2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood

The Deadwood

Well, well, well, MotoReaders, it looks like Artie is making good on his promises, so far. The MoCo just released a new, at least in name, motorcycle and I have to say... I dig it. 

I'll admit that I'm a sucker for black motorcycles... always have been, but did the designers make the right choice by dipping into their usual bag of tricks for the 2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood? Let's take a look and talk about H-D's new FL.

Black Is Beautiful

Out of all the bikes I've had throughout the years, the vast majority of them have been black. Sure, I've had a few that weren't, but let's be honest- as far as motorcycles are concerned- the only thing prettier than a black and chrome motorcycle, is a black on black motorcycle. Now, there's nothing wrong with having some color on your scooter, but there's just something about that deep ebony paint that evokes an, almost, emotional response. Needless to say, when I saw the Deadwood, it's dark and moody demeanor piqued my interest right away. The MoCo's new scoot comes in black, and if you don't like that, it also comes in black. Chrome? No. Brushed aluminum? Nope. But... for the folks that absolutely have to have a little color in their lives, the MoCo does offer the "Redline Collection"... which gives you the option of adding some, you guessed it- red (or oddly enough- blue and... black) trim pieces like timing and derby covers, footboards, gas cap, grip ends, brake pedal and shifter pegs for accents. 

Just Another Softail

At first glance, you might be asking yourself though- is it just another Softail? Isn't the Deadwood, basically, just a blacked-out Heritage, or a Slim with full fenders? Well... yeah, more or less. But, pretty much every Softail is "just another Softail." They always have been. A Fat Boy uses the same frame as a Heritage, a Slim, a Standard, a Night Train, a Deuce and so on- you get the point. Back in the day, before H-D killed off the Dyna and the Evo Sportster, there were several models in those "families" to choose from, just like their flagship Touring bikes, too. The frames on each of these lines are interchangeable within the family. For example, I have a friend that took a 2003 Anniversary Road King and made it into a Road Glide. He did such a good job with the conversion, that the only way that someone would know it wasn't a factory Road Glide, is by decoding the VIN. The MoCo has always used a common frame for a line of bikes, then trimmed each one out to make a different model, and it's a brilliant business model that H-D has used for decades, thanks to Willie G. Take 5 or 6 frame designs and upfit them with a variety of tanks, bars, wheels, seats, fenders, front-ends, etc., and you can make, exponentially, more options for new models. Artie Starrs seems to recognize the genius in this concept, which is evident in the new Deadwood and Super Glide, and he also sees the potential in it, which is also evident by his claim that they will be bringing back the Evo Sportster. There is limitless potential for improving revenue, by creating new models, trim levels and selling custom parts. 

Some folks might argue that the Deadwood is not a "new" bike, it's just trim. But, let's be honest for a minute- while anyone can customize a Heritage and turn it into a Deadwood... most people won't. Just like anyone can take a perfectly good anniversary Road King and make it into a Road Glide... but my buddy is one of the few people, that I know of, that actually did it... because that kind of customization takes a lot of time, money and work... work that most people can't, or won't, do themselves. Heck, most people won't even do their own oil changes, much less swap tanks, bars, wheels, exhaust, engine covers, etc. A lot of my beer money has come from doing, just that kind of work for folks. I'm not complaining, though- because their inability, or outright refusal, to work on their own bikes has kept my beer fridge stocked with the Champagne of Beers for a few years now.

Cool Bike, Cool Name

Deadwood, South Dakota is an historic city, known for its proximity to the beautiful Black Hills. It's the final resting place of Wild West heroes like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok and of course, it was the home of one of the country's first major gold rushes, in 1876. It might be a tourist trap now, but that doesn't change it's history or significance in shaping the West and that doesn't make it any less cool. My more clever MotoReaders may have picked up on the simile, there. The Wild West town of Deadwood, SD turned into a place that brings in thousands of visitors a year, to see and be a part of the town's history. They are drawn in by the mystique of the town, and the historical significance of it. The H-D Deadwood is a genius play on that concept. The Deadwood's model designation is FLHD, which is as brilliant as it is simple if you know the way the MoCo codes their bikes (click the link to learn). The H-D Deadwood, much like it's geographical namesake, seeks to draw people in to Harley-Davidson dealerships, and get them to spend their money on souvenir T-shirts, poker chips, jackets, parts, services, and of course, the ultimate goal- to sell them a badass, American made motorcycle backed up by 123 years of uninterrupted motorcycle building history. 

Riding In The Right Direction

The Deadwood's style isn't for everyone... but by offering another unique model, straight off the showroom floor, at a pretty reasonable price point, I might add... the MoCo is sparking new interest in the brand. Unlike the other guys, who are currently under new ownership, yet again, who have remained pretty stagnant in their, rather limited, lineup. Maybe Indian's new owners will diversify their lineup and, hopefully, even get out from under Uncle Polaris altogether, and actually build something new and fresh, but for now... that remains to be seen. Harley-Davidson's newest CEO, on the other hand, is actually listening to his dealers and customers, and is pushing the Company to give dealers bikes that will draw customers in, at prices they can actually afford to buy. The FLHD Deadwood is priced (just barely) below $18k and others in the Softail lineup start as low as $15k. The RevMax Nightster comes in at $9,999, which is a pretty competitive price for a great bike- I've ridden one and I can attest that it is a genuinely fun ride. While the pricing for the new Sprint and the, soon to be revived, Evo Sportster has yet to be determined, I'm guessing that the MoCo will most likely be able to put their name badge in your garage for well under $10k, very soon. The name of the game is building brand loyalty, and getting people to see that H-D has, hands down, the best dealer network of any motor vehicle company in the world, is a great way to start that ball rolling. 

Maybe the new Deadwood is just another variation of the same old concept, but hear me out for a moment- if a chef makes an award winning steak that brings customers in, why would he change the recipe? That makes no sense. The smart thing to do, instead, is to offer more things to the menu to keep people coming back, but the one thing that attracted them in the first place, has to stay the same... because that is what brought folks in to begin with. Consumers love consistency, and the 2026 Deadwood is about as consistent of a Harley-Davidson as any bike I've seen. It's simple, dark and cryptic, dripping with attitude and it has the perfect balance of modern enhancements and analog styling. 

