RIDER MAGAZINE – Motorcycles | Sports & Recreation

The Ultimate Waterfall Motorcycle Ride Guide Every motorcyclist knows the destination is only part of the journey. The roads that wind through mountain passes, snake alongside rivers, and carve through dense forests are what make the ride memorable. But every great route deserves a worthy reward, and few destinations offer a better payoff than a waterfall. Whether it’s the thunder of millions of gallons of water crashing into a canyon or the quiet trickle of a hidden cascade tucked beneath towering pines, waterfalls have a way of making you stop, remove your helmet, and simply take it all in. Better yet, many of North America’s finest falls require little more than a short walk from the parking area, making them ideal stops during a motorcycle waterfall ride. From the misty Appalachians to the Pacific Northwest and the dramatic landscapes of the Rockies, these waterfalls are among the best to include on your next ride. Multnomah Falls Oregon Towering 620 feet above the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest. Fed year-round by underground springs originating from Larch Mountain, the two-tiered cascade flows regardless of the season, making it a reliable stop no matter when your motorcycle adventure takes place. For riders, the appeal goes beyond the waterfall itself. Multnomah Falls sits just minutes from the roadway, allowing visitors to park and reach the base via a short, paved path. The historic Benson Bridge, built in 1914, spans the lower cascade and offers one of the best vantage points in the gorge. Those looking to stretch their legs can continue climbing the trail to the top of the falls, where sweeping views of the Columbia River and surrounding forest reward the effort. The falls are part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where dozens of waterfalls, basalt cliffs, and panoramic overlooks line the canyon. It’s an ideal place to slow down between miles of riding, soak in the scenery, and experience one of the Northwest’s most famous destinations. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon helps avoid the largest crowds, especially during the busy summer months. Ride Pairing Historic Columbia River Highway (U.S. 30), one of America’s greatest scenic motorcycle roads, winds through the gorge with countless waterfalls, overlooks, and sweeping curves that make it a… [TheTopNews] Read More.

The Mecum Monterey Auction is right around the corner, taking place Aug. 13-15 during Monterey Car Week. Amidst the many collectable cars that’ll be up for auction, a slew of rare and unique motorcycles can also be found crossing the block this weekend. We’ve already covered a few of the noteworthy motorcycles scheduled for the Monterey Auction, including a couple ultra-rare Ducatis, bikes in the Ruote da Sogno SRL Collection, and some other Italian motorcycles from the John Goldman collection. In addition to these, motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy seeing a few special Harley-Davidsons this weekend as well. Here’s a look at three of our favorites. The full lot list, with detailed photos and descriptions, can be found on Mecum’s website, where viewers can also register to bid in person or remotely. 1915 Harley-Davidson J Model 1915 Harley-Davidson Model J (Lot S1) The 1915 Harley-Davidson J Model was introduced as Harley’s flagship motorcycle, combining a 61ci (1,000cc) F-head V-Twin with a 3-speed gearbox and features like a step starter and an electrical system for lights and a horn. The example offered here is an early-production J Model that has undergone restoration and comes from the collection of a longtime AMCA member. Particularly notable is its one-year-only frame, along with matching engine-case belly numbers. Other period details include rocker oilers, a Payne carburetor air horn, coffin-style fuel tanks, and fork. Period-appropriate accessories include a Presto-Lite acetylene headlamp, Old Sol tail light, and original Stewart horn. The machine has not been started since its restoration to preserve its nickel plating. 1942 Harley-Davidson WLD Sport Solo 1942 Harley-Davidson WLD Sport Solo (Lot F16) This WLD represents one of the final versions of Harley-Davidson’s 45ci flathead V-Twin before wartime production shifted heavily toward military motorcycles during WWII. Introduced as the sportier version of the W-series lineup, the WLD featured a higher-compression engine and a lighter, shorter chassis than Harley’s larger models. The example offered by Mecum features a Linkert carburetor and a 3-speed transmission converted to foot shift. It also has a black fuel tank with red pinstriping and matching fenders, leather-decorated fender extensions, and a Springer fork. It’s equipped with original pre-war rhino-grain black leather saddlebags decorated with jewels and other details coordinated with the seat. The 1942 model year marked the final year of WLD production. With Harley’s efforts already shifting to military machines, the WLD only had a… [TheTopNews] Read More.

