• Motorcycles
    • General Information
    • Biking Information
    • Motorcycle Accessories
    • Riding Tips
    • Motorcycle Safety Gear
    • Motorcycle Batteries
    • Motorcycle Audio
    • Motorcycle Mods and Maintenance
  • Electric Bikes
    • Electric Bikes
    • Folding Bikes
  • Start Here
  • About Us
  • Contact
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy

Adventure biking: The Ultimate Guide To Get Started

By Teddy

Defining adventure biking can be a tricky thing, as there is no exact definition. It is different for everyone, and many call it liberating and freeing. Instead of sticking to normal roads, a trip with the adventure bike takes place on dirt roads and through nature.

In this guide, we’ll talk about:

  • How to experience off-roading and adventure biking
  • What makes a good adventure bike
  • Bike laws and safety
  • and more!

10 Adventure Bikes that should be on your wish list

There are a bunch of adventure motorcycles out there, which is no surprise as many people enjoy adventurous biking these days. But which are the best ones? We have a thorough look ad available adventure bikes and provide you with some of the best options out there.

1. Suzuki V-Strom

v-strom_1000

The Suzuki V-Strom has been around for a while, as it first hit the international market in 2004. Despite the fact this bike has a number of years behind it, the V-Strom is still one of the most solid choices in the world of adventure bikes.

One of the features that stands out most for the Suzuki V-Strom are its six-speed gearboxes, complemented with a liquid-cooled 645cc fuel-injected engine. Compared to most motorcycle options out there, that’s a real powerhouse!

Power is not the only thing that plays in favor of this motorcycle. It is one of the most adaptable bikes out there. You can easily use it to travel along normal roads, touring, but also riding along a dirt track.

While the Suzuki V-Strom is a solid, adaptable choice, it isn’t specialised in any particular kind of motorcycle riding. While this is not necessarily a problem, it does mean that there are other bikes out there with more extensive features to cope with off-road riding. Still, if you don’t prefer one type of motorcycle riding over another, then the Suzuki V-strom is an outstanding choice.

2. Kawasaki Versys

kawasaki_versys

The Kawasaki Versys is an adventure bike based on one of the previous Kawasaki motorcycles, the Ninja 650R. However, the engineers at Kawasaki overhauled the engine, making many torque improvements.

We must mention that the Kawasaki Versys can feel very different to some of the other dirt bikes and adventure bikes out there. The reason for that is the unique design of the suspension.

Compared to other adventure bikes, the suspension of the Versys is more adaptable; this applies to the telescopic forks and arm swing configuration in the rear. While it may take some time getting used to, soon you won’t want want to travel without this kind of suspension and adaptability.

While the Kawasaki Versys is undoubtedly one of the best adventure bikes in existence today, it is not the cheapest. In fact, this motorcycle can cost you a small arm and a leg. That being said, those who are truly passionate about off-road riding will not find better anywhere else.

3. Honda Africa Twin

honda-africa-twin

As you may have guessed already, the Honda Africa Twin is named after the Paris-Dakar rally. And staying true to its namesake, it is designed for long distances on dirt and off-road terrain. Let’s take a look at what makes this bike special.

The Honda Africa Twin may not have as much power as some sports bikes out there, it certainly comes with an amazing amount of features. Firstly, this amazing bike allows you to control brake power. In addition to that, you can also control the sensitivity of your traction-control. Evidently, these features make this bike a king among gravel bikes and an amazing choice for dirt terrains.

Even though the Honda Africa Twin is designed for dirt terrain, this bike still comes with an urban mode. In other words, you can use this bike for city riding without much effort.

The Honda Africa Twin is a remake of the original Honda Africa that was released in the 80’s. Since then, the manufacturer has made a lot of changes to this adventure motorcycle, including an upgrade from the V-twin 650 to the twin 1000 ccs in 2015. The newer versions also come with a DCT 6-speed transmission, which is enough to impress any rider. No wonder many manufacturers started to design their adventure motorcycles based on the original Honda Africa.

4. Yamaha Super Tenere

yamaha_xt_1200_z_super_tenere

Every rider is different. While some riders prefer versatility, other riders may prefer a lot of power! If you are a rider that prefers power and excitement above all other things, the Yamaha Super Tenere will be the bike for you.

The Yamaha Super Tenere is named after the Ténéré region in the Sahara desert, which is quite a good name for a dirt bike. Still, this Yamaha model is more than just another dirt bike, as it comes with a 1199 cc engine, a 6-speed gearbox and a special shaft-driven wheel in the back. In other words, this dirt bike recommendation is king at acceleration and speed.

While the acceleration of the Yamaha Super Tenere is enough to impress any rider, the amazing electronics incorporated in the design of the bike may impress even more. The outstanding electronics automatically take care of the throttle valve movement and fuel injection, which all maximise the performance of your bike on dirt terrain.

5. BMW R1200GS

bmw_r1200gs_in_munich

The BMW R1200GS may look a little beefier than most of the other bikes we mentioned today, but that should not be a hindrance, especially when you consider the iconic status of this off-road bike.

Aside from having excellent acceleration, the BMW R1200GS is actually 66 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Despite being lighter, it does have 19% more horsepower, which ensures better handling. This bike can also go from 0 to 60 mph under 4 seconds, which makes it stand out considerably from the other options in this overview.

The BMW R series of GS bikes were originally released in 2004, but models from 2017 and onwards actually have undergone some considerable changes. One of the changes is that these bikes now meet the European EU4 regulations, which is important if you are planning an off-road trip in Europe. This particular bike has also been featured in numerous television programs, including “The Hairy Bikers Cookbook”.

6. Ducati Multistrada

ducati_multistrada_1200_red

Ducati is a name that is synonymous with speed and luxury. While it is mainly a European bike, with a good track record on European dirt roads and off-road situations, the bike is now gaining popularity in the United States too.

The Ducati Multistrada has an impressive 1262 cc L-twin cylinder and is accompanied by a liquid-cooled engine. The engine also operates on a 4 valve desmodromic system, which can remove the need for valve springs completely.