Final Thoughts

Regardless of how you feel about the 2026 Deadwood, one thing is for certain, and that is that Artie Starrs is off to a great start with his "Back to the Bricks" strategic plan. I'm actually excited again about seeing what the newest CEO of our beloved Motor Company has in store for us. To be completely honest, for several years, I dreaded reading the news and going in to dealerships because it was obvious that dealerships were struggling with Jochen's "Hardwire" plan. While I've seen the Chinese-built X350RA (the Riding Academy bike that I'm fairly certain will eventually be re-badged as the Sprint) and I'm not really impressed with it, I am interested to see what the actual new Sprint will look like, and will be priced at. I'm also very excited to see what form, and price tag, the Evo Sporty will return to us in.

While we continue to wait on the XLs triumphant return, though, at least we get to see, and maybe even ride, a sexy new Softail model.

Until next time, MotoReaders... 

Ride Safe and Make Good Choices!

MotoReview MSR Legend Off Road

 MotoReview- MSR Legend Off Road Gear

I know that I've been reviewing a lot of off-road gear lately, so much so that you might be wondering what the heck is going on. It's simple really- I've been riding on the streets for well over 20 years and, during that time, I bought and used gear and figured out what I liked and what I didn't, and I've procured a collection of riding essentials that have become my staple attire. When I first started riding more seriously, I didn't have any kind of platforms on which to share what I liked and what I didn't, so by the time my wee little corner of the interweb got established, my street riding gear collection was, for the most part, already fully established. 

Since I started riding off-road again, though, I've been able to bring you guys along with me, right from the start. I've been able to share my story of getting the bike and getting it ready to ride, to sharing my rides and now, sharing my gear purchases, all of which have pretty much been in real time, which is why you are seeing so many off-road reviews. But fear not, my fellow asphalt warriors, I promise that I've got some reviews coming up for you soon... but not today. Today, I'll be talking about the MSR Legend Off Road Jersey and Pants and the MSR Adventure Boots. 

MSR Legend Off Road

For full disclosure- I was NOT sponsored by MSR or Rocky Mountain ATV/MC for this post (but if they want to reach out and collaborate, I'd be happy to talk to them about it). 

For this acquisition, I wasn't lucky enough to get any deep discounts from any closeout or overstock retailers, instead, I picked this gear up from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC and I paid full price. I had done some research on the MSR Legend gear, and I really liked the features I saw, so I started shopping. Some friends had given some pretty great reviews of Rocky Mountain, so I figured I'd peruse their offerings and see what I could find... I went down a rabbit hole, but that's a story for another day.

Malcolm Smith is a legendary off-road racer that achieved international acclaim when he starred alongside Steve McQueen in the 1971 documentary, On Any Sunday. MSR stands for Malcolm Smith Racing, so as you can probably guess, their gear is top-notch. The best part about it though- is that it isn't bank-breaking expensive. They make high quality, well thought out, riding gear that is actually pretty affordable for the novice rider and the pro's alike. Now, for full disclosure, I didn't know any of these details prior to buying it, I was honestly just looking for good prices and nice looking gear. 

MSR Legend Off Road Jersey

There are so many reasons to love this jersey. First of all, let's talk about the styling- it's simple, the colors aren't flashy and it doesn't have wild graphics, which is perfect for the guys or gals that just want to ride their dirty bikes and have some fun. This thing is crazy comfortable- the sides are a strong, micro-mesh fabric that breathes so well that I sometimes forget that I'm wearing a jersey at all. The sleeves fit well and the cuffs keep them at the wrists, where they belong. The material is strong and hasn't snagged or ripped on any of the, eh hmm- many, thorny vines and bushes that I've encountered while riding thus far. The fitment is spot on and it fits true to the "off-road" sizing- meaning that it is true to size to accommodate a roost/chest protector worn under it. 

Rocky Mountain is a major retailer of MSR gear and, as such, they have all of the sizes and color options in-stock. Talking about color options, the Legend series gear comes in black, brown, tan, gray, military green and steel blue. I went with the brown, because I liked the added visibility of the orange banner across the chest. This jersey retails for $36.99 and that's what I paid. Honestly, I've paid as much, or more, for a basic cotton T-shirt from other companies that I like to support, so $37 USD for a high quality, functional shirt like this is actually a great deal for me. 

MSR Legend Off Road Pants

These pants come in two different options- inside the boot, and outside the boot. I chose the inside the boot variant for a couple of reasons- first, to prevent ticks and any other little biters from getting on my legs and crawling up to my sensitive areas; second- to avoid having any loose material that could, and undoubtedly would, catch on some of the many things I find on the trails; and third- because, for trail riding, I just think it looks better. 

MSR really did their homework with these pants, too because other than offering them in inside, or outside, the boot wear... they are also absolutely packed with features. First and foremost- they have pockets. Yes, off-road riding pants equipped with zippered pockets. Why am I so excited about this? Easy, I can carry my phone, my truck key, wallet or ID, pack of chewing gum, knife, granola bar... well, you get the point. I can carry any, or all, of that in my pants pocket and not in my backpack. I could keep going about how much I like the pockets, but I'll move on because I think you get the point. The next best thing about these pants are the zippered vents. Yes, I said zippered vents. Man, what a game changer these are. Too chilly, make sure those vents are zipped shut; too hot, unzip them to reveal the mesh liner that will prevent leaves, sticks, ticks and spiders from travelling in with that cool breeze. Whoever designed these pants, without a doubt, rides a motorcycle. The material is a strong, durable ripstop that is sewn well and has accoutrements like leather inner knee panels, stretch panels in all the right spots and inner hip pockets if you want to put in some hip armor (not included). They have a zippered groin so you don't have to drop your drawers to relieve bladder pressure, and a ratcheting buckle to close them up at the waist. If you need to fine-tune the waist fitment, MSR doubled down on the comfort efforts, by putting a velcro adjustment on each side. These are, by far, the most comfortable riding pants I have. Much like the other pants I have, the legs are precurved and the pants are roomy enough to easily accommodate knee/shin guards worn on the inside. Again, styling is simple, conservative and nice looking without looking ostentatious. 

