Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
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Brian assists Robin with replacing the fuel filter on his Ford F350. Robin's drive back from Indianapolis then gets extended due to unexpected detours along scenic roads he can't resist recording. Sunday's ride is almost postponed thanks to deer season bringing back memories that keep Brian cautious.

Jon Barthel joins the discussion with focus on the challenge of long-distance travel from his location to anywhere. Jon's no stranger to Iron Butt rides as a way to access the best riding destinations. He shares insights about coaching new riders and improving skills rodeo style.

The elite Kentucky Krawl rally takes center stage with its thrilling twists and turns. Rabid curve carving leads to the recollection of sketchy passes on curvy roads, inspiring talk of risk management. More importantly, throne-like restrooms in small-town restaurants offer regal personal space.

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e24/
Music by Otis McDonald

Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
Visit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!

Robin, Brian and Travis dive into the often blurred lines between sport touring and ADV motorcycles. It's a focused look at what qualifies as a "classic" sport touring motorcycle, weighing defunct behemoths like Honda's ST series and Kawi's Concourse. Rider prefs have the lot debating whether slapping luggage on a sport bike is enough.

One listener question points to motorcycle security during rallies and tours, Brian stressing the importance of hard luggage for added protection. Both he and Robin reveal strategies to secure personal belongings, from locking helmets under seats to retractable cable locks for quick stops. This can also be a roadside issue, as Robin tells a tale of tire repair with Maggie on pillion.

Eclectic views on diverse riding styles offer plenty of comparisons between modern standard ergos and race replica arse haulery. A pairing of dream bikes for "every" ride becomes the dissection of Yamaha's newly announced R9 triple. Staying grounded while industry evolution rolls onto the showroom floor, we agree that versatility points to every path, be it paved or otherwise.

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e23/
Music by Otis McDonald

Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
Visit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!

Our podcast panel is out clubbing in Indy, Chi-Town and Neeew Yooork! Robin kickstarts with a familial mention of a Hives concert, then shifting gears into website updates (anti-spam rock 'n' roll). Celebrating the triumphant return of guest host Jasmine Islam, she explores all things urban commute NYC style.

Past motorcycle trips get their mention, followed by daily travel through complex intersections and chic urban outlets. Somewhere between helmet communicators and trendy earbuds, tips for enduring long rides emerge. Brian might have more to say if he weren't drowning in windshield wiper fluid.

Parking predicaments, luggage mods, offensive driving techniques ... it's all here in some roundabout way. Of course, Jasmine has new exploits etched into the calendar. Let's just say that Canada ain't ready!

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e22/
Music by Otis McDonald

Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
Visit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!

Hey, squid! Ever wonder which surgeons are crazier than you? This episode might over enunciate the answer.

Ducati, Ducati, Ducati. It's a theme we won't regret exploring from a non-technical perspective. Some bikes are simply beautiful and their riders match the demographic.

But what is it about duck buyers that gives them throttle mania? For love of the sport, this might be our most acceleration happy episode yet. Time to throw "everything in moderation" to the bin.

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e21/
Music by Otis McDonald

Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
Visit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!

It finally happened, folks. Brian Wringer attended his first track day and as one might expect, he thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, that doesn't stop him from downplaying it with his signature calm.

Further in, we're joined by TRO cult member Neil Sullivan (a man of mucheth track day glory). Neil makes it clear that as of this episode's publishing date, MotoVid.com has set the bar. He intends to sign up through them regularly in the future.

Two thirds in, Travatron kicks down the door with a "big" (hav) beer in hand courtesy of Giant Jones. Liquid bravery and a comfortable chair will always get him talking shop. This being his first track day as well, he has plenty of good things to say.

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e20/
Music by Otis McDonald

Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
Visit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!

Robin points out the AMA's "right-to-repair" involvement before outlining a less than perfect Alpinestars warranty claim. This puts small vs. large business customer service under the microscope complete with TRO map purchase confusion. Oh ... Brian bought a parts bike!

The conversation shifts to motorcycle tires and track day prep. Eventually they find deep meaning in vehicle mileage, power sports dealers, motorcycle colors and ticketing laws. Winter project plans are already finding their way onto the calendar.

Brian makes light of Wisconsin's strict road laws and that thrill-seeker mentality. He just bought the right gear over at MotorCycleGear.com. His new duds are perfect for any track day but first he'll need to get through the tech team.

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e19/
Music by Otis McDonald

Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
Visit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!

The 2024 Trip Sevens group continues to recount their epic motorcycle tour. Picking up where they left off, the story begins with the Old Mill Inn ... but wait! First, the Dragon, where Greg admits his lackluster rider mindset led to a surprising decision.

They encounter burdensome biker traffic and navigation challenges but also a skilled Miata driver and fresh blacktop. Following this driver is more fun than any Harley parade. At day's end, they dine on Italian, explore bicycle museums and engage in heated debate over tire pressure.

Come morning, a tire fitting is in order. Mister Wringer, with his Enduro Star trail stand, takes the helm. New rubber in place, they conclude seven intensely action-packed days, the group acknowledging contributions from every participant. In the words of one rider: "It's a perfectly blended, precisely planned, and community-driven group tour that none of us will soon forget".

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e18/
Music by Otis McDonald

Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
Visit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!

In a previous episode, Brian tells Robin to "see if you can herd those cats" and so it is done! Call it a first, folks. Seven out of eight riders from TRO's 2024 "Trip Sevens" group motorcycle tour are gathered via Zoom to look back on an epic journey.

Prepare for beautiful morning scenery, spontaneous off-road detours and haunted hotel elegance. This crew has more stories to tell than degrees of speedometry. Day zero alone carries lifestyle alterations before the clientele can even gather.

Eventually, everyone gets tangled up in Roanoke but smiles remain fixed and why wouldn't they? Riding a motorcycle on remote roads through Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana has that effect. Off-bike activities and lodging serve as a perfect backdrop for each rider to bond.

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e17/
Music by Otis McDonald

Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
Visit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!

New coding has Robin and Brian ranking road rubber ala wax philosophical. It's yet another deep dive into specifics of motorbike maintenance. Add in the complexity of mounting tires and this should've been called "everyone talk at once".

The Dunlop Mutants and Continental ContiMotions take center stage. Eager first impressions segue into meticulous planning of future tire changes ahead of the upcoming Wisco Disco tour. Talk turns budgetary when pricing gets dissected down to cost-effectiveness, all in search of more wallet-friendly options.

Alongside are musings over aging bikes, built-in technology versus third-party add-ons, digital enhancements, user-friendly gadgetry and everyone's favorite: wrench icon woes thanks to proprietary firmware. "Experts" warn against DIY repairs. That is unless you're Robin, who's not so secret solutions are generally drawn from online forums.

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e16/
Music by Otis McDonald

Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:
Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USA
Visit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!

Robin won't let go of the mic this round, folks. It's time to summarize the 2024 "Trip Sevens" group motorcycle tour. Not surprisingly, major maintenance one day before this crazy undertaking didn't go as smoothly as planned.

As for the tour itself, a whirlwind of forgotten truths (day 1 is *designed* to be a warm up) and never to be mentioned route deviations (screaming into the wilderness helps) are par for the course. Brian showed up to play guest ride leader and, well ... Indiana needs to finish road construction. No matter, though as TRO customers had an epic experience.

Post tour, Robin stuck around Indianapolis, visiting with his brother and Brian and eventually meandering to Bedford, Indiana for a vintage Suzuki rally. Things happened, most of them good. For all reasons listenership, we'll focus on the good.

Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2024e15/
Music by Otis McDonald