Downsizing My Dual Sport Bike

September 9, 2026

Sport Touring Corner By Norm Kern As my regular readers know, I have been downsizing my bikes to postpone aging out. The process began in 2020 when I added a 650 Suzuki V Strom XT to my stable and learned I could live with a much lighter chain drive bike. Last September I purchased a Triumph…

What is Moravec’s Paradox and What it has to do With Motorcycling?

September 3, 2026

Sport Touring Corner By Norm Kern Moravec’s paradox is an observation by artificial intelligence and robotics researchers that reasoning requires very little computation while sensorimotor and perception skills require enormous computational resources. What does that have to do with riding motorcycles? For me, everything! When I read about Moravec’s paradox the other day, it took…

Cold Weather Riding

September 2, 2026

Stay Safe, Comfortable, and Confident on Two Wheels Through the Chill As Fall arrives, the temperatures can drop – sometimes even swinging 20-30 degrees or more within the same 24 hours or even ride.  It’s important that you plan ahead. Riding a motorcycle in cold weather is a test of both spirit and preparation. The…

Dale’s Wheels Through Time: A Living Chronicle of American Motorcycles

September 1, 2026

America’s Most Dynamic Motorcycle Museum Nestled in the picturesque valley town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Dale’s Wheels Through Time stands as both a museum and a living testament to the passion and perseverance of American motorcycling. Revered among enthusiasts and travelers alike, this unique institution is more than a mere repository of mechanical artifacts;…

Top 10 Most Popular Motorcycle-Related Books

August 31, 2026

Top Ten Most Popular Motorcycle-Related Books Essential Reading and the Perfect Escape for Motorcycle Enthusiasts Whether you are a seasoned rider, motorcycle enthusiast, or just curious about motorcycle culture, these books have captured the imagination of readers around the world and are a perfect escape for those struggling with “cabin fever” while the snow is…

The Challenges of Choosing a Used Motorcycle

August 28, 2026

What Every Rider Should Know Before Buying Pre-Owned Buying a used motorcycle can be one of the smartest ways to get on two wheels without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a first-time rider, adding another bike to the garage, or chasing a dream machine no longer in production, the used market offers incredible opportunities. But…

Veterans Service Organizations & Riding Organizations

August 27, 2026

Veterans Service Organizations Mission 22 We exist to end Veteran suicide.We focus on Veterans, family, and community. We walk with Veterans and their families through PTS, TBI, and trauma-related challenges.Through structured support.Through post-traumatic growth.Through coaching, accountability, and purpose-driven recovery. No shortcuts. No slogans.Just real people, doing the work together. Every day, Veterans return home from…

Veterans State Benefits

August 26, 2026

MICHIGAN  Michigan Veteran Financial Benefits: Michigan State Veterans Homes There are three Michigan Veteran Homes. The homes are in Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids and Marquette. Veterans eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care or financial assistance for long-term care may be admitted. The veteran must have been discharged or released under conditions other…

Riding Motorcycles is Good Therapy

August 25, 2026

RIDING MOTORCYCLES IS GOOD THERAPY FOR VETERANS In the last few years, researchers and psychologists have looked beyond motorcycle riding as purely an adrenaline kick. They’ve discovered that motorcyclists find riding to be a therapeutic process that allows them to de-stress. Riding motorcycles is good therapy. This process is especially important for veterans of our…

Why Veterans Love Motorcycles

August 24, 2026

By Todd DePastino From Rolling Thunder’s 88 chapters in 29 states to the thousands of local clubs across the country and the world, motorcycle clubs have been part and parcel from the veterans community for a long time. The motorcycle seems entwined with the very identity of veteran. Why? Turns out, the connect stretches back…

Reasons To Ride Blogs ///

Reasons to Ride is your one stop for all reasons to ride, from flat track racing to articles from industry leaders. Enjoy blogs from Reasons To Ride Contributors!

From Sturgis to Woody, to Pancakes and Peanut Butter.

The other day I caught myself sharing one of my earliest Buffalo Chip / Sturgis stories to a group of riders talking about committing to making the Black Hills pilgrimage this year. I started the story by commending them for making the commitment to heading out for the massive rally, especially months in advance.  I told them that the trip…

Join the Ride — Discover Motorcycle Sport Touring Association (MSTA)

Sport Touring CornerBy Norm Kern What is MSTA? If you’re a sport touring rider who enjoys the freeing experience of motorcycling – with adventure – discovering new roads or reliving your favorites, MSTA is for you. We seek community, the opportunity to make new connections and experience our passion.  We’re a national club with about 1,100 members, mostly concentrated near…

My Riding Adventure  

By Mary Blackard, Reasons to Ride Contributor Sixty years ago, my love affair with motorcycles began. I rode every chance I got with whomever would take me. Life in the mid-sixties was certainly a safer time AND God kept His eyes on me! After many years of cycle envy, I bought a new 1978 orange AMF Harley 350. My husband…

Don’t Just Ride — Become Part of the Riding Community

Don’t Just Ride — Become Part of the Riding Community There’s nothing wrong with being “just another rider.” Every one of us started there. You buy the bike, you hit the road, you show up when you can, and you enjoy the freedom that comes with two wheels. But at some point, a lot of riders realize something important: the…

Ride More. Win More. Discover More.

Introducing the 2026 Ride & Win Contest! What if every ride you took this season could turn into a chance to win prizes—just for doing what you already love to do? That’s exactly what the Ride & Win Contest from Reasons To Ride Motorcycle Magazine is all about. It’s a fun, free, rider-driven program designed to get you out on…

Tire Tales

Sport Touring Corner By Norm Kern Riders who don’t do multi-day trips miss out on a lot of fun, But there is one stressful thing they don’t have to pay much attention to or think about- tire wear. You check your tire after each day’s ride and if you’re down to the wear bars, you replace it. Simple! (There are…

From the Publisher: Get in the Wind

By Our Publisher Derek Smith As Reasons To Ride continues to grow, we’re proud to continue rolling out new regional editions and reaching more corners of the riding community. As we do, you will notice some stories, events, and features crossing over between state editions — and that’s by design. We want riders to look beyond the same old roads.…

Summer 2026 Has Been a Whirlwind!

By PA State Editor – Tracie Irwin Summer 2026 has certainly kept me on the move. My travels have taken me across several states and even beyond our borders. I kicked off the year with a cruise, where I had the opportunity to rent a Harley and explore the beautiful Grand Cayman. Just last week, I made a day trip…

License Plate Frames

Sport Touring Corner By Norm Kern, RTR Contributor / MSTA  I recently received an inquiry from a fellow Motorcycle Sport Touring Association (MSTA) member about the availability of license plate frames. The club used to offer a nice custom frame with the club name and logo, but ran out of them a few years ago.  The request triggered my memory…

The Group Ride

By ReasonsToRide Riding Together: The Roles, Positions and Responsibilities of a Motorcycle Group Ride There is something special about seeing a well-organized group of motorcycles traveling down the road together.  Whether it’s 6 bikes or 60 – a group of riders presents a bold statement.  When everyone understands the plan, maintains proper spacing and watches out for the riders around…