GETTING STARTED

Let’s ride.

The only thing between you and the road should be the motorcycle you love. The information you’ll find here will get you to that point, with no detours along the way.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Sign up now and let us walk you through your journey into the world of motorcycling. You’ll discover the passion that drives riders, explore the diverse range of motorcycles available and the different experiences they can give you, and learn essential information to help you navigate your roadmap to riding.

 

Our comprehensive guide covers everything from basic training and licensing requirements to choosing the right insurance and gear. Whether you’re drawn to the freedom of the open road, the thrill of the ride, or unlocking new experiences, we’ll provide you with all the knowledge to get out on the road.

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YOUR RIDING PURPOSE

How does the road call to you?

We all have our own reasons to ride. No doubt about it, you do, too.

01

Commute

Take work out of your commute.

There’s no better way to navigate gridlock than on a motorcycle. Bike riders are nimble, so while gridlock stacks up you’ve got the freedom and room to keep moving ahead. With greater fuel efficiency, you’ll save money while you save time. And best of all? You’ll turn a daily chore into a daily dose of freedom and fulfillment.

02

Community

A community that’s nothing like anything else.

Motorcycle riders are built differently. But it’s this difference that brings us together. As a motorcycle rider, you’ll be welcomed into a community of enthusiasts that values independence, emphasizes safety and inclusion, and greets every new member with a generous spirit. There’s road enough for all of us.

03

Leisure

Put more freedom in your free time.

At its core, motorcycle riding is made for leisure and built for fun. Powersports—including dirtbikes, ATVs, and more, are great family activities. Young riders learn confidence and build a great sense of safety and respect. It’s all about family, in fact—you don’t need to have kids to join this group of like-minded people. Now that you’ve found riding, you’ve found your tribe.

04

Adventure

Answer the call of adventure.

The ultimate road trip can only happen on a motorcycle—just you, the road ahead, and wide open spaces. And motorcycles are the vehicle of choice for hikers, campers, and outdoors enthusiasts. For some people, fresh air is as essential as water, the open sky is the only roof they need, and getting into the wild keeps their spirit untamed, too. If that sounds like you, then you’re ready to ride.

05

Escape

Full-throttle Zen.

You. The wind. The open road. No distractions, no conversations, no compromises. Just the sense of peace and purpose that comes with doing something you love, purely on your terms. No matter where you’re going on your motorcycle, chances are you’ll find some Zen along the way.

06

Personal Best

The competitive spirit.

You, your friends, your family. A common pursuit with a common start and a race to be the best you can be. On-road, off-road or somewhere in between, racing gives you the opportunity to enjoy friendly competition no matter what type of riding you choose.

07

Personal Sovereignty

Pure, unapologetically you.

To all the badasses out there: you know who you are, and you know you’re one of us.

TYPES OF BIKES

You know you’ve got a type.

There’s a bike for every rider. And a rider for every bike. Take a look and see what feels like a fit. Not sure? Our quiz can help.

Take quiz
All-purpose is all good.

Standard/Naked

Whether you’re commuting to work or hitting the highway for a road trip, standard (or “naked”) motorcycles are built for comfort and utility. These blank canvases are great for customization and can handle luggage for longer trips.

Explore every horizon.

Adventure

Adventure motorcycles (or ADV) are good on pavement or off-road. Bigger engines and larger fuel tanks mean these bikes can take on long trips and tough terrain. They can be equipped with windscreens, saddlebags and more, readying them for whatever it takes.

Adrenaline comes standard.

Sport

With high-performance engines, lightweight frames and the latest in motorcycle tech, sport bikes are built to thrill. If the idea of track days and speedways gets your motor going, this is the bike to ride.

Comfort meets classic.

Cruiser

Cruisers are timelessly designed with body styles first pioneered in the 1930s-60s. Typically they’re fitted with a large-displacement V-twin engine, though you can find other engine types too. Cruisers require less frequent shifting, but are ideal for getting around at low and moderate speeds – and looking great while you’re at it.

Go the distance.

Touring

These motorcycles are built for long-distances and great comfort. Everything about these motorcycles—from upright seating to weather and wind protections, larger fuel tanks and more—is designed to give you and a passenger a plush way to experience the greatest road trips of your lifetimes.

Go big on small.

Scooter

With a smaller engine and self-enclosed bodywork, scooters are quieter than other motorcycles and can be more nimble, fitting in perfectly between downtown high rises or a quick trip to your favorite espresso spot. Typically, they also have more storage space. There’s no clutch, so the riding experience is fundamentally different—and phenomenally fun.

Go ahead and get dirty.

Off-road

Commonly called “dirt bikes”, these motorcycles may not be street legal, but they’re good just about anywhere else. “Off-road” means any rough surface—sand, gravel, dirt, mud, snow, anything. It’s hard to beat the feeling of going off the beaten path.

The go-anywhere-you-like bike.

Dual-sport

Dual-sport bikes are the ultimate mashup: it’s an off-road bike made street legal. Think of it as a dirt bike with turn signals, mirrors and a license plate. With a dual-sport bike, you can go off-roading without having to get your bike there on a trailer. Hop on—all roads are open.

Big fun, small ride.

Mini Moto

This is a newer class of motorcycles with engines that typically fall below 150 cc’s. They’re great for new riders because the seat heights are low and they’re generally more beginner-friendly. There’s a cult-like following for these small but mighty machines—in fact, you’ll find them in the garages of many experienced riders just because they’re so much fun.

A little something extra.

