddie. “Stuntman” is available on Disney+.

You can listen to Episode 24 on iTunesSpotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.

Episode 24 Eddie Braun Stuntman Rider Magazine Insider Podcast
Eddie Braun’s “Evel Spirit” 10,000-horsepower steam-powered rocket hit 439 mph in 3 seconds and pulled 8 Gs.
Episode 24 Eddie Braun Stuntman Rider Magazine Insider Podcast
Braun takes a moment to himself after successfully flying the “Evel Spirit” rocket over Snake River Canyon.
Episode 24 Eddie Braun Stuntman Rider Magazine Insider Podcast
Just another day at the office for veteran Hollywood stuntman Eddie Braun.

Visit the Rider Magazine Insider podcast webpage to check out previous episodes:

The post Eddie Braun: Ep. 24 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

VIDEO: IMS Rides – Riding the Central California Coast

We joined Progressive IMS Outdoors for a ride up the coast to Sonoma Raceway for the Northern California show. Check out Episode 9 of IMS Rides: Riding the Central California Coast, brought to you by Cardo Systems and Brake Free Tech. Thanks to Riders Share for the use of a BMW R 1250 GS for the trip.⁠

Click here for a map of the route

⁠We cruised up U.S. Highway 101 to Santa Barbara, went over San Marcos Pass on Highway 154, and had lunch at the funky Madonna Inn.⁠

Then the fun really began on California Highway 1, riding past Morro Rock, checking out the elephant seals near San Simeon, and riding on the world famous stretch of Highway 1 from Ragged Point to Big Sur, for a night of camping at Fernwood Resort.⁠

IMS Outdoors IMS Rides Episode 9 Riding the Central California Coast video
Fernwood Resort is located on Highway 1 in Big Sur, California.

Fort Bragg to Sonoma Raceway: IMS Outdoors Northern California Ride

Even though it was July, the rugged Big Sur coast was foggy and cold. We rolled over the iconic Bixby Bridge before arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea.⁠

After hugging Monterey Bay on Highway 1, in Santa Cruz we turned onto tight, twisty Highway 9 and rode into the towering redwoods. We continued north on Highway 35 (aka Skyline Drive) and stopped for lunch at the legendary Alice’s Restaurant.⁠

IMS Outdoors IMS Rides Episode 9 Riding the Central California Coast video
Riding through the redwoods on California Route 9 near Santa Cruz.

Back on Highway 1 along the coast for a fantastic ride from Half Moon Bay to Pacifica, including a 4,000-ft Devils Slide Tunnel bored through the mountains.

In San Francisco, we stretched our legs at the Presidio before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and heading to Sonoma Raceway for the Progressive IMS Outdoors show.⁠

IMS Outdoors IMS Rides Episode 9 Riding the Central California Coast video

For the 2021 Progressive IMS Outdoors tour schedule and to buy tickets, visit motorcycleshows.com.

The post VIDEO: IMS Rides – Riding the Central California Coast first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Ryan McFarland: Ep. 23 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Ep 23 Ryan McFarland Rider Magazine Insider Podcast
Ryan McFarland, CEO of Strider Bikes, on an adventure tour in Baja, Mexico.

Our guest for Episode 23 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Ryan McFarland, the founder and CEO of Strider Bikes, a company whose mission is to build lightweight, efficient, all-terrain bikes that develop two-wheeled balance, coordination, and confidence in children. McFarland built the first Strider Bike in his garage for his son, Bode. The company was founded in Rapid City, South Dakota, in 2007, and since then has sold more than 3 million bikes to families around the world. In 2014, the company established the Strider Rider Fund, which commits 1% of gross revenue to benevolence. In 2018, the Strider Education Foundation launched All Kids Bike, a nonprofit whose mission is to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class. As we all know, when you learn to ride a bike when you’re young, you’re more likely to graduate to a motorcycle when you get older!

You can listen to Episode 23 on iTunesSpotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends!

Visit the Rider Magazine Insider podcast webpage to check out previous episodes:

The post Ryan McFarland: Ep. 23 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Knight Design Lowered Footpegs | Gear Review

Knight Design lowered footpegs review
We tested silver-anodized lowered pegs (about 1.4 inches lower) with the aggressive Quadtrax tread, plus silver-anodized lowered toe pegs for the shifter and brake pedal.

My heart will always belong to liter-class sportbikes; they are my all-time favorite machines to ride. The rest of my body, on the other hand, isn’t feeling the love. I can no longer coax my not-so-young bones into folding up pretzel-like in a full-on sporting posture for any extended length of time. My body simply rebels.

