Cliff Brown is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor who has seen far too many well-meaning men put safety last when choosing a motorcycle for his spouse. In this story, Cliff walks us through the critical steps and tips every husband or male partner should know before introducing his wife to the world of motorcycling.
Reader Story: So You Wanna Buy Your Wife a Bike?
Yamaha is unveiling several new models for 2011 including a new cruiser called the Stryker from its Star Motorcycle line. The chopper-esque Styker is a middleweight cruiser powered by a 1300cc fuel injected liquid cooled V-Twin engine.
New Middleweight Cruiser Part of 2011 Yamahas
Im heading off on another press tour, this one courtesy of the state of Idahos tourism bureau. Ill be testing some of the 2011 Harley-Davidson models Ive not yet gotten seat time on, as well as bringing you a story about the incredible countryside the Tetons and Yellowstone National Park that are literally in my backyard. How fun to be able to do this with 10 of my favorite female moto-journalist friends.
Editors Blog: Touring the Teton Loop
I’m always on the quest for the perfect tire gauge. I need one that sits firmly on the valve stem and gives me an accurate reading the first time. So many of the pen style designs are flimsy and cheap so I wonder if their read out is even accurate. So, I was excited… yes, I get excited over good tire gauges…when I was asked to test the newest digital tire gauge in Roadgear’s offerings
REVIEW: Roadgear Digital Tire Gauge
The green trend has finally sprouted in motorcycling, with one of the more emerald-colored entrants being California-based Zero Motorcycles, a company manufacturing electric motorcycles. Imagine power cords instead of gas pumps and you get the green idea.
MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: Zero Electric Motorcycles
Lockstraps LLC was formed in 2009, shortly after the president of the company, Jeff Cranny, had the misfortune of having motorcycles stolen from his truck. He realized the importance of being able to secure his truck bed cargo from potential thieves. It prompted him to find a dependable device to secure his valuables. Jeff’s idea was to produce a heavy duty tie down with a combination lock.
I am pretty sure I don’t have to remind you of this, but motorcycling is supposed to be fun. Of course, fun is defined differently for each rider. Some riders like to push themselves and their bikes to their limits while others just want to cruise around town. As they say, different strokes for different folks, but only you know whether or not you are having fun.
Riding Right: Are You Having Fun?
Two years ago, I bought the new Firstgear TPG Monarch jacket. I am not a fair-weather rider. I ride a BMW K 1200 GT and put between 10,000 and 15,000 miles a year on it (wish I could ride more). I’m not a big woman, but I am no skinny-minny, size 2 model either.
READER PRODUCT REVIEW: Firstgear TPG Monarch Jacket
I am still catching up from Sturgis and wishing the rally went on for another week. I need more downtime… dont we all? Although Sturgis is mostly work for me, I do try and build in some fun. I just dont feel I got enough fun this time, quite frankly. Im too busy riding to and from industry events and test riding other motorcycle and trikes to have time to get out into the Black Hills and do some joy riding.
Editors Blog: Post Sturgis Ponderings
To me and thousands of other riders, Sturgis and the Black Hills represent just that, the land of the free and the home of the brave. I have watched countless documentaries about Sturgis, and I have yet to see anyone capture the essence of what keeps this 50-year-old woman coming back summer after summer.
Backroads With Betsy: Sturgis Rally 2010