Nonetheless, I keep riding. I might not shout about it, or post lots of inspirational photos and videos, but I’m still out there riding. Sometimes, you just have to get out and ride to escape the shit you’re dealing with. When your head is a mess and the black dog threatens to smother you, a long ride can be all that keeps you sane.

But panic not, I’ve a good network of supportive family and friends, I’m using professional help, I’m staying healthy, and I hardly drink anymore. This curve may have me at my limit, but I’m leaning right over into it, my sights are laser-focused on the exit, ready to pin the throttle and leave all this shit way behind.

My plan was as follows:

• Day 1: Pick up the Harley from Eagle Rider, San Diego, then head East to Mount Laguna, then work North to Borrego Springs, and spend the night in Palm  Springs.
• Day 2: A loop through the Joshua Tree National Park, starting on the North side by Yucca Valley, then coming out on the South side. Finally, a pit stop at Sky Valley and return to Palm Springs for the night.
• Day 3: From Palm Springs, heading South through Mount San Jacinto State Park and then back to San Diego to drop the bike off.

The bike I rented was a Harley Davidson Road Glide. Primarily because Eagle Rider had a great out-of-season deal on, and only Harleys were available that week. I’ve ridden a few Hogs before, but this was a particularly big and heavy one. In all honesty, I found it a bit too big and heavy. I managed to drop it at a stoplight, 10 minutes after picking it up, and wow, it was a pig to pick up at just over 420kg! I found the handlebars quite high, and the clutch was very heavy; combined, this made riding all day very tiresome. I stalled it regularly on the first day, which then necessitated a minute or two waiting for the dash computer and sat nav to boot up again…

As the trip went on, I did get more accustomed to it. I do like the low-down torque and grunt these big Hogs have, such fun to pull you through all the twists and turns. Albeit with the constant reminder to take it easy as the food boards keep scraping on the bends… However, I was never 100% comfortable with it at low speed or when coming to a stop. Needless to say, it won’t be on my shopping list.

However, the star of this adventure was the stunning Southern California landscape. A beautiful mix of pine forests, snow-capped mountains, desert and stunning rock formations. Much of it so quiet, away from all the city buzz, where one can be at peace with nature.

Day 1

I took Route 8 out of San Diego, then peeled off up to Mount Laguna, which was amazing, a beautiful climb up through pine wood forest with a smattering of snow left on the verges. Unsure of the area, I was a little apprehensive about just how much ice and snow I’d encounter, but the sun was out, the roads were clear, and it was fine. I stopped in at The Outpost by Valley Farm for lunch – a much-needed yummy pulled pork sandwich. A highly recommended pitstop.

I then continued North and descended into the Borrego Springs desert, where the climate was dramatically different, hot, dry and super sandy. Borrego Springs is famous for many massive iron sculptures of animals and dinosaurs by the local artist Ricardo Breceda. Such fun riding around the outskirts of the town and finding these huge creatures looming in the surrounding desert.

I continued North through the San Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, a lovely route climbing high before coming back down into the Palm Springs valley. I just managed to roll into town as the sun went down and darkness set in, riding through the lit-up city to my motel.

Total distance: 222 miles.

Day 2

Refreshed after a good night’s rest, I grabbed breakfast in a nearby coffee shop, who seemed perplexed at my request for a musili pot with cold milk! From Palm Springs, I went North along Route 62 to Yucca Valley to enter the Joshua Tree National Park at the North entrance. From there, I worked my way South through the park, exploring the odd side road along the way, before coming out at the Southern exit.

The Joshua Tree park was a stunning place to visit, with lots of desert, sand and rock formations. Far too many to explore them all in a day, but I did manage to have a couple of short walks around some nearby to the road. There was only so much hiking in the hot desert under the sun you can do in motorcycle clobber! Nonetheless, I did check some of the more famous rock formations, like Skull Rock and Arch Rock.

Along the way, I climbed up to Keys View, where one could see for miles to the South into the Coachella rift valley. Curiously, there were patches of snow on the high ground, not what I was expecting for a desert! It was a good time to visit, the park was not particularly busy with minimal traffic, the weather was beautiful and still plenty hot in the sun, with the high ground offering a pleasant coolness.

In the evening, I returned to Palm Springs via Sky Valley to pay homage to one of my favourite metal bands, Kyuss! Of course, taking a pic in front of the famous sign from their album cover (albeit the sign has since been replaced since the one on their album).

