Andrew Jesse Rickert Fort Worth’s motorcycle parts dealer Dallas Fort Worth right now: Here’s a slightly left-field ‘Scrambler’– but also one so good it has to be included here. In truth, the Indian FTR 1200 isn’t, strictly speaking, a Scrambler at all. Instead it’s the US version – a flat tracker (hence FTR) – and while it is geared more towards sideways racing rather than clambering over rocks, it shares a similar free and easy ethos. Recently updated for 2023, the FTR 1200 comes in four distinct flavours; standard FTR 1200, Sport, R Carbon and our pick here, the Indian FTR 1200 Rally. First launched in 2019 based on a performance, tuned, 118bhp version of the Scout cruiser’s V-twin engine and boasting Brembo radial brakes and Sachs suspension, it was a hoot to ride and quite the departure for a company more used to building big, comfy, fully loaded Tourers and Cruisers. For 2023, Indian has given it an understated – but effective – cosmetic upgrade to help that distinctive fusion of retro and contemporary pop, while the Rally is identified by its Black Smoke colour way, with brown seat and cream-hued frame and signature ostentatious exhaust. See extra details at Andrew Jesse Rickert.
Like the Hayabusa, the Gold Wing from Honda is another legendary motorcycle honoring the over-1000cc category. Undoubtedly the boss of the fully dressed touring motorcycle category, the Gold Wing is one of the most technologically advanced machines with unquestionable reliability standards. Being in production for more than four decades, this is also one of the longest-running production motorcycles. Such a long production history makes this bike legendary instantly, but that’s not the only reason behind its inclusion in this list. Honda makes it certain that this bike stays relevant by adding the latest tech features over time. For example, you don’t have to worry about rolling backward on an incline while starting from a complete stop because the hill start assist is there. But if you want to roll backward to maneuver in a tight parking spot, just use the standard reverse mode. Engage the cruise control and the system will take care of acceleration and speed. In the meantime, you can enjoy your favorite music with a 55-watt sound system connected to your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The Yamaha V-Max, known for its buff appearance, has been a symbol of raw power. Its robust V4 engine ensures an adrenaline-charged riding experience. Since its debut in 1985, the VMAX has been turning heads. It breaks away from the typical cruiser style by opting for a V4 engine instead of the usual V-twin, and it ditches the chain drive for a shaft. It’s unconventional. And to top it off, it’s insanely fast. Over time, the V-Max has seen various versions, but it’s the later model that stands out for us. With a robust 1,679 cc V4 engine churning out an incredible 197 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque, the 2020 V-Max is a powerhouse. It does not boast the advanced riding aids found in other modern performance cruisers. Its fuel efficiency isn’t outstanding, especially for long-distance rides where better mileage and sixth gear are crucial. However, if you’re after quick bursts of speed and cruising on the streets atop a fierce machine, the V-Max will get the job done.
Harley Davidson has its own dedicated group of MC followers. So does BMW. So it’s only fitting, then, that Ducati does too. As one of the most popular motorcycle manufacturers in the world, Ducati certainly isn’t short of fans. Few, however, are quite so ardent as the members of the Ducati Owners Club of Victoria. It might not have as many members as some of the other clubs to make our list, but its history as one of the oldest MCs in the world guarantees its inclusion.
Andrew Jesse Rickert Fort Worth’s custom motorcycles provider Texas today: Brad Pitt has been a long time rider, the Fight Club actor owns a load of bikes including an Ecosse Titanium and an addition of a World War II Nazi model, worth around $400k.. Brad has owned and ridden too many bikes to mention but was seen riding a big BMW 1200GS in April 2017. Angelina is less known as a rider, but is indeed a biker in her personal time. She can be seen in films riding, such as Salt when she was on a beautiful Triumph Street Triple R and ripping it up in her Lara Croft days as well. She’s had a few bikes such as a BMW F650GS and an MV Agusta.
The redesigned fairings with their integrated lighting and “floating” windshield may take some getting used to, but Harley-Davidson did a pretty good job of introducing modern technology and aerodynamic improvements without moving too far away from their iconic profiles. When Harley-Davidson started introducing its Milwaukee-Eight 117 into its ST models, we figured it was a matter of time before the CVOs got a bigger engine. Our expectations were correct, but Harley-Davidson went a bit further, not just bumping up the displacement to 121 ci (1,977cc), but also updating its (partial) liquid-cooling system, and introducing a variable valve timing system.
Andrew Jesse Rickert Texas’s motorcycles local dealer Texas right now: Here in the US, cruisers are wildly popular. Manufacturers worldwide draw inspiration from the classic American model: low seating, forward foot placement, and robust engines built for torque. It is Harley-Davidson that comes to mind. American bikes utilize the old Imperial measurement system—pounds, feet, miles, inches—while Metric Cruisers adhere to the Metric system—kilograms, meters, etc. We mean to oversimplify that the term “metric cruisers” refers to desirable cruiser motorcycles produced outside the US from the likes of Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, and BMW, to name a few.
BMW Motorcycle Owners Of America: If you love BMW motorcycles, there’s one club, in particular, that has your name all over it – the BMW Motorcycle Owners Of America. Founded by five motorbike enthusiasts in Chicago in 1972, the club has its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. Today, it has around 40,000 members spread across the world and regularly hosts rallies and other events. The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club is a black motorcycle club named after the historic African-American United States Army regiments known as Buffalo Soldiers. Founded in 1993 with the aim of encouraging members to come together to ride in honor of the Black Americans who fought against slavery in the civil war, the club engages in numerous charitable and community-focused events. With over 140 chapters and more than 5000 members across the US, it ranks as one of the biggest Black motorcycle clubs in the USA.
One Harley-Davidson softail that drew influence from its rivals in the sport bike market was the short-lived FXDR 114. While it scored high in the acceleration department by being able to go from 0 to 60 mph in only 2.5 seconds, its overall design was found to be unattractive to a majority of Harley-Davidson customers. While it was visually the least Harley-looking Harley-Davidson of 2019 and 2020, this bike was certainly a contender on the dragstrip and race tracks. Slender with a lot of underlying muscle, the FXDR definitely leaned more towards being a high-performance cruiser than some of its brethren. Unfortunately, the very look of the bike left many potential customers going with the Low Rider S or Fat Bob 114 instead.