Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Brian's liking Suzuki's latest additions to GSX-8 surge. The 8T and 8TT naked/retro siblings to Robin's faired 8R stand out. His Road America report mixes poetry and pain, hitting over 130 mph on a naked bike in the wet. In the mailbag he says use real starting batteries: DEKA, Super Start, Big Crank or MotoBatt. He then explains his navigation style: north-up maps and a matrix he keeps in his head.Robin fires off a heartfelt thanks to track day helpers: Jack's ramp, Mallory holding the bike on chocks and Adam's Snickers diplomacy. He passed on a sweet SV650 for his wife because it lacked ABS (always buy the bike you actually want). His Road America saga runs from U-Haul chaos to warm Wisconsin hospitality, riding wet slides through turn five into a 1/2 zen "this is going to be expensive" rear step out. His mantra ... fear and tension are not fuel. In the incommunicado segment, his route-first planning approach contrasts that of Brian's.Joanne keeps it simple in the Armory. Flashy OEM dash screens are fine for stats and for maintenance via apps but navigation and rider-to-rider talk still belong to Cardo and Sena. Pick gear based on the crew you ride with. She's Team Cardo for IP67 waterproofing and current Bluetooth support, from Freecoms to the Pactalk Edge. Cross-brand pairing can work but mesh systems do not mix.Jordan continues the origin story of USA pavement, beginning as wagon ruts that grew into the National Road. Railroads later sidelined it but in the 1880s, bicyclists brought it back. Towns then grew short spurs to tap the traffic. He traces the surfacing path from Baltimore Pike to concrete and asphalt. He pits old Portland cement longevity against today's "rebuild in four years" approach.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e25/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin admits he's redoing the site's weather page (again). He'll add hourly rain peaks, daylight averages, allergen info, basically everything a data nerd wants (the whole bacon-saving enchilada). He answers listener questions with clear chain-care tips and a five minute Snapjack life hack.Brian chases an "indestructible helium and feathers" ultralight tool roll, as Robin suggests his feels like 10 pounds of Ozzy grade heavy metal. Brian's tool-roll rules: skip deep wells unless you really need 'em, watch aluminum combo levers, carry L-keys, use bike-specific axle tools and buy real tools like Wera, Motion Pro and Asahi Light. Aluminum-handled ratchets and coupling-nut axle tricks ... fine.Joanne clears up a gear mess by matching gear to your ride mix. If you ride 70/30 or 80/20 street to dirt, don't roast in heavy Gore-Tex or wear MX jerseys all day on pavement. She points to dual-purpose kits like REV'IT Territory and Klim Mojave/Dakar, mixing tough abrasion zones with big airflow.Jordan gives a lively history on how the USA turned dirt into macadam, tracing the National Road from Jefferson's 1806 plan to the 1830s westward push. He follows the route from Cumberland to Wheeling to Columbus to Vandalia and to the Mississippi before explaining why those roads lasted. His point is clear, that without these early federal roads we might still be riding on top soil.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e24/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Brian's developed a practical, slightly exasperated majority of TRO's track day packing checklist. Spare tools, wheel bearings and a leaf blower to cool your junk ... he runs logistics like a paranoid scoutmaster. Beforehand, however, tires need cookin' and brake pads need changin'.Robin plays rider-in-chief, having covered two-up jaunts and a tire-frying solo session. His voice for hands-on prep points to side stand velcro, taped lights and individual tire pressure baselines for circuit riding. Leathers first, then boots before we mark sight lines, braking points and turn-ins!Joanne won't haul a tire changer but she will carry tools that match her vehicle. Beyond that, everything is fit and function: seamless technical base layers in onesie or two-piece form. Moreover, real track boots and gloves are worth the cost.Jordan detours into motorcycle history, picking back up on the Scott Motorcycle Company. From Isle of Man wins to an odd three-wheeler, we learn they led with two-stroke ideas long before others. Wartime pauses, both Squirrel models, unit-construction engines, early water-cooled triples and silk-era revivals, Scott machines were a cult following in the making.