3-wheel Motorcycles

More stability. More ease. Those are the perks of a 3-wheel motorcycle. You still get a sporty ride, just with a little more comfort and storage. There’s a whole world of 3-wheel bikes, including automatic transmissions, sport styles, commuter-styles, luxurious rides and more. Three wheels open up almost limitless possibilities.

FIND A BIKE

Let’s talk. Then let’s ride.

Take our quiz to find the right motorcycle type for you.

Start quiz

GEAR

Gear up and go.

Before you hit the road, hit the gear shop for the essentials that’ll make your ride more safe—and more fun.

Helmets/eye protection
Gloves
Boots
Jackets/Pants

Helmets & Eye Protection

When you’re riding, a helmet is as essential as the bike itself. There are a few types to choose from:

Full-Face
Full-face, offering all-around protection that includes a built-in face shield.
Three-Quarter Helmet
Three-quarter, which covers the head and ears but leaves the face exposed. You’ll need goggles or a snap-on bubble visor with this option.
Off-road
Off-road, which offers full-face protection in the form of goggles. A sun visor is typically built in.
Once you decide what type of helmet you need, here are some things to keep in mind
Always choose a helmet with a Department of Transportation (DOT) label on the back
Make sure it fits snugly, fastens securely, and feels comfortable
Always protect your eyes with a face shield or goggles
Bicycle, skateboard, baseball or football helmets are not safe substitutes—always use a real motorcycle helmet built to DOT standards.

Gloves

The gloves you choose will depend on the type of riding you’re doing. They play an important role in protection, comfort and bike control.

Street
Look for a proper fit without any areas that are too light or too loose. There should be armored reinforcement on the knuckles, palms, and sides of the gloves. Textile or leather (or a combination) will work fine, just make sure your gloves are appropriate for the season.
Adventure/dual sport
Good options will be armored with carbon fiber, hard plastic or metal over the knuckles and impact zones. The right fit in the fingers and palm is important, as are good ventilation/insulation and weatherproofing.
Sport/track
These gloves are essentially reinforced street gloves, so seek a good fit and abrasion resistance. Track gloves often feature exotic materials like kangaroo and stingray hide, or carbon fiber and titanium.
Dirtbike/ATV
You’ll want reinforcement around the impact zones, like the knuckles, plus a proper fit through the fingers and palms. These gloves tend to me thinner and more flexible. Ventilation and weatherproofing are key.

Boots

Your regular workboots or streetwear won’t provide the kind of protection or performance-optimizing features that a true riding boot will. Here’s what to look for, depending on the type of riding you do.

Street
You’ll want a boot with impact-absorbing foam and hard reinforcements in the ankles, heels and toes. Watch for features like extra reinforcements in the instep for more positive shifting engagement, non-slip soles, and lacing that won’t get caught in sprockets or chains. Find a pair that’s just as comfortable on the pegs as they are walking around.
Adventure/dual sport
Armor around the ankle and heel is important, as is a comfortable and supportive fit. Look for breathable material that’s also waterproof if you’re riding somewhere wet. Straps and latches should be of good quality. These boots will have a higher calf-length and heavier tread pattern.
Sport/track
A good track boot will have extra reinforcement through the heel, toe, ankle and shin. A system that minimizes excessive twisting or bending of the ankle is a plus. Fit is very important, as you’ll want no compromises in getting feedback to prevent missed gears or locked breaks. Waterproofing is a good idea, too.
Dirtbike/ATV
You’re looking from good protection for your shins and joints, along with hyperextension protection from metal-reinforced soles and further safeguards like thermal shield plates, polyurethane shin and calf plates and shock absorbing heel pads. Your boot should be 14–5 inches from insole to top of the gaiter. The fit should feel good whether you’re seated or standing on the pegs. Breathability and waterproofing are important, too.

Jackets/Pants

You can’t go wrong with classic black leathers, but you’ve got other options, too.

Street
A good street jacket should provide some protection along your shoulders and elbows, with comfort being a key feature in both jacket and pants. Look for materials that breathe so you can maintain comfort while you ride.
Adventure/dual sport
You’ve found the right jacket if it’s got impact-absorbing armor in the shoulders, elbows, back and forearms. You’ll want a full range of motion, so fit is key. Material that’s well ventilated and designs with ample cargo pockets are a plus.
Sport/track
The high speeds of this sport mean you’ll want the latest in protective technology. Make sure your gear has extra reinforcements in the shoulders, elbows, back and forearms. A tight fit is good, but you’ll want plenty of ventilation to maintain comfort. You may fit yourself with a two-piece or single-piece riding suit.
Dirtbike/ATV
You’ll be navigating some unpredictable terrain on a dirtbike or ATV, so safety gear is essential. Spring for a neck brace and a chest protector, along with gear that offers armored areas in the shoulders, elbows, back and forearms. The fit should allow a full range of motion without a pinch. Comfort is important, so materials should be lightweight yet strong. The extreme temperatures of off-road riding makes proper ventilation important, too. Consider using a hydration pack—a lack of water on the trail can be deadly.

MAKE IT YOURS

Like the clothes you wear, your bike reflects you in every way. Seats, tires, exhaust, handlebars, suspension, windscreens, custom paint and high tech lighting, the possibilities of how you choose to make a statement and make your bike truly your own is limitless.

INSURANCE

Financial protection is essential gear.

Insuring your motorcycle is more than a requirement by law, it’s also smart financial management.

Be sure to talk to your insurance agent about ways to save. Many carriers allow you to bundle your motorcycle insurance along with your car or truck policy for extra savings, and you may be able to lower your premium further by completing training with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or installing anti-theft systems.

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