Spectro Performance Oils’ Spectro Shine is a silicone-based spray-on cleaner/polish that gives your motorcycle, ATV, UTV, scooter, automobile, snowmobile or watercraft a showroom finish. It creates a protective barrier that keeps road grime, bugs, grease, dust, dirt and mud from sticking to polished surfaces. For the best results, first clean your vehicle with Spectro Motorcycle Wash and then finish with Spectro Shine. An 18-ounce can retails for $10.99.
Arai RAM-X in Aluminum Silver. Image courtesy Arai.
The RAM-X is a new premium open-face touring helmet from Arai, which means no corners were cut and protection is number one. Under the composite shell is a one-piece, multi-density EPS liner that is designed to best absorb and distribute the force of an impact. Arai’s testing has shown that the smaller the impact area, the firmer the liner needs to be in order to absorb that impact. Therefore it used firm foam around the smallest impact areas of the forehead and the base of the head, the softest foam at the large crown area and medium density in between.
Inside is a removable/washable/sizeable liner and the RAM-X features the same free-flowing ventilation as the top-of-the-line Corsair-X race helmet. With all three top vents open, plus the two forehead vents, the RAM-X flows tons of air, thanks partly to the seven exhaust vents. The included Pinlock-ready face shield gives excellent coverage, with improved, easier-to-use shutter forehead vents, and the Pro Shade sun visor system is a clever alternative to an integrated drop-down sun shield. Put the Pro Shade in its fully upright position and it functions like the peak of an ADV helmet, partly closed it’s perfect for late afternoon sun and fully closed it covers almost as much of the clear shield as a regular full-face helmet visor. The RAM-X is available in several colors in sizes XS-2XL spread over three shell sizes, starting at $679.95.
Golfers might disagree, but one has to admit that the Quail Lodge & Golf Club’s driving range makes a dandy venue for a motorcycle show, with 350 bikes and 3,000-plus visitors. Photo by Clement Salvadori.
Your bike is tuned, the weather is good, your GPS has been ported and polished and your credit card has been bored and stroked; it’s time to head out on the road! You want to go where riders gather, where you can find like-minded souls for rides, rallies and camaraderie. Well, we have the lowdown on the major touring events this year so grab your calendar, check our list and finalize your plans. Before you raise that kickstand, however, visit the event’s website to catch up on any last-minute changes.
The list below consists of major, national-level events. Check out our calendar for even more smaller, regional and local events.
Ride for Kids
Twenty-seven rides all over the U.S.
Ride for Kids is the longest-running motorcycle charity event in the nation. Since 1984, through these rides, motorcyclists have raised funds to help children with brain tumors, which are the major cause of cancer death in children. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was created in 1991 by the founders of Ride for Kids, and is now the leading nonprofit organization funding research into childhood brain tumors. Their events also fund free educational resources, college scholarships for brain tumor survivors and emergency financial aid for families.
American Honda is the presenting sponsor of Ride for Kids.
Though the spring shows have already occurred, be sure to check the schedule for the fall shows where you’ll be able to see all the current and new models from the major manufacturers. These shows also present products from many accessory manufacturers, and you can enjoy custom and classic bike displays, along with live entertainment. To introduce new riders to two wheels, “New to 2” puts new riders on Zero electric motorcycles and Yamaha Power Assist bicycles and includes a series of online videos paired with live presentations at the shows.
Check the website for the 2019-2020 schedule when it becomes available.
Maggie Valley, North Carolina May 3-5, June 28-30, September 6-8
Thunder in the Smokies consists of three rallies throughout the spring and summer. Each will feature a bike show and bike games with a $1,000 prize. You can ride the nearby scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the major street scene in Maggie Valley. While there is no camping on-site, it is available nearby.
Not simply a motorcycle gathering, this high-end vintage event features a gourmet barbeque lunch with offerings from local wineries and breweries, live entertainment and displays by leading motorcycle manufacturers, lifestyle vendors and more. You may enter your vintage and classic bikes in the various judging categories.
This 20th annual event bills itself as “Celebrating the Great American Motorcycle.” There will be a Grand Marshals Historic Vintage Lunch Grand Tour Ride on the 10th, during which you can ride your vintage bike through the back roads of historic Florida to a delicious destination, then continue on to a Grand Marshals Dinner that night (attendance limited). Stick around for Saturday’s K9s for Warriors Charity Ride and Concours d’Elegance.
