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Motor School with Quinn Redeker: Which Way Do You Lean?

Motor School Quinn Redeker Which Way Do You Lean
In this installment of “Motor School,” Quinn Redeker discusses cornering techniques. For tight, slow-speed turns, counterbalancing enables a more controlled drop, with a much tighter turning radius to boot. Photos by Kevin Wing.

I think it’s fair to say there are a few subjects we should all steer clear of if we want to foster a harmonious relationship with other humans. Politics and religion are obvious land mines. And my wife knows that recommending a culling of the herd in the garage isn’t a party‑starter. But it appears I’ve discovered a ripe one you might also have some feelings about. And knowing how domineering and strong‑willed you are, when the dust settles, I really hope we can still be friends. Okay, here goes nothing.

There exists a feverish debate amongst motorcyclists regarding two uniquely different approaches to riding. Of course, there are more than two, but these revolve around the rider’s center of balance (center line) in relation to the motorcycle’s center of balance while navigating turns. Yep, a global hot button, this one. But please don’t ask for the Gold Codes just yet.

When a motorcycle starts to lean over and fall into a turn, its center of gravity shifts inward, causing it to head toward the ground (just go with me here; it’s science). When this happens, we have a couple options. One, we can counterbalance, a technique that shifts our center of gravity to the outside of the bike’s center of gravity, effectively countering the effects of the motorcycle’s weight transfer as it falls in. Two, we can lean our body into the curve, shifting our center of gravity to the inside of the motorcycle’s center of gravity as it falls in, effectivelytrading the motorcycle’s weight with our own as the bike leans over. This on‑road technique applies to paved corners with a good surface.

Hmmm, what to do. Flip a coin? Call a friend? Ask “what would Fonzie do?” Solid options, no doubt.

But before we rush over to Arnold’s and pull Fonzie away from the Polaski twins, I’ll kick off the group share and give you my two cents on the topic. When I do police motor competitions on my BMW R 1250 RT‑P, I employ as many tricks as my tiny brain can remember to execute tight maneuvers in confined spaces. These events are 1st‑gear scenarios, and the speeds drop as low as 5 mph, triggering the bike’s mass to fall like a 650‑lb paperweight. In other words, the bike’s weight is compounded by the fact that the gyroscopic forces and inertia are greatly reduced at slower speeds, while nature’s gravity amp is cranked up to 11. Deep science, yes, but an important thing to keep in mind because it’s a major contributing factor for why we throw our feet down, break into a cold sweat, or abandon ship altogether when speed slows down and our bike leans over. 

These days I do my best to mitigate unplanned and unsettling weight shifts, so I rely on counterbalancing when I slow to walking speeds. By offsetting the bike’s lean‑in mass with counterbalancing, my big Beemer falls over slower, falls over farther, and turns a much tighter radius. All big wins. Yes, clutch control and throttle input are players in my process, but counterbalancing does most of the heavy lifting.

Sounds like we solved the riddle then, and we should counterbalance the bike whenever it leans over? Absolutely, yes. Well, unless your motorcycle has more gears in the transmission than 1st. Let me explain why and how my strategy changes when I click through the gears. 

As an Advanced Riding Clinic instructor for Total Control, I co‑teach clinics where we take students on‑track and put them through advanced concepts and techniques to help manage speed situations on the street. A major challenge we face as riders (and help mitigate as instructors) are speed situations in corners. You know that as speed increases, your motorcycle requires a greater lean angle for whatever radius you are navigating. This can be problematic if you don’t have techniques and a plan to deal with it.

Motor School Quinn Redeker Which Way Do You Lean
We need all the cornering clearance we can find when speeds pick up. A lean-in technique helps accomplish this.

Let’s imagine Future You: It’s a magical Monday, and you’re having a “personal medical issue,” so work is a no‑go. Precisely 27 minutes later, you are fully kitted up, and that pesky walking pneumonia has miraculously vanished as you drop into a long right‑hander. At that precise moment, ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” pours into your helmet speakers, and because this is your jam, mid‑corner speeds unwittingly climb. Suddenly, and without warning, your bike begins shedding unwanted poundage by grinding hard parts along the pavement as your line widens and pushes you toward the double yellows. Not great.

Future You will do one of three things here: 1) Panic and grab the brakes mid‑corner, causing abrupt weight transfer that will stand your bike up and aim it toward the portion of the roadway you are trying to avoid; 2) Eventually drag parts so much that you lever the tires off the ground and initiate a low‑side crash; or 3) Move your body’s center line to the inside of the motorcycle’s center line (leaning in), effectively trading the bike’s mass for your mass, causing the bike to reduce its lean angle, tighten its line, and maintain its speed. Leaning in doesn’t necessitate high speeds or excessive hanging off, but rather positioning oneself toward the inside of the curve for cornering. Let’s go with option 3 on this one.

Let me land the plane here. When you find yourself in 1st‑gear situations, it’s all about counterbalancing, but as soon as the speeds pick up and you click 2nd gear and beyond, shift your body’s center line to the inside of the motorcycle’s center line. If you want a live‑action example, go to my YouTube channel (Police Motor Training with Quinn Redeker) and find the video titled: “Motorcycle Technique: Counterbalance vs Lean (Road Race Style).” It provides a clear visual demonstration and explanation as to why and where I use one style over the other.

Fantastic. You’ve said nothing this whole time, so either we are in total agreement on this or I’ve offended you somewhere along the way. In either case, maybe this will build a bridge of sorts:

“We seldom learn much from someone with whom we agree.” – Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Find Quinn at Police Motor Training.

See all Motor School with Quinn Redeker articles here.

The post Motor School with Quinn Redeker: Which Way Do You Lean? appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

A Scenic Casa Grande, Arizona Motorcycle Ride

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
Nothing says “Arizona” like tall saguaros. These thorny towers are in the Sonoran Desert National Monument.

Arizona is known for its five Cs – copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate – all of which are represented on the state’s great seal. I experienced three of them in abundance on this scenic southern Arizona loop, rolling past harvest-ready cotton fields and large dairy farms and enjoying spectacular weather. Two more Cs – cactus and cars – were also highlights of this entertaining ride. 

