They say: “To the end of the world.”
We say: “And the ends of the earth!”

It was the Age of Aquarius, and Americans let their hair down as hippies experimented with mind-altering drugs and free love. Rock-‘n’-roll became a legitimate art form, elevated by musicians like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. Citizens rallied behind President John F. Kennedy as The Cold War reached its terrifying climax with the Cuban Missile Crisis, then mourned his assassination at the hands of Lee Harvey Oswald. America’s space program also reached its pinnacle, as Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first earthlings to walk on the moon. On the motorcycling front, the established British and American manufacturers were starting to feel the pinch of the upstart Japanese brands, especially the “Nicest People” people, Honda.

It was the Summer of ’69, and for the Righteous Few Motorcycle Club, Wednesday night was Stag Night. Our regular meetings were held on Fridays, and we were one of the rare clubs that allowed our wives to sit in. Sundays were always club rides—a procession of 15 to 20 motorcycles sometimes followed by a carload or two of moms and kids headed to some race or field meet.

Name: Tim Schneider
Age: 42
Home: Milwaukee, WI
Occupation: Owner, The Shop

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Let’s be perfectly clear: Don’t try riding Moto Guzzi’s Quota 1100 ES over any triple-jumps or whoop-dee-doos unless your schedule allows for a dirt lunch. As with most other big-bore “adventure bikes,” the Quota is way too portly for serious off-roading. It is, however, a good choice for long street-riding days with some light canyon carving or gravel-road romps in between.

Another riding season is right around the corner. Soon, thousands of motorcyclists will hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, followed by a summer of rallies, races, bike nights, group rides and tours. Before pulling out of your driveway, take a few minutes to review your insurance policy. Having adequate coverage will help protect your legal rights and the rights of your passenger if you’re ever involved in an accident.

They say: “The next-generation 450cc motocrosser.”
We say: “With a supercross pedigree.”

WRIST: Brian Catterson
MSRP (2011): $10,599
MILES: 7273
MPG: 36
MODS: Dynojet Power Commander V, Ivan’s Fuel Cut Eliminator, K&N air filter

(May 21, 2012) – Seattle, WA – The BMW K 1600 GT/GTL, unveiled last year, quickly became a leader in its class with advanced mechanics and sleek BMW styling. Motorcycle accessory designer and manufacturer, AltRider, also known for its top-notch design, has recently released protection bars for the bike. The AltRider design integrates unique features, such as the 1 inch stainless steel tube connection, resulting in significant reduction of risk to damaging the precious engine and fairings on the BMW K 1600 GT/GTL.

The Aprilia Tuono V4R and Ducati Streetfighter S epitomize road-going aggression. This pair of Italian machines is viciously powerful and entirely unapologetic; engineered to exhilarate and impress—and even scare you a little bit! These nakeds give away nothing to their fully faired superbike siblings in terms of handling. In fact, the upright riding position and altered chassis yield better control on tight roads and more comfort around town. The two are separated by just $4000, 35 lbs. and 10 horsepower, but one of them is bound to do a better job of balancing the thrill of an upright repli-racer with the manners necessary to function in civilized society.

WRIST: Marty Estes 
MSRP (2010): $15,999
MILES: 11,147
MPG: 36
MODS: Nothing lately

“We have three routes laid out for you: Advanced, Intermediate and Scenic,” explains Jimmy Lewis. “The difference between Intermediate and Advanced is how deep the sand is. Intermediate sand has a base; you can stop and get going again. Advanced sand is bottomless; if you stop, you’ll sink.”

Denali D2 LED Auxiliary Light Pods illuminate the night and increase conspicuity for added safety.

Wrist: Joe Neric
MSRP (2011): $10,999
Miles: 6564
MPG: 30
Mods: Bazzaz fuel-injection tuner, Bridgestone tires, S2 Concept windscreen, Yoshimura R-77D exhaust

They say: “A perfect travel companion.”

We say: “But only overseas.”

Tubeless tires are nothing new on streetbikes. But they have yet to be adopted by dirtbikes, which run old-fashioned tubes because their wire-spoke wheels aren’t air-tight.

Nolan’s N43 helmet is essentially six lids in one. It combines the best features of open-face and full-coverage designs. This is accomplished through quick-change accessories that allow you to customize the appearance and function of the helmet to suit your needs.

They say: “A more distinctive take on adventure.”

We say: “A 135-horse punch in the Boxer’s gut!”

“A whole different set of rules apply when you do this stuff,” Jimmy Lewis says. Pushing back a cold Pahrump, Nevada morning with hot coffee, my classmates and I are listening. Carefully. That’s what any sane human straddling 527 lbs. of motorcycle does when the four-time ISDE Medalist/Baja 1000 winner/Dakar Rally podium finisher is talking. Especially before heading out into the desert to learn the fundamentals of keeping a big adventure bike on track and out of trouble (www.jimmylewisoffroad.com). Lewis will also tell you that a shaky foundation in said fundamentals is the biggest thing between the rider you are and the one you’d like to be: more capable, more confident, safer and, consequently, faster.

Spurred by its success in the off-road market, Fly Racing has expanded into producing street gear by offering the Terra Trek adventure-riding jacket. Fly’s industry experience has translated well, and the Terra Trek is a value to be reckoned with. It offers a waterproof chassis, loads of pockets and CE-approved armor at half the price of similarly equipped garments.

They say: “American muscle never died. It just needed handlebars.”

We say: “And long arms!”

They say: “New urban mobility solutions.”

We say: “That work beyond the city.”

Hendersonville, North Carolina: Just now entering production for delivery to dealers in the coming months, this likely could be the last chance to see the original high-end Motus MST-R prototype, scheduled to be on display at Öhlins USA’s open house in Hendersonville, North Carolina on May 12, 2012.

CARMEL, CALIF. – Quail Lodge Golf Club announced last month that two iconic motorcycles, Marty Dickerson’s “Blue Bike” and Dan Gurney’s “Alligator Bike,” will be on display at the fourth annual The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, taking place on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel, Calif. This year, the day-long event will pay tribute to the Evolution of the Motorcycle, featuring Indian Motorcycles, while also showcasing legendary motorcycles from the past, present and concepts for the future.