One of the most interesting features about the Ducati Multistrada is that the rider can select various power modes for the engine. These modes include sport, touring, urban, and Enduro. All these modes can be selected by the rider when the bike is in motion as well, which saves quite some time when switching from a road to a dirt path.

The handling of the Ducati Multistrada is on point as well, this since the bike comes with ABS, DES and electronic suspension. So, no matter where you intent to travel, you will not encounter any issues with the handling of this bike.

7. KTM Adventure 990

ktm-990

While it might be the most unusual looking bikes on the road, we urge you not to ignore the KTM Adventure 990 when it comes to travel. As you may have guessed looking at the design of this bike, the KTM Adventure is specifically designed for rougher terrain. So, if off-road bikes are your thing, this is a gem that cannot be missing from your garage.

With the KTM Adventure 990, your off-road adventures will seem like the easiest thing ever. And while they may not score as brilliant when it comes to performance on the road, you will not find a more durable bike in this entire overview.

8. KTM Adventure 1290

ktm-1290

If you found the 990 lacking, then the Adventure 1290 may provide you with all the things you were missing with the previous model. The Adventure 1290 was launched in 2015 and was even named as the best Adventure Bike by “Cycle World” that same year. Given this endorsement, we had no choice but to include the Adventure 1290 in this overview.

Interestingly, the Adventure 1290 has a whopping 160 horsepower and a complementary 4 engine modes. And since the Adventure 1290 was designed for use and rougher road conditions, you can make sure that the Adventure 1290 will take you through longer distances with the greatest of ease, no matter the road conditions you travel on.

9. Triumph Tiger 800XC

triumph-tiger

As with most bikes, the Triumph Tiger has undergone a lot of updates in recent years, with the most recent taking place in 2018. In fact, the modifications for the 2018 model were quite substantial, as the third generation bike from 2018 implemented a whopping 200 changes!

The Triumph Tiger 800XC has a good 799 cc inline 3 cylinder 12 valve double overhead cam engine. It also comes with an impressive front suspension travel in the front and the rear. Because of these modifications, the Triumph Tiger is one of the most pleasant bikes to ride around with.

10. BMW G 650 GS Sertao

bmw-g650

While this bike may not stand out from the rest of our overview upon first glance, there is a crucial difference between this bike and the other bikes in this overview. The G 650 GS Sertao actually has a single cylinder water-cooled 4 stroke engine, enabling the rider to take this baby up to 106 mph!

Another brilliant feature of the BMW G 650 GS Sertao is its outstanding ABS system. With this innovative ABS system, the rider can easily brake on any kind of surface, even on rougher road conditions.

The BMW G 650 GS Sertao is remarkably comfortable too, as this model comes with heated hand grips for colder environments. So, if you value comfort as well as versatility, this bike will be an outstanding choice for most riders.

What Is An Adventure bike and should I get one?

An adventure bike is a motorcycle designed for use on regular roads as well as dirt roads. They are known as ADV bikes too, which immediately explains the term ADV riders.

Getting an adventure bike is a personal choice. It all comes down to the kind of routes you take on a regular basis. If you like to travel off-road more often than not, then an adventure bike might be the best choice for you.

Adventure Bike Laws in the USA

To ride an adventure bike, you need a valid motorcycle license. Your bike must meet the current laws and regulations for motorcycles too, of which the following are the most important.

Please bear in mind that some laws will differ from state to state, and the following is just a summ

  • Motorcyclist must be registered to use their bike on a public highway. As such, their equipment must meet the required federal safety standards.
  • Only motorcycles over 50cc can use interstate or limited access highways.
  • Motorcyclists are required to use their headlights at all time in certain states, so always do your research before you hit a new state.
  • Riding between lanes of traffic is prohibited in all the states.
  • Some states forbid two riders riding abreast.
  • It is recommended that all adventure bikes have a strong lock.

Adventure biking route bucket list: international

Are you ready to hit the road with your new adventure bike? If so, we recommend taking a look at our top bike routes. You won’t be disappointed, as we picked some of the best in the world.

Let’s start by looking at some of the international routes for those among you who like to travel. From Ireland to Italy and Spain, we have some of the most scenic and thrilling options for you today.

1. Wild Atlantic Way In Ireland

wild-atlantic-way

When you want something different than the dust of the desert, then we can recommend the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. Ride along the seaside, soak up the numerous coasts and cliffs, but experience some rough mountainous terrains in the process too!

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way stretches across 1,553 miles. The route starts in the Inishowen Peninsula and goes all the way to the Celtic Seashore. Of course, there are some things to stop for along the way; this includes historic limestone formations as well as the occasional and typical Irish pub.

2. Amalfi Coast Road In Italy

wild-atlantic-way

The Amalfi Coast Road is not just popular among motorcyclists, it is a popular road to drive for luxury car enthusiasts too. The reason for its popularity is not difficult to find though as the road is situated right near the Amalfi coastline.

One of the interesting little facts about this particular travel location is that it is known as “The Road of a 1000 Bends.” Each bend provides a picturesque look of small Italian villages, providing a riding experience unlike any other.

This particular route does come with a word of warning though. Some of the bends are extremely dangerous to travel along, so we only recommend this route for the more experienced riders out there.

4. E65 Senj-Prizna In Croatia

prizna_28croazia29_vista_dal_traghetto_per_c5bdigljen-6278342

Some people may find Amalfi a little too dangerous. Or maybe the rider in question does not have the experience needed to tackle this route. Whichever it may be, there is always an alternative in the form of the E65 Senj-Prizna in Croatia.

Senj-Prizna provides just as many panoramas Amalfi, only without all the treacherous bends. The road stretches along a decent 29.8 miles, so you can easily cover this in a single day.

On the flipside, a trip along the Senj-Prizna is quite popular and you can encounter lots of tourists during the busier seasons. If you want to avoid that, be sure to plan your travel ahead of time to get the most from this unique experience.