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride

Scan QR code above or click here to view the route on REVER

Before you get the wrong impression from the title, I did not get locked up on this trip. “Big house” is the English translation of the Spanish “Casa Grande,” the starting and ending point of this loop ride. My trip began with a walk around the city’s downtown, which includes a tidy and interesting neon sign park, a nicely curated museum, a city park, and an impressive city square. Every January, the annual Historic Downtown Street Fair/Car and Bike Show draws upwards of 40,000 visitors to Casa Grande.

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
A roadside display in Casa Grande highlights some of the state’s foundational Cs.

After the stroll, I mounted my BMW R 1200 GS for the short ride to the Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort. Tall palm trees stood sentinel as I rolled onto the resort’s beautiful property, which was established in the early 1960s as the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants. It was also a favorite haunt of John Wayne. After settling into my room and enjoying the incredible view, I had a delectable burger in the Duke’s Lounge and admired photos of Wayne, Willie Mays, Pat Boone, and other legendary visitors. 

See all of Rider‘s West U.S. Motorcycle Rides here.

After a great night’s sleep, I mounted my GS and rode west through cotton fields and dairy farms to my first stop, the Dwarf Car Museum. The unassuming cluster of buildings belies the treasures displayed within. I paid my $5 entry fee and walked inside. At first glance, I could have been in any cool classic car museum, but as I got closer, the cars seemed to shrink. 

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
The stunning and diminutive creations in the Dwarf Car Museum sit waist-high to the 6-foot-3 author. In addition to small cars, the museum also has an interesting collection of automotive memorabilia.

After scanning the whimsical, barn-like interior of the museum, I spotted a gentleman warming himself by a fire in the perfect man cave. Ernie Adams, the master builder of this eclectic and fascinating collection of diminutive classics, invited me to have a seat, and we had a nice chat about his life and his cars. Adams built his first dwarf car in the early ’60s, and they are about 11/16th scale. He bases every creation on a wheel size of 12 inches and miniaturizes everything else to that scale. Adams does not do much of the work anymore, but his son, daughter-in-law, and a friend carry on the tradition. He even has a tidy collection of vintage enduro bikes in a backroom.  

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
What gearhead doesn’t have a soft spot for vintage Japanese dirtbikes?

Back on the GS, it was time to head to another C: the cactus-rich majesty of the Sonoran Desert National Monument, one of the most biologically diverse deserts in North America. Saguaros tower over the sand, each striking their own unique pose. With the rugged South Maricopa Mountains serving as the perfect backdrop, I explored a few established dirt roads off State Route 84.

On Interstate 8, I opened the throttle and made my westward ride through more of this desert grandeur. Interstates have never been my choice of roads, but this stretch of I-8 is as beautiful as they come. Various cactus varieties dot the rolling hills in the foreground, and distant mountain ranges create texture in the background.

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
The Casa Grande Neon Sign Park in the city’s downtown area preserves vintage neon signs from historic local establishments.

The ride west was relaxed and beautiful on the way to the final landmark on my list: the Space Age Lodge in Gila Bend. I have always been a fan of the rock band Rush, especially Neil Peart, who was arguably one of the greatest drummers in rock ‘n’ roll history. After tragically losing both his daughter and wife within a span of months, Peart rode his BMW GS more than 55,000 miles through North America, Mexico, and Belize, which he chronicled in his memoir, Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road. One stop on Peart’s journey was the quirky, seemingly out-of-place Space Age Lodge, and I had to see it. 

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
The music-loving author had to make a stop in Gila Bend to check out the Space Age Lodge, which was mentioned in Ghost Rider, Rush drummer Neil Peart’s amazing moto-centric memoir.

As I rolled out of town, one last incongruity caught my eye. Twin fighter jets crouched in front of a tiny airport on the outskirts of town. The pair of RF-101 Voodoos flew reconnaissance missions in Vietnam and now have a permanent home in Gila Bend. 

It was time to head back to Casa Grande. Besides I-8, the other road that crosses the Sonoran Desert National Monument is State Route 238. This more northern road doesn’t have the towering saguaros of the interstate, but it is a relaxed desert ride with much less traffic.

Casa Grande Arizona Motorcycle Ride
The Museum of Casa Grande is housed in a beautiful Southwestern mission-style stone building. More than 40 buildings in the city are listed on historic registers.

This southern Arizona loop is best navigated from fall to early spring, as the desert temperatures are toasty in the summer. What it lacks in curves, it makes up for with a full plate of other entertaining Cs.

Casa Grande, Arizona Motorcycle Ride Resources

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Source: RiderMagazine.com

Rocker MC at Bard College: New School Meets Old School

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock
Rocker MC regulars, clockwise from far left: Luck Henderson, Jason Stafford, Jake Aloia, Amanda Bury, Monk Schane-Lydon, Tyler Farnsworth, Messiah Vision, and Helen Cohen. (Photos by Gregory Cherin and Dan Carp)

Some think the face of motorcycling is aging. Not so in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where one man is bringing the biker zeitgeist to Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Known as “The Rock,” it’s an early college that gives 10th and 11th graders the experience of post-secondary life at a tender age. Many students graduate with a bachelor’s degree at age 20, which I did in the ’80s, and it was the smartest decision I ever made.

Monk Schane-Lydon hopes students will also leave the school with a love of heavy metal thunder. Monk, a former Air Force helicopter crew chief, is an adjunct instructor and advisor to the Simon’s Rock Motorcycle Club, or “Rocker MC,” a self-funded club that restores old bikes.

“Our first bike was a Honda CX500,” Monk told me. “It came in boxes and was essentially a $100 donation of parts.”

A couple years ago, the Rockers hosted me for a reading during my national book tour for Spirit Traffic. I was so inspired and impressed by their passion that I chased them down for a series of phone interviews.

Related: Riding From Gunnison, Colorado, to Hovenweep National Monument,
by C. Jane Taylor

Rocker MC, or just “Club” as the students call it, is the brainchild of Sean Lamoureux, who brought bikes to students for a spring term workshop in 2015. Later, Bill Powers, a parent who wanted his kids to get out of their dorm rooms and work with their hands, bought the club its first motorcycle lift. Since then, Monk has been slowly accumulating tools.

Monk said only two students currently ride. “The ‘over-my-dead-body mom’ is still a reality for some. Tyler even named his bike ‘The Mother Disappointer.’ Our students are ages 15-19, so they must have permission to ride. But it’s not about riding for most of them; it’s more about building and creating.”

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Monk Schane-Lydon
Adjunct faculty member and club adviser Monk Schane-Lydon teaches students how to use tools and the ins and outs of maintaining, repairing, and rebuilding motorcycles.

