Tips & Guides

I paid $23k for a $8k Harley through a Buy Here Pay Here dealer. They didn’t mention the three hidden GPS trackers—or that one late payment meant repossession. As someone who escaped this cycle, here’s what you must know: inflated costs, predatory contracts, and...

Two names dominate the beginner rider space—the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse and the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. Both promise to teach you the essentials, but their approaches, vibes, and perks differ in ways that might surprise you. As a...

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month (MSAM), a time when riders renew their commitment to safe riding practices. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants per mile traveled. In 2022 alone, 6,218 riders lost their lives—a sobering...

Every May, riders across the U.S. unite for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month (MSAM) – a time to sharpen our skills, refresh our habits, and recommit to the practices that keep us safe. I’ve learned one truth: safety isn’t a checkbox; it’s a mindset. This year, let’s...

Imagine two motorcyclists, both involved in nearly identical accidents. One walks away with a fair settlement to cover medical bills and lost wages. The other gets nothing. The difference? Geography. State laws governing motorcycle lawsuits vary wildly, turning fault,...

Yes, motorcycles have alternators, but they're not the belt-driven type you'd find in cars. Instead, bikes use a stator (fixed copper coils) and rotor (spinning magnets) to create electricity. Paired with a voltage regulator (R/R), this system powers everything from...

If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle, you know the thrill of nailing a perfect downshift before a corner or feeling the engine’s rhythm through your fingertips as you work the clutch. While cars have largely abandoned manual gearboxes for automatics, motorcycles remain...

Laconia Motorcycle Week isn’t just an event—it’s a pilgrimage. I’ve learned that surviving (and thriving) during America’s oldest motorcycle rally requires more than luck. With over 100,000 riders descending on New Hampshire’s Lakes Region from June 14–22, 2025,...

The Polaris Slingshot looks like a mutant motorcycle-car hybrid, but here’s why your driver’s license works in most states. Back in 2014, Polaris dropped this three-wheeled beast with a steering wheel, bucket seats, and foot pedals—none of which scream “motorcycle.”...

Picture this: You’re cruising down a backroad, wind in your face, when suddenly your bike sputters. No warning, no logic—just gremlins. At least, that’s what we riders call the unseen forces that haunt our rides. For decades, bikers have fought back with a tiny...

Why Most Riders Fail (And How You Won’t) You’re hyped to finally get your motorcycle permit, only to bomb the test because you studied the wrong way. You’re not alone. But here’s the good news—passing on your first try isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy. As someone...

I flunked my first try using free practice tests, then aced it with paid tools. Here’s the nitty-gritty on what works, what doesn’t, and how to dodge the traps I fell into. Passing your motorcycle permit test isn’t just memorizing a few road signs. It’s about...

The Silent Threat Every Rider Ignores I rode for years without earplugs. Sure, I’d get off the bike after a long highway stretch with that annoying ringing in my ears, but I shrugged it off. “It’s just part of riding,” I told myself. Then I met Jim, a retired Iron...

I bought my 2012 Classic 500 seven years ago, and owning one feels like riding a piece of history. But buying used can be a gamble. I’ve dodged oil leaks, dealt with rusty bolts, and learned why service records matter. Let’s ensure your Bullet 500 story starts...

With Kawasaki discontinuing this lightweight sportbike legend, the used market is buzzing—but not every listing is a gem. As someone who’s owned two Ninja 400s (and learned a few hard lessons along the way), I’m here to help you dodge the pitfalls and find a bike...

Why This Bike Is Worth the Hunt  I almost quit riding after buying my first Dyna Low Rider S. The engine rattled, the tires crumbled, and the seller ghosted me. Don’t make my $14k mistake. The 2017 Dyna Low Rider S is the motorcycle equivalent of a vintage...

The 2025 Tenere 700 is Here… But Do You Really Need It? Yamaha’s 2025 Tenere 700 looks sweet. Fully adjustable KYB suspension? A TFT display that could double as an iPad Mini? Sign me up. But here’s the kicker: The base model starts at $10,799, and that’s before...

As a new rider, I remember staring at the DMV handbook, dreading the motorcycle license test. Between the written exam, the skills test, and the endless lines, it felt like a bureaucratic nightmare. Then I discovered a secret: motorcycle rider education courses can...

The highest cc you can ride without a motorcycle license depends almost entirely on where you live. Having zipped through New York traffic on a 50cc Vespa, tackled Arizona’s desert highways on a 125cc scooter, and navigated California’s strict registration laws, I’ve...

Cruising down a coastal highway on a 50cc moped until you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Turns out, your “harmless” ride just earned you a ticket because this state considers your moped a motorcycle. I’ve navigated the wild patchwork of U.S. moped laws...

Many motorcyclists rely on online communities and forums to learn about motorcycle insurance. Unfortunately, these sources often spread myths leading to poor decisions and unnecessary costs. This post will debunk five misconceptions about cheap motorcycle insurance,...

The most effective way to make a motorcycle sound louder and deeper is by upgrading to a performance exhaust system. This modification not only amplifies the engine's roar but also enhances the overall depth of the sound, giving your bike a more aggressive and...