Tag: 2 Wheels

May 14

Are Motorcycle Wheelies Illegal?

Performing a wheelie in front of a cop might land you in hot water, even if there isn’t specific verbiage outlawing them.

Not much looks cooler than a seasoned motorcyclist popping their front tire up off the ground as they sail down the boulevard. Well, maybe an effortless stoppie. Either way, motorcycle wheelies are part of our two-wheeled culture. Still, are motorcycle wheelies illegal? Or is it more of a gray area?

A motorcycle wheelie could land you a misdemeanor charge and an impound fee

Motorcycle wheelies aren’t rare. Riders pop their wheels up aboard their taut, lean Suzuki sportbikes and Harley-Davidson cruisers every day. Understandably so, it’s one of the quintessential two-wheeled show-off maneuvers. Riders simply roll onto the throttle deliberately, pulling the front tire off the ground and continuing to ride as power heads to the rear wheel.

Tragically for fans of the daring maneuver, performing a wheelie could land you in hot water with the police. While there aren’t too many laws specifically listing motorcycle wheelies as illegal, doing so in view of a police officer will more than likely result in a traffic stop. Depending on your local law enforcement and their policies, you could receive a reckless driving ticket. However, if an LEO sees you popping a wheelie in a racing context, you could be looking at a Class A misdemeanor charge.

A rider on a highway does a wheelie.
kruwt via iStock

Wheelies aren’t the only single-wheel stunt that will earn you some negative attention from Johnny Law. A stoppie is a move where a rider stops hard using the front brake, forcing the rear tire off the ground. When performed well, it’s quite a sight. However, law enforcement might find a safety issue with the practice. As such, a rider might earn themselves a ticket or a court date for doing a stoppie on public roads.

I have a compatriot, who, after a few weeks of riding thought popping his front wheel off the ground would be a simple undertaking. Fortunate to say, after rebuilding his Yamaha and getting some medical attention, he’s back on two wheels. Emphasis on two. Wheelies and stoppies, then, are best left to closed courses and stunt riders.

That said, there are stunt courses that will teach riders how to perform a textbook wheelie. Better yet, the instructors will teach you in a controlled, closed environment.

May 01

Comprehensive Guide to Motorcycle Helmet Types and Their Features

Detailed Overview of Motorcycle Helmet Varieties

A Wide Range of Helmet Styles for Different Riders

Motorcycle helmets are designed to meet a variety of rider preferences and safety needs, each style offering distinct features and protections. From helmets with advanced visors and modular capabilities that allow adjustments like raising the chin guard, to simpler designs that prioritize ease of use over comprehensive protection, understanding the diverse options is crucial. Riders can choose helmets based on their specific needs, ensuring both comfort and safety while on the road.

Essential Helmet Types and Their Characteristics

Motorcycle helmets can be categorized into six main types, each designed for specific riding scenarios and offering different levels of safety:

  1. Full-face Helmets: These helmets offer the most extensive protection, covering the entire head and jaw area with a continuous visor. They are highly recommended for maximum safety and are often required to meet rigorous safety standards such as DOT or Snell certifications.
  2. Modular Helmets: Offering a hybrid design, modular helmets combine the full coverage of full-face helmets with the convenience of lifting the chin bar and visor. This design is especially popular among road and touring riders for its versatility and ease of interaction.
  3. Open-face and ¾ Shell Helmets: These helmets provide coverage for the top and back of the head but leave the face exposed. Known for their comfort in warm conditions, they offer less protection than full-face models and are sometimes referred to pejoratively as “brain buckets” due to their minimal coverage.

Specialized Helmets for Unique Riding Needs

  • Off-road Helmets: Specifically crafted for off-road adventures, these helmets feature robust chin bars and are typically used without a traditional visor. They are lighter and provide better ventilation, making them ideal for dynamic off-road environments where riders also wear goggles for eye protection.
  • Dual-sport Helmets: As a fusion of road and off-road helmet designs, dual-sport helmets incorporate features suitable for both environments, such as extended visors and space for goggles. They are versatile and provide substantial protection, making them a great choice for riders who enjoy both street riding and off-road excursions.

