Latest News/What's New | Rider Magazine Rider Magazine features the latest motorcycle reviews, news, and videos. This is Motorcycling at its Best. Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:33:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3 Can-Am and Road Warrior Foundation Sponsor 10th Annual Road Warrior Ride for Veterans https://ridermagazine.com/2023/11/13/can-am-and-road-warrior-foundation-sponsor-10th-annual-road-warrior-ride-for-veterans/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/11/13/can-am-and-road-warrior-foundation-sponsor-10th-annual-road-warrior-ride-for-veterans/#comments Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:58:18 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75999 Can-Am and the Road Warrior Foundation (RWF), recently came together to host an unforgettable “Adventure Therapy” ride that covered nearly 2,000 miles aboard Can-Am Spyder 3-wheel vehicles. This year marked the 10th Annual Road Warrior Ride, which gives veterans the opportunity to disconnect from their day-to-day life and experience the incredible healing power of riding the […]

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Can-Am Road Warrior Ride for Veterans

Can-Am and the Road Warrior Foundation (RWF), recently came together to host an unforgettable “Adventure Therapy” ride that covered nearly 2,000 miles aboard Can-Am Spyder 3-wheel vehicles. This year marked the 10th Annual Road Warrior Ride, which gives veterans the opportunity to disconnect from their day-to-day life and experience the incredible healing power of riding the open road, all completely free of charge.

Related: 2023 Can-Am Ryker Rally Review | Road Test

The veterans were selected by RWF from a pool of hundreds of applicants, and as is the focus of every RWF adventure, they were all post-9/11 veterans with various injuries, both physical and mental. Something else they all shared: a craving for adventure and a need to inject some excitement in their lives. Riding is a perfect recipe for a group of likeminded strangers with so much in common.

Can-Am Road Warrior Ride for Veterans

“Can-Am has been the title sponsor of the Road Warrior Foundation since it was established in 2013, proudly helping to enable its mission to provide Adventure Therapy to U.S. Military veterans,” said Martin Ethier, Global Marketing Director, Can-Am. “We firmly believe that the open road is open to all, and through this sponsorship, we are able to bring that to life for a group of incredibly deserving riders.”

Prior to hitting the road, the group gathered in Lake George, NY, where they spent time getting to know each other and received a hero’s welcome from more than 300 Can-Am owners at SpyderQuest, an annual Can-Am owners event in beautiful upstate New York. Several of the riders had only recently acquired their motorcycle license, and most had very little experience riding in a group, so prior to the main event, Can-Am and RWF representatives did some closed-course and classroom training on the fleet of vehicles provided by Can-Am. Then it was time to hit the open road.

“Can-Am 3-wheel vehicles are the only vehicles that allow us to do what we do because it’s so easy to learn to ride,” said Stephen Berger, co-founder of the Road Warrior Foundation and U.S. Air Force veteran. “BRP provides us a fleet of vehicles that we keep all over the country, so for this ride and other smaller ones we have throughout the year, we’re able to get veterans of all skill levels out riding quickly by putting them through the Can-Am Rider Education Program.”

As always, once the wheels were rolling, the excitement was undeniable from all. The veterans experienced amazing views, great roads, and landmarks such as the National Baseball Hall of Fame in NY, the Flight 93 National Memorial in PA, and the National Museum of the USAF in OH. Undoubtedly, though, one of the biggest highlights was a Can-Am off-road experience at Badlands Off-Road Park in Attica, Indiana, where Can-Am dealer, Attica Motorsports, hosted the group while they enjoyed riding Can-Am Maverick, Defender, and Commander off-road vehicles through the park’s 1,400+ acres.

In addition to providing the fleet of vehicles, Can-Am also gave the riders a full suite of riding gear to cover the various climates they covered on their way from New York, through Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, and ultimately concluding at a Can-Am owners’ event called, “Spyders in the Ozarks,” with more than 300 Can-Am riders welcoming them as they rode into Nixa, MO.


About Road Warrior Foundation

The Road Warrior Foundation is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that’s run by veterans, for veterans. The organization primarily utilizes powersports as Adventure Therapy to produce a challenging environment that puts deserving veterans back in the driver’s seat. The Foundation’s powersports experiences range from quick day-trips to multi-day rides like this one, as well as off-road days and snowmobiling excursions.

About BRP

BRP Inc. is a global leader in the world of powersports products, propulsion systems and boats built on over 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Through its portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft and Quintrex boats, Manitou pontoons and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds. The Company completes its lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel portfolio to fully optimize the riding experience. Committed to growing responsibly, BRP is developing electric models for its existing product lines and exploring new low voltage and human assisted product categories. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP has annual sales of CA$10 billion from over 130 countries and a global workforce of close to 23,000 driven, resourceful people.