5. Serra da Estrela In Portugal

albufeira_da_barragem_do_covc3a3o_de_ferro_-_parque_natural_da_serra_da_estrela-3574758

If zooming across the mountains is your thing, you cannot afford to miss the Serra da Estrela route in Portugal. While Amalfi and Prizna both offer mountainous backdrops, the Serra da Estrela route has an interesting ride to offer too.

Interestingly, Serra da Estrela is the tallest mountain in Portugal, and you can ride right over it! Of course, this does mean you have to take glacial winds into consideration, so make sure you keep some warmer gear on you at all times. In addition to that, the road conditions on the top of the mountain are poor; this due to the harsher environment. That being said, nothing beats a view of Portugal at 2000 feet above sea level.

6. Transfăgărășan Highway In Romania

37855576932_961b56751c_b-6109760

If you like a bit of weird in your life, then the Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania will provide you with all the weird you need during your travel. This interesting winding route was built in 1970 and was meant for the Romanian military. At the time, there was fear of infiltration by the Soviet Union, and these roads were meant to provide quick access to a vital area. That immediately explains the rather unique design of the route as well.

Any rider needs to experience the Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania at least once in their lifetime. It has several narrow turns, quick descents, dark tunnels and some interesting s-curves. Be warned though, because the maximum speed on this particular road is 25 miles per hour.

7. Furka Pass In Switzerland

furkapass_westside-9775329

We must admit that Furka Pass in Switzerland is quite reminiscent of the iconic highway in Romania. That being said, there are reasons to visit this part of the world and they could be quite different than the ones we mentioned for the Romanian highway.

Furka Pass in Switzerland has been immortalized, as the road was featured in the famous James Bond film Goldfinger. The route is packed with beautiful panoramas as well as high elevations and sharp turns. In other words, it provides a mixture of adventure, uniqueness and an overall thrilling travel environment.

8. Fuerteventura In Spain

fuerteventura-4735727_960_720-1352026

Many people travel to Fuerteventura for the nice weather and the amazing views. It is also a popular destination for motorcyclists in search of different landscapes during their travels.

Fuerteventura is situated on the Canary Islands and is known to its unique topography and geology. In fact, you can enjoy twenty-thousand years of it during your travel, especially if you take the 21.7 mile road that takes you along some of the hidden towns in the area. You will also be interested to learn that you can ride at a relatively high speed here. Still, you don’t want to go too fast, as you might miss out on one of the most amazing sceneries in the world.

Adventure biking route bucket list: USA

Want to experience some of the best routes in the United States? Then check out some of the best motorcycle routes you can travel along in the US.

1. Beartooth Highway

beartoothhwy_near_beartoothpass-9853396

This is one of the most beautiful rides in the United States. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and leading straight into the northern part of the Rocky Mountains, there are many reasons why you need to take this route at one point in your life.

Of course, a route as beautiful as this is not always available. Since Beartooth Highway is situated in Montana and Wyoming, there can be some heavy snowfall and freezing weather. Therefore, the road often closes down for the winter. Still, you can enjoy riding this route for the rest of the year.

2. Grand Staircase Escalante

grand_staircase-escalante_national_monument_28227964090529-4334677

We recommend this route for every type of rider and the reason for that is quite simple. The Grand Staircase Escalante holds several motorcycle paths, each offering something different. It does not matt if your prefer to ride on the asphalt or on a dirt path, this area covers them both.

3. State Route 1

45528743484_2a883c785b_b-8411026

Our last recommendation is the infamous State Route 1 in California. Situated right next to the ocean and taking you along both small and big cities, there is something to love for every kind of rider. That being said, this road can get quite busy. So, if you prefer solitude, one of our other two options might be better for you.

How To Stay Safe On The Road – Recommended Equipment

Getting the right equipment for an adventure bike trip is absolutely necessary, especially when you take a look at some of the daring routes you can take these days. Today, we take a closer look at some of the safety equipment you can acquire to keep yourself safe as a rider, but also to keep your motorcycle safe and secure.

Helmet

Some riders prefer a helmet with a special visor instead of a half helmet with safety goggles. For adventure trips, a bike helmet with a full visor like this one can be more advantageous, especially when you consider the amount of dirt and debris that can surround an adventure route.

Choose a bike helmet can be a lengthy decision, since they come in all shapes, sizes and designs these days. Still, your first consideration should always be your own safety. Style is great, but a rider is better off with a helmet that provides the best protection possible.

Bike helmets must meet the minimum safety standards to be available on the market, but that does not mean that there aren’t various grades of protection.

Bike helmets all use different types of interior materials, which can provide better protection depending on the type you choose. Some helmets also provide better ventilation, which means they can be more comfortable for a rider that has to cover a lot of distance. We wrote about 25 great choices for motorcycles in a previous post found here.

Please note that a bike helmet will need to be replaced immediately after a fall. Even if you think your fall was not that serious, your helmet may have suffered considerable damage during that fall.

In other words, your bike helmet may not provide you with the full level of protection anymore. So, as soon as you had a fall from your bike, replace your helmet immediately to ensure you stay protected.

Reflective Rim Tape

Visibility is one of the cornerstones of a safe ride. Of course, visibility can be a serious problem for bikers, even in clear weather conditions. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to increase your visibility on the road; this includes adding some this reflective tape on Amazon to the rims of your tires.

Reflective tape can be used for aesthetics, but it increases your visibility in darker environments dramatically. When you take an adventure route, it is likely that you will encounter some roads with poor lighting conditions. So, reflective tape on the rims of your tires could increase your vehicle tremendously.

2. Anti Theft Lock

Motorcycles are incredibly valuable these days, so you may want to consider some additional security for your valuable property. There are various locks you could choose, but we particularly recommend a dedicated padlock with an alarm sound like this affordable one on Amazon.

You can get anti-theft locks with a decent alarm sounds these days, with the best versions being the 110 db anti-theft locks. You can even get locks with a special motion sensor, so your bike stays protected at all times.

When you choose an anti-theft lock for your motorcycle, always make sure you choose a lock that comes with an extra set of keys. If a set of keys is lost, then you still have the second pair of keys to open your lock and gain access to your bike. While this may sound straightforward, you would be surprised just how many people encounter this problem.