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e23/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin thanks Neil Sullivan for holding the fort and Megan Towles (Octane Lending) for her titling efforts. After that, he's in full nerd mode, building the vendor-agnostic motorcycle training website that is MotorcycleTraining.us. He's also updated the weather page's ride-quality math so that it better reflects Wisco rains. Then it's on to route generation apps like Kurviger, Rever and Calimoto. Send your choice of software via the contact form!Brian's sounding as if he lives in a van full of socket wrenches. Having championed his wrestling match with valve-cover gaskets and clumsy mechanics, new tools appear like gremlins. On the lighter side, he's got nothing but love for Yamaha parts pricing after fixing an FJ-09 neutral-light issue. On the route app topic, we should all heed his warnings that some route apps use a lot of data. Rever ... burned six gigs.Joanne's blunt, practical heat advice keeps us more comfy at 90°F. Her aim is to help riders avoid heat stroke, keeping their judgment intact. TLDL, wear ventilated/breathable gear with sensible base layers and hydration packs. Cover up smart and drink often because if we stop sweating, we've got trouble. Also, maybe don't be that Gold Wing Speedo guy.Jordan shuts it all down with the story of Alfred Angus Scott, an inventor with about 60 patents. Scott bet on two-strokes, water cooling and odd layouts. He built early telescopic-style forks, a chain drive, rotary valves, removable crank access and likely the first known kickstarter. Many of his "what were they thinking?" ideas actually worked! His riders, racing the Isle of Man TT, set lap records, winning back-to-back.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e22/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Brian 'n' Neil both know it: Jordan's the main voice this round. Jordan summarizes the exciting story of George Wyman's famous 1903 motorcycle trip across the United States. He explains his early days as a bicycle racer, endurance rides in Australia and the events that led to his historic ride across America.Taking a closer look at Wyman's journey, Jordan has questions about the reasoning and business interests of people like Roy C. Marks and the companies that supported the trip. The ride was more than a test of endurance. It was also a clever way for early motorcycle companies and magazines to promote themselves, with help from both the industry and media.For those who don't know Jordan, he also shares personal knowledge and experience as someone who restores and loves old motorcycles. He connects Wyman's story to his own meetings with rare bikes and important people in motorcycle culture. Jordan speaks openly about the mysteries he still wants to solve, correcting mistakes from earlier stories and giving hints about future research.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e21/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Joanne and Maggie are steerin' the ship this round. One main topic is how each got started riding motorcycles. The Gear Chic exclaims that her husband is responsible while Maggie Dean owns up to her modular entry.If Joanne's husband hadn't taken a careful, step-by-step approach (and bought a scooter at just the right time), she might never have learned about the troubles of carburetors. Over time, she went from hesitant passenger to experienced rider. Her confidence grew but kept a wise doubt of friends suggesting she "keep up".Maggie adds stories and advice from her time as a riding instructor. She isn't afraid to laugh at herself (or Robin). Her practicality highlights every rider's journey being different, where some find their own solutions with both feet planted.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e20/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Brian never gets tired of tire questions. He reminds listeners not to panic or call a lawyer just because their knobby tires look strange or have odd black lines (hint: it's science, not sabotage). He also explores the mental side of riding, sharing lessons about ego and why it's important to ride your own ride.Guest host Neil Sullivan supports Brian's advice with his own tips, like the power of short naps, the dangers of trying to be the "fast guy" and the need to stay aware on long rides. His thoughts on target fixation and group rides highlight a main message of sorts. Know your limits, ride your own ride and don't be afraid to take breaks.Jordan wraps up George Wyman's 1903 cross-country motorcycle journey! The mix of history and wild mechanical problems comes with broken belts, damaged forks and risky roadside fixes. By the end, only Wyman's raw determination can get him across the NYC finish line.