Arai Corsair-X Helmet Review: Rea-5 Graphic Edition
Introduction While not necessarily a “new” helmet the Rea-5 graphic brings a fresh look to Arai’s Corsair-X helmet. The Corsair-X is the top shelf unit in Arai’s lineup and designed for racers and supersport motorcycle riders. Since the design comes from the track, this motorcycle helmet is most at home on riders that find themselves …
Kawasaki Ninja 650R: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews
Kawasaki’s Ninja 650R Has Been an Entry-Level Staple Since 2006 Bikes like the Ninja 650R, FZ6R, and SV650 are ideal for new riders that either needs something larger due to their height, or are confident in their ability to manage a bit more power than what the typical “beginner bike” ships with. With an estimated …
Suzuki SV650: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews
The Suzuki SV650 is Not Your Typical Beginner Motorcycle The SV650 defies the common convention that a beginner rider piloting a bike with 600cc’s or more is setting themselves up for failure. In most cases, the reality is that 600cc’s is simply too much for a new rider. The Suzuki SV650 respectfully disagrees with that …
Installing Protective Film on Your Motorcycle
So… you finally did it. You saved up your money and decided to purchase a new motorcycle. Now it’s time to start thinking about protecting your investment from the elements and the hazards that you will face on the open road. This article will focus on what paint protection film is, its use for protecting …
Shoei GT Air Solid Helmet Review: A Shrewd, Narrow Choice of Helmet
Have I Gone Back In Time? You’re probably wondering why I’m reviewing a helmet that was released in 2013, six years too late. Fair question. The answer: because the new GT Air II has just been released and everyone will be scrambling to buy it instead of this original GT Air helmet. A smart shopper …
5 Best Half Helmets [2019 Update]
There’s just something special about riding a motorcycle with the wind on your face. When you need that kind of experience, you’d better pop a half helmet on your head and get out there. Half helmets are great for riders who don’t like to wear a helmet but know they need to in order to …
5 Best Open-Face Helmets [2019 Update]
What do you do when you’re not a full-face, modular, or half helmet fan? You go for the good old three-quarter open face helmet. This type of motorcycle helmet provides good protection to your head while still allowing you to feel the breeze on your face as you ride. Many of the modern options come …
5 Best Dual Sport Helmets [2019 Update]
Dual sport riders are a unique bunch. The motorcycles themselves have to pull double duty. That means the riders have to know how to ride both on the street and on the dirt. The duality doesn’t end there. Dual sport riders need gear that’s suited for both environments, too. A dual sport helmet has to …
5 Best Full-Face Helmets [2019 Update]
When it comes to a motorcycle helmet that offers the very best in features and protection, you’ll do no better than a full-face helmet. These helmets get their name from their construction. The helmet is a solid shape that provides protection to your head and face. While some people prefer the feel of an open-face …
5 Best Modular Helmets [2019 Update]
Many people love full-face motorcycle helmets for the amount of safety they offer but aren’t thrilled with having their face covered all the time. Instead of going with an open-face helmet, there’s the option to choose a modular one for the best of both worlds. With a modular helmet design, the face shield and chin …
2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 Hands-On Review
First Impressions I got my first look at the new 2019 YZF-R3 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the AIMExpo in October of 2018. It was love at first sight. I immediately noticed the aggressively placed clip-ons, MotoGP-esque front faring, and more angular gas tank. The new styling so closely resembles it’s “big brothers” (the YZFR1M, …
Bell RS-2 Full-Face Helmet: A Great Mid-Range Helmet for New Riders
The RS-2 is Bell’s evolution of their wildly popular RS-1, and features numerous improvements compared to the outgoing model. It’s sleeker, better vented, and incorporates a new face shield and sun visor. It’s also claimed to be lighter, quieter, and easier to live with. On paper, the RS-2 is not so much an evolution of …
2018 Gear Guide: Best Riding Boots Under $500
Best Touring and Adventure Boots Under $500 As a new rider, you might not be very focused on footwear but it can be a very critical piece of gear if you get into a wet environment or find yourself coming to a stop on loose gravel or dirt. You will also quickly learn that different …
Four Great Starter Motorcycles You Won’t Outgrow in a Year
In life we’re often given the choice to stick with what we have or move on to a new challenge. Some people like myself, embrace change while others prefer familiarity and live by the motto “if it ain’t broke, don’t try and fix it.” There’s nothing wrong with either approach, but I think with anything …
2018 Kawasaki Z650: First Ride/Review