CFMOTO has expanded its adventure lineup with the introduction of the manufacturer’s third ADV, the CFMOTO Ibex 950. Joining the Ibex 450 and 800 E, the 950 offers a step up for those wanting even more capability without needing to break the bank. The Ibex 950 is powered by a 946cc parallel-Twin that makes a claimed 112 hp at 8,500 rpm and 77.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm. As we’ve seen with other CFMOTOs, the Ibex 950 is well-equipped on the technology front, with multiple ride modes, cruise control, tire-pressure monitoring, cornering ABS, traction control, and an up/down quickshifter as standard. The bike rides on a tubular steel frame with an aluminum swingarm, and the KYB suspension is fully adjustable, including the 48mm fork and rear monoshock, both offering 9 inches of travel. Spoked wheels come in 21-inch front and 18-inch rear sizes and are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires. Brembo braking components include dual 320mm front discs. A 5.9-gallon fuel tank supports extended travel between fuel stops. All in all, the bike has a claimed weight of 489 lb, and its seat height is 34.3 inches. The Ibex 950 is powered by a liquid-cooled 946cc parallel-Twin. The 8-inch vertical TFT touchscreen display. Along with the adjustable suspension, riders can fine-tune their experience with a 22-position adjustable steering damper, as well as an adjustable windscreen. The bike also comes with heated grips, a heated seat, hand guards, and full LED lighting. An 8-inch TFT touchscreen display is mounted vertically, and two USB sockets are on board to keep your devices charged. The 2027 Ibex 950 will be available in Tactical Green or Nebula Black starting at $12,499. While we haven’t tested the 950 yet, our recent review of the CFMOTO Ibex 800 E provides some insight into what the Ibex is all about. 2027 CFMOTO Ibex 950 in Nebula Black 2027 CFMOTO Ibex 950 in Tactical Green Visit the CFMOTO website for more information. Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2026 Motorcycle Buyers Guide The post 2027 CFMOTO Ibex 950 Preview appeared first on Rider Magazine. [TheTopNews] Read More.

Missouri occupies a special place in Route 66 history. Springfield, Missouri, proudly claims the title “Birthplace of Route 66.” It was here, in 1926, that officials finalized the now-famous highway number during a meeting that helped shape one of the most important roads in American history. Nearly a century later, Springfield remains one of the route’s most significant destinations, celebrating its connection to the Mother Road through museums, festivals, historic businesses, and preserved landmarks. Missouri is also home to some of the longest and best-preserved stretches of original Route 66 pavement. Unlike many states where development or interstate construction erased large portions of the highway, Missouri retains numerous original alignments that allow travelers to experience the road much as motorists did decades ago. Twisting through the Ozarks, these sections offer some of the most enjoyable riding on the entire route. The landscape itself is a major attraction. Route 66 winds through forests, climbs gentle ridges, and follows valleys carved into the Ozark Plateau. The scenery is greener and more varied than many travelers expect, particularly during spring and summer when the countryside is lush and vibrant. Missouri also helped define roadside tourism during Route 66’s golden age. Family-owned motels, diners, service stations, caves, and quirky attractions flourished here as businesses competed for travelers’ attention. Many survive today. The historic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba remains the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66, while Meramec Caverns continues to attract visitors just as it did during the highway’s heyday. For decades, travelers knew they were approaching the famous cave thanks to hundreds of hand-painted barn advertisements scattered across the countryside. Towns such as Cuba, Lebanon, Rolla, and Carthage embrace their Route 66 heritage with murals, museums, restored neon signs, and beautifully preserved downtown districts. Cuba’s collection of large-scale murals has earned it the nickname “Missouri’s Mural City,” while Lebanon and Waynesville celebrate the road through festivals. Of course, Route 66 has always balanced history with humor, and Missouri delivers plenty of both. Few roadside attractions embody that spirit better than Uranus, a tongue-in-cheek stop packed with fudge, souvenirs, sideshow exhibits, and enough bad puns to make even the most serious traveler laugh. What makes Missouri special is its variety. One moment you’re exploring a historic neighborhood in St. Louis. A few hours later, you’re carving through Ozark hills, touring a cave, sleeping in a stone… [TheTopNews] Read More.

Indian Motorcycle celebrates the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Indian’s role in that inaugural 1938 rally with a new limited-edition model, the Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis SD Edition. 2026 Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis SD Edition The rally’s roots can be traced to a 1938 one-day event called the Black Hills Motor Classic. Organized by Indian dealer Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, the event featured racing and stunts, as well as a Gypsy Tour ride through Custer State Park organized by Pappy’s wife, Pearl. Nine racers competed, including eight Indians and one Harley. Only 175 people attended the 1938 event, but it gained steam and grew, despite being cancelled in 1942 and 1943 due to gas rationing. The new Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis SD Edition celebrates Indian’s place in the rally’s history with special paint and badging inspired by Indians of the 1930s. It features a classic two-tone Indian Motorcycle Red and Cream paint with a multicolored Indian Motorcycle headdress logo. Paying tribute to the numbers that the 1938 racers painted on their race bikes is a painted number 56 on the side plate. In honor of Indian’s 125th anniversary, 125 individually serialized motorcycles will be produced. A multicolored headdress logo adorns the fuel tank. “When you look at how far it’s come and how much it’s grown over almost 90 years, it’s amazing to think that it was an Indian Motorcycle dealer and a group of Indian Motorcycle riders that literally started it all,” said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. “What’s even cooler is the fact that back then, it was all based on a simple desire to come together in celebration of a lifestyle and a spirit of freedom that can only be found through motorcycle riding, and it remains the same to this day. This bike is special in that it pays homage to those origins and to that spirit that all riders share.” The Indian Chief Vintage is a new model for 2026, reviving the name of a model that debuted in 2013 when Polaris relaunched Indian Motorcycle at the Sturgis Rally of that year. It’s based on the Chief platform that debuted in 2022. The Vintage is powered by an air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin and features classic styling touches such as valanced fenders, wire-spoke wheels, and a solo floating seat. Compared to the 2013 model of the same name, the 2026 Vintage… [TheTopNews] Read More.