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 »
Riding motorcycles isn’t for the faint of heart. You need some grit to control a powerful engine while exposed to the elements. After enduring the wind, sun, and probably some bugs, a motorcycle smelling like gasoline is the last thing you’ll want to deal with. In this article, we will explore why you might smell …
Imagine yourself gearing up for a long-awaited motorcycle ride. Helmet, check. Jacket check. Gloves check. Backpack with snacks and emergency supplies, check. You throw a leg over your bike, push your thumb against your starter switch…and nothing happens! This has happened to me (and many other riders) a handful of times and it’s never any …
Motorcycle Cold Start Problems? 4 Things You Should Check For Read More »
There’s nothing quite like the feel of that handgrip in your hand while pushing against the force of your front wheel, counter-steering your way through a curve. And there’s nothing like a sticky handgrip to sour that sweet sensation. I live in Texas, where the sun shines even when it thunderstorms; it’s not uncommon for …
How To Fix Sticky Handlebar Grips On Motorcycles (Solved) Read More »
The Honda CBR 250R is an entry-level sportbike with more power than you’d expect on a 250cc motor. Its liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor is renowned for its reliability. That said, as there have been a few cases of CBR 250R owners reporting similar issues, we made it our duty to snake through the CBR forums to …
Your bike’s brakes are the most important component for riding safely and roasting the pavement with confidence. As important as it is to understand how your brake system works, it’s equally important to know what to expect if something goes wrong. Vibrating brakes is one sign that something is wrong and we’ll tell you why. …
Why Your Motorcycle Vibrates When Braking (Explained!) Read More »
Whether you’re looking for a city-slick daily driver, trial track days, or a humble highway road-runner, the CBR 250 is capable of full-time duty. Still, it’s got a cute little motor in it, a characteristic that not only classifies it as an entry-level bike but also leaves riders wondering, how long does a CBR 250R …
There’s a feeling of power that comes with riding a motorcycle with smooth-shifting gears. Downshifting into a curve, skyrocketing your RPMs, then shifting back into overdrive, and roasting into the straightaway is how a moto-master rides. All that art falls out the window with a defective clutch, though. So if shifting feels clunky, you’ve got …
How to Fix a Faulty Motorcycle Clutch (Explained for Beginners) Read More »
In 1997, Honda dropped a street-bomb, packaged as a new CBR model, packed with an 1100 cc motor. The company intended for the CBR 1100XX Blackbird to not only top its own lineup at the time, but also to dethrone the Kawasaki Ninja as the world’s fastest stock bike. Honda went for the throat of …
3 Most-Common Problems With Honda CBR 1100XX Blackbird Read More »
There’s no doubt about it; riding a motorcycle takes skill. Just shifting the bike into gear without stalling out can prove to be easier said than done when you’re starting. Still, if your bike is dying every time you throw it in first, it’s probably not a user error, not that that makes it any …
11 Reasons Motorcycle Dies When Put In Gear (Solved) Read More »
The Honda TransAlp is an adventure motorcycle manufactured by Honda beginning in 1987, with the ’89 TransAlp being the first made available to the American Market. As the name implies, the TransAlp was intended to be the steed of choice for moto-travelers riding the 700 mile stretch across the Alps. Since American riders regularly enjoy …
Every rider should know when they might need new brakes. Brakes not only bring us to safe stops, but they can also help riders gain speed and leverage through turns. There are numerous types of braking systems and components, but if you understand the basics of brake systems, you can learn which signs mean you …
How To Tell If Motorcycles Have Bad Brakes (Explained) Read More »
The Honda Shadow 750 is a popular bike amongst new riders. It is easy to handle, reliable, has a great fuel economy and is inexpensive to purchase. Though this bike is popular amongst newbies, you may encounter a few problems during your ownership. Below is a list of the most common problems owners report about …
From the year 1990 to 2013, Honda harbored the best kept secret in the industry-the ST1100 & ST1300. The Honda ST series was revered by riders but yet it never seemed to win the recognition it deserved. Riders loved these bikes for their reliability, easy maintenance, and comfort. Read on to learn more about the …
How Long Do Honda ST1100 & ST1300s Last? 3 Examples Read More »
The Honda Valkyrie has been an obsession of the moto-market since its release in 1997, and it makes sense; the Valkyrie is unlike anything produced. Its liquid-cooled, 1,520 cubic centimeters Flat-Six Engine was torn from Honda’s massive, comfort-based Gold Wing touring bike, but they’ve got the motor into a stripped-down frame to produce the 2-wheel …
The Honda Shine is one of the best-selling 125cc commuter motorcycles in India. Developed by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India and Bangladesh Honda Private Limited, Honda has enhanced the Shine with upgrades with each annual revision. While its popularity is reassuring, if you’re a rider in the market for a Honda Shine, you’d probably like …
There’s never been a bike quite like the Honda Magna. Its liquid-cooled, 748cc V-4 engine’s cylinders puff into four valves conducted by overhead cams. It revs to 9700 rpm, which is unheard of in a medium cruiser. The Magna is known not just for power but for reliability, so it’s no wonder that the bike …
3 Most-Common Problems With Honda Magna (Explained) Read More »
The Honda Magna is a legendary cruiser manufactured by Honda between 1982 and 1988, and once again from 1994 to 2003. It’s powered by Honda’s V4 engine, derived from Honda’s racing V4 machines. And even though it’s only a 750cc displacement, the bike’s engine packs the punch of a 1400 or 1500 of the same …
