Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2021 ride in Belgrade, Serbia (photo by Bob Bobisavljevic)
From Ride for Kids events to annual Toys for Tots runs, motorcyclists are known for joining forces to support good causes. Since 2012, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) has raised $31.5 million to support men’s health. The 10th-anniversary event, which took place on Sunday, May 23, brought together more than 65,000 dapper motorcycle enthusiasts in 913 cities and 116 countries around the world, and raised $4.1 million.
Sydney, Australia (photo by Pat Stevenson)
Funds were donated to Movember, the leading global organization focused solely on men’s health, and they’ll be directed toward prostate cancer and men’s mental health research and programs. Together, Movember and DGR have worked strategically to help men in motorcycling live happier and healthier lives, and they have allocated nearly $1 million to pilot and deliver programs directed at improving social connectedness, life satisfaction, and mental well-being of motorcycle riders.
Los Angeles, USA (photo by Dakota Clark)
Support for DGR 2021 came from thousands of individual volunteers, fundraisers, and city hosts, as well as Triumph, Hedon helmets, Belstaff, and Elf lubricants. To register your interest in DGR 2022, learn more about the research programs that are funded, or make a donation, visit gentlemansride.com.
Mark your calendars, World Adventure Week will take place on July 5-11, 2021. Encouraging mass participation by all adventurers no matter what bike they ride, the goal of WAW is to ride 1,000 km (621 miles) or more in seven days.
Powered by KTM and Riser, World Adventure Week is an invitation to go explore tracks and trails and share your favorite places with the global adventure bike community.
The most adventurous riders will be rewarded with daily and weekly prizes and the chance to be featured on theworldadventureweek.com and KTM’s global social media channels. There will be different challenges to complete on each of the seven days, with all riders completing 1,000 km or more in total receiving a personalized award.
The challenges will be open to all adventure riders from all brands. The goal is to strengthen the growing adventure community and bring together riders who share the passion for adventure motorcycling.
To enter, download the Riser app from the App Store or Google Play and start recording your rides.
For all adventurers keen to learn more about this exciting new challenge, more information is available on theworldadventureweek.com.
The Highway 21 Winchester Jacket, Hook Gloves, Blockhouse Jeans, and Journeyman Boots on the 2022 Indian Super Chief Limited. (Photo by Jordan Pay)
During the 20th century, a succession of field jackets — the M-43, M-51, and M-65, each named for the year it was first issued — were worn by thousands of American soldiers. The functional jackets, typically made of cotton canvas or other durable material and featuring four front cargo pockets, were essential gear on the battlefields of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts.
The classic, practical field jacket serves as the inspiration for Highway 21’s Winchester jacket, which is made of a rugged polyester and nylon weave with gusseted shoulders. It has four front cargo pockets — two on the chest and two at the waist — with snap closures. Behind the two lower cargo pockets are handwarmer pockets with YKK zipper closures. And inside the left side of the jacket is a concealed carry pocket with a single-snap closure, a heavy-duty lining, and an elastic holster. A placket with four snaps covers the main two-way YKK zipper, and snaps on the collar keep it from flapping in the wind while riding. There are also snap closures and fit adjusters at the cuff and lower hem. The black polyester lining has pockets for CE armor at the shoulders and elbows and a foam back protector. For extra protection, you can upgrade to a CE Level 1 ($24.95) or CE Level 2 ($39.95) back protector.
Highway 21 Winchester Jacket in Green (back)
The Winchester is a lightweight jacket with a utilitarian design that isn’t baggy like many field jackets. Since it doesn’t block wind, it’s best suited for mild to warm temperatures, and fussy vents aren’t necessary. On cold days you’ll need to layer up, and on wet days you’ll need a rain suit. With or without the armor it works well as a casual jacket that can be worn around town.
The Highway 21 Winchester jacket is a no-nonsense, stylish riding jacket that looks good on and off the bike. It retails for a very affordable $149.95, and is available in green (shown) or black in sizes S-4XL.
For more information: See your dealer or visit highway21.com
Dr. Gregory W. Frazier, known as America’s #1 extreme motorcycle adventurer, is our guest on Episode 13 of the Rider Magazine Insider podcast.
