Motorcycle Safety | Riding Tips for Motorcycles | Safe Motorcyclists

Helmet Testing Failure Rate Revisited: Summer 2023 Edition

Gary Ilminen — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 01:51:24 +0000

In the past few years, I’ve looked at the data on the motorcycle helmet compliance reporting website of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I evaluated the number of helmets claiming to be “DOT Certified” tested by the NHTSA’s independent labs that test helmets intended for road-going use in the […]

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Biker Down First Aid Training Arrives in North America

Gary Ilminen — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:44:05 +0000

Canadian motorcyclists will soon have access to free life-saving training in the form of the Biker Down Motorcyclist First Aid Certificate powered by the Canadian Red Cross. “Motorcycling remains very popular for nearly 1 million Canadians, both as a passion and as a mode of transportation,” according to Biker Down President Steve Reed. “During the […]

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Alpinestars Supertech R10 Launch Edition Helmet Coming Soon

Don Williams — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 02:30:37 +0000

We told you about the all-new MotoGP-tested Alpinestars Supertech R10 back in February, and now it’s here—almost. Alpinestars will start taking orders for the new R10 on July 10 at 9 a.m. PDT. There will be only 200 numbered examples of the Alpinestars Supertech R10 Launch Edition helmet available, so be prepared to click that […]

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MotoCAP Guide: Technical Guide and Ratings For Moto Apparel

Gary Ilminen — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 01:38:16 +0000

The Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) is a partnership between government and industry in Australia and New Zealand. It informs motorcyclists about safety gear capabilities via a star rating system based on its testing data. MotoCAP published “A guide to designing and manufacturing motorcycle protective clothing”—an excellent resource for sorting through the jargon and revealing […]

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NHTSA Helmet Regulation Is A Failure [Centerstand Commentary]

Gary Ilminen — Thu, 18 May 2023 06:22:08 +0000

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are tasked with monitoring compliance of standards for crash helmets sold in the U.S. for on-road motorcycle use. All must meet the performance standards in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218). That is done through ACT Labs, an independent […]

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Yamaha Champions Riding School 2-Day ChampSchool Review

Teejay Adams — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 01:38:39 +0000

Early one chilly morning in Las Vegas, I discovered some shocking realizations—about my riding skills. Every time I ride is a different experience, and with every ride, the ‘take’ from enjoying my time on two wheels is the incremental confidence gained as I try to improve my riding skills. However, I find it tricky trying […]

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Ryder Gear Nyght Ryder Phase II Jacket First Look [Roame Tech]

Gary Ilminen — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 03:44:36 +0000

Early last year, we told you about a remarkable innovation in rider safety that dramatically improves conspicuity. That innovation was the Roame Zero riding shoes. Now, the folks at Roame have taken the vital issue of rider safety a step further (pun intended) in a collaboration with Ryder Gear. The new Nyght Ryder Phase II jacket […]

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HJC i100 Helmet Review [Modular Motorcycle Helmet]

Neil Wyenn — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 03:12:17 +0000

The new HJC i100 helmet is exactly what I have been hoping to see from HJC. HJC helmets fit my intermediate oval head perfectly, and I am a long-time modular helmet user. I rode wearing the HJC RPHA 90 modular helmet for several years and have been very happy with it. My only issue with […]

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Bell Moto-10 Eli Tomac Eagle Replica Helmet First Look [Off-Road]

Don Williams — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 05:01:55 +0000

Fans looking to celebrate Eli Tomac’s fourth AMA 450MX Motocross National Championship title can snap up a new lid from Bell Helmets. The limited-edition Bell Moto-10 Eli Tomac Eagle Replica helmet has exclusive graphics that nod to the 1990s with an integrated eagle design that honors his father, the legendary mountain bike champion John Tomac. […]

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Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 Review [High-Performance Airbag]

Nic de Sena — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 07:29:12 +0000

Motorcycle safety equipment continues to evolve. It seems like every year new technical features raise the bar by providing additional protection. Arguably, the most exciting recent innovation joining the two-wheeled segment is airbag technology, which Alpinestars began pursuing over 20 years ago. With two decades of research and development in airbag systems under its belt, […]

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Motorcycle Gloves Safety Standards Explained: Handy To Know

Gary Ilminen — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 19:30:41 +0000

There are several sets of standards you may see listed for different gloves when you’re shopping around. So, we want to explain the meaning of the competing motorcycle gloves safety standards. Time was, if you wore leather gloves of almost any description, that was about all you knew, and that was about as good as […]

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Alpinestars Stella Missile V2 1-Piece Suit Review [With Tech-Air 5]

Crystal Martinez — Sun, 07 Aug 2022 03:00:44 +0000

The first motorcycle one-piece track suit I bought was the Alpinestars Stella Motegi. Back then, I was more concerned with the aesthetic features than the level of safety a suit could offer. Due to my inexperience regarding how a suit should fit, it was not enjoyable to wear. It was too short, but it was […]

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Taka Nakagami and his Arai Corsair-X Helmet [Commentary]

Arthur Coldwells — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 12:30:04 +0000

The first 20 or so seconds of the 2022 Grand Prix of Catalunya turned out to be even more intense than the typical MotoGP race. Blazing down the front straight after the start, the 24 riders had to brake very hard for Turn 1, and the funnel effect of them vying for the same piece […]