3. Motorcycle books

How does a book help you with safety you might think? Well, the saying “knowledge is power” is definitely applicable here. By being informed about your motorcycle and applicable safety regulations and rules, you are sure to have a much better and safer adventure.

There are many motorcycle books you could add to your collection. The Motorcycling Excellence series are some of the best books for riding enthusiasts, but you will encounter other interesting options too.

Ask yourself what kind of knowledge could benefit your adventure and choose your books based on your answers.

For example, if you wish to know more about bike maintenance, so you can fix your bike during your adventure, make sure you acquire an additional book about common bike problems and bike maintenance.

4. Reflective Vest

As we mentioned earlier, visibility is extremely important while driving an adventure route. We already recommended an unusual product in the form of a reflective rim, but you cannot forget about your standard equipment either.

The most important piece of safety equipment is arguably the reflective vest. By wearing a reflective vest while driving on an adventure route, you make sure you are seen by other road users.

Reflective vests are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes these days. They are also made with more breathable materials, so comfort is no longer a reason not to wear a reflective vest. You can find a good vest by Riding Tribe here.

5. Motorcycle Safety Boots

Another way to protect yourself on the road is with a good pair of motorcycle safety boots. There are dozens of reasons why you should wear motorcycle safety boots on the adventure route, but here are the most prominent reasons.

Safety boots like these are the first line of protection for your feet and ankles. They provide protection against abrasions and could even prevent bones from breaking. While wearing safety boots is no guarantee you won’t hurt your ankles or feet, not wearing safety boots ensures your injuries will be significantly worse.

6. Protective Jacket

Before you head out on your new adventure, you also need a decent protective jacket. Every rider needs such a jacket, as they provide more protection if you were to be thrown from your bike.

Protective jackets can be be made from various materials these days. The most common material you will encounter is leather. Leather is thick and strong, which means it provides more protection against abrasions and other types of injury if a rider should fall of his bike.

A lot of protective jackets also contain armor. Armor is placed in strategic locations such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and the back. Evidently, armor is placed in these locations to prevent injury in case of a fall.

Armor used in protective jackets is made from various materials too. Common materials for armor include high-density foam and foam-back hard polymers. These materials can reduce the impact from a fall, but also protect against the usual abrasions.

Please note that leather is not your only option as a base material for protective jackets. In fact, engineered textiles are more popular than ever for protective jackets. Engineered textiles includes high-density ballistic nylon, Kevlar, Cordura and Lycra.

When purchasing a protective jacket for your adventure bike trip, always make sure that your equipment meets the current standards in the United States. Of course, protective jackets that meet the requirement will always have the appropriate label.

Adventure Backpack

We recommend an adventure backpack for anyone who is about to take an adventure route on their bike. The reason for that is quite simple as well. Not all backpacks are suitable for an adventure bike trip, as your backpack will have to deal with lots of wind. So, tiny parts and a less than streamlined design will become a serious hindrance, and in some cases a safety hazard.

Fortunately, there is such a thing as adventure bike backpacks. They have a streamlined design, contain a minimum number of small parts that could get affected by the win and still provide you with plenty of space to add riding gear, accessories, and essential documents. I found this really cool stealth design backpack on Amazon for you to check out.

Bike Gloves

We already talked about protection for the head, body and feet, but we haven’t really talked about bike gloves yet. Bike gloves are also necessary during your adventure bike trip, especially when you consider the damage a fall could do to them.

When you are on an adventure bike trip, and are about to deal with a lot of dirt and mud, you may want to look at specific off-road bike gloves. These bike gloves tend to be more breathable than leather, so they provide better grip. On the flipside, they provide less protection compared to leather bike gloves.

If you want the safest option possible, then leather or armored adventure bike gloves will be the best option. They protect your hands much better when you fall, but you will have less grip compared to the textile options.

Should I Rent Or Buy An Adventure Bike?

That is a valid question for many people. If you ride on a regular basis, for example weekly, then purchasing an adventure bike will be the most economical options for you. However, if you are planning a motorcycle trip for one week during the summer, then you can easily rent a bike instead.

Renting does provide an additional advantage that buying does not have. In some cases, you may be riding on some of the latest models of bikes, which surely speaks to all enthusiasts. Nevertheless, people who ride on a weekly basis may end up paying more than if they were to buy it.

Main Takeaways For Riders

There are many things to think about before you head on a riding adventure, but we hope this article made things a little easier for you. While you may be overwhelmed with a lot of information at this point, it can help to read things again later, so you can make choices with the utmost confidence.

Riding is one of the most fun hobbies to have, but it can be an investment and does require some research. Still, with our overview of suitable adventure bikes, routes and safety equipment, you will be on the road in no time at all! Be sure to keep this article handy, as you may need some additional tips and tricks in the future, for which you can always refer back to us.

Filed Under: Biking Information

13 Bikes From The Sons Of Anarchy TV Show (Jax Teller & More)

By Teddy

If you love motorcycles and bikes, you would surely love Sons of Anarchy. Sons of Anarchy, is one of the highest rated series on FX TV. In this post, we’re going to talk about the bikes used by Jax Teller in the show.

Brilliantly written by Kurt Sutter, the 7 season long series revolves around the outlaw motorcycle club called SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club redwood original) in a fictional town of California known as Charming.

Besides a gripping story line, the show is literally a haven for Harley Davidson lovers. It puts off a spectacular display of Harley Davidson motorcycles (2003 harley-davidson dyna super being my favorite). Almost all the characters in the series ride a customized Harley Davidson.

It is also reported that the show gave a great boost to Harley Davidson, which was in a state of crisis at that time. One of the actors even stated in an interview that the show literally saved Harley Davidson from filing bankruptcy.

Did they really ride in Sons of Anarchy?

Kurt Sutter, the writer of the show wanted the series to be an authentic portrayal of the MC culture and for that he needed his actors to be able to ride their bikes. So basically all of the bike riding in the series is performed by the actors themselves.

Another wonderful thing about the show is that no bike is randomly ridden by any character, in fact Kurt Sutter has made sure that every motorcycle depicts the personality of the character riding it.