MSRP for the inside the boot britches is right at $109, and the outside the boot option will set you back another $10, at $119. This might seem like a lot of cheese, at least it did for me, but after seeing what I got for my money, I'm pretty satisfied. I look at it like this- my favorite pair of Levi's cost me around $60 these days, when I catch them on sale (thanks to inflation) and I usually wear them every day, and have to replace them every year or so. To put it in perspective, I spend about $100- $120 every year or so, on a couple of pair of jeans. Comparatively, I spent $109 on this one pair of MSR Legend Off Road riding pants, that will likely last me for several years of off-road riding adventures. When you consider that these pants are specifically designed for the specific movements we do when riding off-road, and for the unique conditions we face when riding enduro and/ or single track trails, it's kind of a no-brainer. Sure, as I've shown you in some of my other MotoReviews, you can definitely spend less money, but you're also likely to get less features. 

MSR Adventure Boots

Keeping with the MSR trend, I chose the MSR Adventure Boots. Now, to be completely honest, these were not my first choice when I was making my initial purchase from Rocky Mountain. Without having any knowledge of off-road riding boots, I went with the least expensive option- the MSR M3X. They were priced a little over $100, so I added them to the cart with the rest of the stuff and got them on their way without really considering what I needed. Before they arrived though, I saw a video review from a YouTuber that calls himself SwankyCat, who just happened to do a review of MSR's M3X boots compared to their Adventure boots. Now, I don't know him and I don't know what, or how, he rides, but he did make a few points in his video that made a lot of sense to me. After watching his comparison of the two boots, I got back on Rocky Mountain's website and decided to test out Rocky Mountain's "easy return policy" before the M3X's ever even showed up at my house. Rocky Mountain's customer support made it super easy and when the M3X's arrived, I was really glad that I was sending them back. It's not that they weren't good boots- they just weren't going to be good for me, and my riding. 

The Adventures shipped the same day, and I had them within a week or so, thanks to the crappy weather that was affecting the Western side of the US of A. Once I got them, I was immediately impressed- they are very well made and they are very comfortable. They are built with real leather, have stitched-on rubber guards all over them and the best part (and one of the main reasons I got them)- they are waterproof. The only thing that's predictable about the Southern Mississippi weather isn't if it's going to rain, but when and for how long, so the likelihood of hitting standing water on the trails is a guarantee. Keeping my feet dry is as important as having a good sole with some grip, for pushing the bike through the muck when necessary, and I've found it necessary more than once to use the grippy soles on these. I've also tested the waterproofing several times and can report that, these boots are in fact, waterproof. They are a bit wide in the toe-box and I've found that the old-skool technique of wearing wool socks really is the best to get the maximum comfort out of them. The wider toe also makes it a little tricky to manipulate the shifter and rear brake on my vintage XR, and that did take some getting used to. The buckles are well made, but just like SwankyCat, I did find that I needed to trim a little length off the bottom ratcheting strap. The velcro top does a good job of sealing the top of the boots against my calf, and the shank of the boot easily fits my O'Neal articulated knee/shin guards. Since these are my only off-road riding boots, I've worn them on every excursion on the "ole legbreaker" and I can tell you, I've abused them. They have held up extremely well and I don't see them wearing out anytime soon. While they might be better suited for riding an ADV bike like a Pan America, Tiger or GS, rather than a 37 year old XR600, they are working very well for me and I'm pretty happy with them. These boots set me back a smooth $200 from Rocky Mountain and, while that is a lot of money, I will refer back to my previously noted cost analysis. Just like the pants, if these boots last me, let's say, three years before they need to be replaced... that's only $66 a year. If they last five years, that's a paltry $40 bucks a year. Sure, the initial investment might give you a bit of heartburn, but for what you get with MSR's Adventure boots compared to similar boots, like Gaerne, Alpinestars, Sidi or Forma... the MSR's are a bargain at less than half the price of the competitors. 

Final Thoughts

If you're like me, and are just getting into riding off-road, you need good gear to get the most enjoyment out of your new adventures. Wearing jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers while riding on trails is a recipe for disaster. A long time ago, I hit a berm a little too hot while riding my YZ250 and ended up on my ass. I didn't have any fancy riding pants back then and, after that little spill, I had to ride the bike back to the truck with my backside hanging out through the giant rip in my jeans. If you blew most of your budget on the bike, then take a look at my other reviews here and here for some great gear at even better prices. If you saved yourself some money though, and bought yourself an older bike like I did, then I recommend going to Rocky Mountain ATV/MC and checking out their selection of MSR Legend Off Road gear. 

Until next time, MotoReaders,

Ride safe and make good choices!

The Return Of The Sportster!

photo courtesy of Thunderbike

 
Sportster Fans Rejoice!

Harley-Davidson's new CEO, Artie Starrs, has confirmed it- the Evolution Sportster WILL return to the model lineup. Along with the Sportster's confirmation, he mentioned that the Sprint will debut with the Sporty, and he also hinted at the return of another touring motorcycle... the Road King, perhaps?

Zeitz Versus Starrs

Jochen Zeitz's plan to 'right the MoCo ship' was, basically, to save build costs by eliminating models that were lower priced, in order to focus production and sales on the big price tag bikes. The problem with his idea, is that, as Scott Bumpus told Artie Starr's when he met him- "most Harley-Davidson riders wear their names on their shirts." A, not so subtle, way of reminding the incoming CEO that the Motor Company needed to get back to their roots, and focus on the blue-collar, working class riders that have kept the brand alive for over 120 years. Jochen's plan eliminated the entry level bikes, and made it more difficult for bar-and-shield loyalists to be able to afford anything more than used bikes, or worse- competitor's bikes.

