Bore & Stoke

Ricky Brabec’s path to the top of rally racing didn’t happen overnight.

In this episode of Bore and Stoke, we talk about his roots in the desert, the journey to becoming a Dakar champion, and the lessons learned along the way.

We also reflect on one of the closest finishes in Dakar history—not as a headline, but as part of a bigger story about resilience, growth, and the pursuit of perfection in rally racing.

00:00 Intro

00:35 Advertisement

01:26 Welcome RICKY BRABEC

03:15 Ricky’s ladder into rally racing

14:10 Ricky’s first rally was gnarly

18:00 Ricky’s second chance on the Honda — and roadbooks 

22:40 Dakar comes calling

27:09 Learning from Johnny Campbell

32:11 Partying takes a back seat

37:56 What’s cool about desert racing

40:11 Dakar’s rise in popularity in America

44:51 Bringing up a sore subject

51:33 Advertisement

52:10 Managing each stage mentally

58:01 Ricky’s relationship with danger

01:02:00 Airbags have changed the game — but it still hurts

01:06:09 Americans at the Dakar

01:09:00 Training with Jimmy Lewis

01:14:37 What makes the Ricky Brabec/Honda package work so well?

01:16:30 What’s going on at the Rip n Dip ranch?

01:24:27 What a cool guy

01:26:28 Rate us and leave a comment!

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We're switching things up a little bit with this episode of the podcast. In this one, Ryan, Dennis, and Troy have a discussion about AI and motorcycles. Artificial Intelligence is the big topic in nearly every industry and ours is no different. So we're going to talk about it. We take a stab at how AI will impact the future of not just motorcycles themselves, but also how people like us bring motorcycle information to you. This one asks some questions that we're hoping you can help us answer, so please leave a comment and let us know what you think.

We’d like to extend a special thank you to our podcast sponsor, the Honda Gold Wing. If you’re gonna ride, ride something legendary. Learn more about the Honda Gold Wing here: https://powersports.honda.com/motorcycle/touring/gold-wing?cid=dis_ver_dly&cmpcd=FY26Full_Year_Gold_Wing

00:00 Intro

00:34 Advertisement

01:10 Shoutout to past episodes

02:00 We’re changing things up around here

03:33 LATE BRAKING NEWS (with Dennis Chung)

03:50 Huge Harley Recall

07:32 BMW names new head of motorcycle development

10:45 MORE KTM NEWS (but good news this time)

17:42 Stark posts more profitable numbers

25:30 Kawasaki ZX-4R and RR updates incoming

27:38 Advertisement

28:09 AI and the future of motorcycle media

50:40 How manufacturers are adopting AI

58:00 Rate us and leave a comment!

59:39 Honda mention

01:00:19 End-roll

What does it take to design a motorcycle when the brief comes from the battlefield instead of the showroom?

In this episode of Bore and Stoke, we sit down with longtime motorcycle designer Michael Uhlarik to talk about his career shaping bikes across the globe, his latest project developing an electric motorcycle for military use, and why we’re looking at the wrong metrics when it comes to the future of this sport.

00:00 Intro

00:34 Advertisement

01:03 Introducing our special guest

03:22 Motorcycle background

10:29 LEGO is the reason

14:23 The connection between LEGOs and MotoGP

24:21 Motorcycle trends

34:10 Advertisement

34:42 Michael’s take on today’s MotoGP bikes

43:35 Aerodynamics on street bikes are superfluous

50:15 The most difficult motorcycle he’s ever worked on

58:30 Challenges with building military motorcycles

01:01:40 The future of motorcycling is brighter than you think

01:07:45 Sorting the economics 

01:20:03 If it looks good, and is affordable, people will come

01:25:31 Closing things out/Comment/Rate us

01:28:00 Advertisement

From the fundamentals of great motorcycle design to the challenges of packaging electric powertrains, Uhlarik gives us a rare look behind the curtain at how motorcycles come to life. We also dive into motorcycle design for the track versus the street, and how designing for military applications changes everything — from durability and stealth to real-world usability in extreme conditions.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into motorcycle design — and how some of those decisions are made — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of Bore & Stoke, we dive into a packed news cycle: Honda brings E-Clutch to the Transalp in the U.S., KTM and Husqvarna shake up the industry with a 4-year warranty, and Ducati teases a new Superleggera V4 Centenario. Not to be outdone, Aprilia has launched the X 250th — a very special edition motorcycle.