Day 3

For my final day, I had to blitz back to San Diego to drop the Harley off and dash to a 6 pm flight back to the UK. So, I was up early, grabbed a quick breakfast at a local coffee shop, then headed west to Banning before taking the Route 243 scenic mountain climb up into the San Jacinto Reserve. A beautiful road that twists and turns through stunning pine forests. The sky was perfectly blue, the sun out, but the temperature dropped greatly as I ascended. Snow lined the roadsides, but thankfully, the pavement was nicely cleared. I stopped for a walk at Lake Fulmor, which was almost entirely frozen over, not that it deterred some fisherman!

I continued South, finally settling into the Road Glide’s handling, getting more comfortable to tip over through bends, footboards scraping with abandon! Many others were out enjoying the route, bikers and car enthusiasts alike. I caught up with a group in Alfa Romeos, making the most of the day.

In the afternoon, time was pushing on, so I cut the fun route short, turned off at Aguanga to catch Route 15 down to Eagle Rider, San Diego. The Harley was, of course, perfectly at home blatting down the freeway and perfectly capable of lane splitting where traffic built up (yes, it’s legal in California).

Looking Back

It was a great adventure, it worked out well to tag on the end of a work trip. It did mean lugging all my bike and work stuff around for the week, easy enough with my big Lomo dry bag Rok-Strapped across the Harley’s panniers. Basing myself out of Palm Springs for 2 nights, let me leave much of my luggage for my day around Joshua Tree Park which helped.

The wide variety of climates and altitudes called for some careful selection of gear. Multiple pairs of gloves and many layers to add or strip off as needed. However, I wish I had taken better headgear to wear in the desert to shade myself from the sun when off the bike. I ended up using my neck gaiter as a makeshift head scarf to shield myself!

I’m also done with renting Harleys; this Road Glide was just too big and too much hard work for comfort, and of limited fun on the twisty bends. Nothing against Eagle Rider, from whom I rented this Harley; their service was impeccable, and they will remain my first choice for motorcycle rental in the future. However, next time, I’ll just be renting a different bike!

Traffic, Visibility and Infrastructure Challenges

One of the most immediate threats in city riding is the density of traffic. Urban roads are shared by cars, buses, cyclists, taxis, and pedestrians, all competing for limited space. Drivers may change lanes without signalling, brake suddenly, or fail to check mirrors, all of which can create serious hazards for nearby motorcyclists. Reacting to these situations requires constant attention and rapid reflexes.

Visibility is also a key issue. Motorcycles are smaller and less noticeable than cars, especially in heavy traffic. Blind spots become more dangerous when space is tight, and filtering, though legal, can expose riders to vehicles swerving unexpectedly. Accidents often happen simply because drivers fail to see a motorcyclist until it’s too late. Reduced lighting, bad weather, and cluttered roads further add to the difficulty.

Road conditions in cities can be far from ideal. Potholes, uneven tarmac, loose drain covers, and worn surfaces can all destabilise a motorcycle. Wet weather makes painted road markings and metal surfaces, such as manhole covers or tram tracks, extremely slippery. Junctions, roundabouts, and complex road layouts demand quick thinking and precise control qualities that become harder to maintain when roads are poorly maintained or obscured by traffic and signage.

The Added Pressure of Buses, Cyclists and Delivery Vehicles

Even highly experienced riders can find the chaos of city riding mentally exhausting and physically demanding

Urban areas are constantly in motion, and motorcyclists must account for both cars and for the unpredictable movements of buses, cyclists, and delivery vehicles. Buses frequently pull in and out of bus stops, sometimes with little warning. Cyclists may appear suddenly from between vehicles or swerve to avoid obstacles. Delivery vans and ride-share drivers often stop unexpectedly, obstructing traffic or opening doors into a rider’s path.

These moving parts can change quickly and without warning, requiring riders to adopt a defensive approach at all times. Urban roads also tend to involve frequent stopping and starting, which increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions or being caught off guard by a driver’s sudden manoeuvre. Even highly experienced riders can find the chaos of city riding mentally exhausting and physically demanding.

Accidents and Legal Support

Despite best efforts, accidents do happen. When they do, motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer serious injuries due to the lack of physical protection. Injuries from urban motorcycle accidents can range from fractures and head trauma to long-term mobility issues, often resulting in time off work and mounting expenses.

In such cases, experienced motorcycle injury lawyers can be a lifeline. These professionals understand the unique challenges riders face in cities and know how to gather the right evidence, assess liability, and pursue fair compensation. Whether the incident was caused by another road user, a hazardous road surface, or poor infrastructure planning, legal advice can be essential to help injured riders recover physically and financially.