Monk added that besides mechanical skills, bodywork, and painting, students also learn patience. “These things are not done overnight. They also learn self-confidence. We had a fork seal that needed to be replaced. I said, ‘Okay, Helen and Jake, take that front end off. The book is right there.’ In two hours, they had taken it entirely apart and replaced the front seal. They were so satisfied with their work. Students here learn to complete their goals.”

“When I show them bodywork,” Monk continued, “I tell them to close their eyes and feel it. Being able to dial in and trust your feelings is a talent.”

In addition to advising Club, Monk teaches graphic design. “One of my students, Luck Henderson, created graphics for a Virago to give it some attitude,” he said. “I taught them how to use Photoshop and Illustrator. Another student, Ava, took off mechanically and tackled her Mazda Miata, pulling the rear end and putting her own brakes on. She [did it] on her own in her driveway. The wild thing is her dad was not mechanically inclined at all.”

What are the big takeaways for Club students? “You’ll have to ask them.” 

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Helen Cohen
Rocker MC teaches students to solve problems. Here, Club member Helen Cohen rewires the headlight bucket on a 1978 Honda CX500. Later, she’ll test the new indicator lights for the turnsignals, neutral, high beam, and oil pressure.

Helen Cohen is an 18-year-old psychology major. She doesn’t ride motorcycles (her mom “has quite an aversion” to them) and steered clear of Club until the second semester of her junior year, when a friend invited her to join. 

HC: [Club] appealed to me. I wanted more technical experience and a better understanding of how machines work. I drive an old car – a 2006 Volvo S60. I wanted a better understanding of how to keep it going.

Listen to Rider Magazine Insider Podcast Episode 45 with C. Jane Taylor

CJT: What are you getting out of Club?

HC: Confidence and an appreciation for the machines that take us places. There is so much involved, but it’s not as complicated as I thought. When I first walked in there, the only thing I was brave enough to mess with was sanding a gas tank. I later learned how to solder and am learning more about auto mechanics. Motorcycle knowledge can apply to cars. The skills give you a way of thinking, so you’re not quite so concerned by things like blown fuses. 

I feel much more confident now. And it’s a way to learn about motorcycling and the motorcycle community.

It’s fun. Being in Club demystifies things and makes me feel like I can take an active role in repairing things. It has already saved me from having to call roadside assistance. It has nothing to do with my career, but that confidence will follow me forever.

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Jake Aloia
Under the watchful eye (and camera) of advisor Monk Schane-Lydon, Club member Jake Aloia tightens down the rocker arms on a 2004 Triumph Bonneville T100 after adjusting the valves.

Jake Aloia is also 18. He is a double major in psychology and criminology. During the summer before starting at The Rock, he took an MSF course with his dad. They got their motorcycle endorsements together, and they share a Triumph Street Twin. Jake joined Club as soon as he got to school and has been part of it ever since. “Such a niche club at a niche school. It felt so perfect. I showed up at my first meeting; it took me less than an hour to fall in love,” he said. 

CJT: How’s Club going for you?

JA: I get a lot out of it. A big part is having space to work with my hands. It’s meditative. Creating something with your hands is a nice step away from the hustle and bustle of being a student. Showing up and tinkering is therapeutic. At the same time, you gain so much knowledge. Every time you go, you have a new problem to solve. Having the limitations of a not-decked-out shop gives you better problem-solving skills. 

CJT: What are your biggest takeaways? 

JA: Two. Every problem has a solution. In life when you don’t know the solution, you want to give up. You think, ‘This is too complicated.’ But you don’t have to be an expert. Every problem can be solved in one way or another.

The second is: Less is more. You don’t need every tool to solve these problems or repair these bikes. You can do a lot with a little. Each time, we must ask ourselves: How can we do it with what we have?

I’m much more confident as a rider and troubleshooter. If something happens, I might be able to take care of it myself. It all boils down to confidence, problem-solving, and understanding how the machine works. 

CJT: How will this experience influence your life?

JA: It is monumental for me. I have always loved working in this kind of mechanical setting, and I’ve gained a big enjoyment of it in Club. Being able to maintain my own vehicles, being able to carry that confidence, knowing the machine is not in control of me, and knowing what is happening under me as I ride make me a safer and smarter rider. For as long as I ride, I will feel that. 

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Messiah Vision Helen Cohen Monk Schane-Lydon Rosie Echols
Left to right: Messiah Vision, Helen Cohen, Monk Schane-Lydon, and Rosie Echols work on Rocker MC’s 1978 Honda CX500.

Tyler Farnsworth is a 20-year-old biology major. He has been in Club for three years and initially joined because he was interested in riding and realized he did not know much about how engines work. He wants to apply that knowledge to other things, namely his car.

CJT: What are you getting out of Club?

TF: Obviously knowledge in terms of mechanical skills, but possibly more important than that is friends. I met people here I would not have met otherwise. I met my roommate, Jake, who is now my best friend.

I have always been interested in
mechanical stuff. I wanted to try the robotics team in high school, but the kids were not willing to teach you what you didn’t already know – that is the opposite of Club. Even if a student only comes once or twice, they are still going to learn something and meet some really cool people. 

Club proves that anybody can work on and learn about this type of stuff. It doesn’t matter who you are. Even if you never ride or never need to work on your own car, you’ll learn problem-solving skills that will apply to many different areas of your life. 

What makes it fun and interesting is that every time you show up, it’s never the same. I’ve done electrical work, I’ve taken apart a carburetor, replaced parts, and done bodywork.

Rocker MC Bard College Simons Rock Rosie Echols
Rosie Echols uses a grinder to modify the rear frame loop of a Yamaha Virago, which is being converted from a cruiser to a bobber. No mechanical knowledge or experience is required to join Club. All students are welcome to learn and have fun.

CJT: Do you ride?

TF: I have a license but no bike. My dad doesn’t want to deal with my mom’s anxiety about it. But once I have a job and my own place…

CJT: What’s your dream bike?

TF: There are a lot of bikes out there. Right now, my dream is to finish the [Honda] CX500. I am graduating at the end of this semester, so maybe that will happen! 

Related: C. Jane Taylor Rides 6,000 Miles on National Book Tour

CJT: How will your experience at Club influence your life?

TF: When I showed up for the first time, I was new at Simon’s Rock and did not feel good about doing things by myself. I came to Club alone and felt okay about being on my own, meeting new people, and making new friends.