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/11/13/can-am-and-road-warrior-foundation-sponsor-10th-annual-road-warrior-ride-for-veterans/feed/ 1 Press Release Can-Am and the Road Warrior Foundation recently came together to host a Road Warrior Ride for veterans aboard Can-Am Spyder 3-wheel vehicles.
The Ultimate Driving Museum Hosts ‘BMW Motorcycles: A Century of Innovation’ Exhibit https://ridermagazine.com/2023/11/08/the-ultimate-driving-museum-hosts-bmw-motorcycles-a-century-of-innovation-exhibit/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/11/08/the-ultimate-driving-museum-hosts-bmw-motorcycles-a-century-of-innovation-exhibit/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:01:03 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75835 The Ultimate Driving Museum of the BMW CCA Foundation in Greer, South Carolina, celebrates the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad with an exhibit titled “BMW Motorcycles: A Century of Innovation,” which runs through January 20, 2024. Over 57 rare and historically significant two- and four-wheeled motorcycle-powered vehicles are on display, taking the visitor on a […]

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Ultimate Driving Museum BMW 100 Years Exhibit

The Ultimate Driving Museum of the BMW CCA Foundation in Greer, South Carolina, celebrates the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad with an exhibit titled “BMW Motorcycles: A Century of Innovation,” which runs through January 20, 2024. Over 57 rare and historically significant two- and four-wheeled motorcycle-powered vehicles are on display, taking the visitor on a historical tour from the very first 1923 BMW R 32 through the latest 2023 100 Years Edition motorcycles.

Related: 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years Edition Review | Road Test

The exhibit highlights the world-leading technical innovations, racing victories, world records, and the pure passion that has driven BMW’s motorcycle division to this day.

In December 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz put the first full-scale BMW motorcycle on the drawing board. At its heart was a 494 cc, 8.5 hp, air-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine. The first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was unveiled in September 1923 at the German Motor Show in Berlin. Production began that same month in an area of the BMW engine works on the edge of the Munich’s Oberwiesenfeld airfield. Just 56 motorcycles were built that first year.  Those humble beginnings of BMW motorcycle production launched an unprecedented success story that has spanned a century.

Related: Inaugural BMW Motorrad Days Americas at Barber Vintage Festival a Success

The BMW motorcycles on display at The Ultimate Driving Museum include a selection of prewar singles and boxer twins, postwar street and racing machines, including the 1938 R 51 Super Sport raced by Tim Reid in the 1939 Isle of Man TT, the world championship-winning 1958 Fath Kneeler sidecar racer, and Reg Pridmore’s 1976 AMA Superbike championship-winning R 90 S, plus a world-traveling R 80 G/S and other assorted rarities from the 100-year span of BMW Motorcycle history.

The Ultimate Driving Museum is located across the street from BMW Plant Spartanburg, the largest BMW Group production plant in the world, and just down the road from the BMW Performance Driving School and U.S. Rider Academy.

Related: Street Survival at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy


BMW Car Club of America Foundation

The Ultimate Driving Museum

190 Manatee Ct, Greer, SC 29651

Tel: 864-329-1919

Email: info@bmwccafoundation.org

Website: https://theultimatedrivingmuseum.org/

Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/11/08/the-ultimate-driving-museum-hosts-bmw-motorcycles-a-century-of-innovation-exhibit/feed/ 0 The Ultimate Driving Museum in Greer, SC is hosting an exhibit titled “BMW Motorcycles: A Century of Innovation” through January 20, 2024. a:1:{s:11:"td_subtitle";s:82:"Museum in Greer, South Carolina, celebrates the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad ";}
Hayabusa Homecoming Event to Coincide with In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/31/hayabusa-homecoming-event-to-coincide-with-in-n-out-burger-nhra-finals/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/31/hayabusa-homecoming-event-to-coincide-with-in-n-out-burger-nhra-finals/#respond Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:02:53 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75721 Suzuki Motor USA is hosting the Hayabusa Homecoming commemorating the 25th anniversary of the iconic bike. The event will take place on Nov. 11 in conjunction with the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, California, with several perks exclusive to Suzuki owners, including free entry into the races on that Saturday. For more information, read […]

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Suzuki Motor USA is hosting the Hayabusa Homecoming commemorating the 25th anniversary of the iconic bike. The event will take place on Nov. 11 in conjunction with the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, California, with several perks exclusive to Suzuki owners, including free entry into the races on that Saturday. For more information, read the press release below.


Suzuki Hayabusa Homecoming

Suzuki Motor USA invites Suzuki owners to join the Hayabusa Homecoming, a commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the legendary Suzuki Hayabusa during the In-N-Out Burger Finals at the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. Happening Nov. 11th at one of the birthplaces of professional drag racing: In-N-Out Burger Dragstrip, Pomona, California.

Related: 2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Model | First Look Review

This event is open to anyone attending the In-N-Out Burger Finals. Owners of Suzuki and Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycles will receive free grandstand entry for Saturday, VIP Suzuki Parking for the day, and an In-N-Out Burger lunch voucher.

Hayabusa Homecoming will be held at the Suzuki display located within the NHRA midway from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. Suzuki motorcycle owners attending the Hayabusa Homecoming will receive free entry to the races on Saturday, and there will be special activities throughout Saturday for all who stop by the Suzuki display. Planned events for the Hayabusa Homecoming include:

  • Free grandstand entry for Saturday at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA finals to the first 200 Suzuki motorcycle riders who register online.
  • Free VIP Suzuki motorcycle parking near the NHRA Midway (Suzuki and Hayabusa owners only.)
  • A complimentary In-N-Out Burger lunch voucher. (Suzuki and Hayabusa owners only.)
  • The first 200 Suzuki Hayabusa riders to register will also receive an exclusive Hayabusa 25th Anniversary gift pack commemorating the famed sportbike.
  • An appearance by the Moore Mafia’s Chris Moore, a renowned drag bike builder and YouTuber who will be running his custom Turbo Hayabusa on the historic NHRA Pomona track, showcasing the jaw-dropping performance of the Suzuki Hayabusa.
  • Exclusive Q&A Session and fan interaction with Chris Moore and the Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle team members, including:
    • Current NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship series leader Gaige Herrera.
    • Four-time Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA World Champion Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiecz.
    • Six-time Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA World Champion Vance & Hines team Crew Chief Andrew Hines.
  • Vance & Hines Hayabusa and Chris Moore’s custom 25th Anniversary Suzuki Hayabusa drag bike on hand at the Suzuki display.
  • Attendees can have their photo taken on a real Vance & Hines Pro Stock Hayabusa.
  • NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class autograph session with Suzuki racers.
  • See all of the latest Suzuki models on display, get Suzuki swag and more.

