The Honda Transalp is a dual-sport line of motorcycles manufactured by Honda, designed for both on-road and off-road use. The line includes the XL400V, the XL600V, the XL650V, and the XL700V, all featuring a liquid-cooled, four-stroke v-twin motor of the cubic centimeter size specified with the number in each name. Honda only exported the Transalp …
You’ve got your eye on a stylish new full-face helmet. It’s ventilated without letting in too much wind, and the color looks like a perfect pair for your bike’s finish. You try it on, but it’s just a little too snug. But wait, do motorcycle helmets loosen over time? We answer that question and more …
Do Motorcycle Helmets Loosen Up Over Time? (Explained) Read More »
A motorcycle helmet is an essential part of riding. There are myriad options available on the moto-market, though; various styles, colors, graphics, and functions from which to choose. While there are some decent, affordable options out there, taking advantage of the diversity of possibilities requires some hefty coin, unless you catch a good deal, of …
When Do Motorcycle Helmets Go On Sale? (Explained) Read More »
In 2013, Honda dropped the Honda CBR500R, a 500cc, middle-of-the-road edition to Honda’s industry-recognized sportbike line. The Honda CBR500R’s twin-cylinder engine torques the bike through corners, where its state-of-the-art nimble handling shines. Its sporty maneuvering and full-covered bodywork make it look like it rolled right off the track, but how long does a Honda CBR500R …
The Honda CBR500R is a mid-weight sportbike with a 6-speed transmission and a 471cc, straight-twin motor. With 32 foot-pounds of torque pushing 47 horsepower at 8,500 RPMs, the CBR500R’s power is consistent but manageable. It’s widely considered one of the premier beginner sportbikes available on today’s moto market, but what are the common problems with …
There’s nothing quite like ripping your loyal iron steed on a gorgeous day. With cool air rushing through your lungs with vitality, and the sun kissing your face with energy…until it burns your face. If you’ve ever had your nose and cheeks hard-roasted through your motorcycle helmet, you’ve probably asked yourself, do motorcycle helmets have …
Do Motorcycle Helmets Have UV Protection? (Explained) Read More »
Buying a helmet isn’t like buying a hat. You need to consider not just style but quality, safety ratings, materials, and fitment before making your purchase. You also need to consider how the helmet fitment may change over time. Just like the way running shoes break in and fit differently over time, so do helmets. …
Do Motorcycle Helmets “Break In” And Loosen Up? (Explained) Read More »
When Honda introduced the world to the VTX V-Twin, it was the biggest production V-Twin in moto-history. 1800 was a robust cruiser that redefined the phrase “big-twin,” and Honda knew that the logical next step was to elaborate on this new VTX—Honda gave birth to the VTX1300. Honda was so serious about the VTX that …
5 Most-Common Problems With Honda VTX1300 & VTX1800 Read More »
It’s gorgeous outside, and you want to embrace the perfect weather by taking your motorcycle to work or to your lunch date. You want to soak the sun and stick your knees in the breeze… but not your hair! Helmet hair is a side effect of ripping and roaring, and sometimes your destination is somewhere …
How To Wear A Helmet Without Messing Up Hair (Explained) Read More »
Honda dropped the NightHawk in fall 1969, and the moto-market scrambled to figure out what just hit ‘em. The NightHawk sometimes referred to as the CB750, had the first inline four-cylinder motorcycle motor to roast at high RPMs. Honda had set the industry bar; there was a new way to build motorcycles. The Honda NightHawk …
The Honda Deauville is a mid-range touring motorcycle, available as both the NT650V and the NT700V for a production period between 1998 and 2013. The Deauville is celebrated for its shaft-drive transmission, painted bodywork that included panniers in its design, and its liquid-cooled V-twin engine. That all sounds great on paper, but you’re probably still …
We all know we’re supposed to wear helmets, but how many of us really know how and why helmets work? In this article, we’ll discuss this question in depth and explain exactly how your helmet works to protect your head. How Do Helmets Protect Your Head? Helmets are actually an energy management device. They are …
Sometimes, finding the right helmet can be a struggle. Everyone’s head is shaped differently and there are so many helmets on the market, it can be daunting to narrow down which brands are worth trying on. In this article, we’ll discuss which helmet would be a good fit for you if you are a skinny …