Our guest for Ep. 13 of the Rider Magazine Insider podcast is Dr. Gregory W. Frazier, who has traveled around the world six times on a motorcycle, including once with a passenger. He has ridden motorcycles on six continents, with well over 1,000,000 miles on his personal odometer. Dr. Frazier is a prolific author, photographer, and filmmaker, with 16 books, hundreds of articles, and 10 films to his credit. We talk about his new book, “Adventure Motorcyclist: Frazier Shrugged” (available through Sound Rider!), his circumnavigations of the globe, his pick for adventure motorcycle of the year, and other topics.
Our guest on Episode 12 of the Rider Magazine Insider podcast is Daniel Calderon, Curator of Exhibitions at SFO Museum in the San Francisco International Airport. The museum’s “Early American Motorcycles” exhibit features 14 vintage motorcycles built before 1916, with examples from Harley-Davidson, Indian, Flying Merkel, Curtiss, Pierce and more. We discuss the inspiration for the exhibit, how Calderon and his team sourced the motorcycles, artifacts and memorabilia, and the photos and history documented in the exhibit’s catalog, which is available on the SFO Museum website. The exhibit runs through September 2021.
The biker bash of the season is back and bigger than ever. Harley-Davidson has announced plans for the all-new Hometown Rally, a Labor Day weekend celebration of moto-culture centered in Milwaukee, the city where it all began for the Motor Company. The Harley-Davidson Museum will serve as a central rally point September 2-6, 2021, for events taking place at that downtown site and at six surrounding Harley-Davidson dealerships.
“The Hometown Rally is an event no Harley-Davidson fan will want to miss,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “It will be a celebration of all things Harley, a chance to re-connect with other riders who share the desire for adventure, freedom and community that is the real heart of the Harley-Davidson experience.”
Throughout the Hometown Rally weekend, the 20-acre campus of the Harley-Davidson Museum will host the party of the summer, with free live concerts on three consecutive nights, food-and-beverage sites, stunt exhibitions and skills demonstrations, 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle demos, and motorcycle showcases hosted by Born Free and V-Twin Visionary. The Museum will be open for general admission during the event.
The Museum will also host a H.O.G. member Check-In, and there will be a H.O.G. member Check-In at each of the six participating Harley-Davidson dealerships in the area. Event H.O.G. merchandise will also be available.
Milwaukee-area Harley-Davidson dealerships will also be hosting Hometown Rally events and entertainment. Those dealerships include House of Harley-Davidson (Greenfield), Milwaukee Harley-Davidson (Milwaukee), Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson (Thiensville), Uke’s Harley-Davidson (Kenosha), West Bend Harley-Davidson (West Bend) and Wisconsin Harley-Davidson (Oconomowoc).
Hometown Rally details and schedules will be finalized and revealed throughout the summer. Check for updates at H-D.com/hometownrally, where links to dealer sites for specific info on those schedules and events will also be posted.
For the 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700, National Cycle’s VStream Windscreen comes in three sizes (from left): VSport ($129.95, light tint), Sport/Touring ($149.95, light tint) and Touring ($159.95, clear).
The windscreen on our long-term Yamaha Ténéré 700 not only complements the bike’s rally styling but works quite well for a stock bug catcher. Still, I felt that comfort for long highway stretches could be improved. My priorities for an upgrade were reducing wind noise and buffeting, retaining the bike’s good looks and durability. Having enjoyed a National Cycle screen on a previous motorcycle, I gave its VStream Sport model ($129.95, light tint) a go.
The shortest of three Ténéré windscreens offered, the Sport measures 12 inches from top to bottom, just an inch more than the stocker and low enough for adventuring. Calming the cockpit requires moving wind blast to the sides and away from the rider’s head. To accomplish this, the VStream is 4 inches wider than stock and incorporates side flares as part of its patented shape. I think they’re onto something, at least for a rider of my 5-foot, 8-inch stature. My freeway rides were definitely quieter, with less turbulence around my helmet; your decibels may vary. Taller riders can opt for the 15.25-inch Sport/Touring ($149.95, light tint) or 18-inch Touring ($159.95, clear) versions.
The VStream Sport Windscreen installed on our 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 long-term test bike. (Photo by the author)
National Cycle’s proprietary 3-mm-thick Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate addresses durability issues. They’ve tested it to be 10 times more abrasion resistant than the next best material, Lexan FMR, and invite doubters to attack it with steel wool. So I did, also going after the Yamaha’s Lexan screen. With some hard work, I put a few small scratches in the VStream, and with much less effort did serious damage to the stock unit. A harder surface keeps the view clean and crisp by preventing light-scattering scratches and lets me slack off on my persnickety shield cleaning routine. National Cycle’s website video of a screen taking a shotgun blast vividly displays its polycarbonate’s impact resistance (spoiler: it didn’t break), making the 3-year breakage warranty a safe bet.