This 80th anniversary rally will have you riding the Grand Strand, taking local tours and enjoying live bands, racing and the Myrtle Beach night life. Come party with about 200,000 of your closest friends.
A Cross-Country Ride to Washington, D.C. May 15-24
Founded by Vietnam veterans, Run For the Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans who have served our nation. This cross-country ride takes three different routes to reach Washington, D.C. by Memorial Day, and you’re invited to take the full ride or join along the way. You may also contribute to the Benevolence Fund to help vets and their families.
Now in its 22nd year this four-day rally, held in the scenic mountains around Mescalero and Ruidoso, New Mexico, features live music, demo rides, a four-day trade show and a big parade. The poker run is responsible for the “cash” part of the name.
This 18th annual event in Winnemucca features bike shows, free band concerts, a $1,000 poker run, a stunt show, casino action, a tattoo contest and the Burning Bike. The raffle prize is a new Harley Street Glide.
The East’s largest touring rally is now in its 36th year and begins with an Opening Celebration sponsored by Rider magazine. In addition to new guided and unguided rides in the Adirondacks and Vermont, Wednesday’s Diamond Tour will feature the special opportunity to ride with Rider’seditors. There’s a Ride for Kids Charity Ride, a Mardi Gras Boat Cruise and a Block Party benefiting the Ronald MacDonald House, with two days of great music and motorcycle entertainment. Enjoy more demo rides than ever, a stunt show and hundreds of vendors. You could even win an Indian Scout 60!
This will be the 96th edition of “The world’s oldest motorcycle rally.” Laconia is centered on Weirs Beach and the rally includes daily scenic “gypsy tours” (rides), a swap meet, demo rides, bike shows, a stunt show, live music, a Wall of Death and the Loudon Classic race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
If you really want to get your kicks, this ride follows most of the old, historic Route 66 from east to west. It will include stops at severalmuseums, the Ozark Trail, Bob’s Gasoline Alley, Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Parksand the California ghost town of Oatman. See some of the original road’s brick pavement, and attend the Awards Dinner in Santa Monica for your Certificate of Accomplishment.
BMW Motorcycle Owners of America 47th International Rally
Lebanon, Tennessee June 13-16
The BMW MOA’s “Scoot Boot’n Boogie” is sponsored by Metzeler and will feature vendors, seminars, live entertainment, rider training classes, BMW demo rides, local rides and many door prizes. Riders on all brands are welcome.
The Christian Motorcyclists Association bills this as the largest camp meeting, revival and family-friendly gathering in the nation that involves motorcycle riding. It features praise and worship, a parade, bike games and scenic self-guided rides, and John Ogden Sr., CMA CEO/Chairman, will be the keynote speaker.
This rally offers scenic rides, a parade, vendors, displays by various motorcycle manufacturers and live concerts by rock groups Firehouse and Hairball.
Motorcycle Sport Touring Association Rendezvous (STAR)
Bristol, Virginia June 23-27
The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association was founded in 1982, and its purpose is to bring together riders whose focus is motorcycle sport touring, regardless of the type or brand of motorcycle. “STAR” is their Sport Touring Association Rendezvous, which this year will feature Honda demo rides and a lunch ride into Tennessee, and the raffle bike will be a new Honda Gold Wing.
The American Voyager Association (AVA) defines a “voyager” as anyone who loves to ride and travel by motorcycle. Their 30th annual rally will feature seminars, dinners, guided and self-guided rides, a bike show and light show, a rider skills class and an awards banquet.
Come to the Ohio Sports Car Course for this major rally presented by Honda. It will feature demo rides, seminars, live music, a bike show and America’s largest motorcycle swap meet. The vintage competition includes road racing, trials, flat track and hare scrambles.
Women on Wheels spells “WOW,” and this club (which has many local chapters) is for women riders. Its International Ride-In usually draws upwards of 250 participants who take part in local scenic rides, listen to speakers, attend seminars, browse the vendors and enjoy the banquet and awards ceremony.
All brands of three-wheelers and their riders are invited to enjoy poker runs and seminars, vendors, a trike show and light parade, an awards dinner and a watermelon social. Destination rides go to Devil’s Tower, the Badlands, Jewel Cave, Spearfish Canyon and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Laguna Seca Mazda Raceway, Monterey, California July 12-14
The best Superbike racers in the world are coming once again to show their skills and be tested on this hilly, curvy, technical course in scenic central California. Camping is available at the track, and there’s plenty of nightlife in nearby Monterey.