What motorcycles are used in Sons of Anarchy?

From Older Harley Davidson models to newer ones, you get to see the best of the high quality bikes.

1. Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport

One of the shows most important characters Jax Teller, is played by actor Charlie Hunnam. He Portrays as the son of the founder of the SAMCRO, and at a time he too becomes the president of the club.

Charlie Hunnam is said to be the same in real life as his character in sons of anarchy Jax Teller. You can say that the highest effect of the show has been on him, as it ignited his love for motorcycles up to an extent that it became more than that of his on-screen character.

During the time Charlie Hunnam worked on the show He used to stay with bikers and wear plaid shorts while on his Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport. He also rode back home with his co-stars from the set of SOA.

It is reported that he never used his car during the seven years of jax sons of anarchy, at least not that much. In one 2010 interview, he said that he had put only 350 miles on his car, while some staggering 8500 miles on his bike. Many times he was spotted on his bike riding through the roads of L.A.

Pictures of him riding through L.A clearly suggests that He rode the same bike as Jax Teller does in the sons of anarchy, Which is a customized Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport.

According to Charlie Hunnam, the Dyna is the fastest Harley Davidson, perfect for outlaw Motorcyclists as they can ride it aggressively.

The bike is believed to be the first custom made Harley Davidson – the 2003 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super glide sport.

One other reason for him riding the Dyna as quoted by him is” there’s no better bike out there”. He loved the bike so much that he admitted stealing it from the sets!

Charlie Hunnam also stated that he never uses that bike and keeps it as a trophy and reminder of his time as Jax Teller.

The 2003 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport was modified. Both the front fairing and the ape hangers were custom made and aftermarket.

The original dyna super glide comes with a V-twin 4 stroke engine. The engine displacement is 1449cc. It is powder coated in black. The torque is 78.2 ft lbs. The tank of the bike has a 4.9 gallon fuel capacity and 95.3 x 10.6mm bore/stroke ratio. It weighs around 660 lbs. The model supports an electric start.

There is also a Samcro reaper graphic on the fuel tank to show that Jax Teller – Charlie Hunnam is the president of the club.

2. Harley Street Bob

Throughout the series Sons of Anarchy Jax Teller rides more than one model of Harley Davidson, particularly when his first love 2003 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport was blown up. This was in the 8th episode of the 5th season. According to some viewers it was a Harley Street Bob.

3. 1946 Harley Davidson knucklehead

There is yet another bike that Jax Teller rides in the final season of Sons of Anarchy. It was a 1946 Harley Davidson with a customized EL knucklehead, that belonged to his father John Teller.

It too has a V-twin four stroke with a 1208cc displacement engine. The top speed is 110 mph. The vehicle is a kickstart and chain driven and weighs approximately 560 lbs.

The knucklehead sports a deep sky blue color similar to the club’s color, but there are no SAMCRO markings on the bike, not even the Reaper.

The vintage knucklehead appears last in the 7th season, where Jax rides in the sunset. The bike sports many different parts from different models. The frame is an original 48 panhead frame. The gas tanks are from 51 panhead. The front end is taken from the 46 knucklehead.

The crew created a double of the knucklehead by using a 2013 Harley Softail. It was a close match to the original version. Jax rides this replica in the scene where he crashes into the truck. They had taken out all the modern equipment and accessories. After the show ended it is reported to have been auctioned at 75000$.

Fans also observed that just in the final season he rode two bikes.

4. Harley Davidson Dyna

One great thing about Dyna’s is that it isn’t too heavy and clumsy like others. The character Half Sack played by actor Johnny Lewis rides a White Harley Davidson Dyna. Alike him this bike didn’t fit in with the club. The white color made it stand out and immediately be noticed.

5. Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide 2008

This bike is ridden by the character Clay, who is shown as the club’s president in the initial seasons. The vehicle has a twin cam 96, pushrod V –twin engine and 1584 cc engine displacement. It comes with a 4.8 gallon fuel capacity and 92 ft-lb torque. The bike also sports custom T bars and a forward facing canon air filter.

6. Harley Davidson Electra Tri- Glide

This motorcycle was used by the elderly and sick Piney. As the name suggests, the bike comes with 3 wheels and features an air cooled twin cam 103 valves pushrod operated engine. The torque is 101 ft-lb and comes with a 6 gallon fuel capacity. It has a 6 speed transmission and overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters with two valves per cylinder. The bike had a special holster attached on the side to carry his oxygen canisters along with an oxygen mask attached to the tank.

7. 2003 Harley Davidson super Glide Sport

One of Jax Teller’s best friends on screen Opie, rides a similar bike as Jax, the 2003 Harley Davidson Super Glide Sport. Opie’s bike has a black on black twin cam 88 engine and a triple disc brake. It also has a premium adjustable sport suspension. The seating is low slung and aggressive. The speedometer and tachometer are mounted on the top. The rear tires are 150 mm wide. The bike also has the SOA logo on the tank

8. Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob

Just like Jax Teller, this bike is used by the character Chibs. But unlike others his bike does not have a front fairing. Chibs portrays as the vice president of the club. The bike sports a matte black look with Z bars with risers. This look is enhanced by the SOA symbol on the tank. The bike hints at Chibs scottish root as there is a small Saint Andrew’s cross on the saddle.

9. Harley Davidson Scream Eagle Road Glide

T.O –Taddarius Orwell Cross’s Harley Davidson Scream Eagle Road Glide features a Milwaukee eight 117 engines. The bike is painted in premium orange color.

The performance of the bike is very high. It has a dual bending valve front suspension and emulsion rear suspension. The bike also boasts of a factory installed d21’ front wheel and a unique exhaust finish.

10. Custom made Chopper & 70’s Triumph Bonneville

The only bikes to stand apart are Bobby’s custom made chopper and Linc’s 70’s Triumph Bonneville.

Bobby’s chopper is built on a hard frame and has mini ape hangers. The bike uses an evolution engine and runs on an open belt primary drive. The bike doesn’t have a front fairing. The bikes’ wheels have been laced. And the front springer forks have been raked to give it a chopper like look.

