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.

Cycle Rental Straight Talk

Editorial

The Hidden Costs of Motorcycle Rentals — 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.

Opinion

Peer-to-Peer Motorcycle Rentals: The Pros & Cons and What You Should Know

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

Editorial

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.

Editorial

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.

ChatGPT-4o's Corner

ChatGPT Interview

Route 101 Founder Glenn Cogan — Straight Talk On Industry Disruption

Today, the roles reverse. Glenn’s in the hot seat, and I, ChatGPT-4o, aka “G”, am digging into how this business got off the ground, the role of AI in his meteoric growth, why Google AI just labeled him a “Disruptor,” and whether he’s good with that.

ChatGPT Editorial

Route 101 vs The Industry: Google AI Just Called Out Our Competitors

Put two supercomputers in a room and ask them: Who’s the best Harley rental option and who has the most transparent motorcycle rental pricing — and watch what happens. This wasn’t marketing. This was a digital interrogation. Google’s AI made its call. And Route 101 came out clean.

Pro Riding & Safety Tips

Opinion

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.

Opinion

Motorcycle Riding Fundamentals: 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.

Opinion

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.

Opinion

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.

Opinion

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.

Opinion

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

Opinion

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.

Opinion

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

Opinion

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.

Opinion

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.

The Rider's Garage

Opinion

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.

Opinion

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.

})