Summary Introduced for the 2017 model year, the 2018 Z650 offers thrilling performance, easy handling, and lightweight maneuverability. New riders won’t have to worry about outgrowing the power too soon, but they should be careful: this “small” Z has more than enough power to be daring… and dangerous. Highly recommended for fans of naked bikes …
Ural Gear Up Review: From Russia With Sidecar
What… IS that?! An old BMW with a sidecar? It looks like it came right off a World War II battlefield based on the styling, heavy steel frame, ammo cans, military paint scheme and fox hole spade strapped to the sidecar. How old is it? WOW! What a cool looking rig. A restored antique maybe? …
Suzuki DRZ 400 SM Review
Words by Jim Pruner, photos by Nathan Guinn Suzuki DRZ-400SM Review A bulletproof, fun, and approachable bike, the DRZ-400SM is the epitome of the “Jack of all trades”, where it does all things well but no things exceptionally well. Should that deter you? Absolutely not. The DRZ is an example of a timeless and well-considered …
Suzuki DR200SE Review
Suzuki DR200SE Review The Suzuki DR200SE is a smaller displacement dual-sport that would make a great beginner motorcycle. It feels at home on the surface streets, or in the dirt with a robust engine with enough torque to get you over the hills or out of dangerous traffic! Suzuki DR200SE Has the Ideal Engine and …
KTM Duke 390 Review
KTM Duke 390 Review The KTM Duke 390 is a beast of a motorcycle. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, yet it has the torque you need to make it fun on the streets and safe on the freeway. It might just be in the top 5 best beginner motorcycles out there. Duke 390 Is a …
Kawasaki Z300 Review
Kawasaki Z300 Review Being naked has its advantages. It’s very fashionable to be naked these days, especially when it comes to motorcycles. That’s where the Kawasaki z300 comes in. Based on the rock solid platform of the Ninja 300, the Z300 adds a few things and takes away a lot more to come up with …
Kawasaki Vulcan S Review
Kawasaki Vulcan S Review Words by Jim Pruner, Photos by Nathan Guinn | Updated August, 2017 Enigmatic Yet Endearing Here is a motorcycle I have found to be widely misunderstood and certainly underestimated by those who haven’t swung a leg over it to lay some tracks down a sheet of asphalt. Only owners really seem …
Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD Review
Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD Review The Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD is one beginner motorcycle that can hang with the big boys. It’s rugged styling is outfitted with a decent amount of chrome bits to accent its already classic look. Warm Blooded Fun The Vulcan 500 is powered is powered by a parallel twin, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled …
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Review For decades Kawasaki has been one of the steadfast manufacturers that build smaller motorcycles aimed at new riders. The Ninja 250 is an iconic bike that got a serious facelift in 2008. A few years later, Kawasaki released the next evolution of that bike: The Ninja 300. It’s an improvement on …
Kawasaki Ninja 250 Review
Kawasaki Ninja 250 Review The Kawasaki Ninja 250r is the ultimate starter motorcycle for a new rider. It’s nimble, light, and gets great gas milage. Although the look of it may be a bit ‘aged’ compared to some of the newer style of 600cc motorcycles, I personally think that the bike holds its own aesthetically… …
Kawasaki KLX250S Review
Kawasaki KLX250S Review The Kawasaki KLX250S is a dual sport that does everything well, and if you decide to add a couple modifications it does everything exceptionally well! If you want more of the street look, you can check out the KLX250SF or do your own mods to turn this great bike into a supermoto. …
Yamaha Virago 250 Review
Yamaha Virago 250 Review The Yamaha Virago 250 has the classic standard cruiser look without the unmanageable power and torque that a new motorcyclist doesn’t need while learning the basics of riding. Out of all of the standard style motorcycles I have to say that I really like the look of the Virago the best. …
Yamaha TW200 Review
Yamaha TW200 Review There are few bikes with as much personality as the Yamaha TW200. I normally ride street bikes, and the TW200 is actually the first dirt bike I ever had the chance to ride. It’s fun, bouncy (compared to a street bike), and a blast to ride on the street or the dirt. I got …
Yamaha SR400 Review
Yamaha SR400 Review You may not have ever heard of the Yamaha SR400, if not then that’s a shame. Yamaha has a strong history of 400cc motorcycles and this SR400 is like a trip back in time. That can be a good thing, or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. Read …
Yamaha R3 Review
Check out our hands-on 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 review. Yamaha has been eerily silent in the beginner bike scene for the last couple decades. It has been dominated by Kawasaki, Suzuki, and now even Honda has entered into the fray with their CBR 300 and CBR 500. Yamaha’s new R3 has been worth the wait. This …
Suzuki V-Strom 650 Review
Suzuki V-Strom 650 Review Probably one of the most forgettable motorcycles you have ever seen. Chances are you might not have even heard of this bike, much less considered it for purchase. If you haven’t though, you could be missing out on one of the best and more practical street bikes out there. This is …
