The EICMA 2019 Winners & Losers Report
The dust has settled and the 2019 story of the annual motorcycle extravaganza known as EICMA has arrived. Home Sweet Home I find myself back in snow-covered Alberta, Canada after enduring 12 hours of travel time on the journey home. I’m plopped down in front of my keyboard now, pouring over the vast collection of …
Motoz Tractionator Adventure Tires: Traction & Longevity
Mean-Looking, Ground-Shredding, & Long-Lasting Tires: The Great Debate If you want to lose friends and start arguments on social media the quickest way to do it is to ask: “What tires should I run on my motorcycle?” A close second would be asking about engine oil. The verbal bloodbath that inevitably will follow can cause …
Let’s Go To Italy For EICMA 2019!
I’m sure it’s no surprise to hear one of my favorite things to do is to see and test new motorcycle products. I want to give honest and open feedback to the manufacturer and consumer based on my observations and experience. I really love writing for wBW for that reason. Whenever someone tells me they …
[Review] Royal Enfield INT650 Is Surprisingly Great!
Introduction If that video from Royal Enfield isn’t enough to make you want to ride these bikes, I’m afraid the motorcycle rider part of your soul must be dead. The only way to resurrect it is to take one of these retro-styled bikes from India out for a few hours of unbridled two-wheeled therapy. AimExpo …
SENA 10C Pro Review: Making Things Easy
First Impressions I’ve been trying to find a way to reliably shoot sharp videos with clear sound while out testing motorcycles since I started writing for wBW a couple of years ago. I haven’t been able to decide which equipment I needed to do it. Last year I gambled on a GoPro Hero 6 thinking …
The Alter Ego 14.0 Adaptive Jacket System Delivers
First Impressions A Niche Filled Getting stuck without suitable riding gear when encountering challenging riding conditions can be uncomfortable, even painful or dangerous. Anyone who’s spent any serious time in the saddle can relate and share an experience or two illustrating this. Many manufacturers will tell you they can build convertible gear to meet a …
See Inside A Helmet Torture Chamber: wBW Goes To Snell
I recently wrote a review of the Bell SRT Modular helmet that was, in my eyes, pretty standard wBW quality and unremarkable. Originally it had been assigned to one of our other reviewers before being passed to me which again seems unimportant. Looking back now a couple of months later I’m on the verge of …
Feynlab Ceramic Coating Is So Fine
What Is It? Feynlab coined the phrase “nano technology ceramic coatings” about 15 years ago and is a pioneer and innovation leader in the field of protective vehicle coatings. Kate Hadland the Feynlab coating installer from Tenacious Detail. It all sounds very Star Trek to me and I half expected the installer I contacted to …
Lexin FT4 Bluetooth Comms & RAM® Mounts X-Grip Combo Review
A Review Request From A Friend My favorite part of doing these reviews is helping someone make a wise purchase. None of us wants to spend our hard-earned money on something we won’t like over the long run or that is poor quality. My friend Steve Crawshaw asked me about a month ago if I …
The Forcefield Sport Suit X-V: One Piece Protection & Comfort
The Forcefield Effect Last year marked my first encounter with Forcefield Body Armour products when I reviewed their Tech 2 base layer and Sport Tubes. It’s become my preferred everyday riding gear ever since because it keeps me dry and warm when it’s cold and cooler when it’s hot out. I absolutely love the Tech …
Simpson Outlaw Bandit Review: An In Your Face Full Face
Head Shape Analysis Simpson doesn’t list any shape for the helmet on their site, but Revzilla calls it “Neutral Oval” which I take to mean something between Round Oval and Intermediate Oval. I would agree with that or say that it has a definite Round Oval bias to it since it fits my Round Oval …
Me, The French Riviera, & a Ducati
Dreams The phrase “a dream come true” sounds cliche and trite when used to describe a vacation, but it’s completely on target in this case. I’ve always wanted to go riding in Europe and the opportunity unexpectedly fell right into my lap recently. The Genesis of the Plan A few months ago a couple of …
The Klim K1R Raw Karbon: Loud Light Luxury
*Note: The Klim K1R Karbon helmet seems Round Oval shaped but the Klim rep I spoke with informed me it was designed Intermediate Oval. It fits my head perfectly so I’d say it has a strong round bias if it’s IO shaped. That means it won’t be any fun for people with narrow or long …
GMax MD01 Solid Modular Review: A Standout Surprise