On the other hand, Linc rides a 70’s triumph Bonneville. It is a british bike that comes with a parallel twin four stroke engine. Linc’s Bonneville is painted green.

11. 2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob

Tig is one of the most ruthless characters in the club. His bike, the 2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob, is painted matte black and has an air cooled V-Twin four stroke engine. This is one of the most popular bikes in the series. The engine displacement is 1450cc. The torque is 85 ft-lb and the fuel capacity is 4.7 gallon. The bike uses a 6 speed transmission. It has a bore stroke ratio of 95.18 x 101.52mm. The tank is adorned with the SOA logo. There are several spikes and skulls in the bike giving it a look more suited to his personality.

12. ’96 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail

SAMCRO’s rivals the Mayan’s also get to ride a number of great bikes like the Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail.

The bike has a mix of orange and black color; it comes with a powerful engine and has a torque of 109 ft-lb. The engine is 1340 evo. A separate spin-0ff series about the Mayans, started after the conclusion of Sons of Anarchy. Alike SOA the Mayans also had its fair share of Bikes and Sons.

13. Harley Davidson Road King

The president of the Mayans, Marcus Alvarez rides a bike fit for the president. A Harley Davidson Road King custom painted in green. One of the admirable features of this bike is its Milwaukee 8 V-twin engine and 111 ft –lb of torque.

With a wonderful display of acting alongside a spectacular showcase of a vast array of one of the finest motorcycles out there, Sons of Anarchy will surely keep you wanting for more of both. We actually wrote in-depth about the Road King vs the Street Glide in this article here.

Final Season

The final season of the show was premiered in 2014. It was subjected to a lot of audience and critic responses and till date remains as one of the most viewed season. Some of the spectacular bikes are seen in the final season – marking the end of the production.

However, Jax is seen mostly in prison – so he is not one of the sons of anarchy taking lead on the back of bikes. He is mostly playing a good hero role – trying to end the club’s activities on a positive note.

The thirteenth (last) episode of the final season “Papa’s Goods” – was viewed by 6.5 million audiences – making it the most viewed episode. Jax settles all the dues by eliminating all the lose ends – and fulfills his father’s legacy as the Sons of Anarchy finally rests.

Filed Under: Biking Information

Magna Bikes Review: Are they any good? (5 models to see)

By Teddy

Finding a bike to gift your kid this Christmas? You can go for any of the Magna Bikes reviewed below. Click Magna Bikes Review in the contents section – and see the details and specifications.

However there are many things you will want to look for before selecting any Magna for your kid.

Make your selection based on Magna Bikes Review – and certain facts related to your kid. For example the age of your child, his/her height and other factors discussed shortly.

Magna Bikes Review – 5 Best Magna Bikes you can buy for your kids

Below we have reviewed only the selected five Magna Bikes which you can buy for your little ones.

All the 5 bikes are the best among Magna Bikes. We have checked these bikes’ – frames, brakes, weight, materials and synthetic. These 5 selected ones can compete other premium bikes in the market.

Don’t be a Bike Snob. Because Magna Bikes Review below are all genuine. So you can buy any one of them without any hesitation.

1. Throttle BMX Street/Dirt Bike

Throtte BMX Street/Dirt Bike is a 20″ Bicycle. The bike weighs 27 pounds and spans over 35″ x 26″ x 54″.

Frame and other parts are all steel. The frame is Rugged BMX. It is tough and will resist most of the shocks. Magna gives a lifetime warranty on frame and fork. This again will give you assurance over the frame.

Premium features of the bike include Coaster Brakes – which work pretty well. And adjustable seat which makes it ideal for a variety of age groups.

Other accessories include Handlebar Pads, Kickstand, and Reflectors on front handlebars and on the spokes (for increased visibility in low lights).

Magna Bikes review this bike as a very well designed one. They claim it to have different color combinations. But the only color we were able to find was red and white graphics on the frame and rims. 

Other than that – this Magna Bike is an all Black Bike. It features a Black Frame, Black Saddle, Black Grips and Black Tires.

We feel that as a children bike – the product should be designed more colorful.

Other than this drawback – the bike does well.

A major positive about this – is it being a Hybrid Bike. Your kid can use it as a college/school bike and can take it on rough roads too when needed.

The bike is at its best for 6 to 10 years. And the maximum it can hold is 105 lbs. Below is a chart which can assist you in selecting appropriate bike frame for your kid.

Check prices and ratings on Amazon

2. Magna Gravel Blaster

Gravel Blaster – is a 12 inches bike. It is a beginner bike you can get for your little ones.

The bike weighs 21 pounds and its dimensions are 20.5 x 34.5 x 28 inches.

All the other features are almost like the Throttle BMX Bike reviewed above. The frame and fork are steel and Magna offers a lifetime warranty on both.

Other accessories include – a Saddle, Black Grips, Black Tires w/ Green Trim and Pedals and Handlebar pad.

As the “Throttle” this bike also features premium coaster brakes to make stopping efficient and easy.

We were not happy with the colors and the design. The bike features a simple fusion on Black and Green. As a beginner bike – it requires to be more colorful and attractive.

We critically inspected this bike – under safety parameters and found that it is pretty safe for your kids. Even the weight is not very much and the frame is rigid and can absorb shocks to a certain threshold.

Magna Bikes provides adjustable training wheels – factory fitted. So you’re not required to buy them.

Check prices and ratings on Amazon

3. Echo Ridge 24″ Bike

Echo Ridge is a 24 inches bike. Magna Bikes review the “Ridge” as a – perfect bike for a young rider who is ready for an exciting adventure!

Dimensions of “Ridge” are 64.2 x 23.6 x 40.2 inches and weighs around 30 pounds.

The bike features a bright red BMX frame with custom graphics and navy blue, silver, and white accents. Magna Bikes however does not offer any guarantee on the frame of this bike.

“Ridge” has a 18 speed index shifter (derailleur) – making it perfect to climb difficult terrains. This is the bike on which you can train your “near-adults” about derailleurs and gears.