Artie Starrs is coming in strong, in my humble opinion. He has visited numerous dealers and learned what they have been struggling with. Artie seems to understand that the dealers are critical to the success of the Motor Company, as they always have been. By focusing on improving dealer relations, he is effectively opening the pipeline to actually move bikes. By bringing back entry level bikes, he is giving the dealers more options in order to move inventory, and giving the customers a variety of options to fit their individual riding styles and, more importantly, their budgets. The fact of the matter is, when a new rider buys a small bike like a Sportster, or the new Sprint, they'll ride that bike for a while until they get more comfortable, then they'll be right back in the dealership upgrading to a bigger bike. By giving dealers more options in the lineup, Artie is providing them the opportunity to increase revenue in bike sales, services and parts and accessories sales. 

Will The King Live Again?

Don't get me wrong, I like the new Street Glide and Road Glide, but I'm a Road King man at my core. I prefer a more visceral ride over the watered down, refinement that comes with fairings and infotainment systems. I like tank-mounted analog gauges and I like a simple, quick-release windshield. I've had a Road Glide and I rode an Electra Glide for several years... and they are both exceptional motorcycles, but I don't think it was a smart move for Harley-Davidson to remove the option of a Road King to customers like me. Truth be told, now that I've retired from my payin' gig, I don't see myself buying any new motorcycles, not for a while anyway. I have my Road King Special dialed-in perfectly to my tastes, so I'm not interested in trading her in on a new Road King, even if they offered one. But... let's play the "what if..." game for a minute, shall we?

• What if my 107ci M8 gives up the ghost early? It is sitting at over 41k miles, after all and I've heard a lot of horror stories about the first generation engines.
• What if, God forbid, my bike is destroyed in a crash? 
• What if it is stolen and not recovered?

If any of these things were to happen, and I survive the scenario, of course, thanks to Jochen's idiotic plan, I'd have to leave the royalty of the Road King, and settle for "Gliding" on the "Road" or "Street", or settle with buying a used bike. But, if Artie was hinting at the return of the Road King... then I wouldn't have to settle on anything other than exactly what I wanted. To be clear, he didn't specify which touring bike would return, but I would like to think that he was talking about the Road King.

 Sportster

So, apparently, I was wrong in my prior assumptions (what happens when you make an assumption?) and the MoCo did not sell the designs to SWM for their Stormbreaker motorcycles, although, I don't know how they are able to make a ripoff Sportster without any legal ramifications, but that's a story for another day. Today, I'm focusing on the fact that H-D is going to bring the Evolution Sportster back. Let me say that again, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company is bringing back an air-cooled Evolution powered Sportster. I don't know what model they are going to release, if it will be an 883, a 1200 or both, and I don't know how they are going to market it alongside the RevMax powered Sportster S and Nightster models, but damn... I am excited to see what they do. 

The reason I'm so excited about the return of the dual shock, Evo Sportster, is because it gives me hope. Hope that if they are bold enough to bring back this bike, maybe, just maybe... they will see the value in the Dyna lineup and reintroduce that family of bikes. I've mentioned it before, but I still get giddy over the idea of a 114 Milwaukee 8 engine stuffed into the small frame of a Dyna. I would love to see the return of the Wide Glide... now that is a bike that I would go to the dealer for.

Final Thoughts

I'm going to address Artie directly, here... not that he reads my humble little blog, but on the off-chance he does... here goes:

Artie, can I call you Artie? Artie, I appreciate your candor and how you openly admit that you weren't a "motorcycle guy" before getting the call from Harley-Davidson. I also appreciate how you acknowledge the importance of the H-D dealer network and how you seem to really understand who your core customer base is. I'm a Harley guy, I guess I have been since I was a kid, but it really bloomed in 2009 when I was finally able to buy my first Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Ever since that fateful winter day, I've had a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I've spent a small fortune on new motorcycles since then and I've peer-pressured more of my friends into joining the bar-and-shield club than I can count. Keep doing what you're doing. Bring some stability back to the brand. Harley-Davidson is unique in that the company has been in business, without interruption, for 123 years now. Unlike Indian, who has been bought and sold, over and over, and again this year. Those guys like to claim "since 1901" but their slogan really needs to be "established the first time in 1901..." I'm not a brand-basher, but every once in a while, I feel the need to give it back to the Indian Motorcycles crowd (just for fun). Bringing back the Evo Sporty is a bold move and, although I'm not a fan of the Chinese partnership for the Sprint, I understand the reasons for that choice. I do really hope that you'll also bring back the Road King and, while I admit this is probably a pipe dream, the Dyna line. Regardless of what hits the showrooms, I'll still be riding my Harley-Davidson motorcycles, wearing my Harley-Davidson attire and writing about the MoCo, all while hoping that you can undo the disastrous plan of your predecessor. 

Until next time, MotoReaders, it looks like we'll just have to wait and see what comes out of the 414... so in the meantime, you know what to do...

Ride safe, and make good choices!

MotoReview-Thor Sector Edge Off Road

MotoReview- Thor Sector Edge

Greetings MotoReaders and welcome back to another MotoWriter gear review! Today, I'm going to be talking about Thor's Sector Edge jersey and pants. The sun is shining, so let's not waste any time!

Disclaimer- I am not being sponsored by Thor, or any affiliate of Thor, and I'm not being sponsored by MotoStealz, or any affiliate of MotoStealz. 

Where It Came From, And What I Paid For It

With that little "disclaimer" out of the way, you might have guessed that I "stole" this set from MotoStealz.com. The jersey is normally $28 and I got it for $10, and the pants are normally $75 and I snatched them for the low, low price of $15. Now, I was already somewhat familiar with Thor Racing products, because I've got one of their 3/4 street helmets- The Hallman McCoy... but that's a different review for a different day. Having some experience with the brand, along with the deep discounts, I felt pretty confident in letting go of the $35 + shipping for this jersey and pants. MotoStealz delivers quickly, so I had them in my grubby mitts pretty quickly, only to realize that, either I was a bit chubbier than I thought I was since retiring from my payin' gig, or these pants are just not as forgiving as my Levi's. Regardless, I knew I needed one size bigger and, fortunately for me- they had them in stock in the larger size, too. It was cheaper to keep the smaller size pants, since shipping them back would have cost more than I paid for them in the first place, so I just crammed them into my gear cabinet in case I lose weight or if I come across someone that needs a pair of riding pants in that size.