Hayabusa Homecoming attendees will experience not only world-class Hayabusa NHRA drag racing competing on the legendary Pomona track, they will also be on-hand to celebrate the Hayabusa’s redefinition of motorcycle performance since 1999.

2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Model

Stay tuned for more information and updates at the Suzuki Cycles website or follow Suzuki social channels @SuzukiCycles. Nov. 11 approaches as quickly as the Hayabusa does, so do not miss out on the Hayabusa Homecoming. It will be a great day for all Hayabusa and Suzuki fans!

Attendance for this exclusive celebration is extremely limited and limited to Suzuki motorcycle and Suzuki Hayabusa owners. Hayabusa Homecoming registrants will also receive access to exclusive Suzuki ticket pricing to purchase additional In-N-Out Burger Pomona Finals tickets directly from NHRA.

Join Suzuki and experience the Hayabusa Homecoming 25th Anniversary party, interact with the legendary Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki team, and witness championship-caliber drag racing with Suzuki!

See all of Rider‘s Suzuki coverage here.

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/31/hayabusa-homecoming-event-to-coincide-with-in-n-out-burger-nhra-finals/feed/ 0 Rider Magazine Staff The Hayabusa Homecoming commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Suzuki Hayabusa and will coincide with the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals.
19 Common Motorcycle Myths https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/26/19-common-motorcycle-myths/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/26/19-common-motorcycle-myths/#comments Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:10:47 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75587 As a rider for over 50 years and writer for motorcycle magazines for more than 25 years, I’ve heard motorcyclists spout some bizarre beliefs. Here are some of the most enduring motorcycle myths. Each is bogus. 1. Loud pipes save lives. Loud pipes mean more power. The first of my motorcycle myths is a twofer. […]

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Lane Splitting Lane Filterning
Photo by Kevin Wing. Motorcycle Myths illustrations by Hector Cademartori

As a rider for over 50 years and writer for motorcycle magazines for more than 25 years, I’ve heard motorcyclists spout some bizarre beliefs. Here are some of the most enduring motorcycle myths. Each is bogus.

1. Loud pipes save lives. Loud pipes mean more power.

The first of my motorcycle myths is a twofer. First off, loud pipes don’t save lives, but becoming a better rider can. Some people also assume a louder exhaust (one with little or no baffling) makes more power. While a less restrictive exhaust may add a bit more horsepower at the top of the rev range, they often perform poorly unless corresponding changes are made to the intake side. OEM exhausts are designed to provide horsepower and torque where it matters – in the midrange where you spend most of your time riding.

2. Open-face helmets are just as good as full-face helmets.

Full-face motorcycle helmets provide better protection than open-face helmets because they cover the entire head, including the chin and face. Seeing photos of riders with the bottom half of their face torn off convinced me.

A meta-analysis in Preventive Medicine Reports found that full-face helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by 64% and neck injuries by 36% compared to open-face helmets. A full-face helmet’s faceshield protects the face and provides a clear view, and the fully enclosed design reduces noise by up to 30 decibels. Overall, full-face helmets provide better protection, more comfort, and increased safety.

See all of Rider‘s Helmet reviews here.

3. Using car tires on motorcycles is fine.

Does anyone still buy this myth? Using car tires on motorcycles can be dangerous. The Motorcycle Industry Council warns: “Never mount a passenger car tire on a motorcycle rim; the flat profile of a car tire is incompatible with the dynamics of a vehicle that leans as it corners, and the section of the tire in contact with the rim (the ‘bead’) is incompatible with motorcycle rims.”

Motorcycle Myths

Tales from the Dark Side, Eric Trow’s feature in Rider on this topic, includes a quote from motorcycle safety expert and AMA hall-of-famer David Hough: “Motorcycle engineers get up awfully early in the morning to calculate what works best for bikes. An owner who disregards the engineers’ advice should think carefully about his or her talents in being more clever than the engineers. The owner who installs tires not designed for the task must take full responsibility for the results.”

Related: Tales From the Dark Side: Putting Car Tires on Motorcycles

4. The rear brake stops a bike better than the front brake.

Using the front brake to stop a motorcycle is more effective and safer than relying on the rear brake. No exercise was practiced more and drilled into us harder during police motor officer training than proper braking. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the front brake provides over 70% of a motorcycle’s stopping power. It is more effective because as you brake, a motorcycle’s weight shifts forward, giving the front tire more grip. The front brake also provides better control and stability, especially in emergency situations, whereas the rear tire can lock up and skid, leading to loss of control. Using both brakes together provides the shortest stopping distance.

5. “I had to lay it down.”