Though this is the rally of the Gold Wing Touring Association, riders on all brands are welcome. In addition to the usual onsite bike shows and seminars, attendees can ride to such attractions as the House of Mystery, the Wildlife Safari, caves and lavender farms, and participate in zip-lining and visit Crater Lake.
If you ride a Kawasaki Concours sport tourer, this is your rally. The Concours Owners Group is for fans of the bike, though all brands are welcome. Day routes can take you to the Finger Lakes region, Gettysburg National Military Park, an auto and air museum, the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania” and the Flight 93 Memorial. Then head back to the rally site for seminars, socials, dinners and more.
The National Bikers Roundup claims to be the largest camping motorcycle rally in the United States, and is organized by a group of African-American motorcycle clubs. Its location changes yearly, but once every decade it returns to its founding city of Kansas City. This year the Roundup will be held in Gulfport, Mississippi.
This event is presented by the official riding organization of Yamaha’s Star line of motorcycles. It will feature vendors, a silent auction, a motorcycle skills class, seminars, bike games, a bike show and a charity auction. Take part in the SwampAZZ ride, the Feed the Children food drop banquet and many local rides.
The 79th Sturgis Rally features that famous street scene and includes many scenic rides including to Mt. Rushmore, plus an adventure ride that is new this year. Visit the many vendors, join the 2nd annual Mayor’s Charity Poker Tournament, and with about a half-million attendees in this small town you’d better be prepared to camp following the nightly concerts by such stars as Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Styx, George Thorogood and others.
Billed as three rallies in one, this event is specifically geared to entertain sportbike, dual-sport and sport touring riders. With Mt. Hood and Mt. Adam located nearby, majestic scenery is a twist of the wrist away. Enjoy the seminars and camping at the rally site, then sample the great riding to local museums, the mountains and the Stonehenge Replica.
How would you like to display a trophy for having set a motorcycle land speed record? This officiallysanctioned event offers AMA national and FIM world record opportunities in many classes. You can run the Bonneville Salt Flats course in any class from “Run Whatcha Brung” to streamliners! Or…just go to watch. See the website for rules and regulations.
This is the official rally of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, but it will appeal to all touring riders. In Nashville, enjoy the factory demo rides, vendors, door prizes, a bike show, a light show, drill teams, a parade and, of course, lots of local entertainment.
San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico, to Vernon, British Columbia, Canada August 29-September 3
If you want to gather with like-minded long distance riders but also enjoy their camaraderie on a ride from Mexico to Canada (hence the name–Three Flags), this is the rally for you. Finishers are awarded a unique buckle, plus a plaque, pin, shirt and more, and you can toast your achievement at the Finishers’ Banquet.
Held at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds, this “Set My Soul Free” rally offers camping, vendors, seminars and live music. And of course with its location in Virginia, plan on some great scenic rides.
The Golden Aspen has new owners, locals who have participated in the rally for years, and they’re promising that this 50th anniversary rally will be better than ever. There will be vendors, entertainment, rides around the scenic local area and a grand parade. Check the website for more details as they become available.
This 19th annual rally is a charity event that benefits women, children and the underserved in the local area. On tap are factory demo rides, live music, poker runs, the Arkansas state BBQ contest, a “Battle of the Bikes” show and contest, the Miss BBB contest, a parade and a car show.
Myrtle Beach Area, South Carolina September 30-October 6
This area offers just too much fun to be encompassed within one rally, so there’s a Fall Rally in addition to the Spring event. Again, you may ride the Grand Strand, take local tours, and enjoy live bands, drag racing and the Myrtle Beach nightlife.
Billed as “The World’s Largest Motorcycle Museum,” the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Festival presents not only museum tours but also vintage racing at the track, stunt shows, swap meets, a Bonham’s auction, demo rides, seminars and hundreds of vendors.
This is a family rally of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. It features services each morning and evening with prayer, worship and encouragement from the CMA National leadership team. Kidz for Christ events are for ages 4 to 12, and The Youth Movement is for ages 13 and up. Riders will appreciate seminars, a parade, bike games and self-guided scenic rides.
This 27th annual event is a smaller, less-frenzied version of Daytona’s spring event but it still offers bike shows, racing at Daytona International Speedway, a huge street scene with lots of live music and about 100,000 fellow riders to share it with.