On the culture side, we talk Sonora Rally, the growing accessibility of Isle of Man TT events, and a trip to the Vespa Museum in Rome. We also take a moment to recognize legends Broc Glover and the late Jeff Smith.

Then it’s review time: multiple Triumph first rides, Harley touring machines, new tires from Bridgestone and Continental, and gear from Alpinestars and Vanson.

00:00 Intro

00:35 Advertisement

01:33 Ep 22 call out

03:08 KTM/Husqvarna announce 4-year warranty

06:20 MV Agusta streamlines spare parts distribution

07:53 Broc Glover is a HOF Legend

08:59 RIP Jeff Smith

10:13 Sonora Rally Wrap-up

11:42 More from the Isle of Man

14:50 KTM 890 Adventure R Rally

17:50 Aprilia X 250th breaks cover

23:10 Ducati Panigale V4 Superlegera Centenario 

28:10 2026 Triumph Daytona 660 updates

29:56 2026 Honda Transalp with E-clutch ONLY

38:48 Nolan helmet, now with crash detection technology!

41:40 Advertisement

42:14 Dennis’ Roman Adventure!

46:06 Ryan tries the new Bridgestone Battlax V03 at a MotoGP track

49:45 Troy tries the Continental ContiSportAttack 5 at a club racing track

58:31 Troy tries the Alpinestars Supertech R7 helmet

01:04:28 Vanson Full Throttle Leather Jacket

01:07:00 Cortech gloves with a silly name

01:08:51 Harley’s new Road Glide and Street Glide Limiteds

01:13:09 Triumph Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660

01:18:19 Sylvia gets her first three-wheel experience

01:19:20 What we’re currently riding and testing

01:22:26 Wrap-up/Comment/Rate us

01:23:00 Stay tuned for Episode 24

01:23:15 Sylvia’s testing her favorite bike

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On Episode 22 of the Bore and Stoke Podcast, we sit down with none other than Kayla Yaakov — the first woman to stand on the podium at the Daytona 200.

From racing at a young age to climbing through the ranks of Junior Cup, Twins Cup, and now Supersport in the MotoAmerica paddock, Kayla has quickly built a reputation as one of the toughest competitors on track.

In this episode we talk about:

• The moment she realized she could podium at the Daytona 200

If you’re a fan of motorcycle racing and just want to hear one of America's rising stars walk you through her process, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

00:00 Intro

00:37 Advertisement

01:39 Introducing Kayla Yaakov

03:17 What’s in the back there?

05:45 Tell us about Daytona!

26:05 Sylvia noticed something really cool

29:10 Mental training

33:06 Advertisement

33:37 I never thought about being a girl in racing

38:38 Racing in Europe

43:55 How Sylvia and Kayla know each other

45:27 The core three mentors

51:25 PJ Jacobsen’s best advice

52:50 Kayla NOT the motorcycle racer

54:45 Pre-race hype music

55:32 Quickfire non-moto questions!

59:50 Kayla’s parting words

01:01:22 Rate us!

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On Episode 21 of Motorcycle.com’s Bore & Stoke Podcast, we’ve got a packed show covering breaking racing news, major recalls, industry shakeups, gear talk, and a stacked First Ride roundup.

We kick things off by introducing our newest team member and a quick callback to last week’s episode with Zack and Ari before diving into the big headline: MotoGP is set to leave the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for a new Adelaide city circuit. Good move? Risky gamble? We break it down.

From there, we cover recalls affecting the Harley-Davidson Sportster S and the Ducati Panigale V4 / Ducati Streetfighter V4, plus take a first look at the limited-edition Ducati Formula 73.

On the business front, we break down five key takeaways from Harley-Davidson’s Q4 2025 financial results and discuss MV Agusta taking a not-so-subtle dig at KTM over paywalled electronics.

We also reflect on the legacy of AMA Hall of Famer George Barber and dive into helmet tech with a discussion about MIPS and its evolution in moto culture.

In Gear this week: the Arai XD-5.

Then it’s First Ride time:

2026 Ducati Monster

2026 Yamaha WR125R

2026 Triumph Trident 800

2026 KTM 990 Duke R

Sit down and get comfortable. This is another good one.