This refers to intentionally laying a motorcycle on its side to avoid an impending crash. In other words, crashing to avoid a crash. This is not only pointless, it’s dangerous. Every millisecond of braking before impact reduces speed and the severity of damage. Experienced riders and safety organizations such as the MSF emphasize that riders should maintain control of the motorcycle and try to avoid an accident altogether through proper use of the brakes. Laying the bike down is a sign of panic and lack of proper training and experience. It can result in road rash, broken bones, and even death.

6. Lane splitting is dangerous.

Research has shown lane splitting reduces traffic congestion and improves traffic flow. A study by the University of California Berkeley found that lane splitting reduces traffic delays by up to 40%. Lane splitting can be safer for motorcyclists because it reduces the likelihood of being hit from behind by distracted or inattentive drivers. The study also found no increased risk of crashes for motorcyclists who practice it safely and responsibly. Once only allowed in California, it is now legal in various forms in four states. For more on this topic, check out Eric Trow’s feature, Split Decision: Are Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering Safe?.

7. BMWs are more reliable than other motorcycles.

I own a BMW motorcycle, and I’ve owned, ridden, tested, or rented bikes from nearly every major manufacturer. As you can expect, I have opinions about brand reliability, but don’t take my word for it. A 2015 Consumer Reports survey of 11,000 motorcycle owners provided the following ranking of brands in terms of reliability: 1. Yamaha, 2. Honda, 3. Suzuki, 4. Kawasaki, 5. Harley-Davidson, 6. Triumph, 7. Ducati, and 8. BMW.

See all of Rider‘s BMW coverage here.

8. Leather motorcycle apparel offers the best protection.

Motorcycle Myths

In truth, the best protective gear is the gear you use and wear all the time. In some instances, Kevlar (a synthetic material five times stronger than steel and with excellent abrasion resistance) and Cordura (a durable nylon that’s also resistant to abrasion) are considered superior to leather. They also weigh less than leather and can keep you cooler, a significant benefit in hot weather.

See all of Rider‘s Apparel reviews here.

9. Being a passenger on a motorcycle is just like being a rider.

Early in my riding days, I gave little thought to what my passenger was experiencing. Eventually, I wised up, and an article I wrote about riding with passengers became one of my most requested reprints. A passenger’s perspective on a motorcycle is very different from the rider’s. If you have any doubts, hop on the passenger seat and ride for 50 miles with someone else at the controls. Passengers can impact the bike’s handling. Riding with a good passenger is wonderful; riding with those who are scared or unfamiliar with how a motorcycle handles can be a total disaster.  

10. Real riders never wash their bikes.

Motorcycle Myths

A good friend and fellow motorcycle journalist never washed his bike. He bragged that every bug he ever hit was still there. It was a case of pride over performance. My post-trip habit is to thoroughly wash and detail my motorcycle. In the process, I examine every cable and fastener to ensure it is snug and in its proper place. Going over the bike inch by inch, I often find little things wrong that, if unaddressed, could have caused big problems later. Riders should take the time to clean their own bike and know what to look for. This is the motorcyclist’s equivalent of a pilot flight pre-check. It can save your life.

11. Aftermarket performance accessories improve performance.

My friend Kevin Brown says one of the first things he learned at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute was to ask the following questions of a rider who complained his bike was not running right: “What did you do to it? Did you add any accessories or make any performance enhancements?” Turns out a high percentage of bikes could be fixed by simply removing the addition. The chances you’ll improve the performance of your bike by adding something is highly unlikely. Usually it runs worse.

See all of Rider‘s Parts & Accessories reviews here.

12. Turn your handlebar in the direction you want to go.

Motorcyclists control the direction of travel by using “countersteering.” This means the rider turns or pushes the handlebar in the opposite direction of the turn. In other words, steer left to turn right, and vice versa. This works because as you turn in the opposite direction, the bike and rider will lean in the direction you wish to go. Many riders are unaware of this but make the correct movement unconsciously.  

Related: Stayin’ Safe: Countersteering

13. Car drivers see motorcycles and will stop for you.

Automobile drivers don’t look for motorcycles the way they watch for other cars. They often will look directly at you yet fail to register the presence of a motorcycle. I credit a good part of my surviving so many motorcycle miles without incident to pretending my bike and I are wrapped in an invisibility cloak and no one can see me. Because of this mindset, I expect cars to pull out in front of me and am always prepared with a “Plan B.”  

14. Only wusses wear protective gear.

Those who have had accidents often credit their protective gear with saving their lives. My riding friends operate with the motto ATGATT, meaning “All The Gear, All The Time.” Full protective gear includes a good helmet and armored jacket, gloves, pants, and boots. Some riders now use airbag vests or suits. Many seriously injured bikers lament from a hospital bed: “But I was only going three blocks to the store. I didn’t want to get all suited up just for that.” 

Motorcycle Myths

15. Raingear keeps you dry in the rain.

I’m told some raingear works well. My experience, however, is that rain almost always seeps into small cracks or seams, and before I know it, I’m soaked. I’ve owned at least five pairs of “waterproof” gloves and only one pair worked. Same for boots. If you are riding in the rain, prepare to get wet.  

16. Interstate highways are dangerous.

Interstate highways, while certainly not the most fun, are generally considered the safest place to ride a motorcycle due to their consistent speeds and limited access, which minimizes cross traffic. According to the NHTSA, interstates have the lowest fatality rates per mile traveled compared to other road types. Two-lane roads pose a higher risk due to their narrow lanes and lack of barriers between opposing lanes of traffic. City streets and parking lots pose the highest risk of accidents for motorcyclists due to higher levels of congestion, frequent intersections, and obstacles.