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e19/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin is away this month building MotorcycleTraining.us! With that, Brian welcomes guest host Neil Sullivan to answer a tough listener question about choosing between Triumph's 400 Speed and Scrambler. Brian's answer: buy the bike your wife prefers.And welcome, Neal! With his relaxed, ride-to-unwind perspective. He happily lets others plan the routes while enjoying the scenery and the peaceful basics. Enjoy in-depth talks about his journey from college road trips to riding the curves of the Ozarks.Joanne arrives with her usual expert advice, focusing on the important link between good gear and rider confidence. She explains that the right equipment doesn't just protect you in a crash, it also helps you feel comfortable, stay focused and be willing to improve your skills. Joanne's personal rules for riding are "never when sick and never when I don't want to".Jordan brings it all together with more George Wyman details. This time, it's broken belts and muddy roads. On the upside, gas prices are going down.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e18/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Brian and Robin recorded their road trip to Blackhawk Farms Raceway for another track day. Brian wants to reinforce what he learned during his first event last year. Robin's looking to improve smoothness of form.Joanne fields a gear request about gauntlet gloves. Her goal is to provide options that work well for both touring and track. The pros and cons of each may help any listener isolate a near perfect purchase.Jordan helps us get George Wyman across the entirety of Illinois and then some. While the roads immediately become easier to traverse, the big city fights back. Bugs, swindlers and heavy repairs are all on the docket.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e17/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin talks tires and track safety. His take on risk management while cornering encourages riders to keep their mind in check. We can always come back to the simple joy of riding (and the importance of smiling).Brian wants to remind everyone to replace those valve stems before they cause trouble. He fields questions about 16-inch wheels, new transmission technology and the struggle to find a jacket that fits. He's got plenty to say about being "in the zone" and the mental focus needed for sharp turns.Joanne won't pressure you to buy a $700 jacket but she would have you try on the best gear (even if you can't yet afford it). Reason: because comfort and fit matter most. She also talks about the real pros and cons of things like waterproofing, breathability and finding the perfect fit.Jordan picks back up on George Wyman's 1903 cross-country trip. The tough moments remain ... broken equipment, cracked handlebars and the challenge of following telegraph poles through muddy Iowa. Wyman's journey might feel familiar to anyone who's ever had to fix a bike on the road.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e16/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Brian's fixing the seat on his old Suzuki GS 850. He's also looking for that tool in his tool roll that can only be found (in its correct location) after buying a replacement. His take on tires keeps the conversation moving, even if his right boot is a little wet.Robin is getting ready for the 777 tour. His family motorcycle stories focus on how to misbehave responsibly. The key ingredient is ... don't scare the locals.Joanne knows what "waterproof" really means. She explains the difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant," teaching Brian about different types of Gore-Tex. She recommends choosing gear that fits your riding style and position.Jordan's got the dirt on George Wyman's muddy, axle-breaking ride across Iowa in 1903. The tale is chock full of creative problem-solving. No matter how tough your ride is, at least you're not dragging a motorized bike through sticky mud with a homemade fix holding your brake together.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e15/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin looks at air box mods and the tricky world of used bike prices. Fresh from a Wisconsin ride, he wants to reclaim his midwestern mojo post bird collision. He also drops advice on tires, shifting issues and helmet noise.Brian offers insights on gear and the mechanics of shifting. He's skeptical about waterproof gear claims, to boot (pun intended). Per Robin's remojonation, he claims the rural Midwest to be perfect for mastering riding skills due to their challenging conditions.Next, Joanne simplifies motorcycle gear shopping for beginners and experienced riders alike. She emphasizes practical tips for all budgets and body types. Joanne encourages community engagement when choosing gear, prioritizing fit and comfort over matching gear aesthetics.Enter Jordan, whose narrative on George Wyman's cross-country adventure keeps rollin' with historical detail. The 1900s were wrought with traveling challenges. We're talking gas deliveries by horse-drawn wagons, wooden or brick roads and repairs made by lantern light.