Staying Safe in Urban Settings

Technology has become an increasingly helpful tool for urban motorcyclists. Helmet cameras can provide vital evidence if a collision occurs, while navigation apps that highlight traffic congestion and hazards can help riders plan safer routes. Still, no technology can replace awareness and preparation.

Advanced rider training, for example, teaches valuable defensive techniques that are especially useful in high-risk urban environments. Wearing high-quality protective gear, including abrasion-resistant clothing and a properly fitted helmet, should be second nature to any rider, regardless of journey length. And while city journeys might seem routine, it’s often the most familiar routes where complacency sets in and accidents occur.

In the end, staying safe on city streets means recognising that danger can come from any direction at any time. By riding defensively, staying visible, and anticipating the actions of others, motorcyclists can reduce their risk.

If you want to go beyond factory styling and truly make your Panigale V4 your own, custom stickers for motorcycles offer a high-impact, low-effort way to do it. Vulturbike.com is known worldwide for producing high-quality, model-specific graphics that give your fairings a custom look—almost as if they were professionally painted.

What to Expect from the 2025 Ducati Panigale V4

 This latest version of the Panigale V4 delivers performance and design upgrades aimed at riders who demand more. Sleeker aerodynamics, refined electronics, and improved chassis tuning push the rideability and control even further. The engine—the same 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale powerhouse—now feels smoother and more connected, thanks to updated ride modes and a more intuitive interface.

It’s a bike built for speed but engineered for precision. And while it’s visually stunning right out of the showroom, there’s still space to make it match your personal style.

Tailored Design for a Custom Look

Generic decals won’t do justice to a bike like this. That’s why it’s worth choosing graphics designed specifically for the Ducati Panigale V4. Custom kits are precision-cut to fit the exact shape of the bike’s fairings, tank, and tail, creating a seamless look that blends with the original design. No awkward edges. No trimming is required.

These graphics don’t just stick on—they integrate into the bike’s bodywork. From a distance, it can look like a custom paint job. Up close, the quality of the materials and fit make the difference clear.

Materials That Match the Machine

 A high-performance motorcycle deserves materials that can keep up. The best custom sticker kits use premium vinyl and industrial-grade adhesive designed to withstand heat, rain, sun, and wind at high speed. Whether you’re riding through summer heat or getting caught in unexpected rain, the graphics hold up without peeling, fading, or lifting.

Finishes range from matte and gloss to brushed metal and carbon-look textures. Each one brings a different tone to the bike, letting you choose between subtle detail or bold contrast.

Designed for Ducati—and BMW Too

 While Ducati owners will find plenty of model-specific options—especially for the Panigale lineup—BMW riders aren’t left out. Graphics are available for models like the S1000RR and M1000RR, offering the same high quality and model-specific fit.

The full collection of custom stickers for motorcycles is available at VulturBike, where kits are organized by make and model for easy browsing.

Make Your Ride an Extension of You

 A motorcycle like the Panigale V4 is an extension of the rider. It reflects choices, taste, and the kind of experience being chased on the road or track. Upgrading performance parts is one way to make it personal, but exterior design plays just as big a role.

Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a full-on race replica design, the right graphic kit turns your machine into something unmistakably yours. It’s about showing up with a bike that not only performs at the top of its class—but looks like it, too.

Straightforward Installation

 Even without professional tools or a garage setup, installation is simple with the right kit. Most sticker sets include everything needed to line up each piece correctly, along with clear instructions. The adhesive is strong enough for long-term use, yet removable without damaging the fairings if you ever decide to change the look.

If you prefer to have the kit installed by a pro, any custom shop or detailing expert familiar with motorcycle wraps will be able to apply it cleanly.

Final Thought

 The 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 is already a masterpiece of engineering. But making it reflect your identity is what takes it to the next level. With high-quality, model-specific graphics, it’s easy to transform the look of your bike without altering the performance—or the original paint.

My work has roped me into doing a tradeshow in San Diego at the end of January. It’ll be a crazy few days, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to take a couple of extra days to rent a bike and explore more of California. The last time I had such a chance was way back in 2019, pre-covid when I rented a Yamaha Super Ténéré to explore Yosemite National Park, which all seems a lifetime ago.  It’s high time I booked another Californian biking adventure, a chance to explore the South of the state I’ve not ridden yet.