Installing the VStream on the T7 was as simple as removing four 4mm hex-head screws, swapping screens and re-installing the screws. The width of the Sport takes something from the 700’s rally vibe, but what it gives back in durability and comfort make it worth the sacrifice for me. Having made windshields since 1937 and pioneered the use of polycarbonate in 1975, National Cycle knows how to build a good windscreen. And they do it in the U.S.A.
Edelweiss Bike Travel is conducting an anonymous online survey about motorcycling travel and touring in 2021 and beyond. The survey takes only about 5 minutes to complete.
At the end of the survey participants can enter a raffle that includes one spot on Edelweiss Bike Travel’s Norway Touring Center including motorcycle rental, or one of 5 travel vouchers worth 250 Euro each.
For those who are interested in Edelweiss Bike Travel motorcycle tours, which take place all around the world, check out dates, locations, pricing and more at edelweissbike.com.
Rider Magazine has teamed up with Edelweiss Bike Travel for a special “Best of Greece” tour, October 10-23, 2021. For more information, click HERE.
Do you love motorcycles? Are you curious, adventurous, and hard-working? Do you love a challenge? Are you creative, detail-oriented, and good at solving problems? Are you experienced at creating written and visual content for multiple platforms, including print, web, and social? Do you love to travel and go on multi-day motorcycle adventures? Do you want to get paid to do so?
EPG Media & Specialty Information is hiring a full-time, remote (within Southern California; see below) content creator/editor to work for its two consumer motorcycle publications: Rider, a street-focused, all-brand motorcycle magazine that specializes in travel and adventure, and Thunder Press, a street-focused American V-twin magazine. Both magazines publish 12 monthly issues and produce content for websites, buyers guides, social media platforms, videos and podcasts.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Researching, writing, and revising original features, road tests, travel stories, product reviews, news items, etc.
Representing magazines at press launches, industry events, shows, etc. (approx. 25% travel required)
Testing motorcycles, including riding, research, modeling for photo/video shoots, having test bikes dyno tested, measuring fuel consumption and wet weight, etc.
Testing motorcycle apparel, products, parts, and accessories, including research, writing, installation, evaluation, photography, and video
Speaking on-camera in motorcycle and product test videos
Obtaining, selecting, and editing photos and videos
Coordinating with editors-in-chief, managing editor, and art director to meet deadlines and keep publications on schedule
Copy editing, proofreading, and fact checking
Planning, scheduling, and uploading content on websites and social media channels
Developing feature and story ideas
Assisting with editorial planning
This is a fast-paced, demanding job. You will be an integral, essential member of our editorial team, so you will wear many hats and get a wide range of experience. We’re looking for an enthusiastic, “all in” candidate who wants a challenge, doesn’t give up easily, and holds themself to a high standard. This is also a rewarding job where you will get to do what you love — ride motorcycles and share your experiences with other enthusiasts — and get paid for it. And you’ll never have to pay for helmets or gear or gas or tires!
Other requirements:
High level of motorcycle riding ability (5+ years of experience; street riding experience, a clean driving record, and a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license required)
Understanding of the mechanical operation and requirements of modern street-legal motorcycles (mechanical or technical training or experience is a plus)
Knowledge of and interest in motorcycle technology and trends
Proficiency using contemporary software/apps for desktop publishing, photo editing, content management, social media, file sharing, etc.
Strong writing, editing, grammar/punctuation/spelling, proofreading, research, and communication skills
Must be able to work independently with limited supervision
Previous publishing experience preferred
Experience managing websites and social media channels preferred
Photography and videography skills/experience preferred
Because the editors-in-chief for Rider and Thunder Press are based in Southern California (one in Orange County, the other in Ventura County), and because test bikes, equipment, photographers, etc. are based in the same area, even though this is a remote position you must live in Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara or Ventura counties. Sorry, we love Austin and Portland too, but we’re not fans of long-distance relationships.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter telling us why you are perfect for this job. Writing samples (raw copy, not previously published content) and a proofreading test will be required during the interview process.