First Impressions Who is GMax? I know many of you are familiar with the brand already but this is my first encounter with them. I scoured the internet and found scant information so I reached out directly via email and got a fast response. GMax is an American company based in Idaho that began designing …
Bell SRT Modular Helmet Review: A True Predator
I’ve Fallen Prey To A Bell SRT Modular Predator First Impression & Fitment I’ve just finished reviewing 3 successive helmets that all (to varying degrees) hurt my head to wear. All of them were shaped too narrow for my Round Oval skull. Thankfully relief came in the form of this Bell SRT Modular lid that …
Shoei GT Air II w/ Sena SRL2 Review: A Pair of Great Sequels
A Tale of Two Helmets: GT Air vs. GT Air II I’m regularly informed by many people how my 14 yr old son “looks just like you.” I can see similarities for sure, but to me, he’s taller, updated, improved, and a less hairy version of me that society will happily embrace whereas it mainly …
2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Review: In The Land of Joy
Losing My Virginity My Ducati virginity, that is! It couldn’t have been more perfect or romantic my first time with this Italian seductress. We met in Nice, France – and both originally from other countries. Myself from Alberta, Canada and her from Bologna, Italia. Our paths crossed somewhere along a picturesque lane named Rivoli. This …
SIDI Gavia Gore-Tex Review: No Nonsense Boots
The Gavia Aren’t Newcomers I’ve been wearing a pair of SIDI Adventure 2 Gore Tex Boots for the last year and appreciate them for all the reasons outlined in the review we did two years ago. They did exactly what I wanted for the long ride on gravel I took last June to Tuktoyaktuk and …
Same Planet, Different Worlds: 2019 Gold Wing DCT vs. 2019 Indian Chieftain Limited
I’ve never ridden a big touring motorcycle from the Honda or Indian lineup of bikes. I have ridden and reviewed other bikes from Ducati, KTM, and Harley Davidson. Lately, the thought of branching out and seeing what I’ve been missing has germinated and even grown some strong roots. I feel like I might be missing …
Nolan N100-5 Modular Helmet Hands-On Review
My first helmet back in 1987 was a bright yellow Nolan dirt bike offering. Maybe some of you reading this had the same one too? It left an impression on me, yet for some reason, I’ve never worn another Nolan product until today. I’ve been missing out! This Italian brand has been building high quality, …
Exotogg Thermal Vest Review: Full of Hot Air Or Full Of Promise?
Where Did This Come From? The United Kingdom, but there’s a lot more to this story… I don’t recall how I first heard about the Exotogg, but it was nearly 2 years ago I first got in contact via email with its designer Tony Hawkins. It was in the final stages of development at that …
WBW Motorcycle Preview: 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R
KTM’s New ADV Class Game Changer I spent the last two days at the Calgary Motorcycle Show gawking longingly at what is slated to be my next motorcycle. I put a deposit down on one back in November without even knowing the price or having seen it in person. Am I completely nuts? Crazy like …
4SR 96 Stingray Racing Gloves Hands-On Review
4SR: The New Kid In Town While attending AimExpo in October I happened upon a display booth for 4SR products. 4 Street Racing is a Czech manufacturer well known in Europe on the race track and in the everyday riding gear market but is a new arrival to North American shores. After speaking at length …
2019 Harley Davidson FXDR Test Ride
A Modern Harley Davidson Is Born My recent review of the 2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide (review here) left me unfulfilled searching for a sport touring offering from the “Bar and Shield”. Despite that disappointment, I didn’t hesitate to swing a leg over the brand new 2019 FXDR while at AimExpo. No one wants to …
Velomacchi 40L Speedway Backpack Hands-On Review
The Speedway & I Are Becoming Fast Friends Wearing a backpack while riding a motorcycle is a huge killjoy for me. It throws off balance, restricts movement and makes me sweat where normally I wouldn’t. I hate it and avoid it at all costs. That is until I met the Velomacchi Speedway. First Impressions When …
2018 Harley Davidson Sport Glide Test Ride
The Not So Sport Glide Have you ever really wanted to like a motorcycle and had it disappoint you? That’s what happened to me with Harley’s new Sport Glide. It’s not awful or anything like that, but it’s not what it could have been with some better execution on the part of Harley’s designers. With …
Simpson Mod Bandit Helmet Review
The Mod Bandit Stole and Broke My Heart I stopped by the Simpson booth at AimExpo last week to see what they had in store with their unmistakably stylish line of helmets. I was surprised to be presented with the announcement of their first modular helmet design called the Mod Bandit. I knew right away …
