2017-11-21 19:33
JP Cycles has announced it is filing for bankruptcy protection. The court filings point to over $100 million in debt. The parent company of JP Cycles, MAG Group has also declared bankruptcy… Read More
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2017-07-11 17:41
Russian President Vladimir Putin is a man of many outdoor hobbies, as the Kremlin often likes to point out, and motorbike riding is one of them. In a recent slip of the tongue about his ride… Read More
2017-01-17 15:59
Chances are, you’ve seen a motorcycle with a monstrous V8 since a good number of them are manufactured each year, by companies such as Boss Hoss. Most likely you’ve also heard of… Read More
2016-12-21 15:53
AP Works, a German Airbus subsidiary, has come out with the first 3D-printed, small, electric motorcycle. The name of the model is the Light Rider. Many people would refer to it as a “… Read More
2016-12-08 16:23
Lillian LaFrance was born as Lillian Ossage, but she changed her last name when she got into riding in motordromes. In 1916, she ran away from home in Kansas to be part of a traveling carniv… Read More
2016-12-01 16:01
Unfortunately, for a lot of riders, the riding season is over or is really close to being over. If you are in a cold weather state and haven’t winterized your motorcycle yet, it is pro… Read More
2016-11-17 15:58
The De Dion-Bouton company produced automobiles until 1932 and trikes from 1897-1905. As with many of the early motorcycle and trike companies, they started out creating steam vehicles. In 1… Read More
2016-11-16 16:00
In September, Royal Enfield started US operations based in Milwaukee. First, a little history: The British motorcycle company started in 1893 as the Enfield Cycle Company. They built motorcy… Read More
2016-11-08 15:56
A company called Aerofex might be the first company to really find success with hovercrafts. In the pictures and video there are different prototypes, so you can see how the project has prog… Read More
2016-10-27 15:11
There are two reasons that the Hildebrand & Wolfmuller German brand of antique motorcycles is notable in the history of motorcycles. First, they were the world’s first production m… Read More
2016-10-21 15:11
Part I of this two-part article on the safety improvements of using a motorcycle helmet with integrated Bluetooth was about the disadvantages of using a traditional helmet with earbuds and a… Read More
2016-10-19 15:33
You see a lot of cool and unusual things in downtown Los Angeles, but last week, we stumbled across one of the coolest things we’ve ever seen. A 1977 BMW R100/7 with an original s… Read More
2016-10-12 15:24
Are you ready for the 2016 Thunder Beach Fall Rally in Panama City Beach, Florida? It is less than two weeks away (October 19-23, 2016) and this year’s rally will have the best events… Read More
2016-10-10 15:19
Safety is one of the important areas that is drastically improved by having a helmet that comes with a Bluetooth system, or that is designed to have a Bluetooth bundle installed, as compared… Read More
2016-09-30 15:17
A common question that begins many conversations in the motorcycle-world is, “How much horsepower does your bike have?” A shockingly uncommon response would be, “About 5,00… Read More
2016-09-22 15:03
In a previous article, I detailed a number of common problems faced when installing an aftermarket Bluetooth device to a helmet that was not intended for that model device. I also described… Read More
2016-09-15 15:06
The 2016 Las Vegas Bikefest dates are quickly approaching (September 29-October 2, 2016). In addition to all of the attractions and the partying Vegas is known for, there is a lot planned fo… Read More
2016-09-12 15:10
I had the opportunity to road test a Hawk ST-1198 2-in-1 modular motorcycle helmet with a Hawk X1 Bluetooth communication bundle that I installed and it is awesome. Two of important items th… Read More
2016-09-01 15:24
Motorcycle helmets: you can say the two words and most riders, as well as a lot of non-riders, will have an opinion. Now if you add one more word, “motorcycle helmet certifications,&rd&hell…Read More
2016-08-25 15:06
You might have seen the “Black Widow” steampunk inspired motorcycle, but a question a lot of people might have is, “Who or what is a Steampunk Holmes?” The answer is… Read More
2016-08-23 15:01
The first systems to control traction came out in the automobile industry in 1932 by Ferdinand Porsche. Over the many decades since then, the popularity of the traction control system/TCS ha… Read More
2016-08-19 15:20
In 2016, there will be two Easyriders Rodeos and they are right around the corner. The first Motorcycle Rodeo will be held in Fowlerville, MI on August 19-21 at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds… Read More
2016-07-25 15:11
Although Kenneth Brown proposed the concept of a two-wheeled gyrocar in his 1911 book “Two Boys in a Gyrocar – The Story of a New York to Paris Motor Race,” he never built… Read More
2016-07-19 15:15
The movie “The Great Escape” (1963) provided one of the most iconic pictures in the motorcycle world. The finale of the movie was when the main character, played by Steve McQueen… Read More
2016-07-11 15:31
Tim “The Frogman” Cotterill is the designer and owner of this beast of a custom trike that boasts over 1,000 hp! Here is a little history on Cotterill: he was born in England and… Read More
