What a week for motorcycle news!

Here’s a recap of the motorcycle stories that were recently trending, from reviews to deep insights on motorcycle insurance. 

Did you read anything interesting recently?  Let us know!

Understanding Motorcycle Insurance

Yes, most of us hate talking about it, but riding without insurance is just stupid. 

It’s one of those things we riders need, as important as knowing the difference between the throttle and the brake. 

Insurance is crucial for every rider, providing financial protection in various scenarios. And this is especially true for Twisted Road hosts and renters. 

A recent Motorcycle.com article breaks down the essentials of motorcycle insurance, offering valuable insights into:

• Understanding the basic requirements for motorcycle insurance, including liability coverage.

• Evaluating the levels of coverage needed based on personal circumstances and the motorcycle's value.

• The importance of comparing quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at the most reasonable cost.

• Considering additional coverages like comprehensive, collision, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.

Author John L. Stein says: “Even for lifelong riders, the insurance game can hold mysteries and surprises. But when you’re just starting out, multiply those mysteries into an unfathomable morass of terms, facts, and details.”

It’s worth the read—especially for our hosts and renters. This piece also reinforces why we take insurance so seriously and why we are the only motorcycle-sharing platform that provides up to $1 million in liability insurance. 

Read Motorcycle.com’s article about motorcycle insurance.

Nostalgia on Two Wheels: Superbike Review

As a contributor to Forbes and a ghostwriter for various CEOs that publish in the publication, I understand the value of Forbes. 

But I never got to talk about motorcycles there. So when I see a cool moto piece, I take notice. 

One of Forbes latest pieces involving motorcycles is a review of  Superbike: An Illustrated Early History by long-time technical insight guru Kevin Cameron and photographer John Owens.

For anyone in the industry, both authors are legends. And as for Cameron, I met him a few times at various flat track and road racers around the country. When he speaks, many don’t open their traps. His words are religious-like, and he’s the only one I know who can explain concepts like the working of desmodromic valve trains in simple terms. 

Forbes takes a deep look into this book, which discusses the early days of superbike racing when OEMs like Ducati were going head-to-head with Moto Guzzi, to the takeover from the massive Big Four brands that made Japanese inline fours serious weapons.

Read Forbes Superbike: An Illustrated Early History review.

First Ride: Suzuki GSX-8R

Cycle World offers an exclusive first-ride review of the Suzuki GSX-8R. I personally have an attachment to this bike. Last spring, I flew to Japan to help Suzuki finalize their global marketing strategy for this bike and provide some pre-launch rider impressions after spending a day on Suzuki’s private test track. 

Of course, I gobbled up the reviews, and Blake Connor’s piece basically matched my positive vibe about this bike. 

If you're into sportbikes but also comfort and longer travel, check one of these out when they start popping up on the Twisted Road platform. The bike’s pricing is spot on, and Twisted Road will help you ride before you buy.  

Discover what sets this more-than-full-faired GSX-8S apart, from its performance and handling to design and overall ride experience, in Connor’s GSX-8R review.

2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Review

This is a no-brainer to share. 

After being a test model rider for a Cycle World comparison between the DesertX and the Husqvarna Norden 901, I literally went out and bought one, finally trading up my beloved KTM 1190 Adventure R that served as my ultimate ADV bike for both off and on road. 

And I rode on some of the world’s most gnarliest off-road sections with the author here, Motorcycle.com’s Ryan Adams. He not only knows adventure motorcycling but also is one hell of a rider, both off and on the road. 

Ducati's DesertX Rally is put to the test in a comprehensive review. Find out how this bike fares on challenging terrains and why it might be the perfect choice for adventure riders. Read the full review.

Ducati DesertX Custom Parts Review

Speaking of the DesertX, I also had to share my Wunderlich parts review in Rider Magazine. I just began an overall build of the DesertX, and Wunderlich’s parts have helped provide more comfort and safety.

My review includes notes on the typical motorcycle “trinity crisis,” reviewing the German-company Wunderlich’s seat, windscreen, and auxiliary lights that I had to customize slightly to fit my OEM crash bars. See how these upgrades can enhance your DesertX experience. Check out the Rider DesertX parts review here.

Dakar Rally 2024 in Pictures

You won’t find Dakar Rally racers for rent on Twisted Road, though you may find some replicas, but that won’t prevent us from sharing any cool news about the infamous race.

The 46th Dakar Rally, hosted in Saudi Arabia for the 5th time, concluded after a challenging journey of over 2,923 miles in special stages and nearly 4,971 miles overall. This edition took competitors from AlUla to the Red Sea, traversing the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter, testing the endurance of some of the world’s quickest riders, including this year’s winner, America’s Ricky Brabec. This was Brabec’s second Dakar Rally win aboard his CRF450 Rally.

Motorcyclist captures the essence of one of the most challenging races in the world with its Dakar Rally gallery.

Triumph Speed 400: A Detailed Review

Shorter, small-displacement bikes are all the rage when it comes to rentals on Twisted Road. 

Triumph just released one more to add to this segment: the 2024 Triumph Speed 400. The bike is super un-intimidating with its 375 wet weight and seat height a hair over 31 inches. 

Ultimate Motorcycling recently reviewed these new machines—check out their Triumph Speed 400 review.