Indian Motorcycle has announced plans for three customization projects based on its recently unveiled 2022 Indian Chief platform, which includes the Chief, Chief Bobber and Super Chief. To showcase the range of possibilities inherent to the new Chief platform, three well-known V-twin customizers will create unique interpretations: the former Indian Larry team of Paul Cox and Keino Sasaki, freestyle motocross legend Carey Hart and the creator of Bratstyle, Go Takamine.
Cox and Sasaki are teaming up for the first time in nearly 15 years, having parted ways in the early 2000s after the untimely passing of legendary customizer and friend, Indian Larry.
“Keino and I have stayed in touch over the years, continuing to work in our own individual styles, but when Indian Motorcycle approached us about this collaboration, the timing seemed right. We both bring unique skills to this project, and it will be interesting to collaborate again,” said Cox. “Initially, I found the new Chief platform to be beautifully designed and thoughtfully engineered in its stock form. It’s tough and clean but possesses a modern elegance at the same time. These are all qualities that I try to combine in my own work, for a well-balanced custom.”
Keino Sasaki
Completely overhauled for 2022, the new Chief platform has a tubular-steel frame wrapped tightly around Indian’s air-cooled Thunderstroke V-twin motor and exposed dual rear shocks. It’s more stripped down and elemental, the perfect canvas for customization.
“This bike is as much about history and heritage, as it is about modern design sophistication, and that’s why we were intentional in choosing builders that represented both old and new styles,” said Ola Stenegard, Director of Design for Indian Motorcycle. “With Go, we have a builder who honors and takes inspiration from the post-war bobber scene. On the other hand, Carey will push forward with modern, performance-oriented design elements, while Paul and Keino bridge the gap between past and future.”
Over the past five years, Hart has customized various Indian models, and he unveiled the first-ever custom 2022 Indian Chief — a modern club-style take on the new bike — soon after the model’s debut in early February.
Carey Hart
“With the new Chief, Indian Motorcycle has done an incredible job of capturing the strength and timeless lines of what we all have come to expect from a true American V-twin, and in doing so, they’ve served up the ultimate platform for customization,” said Hart. “I’m proud to be amongst this incredible group of builders, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what each of us comes up with.”
Well-known for his Bratstyle brand, a design aesthetic and lifestyle that has inspired followers and copycats across the globe, Takamine has focused much of his work on restoring and customizing vintage Chiefs and Scouts. This project will be the first time that Takamine will bring Bratstyle to a modern Indian.
Go Takamine
“Indian Motorcycle has been at the heart of my work for many years, and I have great admiration for the company. It’s an honor to be included in this elite group of builders,” said Takamine. “The new Indian Chief is ideal for customization with its classic steel tube frame and air-cooled motor, and I’m excited by the possibilities of what I can do with it.”
To inspire personalization, Indian Motorcycle has curated three Authentic Accessory collections that dramatically change style, enhance comfort and increase power and performance. Each piece within the collections are sold individually and can pair with any Chief model — allowing riders to mix and match parts to fit their style and riding preference. Riders can design and build their own Chief on Indian Motorcycle’s accessory configurator.
Rogue Collection: Providing a stripped-down riding experience where power and minimalism lead the way, Indian Motorcycle curated the Rogue Collection to enhance performance and deliver aggressive attitude for the Indian Chief and Indian Chief Dark Horse. With the all-new Thunderstroke Forward Stage 1 Intake, Stage 1 Slip-On Exhaust and Thunderstroke Stage 2 Performance Kit, the Rogue Collection delivers 17% more horsepower than a stock Thunderstroke 116 engine. Indian Motorcycle’s Slash Cut Exhaust Tips personalize style, while a passenger seat, backrest and pegs provide two-up riding capabilities.
Authentic Collection: With bulky tires wrapped around spoke wheels, a muscled-up front end and a solo bobber seat, the Chief Bobber and Chief Bobber Dark Horse pay stylistic homage to the classic post-war era V-twins. Riders looking to personalize their ride can outfit it with premium accessories from Indian Motorcycle’s Authentic Collection. Featuring a floating solo seat, luggage rack, Mini Ape Handlebars, and various performance accessories, this collection pays tribute to the original 1922 Indian Chief.
Tour Collection: Featuring soft saddlebags and a windshield, the Super Chief and Super Chief Limited begs riders for longer miles and an even bolder escape. For those looking to take the capable day tripper to the next level, Indian Motorcycle assembled its Tour Collection. Heated grips, a passenger backrest, highway bar lower closeouts and highway pegs take the Super Chief’s comfort to an entirely new level for both the rider and passenger going the extra mile.