The Honda Rebel line is an unsung hero of the motorcycling world. Originally launched in 1985 with the Rebel 250, the spritely little cruiser was virtually unchanged over its 32-year run on the market and quickly became one of the quintessential beginner bikes due to its durability, unintimidating power, low seat height and user-friendliness. For …
The Honda Fury rolls out of the factory looking like a chopper. It looks like it belongs in a show from a distance with a teardrop-like gas tank that swoops down to its long fork. So we get that it’s fun to look at, and Honda built its moto-rep on reliability, so what’s the catch? …
The Honda Fury is one of a handful of what can only be described as factory choppers. It looks like it rolled out of a 70’s genre flick while also packing the heat of a 1312cc V-twin engine that delivers all the power and torque you need to live up to that image. Since it’s …
The Honda CB650R is a performance-packed street fighter hidden in a simplistic naked-bike package. Its inline-four engine is tuned for maximum street play. The motorcycle is recognized as a go-to choice for those who want a simple street ripper, but no bike is perfect. In this article, we’d bring you the 3 most common problems …
The Honda Rebel is the quintessential beginner’s motorcycle. Its motor has gone through a few redesigns over the years, never departing too far from its status as a small cruiser equipped with a twin-cylinder somewhere between 250cc and 500cc. Honda is praised for its reliability, but since the Rebel is a beginner motorcycle, you may …
The Honda CBR650R is a powerful mid-range street bike that offers sports aesthetics and performance. It combines practicality with Honda’s signature reliability. The CBR650R gets a more aggressive rider triangle than the outgoing F model and brings an increase in power and performance. Plus, the price looks as good as the specs; almost good enough …
The ST1100 and ST1300 have a loyal following and have been considered Honda’s best kept secret since their inception. While these bikes have many happy riders and are a frequent contender in the Iron Butt Challenge, they are not without some flaws. Being underpowered, poorly designed fairings, and limited availability of accessories are just a …
The Honda Valkyre is a one-of-a-kind motorcycle. A mashup between a muscle-bike and a full-powered medium cruise, Honda departed the Valkyre from its cruiser competition by equipping it with a 15,20 cubic-centimeter, liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed flat-six engine they designed for the Gold Wing, with updates turned up its power and torque. Still, as reliable and …
6 Most-Common Problems With Honda Valkyrie (Examples) Read More »
Honda has built a reputation for manufacturing solid and reliable vehicles at affordable prices. The Honda Shadow is one of these vehicles that has seen very few changes through its existence. Though it hasn’t changed much since its premiere, it continues to be Honda’s most popular cruiser. How Long Does the Honda Shadow 750 Last? …
How long Do Honda Shadows Last? (With 3 Examples) Read More »
The first Honda Gold Wing premiered in 1975 with a four cylinder, 1000cc engine. It had a squared front fairing, rider backrest, a roomy passenger seat, and a hard trunk and saddlebags to stow away luggage. This bike was King of the Highway and could take you nearly anywhere you dreamed of going. Here’s How …
How Long Do Honda Gold Wings Last? (with Examples) Read More »
The CBR1100XX Super Blackbird was a sport-tourer manufactured by Honda between 1996 and 2007. Honda produced the bike to confront the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 as the world’s fastest factory bike, and with a top speed of 178.5 mph, Honda hit their mark. Still, with an engine that pushes that hard on an older bike, you …
How Long Do Honda CBR 1100XX Blackbirds Last? 8 Examples Read More »
The Gold Wing is a series of touring motorcycles manufactured by Honda; it’s been one of the most recognized baggers in the moto market since its release in 1974. The Gold Wing features a shaft drive and a flat engine, and as far as special features go, Honda wrote the book on bikes with bells …
You may want to buy a Harley but don’t have enough funds to cover your purchase. In such situations, getting the bike when it’s on sale may be the only way to buy your dream motorcycle. This article discusses how to get the best deals when shopping for HD motorcycles, when not to buy, shopping …
Do Harleys Ever Go On Sale? 7 Tips For Good Deals Read More »
The invention of tires was pivotal to the widespread adoption of cars as a means of public transportation. But few people know how tires are manufactured or where they are made. In this article, we outline where your popular tire brands are made. Where are tires made? Tires are made wherever the manufacturer deems fit. …
One of the rare three-wheeled scooters on the market, the Tricity is a beginner-friendly option for city riders. It’s easy to use and offers a compact-but-comfortable seating design. Moreover, the presence of a second wheel at the front increases Tricity’s road grip and stability. If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient three-wheeler to zip …
The Yamaha Tracer is one of the best sport-touring motorcycles available. It combines the performance of a sportbike and the ergonomics of a tourer, packing both worlds’ best together in style. However, every motorcycle, regardless of how well-engineered, suffers some wear and tear. Whether you’re in the market for a Tracer or already have one, …
The Virago was among the first Japanese-made cruisers that gave Harley-Davidson a run for the money. It proved attractive to riders as it was easy to ride and offered decent performance. If you are looking for a trusty cruiser with laid-back behavior, the Virago is an attractive option. But you’re here because you’re wondering if …