The Jersey

Despite the pants being, eh, hmm... one size too small, the jersey is spot on. I wear a large, ordered a large and the large fits me perfectly. One really nice part about off-road/motocross jerseys is that they are, intentionally, slightly bigger to accommodate wearing them over your protective gear. The styling is pretty basic- I got the gray with the hi-vis panel, but they also have red, and blue options, too. Now, because these were overstock that MotoStealz picked up, sizing and color options might be limited as they sell out.

Wearing it on the trails is really where the quality of this jersey shines through- the sleeves stay down thanks to the slim and, Goldilocks-fitment cuffs- they are tight, but no too tight for those unfamiliar with the story of the little blonde trespasser. When I'm on the trails, I sometimes like to ride into bushes and fall down in briar patches... this jersey hasn't snagged or ripped yet. The material is thin and light enough to be comfortable in the humid Southern air, but strong enough to withstand my off-trail oopsies. 

The Pants

Once I got the correct size pants, I found them to fit very well. They are precurved with well placed stretch materials where needed, and they have reinforcements in the groin, knees and lower legs for protecting your legs from those pesky branches, rocks and thornbushes. The ratcheting buckle closure is easy to use and the zipper is a handy feature when trail riding, when there is a tree that needs... um, "watering." The pants easily accommodate my O'Neal articulated knee and shin guards (that MotoReview is coming soon). The outer shell is very strong and made of a durable ripstop material and the inside of the pants have a mesh lining that does a good job of keeping the pants from sticking to your sweaty legs out in the woods. The only complaints I have about the pants, is that they are a bit scratchy on the inside when you first put them on and, if you're trying to slip out of the house while your better half is still asleep... put the pants on after you leave because they are sort of loud. Not squeaky loud, or color loud, but loud like your obese aunt, wearing new corduroy pants loud. These pants are not stealth, but once you get in the woods, it doesn't matter anymore, so that's not a deal breaker. 

Final Thoughts And Observations

Cleaning this riding gear isn't bad, just throw them both in the washing machine on cold and hang them up to dry. Easy-peasy. One other thing to note, is that the reason these were so inexpensive, is because they are new old stock- basically new, unsold gear from a previous year's styling, so MotoStealz bought it up and is selling it for crazy discounted prices. What that means, is if you need to wear the most up to date styles so that you are the most fashionable of your riding group, then MotoStealz probably isn't the best online retailer for your new gear... but if you're tight on cash and just want some well made, name brand, gear that does a good job protecting your hide while still looking pretty good... then go check them out. 

Overall, I like this riding gear a lot. I'm not a fan of the scratchy pant legs, but maybe they'll soften up a bit after a few washes. If they don't, I'll just wait until the weather cools off and wear my insulated underwear under them to prevent any potential chafing issues. Regardless, with MotoStealz's discounted prices on this Thor Racing gear, you really can't go wrong- you're getting a reputable brand with a pedigree in motocross racing for dollar store pricing. Stay tuned, because I have some more off-road riding gear to review, coming soon.

Until next time, MotoReaders...

Save Money, Gear Up, and Ride Safe!

Riding

Riding On The Gulf Coast

Living on the Gulf Coast affords motorcycle enthusiasts, like your old pal The MotoWriter, the opportunity to ride year-round, but every place has its issues, and those of us that ride all year are built, just a little bit differently. We prioritize our riding as being just as important as regular rest, food and exercise. We don't ride because it's just some cool thing to do, we ride because it's a part of our identity. Riding is how we maintain our mental health, where we can talk to God without distractions and it's where we can sort through the madness of the world around us and shed some of the stress of our lives... one mile at a time.

 

No Matter What You Ride

It doesn't matter if you ride a Harley-Davidson, a Honda, a Triumph, an Indian or any other motorcycle brand, and it doesn't even matter if you ride on the road, off the road, or both. The key component is the riding. For those of us that are more comfortable straddled on a machine that defies all the safety standards of the modern automobile than in the safe and stable rolling roll cage that is the modern vehicle, we recognize the common bond in our fellow riders. That's why we wave at strangers on the highway, why we nod in approval at the pickup truck driver hauling a dirtbike down the highway and why we talk to other riders at gas stations and rest stops. We all recognize that same energy in one another- the same wildness of the spirit and the same, untamed, fire that drives us to ride. We are kindred spirits.

Down South, It's Not The Heat, It's The Humidity

We love to say things like that here and for good reason- because it's true. Sure, the heat does play a critical factor in riding during the summer months, with temperatures often reaching the mid to upper 90's in the peak of summer. While a lot of places out West easily top 100º F, especially in the desert areas, the humidity rarely gets past 50%, but down here on the Gulf Coast, our humidity levels typically average over 70%. Combine a 93º ambient temperature with 71% humidity and most people are ready to hibernate indoors until Autumn. But not us, nooo, no. We, the motorcycling enthusiasts of your communities, can't sit still when the sun is out. We are thinking about where we can ride, what roads offer the most shade and what restaurants have the coldest drinks. The worst time for motorcyclists along the Gulf Coast has got to be hurricane season, or, specifically... when there's actually a storm in the Gulf. Hurricanes bring excessive humidity, flooded roads, washed out bridges and, often, power outages that last hours, or even days. Even the less severe Tropical Storms can hinder our riding for days or, sometimes, weeks at a time. Talk about frustration. But when the skies clear up and the floodwaters recede, you'll see us back out on the roads or trails.