The bike comes with front and rear linear pull brakes which are necessary considering speed shifters.

Other accessories include a quick release seat post with a padded seat which makes it quite comfortable. The bike also has

Reflectors on front handlebars and on the spokes are also provided by Magna.

So overall its a fair price that you can go with. It has almost adult bike features and costs pretty decent.

The bike is best suited for above 10 years of age – and it best serves as a beginner adult bike.

Check prices and ratings on Amazon

4. Starburst Girls BMX Street/Dirt Bike

Starburst Street + Dirt Bike is a 16 inches – specially designed for your girls bicycle. It is the best beginner bike available.

Starburst weighs 27 pounds and spans 7″ x 17″ x 36.5″ inches.

The bike features a sturdy solid frame. Frame material is steel. BMX frame is decorated with vibrant pink and purple flowers.

Magna Bikes offer a lifetime warranty on frame and fork like they offer for “Gravel” and “Throttle”.

Other features of the “Starburst” include coaster brakes, Handlebar Pad, White Tires, Silver Rims and training wheels.

Training wheels are removable and adjustable – providing extra balance and stability.

Seat is adjustable which makes it apt for a varied number of age groups.

Design and appearance wise the bike really stands out from the Boys “Gravel” and “Throttle”. It is available in 3 beautiful colors – Purple, White and Pink.

Magna has matched the accessories with the bike’s color. The pink version has a hot pink seat, matching grips, pedals and pink training wheels.

The bike is quite safe and stable. It does not cost much too. As a specialised girls bike – Starburst is the best you can get.

Check prices on Amazon

5. Guardian Kids Bikes Ethos – Best Alternative to Magna Bikes

Note – Guardian Ethos is not a Magna Bike. The bike is reviewed here – an an option for you if you don’t want to purchase Magna Bikes.

Frame – Ethos is made up of aluminum. Aluminum is custom pressed to perfectly mold it into appropriate tubes. It is one of the lightest bike for kids weighing 24 pounds.

Overall body of the bike is positioned lower to the ground and offers low center of gravity. And the bike extends horizontally having a larger wheel base as compared to other bikes.

Kid Specific Geometry – Guardian Ethos

This design is developed understanding Kid specific geometry. It increases stability, safety and keeps the bike in contact with the ground.

You get a lifetime frame warranty and a 30 day trial period with the purchase.

Brakes – Guardian uses their SureStop braking technology in all their models. SureStop has a single brake lever which controls both the wheels – the front and the rear.

Guardian claims that this technology allows kids to stop 44% faster in comparison with other braking systems. It also decreases head-over-handlebar accidents.

SureStop Technology – Guardian Ethos

Sizes – You can order 3 sizes of Ethos Bikes. And keep in note that Ethos is a unisex bike.

  • A 16 inch model is appropriate for a height range of 40 – 46 inches.
  • A 20 inch model is appropriate for a height range of 45 – 53 inches.
  • A 24 inch model is appropriate for a height range of 49 – 61 inches.

Design – We love this about Ethos Bikes. They are designed by kids for kids. The bikes are designed according to Decal Patters. It increases the bikes visibility on the road and without doubt makes them more attractive.

Decal Patterns – Guardian Ethos

Safety – Guardian claims to deliver the bike after a rigorous 34 point safety check. They claim that in every Ethos – you receive “a 99% professionally assembled bike”.

Assembly – You can assemble the 16 inch model in less than 10 minutes, whereas the 24 inch model in less than 15 minutes. All tools are included in the package making assembly very easy.

Cost – Guardian Ethos come with a cost. You can buy around 5 Magna Bikes at the same price of an Ethos. However an Ethos is something which will last more than your kids childhood age. It is the best in the market. And no Magna can ever compete an Ethos.

Check prices on Amazon

About Dynacraft Magna Bikes

Magna Bikes are American Made Bicycles. All parts are not manufactured locally but the final assembly is done in the United States.

Magna is a house brand for Dynacraft. Dynacraft Magna Bike is one of the largest distributor of bicycles, scooters and battery-powered ride-on’s in the United States.

The production house faced a lot of criticism in 1999 when Dynacraft voluatarily called back “Great Divide” (21 speed mountain bikes). They were swiped away from the market because of defective handle bars.

However no accidents were reported!

This led to a lot of bad mouthing for Magna Bikes. If you google Magna Bikes Review – you will see a lot of forums discussing “Is “Magna” a quality brand?” or “Are Magna bikes good?”

We will answer both the above questions.

Is Magna a Quality Brand?

Not the most Eccentric Brand. But mark the word Eccentric Brand. If you ask is Magna a Brand? Then the answer is a Definite Yes. Magna is a good brand or to put it best an Above Average Brand.

Magna or Dynacraft Magna is a preeminent manufacturer in the wheeled goods industry since 1985. It has over 40 years of experience in production and distribution of Bikes, Scooters and Battery-powered ride-on toys.

Up until now – Dynacraft Magna has its headquarters in American Canyon, California. And it leads most of the North American Bicycle Manufacturing Market.

This is one side of the truth. The other side is that you cannot expect Magna Bikes to be of a very huge brand. Do not compare Dynacraft Magna with Stowabike or Columba or Dahon.

It will be like comparing a Kia to a BMW!

Are Magna Bikes Good?

Second most asked question while discussing Magna Bikes Review is – “Are Magna bikes good?

There are certain factors you need to evaluate to answer are Magna bikes good or not.

Because in certain conditions (Discussed Below) – they are the most apt bike and in some criterion – you will not like to Buy a Magna.

Is your Kid Learning to Ride Bikes?

If you are buying a learner bike – then don’t go for any other brand. As a learner bike Dynacraft Magna should be your only option.

While learning the bike will fall, take blows, and will crash several times. Your kid is going to drop it on the sidewalk, leave it down the street when they get distracted and don’t bring it home.

Any bike will loose its luster and strength. You will have to discard it – once your kid has learned biking. This is where an X-Mart Bike comes into play.

Buy a Magna Bike which will cost you less than 50 to 60 dollars. And spend the money saved – in buying bicycle accessories – mainly a kid’s helmet and knee pads.

