Jonathan Handler - Ultimate Motorcycling Author

Cardo Cross-Brand Intercom Update [Exclusive Report]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:35:04 +0000

Cardo Systems has announced that it has made further inroads into cross-brand intercom compatibility—specifically between Cardo and Sena helmet-to-helmet communication devices. Past communiques have referred to compatibility with UClear, Midland, and Daytona. I’ve been reviewing Bluetooth (BT) communicators for 10 years and have often voiced my desire for an open standard on which all BT […]

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Schuberth S3 Helmet Review [Full-Face Protection from Germany]

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:02:57 +0000

The new and refined Schuberth S3 helmet has arrived in the US, offering much more than its predecessors—the S2 Sport model from 2017 and the S2 over a decade ago. Schuberth is best known for modular-style helmets, and the S model range, now just the S3, is Schuberth’s only full-face helmet, a direct descendent from […]

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Tilsberk Head-Up Display Review [A Motorcycle HUD That Works]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:44:52 +0000

Head-up displays (HUD) and smart motorcycle helmets have been in and out of the news for about ten years. Anecdotally, some have flopped, and, frankly, I have not been able to keep up with the promises of superior design and functionality that have been bandied around, nor have I even tried one. Vaporware is plentiful […]

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Topdon JumpSurge1200 Review: Power Bank Battery Jump Starter

Jonathan Handler — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 22:42:19 +0000

Topdon USA refers to itself as a global automotive brand offering a broad range of products, including diagnostic tools, programmers, thermal cameras for auto shops, EV chargers, battery testers, and the subject of this review—jump starters. The Topdon JumpSurge1200 is the company’s lowest-priced jump starter in a model range differing solely in power, although the […]

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Klim Induction Pro Jacket Review [Summertime Mesh]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 06:06:50 +0000

When riding in the summer, I’ve referred to myself as a “perfaholic” for my love of perforated leather jackets. However, when it gets really hot, I need mesh. The Klim Induction Pro jacket is the top of the Idaho-based company’s mesh jacket lineup, and likely one of the nicest mesh numbers I’ve seen. The Klim […]

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2023 BMW R 18 Classic Review [Big Boxer Experience]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 21:59:40 +0000

Taste or attraction can be a peculiar thing, and that might explain why I basically ignored BMW Motorrad’s lineup of R 18 bikes for almost three years. Now, upon rumination, I find them irresistible. I think my penchant for sport and sport-touring bikes fogged my vision, and it took some saddle time to overcome this […]

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Held Sambia Pro Gloves Review [Vented For Summer Riding]

Jonathan Handler — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 05:17:10 +0000

Here in SoCal, I wear vented gloves nine months a year. Almost a decade ago, we tested the Held Sambia vented summer gloves. Now it’s time for the Held Sambia Pro gloves. A significant upgrade over the previous version, the Sambia Pro offers extensive venting, yet plenty of protection. They are built around a perforated […]

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Held Brickland LC Boots Review [Sport-Touring ADV Footwear]

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 07:27:45 +0000

The Held Brickland LC is the 4.3-inch shorter version of the German company’s off-road-ready Brickland adventure boots. They’re all I want in all-weather ADV boots that I will never take off-road. The Brickland LC boots are extremely sturdy, with a medium-chunky Vibram anti-slip sole. The outer shell is full-grain cowhide with a soft polyester lining. […]

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Rokform Motorcycle Phone Mount Systems Review

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 08:26:30 +0000

I’m seeing more smartphones mounted on bike handlebars than ever before. Anecdotally, I also see smartphones replacing dedicated GPS units, which is quite understandable. Smartphones provide a good deal more functionality than a GPS unit, plus riders already own a smartphone and are paying for its internet access. Although there are dozens of choices for […]

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Bolid’Ster Jean’Ster 2 Jeans Review [Tested Internationally]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 06:09:57 +0000

Technical motorcycle-riding jeans are seen everywhere nowadays, and in many styles, colors, designs, and, most importantly, materials. I’ve heard nothing but praise from riders who wear them, and you can count me in that group. I’ve tried offerings from more than a dozen manufacturers, and motorcycle-specific jeans are my go-to trousers for most temperate weather […]

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2024 BMW R 18 Roctane Test [100th Anniversary Alpine Ride]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 02:41:48 +0000

One easy thumb press on the starter button with the fob in my pocket brings to life the familiar roar of the massive Big Boxer powerplant. Its unmistakable sound, accompanied by the left tugging torque surge of the engine, reminds me right away that this motorcycle is another R 18 variant featuring the colossal 1802cc […]

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Racer Pitlane Gloves Review [Ready for Summer Sport-Touring]

Jonathan Handler — Sat, 27 May 2023 10:21:20 +0000

What type of riding gear are you most demanding and appreciative of? Of course, helmets must be high on everyone’s list. Could it be jackets or boots? I’m naturally partial to helmets, and a strong second would be my gloves. Gloves surround sensitive hands, so a poorly fitting or constructed glove will quickly chafe and […]

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Continental ContiRoadAttack 4 Tires Review