Choosing the right motorcycle helmet involves more than picking a style; it’s about understanding the specific features that each type offers and how they can enhance safety and comfort based on your riding habits. With the right helmet, riders can enjoy enhanced protection and a more comfortable ride, whether they’re navigating city streets or tackling rugged trails.

Nov 20

5 Best Cruiser Motorcycles In 2023

Riding a motorcycle is a beloved pastime among fans of Harley-Davidson, BMW, Kawasaki, and other iconic marques. However, with all the shapes and sizes of modern motorcycles, it can be tricky to pick the right one for you. Fret not; we assembled a list of some of the best cruiser motorcycles of 2023, like the Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 and Low Rider ST, for you to hit the long road and stick to the scenic route.

The best cruiser motorcycles of 2023 marry power, practicality, and style

A cruiser must be comfortable enough to take on the miles close to home and days away from your own bed. However, for a bike to be one of the best cruiser motorcycles on the market for 2023, it has to be robust, striking, and modular enough to take on long trips and Sunday rides. These are some of the bikes that crush the criteria.

Make and model Starting price
2023 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST $22,199
2023 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 $16,599
2023 Indian Chief $14,999
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT $10,399
2023 BMW R 18 $14,995

How much does the Low Rider ST cost?

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST starts at $22,199, $4,000 more than the leaner Low Rider S. However, where the Low Rider S is more canvas than a ready cruiser, the Low Rider ST wears a full, frame-mounted fairing, hiked-up clamshell saddle bags for spirited canyon carving, and a ballistically torquey 117-cubic inch Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin.

Sure, the ST is on par with Harley-Davidson’s tradition of high-dollar cruisers. Still, its California Club-style aesthetic and smooth power delivery make it a dream among contemporary cruisers. Moreover, with standard ABS, dual-disc front brakes, and available traction control, it’s a safe bet.

How much HP does a Street Bob 114 have?

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 develops around 94 horsepower from its namesake 114-cubic inch Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine. However, the magic happens with the Street Bob 114’s torque delivery, namely 119 lb-ft at 3,000 RPM.

Better yet, the Street Bob is a customizable prospect among the best cruiser motorcycles of 2023. For instance, the standard passenger pad is easily replaced with a dedicated two-up seat. Also, small modular bags can slip right over the rear fender under the bolting surface of the seat, creating easy, quick storage. Finally, the Street Bob, including the newer 114 models, is almost too tempting to outfit with forward controls, different bars, or even a detachable windshield.

How much horsepower does a 2023 Indian Chief have?

The 2023 Indian Chief, a logical rival for Harley-Davidson’s Street Bob 114, produces 111 horsepower and 108 lb-ft of torque from its air-cooled Thunderstroke 111 V-Twin. As a result, the Chief outmuscles the Street Bob 114 by 17 horsepower but fails to match the Milwaukee-Eight’s 119 lb-ft of torque.

Better yet, the Chief is versatile on the road with standard rear-cylinder deactivation, keyless ignition, and different riding modes. Further, for those who don’t love the standard Chief’s aesthetic, Indian offers the platform in a Sport, Bobber, or highway-ready Super Chief.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is a budget-friendly bruiser among the best cruiser motorcycles of 2023

A comprehensive list of the best cruiser motorcycles of 2023 wouldn’t be complete without a budget-friendly option. Enter the 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT. What the Vulcan 900 lacks in displacement, it makes up for in accessibility.

With a curb weight of 657 lbs and a seat height under 27 inches, the Classic LT is a manageable cruiser motorcycle for any rider. Better yet, the Classic LT can be highway-ready with a windshield and leather saddle bags.

A BMW R 18 is your retro ticket to cruiser motorcycle magic

For those who think a cruiser motorcycle starts and stops with a V-Twin engine, think again. The 2023 BMW R 18 packs an 1,800cc (110-cubic inch) Boxer engine instead of the traditional twin. However, cylinder orientation doesn’t dissuade the R 18 from being one of the best cruiser motorcycles on the market.

With 116 lb-ft of torque from a classically-styled BMW cruiser, the R 18 is an easy alternative to segment competition like the Indian Chief and Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114.