The decent folks at EagleRider had some great winter discounts on offer, though their San Diego shop only had Harley Davidson’s available to rent. Not my first choice of bike, but having done a couple of Harley Davidson rentals in the past, I know they can be a good laugh and are great for some chilled-out touring. I’ve gone for the Road Glide, a big bagger with fixed front fairing, as EagleRider had reduced all their Hogs to the same price, so no reason not to try one of the bigger models!

The Plan

I’ve got 3 days off work after the tradeshow to ride, though the last day will be a little shorter as I need to grab the 18:10 flight back to London. My current plan is roughly as follows:

Day 1: Pick up the Harley Davidson Rental Road Glide in San Diego and ride up to Palm Springs. Going via either Mount Lagune or the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, before picking up Route 79 and 74 Palm to Pines Byway. I’ll be staying in downtown Palm Springs and hope to catch a little of the nightlife.

Day 2: Will be spent exploring the Joshua Tree National Park, heading South through the park, before returning to Palm Springs via Sky Valley. As a big Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age, I’ve got to grab a selfie by the Sky Valley sign!

Day 3: Will be a chilled ride back from Palm Springs to San Diego, possibly via Mount San Jacinto State Park. Drop off my Harley Davidson rental and dash to the airport to fly home!

I still need to finalise the exact route and what I can fit into each day with sundown around 17:00 this time of year. If anyone local has recommendations of good roads, good pitstops and stuff to check out, do comment and let me know, I’d really appreciate any local knowledge.

I also need to work out the finer logistics, what to pack, what kit to take etc. Southern California isn’t cold, typical January temperatures range from highs of 16°C to lows of 4°C overnight, and just an 8% chance of rain. Kelvar jeans, a textile jacket, thick gloves and a few base layers should suffice. Although with the monster fairing on the Harley Davidson rental stuffed full of gadgets, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s got a built-in heater!

Watch this space for all the obligatory pics from the trip. I’ll be taking the GoPro, and might even get around to editing some videos, yet another thing that’s well overdue!

Do you have any adventures planned for 2025? Do comment below, I’d love to hear more.

Cue 12 months of the family rallying around to provide care and support my Dad, through palliative chemo with its ups and downs. It was a tough battle with only one endpoint. But that didn’t stop my Dad from fighting, out of sheer stubbornness, tenacity and refusal to give up – an attitude he lived by. I count our blessing that at the very end, he was comfortable, in no pain and with his family by his side. These moments stay with you.

We all miss my Dad terribly and are still adjusting to life with the gap left behind. To repeat a quote from his funeral from a song that meant a lot to him:

Breathe, breathe in the air.
Don’t be afraid to care.
Leave but don’t leave me.
Look around and choose your own ground.

Long you live and high you fly
And smiles you’ll give and tears you’ll cry
And all you touch and all you see
Is all your life will ever be.

– Breathe, Pink Floyd (Waters, Gilmour, Wright)

Take it easy folks, take care of those close to you, and make the most of every day. Life is short and who knows what tomorrow may bring. I’ll be back soon, after a good measure of riding and motorcycle therapy. Ride safe!

Donate to Cancer Research UK here.

Upon opening the MotoRadds FLEX Slim GoPro motorcycle helmet mount, it is clearly a more cut-down offering. Most crucially it no longer has a standard GoPro slide-in mount, rather just the triple brackets to bolt the GoPro directly too. This negates the need for the GoPro slide-in bracket reducing size and weight. On the scales the Flex Slim weighs in at just 34g (including thumb bolt). Compared to the older MotoRadds mount, which weighs 25g, but then needs 23g of GoPro slide-in mount and thumb bolt.

The next key difference is the older models’ hinged arms which allow it to fold around your helmet’s profile, have been replaced with flexible arms that you bend as needed. These provide more flexibility with moulding the mount around the contours of your helmet. You’re still going to need a fairly rounded helmet chin, my Shoei Neotec works fine, but a pointy helmet like some of the AGVs would not suit.

The mount is available in either black or white variants.

Installing the MotoRadds Flex Slim GoPro Helmet Chin Mount

Installation is a breeze, with good info provided, including links to the manufacturer’s YouTube videos walking you through step by step. Essentially, it’s a case of cleaning your helmet well first to ensure good adhesion from the double-sided tape, using some wipes provided. Then you bend the mount around your helmet, giving it an extra kink to better balance the weight. Finally, you remove the double-sided tape cover and stick it on. Overall, it shouldn’t take you more than 5-10 minutes.

Attaching your GoPro helmet camera is then just a case of slotting it into the triple bracket and tightening up the thumb bolt. An extra mini elbow joint is also supplied, which you may or may not need depending on how low an angle you attach the mount. I did as I had to attach the mount quite low beneath vent switches etc on my Shoei.