Best Motorcycle Helmets For Skinny Guys (4 Great Options!) Read More »
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has stern conditions manufacturers of motorcycle helmets must meet. They concern a motorcycle helmet’s field of vision, retention process, resistance to penetration, and safety labeling. The thoroughly documented DOT testing procedure is one of the most uncompromising in the world, as far as impact tests go, but do motorcycle helmets …
Do Motorcycle Helmets Have To Be DOT Approved? (Explained) Read More »
You’re sitting in the saddle of your cold iron steed, ready for action. You push the starter button, but nothing happens. Then you look around, realize the bike is not in neutral, and you can’t help but ask yourself, why won’t your motorcycle start in gear? Read on to find out. Here’s the Short Answer …
12 Reasons Your Motorcycle Won’t Start In Gear (Explained) Read More »
Are you finding yourself having to ship a helmet? Or maybe you’ve ordered a helmet online and are worried about UPS and Fedex damaging it in transit? In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know when ordering or shipping a helmet. Can You Ship a Motorcycle Helmet Without Ruining It? It is …
How To Ship A Motorcycle Helmet Without Ruining It (Solved) Read More »
You just dropped some bills on a new lid. It felt ok in the store when you tried it on, but now that you’ve had it a few days, it seems tight. Small. Maybe a little too small. Is there anything you can do about it? In this article, we’ll discuss how helmets can naturally …
Can You Change The Size Of A Motorcycle Helmet? (Solved!) Read More »
The Honda NX650 Dominator was a dual-sport motorcycle produced between 1988 and 2003, and it was one of the first of its kind. Its 644cc motor pushes 44 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs and flattens its big-cylinder vibration. It employed an industry-leading, gear-driven counterbalancing system. As state-of-the-art as the Dominator was, no bike is perfect, and …
In the last few years, matte finishes have become increasingly popular. The finish spans many industries, including photography, home decor, and automotive and motorcycles. From your bathroom tile to your motorcycle helmet, matte finishes can be found everywhere. If you’re considering purchasing a matte helmet, you should know the differences between a matte and gloss …
Matte vs. Glossy Motorcycle Helmets? What You Should Know Read More »
Motorcycles have come a long way since the days of popping out your choke and kicking your starter like it’s a bad dog until your motorcycle’s ignition yelps on. Nowadays, most of us have electric push starters to ensure that our bikes spark to life hot or cold, rain or shine, at any altitude. Of …
11 Reasons Motorcycles Won’t Push Start (Electric Start) Read More »
If you’re first time helmet shopping or thinking of upgrading your helmet, you may find a lot of information about SNELL and ECE 22.05 safety ratings. If you’re finding it difficult to make sense of these letters, sit back and relax while we explain everything you need to know about SNELL and ECE helmet ratings. …
The Real Difference Between SNELL And ECE (Explained!) Read More »
A misfire happens when one of your motorcycle’s cylinders doesn’t fire. To visualize how this affects your bikes performance, think of your pistons as the legs of a bicycle rider, pushing down on the pedals—on a misfiring motorcycle engine, one of the cylinders skips around, forcing the other to compensate, and cutting your enYou may …
5 Reasons Motorcycles Misfire When Hot Or Cold (Explained) Read More »
The Honda CB1000 is a naked or standard bike first introduced overseas in 1992 and the United States in 1994. Honda was a decade ahead of the reignited interest in naked cafes, and poor sales led to the manufacturer taking it off the market by 1995. In 2008 that trend had shifted, and Honda released …
In 1992, Honda jumped on the train of large displacement “standard” or naked bikes, bikes designed to split the difference between sportbikes and cruisers. The original CB 1000 was a gem ahead of its time, and the misunderstanding market forced it out of production in 1996 until it was resurrected in 2008 as the Honda …
With half the amount of wheels rolling beneath a sleek, slender, aerodynamic chassis, a motorcycle is already at a disadvantage as far as visibility goes. You’re relying on rearview mirrors and attentive drivers, so obviously, you want to do everything you can to be seen. More than a fraction of bikes have dark tinted tins …
Make Your Motorcycle Helmet More Visible (6 Easy Ways) Read More »