Jonathan Handler — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 01:18:47 +0000

First impressions are important, and Continental claims its ContiRoadAttack 4 motorcycle tire has TractionSkin technology, which has been around for a while and doesn’t require any break-in period. Upon delivery, the surface of the tires felt as though they had a few miles on them—there was no trace of any coating or release compound. I […]

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Death Valley Vibe: A Motorcycle Travel Story

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 22:52:05 +0000

Have you ever wanted to travel to the Moon or Mars? That may be unrealistic, but if you want to experience something similarly unreal, then visit Death Valley National Park. Our crew of motorcycle riders visits Death Valley in the Spring (almost) annually to savor the otherworldly aspects of this incredible and unique corner of […]

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Schuberth E2 Review [Modular Adventure Helmet Test]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 08:24:19 +0000

I ran the new Schuberth E2 modular adventure helmet for about 900 miles on our crew’s annual ride to Death Valley this past weekend. We took mostly two-lane twisty roads during the ride up and experienced temperatures from the low 40s into the 80s. We rode through clean, wet, and dirty paths, experiencing sunny and […]

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BMW Multi-Controller Now Adjusts Volume With Some Comm Units

Jonathan Handler — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 09:04:49 +0000

For modern model Beemer riders who use the BMW media center on many of its recent models, the multi-controller (aka the “wonder wheel”) now adjusts the volume when using certain brands of helmet communication devices. This may not sound like a big deal yet for every day and every hour use, it is a game […]

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Bison Track Custom Motorcycle Street Jacket Review

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 05:42:46 +0000

Bison Track is a manufacturer of custom motorcycle suits, jackets, and related items. I have seen their race suits on social media and found they also offer made-to-measure jackets that buyers design on the Bison website. I have enough track suits but never enough jackets, so let’s give the Bison Track custom motorcycle street jacket […]

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John Doe Storm Review [Perforated Leather Motorcycle Jacket]

Jonathan Handler — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 10:54:12 +0000

I was immediately attracted to the John Doe Storm leather jacket during a recent visit to The Bike Shed in downtown Los Angeles. The place is quite posh for a biker hangout, as are the prices, yet this German-designed, European-manufactured leather motorcycle jacket was priced at $400. It is slim and stylish with extensive leather […]

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Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV Review [Sport Touring Tires]

Jonathan Handler — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:48:06 +0000

Fire and forget. That’s the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV. Trackday junkies and knee-down canyon riders will be tempted to click away now, but even they might be in for a surprise. If you’re a typical rider, even of the best variety, you may find that the Dunlop Roadsmart IV tires can handle anything you throw […]

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“Classic Superbikes II” by Frank Melling Motorcycle Book Review

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 20:44:44 +0000

Frank Melling is back with Classic Superbikes II, following up on the 2020 release of his Classic Superbikes, which we have reviewed. This softcover, 130+ page tour-de-force book of vintage superbikes is chock full of the dream bikes many of us have drooled over in years gone by. Melling has written 13 chapters about some […]

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Dunlop Mutant Tires Review [An Unorthodox Success]

Jonathan Handler — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 21:04:38 +0000

What? The unorthodox Dunlop Mutant might replace my present Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV tires or a host of other street and sport touring tires? Dunlop says the Mutant tire has “performance to match in any condition a rider may encounter.” I took one look at the Dunlop Mutant tires, saw that unique dirt-track style tread pattern, […]

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Scorpion Covert Hoodie Review [Motorcycle Jacket Alternative]

Jonathan Handler — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 05:33:41 +0000

I’ve seen riders doing it, but I have never been tempted to ride in a hoodie-style sweatshirt, until now. I reviewed Scorpion’s 1909 Vintage jacket recently and noted that Scorpion Covert Hoodie is offered as an underlayer for the 1909 leather jacket. “Wow. This looks cool,” I thought. As it turns out, while the Scorpion […]

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BMW ConnectedRide Cradle and Connected App Review

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 19:52:13 +0000

Owners of late model BMWs have several choices for information and entertainment management on their bikes. More often than not, a BMW will be equipped with the optional yet ubiquitous navigation preparation (nav prep). That’s the centrally mounted attachment point dedicated to holding the BMW Motorrad Navigator V and VI—and now the BMW ConnectedRide Cradle. […]

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Corbin Canyon Dual Sport Saddle Review [BMW R 1250 RS Project Bike]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 02:25:44 +0000

I’ve been a fan of Corbin saddles since buying one for my 2002 BMW R 1150 RT. That seat completely changed the ride on the bike. Although OEM seats are pretty good, including BMW’s, they are compromised by the need to accommodate riders of a broad range of heights. Seats are often designed with a […]

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Adaptiv TPX Pro Radar and Laser Detection System Review

Jonathan Handler — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 07:43:55 +0000

There must be more than one reason why riders and drivers of all sorts of vehicles install a radar detector. Perhaps it’s not even an attempt to avoid citations for flagrant speeding over the legal limit. It could be used as a reminder to slow down in certain areas. But, let’s face it, some of […]

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