2016-07-07 14:58
In an earlier article, I wrote on the rise of board track racing and motordromes, below are details on the challenges the owners of the tracks faced and details on the decline of board track… Read More
2016-06-30 15:07
The vintage pictures of factory race team riders in board track stadiums/wooden plank motordomes are always cool to see, and they also give a glimpse into the past of motorcycles and the spo… Read More
2016-06-20 15:17
As I was scanning through pictures, I came across this interesting motorcycle. The first thing that caught my eye was the contoured lines. When I saw the step-through frame and didn’t… Read More
2016-06-13 15:03
If you have happened upon old articles or pictures of a stretched out drag bike with the rider seated in the back, you might be viewing different generations of the Drag-Waye MK drag bikes… Read More
2016-06-06 15:04
At a recent motorcycle show, I came across a 1937 Levis 600 cc and although I had heard of the brand before, I did not know much of the history of the company. It started with Howard “… Read More
2016-05-23 15:12
As you most likely know, on May 17, 2015, there was a fight and shootout in Waco during a Confederations of Clubs (C.O.C.) meeting at Twin Peaks. Nine bikers were killed, twenty others requi… Read More
2016-05-16 15:08
Since the late 1990’s, some BMW car models sold in Europe have had the option of an emergency call service. In 2017, BMW plans to make this eCall option available on their motorcycles… Read More
2016-05-02 15:10
A couple of the many things that were common during the early era of motorcycles were talented individuals and startup companies. This is the case with the manufacturer of the 1913 Dixie Fly… Read More
2016-04-22 15:24
My last article with pictures was an overview of some of the attractions that you can see at the 2016 Thunder Beach Spring Rally in Panama City Beach, which will be held April 27-May 1, 2016… Read More
2016-04-18 15:22
There are two big motorcycle rallies held in Panama City Beach, Florida — The Thunder Beach Spring Rally (April 27-May 1, 2016), which attracts 80,000 attendees, and the Autumn Rally (… Read More
2016-04-12 15:18
There were numerous vehicles that moved the world towards the modern day motorcycles and other three-wheeled vehicles. Below are just a few examples and highlighted is the Butler Petrol Cycl… Read More
2016-04-04 15:09
This past Saturday, March 26th, was the third annual Giddy Up Vintage Chopper Show held in New Braunfels, Texas. This wasn’t my first Giddy Up Show as I went in 2015. Last year, I went… Read More
2016-03-23 15:10
When clicking through pictures on the internet, I happened upon an intriguing picture of what looked like a cross between a motorcycle and a steam-powered locomotive. I must admit, at first… Read More
2016-03-17 15:28
When you look at public motorcycle auction prices, two of the most expensive motorcycles ever sold that are also two of the top 10 most expensive pre-WWII motorcycles ever sold, were English… Read More
2016-03-10 16:11
The 2016 AZ Bike Week will be the 20th anniversary of the event. There will be a lot of fun things to do. Rally-central for ABW will be held at the 350 acre-plus Westworld of Scottsdale. One… Read More
2016-02-26 16:11
The 2016 Daytona Beach Bike Week will be the 75th anniversary of the event. Although today, Bike Week is now one of the largest motorcycle events in the world with endless attractions, it al… Read More
2016-02-25 16:05
Pictures of this art-deco, streamlined vehicle not only get a lot of likes on social media, but also a lot of questions. So, let’s start with what is under all of the amazing metal wor… Read More
2016-02-23 22:05
Check out our exclusive photos and video from the new 2016 Speed & Strength collection. Also make sure to browse the entire lineup of SSgear, right here at LeatherUp
Related posts:First… Read More
2016-02-11 16:24
Although there was some number of early riders who wanted to improve their speed and/or performance of their bikes by removing excess weight, it wasn’t until the 1930’s when it s… Read More
2016-02-03 16:00
Rudge-Whitworth motorcycles were manufactured from 1911-1946. Although they are often remembered for their mechanical advances, reliability, and success in races, they also produced some int… Read More
2016-02-01 16:07
Update: On January 30, 2016, there was a fight, which included a deadly shooting, at the Colorado Motorcycle Expo between two motorcycle clubs. As you probably expected, there were and are m… Read More
2016-01-25 16:03
Chain maintenance is very important, so that you get the maximum life out of your chain and sprockets or even, aren’t stuck on the side of the road. If the chain breaks, it can cause m… Read More
2016-01-19 16:12
You might have seen a picture of the Knucklehead with the amazing engraving called Godspeed by Master Engraver Otto Carter, but if you haven’t, here are some more pictures and more inf… Read More
2016-01-11 16:15
In an article a couple of weeks ago, I described the causes of speed wobbles and here is the follow up article on how to avoid and recover from them. Most speed wobbles can be avoided with g… Read More
2015-12-22 16:07
What was the first motorcycle made? The answer is frequently debated based on how a “motorcycle” is defined. The first definition is — “a motorcycle is a two-wheeled… Read More