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e14/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin kicks things off with a hello from Wisconsin. He then cites misconceptions about offering professional development during any TRO motorcycle tour. Naysayers like "Al" think it's all gimmicky rubbish.Brian shares about his dual-sport weekend in the Smokies, painting a vivid picture of tire battles and unexpected rain blessings. He also weighs in on how to make perfect stops like a pro. Afterward, it's onto Triumph demo rides to saddle every machine they currently offer.Joanne chimes in about helmet fitment (with new-to-her intro music by Rabid Neon), giving a detailed breakdown on helmet selection. Those battling wind without adequate headgear will feel her empathy and advice. It's first-hand customer experience and personal anecdotes challenging the science of helmet weight distribution.Jordan dives right back into George Wyman's arduous cross-country journey circa 1903. Just as gripping as before, the tale is riddled with mud battles, railroad close calls and unforeseen mechanical hiccups. This courage-demanding landscape is full of natural adversities and epic challenges.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e13/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin is travelling from New Mexico to Wisconsin just in time to lead TRO's 777 tour. He's navigating the Santa Fe trail, indulging in junk food and whiskey as he anticipates joining tenured podcast co-host Travis Burleson for a number of rides. His riding preferences have changed over time, embracing life on a Suzuki GSX-8R (https://www.google.com/search?q=suzuki+gsx-8r&tbm=isch), planning trips that stretch his definition of sport touring and managing bike maintenance such as tire wear and suspension adjustments.Travis Burleson (is here!) juggles responsibilities as a father of twin 5 y/o boys, one of whom recently helped with an oil change. Despite his hectic life and the unpredictable Wisconsin weather, he's excited about the 2025 riding season. He shares experiences with different motorcycles he's owned, throwing in a dash of nostalgia over past rides he and Robin went on together.Of course the conversation meanders into favorite in-ride playlists. Robin prefers a hard rock groove for super hero riding (The Hives "Hey Little World" and "Talkin' on the Internet" by Spiritual Cramp). Travis enjoys fast-paced punk and alternative sounds, including The Chats and Bad Religion. Both agree music enhances their riding experience, whether cornering in canyons or cruising the super slab.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e12/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin rambles about recent rides and updates. He's made a few tweaks to TRO's suspension sag calculator, showcasing how correct measurements achieve optimal performance. He's fascinated with the possibility of electronic cruise control for his GSX-8R and may eventually add it for greater touring capability.Brian offers a detailed perspective on why modern bikes should include standard features like cruise control. Manufacturers essentially have the technology in place. He also shares his experience with TRO's New Mexico tour, emphasizing the logistical puzzle pieces that fell into place despite varying weather conditions.Joanne shines her expertise on how riders can adapt their gear for changing weather conditions during a trip. She emphasizes selecting equipment based on personal comfort levels against varying temperatures between 30-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Her recommendations focus on layering with heated clothing for colder climates and using waterproof products with proper ventilation in warmer conditions.Jordan rounds out the discussion by continuing his narrative on George Wyman's transcontinental journey. It's all about facing harrowing trials along rugged terrain and unpredictable weather between Wyoming and Nebraska. Perseverance is key to the story, what with the mud-caked roads and mechanical challenges.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e11/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin explores plans for a DIY trailer project so he won't be tied to specific sites in New Mexico under storage limitations. He's eyeing sub-$1k options but figures the shipping might cost as much as a mid-range motorcycle itself. In his hunt for budget-friendly ways to store motorcycles and kit, he considers everything from flat-pack plywood structures to local finds before switching gears to ride reports.Brian chimes in with sage advice about high-quality zip ties. He too is maintaining equipment under a strict budget and brisk conditions (40°F tire changes aren't fun). Between gear restoration, namely resoled boots, he's preparing his FJ-09 for a spring tour with Robin in New Mexico.Joanne deep dives into fitment solutions for riders of all body types. For those seeking airy protection without risking arm or knee safety, her recommended gear ranges from Klim's generous cuts to Revit's improved Euro fits. She highlights brands that cater specifically to plus sizes alongside custom-fit leathers that prove being geared up stylishly isn't limited by straight-sized manufacturers.Enter Jordan, who picks back up on George Wyman's trials navigating flooded streams and rocky terrain. He's crossing Wyoming during early American landscape ventures circa 1903. Surrounded by nature's drama club (deep snow rivers meet sunlit warmth meets unkempt towns filled with rowdy politics), it's quite literally what life on two wheels entailed back when.