00:00 Intro

00:45 Advertisement

01:25 Welcome the newest member of the team!

07:52 Episode 20 shoutout

09:04 Dennis sends us some surprises from the Toronto motorcycle show

12:44 MotoGP is leaving Phillip Island to Adelaide (boo!)

16:36 Harley-Davidson Sportster S recall — AGAIN

19:27 More recalls: Ducati Panigale and Streetfighter V4

22:25 Ducati Formula 73

24:47 Harley’s Q4 financial results and future outlook

30:00 MV Agusta’s dig at KTM

32:59 Advertisement

33:33 RIP George Barber

37:18 Ryan visits the MIPS laboratory

45:15 In Gear: Arai XD5

51:07 Sylvia got to ride the new Ducati Monster!

58:51 Troy “rips” on the 2026 Yamaha WR125R

01:05:33 Ryan rides the 2026 Triumph Trident 800

01:12:03 Troy rips (for real) on the 2026 KTM 990 Duke R

01:25:50 Rate us and comment

01:26:47 Advertisement

On Episode 20 of the Bore and Stoke podcast, Troy sits down with Ari Henning and Zack Courts — two of the most influential voices in modern moto media. From their early days building their loyal following, Ari and Zack have helped redefine how motorcycles are reviewed, tested, and talked about in the YouTube era.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The evolution (and future) of motorcycle journalism

It’s an honest and fresh look at two guys who’ve lived it — along with plenty of rider philosophy and a few wise cracks along the way.

00:00 Introduction

00:38 Advertisement

01:54 Guest introduction

06:45 Zack’s injury update

09:07 Zack dissects his crash

20:20 How’s the mental state?

24:17 Does this change Ari’s mentality?

32:10 The creative process

40:00 Moving away from “formulaic” motojournalism

43:27 What do you say when someone asks “What do you do?”

52:33 Advertisement

53:30 What’s up with Ari’s fascination with CBR300 engines?

01:01:17 What bike surprised you (good or bad)?

01:03:49 Are sportbikes dead?

01:06:11 What’s the future of motojournalism?

01:08:20 Funny moments together

01:14:00 Comment/rate us!

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In this, episode 19 of the Bore and Stoke Podcast, we break down the news of the month, give you first looks, leaks, and reviews of the bikes we've ridden so far this year — And that's just for the month of January!

We kick things off with a callback to Episode 18 before diving into KTM’s major shakeup, including a new Chief Commercial Officer and layoffs affecting 500 employees. From there, it’s full throttle into fresh metal: leaked Ducati filings, limited-edition Vespas and MV Agustas, new Harley touring and trike models, Triumph’s growing 660 lineup, and more.

Then it’s review time—boots, tires, track weapons, cruisers, and Honda’s E-Clutch revolution.

In this episode:

00:00 Intro

00:47 Advertisement

01:24 Listen to Episode 18

02:35 KTM adds new CCO

03:38 KTM lays off 500 people

05:55 WP enters the brake business

09:08 Ducati Diavel V4 S leaked

13:03 Vespa 946 “Horse” for 2026

16:53 MV Agusta Goes Crazy With the Rush Titanio 

20:40 Harley-Davidson’s new Trikes

24:10 Harley’s new Touring Lineup

25:02 Triumph’s new Trident and Tiger Sport 660s

28:03 2027 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer

30:51: We ride the whole 2026 Bonneville lineup

34:37 Advertisement

35:17 We ride the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage 

40:41 Riding the 2026 Honda Rebel 300 E-Clutch

48:40 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory Track Review

58:37 Testing Bridgestone Battlax RS12’s in Thailand

1:05:22 Gear review: Sidi Rex Air boot

1:10:41 SoCal Getaway Turned Into A Crazy Adventure!

1:14:17 Episode 20 teaser

1:14:57 Like, Comment, Rate us

1:15:35 Ryan teases the Triumph Trident 800 Ride

1:17:41 Advertisement

In this episode of Motorcycle.com’s Bore and Stoke Podcast, we’re joined by Neil Graham — Gemini Award–winning documentarian, former Editor-in-Chief of Cycle Canada, and host of The Lowdown podcast for ADV Rider.