The Honda CBR 600RR is a mid-weight, 599cc sportbike in production since 2003 as part of the CBR series. Honda considers the 600RR to be their premium mid-weight motorcycle. Packed with advanced technology, this brutal race replica carried SuperSport World Champion’s title from 2003 to 2010 and 2014. This much power is bound to blow …
Out with the old and in with the new. Everything has an expiration date, and that includes your helmet. In this article, we’ll explain how long you should keep your helmet and how to tell when it’s time to hang it up. Can a Motorcycle Helmet Get Too Old? Motorcycle helmets have an expiration date, …
When Is A Motorcycle Helmet Too Old? (Explained) Read More »
A motorcycle stall-out is more than just embarrassing; it can be hazardous. The joy of motorcycling is the harmony maintained between mind and machine, knowing that where you look, the bike glides… When you stall out, you’re not going anywhere. So, to prevent our readers and riders from being a sitting duck on a bike …
9 Reasons Motorcycles May Keep Stalling (Solved) Read More »
Motorcyclists are known for being young at heart, no matter their actual age. A prime example is our love of stickers. You can spot many motorcyclists with stickers in their garages, toolboxes, bikes, and even helmets. But is it safe to add decals or stickers to your helmet? Scroll down as we’ll discuss how safe, …
Can You Put Stickers On A Motorcycle Helmet? (Solved) Read More »
There’s nothing quite as rewarding as a motorcycle trip in the hot sun, made regal by the sounds of the cool wind and your bike motor purring like a tiger. And nothing ruins that sensation quicker than a motor that’s hissing and whining and throwing a fit. If that unlucky moto-ripper is you, you’re probably …
5 Reasons Motorcycles Make Whining Noise (Explained) Read More »
Like anything worth doing, motorcycle riding comes with inherent risks. At the top of that list is the danger of a collision, a hazard riders and enthusiasts alike often associate with a lack of visibility. While factors such as bike size, refined riding habits, and illumination help make riders more visible, does wearing a black …
White Or Black Motorcycle Helmet? (Read This First) Read More »
The Honda CBR 600RR is a sportbike for rip-roaring riders who want a motorcycle they can melt into. The 600 class inline-four-cylinder motor packed into the sleek aluminum chassis revs high and bounces on world-class suspension, connecting the riders to the road through its agile handling. It’s an ideal track bike, and as track bikes …
Do you have a favorite pair of shoes or jeans? You know, the ones that fit just right no matter what, because you’ve spent hours breaking them in and they feel like they were made just for you. Motorcycle helmets are the same way. It can be tricky to find the perfect one, but once …
Motorcycle Helmet Hurting Your Head? Here’s How To Fix It! Read More »
You stop for gas on your way to work. You pump the fuel, run inside for a coffee and muffin, scarf it down and jump back on the bike, but now that it’s hot, it won’t start. It started when it was cold this morning, but why won’t your motorcycle start when hot? Numerous electrical …
9 Reasons Motorcycles Won’t Start When Hot (Explained) Read More »
Motorcycle transmissions have evolved in remarkable ways over the past few decades. Still, save a few exceptions, most moto-transmissions are still manual, equipping a hand-actuated clutch. It’s hard for me to imagine riding a motorcycle without using my gear shifts to manipulate my RPMS; shifting is a huge part of how I ride. The simplicity …
10 Reasons Motorcycles Have Transmission Problems (Solved) Read More »
The Honda VT 1100 is a bike motor used most famously in the Honda Shadow 1100 from 1985 to 2007. By 1994, Honda had dubbed it the Spirit Shadow, as its spirited performance and charmingly simple aesthetic made riders squirm with excitement. With a 1,099cc, liquid-cooled v-twin, a shaft-powered drive, and hydraulically activated valves, the …
3 Most-Common Problems With Honda VT 1100 Spirit Shadow Read More »
One of the most enticing aspects of motorcycle riding is rolling through new sceneries, breathing fresh air. As a traveling motorcycle writer, I tend to meander. There’s been more than a few occasions where I’ve had to stash my bike, fly to where I need to be, and come back to my motorcycle later. Even …
Motorcycle Helmet As Hand Luggage? Read This First Read More »
It’ll make you jump out of the saddle when you fire up your motorcycle, and a backfire explodes from your tailpipe. Same backfiring is common and normal even on a healthy, finely-tuned machine. Still, chances are if your bike is frequently backfiring on startup, it’s backfiring while you’re roasting the road. You’re probably wondering why …
6 Reasons Motorcycles Backfire When Starting (Explained) Read More »