Down in Texas, this four-day celebration offers bike games and bike shows, rides, lots of live entertainment, bike builder competitions and a car and truck show. There’s also a Miss Lone Star Rally contest and hundreds of vendors.
This one-day event is sponsored by the Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club, and is for small bikes of up to 180cc, any make or year. It’s an 80-mile round-trip ride that leaves San Jose and climbs to over 4,000 feet to the Historic Lick Observatory, then heads back down for lunch. You don’t need to be a club member to participate.
2019 Royal Enfield Himalayan in limited-edition Sleet color (shown with optional accessories). Photo courtesy Royal Enfield.
Royal Enfield has announced that its Himalayan ADV model will come standard with ABS for 2019, and it will also be available in a new, limited-edition color: Sleet. It will continue to be available in the Snow and Granite colors as well.
Pricing for the 2019 Himalayan with ABS is $4,749.
Perhaps to prove that the new Gold Wing isn’t just for old guys anymore, Honda unveiled a custom Gold Wing at Daytona Bike Week, dubbed “Cool Wing” and built by Kevin Dunn, Duy Nguyen, Jimmy Chen and Ray Tong, of Southern California’s Steady Garage.
The design challenge was to create something that was stylish but without straying too far from functionality. Following an extensive draft process, designer Francis Clemente came up with a design that could stimulate both customizers and purists. Air suspension and batique-style mufflers were examples of elements that were key to creating the build’s silhouette, but a handcrafted leather saddle, bare metal details and scallops in the paint brought the Cool Wing to life.
With one and a half months to bring the project from concept to reality, Steady Garage worked with partners to machine and fabricate special parts. Mooneyes built a mold specifically for the project in order to make the disc covers for the Gold Wing front rim, while Platinum Air Suspension provided air shocks to help achieve the slammed stance without sacrificing the ride height. The onboard air is stored on two Dirty Work stainless steel air tanks, with air supplied by a single Viair 380c air compressor. Maxima Imagen painted over 33 individual parts and Electrical Connection provided dress-up components. Cub Group supplied the industry’s first motorcycle blind-spot monitoring system (BSM), and Rogelio’s Auto Upholstery did a fantastic job with the seat.
“Our team was ecstatic to be the chosen company to build a custom Gold Wing for Honda,” said Steady Garage Co-founder Kevin Dunn. “The project was very challenging due to the Gold Wing’s new design, as there was no guidance from any existing builds or projects that fit our style. Our hope was to build a custom Gold Wing that would be appreciated by riders of all ages, interests and backgrounds. We had to make it look cool without stepping away from functionality. The bike has a lot of attitude, mixed with retro salt flat-inspired discs, scallop graphics and a low seat, and in our opinion the custom colors make it look very cool!”
“The Gold Wing is one of our halo products,” added Honda Motorcycle Shows and Public Relations Manager Chris Cox, “and we wanted to highlight the fact that while it’s rightly known for its amazing touring capabilities, it’s also a very high-performance machine that can be appreciated by a broad range of enthusiasts. Steady Garage embraced that theme for this project, and we’re very pleased with the result. Cool Wing has a youthful, creative, exciting spirit, while still respecting the Gold Wing brand and what it stands for.”
The Cool Wing will be on display at multiple events this year including the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and the Americade Rally.
Can-Am is hitting the road with its 2019 Can-Am Ryker, giving current and future 3-wheel vehicle riders in 13 cities across the U.S. and Canada a chance to try out this new model for themselves.
Apart from getting a ride on the new Ryker, attendees can enjoy unique experiences by local artists, lives DJs, food trucks and more. To ride the Ryker, you must be 21 or older and possess a valid driver’s license (a motorcycle or three-wheel vehicle endorsement is not required).
2019 Limited-Edition Jack Daniel’s Indian Springfield Dark Horse.
For the fourth straight year, Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel’s have partnered to create a limited-edition motorcycle celebrating their shared commitment to quality, originality and craftsmanship in the design of their products. This year’s bike, the Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse, draws its inspiration from Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s most premium whiskey offering.
This bike was developed as a tribute to all the craftsmen who value working with their hands and are committed to developing products of the finest quality. This year’s Jack Daniel’s limited-edition motorcycle maintains the sleek, stripped-down styling of the Indian Springfield Dark Horse along with a number ultra-premium design features that truly make it a one-of-a-kind motorcycle.