17. Riding side by side within a lane like Ponch and Jon on CHiPs is the best way to ride.

Motorcyclists are safest when riding in a staggered formation. It provides greater visibility and more space for emergency maneuvers and stopping. It also makes it easier to signal your fellow riders should the need arise.  

Related: Stayin’ Safe: Group Riding Tips

18. Faced with a potential accident, you can avoid injury by jumping off your motorcycle.

Like “laying it down,” this may be tempting if it appears you are about to crash, but it’s a bad idea and will likely result in serious injury or death. Sticking with the motorcycle, attempting to control it, and having faith in its ability to stop, rapidly change direction, and get you out of a tight situation is nearly always the better choice. Motorcycles are far more capable than we give them credit for. 

19. Once you set the correct tire pressure on your bike, you can forget it.

Tire pressure has a significant influence on the performance and safety of a motorcycle. Keeping both tires at the correct pressure provides the best ride quality, traction, stability, and control. Incorrect tire pressure negatively impacts wear on the tires and hurts your mileage. All motorcycle tires lose air to some extent, so it is imperative to always check for correct pressure before every ride. 

Motorcycle Myths

In his book The Power of Myth, Joseph Cambell wrote that mythologies have value because they “support our quest for wisdom and happiness.” Loud pipes may make you feel cool, and backroads may be the most fun, but don’t believe loud pipes will save your life or that backroads are safer. Motorcycle myths are still myths – widely held but false beliefs.

See all of Rider‘s Tips & Tricks articles here.

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/26/19-common-motorcycle-myths/feed/ 26 1 Steve Larsen Contributor Steve Larsen offers up 19 common motorcycle myths, ranging from the familiar "loud pipes save lives" to the dangerous "I had to lay it down."
Inaugural BMW Motorrad Days Americas at Barber Vintage Festival a Success https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/24/inaugural-bmw-motorrad-days-americas-at-barber-vintage-festival-a-success/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/24/inaugural-bmw-motorrad-days-americas-at-barber-vintage-festival-a-success/#comments Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:02:36 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75536 America should designate a national park dedicated to motorcycles, and I nominate the Barber Vintage Motorsports Park. Set on 880 acres in the lush, rolling hills east of Birmingham, Alabama, it’s a motorcycle dreamland. A 16‑­turn, 2.4‑­mile racetrack designed with input from John Surtees and Dan Gurney winds through the campus. There are no grandstands, […]

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18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas
The BMW Motorrad Days Americas area dominated the Henderson Auctions Fan Zone at this year’s Barber Vintage Festival. It featured motorcycle displays, a beer garden, a stage with live music, food trucks, vendors, and more. Be-yond the Fan Zone is the racetrack, which hosted AHRMA racing and BMW parade laps.

America should designate a national park dedicated to motorcycles, and I nominate the Barber Vintage Motorsports Park. Set on 880 acres in the lush, rolling hills east of Birmingham, Alabama, it’s a motorcycle dreamland. A 16‑­turn, 2.4‑­mile racetrack designed with input from John Surtees and Dan Gurney winds through the campus. There are no grandstands, just well‑­manicured grassy hillsides where spectators can spread out chairs, blankets, and umbrellas.

The crown jewel, of course, is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest collection of motorcycles: more than 1,800 of them representing 200 manufacturers from 22 countries.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
With more than 1,000 motorcycles on display, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is overwhelming.

More than 1,000 motorcycles are on display at any given time, and they are spread out over five floors in a spacious, well‑­lit cathedral of speed and engineering. The top floor of the museum houses the Barber Advanced Design Center, an industrial design lab.

Barber has hosted rounds of AMA/MotoAmerica Superbike racing since 2003. I attended the Superbike races in 2004, where I watched the dominant Mat Mladin battle it out against Jake Zemke and Miguel Duhamel. It also hosts American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) racing.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas Fred Jakobs
During a museum tour, BMW archivist Fred Jakobs took a deep dive into historical models like this 1938 R 51.

Barber hosts two annual motorcycling events: Barber Small Bore, which celebrates the wild and wacky world of minibikes, and Barber Vintage Festival, which brings together vintage bike fans for a three‑­day festival packed with AHRMA races, demo rides, bike shows, seminars, museum tours, vendor areas, and a huge swap meet.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas
Demo rides are a popular activity at the Barber Vintage Festival, and BMW offered both on‑­road and off‑­road demos.

This past October, the 18th annual Barber Vintage Festival hosted the inaugural BMW Motorrad Days Americas – a spin‑­off of the event that takes place every summer in Germany – to celebrate the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad.

See all of Rider‘s BMW coverage here.

BMW invited members of the motorcycle media and friends of the brand to be part of the event, which gave me the opportunity for a long-overdue visit to the festival and museum. I’ve been told that you can’t do justice to the museum in less than a full day, and truer words have never been spoken. The scale, depth, and breadth of the collection is mind‑­boggling.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas
If it has a motor and two wheels – and sometimes three or four wheels – it can be found at the Barber Vintage Festival.