Neil has done it all: bought old Ducatis, fixed them, raced them, fixed them again, and turned those experiences into some of the most honest storytelling in motorcycling. We dig into riding, racing, wrenching, and making documentaries that have nothing to do with motorcycles. Along the way we dive into random tangents like his cats and how he kicked my butt so bad on a bicycle ride that I’ve been a gym rat ever since.

We also talk about Neil’s Long Hard Road series on Motorcycle.com — a deeply personal look at the highs and lows of riding — and where he thinks the world of moto journalism is headed in the age of YouTube, podcasts, and AI.

If you like irreverent banter between two friends about motorcycles, life, and general randomness, this one’s for you.

00:00 Introducing Neil Graham

03:06 Introducing Neil’s cat!

04:35 What’s the deal with podcasts?

09:40 Saddlebags on a GSX-R750

11:30 Neil’s start in the biz

13:45 Neil’s start on two wheels

20:00 Racing…and burn out

28:17 How did you get involved with Ducatis?

36:00 Getting into this business at the wrong time

37:15 The Brough Superior Moto2

42:00 The BMW S1000RR and funny front ends

44:54 Neil and VW Busses

50:00 Racing, Risk, and Pride

53:00 Am I dead? And is everyone named Neil???

56:30 The other side of Neil

01:06:00 Internet Trolls

01:13:04 Honda Fury!

01:14:00 Harley’s get their due

01:21:00 The industry jumped the shark a long time ago

01:23:00 Everyone should own an RSV4 at some point

01:26:30 Destination Ontario

01:32:32 The Lowdown podcast

01:36:31 What’s the future of motorcycling?

01:46:05 Neil kicked my butt

01:51:00 Wrapping up

01:53:25 Rate us!

The Bore and Stoke crew is back with a packed Episode 17 — the first of 2026! — covering major industry news, leaked reveals, and a long list of first-ride reviews.

We kick things off with a shoutout to Episode 16 listeners before diving into our annual Motorcycle of the Year awards and a recall affecting KTM 390 and Husqvarna 401 models. From there, it’s first-ride impressions of Honda’s 2026 CRF300F and a deeper look at KTM’s future as Neumeister is confirmed to continue running the company through 2028.

Harley-Davidson dominates the middle of the episode with executive team changes, early looks at upcoming 2026 models, and a confirmed 125th Anniversary Indian Scout Bobber. We also touch on Ducati’s 100th birthday and a possible special edition model to celebrate it. Next we highlight Neil Graham's three-part Long Hard Road series, and first looks at Triumph’s Thruxton and Tracker 400 models.

The back half of the show is all about riding, as we dig into first-ride reviews of the 2027 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO, 2026 Aprilia RS 660 Factory, and the 2026 Suzuki GSX-8TT. We wrap things up with a new segment we're trying called Ride & Seek, before closing the show with a tribute to our MotoGP contributor, Bruce Allen.

As always, find the full written reviews, photos, and videos on Motorcycle.com.

We’d like to extend a special thank you to our podcast sponsor, the Honda Gold Wing. If you’re gonna ride, ride something legendary. Learn more about the 50th anniversary of the Honda Gold Wing here: https://powersports.honda.com/motorcycle/touring/gold-wing?cid=dis_ver_dly&cmpcd=FY26Full_Year_Gold_Wing

00:00 Intro

00:55 Advertisement

01:34 Happy New Year!

03:15 Episode 16 Shoutout

04:44 2025 Motorcycle of the Year Awards

27:10 Answering a Reader Comment

30:20 KTM 390 and Husqvarna 401 ECU Issues

31:53 Neumeister to Continue Running KTM Through 2028

34:50 Harley-Davidson Announces Executive Team Changes

38:55 See Harley-Davidson’s New 2026 Models Before You’re Supposed To

43:00 2026 Indian Scout Bobber 125th Anniversary Confirmed

44:44 2026 Ducati Formula ’73 Certified by CARB

47:27 Advertisement

48:06 Long Hard Road Series

51:42 Triumph Thruxton & Tracker 400 First Looks

54:33 2026 Honda CRF300F Review

56:40 2027 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO First Ride Review

58:49 2026 Aprilia RS 660 Factory Review

1:00:51 2026 Suzuki GSX-8TT Review

1:05:17 Ride & Seek Episode 1: California State Route 33

1:07:39 RIP Bruce Allen

1:11:43 Rate Us!

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