Reviews

When we set off to behold the beauties of Napa Valley, my companion and I wanted comfort and style. We found both in the new 2006 Honda Gold Wing. After adjusting the suspension preload for our combined weight, dialing some warmth into the seat and handlebar heaters, plugging our helmets into the combined audio system, and setting the iPOD to shuffle mode, we were almost ready to go.

Monster S2R Review

The tangerine red Ducati Monster S2R parked in front of a small café in the hills outside Fermignano, Italy, quickly attracted the admiration of two stout, elderly men. One of them furrowed his brow in deep concentration, carefully choosing words from his charming economy of English. “In America, Harley-Davidson is patriotism; in Italy, Ducati is religion.” That elegantly encapsulated the reverence with which Italians regard Ducatis, an esteem that verges on the sacrosanct.

Triple Play

Triumph came of age in 1998 when the British manufacturer—which John Bloor had brought back from the dead in 1990—launched the sports touring Sprint ST. This first model of Triumph's post-modular era featured dedicated chassis and engine design rather than the mix-and-match formula Bloor had previously employed while getting his historic marque up and running.

MotoCzysz C1 Review

We all fantasize about creating the ultimate bike, one that combines the improbable ideas we dream up during commutes, long flights, or while lying on a beach. For most of us these chimeras remain unrealized, but occasionally someone surfaces with the drive, determination, and—above all—the resources to build a dreambike.

Moto Masterpiece

Fire up the radial-valve 998cc 4-cylinder motor of the MV Agusta F4 Tamburini (MT4), and you will know that this masterpiece of design, bristling with technological innovation, must be Italian.

Since the reintroduction of Triumph motorcycles in the mid-1980s, the English motorcycle manufacturer has continued to make pragmatic, measured movement forward with its motorcycle model lineup. Its engines have grown gradually larger and more powerful, the styling slowly has become more modern, and sales figures have continued to climb. Triumph built its loyal fan base with reliable, enjoyable motorcycles, but it also established a reputation for having a relatively conservative nature.

When the conversation turns to German motorcycles, three letters usually spring to mind: BMW. Possibly the most famous acronym in the two-wheeled world, the Bavarian Motor Works has been producing solid, reliable motorcycles for more than 80 years. Not as recognizable in the United States, though, is another German manufacturer that has been producing motorcycles for just as long. Simply known as MZ (Motorradwerk Zschopau), the company traces its roots to the once-glorious DKW Company, which first began producing small two-stroke engines for bicycles in 1920.

Into the Fray

While the Japanese manufacturers set superbike standards with lightweight, high-horsepower production motorcycles showcasing futuristic technology developed on the racetrack, Italian bike builders created a signature niche with handmade, race-inspired motorcycles that fit like exquisitely tailored suits. But German BMW long scoffed at the crotch rocket tradition, declining to engage in such two-wheeled games. Until now. BMW has finally entered the high-speed fray with the introduction of its new K 1200 S.

Motorcycle Review

Few motorcycles can claim a longer life span or more loyal following than Honda's 30-year-old flagship tourer, the Gold Wing.  As I give the 2005 Honda Gold Wing a stationary once over, it becomes rapidly apparent that the fit and finish of the machine is first rate. 

Motorcycle with Charactor

When the powers-that-be in Tinseltown are presented with a talented, yet unusual thespian who doesn't fit their idea of a leading man or sex symbol, they are quick to categorize him with the ingratiatingly backhanded label of “character actor.” However, with the fickle history of movies as proof, it is quite often the character actors who leave an indelible performance etched in celluloid, while the stars they supported have long since withered from memory in ephemeral wisps of stardom.

With many years of experience tuning some of America's top motorcycle racing bikes in the '90s, Dan Kyle knows a thing or two about motorcycle performance and for the last seven years has brought that knowledge to the sportbike world. 

In stock trim, Yamaha's fire-breathing R1 is an astoundingly capable machine. However, after some detailed modifications from Kyle Racing, this particular R1 has been taken to an even higher level. (Click image to enlarge)

Motorcycle Previews

Tis' the season once again, and though a motorcycle electric vest would be nice, or an intercom system might bring you and your partner closer together—let's face it— nothing really says, “I love you” like a full-blown Harley-Davidson motorcycle.