On Friday, our chummy group of motojournalists saddled up on a fleet of BMW R 18 Roctanes to ride from our hotel to Barber. We were joined by Peter Nettesheim and his daughter, Kate. Nettesheim’s New York home showcases the world’s largest collection of BMW motorcycles. He owns at least one of every BMW model built between 1923 and 1970, including the oldest known example of the first motorcycle BMW built, the 1923 R 32, as well as various newer models and an extensive collection of BMW paraphernalia.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas 1923 BMW R 32
The 1923 R 32 was BMW’s first production motorcycle.

Upon arriving at Barber, I hopped on one of the shuttles that carries visitors along the park’s ring road surrounding the racetrack and ferries them to the museum, the Fan Zone, the swap meet, the Proving Grounds, the paddock, and the spectating areas. Motorcycles were parked on nearly every available patch of grass, and the age range and diversity of bikes were impressive. The blue smoke and ring‑­a‑­ding sounds of 2‑­strokes filled the air, and old‑­school minibikes piloted by hipsters and overgrown boys zipped around everywhere. Harleys, Hondas, and Hodakas of various vintages and conditions sat proudly on makeshift kickstand pads, some with “For Sale” signs tucked into the handlebars. Name any motorcycle brand, and it was represented somewhere by someone.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas
The BMW ride‑­in bike show included John Langston’s 1928 R 62 that he rode in the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball and an R 75/5 chopper.

My first stop was the sprawling Proving Grounds, which was the staging area for demo rides offered by BMW, CFMOTO, Indian, KTM, Royal Enfield, Triumph, Yamaha, and electric bike maker Ryvid. BMW had an enormous fleet of bikes on hand and was offering both on‑­road and off‑­road demos. Next to BMW’s demo area, our very own Quinn Redeker gave hourly police‑­style riding demonstrations on a BMW R 1250 RT‑­P, and his humor and skills weaving through tight cone patterns kept folks thoroughly entertained.

Related: Motor School with Quinn Redeker: Hi, My Name is Quinn

Near the Proving Grounds was the Isle of Triumph, an immersive fan experience located inside the racetrack with live music, a bike show, art installations, and vendors selling food, drinks, and merch.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas Quinn Redeker
BMW Authority Sales Ambassador and Rider columnist Quinn Redeker gave a demonstration of police‑­style riding.

Next, I made my way over to the Henderson Auctions Fan Zone, which overlooks the racetrack and had a bouncy‑­house kids zone, American Motor Drome Company’s Wall of Death, the Urias Family Globe of Death, and a vendor area, where I visited our friends at Royal Enfield, SW‑­Motech, and Wunderlich America.

Taking up most of the real estate in the Fan Zone was the BMW Motorrad Days Americas area, which included displays of current and historical models, a beer garden, a stage with live music, a merchandise store, and partner displays, including Edelweiss Bike Travel, RawHyde Adventures, and the BMW Performance Center.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas Shawn Thomas BMW R 1300 GS
GS Ambassador Shawn Thomas during the world‑­first public unveiling of the 2024 R 1300 GS.

On the stage at noon, GS Brand Ambassador Shawn “Rock On” Thomas and BMW Motorrad VP Region Americas Trudy Hardy gave a few introductory remarks before pulling a cover off the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS – the bike’s first public showing since being announced on Sept. 28 (see page 7 for details). After Stefan Reiff, BMW Motorrad’s VP of Customer, Brand and Sales, gave an overview of the new GS, Thomas rolled it off the stage, and I captured a short video of him starting up the bike, which is available on the Rider YouTube channel. The R 1300 GS was on display the rest of the weekend, giving folks a chance to check out the bike up close.

Related: BMW Motorrad Unveils 2024 BMW R 1300 GS at Barber Vintage Festival | Videos

At dinner on Friday night, I had the privilege of sitting with Udo Giestl, who worked as an engineer for Butler & Smith, the former U.S. importer for BMW motorcycles. He built the R 90 S racebikes that Reg Pridmore, Gary Fisher, and Steve McLaughlin campaigned in the inaugural 1976 season of AMA Superbike racing. McLaughlin and Pridmore finished 1‑­2 in the Daytona 200 that year, and Pridmore won the championship.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas Udo Giestl Fred Jakobs Steve McLaughlin
From left, Udo Giestl, Fred Jakobs, and Steve McLaughlin with Pridmore’s R 90 S.

On Saturday, Giestl’s son, Eric, led the BMW parade laps on a restored version of Pridmore’s R 90 S racebike, and he was flanked by Peter and Kate Nettesheim on two vintage BMWs from Peter’s collection.

That same day, Revival Cycles hosted a BMW‑­only ride‑­in bike show, which included well‑­maintained bikes of new and old vintages as well as various customs, like an R 75/5 chopper with a raked‑­out springer front end. I joined several other journalists for an in‑­depth tour of the BMWs in the Barber Museum given by BMW archivist Fred Jakobs, who had traveled from Germany to attend the event.

18th annual Barber Vintage Festival BMW Motorrad Days Americas Eric Giestl Reg Pridmore
The BMW parade laps were led by Eric Giestl on Reg Pridmore’s 1976 AMA Superbike championship‑winning R 90 S, Peter Nettesheim on a 1966 R 60/2, and Kate Nettesheim on a 1958 R 50.

It was a full, fun weekend with more to do than there was time to do it. No word yet whether BMW Motorrad Days Americas will become an annual event, but no matter what, put the Barber Vintage Festival on your calendar (Oct. 11‑­13, 2024), and make sure you allow plenty of time to explore the museum.