That’s why I recently purchased an Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100. It’s a ready-to-go sportbike with all the thrills, but offers rational ergonomics that are a better match for my needs these days. However, even with its relaxed fit, the Tuono’s footpegs are mounted just a pinch too high for my aging and oft-abused hip joints.

Seeking relief, I was happy to learn that Knight Design provides a quick and easy solution. Knight Design is a family-run business based in Corvallis, Oregon, that manufactures parts in-house for a wide variety of motorcycles, predominantly footpegs and foot controls. They offer pegs in various sizes and designs, plus silver- or black-anodized finishes or natural silver. 

Knight Design lowered footpegs review

For my Tuono, I chose silver-anodized lowered pegs (about 1.4 inches lower) with the aggressive Quadtrax tread ($149.95 per pair), plus silver-anodized lowered toe pegs ($64.95 each) for the shifter and brake pedal. The parts boast excellent finish and workmanship, and they swapped out readily with the stock units. I didn’t even need to go anywhere to confirm the wisdom of the new pegs; just hopping on the Aprilia in my garage provided proof aplenty of the extra legroom.

Better yet, long days in the saddle are now distinctly more comfortable and accommodating. No more kinks in my hips. Hooray! Since I don’t move around in the saddle a lot when I ride, the grippy Quadtrax tread suits me well, and I appreciated the enlarged toe pegs, which I find easier to locate and operate. Some might worry about the loss of cornering clearance given the lowered pegs, but there’s still plenty available for the type of riding I do. I’m not planning on spending much time at the track with my Tuono nowadays, just some spirited backroad rides. So, the Tuono and I are just fine, thanks.

In addition to lowered pegs, Knight Design also makes regular-height pegs, wide pegs, and pegs with rubber tread for a variety of motorcycles. Whether you’re looking to change up your riding stance a bit or just add a little bling, it’s well worth checking out the options.

For more information: Call (541) 286-4455 or visit knightdesignllc.com

The post Knight Design Lowered Footpegs | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 | First Look Review

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 review
The 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 is powered by the same air-/oil-cooled 349cc Single as the Meteor 350. Shown in Chrome Bronze (colors, specs, and pricing for the U.S. have not been finalized).

Inspired by the 1948 Model G2, the Royal Enfield Classic 500 that was launched in 2008 brought post-WW2 styling to a contemporary audience. Over a span of 12 years – until Royal Enfield ceased production of the UCE 500 single-cylinder engine in 2020 – more than three million Classic 500s were produced.

Read our 2010 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 Classic review

Following the introduction of the Meteor 350 earlier this year, the same 349ccc air-/oil-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve, fuel-injected Single with a 5-speed gearbox will power the new Classic 350. When we put the Meteor 350 on Jett Tuning’s dyno, it made 18 horsepower and 18 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel.

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 review
2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 in Gun Metal Grey

Like the Meteor, the Classic 350 was a collaborative effort by Royal Enfield’s design teams in the U.K. and India. Its engine is hung from a steel spine frame with twin downtubes, and the bike is suspended by a 41mm non-adjustable fork and twin emulsion rear shocks with adjustable preload. Brakes are from ByBre, with a 2-piston front caliper squeezing a 300mm disc and a 1-piston rear caliper squeezing a 270mm disc, and dual-channel ABS is standard.

Classic 350s released in India are offered with either spoked wheels or cast wheels, with a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear. Seat height is 31.7 inches, fuel capacity is 3.4 gallons, and claimed curb weight is 430 pounds. A handsome instrument panel includes an analog speedometer, a multi-function LCD, and Royal Enfield’s Tripper turn-by-turn navigation system.

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 review

The Classic 350 arrives in North America next year, but specs, colors, pricing, and availability have not been finalized. For more information, visit royalenfield.com.

The post 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 | First Look Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Lauren Trantham: Ep. 19 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Episode 19 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast Lauren Trantham Ride My Road

Our guest on Episode 19 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Lauren Trantham, founder of Ride My Road. In 2016, Lauren set out on a 10,000-mile solo motorcycle journey across the United States to photograph American survivors of human trafficking. She founded Ride My Road to reach as many people as possible about the realities of human trafficking in America. The organization has raised over $160,000 for survivor-led organizations, hosted dozens of events across the country, and educated thousands of motorcyclists. Ride My Road hosts F.A.S.T. (Fight Against Sex Trafficking) Ride charity events and the #Survivorbike™ Series (volunteer builders restore old bikes and donate them for fundraising giveaways), and it recently launched Disruptors University.

You can listen to Episode 19 on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends!

Check out previous episodes:

The post Lauren Trantham: Ep. 19 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com