Forcefield Armour Sport Tube and Tech 2 Base Layer Hands-On Review
I Feel Superhuman Today is quite literally the hottest day of the year in 2018. Beads of sweat are running freely down my back despite the fact I’m indoors and only wearing shorts and a light t-shirt. I know for you readers living in Arizona this may sound a bit pathetic, but for us Canadian …
2019 Honda CRF450L Test Ride Review
I Love It! I admit freely to generally liking all Honda motorcycles. Not that I won’t criticize shortcomings on them, but overall I just like the cut of their jib. They build bikes that make the rider feel more confident in their ability. They focus on imbuing their bikes with user friendly torque curves and power …
2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2SX SE Long-Term Review
The 2018 Motorcycle of The Year This review made possible through the help of Blackfoot Motosports in Calgary, Alberta and Kawasaki Canada. After 7500 miles of asphalt with some gravel and dirt thrown in how did the new for 2018 Kawasaki H2SX SE Sport Tourer perform? In a word, flawlessly. No, that’s insufficient praise for …
Ride To Tuktoyaktuk, Canada: Part Two
Post Navigation Day One / Day Two / Day Three / Day Four / The Fallout / Homeward Bound This is the last half of the story to finish the one I wrote about riding my 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2SX SE from my home in Alberta, Canada to Dawson City, Yukon. That part can …
Michelin Road 5 Tires Hands-On Review: Super Sticky & Long Lasting
My Bike Needs New Sneakers My 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2SX SE eats its own feet, so to speak. Worn out Bridgestone Battlax rear tire These 200 horsepower and supercharged Ninjas are renowned for wearing out rear tires in less than 2500 miles regularly. By keeping my bike in medium power mode I was able to …
GoFast Innovations JIS Screwdriver Set Hands-On Review
The Right Tool For the Job Tool Snobbery Speaking as a licensed Heavy Duty Mechanic I admit to being a bit of a “tool snob”. That doesn’t mean I must always use premium brand tools like Snap-On or Mac, but more that if there’s a tool available specifically for a task I want it in …
AGV Sportmodular Carbon Helmet Hands-On Review: So Very Good
About AGV I’m a little embarrassed to admit how unfamiliar I am with AGV so I did a little research on them. Hopefully, I’m not the only one who will benefit from a brief intro to this Italian manufacturer. AGV or Amisano Gino Valenza has been around since 1946 making cutting-edge products for the world …
Ride to Tuktoyaktuk, Canada: Part One
Post Navigation Day One / Day Two / Day Three / Day Four / Day Five / Day Six / Day Seven It’s Done. Whew! I’m standing in the water of the Beaufort Sea in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada. The Arctic Ocean! Photo Matt de Bourcier The water is so cold I start to feel …
Joe Rocket Canada Atomic Textile Gloves: Tuk Tested!
Tuk Tested What Does Tuk Tested Mean? These gloves have been tested more thoroughly than any other piece of gear in WBW history to date (that I’m aware of). I just returned from a 5600-mile adventure ride while using the Atomic gloves mostly on the way home because the weather turned very hot in that …
Joe Rocket Canada Alter Ego 13 Pants: Tuk Tested!
Tuk Tested What Does Tuk Tested Mean? These pants have been tested more thoroughly than any other piece of gear in WBW history to date (that I’m aware of). I just returned from a 5600-mile adventure ride while using the Alter Ego 13 pants the whole way. Beginning from my home in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada …
Joe Rocket Canada RKT-25 TransCanada Helmet: Tuk Tested!
Tuk Tested What does Tuk Tested mean? This helmet has been tested more thoroughly than any other piece of gear in WBW history to date (that I’m aware of). I just returned from a 5600-mile adventure ride while using the RKT-25 helmet. Beginning from my home in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada it ranged all the way …
Joe Rocket Canada Ballistic 14 Jacket: Tuk Tested!
Tuk Tested What exactly does “Tuk Tested” entail, you might ask? This jacket has been tested more thoroughly than any other piece of gear in WBW history to date (that I’m aware of). I just returned from a 5600-mile adventure ride while using the Ballistic 14 jacket. Beginning from my home in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada …
Trilobite Probut X-Factor Cordura Denim Men’s Jeans Hands On Review
Jeans With A Twist What the…?? When I first saw the photos of the Trilobite Probut X-Factor motorcycling jeans in the MotoNation catalog I was beyond intrigued. I’ve noticed the rising popularity of motorcycle jeans and wondered whether they’re all some people make them out to be. I jumped at the chance to test these …