Trail Closures And The Gulf Islands National Seashore

Tropical Storm Arthur dropped a ton of water on us over the past few weeks and it wreaked pure havoc on the everything south of 31st parallel, with everything from catastrophic flooding, to tornadoes to major roadways being closed due to significant washouts. One of the reasons that I enjoy riding my dirtbike so much, is that I can still ride, even when the weather isn't so great, especially when riding the Harley isn't that smart of an idea. One of the most frustrating things about the dirty bike scene on the Gulf Coast, though, is that there aren't many public trail systems, even though we have lots of public access forest land. While I live in a very rural area, all of the land around me that could offer awesome off-road riding, is either privately owned or state owned and leased to private hunting clubs, so all the fire roads and trails are off-limits. It can be pretty frustrating at times, to have to load up and haul the bike to a public trail system an hour away. It's acceptable though, as long as the trails are actually open and the USDA does some periodic trail maintenance. I've spent a lot of time on my old XR lately because, well, to be honest- it's my newest "toy." But with all of the storm damage lately, all of the local OHV trail systems have been closed, so the only dirty biking that I can do, is ripping around on my own property, which can get pretty boring, pretty fast.

So, I did what I needed to do, and I fired up the MotoWriter Road King Special and hit the road. On the first day following the storms, I only rode about 75 miles or so- basically just an exploratory ride to see what roads near me were closed. The next day, I decided to venture out a little further and, while I didn't have a destination in mind, after riding for a while, I found myself close to the Davis Bayou Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. For those that don't know, the Gulf Islands National Seashore is the largest national seashore in the United States and it stretches 160 miles from Mississippi to Florida along the Gulf of America (the body of water formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico). Mississippi has 26 miles of white sand beaches spanning from Ocean Springs to Bay St. Louis and, unlike many of the beach roads in other states, there are very few developments on the beach side, meaning that you can ride along the beach roads and actually see the beaches and the water of the Gulf. The Davis Bayou Area is located on the mainland, east of the town of Ocean Springs, and the entrance of the park is easy to overlook, as it's smack dab in the middle of a busy business district. Riding into the park though, the busy highway quickly fades away behind you and, while it's a relatively short ride in, it's pretty scenic and is a very nice departure from the heavy traffic of the highway. Even though it was hot, I found some shade and parked the bike for a few minutes. I didn't stay long, just long enough to get some water, take my helmet off for a few minutes and snap a couple of pictures for this blog post. There was a nice breeze blowing, but the air was still pretty hot coming in off the water, so after getting rehydrated, I saddled up and headed out. Since Mrs. MotoWriter is currently out of town, I took the long way home and made it back just before sunset... just in time to enjoy an ice cold beer or three before ending the day by grilling myself a steak for dinner.

Enjoy The Discomfort

I'm not suggesting that you intentionally seek out uncomfortable situations... or at least, not all the time, but discomfort makes us appreciate how good we have it. It builds, or in some cases- reveals, our character. We all want to live comfortably, but at what cost? What must we sacrifice for the sake of "comfort"? Riding motorcycles is inherently dangerous and, often, uncomfortable. There is no steady cool breeze of mechanically cooled air blowing on our faces as we sit cozily in plush seats with lumbar support and surrounded by cupholders with our iced lattes and fountain drinks and a multi-speaker stereo system blaring around us. But the experience of riding a motorcycle is not just thrilling, it's almost spiritual. You feel the wind on your face and the sun on your skin, you feel all of the temperature changes as you ride along a country road, and you smell the fresh cut grass, the hay and all of the aromas of the flowers and the trees. Being one with the machine as you lean into curves lets you experience the scenery and appreciate your surroundings in a way that you never even notice when driving in a car. We all have to endure discomfort whether we want to or not... so why not embrace it? Why not harness it and make it into something good, into something that ends with a far better result? When I ride, even in humidity so thick you can cut it with a knife, I return home with a clearer mind, less stress and memories I can look back on when my body eventually gives out on me.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you ride, or what kind of riding you do, enjoy it as much as possible. Practice your skills and improve your techniques so that you give yourself the best opportunity to avoid injuries and stay safe. Don't just be a "fair weather" rider. Some of the best experiences I've had on two wheels were when the conditions weren't "ideal". I've ridden in freezing cold temperatures and I've ridden in temps so hot that you have to take a break every hour or so, just to stay hydrated. While I try to avoid leaving in a rainstorm, I've ridden in plenty of them. I've ridden in downpours so heavy that I couldn't see the highway 20 feet in front of my motorcycle and I've ridden in a steady rain long enough for my boots to, literally, fill with water. I'm not special and I'm not bragging; instead, I'm just pointing out that discomfort is simply part of the experience. Whether it's humid, hot, raining, cold or, absolutely perfect weather, the ride will always be worth it. 

Until next time, MotoReaders...

Ride Safe, and GO RIDE!

MotoReview- Answer A22 Syncron

MotoReview- Answer Racing A22 Syncron Prism Jersey & Pants

Greetings MotoReaders! As promised, I'm here with a brand new MotoReview of some of my off-road riding gear- today, I'll be reviewing the Answer Racing A22 Syncron Prism riding jersey and pants.

Notable Details

Before I begin, I'm going to point out a few things: first, for those that don't know this, or just as a reminder to those who do- when you see words or phrases that are hyperlinked- I do that in almost all of my blog posts for your convenience- those are links to that site, product or page; second, I bought the Answer A22 Syncron Prism (hereafter referred to as the "Prism" because "Answer Racing A22 Syncron Prism" is a mouthful!) from MotoStealz, for a deeply discounted price; and finally, these are not the most current offerings from Answer Racing. MotoStealz buys brand new gear that is new old stock that there is nothing wrong with, it just simply didn't sell. Companies like Answer (among others) sell their overstock items to MotoStealz, who turn around and sell it to us for discounted prices. It's a great arrangement all around- both companies make a few bucks off the overstocked gear, and folks like you and me get great deals on awesome riding gear. This is particularly awesome if you're like me, and are just getting into (or back into) riding and need gear, but don't want to invest a bunch of money up front. 