At Club, I felt more affirmed that I can try something on my own, that I will be accepted and welcomed. I was talking about how anybody can and should show up – it’s important that you mention that I am transgender. Nobody ever mentions it. I want to encourage people that ride motorcycles – and everyone else – to embrace who they are and be themselves.

Are these smart young early-college students the new face of motorcycling? All signs point to a resounding “yes.” They share a love of motorcycles, individualism, and kinship with all generations of bikers. The future of our two-wheeled family looks bright indeed.

C. Jane Taylor is the author of the moto memoir Spirit Traffic, published in 2022. Her second book, Riding the Line, and her Sunday Love Letters are available on Substack. Subscribe here.

The post Rocker MC at Bard College: New School Meets Old School appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

10 Most Significant Motorcycles of the Last 50 Years

The following feature on the 10 most significant motorcycles of the last 50 years first appeared in the March issue of Rider as part of our new “Rider Rewind” feature, a monthly tribute to various aspects of either motorcycling history or the 50-year history of the magazine, which was founded in 1974.


During Rider’s 50‑year history, we’ve announced, featured, tested, and toured on thousands of motorcycles. We’ve covered a wide spectrum that includes pretty much anything with a license plate: cruisers, tourers (sport/luxury/traditional), sportbikes, standards, adventure bikes, dual‑sports, cafe racers, classics, scooters, trikes, electric bikes, and some that defy easy categorization. Here are 10 significant motorcycles that changed the course of two-wheeled history.

1. 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing

We’ve got a soft spot for the Gold Wing because it was introduced soon after Rider got started. With its driveshaft and liquid‑cooled engine, the Wing has evolved over the past 49 years from a naked high‑performance machine to a luxury tourer, from four cylinders to six, and from a displacement of 1,000cc to 1,833cc. Its first dresser version all but killed the aftermarket for fairings and saddlebags, and later versions introduced the first motorcycle airbag and were available with Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission.

Honda Gold Wing Timeline: 1972-2018

2. 1981 BMW R 80 G/S

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 1980 BMW R 80 GS

The R 80 G/S was the first motorcycle that delivered on‑road comfort and performance and genuine off‑road capability in equal measure, and its air‑cooled “boxer” flat‑Twin and driveshaft could be traced back to BMW’s first production motorcycle, the 1923
R 32. Between 1981 and 1985, the G/S (the slash was later dropped) notched four wins in the grueling Paris‑Dakar Rally. After launching the adventure bike revolution and becoming BMW’s bestselling model, the completely new R 1300 GS was unveiled on BMW Motorrad’s 100th anniversary.

2024 BMW R 1300 GS Review | First Ride

3. 1984 Harley‑Davidson FXST Softail

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 1984 Harley-Davidson FXST Softail

In 1983, Harley‑Davidson was in deep trouble. Its old Shovelhead motor had run its course, so the MoCo introduced a new 80ci Evolution motor, an air‑cooled, 45‑degree V‑Twin with aluminum heads and numerous improvements. It was offered in several ’84 models, including the new custom‑look Softail, which appeared to have a classic hardtail frame but concealed dual shock absorbers under its engine. That Evo motor helped save the company, and the Softail was a huge success, paving the way for the Harley‑Davidson juggernaut of the ’90s and beyond.

See all of Rider‘s Harley-Davidson coverage here.

4. 1986 Suzuki GSX‑R750

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750

Before the Gixxer appeared, a “sportbike” was a standard motorcycle to which the owner had added engine mods, a lower handlebar, and suspension and braking upgrades, all in an exhaustive and expensive effort to improve power and handling. With its oil‑cooled inline‑Four and aluminum frame, the lightweight GSX‑R750 was track‑ready right out of the box. The GSX‑R launched the sportbike wars among the Japanese Big Four, and 600cc, 750cc, and 1,000cc models sold like hotcakes and won numerous championships.

Suzuki GSX-R750: The First Generation 1986-1987

5. 1987 Kawasaki KLR650

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 1987 Kawasaki KLR650

When it punched its KLR600 dual‑sport out to 650cc for 1987, Kawasaki struck a near‑perfect balance between on‑road comfort and off‑road capability, and it went on to sell a boatload of KLR650s without making significant changes for decades. A true do‑it‑all, go‑anywhere machine that was both affordable and bulletproof, the KLR became a popular choice for round‑the‑world travelers and helped launch an ADV aftermarket cottage industry. It got its first major update in 2008, and fuel injection finally arrived in 2022.

Requiem for the Kawasaki KLR650 (1987-2018)

6. 1990 Honda ST1100

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 1990 Honda ST1100

By 1989, sport‑tourers were either a low‑buck Kawasaki Concours or a high‑dollar BMW, both of which had been adapted from other models. In 1990, Honda made the bold move of introducing a purpose‑built sport‑tourer with a full fairing, integrated bodywork, removable saddlebags, and shaft drive. Its liquid‑cooled, longitudinal V‑Four was designed specifically for this model, which was known for its plush suspension, comfortable seat, and huge 7.4‑gallon tank. The ST1100 was a big hit and helped establish the open‑class sport‑touring segment.

Retrospective: 1990-2002 Honda ST1100

7. 1993 Ducati M900 “Monster”

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 1993 Ducati M900 Monster

Known for exotic, sophisticated motorcycles that win races and steal hearts, one of Ducati’s most endearing and enduring models is the Monster. Embracing simplicity, designer Miguel Galluzzi said, “All you need is a saddle, tank, engine, two wheels, and handlebars.” The M900 (nicknamed “Monster”) had a steel trellis frame, an air‑cooled 904cc L‑Twin, a “bison‑back” gas tank, a tubular handlebar, and a round headlight. An instant hit, it spawned numerous Monster models and came to define what a naked bike should look like.

2023 Ducati Monster SP | First Look Review

8. 2001 Triumph Bonneville

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 2001 Triumph Bonneville

Few motorcycles are as iconic as the Triumph Bonneville. First introduced in 1959 and named after the famous Utah salt flats where Triumph set a world record, the Bonneville was advertised as “the fastest production motorcycle made” and became hugely popular in the U.K. and America. After Triumph went bankrupt in the early ’80s, the marque was resurrected by John Bloor and relaunched in the mid ’90s. But it wasn’t until 2001 that a modern Bonneville was born, offering a perfect blend of retro style and modern engineering.

