The traditional logic we’ve always followed says: Cruisers are supposed to be V-twins. But these engines are generally expensive to produce and weigh less than other engines. Needless to say, if you keep them for a long time, serving the heads is double the work. Thus, the parallel-twin configuration is gaining ground on the V-twin
Modern motorcycles have become better than ever, and there are more options than ever to choose from. Variety may be the spice of life, but the kind of variety that is offered these days can be quite intimidating, and for the uninitiated, really confusing. This is intentional; Manufacturers are in the business of selling more
For four decades, the crown of long-range luxury in America has been held by a touring motorcycle. You see them loaded two-up on the Route 66 run, their gear swallowed whole and no sign of strain at speeds of 80 mph. The flat-six cruises along, the suspension smooths out faults on the interstate, and the
There’s a special kind of frustration that comes with motorcycle electrical problems, and it’s nothing like a blown fuse or dead battery. We’re talking the kind where the bike runs fine for a week, then abandons you in a gas station parking lot for no apparent reason. You swap rectifier-regulators, it keeps happening, so you
Most of the budget motorcycles are considered milestones. Riders buy them to learn, gain confidence, and eventually move on to something faster, more flashy or more expensive. Usually the story goes like this. But every once in a while a motorcycle breaks that pattern completely. Instead of being sold after a few years, it just
American motorcycle enthusiasts have become accustomed to living on the wrong side of the Atlantic when it comes to new bikes. Sometimes models arrive months after their European debut. Sometimes they never arrive. Just ask those who have been waiting for Yamaha to bring out the XSR900 GP. But for once the tables have turned.