Honda XR650L, Kawasaki KLR650 or Suzuki DR650S?
Sooooo, considering a dual-purpose motorcycle, are you? They sure aren’t for everyone. See the earlier post on the good and bad for this category. If you remain undaunted by the inherent compromise between street and dirt that these bikes offer, then which would best serve your future? You probably won’t go wrong with either of [...]
Dual-Purpose Motorcycles & Double-Edged Swords
Dual-purpose motorcycles: love ‘em or hate ‘em, but they serve a place in the grand scheme of our motorcycle universe. In the March 2007 issue of Rider Magazine, Clement Salvadori writes a fine article entitled, “The Great Compromise” that compares a few of the prime contenders for dual purpose dominance. Clement’s comparison of the Honda [...]
Yamaha Roadliner & Stratoliner: Neo-Retro Jewels
Generally speaking, I’m a practical guy. Typically, I’m attracted to practical bikes. Bikes that are multi-purpose: They serve reliably as a commuter. They hold their own when used to run errands. They’re fun for weekend get-aways. And I definitely like bikes that make long-distances go by comfortably. For me, cruisers don’t reflect all those qualities. [...]
Two Stroke Engine Animation
I love simplicity. And a 2-stroke engine is that. It’s lighter and more powerful than its equivalent 4-stroke engine. Alas, it’s also not as efficient, not as reliable, and pollutes more than the 4-stroke. Hence, nowadays it’s rare in the world of road bikes. Two-stroke engines operate in two strokes, instead of four, and this [...]
Naked Italian Lady: Moto Guzzi Breva
Italy is known for many fine things, including a number of passionately loved motorcycles. Ducati may be the current diva in center stage, but did you know Moto Guzzi was the largest Italian motorcycle manufacturer from the 1930′s until the 60′s? Low maintenance shafts have been my preferred mode of final drive for quite some [...]
Flying The Honda EX400 Quad
I’m a motorcyclist. Not an ATV rider. But yesterday was the second time I’ve ridden a Honda EX400 quad. The first time was 6 years ago with a dozen guys on a bachelor-party adventure through the sand dunes of Pismo Beach, CA. That was a fun day. Although personally, I would have preferred being on [...]
Eagle Rider Motorcycle Rentals
Did you know Eagle Rider rents motorcycles that don’t say “Harley Davidson” anywhere on them? Of course they are famous for HD rentals, and I’m sure those chrome & iron Milwaukee machines account for the lion’s share of their two-wheeled rental revenues. But you ‘can’ rent machines that favor a more pragmatic long-distance rider, as [...]
2007 FJR1300AE – Electric Shifting by Yamaha
So what motorcycle problem is Yamaha’s electric shifting trying to resolve? Can’t say I know, but the electric shifting option for their sport-touring wonder, the FJR1300, is definitely unique. As a refined example of 21st century, sport-touring technology, the bike itself is a fine ride. Out of curiosity, I took the clutchless wonder out on [...]
Twisted Grip Personality Test