2022 Triumph Bonneville Gold Line Editions | First Look Review

9. 2001 Yamaha FZ1

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 2006 Yamaha FZ1

The FZ1 offered liter‑class sportbike performance in a comfortable, street‑friendly package that could be used for commuting, canyon carving, sport‑touring, or trackdays. Derived from the mighty YZF‑R1, its 998cc inline‑Four was retuned for midrange torque but still made 120 hp at the rear wheel. The FZ1 paved the way for powerful, practical sit‑up sportbikes such as the Aprilia Tuono, BMW S 1000 RR, and KTM Super Duke. The 2006 FZ1 (pictured) was our Motorcycle of the Year, and its spirit lives on in Yamaha’s MT‑10.

2006 Yamaha FZ1 Road Test Review

10. 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure

10 Most Significant Motorcycles 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure

Derived from its Dakar Rally‑winning LC8 950R, KTM’s 950/990 Adventure models were the most dirt‑oriented big ADVs on the market from 2003‑2013. In 2014, KTM launched the 1190 Adventure, which offered sportbike levels of street performance while still being highly capable in the dirt. Its LC8 V‑Twin cranked out 150 hp, and its state‑of‑the‑art electronics included not only ride modes, traction control, and electronic suspension but also the world’s first cornering ABS system, ushering in the current era of high‑tech ADVs.

2014 KTM 1190 Adventure | Road Test Review

So do you agree? Or do you have other opinions on the most significant motorcycles of the past 50 years? Comment below or visit our Facebook or Instagram pages. We’re sure there will be some lively debate on this one.

And now that you’ve taken this blast down memory lane of our choices of the 10 most significant motorcycles, be sure to check out Rider‘s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide for some newer bike choices.

The post 10 Most Significant Motorcycles of the Last 50 Years appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Remembering ‘Dr. John’: John Wittner, Dentist Turned Moto Guzzi Engineer

Dr. John Wittner Moto Guzzi

Rider offers condolences to the family and friends of Dr. John Wittner, DMD, who passed away Feb. 15 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, at the age of 78.

John Wittner was originally known as “Dr. John” to the patients in his dentistry business; however, previous to graduating with his dentistry degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, he studied mechanical engineering at Lehigh University. He used these skills in his spare time from his dentistry practice to tinker with tuning Harley-Davidson engines for the purpose of road racing. In 1983, he purchased a Moto Guzzi Le Mans, which longtime motojournalist Alan Cathcart said in his book Dr. John’s Moto Guzzi was primarily because Wittner “thought it looked neat, and also had a pushrod motor like the Harley’s he was familiar with working on.”

Wittner had another motivation. “I bought the bike with the sole intent of forming a team of friends to go Endurance road racing with it,” he told Cathcart. “I had worked on and ridden a number of Guzzis, and knew they were extraordinarily reliable, the perfect weapon for Endurance competition.”

Thus was born Dr. John’s Guzzi racing team, which went on to win the 1984 U.S. Endurance Championship’s Middleweight class with a perfect 100% finishing record. In 1987, Dr. John’s Guzzi rider Doug Brauneck won the AMA Battle of the Twins championship on a Le Mans III developed by Wittner with the financial support of Alejandro de Tomaso. For the next decade, Wittner worked as an engineer for Moto Guzzi at the company’s factory in Mandello del Lario.

Dr. John Wittner Moto Guzzi Doug Brauneck
Doug Brauneck on Dr. John’s Moto Guzzi 8V

“Dr. John and I became friends during the mid-1980s,” Cathcart said, “when the bikes he created were raced successfully to three AMA National titles by the team he established to bring Moto Guzzi to the fore again in the USA. The saga of the former dentist and his various Dr. John’s Guzzi racers reawakened awareness of the historic Italian brand at a time 40 years ago in the late 1980s when its profile was at its all-time lowest ebb, even among dedicated enthusiasts of the marque.”

Cathcart was able to track test each of the bikes created by Wittner and decided approximately a year ago to write Dr. John’s Moto Guzzi to document Wittner’s achievements, “both as a dedicated engineer and an incredibly warm human being.”

Dr. John Wittner Moto Guzzi

The book is available at www.motoitaliane.it.

John Wittner’s full obituary from Donohue Funeral Home is included below.

See all of Rider‘s Moto Guzzi coverage here


Dr. John Wittner Moto Guzzi

John A. Wittner

Oct. 27, 1945 – Feb. 15, 2024

A legendary innovator for Moto Guzzi and driving force in the motorcycle community, Dr. John A. Wittner, DMD, age 78, of West Chester, PA, passed away on February 15, 2024. He was the son of Howard Wittner and Victoria (Shenker) Wittner, and brother to Ken Wittner, who pre-deceased him. “Dr. John,” as known to friends, colleagues, patients, and members of the motorcycle community, was intensely dedicated to his craft, whether it was complex dentistry without pain — or mechanical innovation and next-level mastery in motorcycle engineering.

Studying mechanical engineering at Lehigh University (always with a love of fixing things), he applied his inherent talent and skills to help improve human performance, and graduated from University of Pennsylvania Dental School, as DMD, and was partner to Dr. Bill Deal, in Deal-Wittner Dental Health Group for many years. But for decades, he kept on building engines for motorcycle racing, channeling the magic into Moto Guzzis that won and won and won.

One day, he reached a turning point while working on a friend and patient in the dental chair – who encouraged him to take motorcycle racing from the local to the big time. And that’s how the legendary Dr. John’s Team Moto Guzzi was launched and went from an experienced, dominant group of regional racers to winning and dominating the 1984 AMA National Endurance Racing Championship at the Daytona Firecracker 400. And went on to design and engineer unique marques for Moto Guzzi in Italy, leaving an historic legacy for motorcycle racing.

Dr. John was a Vietnam veteran, loyal friend, and independent individual who always rose to a challenge and who’d rather be burning rubber than anything else.

Services and Interment are Private. 

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Motor School with Quinn Redeker: Clutch Situation

Motor School with Quinn Redeker Clutch Situation
In this installment of “Motor School,” Quinn offers exercises for better clutch control and slow-speed maneuvering. (Photos by Kevin Wing)

People ask me if I miss being a motor cop. Let’s unpack that. Do I miss washing off petrol and sunscreen at the end of every shift? Do I miss roadside debates about how “everybody was speeding”? Do I miss the tragedy of consoling parents at a fatal accident in the middle of the night? A hard “no” to all of those.

