The Motorcycling Blog

Intro to Motorcycle Touring, Riding

Going the (First) Distance: Start Short

Published by

Mike Marino

on

March 8, 2018

Chances are a majority of people who read this article are researching long-distance riding in anticipation of a long-desired, cross-country trip. Some may have a week-long, coast-to-coast tour in mind. Others may dream of riding up and down one of the coasts or venturing to scenic places or motorcycle rallies…
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Intro to Motorcycle Touring, Riding

Going the (First) Distance: Trip Planning

Published by

Mike Marino

on

February 17, 2018

For a new touring rider, planning is an essential component of a successful first tour. Some riders may enjoy intentionally getting lost on back roads while exploring their home countryside. Long distance riding, however, can easily lose its fun factor without proper planning. Many new touring riders wrongly write off…
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Intro to Motorcycle Touring, Riding

Going the (First) Distance: Dressing for the Occasion (aka Riding Gear)

Published by

Mike Marino

on

February 4, 2018

Riding gear is one of the hotly-debated topics within the motorcycling community. Many riders suit up and look like storm troopers, while other will go riding in a t-shirt and gym shorts. While the debate rages on, riding gear can be even more important to a touring rider than a casual rider…
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Riding

2018 Cleveland Progressive International Motorcycle Show Highlights

Published by

Mike Marino

on

February 3, 2018

This year’s Cleveland Progressive International Motorcycle Show delivered its usual charm to Northeastern Ohioans. While the show seemed a little smaller than previous years, it nevertheless allowed motorcycle enthusiasts to escape the reality of winter and load up on information about new bikes and products for the spring. The show…
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Racing

Stars, Stripes, and MotoGP: What the Opening at Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Really Means for American Riders

Published by

Mike Marino

on

January 24, 2018

The American motorcycle road racing press has been whipped up into a frenzy since news of Jonas Folger’s unexpected departure from the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 MotoGP team broke last week. Several of my colleagues in the MotoAmerica press corps., including Lance Oliver at RevZilla (https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/will-a-us-rider-get-an-unexpected-shot-at-motogp), and Dave Swarts from Roadracing World (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/motogp-who-will-monster-yamaha-tech-3-choose-to-replace-jonas-folger-in-2018/) have penned articles about the possibility of an…
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Intro to Motorcycle Touring, Riding

Going the (First) Distance: Preventative Care aka Motorcycle Maintenance

Published by

Mike Marino

on

November 19, 2017

Previous articles have discussed the importance of having the ability to call for help in any situation and having the right tools packed to make roadside repairs. However, both situations can often be avoided by keeping your motorcycle properly maintained. This is especially true for long-distance riding, where riders are usually…
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Intro to Motorcycle Touring, Riding

Going the (First) Distance: Motorcycle Shoe [Tire] Shopping

Published by

Mike Marino

on

November 6, 2017

Just like carrying the right tools can be a tour saver, so can having the right tires on your motorcycle. Certain types of motorcycle tires last longer and therefore perform better for long-distance riding than others. Having to lose a day or two during a long-distance trip to having new tires installed can…
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Intro to Motorcycle Touring, Riding

Going the (First) Distance: Bring the Right Tools for the Job

Published by

Mike Marino

on

November 4, 2017

In the words of fellow long-distance riding enthusiast Paul Pelland (http://www.longhaulpaul.com/), “If your idea of a bike tool kit is a cell phone and a credit card, you’re in trouble already.” While carrying cash and alternative means of calling for help was covered in the last article (Point #6), the need to call…
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Intro to Motorcycle Touring, Riding

Going the (First) Distance: Packing Tips

Published by

Mike Marino

on

October 31, 2017

How low can you go?: When packing for a motorcycle tour, it is always best to keep weight as low and close to the center of the motorcycle as possible. In other words, try packing the heaviest items toward the bottom and front of the saddlebags. This allows for optimal…
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Intro to Motorcycle Touring, Riding

Going the (First) Distance: A Few Words About Luggage

Published by

Mike Marino

on

October 28, 2017

Before we can begin discussing what a long-distance motorcycle rider should bring with them on a tour, we first need to talk about how a rider can carry those items on their motorcycle. Motorcycle luggage is available in many forms and constructions, each with its own pros and cons. Soft…
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