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AGV Tourmodular Modular Helmet First Look [Euro Touring]

Don Williams — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 00:38:58 +0000

The new AGV Tourmodular modular helmet is designed to offer a high level of safety, in addition to the integration of an optional helmet-to-helmet mesh intercom system. For safety, the AGV Tourmodular uses a shell that blends carbon fiber, aramid fiber, and fiberglass. According to AGV, this combination results in a lightweight helmet—though no weight […]

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Pod K4 2.0 Knee Brace Review: Off-Road Confidence Builder

Kelly Callan — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 21:12:39 +0000

Knee braces are as essential a part of my off-road riding gear as my helmet—a bit ironic given I’ve spent more years riding without proper knee protection than with. My excuse back in the ’80s was that there wasn’t an option like the Pod K4 2.0 composite knee brace. Plastic knee guards were the standard […]

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Dainese Rapida Lady Leather Jacket Review [Perf For Summer]

Kelly Callan — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:11:39 +0000

You buy a leather motorcycle jacket for two reasons—protection and image. Dainese has a well-earned reputation in both departments, and the Dainese Rapida Lady Leather Jacket Perf does not disappoint. This perforated version of the Rapida Lady Leather Jacket means I can wear the jacket on all but the hottest summer days. Even before putting […]

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Open Bluetooth Intercom Standard Announced [Expert Analysis]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 20:14:35 +0000

I’ve reviewed many helmet intercom communication devices over the past nine years and often mentioned my desire that the intercoms work easily across brands. I’d also said that I wasn’t holding my breath for an open Bluetooth intercom standard. Cardo Systems and UClear Digital have announced that the companies will begin work on a standard […]

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Schuberth C5 Review [Motorcycle Touring Modular-Style From Germany]

Jonathan Handler — Thu, 26 May 2022 20:56:48 +0000

After my many years riding with Schuberth’s C3, C3 Pro, C4, and C4 Pro (and all the way back to the original Concept) motorcycle helmets, the German manufacturer of high-line head protection has introduced the all-new C5. Many readers know that Schuberth has been making helmets for motorsports (two- and four-wheels), industrial safety, firefighting, law […]

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The Throttle Stop – June 2022: Riding the Line – Thoughts on Lane Splitting

Nic de Sena — Wed, 25 May 2022 06:50:23 +0000

Interestingly, there are only a precious few times that I’ve used my illustrious position as Senior Editor at Ultimate Motorcycling as a soapbox to share divisive opinions. Today, I’m pulling the pin and going for it—lane-splitting should be legal in all 50 states. I’ll also apologize for the bait and switch routine regarding something that […]

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Lee Parks Design Psi Pro Tire Pressure Gauge First Look

Don Williams — Sat, 21 May 2022 01:20:37 +0000

One of the most significant safety checks you can do on your motorcycle is often overlooked—checking the air pressure in its tires. Even if you think about ensuring proper air pressure, the hassle of getting a gauge on the valve stem can be a convenient excuse to rely on eyeballing the psi. Lee Parks Design […]

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Editor’s Letter – May 2022: Gear Up! [Musings on Riding Apparel]

Don Williams — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 23:19:40 +0000

The joy of motorcycle riding goes far beyond simply sitting in the seat and turning the throttle. My fun begins with the process of dressing for the ride. Yes, I know some of you don’t change an article of clothing between eating breakfast and going for a spin—everyone’s different, and you should set your own […]

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LS2 Valiant II Helmet Review [Modular For Motorcycle Touring]

Neil Wyenn — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 05:54:20 +0000

My touring modular helmet just aged out, so I went looking for my next all-day, all-weather modular helmet. The LS2 Valiant II is a feature-rich modular helmet with a $360 MSRP price point. It is DOT- and ECE-approved as a full- and open-face helmet. It has some functionality features I really like and some usability […]

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Xelement CF5050 Morph Jacket Review [Textile Motorcycle Apparel]

Gary Ilminen — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 07:44:09 +0000

Motorcycle riding gear should be tough. It’s cool if it looks tough, too. It should be versatile and all-around protective. It doesn’t hurt if it is easy on the wallet, either. The Xelement CF5050 Morph jacket meets that standard. For me, one of the features the Morph jacket offers that most don’t is the integral […]

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Bell x RSD MX-9 Mips First Look [Affordable Roland Sands Helmet]

Don Williams — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 01:44:26 +0000

Roland Sands Design and Bell Helmets have a long-standing relationship. Roland Sands has designed over 30 graphics for Bell helmets, though only for street helmets—until now. The Bell x RSD MX-9 Mips helmet—officially the MX-9 Mips with RSD The Rally Gloss White/Black graphics—brings together Bell, RSD, and dirt bikes for the first time. Although some […]

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Klim Tactical Shirt Review [Off-Road Protective Base Layer]

Neil Wyenn — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 07:47:59 +0000

I took the Ultimate Motorcycling Yamaha Ténéré 700 Project Bike on an intermediate level trail and discovered that it was above my Ténéré 700 skill level when muddy, rocky, and rutted. It was there that I twice tested the Klim Tactical Shirt armor—the hard way. Both drop and falls were at near-zero mph, but I still tumbled. […]

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