But what I do find myself missing these days is the incessant verbal abuse our motor unit dished out to each other at every opportunity. It didn’t matter how serious or important the moment; if you screwed up, however slight, you were doomed to receive ongoing mistreatment until the next guy came up short.

And there was no better place to experience the hazing than on the grinder where we trained slow‑­speed skills every month on our motors. What should have been a place of learning, exploring, and honing of one’s skills was instead a schoolyard of insults, jabs, and finger‑­pointing. Simply put, if your bike hit the ground, standby to standby, buddy, your ticket got punched.

Luckily, my bike rarely hit the deck on training days, because I was skilled with my clutch. Don’t get me wrong, my colleagues found ample opportunities to pound me into submission, but sloppy clutch work never made it on the menu.

Now I can’t speak for your sewing circle, but I’d venture to guess you all give each other a pretty rough time on the regular. And just imagine how cool it would be if you had the tools to pull a proverbial rabbit out of your hat every time the speeds slowed down, like for U‑­turns, heavy traffic, and parking lots. Well, I have a few simple training tools that will have you laughing, jabbing, and finger‑­pointing far more than you typically get to do when riding with your crew.

Motor School with Quinn Redeker Clutch Situation
Fear of slow-speed bike incompetence can be a thing of the past. Practice these simple drills at your leisure to gain confidence and impress family and friends!

Before we jump into the actual exercises, we need to rewire our brains a bit and start seeing the clutch (not the throttle) as the control that makes the bike go. In other words, when we’re in slow‑­speed environments, we want to have a “set it and forget it” mindset with the throttle and think of the clutch as the primary “gatekeeper” that supplies power to the rear wheel. There are two reasons for this: First, this consolidates two physical tasks of manipulating the controls into one: modulating the clutch. Second, we will have far better mental focus on that singular task, which will improve our sensitivity, dexterity, and control.

Motor School Clutch Control Exercise 1: Driveway Drill

With your engine running at around 1,500‑­2,000 rpm, your bike in 1st gear, and both feet on the ground, position your front wheel at the base of a gently sloped incline on a driveway entrance (or similar). You want a short incline that allows the bike to roll back down on its own when you pull in the clutch at the top. (see photo at the top of the article) Next, smoothly, slowly, and calmly begin to meter the clutch out, adding just enough power to the rear wheel to allow you to slowly “walk” the bike up the incline. Remember, leave the throttle alone here and only work the clutch. Once you are at the top, gently pull the clutch in (don’t fully disengage it) just enough to pull power from the driveline so the bike starts to roll back down to our starting point. Rinse and repeat until you can hold a casual conversation with your neighbor as you roll up and back down the incline without thinking about it. And no wise cracks just yet, Nancy, you’re only just getting started.

Motor School Clutch Control Exercise 2: 2×4 Drill

Motor School with Quinn Redeker Clutch Situation
The common 2×4 is not just for beating yourself over the head while you struggle with slow-speed clutch work.

Place a length of 2×4 lumber down on the ground perpendicular to and touching your front tire. Now apply all the same instructions you learned above, and smoothly and slowly “walk” the bike over the board from a complete stop. Continue until the bike is resting with the 2×4 directly in front of the back tire and do it all again. It sounds easy, but there are a couple of rules here: First, you start from a complete stop, so once you “set and forget” your throttle, you can’t manipulate it to prevent stalling or to change the amount of power transferred to the driveline to help get you over the board. Second, when you ride over the 2×4, you don’t pass go if you “shoot” it out from under the rear tire. That’s to say that the 2×4 must stay in place as you ride over. People often struggle to keep the 2×4 in place because they tend to let the clutch out too quickly, sending too much power to the rear tire as it rolls onto and over the board.

Motor School with Quinn Redeker Clutch Situation
The 2×4 Drill teaches you better clutch control by slowing your roll.

The good news? You got it right on your first try. The bad? I’m only referring to you successfully buckling that helmet. Set it up and do it again while I make some calls to confirm you have a real motorcycle license.

Motor School Clutch Control Exercise 3: Incline Drill

Find an incline, such as a hill, a long driveway, or an abandoned loading ramp. Nothing too steep but something that generates decent rolling resistance. Next, stage yourself for lift off by facing up the incline. Once you’ve set your engine speed, smoothly, slowly take off and put your feet on the pegs. Go as slow as possible, using only your clutch to control your momentum. Once you’ve made it 15 feet or so, pull in the clutch and put your feet down. Here’s the rule: Don’t use your brakes to rest on the incline, instead engage only the clutch, and in the amount necessary to hold you in place on the incline as you reset. When you’re ready, do it again, moving slowly toward the top. A word of caution: Don’t fry your clutch with high revs. If the clutch is getting warm or the engine is getting hot, take an easy lap around the block before getting back to work on these drills.

Well, color me amazed. Just wait till your friends see how much better you control your bike when the speeds ratchet down. Now don’t quote me, but if you get your mind right and really work these drills, I’m confident we can finally hack those training wheels off, slap some Girl Scout patches on your leathers, and have you going freeway speeds in no time!

Find Quinn at Police Motor Training. Send feedback to [email protected].

See all Motor School with Quinn Redeker articles here.

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Syd’s Run: If You Can’t Be Fast, Be Spectacular

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

If anyone in Australia told you another Syd’s Run is coming up, you might think it has something to do with Sydney. However, it happens in Christchurch, New Zealand. One instantly knows something is up when you spot a gaggle of Honda C50s on the way to the starting point of the event at the periphery of Christchurch’s Central Business District.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

Syd’s Moped Run is held each November, just before New Zealand’s summer kicks in. The run was started by Sydney James Falconer in 1995. Falconer ran the event for many years on the Saturday that fell closest to his birthday. After he passed away, his son Keith continued to run it for several more years.

“Dad was a hard man,” Keith told us. “He wasn’t one for rules and regulations. He rode bikes all his life, like Triumphs – biker’s bikes mainly – but as he got older, he moved back to the smaller stuff. Our family tried to give him a party for his 70th birthday, but he refused. Instead, he sat down with his old cronies from the vintage car club, and they mapped out a moped run, which had to be pedal-powered when it initially started.”