Jersey

Jumping straight into the review, I'll tell you that the best feature of this gear is the comfort of it. Specifically, the jersey is extremely light and wearing it all day in South Mississippi summer heat and humidity didn't bother me one bit. I've been more uncomfortable in a short sleeved T-shirt than in this long sleeved jersey. It doesn't have any vents or mesh panels like some jerseys, but it breathes extremely well and does a great job of wicking sweat and keeping me cool. It is also roomy enough to wear a chest/roost protector under it, and the sleeves are long enough, and the cuffs are tight enough, to stay at my wrists for maximum coverage. The next best thing about it, thanks to MotoStealz, was the price. This is a $30 jersey, and I picked it up for a fraction of that, at $8. Yes, you read that right- $8 USD. Another thing I like about it, is that it looks great. The colors are vibrant and after a few washes, haven't seemed to fade at all. The biggest con, though, is that the material seems to snag when riding trails. This could be that I'm not using it for its intended purpose, though, as I'm pretty sure it is intended for motocross racing, not trails covered in vines and thorns. Even with the snags, it still looks good enough for the kind of riding I do. 

Pants

The pants are are a good bit more durable. I haven't had any issues with abrasions, rips or snags. They are made with a ripstop material, that I will assume is a type of cordura, but I don't really know fabrics or materials... I just know they are tough. The colors, like the Jersey, are vibrant and haven't faded yet, after a few washes. The pants have a mesh liner that does a good job of wicking sweat, but the pants don't have any vents and the outer shell is built for protection, not airflow, so I have found that I still get hot and sweaty below the waist. Even so, they are tremendously better than my favorite pair of Levi's in the sweltering summer heat. The best part of these pants has to be the flexibility. The crotch and inner thigh areas are made of a stretch material that offers great flexibility and a little bit of airflow (not much, but more than the rest of the pants), which keeps everything safe and comfortable. The knees and lower legs are reinforced so that when I take a spill, I don't have to worry about them ripping. They are also pre-curved and have extra room to accomodate wearing knee braces or protectors inside the pants. 

Much like most of the off-road riding pants I've seen, there are no pockets, so you will need to stow your truck key in your hydration pack, or in your bike's tool kit if it has one. The waistband has a velcro cinch strap that is easy to use and "infinitely" adjustable. There is no zipper, just a gusseted flap that doesn't open, unlike some of my other riding pants, which does make relieving bladder pressure a bit more cumbersome. Again, the lack of a zipper could be because these are probably designed primarily for motocross, not enduro or trail riding. It's not a deal breaker though, as the pants are comfortable enough in every other way. As with the jersey, Motostealz delivered on the price... I picked these $80 pants up for less than $10. I don't mind wearing the "out of date" styles if I can save enough money to buy a few tanks of gas and a fast food sammich and fries. 

Final Thoughts

Even without the Motosteaz discounts, this set is still worth the full price that Answer Racing sells them for. They are well made and, so far, have held up very well. As far as the styling- personally, I really like it- it reminds me of the styles and designs of the early 90's. I've got some other gear that I'll be reviewing soon, but in all honesty, I think this set is my favorite to wear, especially when riding with the guys, because the colors stand out well in the woods and I don't necessarily need pockets to hold my keys, knife, phone or wallet when I'm riding in a group. 

I'm not affiliated with Motostealz in any way other than being a paying customer, so while I mention them a few times here, just know that the price I paid is the price that everyone pays. They sell the stuff until it sells out, then once it's gone, it's gone for good so it's a good idea to check back often for new stuff. They are also limited in a lot of sizes and colors, so keep that in mind when you are browsing for discounts. If you're like me, and are just getting back into off-road riding after a few decades, or if you are new to off-road riding, you may not want to invest a bunch of money just to get your feet wet into the sport. This is a great way to outfit yourself in good, high quality, purpose made riding gear. Motostealz makes if extra affordable, and Answer Racing makes a solid product that looks good, fits well and keeps you comfortable. Overall, I don't think you can go wrong with their products, no matter where you buy them.

Until next time, MotoReaders,

Gear up, save money, and ride safe!

Why I Make Videos

 

Ride Videos

Are We Doomed?

Some people in the ole interweb world are desperately hungry for success. They yearn for the spotlight, the "easy" money and the internet fame. They create content daily, or for some- several times a day. Nothing these days seems to be off-limits, either. They film themselves doing all kinds of things, from singing, dancing, street racing or just riding motorcycles, to simply doing dumb crap like eating soap, assaulting people or showing off their naughty parts. It's kind of disturbing to think how much social media has altered our society's moral compass. Now, with the advent of artificial intelligence, it really does feel like we're on a precipice, looking over at the end of our civilization.

Crime 

Like a lot of folks, I do happen to partake in watching the "true crime" videos that are out there. I have always found it fascinating to see how cases are solved through evidence, interviews and good old-fashioned police work. I grew up watching shows like COPS, Forensic Files and Autopsy with Dr. Baden. As fascinating as those shows were, though... there was always a disconnect while watching them. Sure, they were real stories, but they seemed more like they were Hollywood productions of rare instances that happened in a far away land, or a long time ago. Most of them were just dramatizations of the crimes, accompanied by a suspenseful soundtrack, so they seemed less frightening. These days, though, we see raw videos of people in our own towns attacking fast food workers, kids assaulting random elderly people walking down the street and even committing heinous acts against other people... all while filming it themselves or having someone film it for them. No suspenseful music, no actor portrayals... just vicious, evil people and the terror of their victims. It's horrific. The only good part is that it makes it tremendously easier for law enforcement to identify and arrest them, and significantly easier for judges and juries to convict and sentence them. 

Sexualization

Sex sells. It always has and it always will. What is truly disturbing though, is how quickly social media exploded with it and how easily people can, and do, sexualize themselves for views. It's truly sad to see so many people exploiting themselves, putting themselves on full display for anyone and everyone to see. Sure, some may even be reading this and laughing at me while they count their money, and that's okay. Look, let me be clear- I'm not judging anyone for their choices- that's not my place and I'm certainly not fit to judge anyone. People have, and always will, use sex or their sexuality, for their own personal success, but at what price? Maybe I don't understand it because I'm not better looking, and nobody is gonna pay to see me in my skivvies, but it does make me wonder what happened to modesty? How much is too much? There was a time, not so terribly long ago, where self respect was paramount, and modesty was a highly desirable trait. Of course, I grew up watching reruns of old TV shows from the 1950's, 60's and 70's, with actors like Clint Eastwood, Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Grace Kelly. In the 80's we had guys like Chevy Chase, Bruce Willis and Harrison Ford, and women like Michelle Pfeiffer, Heather Locklear and Sally Field lighting up our TV screens. Those women had such poise, grace and ethereal beauty that they didn't need to expose themselves to be desirable. The men were tough, humble and noble, often paired with a good sense of humor, and they were worthy of emulating. 