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e10/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!From frostburn to sunbite, it's all about the rides that have significantly impacted our motorcycle knowledge and experience. Brian, Robin and Joanne deep dive into the machines and journeys that shaped their riding worlds. Brian points to a Suzuki GS850G and the off-road lessons of a KLR while stressing the importance of keeping loose on terrible roads to maintain balance and control.Listener questions touch on handling unexpected throttle issues, Brian offering technical insights into potential causes such as position sensor glitches. Joanne joins the discussion to window shop new rides, namely CFMoto's Ibex and Royal Enfield's Himalayan. Both have specs that cater to her riding needs.The tale of George Wyman's arduous journey peels back time through Nevada's old railroad towns, applying motor oil as a frostbite solution before a sunburn in Utah's desert expanse. But first, he's opportunistically overbilled for gasolEne ... a tapestry of self-discovery through two-wheeled exploits across challenging terrain.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e09/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!The team zeroes in on prep tips for your first sport touring ride. Start small, keep it simple and plan that first overnight escape without complication. You don't wanna wrestle gear instead of feelin' the breeze.Juggling their favorite caffeination concentration (no mushroom coffee here), the gang cracks open a bottle of listener questions: LED lights yay or nay, biker bells summoning mysterious powers and oil blackening paranoia. Nice to have someone who knows their Rizomas from regular lighting (Joanne). We've got opinions, strong ones ... but each may as well be a pebble skipping over water.Jordan continues telling the tale of George Wyman's epic 1903 motorcycle journey across America. Riding mostly along railroad tracks, Wyman faced deep sand, lousy water, frustrating setbacks and lonely stretches of empty Nevada desert. With creativity and determination, he overcame each challenge, capturing an unforgettable snapshot of history along the way.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e08/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Robin and Brian swap stories about the latest in bike modifications and the quirks that come with mixing gear from different brands. Robin wrestles with transforming his GSX-8R (https://www.google.com/search?q=gsx-8r&tbm=isch) into a sport-touring machine due to compatibility issues between luggage systems. Brian's escape to Cycle Gear's first bike night of the year offers a taste of two-wheeled community.Our first segment welcomes college swimmer Joe Wilson to discuss seasonal workout prep for avid riders. Look to walking, yoga and paint buckets as weightlifting equipment. His analogies balance cardiovascular stamina alongside strength training.Joanne enters by expounding the base layer theory that is Lycra-y silkiness. Jordan's exploration of George Wyman's 1905 coast to coast journey is in full motion, arriving at snow sheds, trestle bridges and the need for a complete engine overhaul. They just don't make riders the way they used to ... or do they?Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e07/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald
Radio TRO is brought to you in part by:Twisted Road - Motorcycle Rental in the USAVisit Twisted.TRO.bike to get a FREE riding day!Brian and Robin look at what it takes to rediscover riding skills after you've been away from the bike for a bit. When re-entry riders return, it's crucial to reevaluate the dusty gear of yesteryear. Joanne enlightens us on how clinging to old helmets and boots from 2005 might prove risky.Banter diverts to tire talk, with mention of Michelin rebates and cost-effective rubber. Warmer weather is coaxing us back onto two wheels, so it's time to ditch worn-out tires for ... traction. Sifting through tire choices, we've updated the road rubba rankings page.Jordan gets into more detail about hazards along the George Wyman route before Brian explores rental options for TRO's Truth/Consequences tour. From Stelvio or Africa Twin to Triumphs and Beemers, it's all about finding what suits your riding style. With a bit of laughter in the mix, any motorcyclist can merge back onto the open road with confidence.Episode Page: https://tro.bike/podcast/2025e06/Music by Rabid Neon and Otis McDonald