For more information, visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum website.

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/24/inaugural-bmw-motorrad-days-americas-at-barber-vintage-festival-a-success/feed/ 1 1 Rider EIC Greg Drevenstedt reports on the 18th annual Barber Vintage Festival, which took place Oct. 6-8 and included the inaugural BMW Motorrad Days Americas event.
Ellie Cooper | Ep. 67 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/20/ellie-cooper-ep-67-rider-magazine-insider-podcast/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/20/ellie-cooper-ep-67-rider-magazine-insider-podcast/#respond Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:56:08 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75500 Our guest on Episode 67 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Ellie Cooper, who got trapped in India during the Covid lockdown and spent more than two years living there and exploring the country by motorcycle. The July 2022 issue of Rider included Cooper’s feature “Himalayan Cliffhanger” a gripping story about her riding India’s […]

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Our guest on Episode 67 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Ellie Cooper, who got trapped in India during the Covid lockdown and spent more than two years living there and exploring the country by motorcycle. The July 2022 issue of Rider included Cooper’s feature “Himalayan Cliffhanger” a gripping story about her riding India’s death road 2,000 feet above the Chenab River.

Related: Himalayan Cliffhanger | Riding India’s Death Road

The November 2023 issue included “India from Head to Toe,” about riding her Royal Enfield 4,500 miles from the high Himalayan passes to the southernmost tip of India. Check out Cooper’s book, Waiting for Mango Season, available on Amazon, to read more about her adventures in India.

LINKS: Waiting for Mango Season on Amazon@elliecooper.author on Instagram

You can check out Episode 67 on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodbean, and YouTube or via the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.

Visit the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast webpage to check out previous episodes:

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/20/ellie-cooper-ep-67-rider-magazine-insider-podcast/feed/ 0 1 Rider Magazine Staff Episode 67 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast features Ellie Cooper, the author of "Waiting for Mango Season," which details her experiences spending more than two years exploring India by motorcycle during the pandemic.
BMW Motorrad Unveils 2024 BMW R 1300 GS at Barber Vintage Festival | Videos https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/06/bmw-motorrad-unveils-2024-bmw-r-1300-gs-at-barber-vintage-festival-videos/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/06/bmw-motorrad-unveils-2024-bmw-r-1300-gs-at-barber-vintage-festival-videos/#respond Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:53:16 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75419 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Oct. 6, 2023) — Rider EIC Greg Drevenstedt is at the Barber Vintage Festival at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, and BMW Motorrad has just unveiled the new BMW R 1300 GS, a thorough overhaul of BMW’s top-selling model with a larger, more powerful 1300cc engine, a new chassis, 26 lb […]

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2024 BMW R 1300 GS unveiling Barber Vintage Festival

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Oct. 6, 2023) — Rider EIC Greg Drevenstedt is at the Barber Vintage Festival at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, and BMW Motorrad has just unveiled the new BMW R 1300 GS, a thorough overhaul of BMW’s top-selling model with a larger, more powerful 1300cc engine, a new chassis, 26 lb less weight, fresh styling, and new technology. Check out the two videos below for the unveiling and to hear the R 1300 GS fire up and rev.

Related

Find out more about the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS at the BMW Motorrad website.

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/06/bmw-motorrad-unveils-2024-bmw-r-1300-gs-at-barber-vintage-festival-videos/feed/ 0 1 Rider Magazine Staff Rider EIC Greg Drevenstedt captured two videos of BMW Motorrad unveiling the new BMW R 1300 GS – including firing up the new 1,300cc engine – at the Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama.
Suzuki Motorcycles, Cars, and Coffee | Saturday, Oct. 7 https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/03/suzuki-motorcycles-cars-and-coffee-saturday-oct-7/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/03/suzuki-motorcycles-cars-and-coffee-saturday-oct-7/#respond Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:24:14 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75302 On Saturday, Oct. 7, from 7-10 a.m., there will be Suzuki Motorcycles, Cars, and Coffee event at Suzuki Motor USA headquarters in Brea, California. The event is open to all brands of motorcycles and cars, and Suzuki will provide donuts, coffee and water. There will be have several new models out on display. The Suzuki […]

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Suzuki Motorcycles Cars and Coffee

On Saturday, Oct. 7, from 7-10 a.m., there will be Suzuki Motorcycles, Cars, and Coffee event at Suzuki Motor USA headquarters in Brea, California.

The event is open to all brands of motorcycles and cars, and Suzuki will provide donuts, coffee and water. There will be have several new models out on display.

The Suzuki Motorcycles, Cars, and Coffee event will be held at 3251 E. Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA 92821.

The map below shows where to enter the Suzuki Motor USA campus off Nasa St. From the 57 Freeway, go east on Imperial Hwy, turn left on Valencia St., then turn left on Nasa St., and pull into the parking lot. There is room for more than 300 motorcycles and cars.

Ride your Hayabusa or V-Strom, or drive your Grand Vitara or Samurai, and come have some fun!