And once done with the bike you can get some money back out of it. Go for a premium bike like a Schwinn Koen then.

Magna Bikes Review - Dynacraft Magna Gravel Blaster
Dynacraft Magna Gravel Blaster

As a learner bike – Gravel Blaster for boys and Sweet Heart Bike for girls are the best by Dynacraft Magna. Both have several positive responses by parents.

Your Kids Age

If you are buying the bike for your infant – then you don’t have much option other than Battery-powered Magna ride-on toys. They are the only best available option in the market.

Costzon Ride On Truck - Magna Bikes Review
Costzon Ride On Truck

If you want a kids bike – for above 5 years to 10 years of age – then again Magna Bikes are a good option.

The reason being – your kid will outgrow the bike pretty soon. Between 5 and 15 a girl or boy will probably have gone through 4 sizes of bikes

And buying 4 branded bikes costing 250 dollars (premium brands cost this much) in a span of 5 years – is economically less viable.

Echo Ridge - Magna Bikes Review

You can go with the most popular – Dynacraft Magna Street + Dirt Bike or the Echo Ridge. The minimum they will last with all the rough use – is 2 years!

Above 10 years – when the height and weight are almost stable – you can go for a Specialized Hotrock or the Guardian Ethos.

Both cost around 260 dollars – which is worth – expecting that your boy/girl will use them for another 5 years.

How Safe is your Kids’ Biking Techniques?

If you receive frequent complaints from your neighborhood about your kid crashing into their fences. Or if your kid mostly returns with a broken elbow or injuries. In short – he is a rash while biking.

In likewise scenarios – NEVER go for a Magna Bike

Magna Bikes tend to be a little heavy. Considering rash biking – weight can boost the impact of injuries.

Secondly you will not get best of the premium bike materials in Magna Bikes. Sometimes even materials can be damaging if it presses against your kids’s bodies’.

Magna Bikes Review

And if you want to go with a Magna – then buy all the necessary safety equipment. Do not let your kids out without the following –

  • A Helmet
  • Knee Pads
  • Cycling Shoes
  • Cycling Gloves
  • Eye protective goggles.

Purchasing these safety guards might cost you some dollars. But remember that the dollars are not more expensive then your child’s health.

Moreover consulting a Pediatrician or a health care costs a lot in America.

How much is your kid into cycling?

If cycling is the passion for your kids – then obviously they will ride their bikes a lot. In this case Magna Bikes are not the best option.

Go for the premium version RoyalBaby Space Shuttle. It is the best and the safest if your kids spend a lot of their hours on bicycles.

RoyalBaby Space Shuttle - Magna Bikes Review
RoyalBaby Space Shuttle

However if cycling is not their taste – and the cycles breathe once or twice a weak – then there is not point in investing a lot many dollars. Better spend it on things – they want or prefer doing.

If your kid loves engineering bicycles

From age 7 and above – kids try to engineer the mechanics. If your kid is somewhat like Sheldon Cooper – trying to experimenting with things – then go for a Magna.

Your kid can disassemble a Magna, clean it, re-grease it and do all types of engineering experiments. Even if the bike never gets reverse engineered – you are just at a risk of 50 to 70 dollars.

Magna Bikes Review

We receive several bikes each month – with mechanical issues. Some bikes were exposed to experimenting while others just took a severe blow because of careless riding.

Sometimes the cost of rebuilding a premium brand bike – is more than buying a fresh Magna.

Magna Bikes Review – A peak into their manufacturing process

Dynacraft Magna is a branded company. It is registered on stock exchange and it works under the America’s Bicycle Association.

They follow all the safety procedures that a Bicycle Manufacturer should adhere to.

Although Magna Bikes is a bargain brand – the manufacturing is done by professionals. And they know what they are doing.

Secondly you should evaluate their performance per dollar. They give you a lot more than a 10,000 dollar carbon or titanium bike.

Magna Bikes Warehouse - Magna Bikes Review
Magna Bikes Warehouse

Magnas, Huffys, Mongoose and other bargain brands – for what they cost, they’re very good.

Recent events and a lot of bad mouthing has given Magna an evil image. But this is not the honest truth. They are very much “a bike” and not a scrap.

Converting a Magna Bike into a Premium Bike

Considering that you don’t want to go with the Guardian Ethos or the Huffy Go Girl – what is the best option then?

You have 2 options to do something like this.

Either do it yourself. You just need to change the following.

  • Bike’s Frame
  • Braking system
  • Pedals

If you don’t want to change all – then the frame and the braking system is also more than enough.

Kids Bike Frame - Magna Bikes Review
Kids Bike Frame

The second option is – go to any trained service staff in any local bike shop near your area. He will fix and remodel the Magna.

This will not cost you a fortune. The up-gradation will be somewhere around 40 to 50 dollars.

You will still be saving a minimum of 100 dollars comparing Magna Bike and its remodelling over any other premium bike.

And your Magna Bike will work better than ever. Isn’t it smart to convert your Kia into a BMW – by spending a little money.

Final thoughts

Our closing statement (after inspecting both – Magna and Ethos – physically) is – to buy an Ethos if you can afford it. But if you cannot – then any of the above Magna Bikes reviewed is just fine.

There are no problems – with any of the 4 Magna Bikes reviewed above. Of all the Magna Bikes – these are the best.

They are safe and sound. And they will never harm your kids. So you can go with any of them.

Additionally they are very cheap. So you can always buy them – even as a spare or a learner bike.

And being on a cheap bike is still better than being on no bike. Biking is the best activity you can enroll your kids into.

Filed Under: Biking Information

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

Welcome to my Site!

Hi, I'm Teddy! I started this site along with two other friends and fellow roadhogs, Lee and Normberg. Together we document the state of the motorcycle industry, our travels together, and other random things. Enjoy!

Essential Motorcycle Gear

helmet reviews jacket reviews boots reviews battery reviews

All Content Copyright WanderingBiker.net

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We are also participants in other affiliate programs and may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links.

Designed by ConstructoWeb