2015-12-21 16:00
The motivation for this week’s article was an incident I experienced last week, which is something that all riders will experience at some point — speed wobbles. They can often e… Read More
2015-12-14 16:24
You’ve likely seen one of these three-wheeled “motorcycles,” at least in pictures, but what’s the story behind them? These are Harley-Davidson Servi-Cars that were ma… Read More
2015-12-09 16:02
In my recent “Drivers Using Cell Phones” article, there were some distracted driving statistics and a question posed, “Do hands free devices really work?” Before I gi… Read More
2015-12-02 16:22
You may not have seen a Wall of Death in person, but you have most likely at least seen pictures of one of the shows that are currently operating, like Rhett Rotten’s Wall of Death or… Read More
2015-11-18 16:06
November 24th Update no. 1 On November 17th, attorneys representing six of the bikers indicted after the Twin Peak’s shootout have filed federal civil rights lawsuits. The suits conten… Read More
2015-11-13 18:33
The basic definition for distracted driving is a driver operating a handheld device and/or doing other actions that take away their focus while handling their automobiles. Although there hav… Read More
2015-11-06 16:55
Glen Curtiss started his career as a bicycle racer and builder before he started building airplanes and motorcycles. He was truly a pioneer in aviation. Curtiss made the first officially wit… Read More
2015-10-30 16:52
Here is one of hopefully many, videos from cameras at the Twin Peaks in Waco during the biker shootout. The background, on May 17th there was a shootout at a Twin Peaks in Waco, TX between m… Read More
2015-10-23 16:37
As we get towards the end of October the amount of time in the saddle has dropped for a lot of riders, unfortunately. Also, the motorcycle rally season has come to a close for almost all par… Read More
2015-10-15 18:50
In part one of the How to Winterize a Motorcycle, we went over five of the ten steps to prepare a bike for winter storage with the gas, oil & fluids, battery, spark plugs, and cleaning a… Read More
2015-10-08 18:31
Winter is fast approaching, or has already arrived for some. For those who plan to store a motorcycle for a couple of months or longer, we have put together some steps on how to winterize a… Read More
2015-09-30 18:03
Riding a motorcycle in the rain can be challenging, but being prepared makes it easier before the rain starts. There is nothing more important for riding safely in the rain than the rider ha… Read More
2015-09-28 17:00
There’s no better feeling in the world than throwing on your helmet, strapping on your boots, putting up your kickstand and hitting the open road. However, it’s also one of the m… Read More
2015-09-21 18:44
Although Bike Week in the spring is the larger of the two motorcycle rallies held in the Daytona area, Biketoberfest is a large motorcycle rally that attracts around 125,000 riders and a gre… Read More
2015-09-14 18:50
Although chain-driven motorcycles may not be as smooth, quiet, clean, or easy to maintain as belt-driven or chain-driven motorcycles, they transfer power the most efficiently and that is a t… Read More
2015-09-08 18:12
In a previous article I describe the 1916 Traub motorcycle as one possible candidate for the title of The World’s Rarest Motorcycle. Not because it is the only one-off motorcycle, but… Read More
2015-08-28 19:53
We received a message from one of our fans on Facebook, asking if we would feature his bike on our page. Of course we said, we love to feature any of our fans bikes, but after we go the pict… Read More
2015-08-28 18:01
Not the most coveted motorcycle nor the one that is worth the most, but what is the rarest motorcycle in the world? The answer is a motorcycle where there was only one built from the ground… Read More
2015-08-21 17:56
It’s a bad day when your bike is stolen or totaled even if you walk away without any injuries, but your day gets a lot worse if you find that even with your deductible in hand, the che… Read More
2015-08-13 18:25
Even if you lubricate your motorcycle chain after every ride, clean and lubricate it regularly, and adjust it within the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, you’re only go… Read More
2015-08-10 16:27
What are the wildest party cities in the US? One of the first you probably thought of is Las Vegas with the 24/7 partying, casinos, bars, and clubs. From October 1 to 4, 2015 with over 30,00… Read More
2015-07-29 18:08
Today’s motorcycle helmets all share at least four components in common to provide safety: outer shell, inner crush foam lining, comfort lining, and a retention device/chinstrap. The h… Read More
2015-07-21 18:07
The 75th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is right around the corner, August 3-9. This year’s milestone for the Mecca of bikers should break attendance records and also have… Read More
2015-07-08 18:49
In previous articles, I discussed various aspects regarding mandatory helmet laws and the “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act” that would prohibit federal funds from being us… Read More
2015-07-08 18:46
As you might have expected, the history of the United States’ universal helmet laws, which is a more appetizing way of referring to mandatory helmet laws for both the rider and passeng… Read More
2015-06-26 18:32