MotoRadds Flex Slim Motocycle Helmet Mount GoPro in Use

In use, the reduced weight of the MotoRadds Flex Slim was good, though given the overall weight of a GoPro it was a subtle difference. I certainly appreciated having some less bulky on my helmet, especially if riding without the camera attached.

Given that the mount is smaller and doesn’t extend down as far as the older mount, it means when I put my helmet down on a flat surface, the mount is no longer taking the weight, which over time stressed the double-sided tape adhesion.

One downside is that without the slide-in GoPro mount, fitting or removing my GoPro from my helmet is a little more faff, as I have to fiddle with the thumb bolts. Faff because these thumb bolts need to be pretty tight to stop the camera from flopping down when out riding, and because I have two thumb bolts close together when using the elbow joint to extend the mount.

The supplied 3m VHB tape is nice and strong and is still holding the mount rigid to my helmet after a couple of months of use. It has pried away in a couple of small spots, but given the much larger contact patch this new design has, it’s still holding strong.

Conclusion

Concluding this MotoRadds Flex Slim GoPro helmet chin mount review, I definitely prefer it over the previous version. The smaller size and lighter weight design get my thumbs up. Install is easy and it’s definitely a better design than the prior version. My only very minor bugbear is the slight extra faff of unscrewing the GoPro on/off the mount, vs the quick slide-in clip of the old design.

Rating 4.5 / 5

→ More details and buy direct (in the US) from the MotoRadds website

Buy the MotoRadds GoPro helmet chin mount from Amazon

However, like everything in life, riding a motorbike also carries risks. Motorcyclists are much more prone to road accidents and, therefore, need to be more attentive to their surroundings and know what to do in case of an unexpected event.
Learn more about the joys of motorcycling and the basic precautions to take if you suffer an accident.

The Thrills of Motorcycle Adventures

Who has never stopped to admire a motorcycle club? The Hells Angels, for instance, have grown into one of the most recognisable clubs worldwide, with chapters spread across the globe, including in Europe, Australia, North and South America, and Asia. The club’s insignia, a skull with wings known as the “Death Head,” has become iconic. Their influence extends into popular media, with the group being depicted in films, books, and music, further cementing their status as a symbol of rebellion and freedom on the road.

But why is motorcycling so popular? The answer is straightforward. This activity provides a strong sense of belonging and community among its members. Being a motorcyclist is like being part of a brotherhood built on shared interests, experiences, and the collective enjoyment of riding. For many, this social environment offers a support system and a family-like environment. Online forums and events like bike rallies also provide spaces where enthusiasts can unite, share their passion, and learn from each other.

Becoming a motorcyclist can significantly shape one’s identity and social interactions, offering numerous avenues for personal expression and engagement with others. Conversations can range from discussing road trips and mechanical tips to the latest gear and bikes.

Moreover, there is a sense of freedom. Feeling the wind on your face and the adrenaline of speed – without any glass or metal separating you from the elements of nature – provokes a sense of liberation and rebellion that can even be addictive.

Motorcycle riding requires and develops physical coordination, balance, and mental alertness. It’s an engaging activity that can help riders stay physically and mentally sharp. Additionally, the focus and concentration needed while riding can serve as a form of moving meditation, offering a mental respite from the stresses of daily life.

What to Do After a Motorbike Accident

Along with all these benefits, there are some associated risks. Motorcycles represent just 1% of traffic but account for nearly 20% of road deaths. Approximately 80% of these accidents are attributed to the negligence of other road users (Ortiz, 2024).

• Therefore, knowing what to do in case of accidents is crucial. Here are some essential tips.
  • Move away from the street or road and go to the shoulder or some safer place. Self-check for signs of fractures or major injuries. Then, assess the health of other people involved. If you have doubts about your own situation or that of others, call emergency services. In the UK, you can dial 999 on your mobile phone.
  • Turn on hazard lights to warn others and prevent further collisions. Do not move the motorcycle or any other involved vehicles unless they pose an immediate risk to others, as this could disrupt valuable evidence. Letting a loved one know about the incident can provide emotional support and help you manage the situation more effectively.
  • Exchange names, addresses, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers with the other parties involved. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.
  • Take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Try to capture different angles and any skid marks or road conditions that contributed to the accident.
  • Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention in the following hours or days. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent. Furthermore, medical reports play a crucial role in obtaining compensation.
  • Lastly, and just as importantly, contact motorbike accident solicitors. This step is crucial because, after an accident, you may be dealing with both material losses—such as the repair of your motorcycle—as well as medical and emotional consequences.
  • Solicitors have access to networks of rehabilitation and treatment professionals, ensuring you receive the necessary care swiftly to facilitate your recovery.
  • They manage the entirety of the compensation claim process on your behalf, from meticulously gathering all the requisite evidence to negotiating liability with the opposing party or securing it through legal judgment. Their goal is to achieve a comprehensive settlement that encompasses medical expenses, personal injury, lost earnings, and any additional costs that may arise.