You sit on your bike, geared up and ready to roast to Malibu. Or maybe you’re suited up and ready to commute to work. Either way, you pushed the starter switch, and the bike doesn’t start. Your heart sinks; you know there are several reasons your motorcycle has no power. Well, don’t fret, we’ve broken …
12 Reasons Your Motorcycle Has No Power (Explained) Read More »
There’s a handful of motorcycle myths out there. One is that dropping your helmet ruins it. This seems to be a ridiculous assumption, since manufacturers make helmets to take a hit, but is there truth to this rumor? I’ll explain all about dropping your helmet in this article. Does Dropping a Motorcycle Helmet Ruin It? …
Does Dropping A Motorcycle Helmet Ruin It? (Solved) Read More »
You’re riding down the highway, enjoying the fresh, open air. You’re holding the throttle open and can only hear the steady rumble of your bike beneath you. Suddenly the engine noise disappears. Your hand is still on the throttle so you look down at your control panel only to realize your bike has no power. …
6 Reasons Motorcycles Can Shut Off While Riding (Explained) Read More »
For the first 5 years of my career in the motorcycle industry, I specialized in motorcycle apparel. This meant I met tons of riders, new and experienced, and helped them select the right gear for their riding needs. All these riders came to me with preconceptions about helmets. One question I would get asked (mostly …
Men’s vs. Women’s Motorcycle Helmets? Here’s The Difference Read More »
The Honda CBR1000RR is a powerful, open, classy, four-cylinder monster of a liter bike. It’s both elegant and furious on the track, fight hard on the street, and it’s comfortable enough to pack up and roast the mountains into Malibu. Noted for its agile handling and immediate power, a rider must ask themselves just how …
How Long Do Honda CBR 1000RR Fireblades Last? 8 Examples Read More »
Gear change problems can lead to several problems, including clashing and grinding whenever you shift. The problem can make for a poor riding experience, which is why you need to rectify it as soon as possible. In this article, we discuss motorcycle gear change problems and their solutions. What Causes Gear Change Problems on Motorcycles? …
Motorcycle Gear Change Problems & Solutions (Explained) Read More »
For a stable street-hop, your motorcycle chain needs to hang in the sweet spot. Too tight, and the tension will restrict your power and force, effectively hindering your motion (and safety). Too loose, though, and you risk a chain jumping off a sprocket; a slapping chain has the potential to damage moto-parts (and rider-parts). In …
7 Symptoms Your Motorcycle Chain Is Too Loose (Solved) Read More »
In 2003, Honda dropped the CBR 1000RR, a liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder street-fighter of a superbike engineered by Honda’s MotoGP team. With a Pro racing rear suspension, an extended swing arm, and a Dual Stage Fuel Injection System, the CBR 1000RR Fireblade is a road roaster. It may bay be pro racer status, but you don’t …
Engine braking is when forces within your motorcycle motor seize, effectively slowing the bike’s momentum without applying external front and rear brakes. Not only does this disengage the fuel injection, but engine braking also closes the throttle valve and restricts forced airflow. The airflow restriction causes a vacuum that works against your motor’s cylinders, converting …
Is Motorcycle Engine Braking Good or Bad? (Explained) Read More »
In the year 2000, Honda introduced the fifth generation of the Fireblade series: the CBR 929RR. Its brand new 929cc engine featured fuel injection and larger valves than the previous Fireblade incarnations. Between its redesigned motor and its titanium exhaust system with HTEV, the Honda CBR929RR Fireblade seemed built to last, but for how long? …
How Long Do Honda CBR 929RR Fireblades Last? 7 Examples Read More »
Many athletes cross-train in different sports to build up different muscles and endurance. Motorcyclists are no different. However, cross-training doesn’t necessarily mean cross equipment. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between motorcycle and mountain biking helmets and why you should keep them separate. Can Motorcycle Helmets Be Used for Mountain Biking? You can technically …
Can Motorcycle Helmets Be Used for Mountain Biking? (Solved) Read More »
The Honda CBR 929RR Fireblade was a redesign of the 900 RR, a Honda fan fav. The idea was to reclaim the title Yamaha stole with their R1. With its suspension upgrades, frame modifications, and fuel injection, the 929RR Fireblade was a whole new animal. Nothing’s perfect, but what exactly are the most common problems …
3 Most-Common Problems With Honda CBR 929RR Fireblade Read More »