You may have seen this black and white picture before of a man riding in a one-wheeled motorcycle and this is probably the most popular picture of a vehicle of its sorts, but what is it? Fir… Read More
2015-06-19 16:11
Below is an overview article of what happened in the shootout in Waco and also some of the significant updates. Update: June 30, 2015 Today, June 30, Judge Matt Johnson of Waco’s State… Read More
2015-06-11 18:25
As with much of history, there are always debates over who was “the first” to design or use something. The same goes with the history of the motorcycle helmet. Part of the debate… Read More
2015-06-02 21:54
One of the numerous cool things to do and see during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is to visit the Sturgis Museum and the Hall of Fame. The Museum is an educational walkthrough of time showin… Read More
2015-05-21 22:39
There are a lot of mixed opinions whether the Bojette Chopper is the First Chopper or Just Great Photoshop, but one thing we do know is that the British Rex-Acme choppers (later to be called… Read More
2015-05-15 18:05
We are under a constant barrage of ads on TV, in magazines, in mailers (that fill up the last little bit of space in your mail box between your bills and other junk-mail), on internet banner… Read More
2015-05-06 21:35
Once you have figured out the basics of What You Need to Know When Purchasing Motorcycle Insurance and start shopping, below you will find some things to consider and different discounts tha… Read More
2015-04-23 17:53
One thing that makes me cringe is when I hear about a new mandatory motorcycle law, and another is seeing riders not wearing eye protection. The article presented below is not a recommendati… Read More
2015-04-23 17:29
Fixating on a target can cause a rider to run into an object they are trying to avoid on a straight road. It can also cause a rider to either run off the side of the road or lay down their b… Read More
2015-04-22 18:25
A very cool looking electric bicycle will be available within the next sixty days. It is called the Vintage Voltage, and it will have the same styling of vintage motorcycles along with all o… Read More
2015-04-08 22:31
Even if you follow the steps in “How to Winterize Your Motorcycle Tips” articles, there can still be problems in getting your bike back on the road quickly and without spending a… Read More
2015-03-20 17:33
The Bojete chopper picture has generated much discussion among motorcycle enthusiasts of whether it is legitimately real and one of the first pictures of the first choppers, or just expertly… Read More
2015-03-20 17:19
The “Rally on a Ship” started in 2002 to provide the biker activities and atmosphere you get at a motorcycle rally with the attractions and experience of a cruise. Reviews from t… Read More
2015-03-13 16:40
You frequently hear from opponents of mandatory motorcycle helmet laws that it should be a rider’s choice to wear helmets or not and I agree, but it is not. Today twenty-eight states a… Read More
2015-03-06 20:15
I know this isn’t your typical post about a new Harley or Indian, but this little bike is actually pretty cool. This is the new concept all electric scooter from the guys over at … Read More
2015-03-05 17:00
The 2015 Daytona Beach Bike Week kicks off this Friday and two of the “must see” events are the Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Old School Chopper Show and the Rat’s Hole Ri… Read More
2015-02-26 17:48
Whether it is because you live in, have ridden in, or plan to ride in a state that has mandatory motorcycle-only checkpoints or just want to help end the discrimination against those of us w… Read More
2015-02-16 18:00
“Hurt Report” (“Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures” Technical Report) In 1981, Harry Hurt (the primary researcher and the name th… Read More
2015-02-10 18:53
You have probably seen a picture of, or maybe have even been lucky enough to see in person, one of the existing orange, antique “Flying Merkel” motorcycles. If you haven’t… Read More
2015-02-02 18:45
First, let me be clear, I believe that riders should be able to choose whether they wear a helmet or not. Next, I am also not advocating the use or non-use of helmets, but just presenting re… Read More
2014-12-01 18:34
2014 has been an amazing year for new bikes. We saw a lot of upgraded classics, as well as brand new models. The problem is, with so many kick ass new bikes, it’s hard narrowing it dow… Read More
2014-09-16 22:57
When Anders Johansson got the idea of building a land speed racer powered by a TV94 turboshaft engine, he did what many dreamers don’t, he went out to his shop and got to work. This wa… Read More
2014-09-15 19:59
Las Vegas, the party town, will get another crazy long weekend of hard core rockin’ good times for bikers from October 2 to 5. The Las Vegas BikeFest Rally features a lot of… Read More
2014-09-10 20:31
The 17th edition of European Bike Week® ended the European H-D® event season in spectacular style Harley-Davidson®’s traditional end-of-year party once again provided a wee… Read More
2014-09-09 18:31
Weather and quality of the salt permitting, pilot Jason DiSalvo will try this week during the Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout to break the motorcycle land speed record of 376.363 mph a… Read More
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