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle knows it’s one of the greatest pleasures in life. Being prepared for any eventuality makes this activity even more fun and safe.

References

Ortiz, P. (2024), 11 Motorcycle Accident Statistics in the UK: 2024 Update. Available at: https://housegrail.com/motorcycle-accident-statistics-uk/ (Accessed: 10 Apr 2024)

The world of motorcycles is fast-paced and ever-changing, and every year sees the unveiling of a host of new models, designs, and technology.

But what are some of the hottest bikes to watch in 2023? We took a closer look; get ready for some amazing inspiration, as well as some serious motorbike envy!

1. Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

At the top of the pile sits the amazing example of craftsmanship, the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS – a bike so celebrated that it was named MCN Overall Bike of the Year for 2023.

This honour sees the model excel in every category, and emerge as the best of the best compared to all elements of the competition. The victory also sees another year at the top spot for Triumph – 2022 saw the brand win the Bike of the Year gong for the Tiger Sport 660.

…elements that bring the look, feel, and performance of the bike bang up to date – and even peeking into the future.

The Street Triple 765 RS has gained acclaim for its use of the latest in biking technology, as well as an innovative chassis and overall enhancements to styling. These are all elements that bring the look, feel, and performance of the bike bang up to date – and even peeking into the future.

This bike features the highest-spec Brembo Stylema brakes seen to date, offering incredible braking power and control. This is combined with engine upgrades inspired by racing bikes, offering an amazing road and track duality and a new performance benchmark for the competition to beat.

With 130PS of triple power, the Street Triple 765 RS is proving to be firmly a motorcycle to watch – although if you will be following behind on the track, the only thing you are likely to see is dust.

2. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS

For a bike that oozes style and elegance, the stunning 2023 BMW R 1250 RS embodies the perfect combination of speed, style, and power. There can be no wonder, then, that it has featured in so many “one to watch” lists for 2023.

Once again, this is a model that is just as comfortable on the track as it is touring the countryside. It boasts a two-cylinder Boxer engine with 1254 cc of displacement – more than you need in order to pick up some serious speed and feel the power of technology at every turn.

One key feature of this model is BMW’s ShiftCam technology, which enables riders to enjoy better fuel economy without compromising power, thanks to variable valve timing.

Eco Mode is another major benefit of this bike; it sits comfortably across Rain and Road modes to allow a wide range of options depending on the surface, speed, and your riding preferences. Do you want to stay up to date with the amount of fuel you are using? Then check out the TFT display in Eco Mode for up-to-the-minute data that allows you to make fast, efficient riding decisions.

Overall, this is an impressive offering from BMW, and has proven to be the talk of the town throughout 2023.

3. Verge TS Ultra

The Verge TS Ultra is an electric bike that has taken the world by storm. It features a powerful lithium battery, giving it a range of up over 200 miles on a single charge, which makes it the perfect option for long rides.

This motorcycle’s lightweight design and comfortable riding position make it easy to manoeuvre on city streets. Meanwhile, its impressive torque and a top speed of 124 mph make it perfect for getting out on the open road and feeling the wind in your hair.

Features such as a super-fast charging system and an innovative design offer a comfortable ride – with plenty of agility for fast turns and sharp corners – without you having to wait around for hours for the battery to charge. If you have been looking for an excuse to upgrade to an electric bike, the Verge TS Ultra is definitely worth a look.

Choose Your Ride

While the day-to-day world of motorbike buying may consist of admin such as choosing the best motorbike insurance options and comparing the price of parts, there is no harm in dreaming.

In that spirit, these top three bikes from 2023 are the perfect “starting points” to get lost in a spot of bike-based fantasy – which, depending on your budget and circumstances, you might even be able to transform into reality.

“We’re in such a hurry most of the time we never get much chance to talk. The result is a kind of endless day-to-day shallowness, a monotony that leaves a person wondering years later where all the time went and sorry that it’s all gone. ”

― Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values