2019 Limited-Edition Jack Daniel’s Indian Springfield Dark Horse.
After previous versions of the bike sold out in minutes, this year Indian and Jack Daniel’s will use a new digital promotion to select which consumers will be granted the opportunity to be proud owners of the Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse.
Beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST on March 9 until 11:59 p.m. EDT on March 17, interested customers can enter the promotion for a chance to purchase one of the 177 bikes at 2019jackdanielsindianmotorcycle.com. Following the close of submissions, winners will be randomly selected and called upon by their preferred Indian Motorcycle dealer to inform them they are one of the lucky few who will be able to purchase one of these motorcycles.
New riders at the IMS Discover the Ride feature. Photo credit: Manny Pandya/Progressive International Motorcycle Shows.
The Progressive International Motorcycle Show has announced its immersive new rider feature, Discover the Ride, is expanding to reach a broader audience of non-riders, joining the 2019 Dallas-Fort Worth Auto Show, which takes place March 27-31.
Discover the Ride will feature four experiential attractions:
The Dyno Experience, where riders can experience the thrill of riding a real Yamaha or Harley-Davidson motorcycle while safely secured in place.
The New Rider Course, where riders progress from Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles to Zero Electric motorcycles, riding on an indoor course.
The Kids Zone in partnership with StayCyc, giving kids the opportunity to experience two wheels.
New To 2 Seminars featuring industry experts answering new and non-rider questions about motorcycling.
Attendees can also see a selection of custom and rare, restored vintage motorcycles as well as new models from Confederate Motorcycles, Yamaha and Harley-Davidson.
Photo by Manny Pandya/Progressive International Motorcycle Show.
Catching the DFW Auto Show’s attention is a major milestone, not only for Discover the Ride, but for the overarching industry.Through a safe, fun and quick introduction to riding, Discover the Ride is paving the way for the larger motorcycle industry by initiating educational conversations and addressing hesitations, that will in turn, encourage consumers to take the first step toward becoming a motorcyclist.
In the midst of industry-wide ridership concerns, Discover the Ride successfully took the industry’s first stride toward bridging the gap for non-riders to experience the thrill of two wheels. In fact, in its first year alone, nearly 8,000 attendees of all ages participated in Discover the Ride over the course of seven shows, with more than a quarter of adults being new to motorcycling.
Harley-Davidson has announced a stripped-down, fundamental version of its Electra Glide touring bagger dubbed the Electra Glide Standard. Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107, the new Electra Glide Standard is aimed at the rider looking for a simpler experience: no screens, no infotainment, just a motorcycle.
The Electra Glide Standard features chrome trim pieces and polished rocker, cam and derby covers, along with selected blacked-out components for a blend of timeless and traditional. It’s also equipped with many of the ride and handling technology of the rest of Harley’s Touring line, such as electronic cruise control, hand-adjustable emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers, a 49mm front fork with Showa dual bending valve suspension, and Brembo brakes with optional Reflex Linked and ABS features.
Behind the classic batwing fairing, a glovebox takes the place of an audio system, and a single scooped touring seat is standard (a pillion seat is available as an accessory).
The Electra Glide Standard is available in dealerships now, in Vivid Black, starting at $18,999.
For more information, visit harley-davidson.com. Scroll down for more photos.
Moto Guzzi has announced the release of a limited edition V7III Racer, arriving this summer exclusively to the U.S. and Canada. This factory custom will be available in June in the U.S. for $9,950 and July in Canada for $11,590.
The V7III Racer Limited Edition has its own unique livery that includes gloss white paint with red accents, including the frame, reminiscent of the first 1971 V7 Sport series that was nicknamed “telaio rosso” (“red frame”). A brown leather accent strap embossed with the words “Moto Guzzi” covers the center of the gas tank and wraps around the fuel filler cap, and it matches the diamond quilted seat.
2020 Moto Guzzi V7III Racer Limited Edition.
As tradition dictates, the V7III Racer Limited Edition sports clip-on handlebars and a classic humped seat, although it also has passenger pegs; removing the seat cover allows for passenger accommodations.
Other premium components include spoked wheels with red accents, rearset machined billet footpegs, a lightened steering stem and steering yoke guard, and fully adjustable rear Öhlins shocks.
For more information and to reserve your V7III Racer Limited Edition, see your Moto Guzzi dealer or visit motoguzzi.com.
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