Canadian vehicle manufacturer BRP recently announced an all-new addition to its 2019 Can-Am On-Road vehicle lineup. The Ryker joins Can-Am’s Spyder model families as a three-wheeler designed to appeal to younger, “hipper” riders, offering a “riding experience like no other” for those who may not be ready to make the leap to a traditional motorcycle. Continue reading “All-new Ryker three-wheeler added to Can-Am On-Road vehicle lineup”
Harley-Davidson announces Silicon Valley research and development facility
In recent years, several auto manufacturers and tech companies have started to explore the future of transportation. From electric vehicles to autonomous cars, the companies that are ahead of the curve developing these technologies stand to reap the benefits of their investments as these types of vehicles become mainstream – and motorcycle manufacturers are no exception. Continue reading “Harley-Davidson announces Silicon Valley research and development facility”
Mark your calendar for these upcoming fall motorcycle events
Which motorcycle events are on your calendar this fall? From swap meets to haunted Halloween rides, bikers across Ohio have a variety of ways to get the most out of the final months of riding season. Continue reading “Mark your calendar for these upcoming fall motorcycle events”
Planning a fall motorcycle trip? Follow these tips for long-distance rides
The fall months are some of the best times to take a long-distance motorcycle trip. The perfect riding weather and beautiful scenery are all you need to take your mind off the end of summer.
If you’re planning to hit the road this fall, follow these tips to make the most of your long-distance rides. Continue reading “Planning a fall motorcycle trip? Follow these tips for long-distance rides”
3 things to keep in mind when shopping for motorcycle footwear
Motorcycle footwear plays a big role in your safety and comfort on the road, but many of us treat it as an afterthought. If your “riding shoes” tend to be whatever pair you can find on your way out the door, it’s time to invest in a quality pair of boots. Continue reading “3 things to keep in mind when shopping for motorcycle footwear”
Beef up your motorcycle security with these affordable accessories
When it comes to protecting your motorcycle from thieves, you can never be too careful. You’ve probably invested in alarms, tracking devices, and other tools to keep your bike from getting lifted, but it can be much harder to lock down the gear you bring with you on the road. Continue reading “Beef up your motorcycle security with these affordable accessories”
Hawaii passes law to allow “shoulder surfing”
Lane splitting is a practice hotly debated by bikers, motorists, and lawmakers across the country. Advocates claim lane splitting helps protect riders in bumper-to-bumper traffic, while drivers often see it as a sneaky way for motorcyclists to skip the lines.
In recent years, several bills have been introduced in efforts to legalize lane splitting. California is the only state to explicitly allow riders to split lanes. A handful of others don’t specifically regulate or prohibit the practice, leaving it up to riders and law enforcement to hash out the details.
What is “shoulder surfing?”
In Hawaii, lawmakers are taking a different approach. A new state law will allow motorcyclists to “shoulder surf,” maneuvering past heavy traffic using the freeway shoulders. According to Hawaii’s House Bill 2589, riders of two-wheeled vehicles will be allowed to travel at 10 mph or less in the shoulder when other traffic is slowed to a stop. The bill was passed into law earlier this month, and will go into effect on January 1, 2019.
The Motorcycle Obsession’s Chris Cope raises valid concerns about shoulder surfing. This section of the road exists to give motorists of all types a place to pull over when they’re experiencing technical difficulties. Directing even a small, slow portion of traffic into the area could cause some issues. The shoulder also tends to be a landing place for all kinds of trash and debris, creating potentially dangerous obstacles for riders.
While there will undoubtedly be some kinks to work out as riding practices like shoulder surfing and lane splitting become more commonplace, the efforts to make the roads safer are something we can all get behind.
Do you think Hawaii’s move to legalize shoulder surfing is a step in the right direction, or does it create unnecessary risks for motorcyclists? Share your thoughts on the practice in the comments.
Can American motorcycle manufacturers hold their ground after shifting production overseas?
From Ducati to BMW, foreign motorcycles have given the classic American manufacturers a run for their money. But for motorcyclists who place great value on the patriotic roots of their bike, U.S.-built models have always been the way to go.
Unfortunately, tense foreign relations between America and the European Union have recently forced makers like Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles to consider some tough decisions.
Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson announced earlier this month it would begin producing a portion of its motorcycles overseas to avoid reciprocal regulatory tariffs, which increased from 6 percent to 31 percent. The shift to international facilities will take place over the next nine to 18 months.
The manufacturer claims the tariffs tack on more than $2,000 to each model exported to European countries. To avoid passing the additional expense on to consumers, Harley-Davidson determined producing the bikes abroad was “the only sustainable option to make its motorcycles accessible to customers in the EU and maintain a viable business in Europe.”
According to Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson (R), “they really don’t have a choice.” Johnson has been vocal about the ways America’s heavy steel and aluminum tariffs on imports from the EU and other countries have hit H-D’s home state.
It’s important to note that the motorcycles produced abroad would only be sold in other countries. None of the bikes manufactured overseas will be brought back to the states, and all Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold in the U.S. will still be produced here.
However, for those diehard fans who feel a strong connection to H-D’s American roots, the move could compromise the brand’s image and values.
Indian Motorcycle – America’s First Motorcycle Company® – is also considering moving a portion of its production operations to Poland to help offset the tariffs.
Do you think these manufacturers are making the right move by shifting production overseas, or would they be better off keeping all production stateside? Tell us how you feel in the comments.
Bosch tests space shuttle-inspired anti-slide system for motorcycles
Every rider knows one wrong move on your motorcycle could send you skidding across the pavement. Even if your bike is equipped with antilock brakes, traction control, and all of the other bells and whistles, there’s only so much current technology can do to give you back control.
According to CNET’s Roadshow, Bosch has been testing a gas-powered anti-slide system to address this very problem. Continue reading “Bosch tests space shuttle-inspired anti-slide system for motorcycles”
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2018
Each summer, American Motorcyclist Association’s Vintage Motorcycle Days attracts riders and enthusiasts from across the country to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for a weekend filled with vintage motorcycle fun. Continue reading “AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2018”