Me And Mine

If you folks have been keeping up with my little corner of the interwebs, you've no doubt seen that I've made some videos, myself. While I haven't made anything inappropriate, you may be inclined to think that I'm over here casting aspersions on others, while trying to get views myself. Truth be known, I don't really care about getting subscribers to my Youtube channel or views on my videos. Sure, it's nice to see others enjoying my adventures and my creative work, but in all honesty, I do all this for myself and my friends. I started this blog, mainly as a creative outlet for myself during the pandemic lockdown of 2020. I had been writing for Internet Brands' Harley-Davidson Forums for a few years, making a few bucks for each slideshow article I wrote, but those slideshows took a lot of work to put together, especially to the quality that I demanded of myself, and I was limited on what I could write about. IB wasn't going to pay me for writing an opinion piece on crappy friends or living your best life. IB was paying for motorcycle content, and I wanted to be able to write about more than just that, so I started my blog. After writing a few pieces, I realized that I really enjoyed it, and as it were, other people from around the world, seemed to be enjoying it, too. I was amazed to see the stats showing where people were logging in from. Folks from almost every continent around the globe were visiting MY little blog site! It was, and still is, very humbling, but I still just write this blog in order to get all of those extra thoughts and opinions, that are taking up space in my head, out. I don't make money off of it- that's why my blog is one of the few places on the internet that you can go and not be overrun with ads for people or places that are trying to take your money.

During the months following the pandemic, I started playing around with making videos and in doing so, found another creative outlet that I found to be very satisfying and fun. After making a couple of videos for myself and my friends, I was tasked with creating a video for a local business. It didn't pay much, but I had fun doing it and the creative release was really what I was seeking. I have always been somewhat creative- as a kid, I used to really enjoy drawing and, in a high school art class, my fellow students and I learned basics in watercolor, pen and ink, relief printing and sculpting. Several years later, I learned that I was a pretty decent writer, too. I submitted an article to a local motorsports magazine and, after it was published, I was asked to be one of their regular contributing authors. I was even credited in the magazine as part of their staff. That was a labor of love, though, much like my blog and Youtube channel are now, as I didn't get paid for my contributions. I wasn't seeking money or notoriety, though, I was just enjoying being able to express my creativity, just like I still do. The process of filming my rides, then going back in and editing the footage to make it into a cool video, allows me to relive my ride again, while cutting out the boring bits and adding funny captions or background music. Watching the finished video gives me an opportunity to experience the ride again, without all the boring, awkward, or unpleasant parts. I have done a couple of other videos where I was trying out the moto-vlogger thing, but in all honesty, I have a face for radio and a voice for silent movies, so I just prefer to put my words in writing, instead.

Creative Expression

While writing this, I have just had an epiphany. I just said, "I wasn't seeking money or notoriety, I was just enjoying being able to express my creativity,..." and maybe that's where most, or all of this whole social media culture came from- a bunch of people that wanted to express themselves in their own, creative ways. Sure, there's a lot of bad out there... God help us... there is so much bad, but there's also a lot of good. Social media and Youtube gives a lot of creative and interesting people a platform for reaching other people with similar interests to share their work and adventures. There will always be bad people using whatever means they have available to them to spread their hatred, misdeeds and evil ideologies, but they aren't the majority. I believe that there is more good than bad, and when faced with adversity or challenged by evil, that the good will stand up and in doing so, prevail. 

I don't foolishly waste my time hoping for social media to come to an end, or wishing hopelessly for money or fame, or infamy in some cases, to suddenly become less desirable or enticing to people. Those things are never going to happen and we all know it. But maybe, just maybe, the tides will change and the internet will become so overrun and inundated with all the trash content, that creators will be forced to start making better, more interesting and perhaps, even more wholesome, content in order to stay relevant. I know it's wishful thinking, but that's what I hope for. 

Final Thoughts

As I've said, I write this blog to satisfy my own creative expression. When I'm not writing, I love riding my motorcycles and, sometimes, I like to video my rides so that I can share them with my friends and family. Editing the footage and creating "pocket-sized" versions of my rides that I can spend 15-45 minutes watching on a rainy day is a fun way for me to spend my time when I'm not in the saddle. 

The takeaway is, I suppose, that everyone makes content for their own reasons, some are just fortunate enough to make enough money to make a living out of it. I started working when I was a young teenager, not even old enough to drive. When I graduated high school, I went to work full time and, aside from having a year or so where I was working part time while attending junior college, I've worked a full-time job ever since. Social media has only really evolved, into what it is now, in the past 20 years. When I was first joining the workforce, the options were pretty limited, and even more limited if you didn't have an education. Making a living by posting videos of opening a cheese wrapper wasn't an option for me, but if it was, I might have opened a lot of cheese back then.

When I started this in 2020, I never expected anyone to visit my site, read my words or watch my videos, so the fact that you folks are stopping by, even if only for a moment, fills me with a sense of joy. It tells me that all across the world, from the United States, to France, from Singapore to Bangladesh and almost everywhere in-between, there are like minded motorcycle enthusiasts, reading the same words of encouragement, insight and hopefulness that I try to write. The fact that I have had a few thousand views of my videos, and well over 300k visits to my website, is just incredible to me, so I can only imagine how the folks with millions might feel... I just hope that they realize that they have the potential to make a positive impact on the world, and that they work towards spreading positivity, love and peace. 

Until next time, MotoReaders... 

Ride safe and make good choices!

p.s.

If you want to watch my most recent dirty bike ride, I'll drop the link here.