Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite places on the web for motorcycle news, reviews and tips.
Organizations
The American Motorcyclist Association is an organization that represents and supports motorcyclists. The website includes sections about riding, racing, motorcycle news, events, affiliated clubs and a number of member only areas. The AMA is also a lobbying organization that advocates for motorcyclists' rights and is deep into lobbying against E-15 gas mandate. Click here to join.
I am a dedicated "Thumper" owner and joined the FSSNOC (Four-Stroke Singles National Owners Group). Members receive a nice magazine and the site welcomes thumper owners regardless of the brand of bike that they own. Check out the site to read some of the magazine articles and access a discussion area for motorcyclists.
Finally, in this category, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has lots of articles and videos on motorcycle safety. There is lots of good info here, and the site also lists locations where riders can take certified MSF classes. Check out my story about taking the MSF "Returning Rider" class.
Tips, Magazines and Gear
Women Riders Now is a great site for women riders (and the tips often apply to men as well). It is a compilation of news, reviews, tips and stories especially relevant to women riders. The site includes a solid beginner’s guide, motorcycle reviews, clothing and product reviews as well as a forum for user interaction. Their slogan: “Motorcycle Lifestyle | For Women | And Men Who Ride With Women.”
Web Bike World has more useful reviews than any other online site I've found. They review everything from protective clothing to electronics. Their reviews appear to me to be right on most of the time, so it's a great place to check out products before you buy them.
Several motorcycle magazines have a strong presence on the web. All have access for non-subscribers but also have bonus material available to subscribers only. All have reviews of bikes, and gear as well as stories of motorcycle travel.
Rider Magazine: strong on bike reviews.
Motorcyclist Magazine: Bike and gear reviews are solid but the best features are the “MC Garage” and “On Two Wheels" videos.
Midwest Motorcyclist: News about motorcycling and rider events in the Midwest. Somewhat Michigan-centric.
RoadRunner Motorcycling and Touring: All about riding and touring on a motorcycle. You can access stories about a month after print publication, but to download the maps or GPX files you must be a subscriber. Well written and a great place to plan a trip.
My favorite online stores
Revzilla: Everything you would ever want for riding, except the motorcycle itself. Best selection of gear that I have found anywhere on the web. Great service, fast delivery and extensive video reviews.
Carhartt: If you wear jeans when you ride but would like a few more pockets, Carhartt Canvas pants may be the answer. Lots of styles and many options. Bonus, Carhartt is a Detroit-based company.
If you click on the Revzilla or Carhartt links here at Midwest Guest and make a purchase, we receive a small commission that helps us cover blog expenses.
Thank you to the AMA and MSF for allowing us to use their registered trademarked logos for this post.
© Tim Marks 2016, all rights reserved
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