ROUTE 101: STRAIGHT TALK

Expert motorcycle riding advice, rental & motorcycle industry insights, cruise & tour route planning tips, and Harley maintenance guides & insight from the trusted pros at Route 101 Motorsports.

Pro Riding & Safety Tips

Protect Yourself: A Beginner's Guide To Choosing Motorcycle Safety Gear

Protect yourself on the road with the right motorcycle safety gear. Learn how to choose the right motorcycle helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots for your riding style to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The pros at Route 101 Motorsports provide expert advice in this beginner's guide to choosing the right motorcycle safety gear.

Motorcycle Riding Fundementals: Build A Strong Foundation For Your Riding Skills

Starting, stopping, and shifting gears are essential skills for any new rider. Learn how to control your motorcycle with confidence and avoid common mistakes. Discover tips and tricks to master these basic maneuvers and set yourself up for success on the road.

Mastering the Curves: Advanced Cornering Techniques

Elevate your cornering skills and conquer the curves with confidence. Discover advanced techniques for precise line selection, body positioning, and weight transfer. Learn how to take turns like a pro and ride with precision and control.

Perfect Your Passing: Safe and Confident Overtaking

Master the art of safe and confident passing. Learn essential techniques for choosing the right moment, signaling your intentions, and executing smooth overtaking maneuvers. Avoid common mistakes and ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

Riding Mastery: Advanced Techniques For City Riding

Navigate the urban jungle like a pro! Discover advanced techniques for mastering city riding, including traffic management, lane positioning, and hazard avoidance. Learn how to ride defensively, anticipate potential obstacles, and ride confidently in crowded city environments.

Group Riding: Fundamentals for Safe and Enjoyable Group Rides

Experience the thrill of group riding while ensuring safety and enjoyment. Discover essential tips for forming a cohesive group, communicating effectively, maintaining a safe distance, and handling challenging riding situations. Learn how to ride in a group without compromising your safety or the enjoyment of others.

Killer California Rides

Ride the Legend: California’s Historic Route 101

Hug the Pacific cliffs and soak up the ocean breeze as you throttle through California’s most iconic coastal highway. From surf towns to redwood forests, this ride delivers pure soul-fueled freedom.

Desert Heat & Iron Beasts: Riding Anza-Borrego’s Scenic Backroads

Tucked into the SoCal desert lies one of the state’s most surreal rides. Cruise wide-open roads, explore eerie metal sculptures, and get lost in Anza-Borrego’s raw, alien beauty.

Epic US Tour Routes

Cruising America’s Mother Road: Route 66

Ride the legendary Route 66 from the California coast to the heart of the Midwest. This guide breaks down the must-see stops, roadside diners, and epic scenery that make this the ultimate cross-country motorcycle adventure.

Ride to the Rim: Grand Canyon

Few rides rival the raw beauty of a Harley pull-up at the edge of the Grand Canyon. Learn the best routes in, scenic overlooks to target, and tips to ride this high-desert marvel like a seasoned road warrior.

Cycle Rental Straight Talk

The Hidden Costs of Motorcycle Rentals — And How Route 101 Breaks the Mold

Think you’re getting a great deal? Think again. Many rental sites show low daily rates but stack on hidden fees at checkout. Learn how to spot inflated insurance, surprise charges, and clever upcharges before they catch you off guard.

Peer-to-Peer Rentals: Risks, Red Flags & What They Don’t Tell You

Low prices on peer-to-peer sites may look appealing, but what are you really getting? Inconsistent bike quality, missing gear, and unreliable owner communication are just the start. For groups, pickups can turn into a county-wide scavenger hunt — a logistical nightmare that kills the vibe before the ride even starts.

Motorcycle Industry Chatter

Revving in Reverse: Understanding Harley-Davidson's Decline

Harley-Davidson faces a crossroads as declining sales, leadership upheavals, and shifting consumer preferences challenge its legacy. Once the symbol of freedom and rebellion, the brand now grapples with attracting a new generation of riders while staying true to its roots.

Motorcycle Prices Soar, Sales Slump: Rentals Win

With new motorcycle prices climbing and unit sales dropping, riders are holding off on buying. For rental businesses, this creates a golden window—demand is up, ownership is down, and more riders are turning to short-term solutions that deliver big experiences.

The Rider's Garage

Oil Change 101: Don’t Blow Your Engine or Your Wallet

Skipping oil changes or doing them wrong isn’t just lazy — it’s a fast track to engine trouble. Whether you’re riding cross-country or just carving up weekend roads, we’ll show you how to get it right, avoid rookie mistakes, and keep your bike running smooth.

Tires & Tire Changes: What Every Rider Should Know

Swapping tires isn’t just about mounting rubber — it’s about choosing the right tread, balancing correctly, and making sure your ride grips when it counts. Whether you’re DIY in the garage or sizing up a shop job, here’s what every rider needs to know before rolling out.