Suzuki Motorcycles Cars and Coffee

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/03/suzuki-motorcycles-cars-and-coffee-saturday-oct-7/feed/ 0 1 A Suzuki Motorcycles, Cars, and Coffee event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 7-10 a.m. at American Suzuki headquarters in Brea, California.
IMTBike 2024 Tour Calendar Now Available https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/02/imtbike-2024-tour-calendar-now-available/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/02/imtbike-2024-tour-calendar-now-available/#respond Mon, 02 Oct 2023 18:11:03 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75263 IMTBike Motorcycle Tours has published its full 2024 calendar. Destinations include Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, the Alps, and Morocco along with MotoGP tours and global tours in Turkey, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. Check out the IMTBike 2024 tour calendar for dates, details, and pricing. Sign up now to lock in IMTBike’s current prices. Related: Iberian […]

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IMTBike 2024 tour calendar

IMTBike Motorcycle Tours has published its full 2024 calendar. Destinations include Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, the Alps, and Morocco along with MotoGP tours and global tours in Turkey, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. Check out the IMTBike 2024 tour calendar for dates, details, and pricing. Sign up now to lock in IMTBike’s current prices.

Related: Iberian Escape | IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour Review

IMTBike 2024 tour calendar

Many of IMTBike’s tours have new improved routing for 2024, and the company’s fleet of more than 200 BMW motorcycles will be updated with the latest 2024 models. Established in 1997, IMTBike has been conducting motorcycle tours for 26 years, and it has not only extensive experience but a reputation for high-quality tours. Check out the IMTBike testimonials page to find out what many satisfied clients have to say.

Related: Rider Podcast with Scott Moreno, Founder and CEO of IMTBike

For more information, visit the IMTBike website.

IMTBike 2024 tour calendar

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/10/02/imtbike-2024-tour-calendar-now-available/feed/ 0 1 Rider Magazine Staff The IMTBike 2024 tour calendar is now available, with BMW motorcycle tours in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, the Alps, and Morocco, along with MotoGP tours and global tours in Turkey, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. {"id":"932e6a67-6342-4479-829f-dcaeb6b0b363","external_id":"1f30dde2-2a94-6214-7c48-2cf9b9bb89f5"} 200
Buell Amasses $120M in Super Cruiser 1190 Preorders https://ridermagazine.com/2023/09/29/buell-amasses-120m-in-super-cruiser-1190-preorders/ https://ridermagazine.com/2023/09/29/buell-amasses-120m-in-super-cruiser-1190-preorders/#comments Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:30:55 +0000 https://ridermagazine.com/?p=75261 Buell has announced that it has surpassed $120 million in preorders for its new Super Cruiser 1190, which will go into production in 2025. This impressive amount over only six months of preorders shows an enthusiastic interest in the Super Cruiser and will help Buell continue growing its company. Related: Buell Super Cruiser Designed by […]

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Buell Super Cruiser Roland Sands Design
The Buell Super Cruiser was designed in partnership with Roland Sands and features Buell’s existing 1190cc V-Twin in an FXR-inspired chassis.

Buell has announced that it has surpassed $120 million in preorders for its new Super Cruiser 1190, which will go into production in 2025. This impressive amount over only six months of preorders shows an enthusiastic interest in the Super Cruiser and will help Buell continue growing its company.

Related: Buell Super Cruiser Designed by Roland Sands Unveiled at VIP Party

The Super Cruiser 1190 was designed in collaboration with famed builder Roland Sands and was unveiled in February 2023 at Roland Sands Design’s complex in Long Beach, California. It uses a new steel-tube frame, is powered by Buell’s liquid-cooled V-Twin that produces a claimed 175 hp, and weighs in at only 450 lb. This club-style hot-rod, which was also seen at Daytona Bike Week in March, has clearly attracted enough attention to draw in big dollars for Buell even before production starts.

2022 Buell Hammerhead 1190 review
Buell re-entered the consumer motorcycle market in 2021 with the Hammerhead 1190, the fastest production sportbike built in the USA.

“Americans love style, muscle, and performance,” says Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell. “The Super Cruiser breaks the mold for all three, and the response shows that Buell simply nailed it. This is utterly unheard of for an American V-Twin.”

Related: Buell Hammerhead 1190 to Start Production

Buell re-entered the motorcycle scene in 2021 with two new models. The company now has a five-model lineup, including the Hammerhead 1190 and Buell 1190SX sportbikes, the SuperTouring, and the 185-hp Baja Dune Racer dirtbike. The Super Cruiser will use Buell’s existing 1,190cc sportbike engine and a chassis inspired by Harley-Davidson’s FXR, which Erik Buell helped design. The Super Cruiser is estimated to retail for $20,000-$30,000.

Buell Super Cruiser Roland Sands Design
An impressive preorder amount proves that the Super Cruiser is already attracting customers – and lots of them.

This hefty preorder number has cemented Buell’s commitment to continue growing its company. Buell is looking to create jobs, collaborate with suppliers and vendors, and find development partners.

“We’ve laid a solid foundation over the last two years with an amazing team and support from West Michigan leaders,” said Melvin. “Now, the overwhelming demand for the Super Cruiser puts Buell on a trajectory for significant long-term growth. This ramp-up will be nothing short of exhilarating. Anyone interested in joining us for this exciting ride – in any capacity – should reach out now. We want to work with you.”

For more information, visit the Buell Motorcycle website.

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https://ridermagazine.com/2023/09/29/buell-amasses-120m-in-super-cruiser-1190-preorders/feed/ 9 1 Rider Magazine Staff The Buell Super Cruiser has raked in more than $120 million since preorders began back in February, proving that customers are eager to own one of these hot-rods for themselves.