Falconer rode an old 50cc Puch with pedals, or alternatively, his Ducati Cucciolo. He was a great one for specials, a hard case. Falconer ran the event for nearly 20 years until his health got the better of him.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

The whole spectacle is a great way for people to get out on small bikes and enjoy themselves. Current organizer Aaron Card says the run is for anyone riding small bikes, but he doesn’t mind if you turn up on a Harley and join in. Ride it slow and have a good time; that’s all that matters. Card says it’s not at all about speed but rather the people, the mates, the camaraderie, and hanging out together.

See all of Rider‘s Trike, Sidecar & Scooter reviews here.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

Attendance is impressive. On the 25th anniversary run in 2020, organizers stopped counting when they reached 306 participants leaving the start, with more who kept joining in. It was a significant jump from the very first run, which had about 45 riders.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

And what a selection of machinery it usually is. Wandering through the crowd in the main parking area and adjacent street parking for the overspill, a vast array of vintage mopeds from the Big Four Japanese manufacturers usually dominates the spectacle. It ranges from small Honda cafe racers with up-spec or aftermarket fitted horizontal engines to racing fuel tanks to fancy Yoshimura exhaust work. I’ve seen pit bikes with suicide shifters, a ratty looking Honda Hero Stream, and a 50cc Honda Turbo Z.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

Some of these bikes belong to the local Quake City Rumblers, a moped club that pines over modified classic Japanese mopeds and helps with marshalling duties at the event. Your eye might catch a rusty metal panel lookalike scooter, perhaps a Honda Joker or something of Aprilia origin, complete with metal chains hanging off it. One of the very few Vespas I’ve spotted was modified to run on a slammed rear suspension. Had I not seen the scoot arrive earlier, I would’ve guessed it wasn’t rideable.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

Honda Cubs in original vintage patina join forces with specials like a stretched Honda Cub with a long chopper fork. Even the odd Honda CT110 “Postie” or farm bike usually blends in seamlessly. A Gandalf-like bearded enthusiast willingly posed for a picture for me, sitting on his vintage Yamaha scoot, parked up close to some vintage Suzuki scoots and small-displacement Suzuki street or trail motorcycles, including a Suzuki AC50 Maverick from 1973.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

Italy represented itself with an immaculately looking Guzzi Stornello 160 and a Ducati 55, joined by some “cyclemotors”: bicycles with engines fitted to them on the frame rails or on the rear carrier rack, such as a Triumph-framed bike. Hell, even an old Velosolex showed up, a moped hugely popular in its day in Europe.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

An Excelsior scooter joined ranks with a Mayfly Falcon from 1938, the latter parked with a “For Sale” sign. Nearby, a Raleigh moped proudly displayed a small handwritten phrase: “If you can’t be fast, be spectacular.” This catchphrase can easily describe the whole event in one sentence. More vintage European scoots rounded up the spectacle, including a rare German-built 49cc Goericke Goerette from 1955, a Victoria from Nuremberg, and a good old Puch from Austria.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

There is a big social aspect about the whole outing. Half the day is about eating, having a drink, and talking, and the other half of the day is about riding the bikes. The ride stretches over 62 miles, done in two parts over Christchurch’s predominantly flat terrain over the span of about eight hours.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

The first part leads the participants down Ferry Road toward the Christchurch Gondola to the Port Hills tunnel over to Lyttelton and its natural harbor, which is a caved-in extinct volcano filled with sea water, then to Bridal Path Road, and on to the seaside settlements of Sumner and New Brighton (Quadrophenia, anyone?) to Thomson Park. Proceeding from there, the cavalcade rides down Marshlands Road and via the suburb of Northlands back to the CBD, concluding in the inner city’s Smash Palace outdoor pub for prizes and the subsequent wrap-up.

Syd's Run Uli Cloesen

You can keep up with Syd’s Run happenings on Instagram @SydsRun. And you can watch a half-hour video from the 2003 run on YouTube.

See all of Rider‘s Rallies & Clubs coverage here.

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2024 Motorcycles with Kevin Duke (Part 1) | Ep. 68 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Rider Magazine Insider Podcast 2024 Motorcycles Kevin Duke

Episode 68 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is sponsored by FLY Racing. Host Greg Drevenstedt talks with his friend Kevin Duke, a longtime motojournalist who is editor-in-chief of American Rider, about new/updated 2024 motorcycles, the popularity of adventure bikes, the rise of high-tech bikes, having big fun on little bikes, dirtbikes from Triumph and Ducati, and more.

Related: 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide: New Street Models

LINKS: FLYracing.com@flyracingUSA on Instagram

You can check out Episode 68 on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodbean, and YouTube or via the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends!

Visit the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast webpage to check out previous episodes:

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Motor School with Quinn Redeker: How’s Your Dismount?

Motor School Quinn Redeker How's Your Dismount?
If getting thrown into oncoming traffic or pinned under your motorcycle doesn’t sound super awesome, learn from the “Motor School” and embrace the “high side.” (Photos by Kevin Wing)

In my career, my police motor slammed the pavement exactly five times when deploying the kickstand and dismounting the bike. And yes, it was on par with that dream we’ve all had where you show up at school with no pants and all the kids laugh at you. Exceedingly embarrassing for sure, but thankfully I’m still alive and riding because every single time I dropped my bike, I was following the Golden Rule: “Always and forever mount and dismount your motor from the high side.”

That’s right, folks. It turns out there’s a correct side of the motorcycle to get on and off from, and it isn’t the side most of you use. Sounds ridiculous, right?

Now, I know you’ve successfully accomplished the task of resting your motorcycle on its kickstand thousands of times. Heck, you’re almost psychic when it comes to surface appraisal and road camber when you boot that stand out. In fact, you’re probably cursing me in your head, arguing that which side you mount or dismount from ultimately depends on where you park your bike or which hand is holding your Milk Duds. But in motor school, I learned the best way to get on and off a motorcycle: from the “high side.” 

Motor School Quinn Redeker How's Your Dismount?
Motor officers use the high side every time they get on and off because it works.

Perhaps it’s obvious, but in case I lost you, allow me to explain. For the most part, kickstands are deployed from the left side of the motorcycle. If you put your motorcycle on its kickstand, the bike will settle, or lean, to the left. Therefore, if you were to stand directly behind the bike, the “high” side is the right side of the bike, or the side where your throttle and front brake lever are located. Since the bike is leaned over on the stand, the seat is higher on the right side. Make sense?

Keep in mind that all vehicles in the United States travel on the right side of the road, with opposing traffic on the left. Now, let’s imagine you are riding along and need to get that super tight blue sweatshirt that you love to show off out of your saddlebag. You pull to the side of the road, kick your stand down, and start getting off the bike. But on this particularly cruel day, your bike begins to roll off its kickstand, resulting in the bike falling to the left – or “low” side – and toward traffic. 

Adding chaos to the scenario, it turns out your right leg is the one with a wonky ACL and two meniscus surgeries, so you decided to plant your left foot on the ground and started your dismount on the left (low) side of your bike as it began to fall. Regrettably, your bike starts falling directly onto your one good leg, potentially knocking you into oncoming traffic as it wraps you up and takes you down with it. Not great.

Motor School Quinn Redeker How's Your Dismount?
The high side is the right side to avoid going down with the ship if your bike falls over.

Now let’s put on our mirrored rainbow glasses and imagine you dismounted from the “high” side as your motorcycle started to fall off the kickstand. Not only will you look fabulous, but your right leg will remain planted so your left leg can gracefully swing over the seat like a gazelle’s, safely clearing you from the bike as it ponders what parts and pieces to destroy as it slams to the pavement. Embarrassing and costly? Absolutely, but pretty low risk to you physically.

The good news is this technique pays dividends not just when parked on the road but also in parking lots, your driveway, or anywhere else you throw that kickstand down. I can’t promise that your buddies won’t find some other reason to make fun of you, but like I’ve said a thousand times, you bring that crap on yourself.  

So, from now on, follow my little parking ritual: Shut off the bike, put it in 1st gear, deploy the kickstand, turn the handlebar full‑­lock left, gently ease the bike over onto the kickstand, and step off the high side of the bike. If you need a little assistance with your dismount, grab the front brake and use the handlebar for leverage. And while the process is simple enough, give it a few dry runs in the garage first. Practice makes perfect, though I can’t promise you won’t get weird looks from your friends.

Bonus Motor School Tips

As the late, great Billy Mays used to say, “But wait, there’s more!” Here are a couple more tips to help you out there on the street. 

Curb appeal: If you find yourself in a situation where you need to ride your big heavy bike off a curb, accelerate off rather than tiptoe and duck walk the front wheel off the drop where the lower fairing, oil pan, or pipes could get smashed. I’m not suggesting you channel your inner Daniel J. Canary, the man who invented the wheelie, but ride off like you would accelerate from a typical stop: in a straight line with smooth, assertive throttle (as shown in the photo below). 

And yes, I know firsthand what a great tip this is because I once watched a fellow motor officer gingerly roll his new BMW R 1250 RT‑­P off a tall curb at a DUI checkpoint. After hearing a gut‑­wrenching pile‑­driver concussion, I watched as hot oil spewed out onto the pavement. Oof. 

Motor School Quinn Redeker How's Your Dismount?
It’s not if but when you’ll be faced with navigating a tall curb. Heed my advice and avoid immeasurable personal (and costly) anguish.

Brake time: If your bike has been sitting unridden for a while, be sure to work your brake levers and pump up the calipers before you take off. When I first heard this suggestion from an old motor cop, I laughed out loud. But then he walked me over to my bike, gently pushed on my front brake calipers with his boot, and asked me to grab the front brake lever. With a cocky gleam in my eye, I pulled the lever, only to have it bottom out at the throttle grip – the brakes didn’t work at all. Turns out the fluid in your brake calipers can be forced back into the master cylinder if bumped or pushed hard enough, causing the brakes to need some pumping up before they work again.

Find Quinn at Police Motor Training. Send feedback to [email protected].

See all Motor School with Quinn Redeker articles here.

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Rally for Rangers Announces 2024 Rally Dates, Locations

Rally for Rangers, a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to protect the world’s special places by empowering rangers around the world with new motorcycles and equipment,” has announced its 2024 rally dates and locations. Rally for Rangers has provided 160 motorcycles to rangers in 16 parks in Mongolia, Argentina, Nepal, Bhutan, Peru, and Namibia. In September of last year, the organization held its first U.S. rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota (read about it in the sidebar of Brad Gilmore’s article about riding the Black Hills BDR-X).

Rally for Rangers Peru
Rally for Rangers in Peru. (Photo by TopTop Studio)

For more information on Rally for Rangers, visit the Rally For Rangers website or listen to our interview with Rally for Rangers co‑­founder Tom Medema on the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast. For details on the 2024 rallies, read the press release below.


Celebrating 10 years of supporting rangers and protecting parks one motorcycle at a time, 2024 will see a “Greatest Hits” of our decade of adventure. We hope you’ll consider joining us or otherwise supporting these critical efforts to aid park rangers in their important work!

Peru: May 18-30, 2024

Rally for Rangers Peru
Photo by TopTop Studio

Beginning in May, we will return to Peru for a road-based tour of parks from the Pacific to the Amazon.

Rally for Rangers Peru
Photo by TopTop Studio

We will be visiting world renowned parks like Machu Picchu along the way and reaching heights of 16,000 feet as we traverse the stunning Andes range on Peru’s famous winding mountain roadways.

Learn more and sign up.

Mongolia: July 21 to Aug. 3, 2024

Rally for Rangers Mongolia
Photo by Phil Bond

July will see our return to where it all began: Lake Hovsgol National Park. The Mongolia rally is SOLD OUT and will be our first all-alumni event to celebrate this historic milestone. Waitlist signups are still available. Learn more.

Black Hills: Sept. 18-22, 2024

Rally for Rangers Black Hills
Photo by Kirsten Midura

Following our successful first venture in the U.S., next September we will return to the stunning and historic Black Hills. This rally will support not only the Oglala-Sioux Park Rangers but also rangers of the Northern Cheyenne.

Rally for Rangers Black Hills
Photo by Kirsten Midura

The event has a broad mix of riding options, from full pavement tours of parks and monuments to the off-road challenges of the Black Hills BDR-X. You get to choose! More details in early 2024.

Bhutan: Nov. 3-16, 2024

Rally for Rangers Bhutan
Photo by TopTop Studio

The Kingdom of Bhutan welcomes our return in 2024 to support parks and rangers that protect an incredible array of endangered species such as tigers, elephants, and so much more.

Rally for Rangers Bhutan
Photo by TopTop Studio

This primarily road-based trip is suited for intermediate and advanced riders. Learn more and sign up.

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