Advertisement

RideApart's Most Popular Stories of 2014

Records fallen, all-new models introduced and some have returned, 2014 has been a whirlwind year in motorcycling. Sales figures are up (depending on who you ask), more new riders are coming into the marketplace and we've seen the emergence of all-new segments and the return of some old favorites. Whether it's your new favorite hipster bike, one that can do it all, or one that’s finally for sale in the US, 2014 has been a significant year for motorcycles and motorcycling. Here at our small corner of the motorcycling world, we've brought you a ton of riding news and stories throughout the year. So we compiled the most viewed stories and bring you RideApart's most popular stories of 2014.

2014-01-The-Most-Desirable-Motorcycles-Not-Sold-In-America_fea
2014-01-The-Most-Desirable-Motorcycles-Not-Sold-In-America_fea

#5 The Most Desirable Motorcycles Not Sold in the USA

Luckily since this story was written back in January, 2014, at two of the bikes are now for sale in the good ‘ole U.S. of A.: the Yamaha SR400 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000.

The-Most-Desirable-Motorcycles-Not-Sold-In-America_03
The-Most-Desirable-Motorcycles-Not-Sold-In-America_03

The Yamaha SR400 was originally a 500cc bike way back when, but only sold for three years here in the US, starting in 1979. Yamaha continued to sell the bike overseas in the 400cc configuration, and finally got around to shipping it here for 2014. An awesomely fun bike, it’s only drawback being it’s overpriced for a small-cc, kick-start-only, thumper, at $5,990. Read our 2014 Yamaha SR400 Review here.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 has finally made its way here as more of the European Adventure style bikes (like the Yamaha FJ-09) are being sold in the USA. News came at EICMA this year and Kawasaki recently had an overseas launch of the new bike. We’re anxiously awaiting our own test ride.

2014-01-5-Quietest-Motorcycle-Helmets_Fea
2014-01-5-Quietest-Motorcycle-Helmets_Fea

#4 5 Quietest Motorcycle Helmets

What makes a motorcycle helmet quiet and how can you find the perfect one for you, these are some age-old questions for any rider (except for maybe the Sturgis-crowd who prefer a novelty half helmet).

5-Quietest-Motorcycle-Helmets_01
5-Quietest-Motorcycle-Helmets_01

We examined the little things you may have normally overlooked, like the importance of a windjammer, and then listed our favorites, like some Shoei and Schuberth options. Look for an updated article in 2015 as we’ve recently had experience with quiet Arai and Bell brand helmets.

2014-01-What-the-Color-of-Your-Motorcycle-Says-About-You_fea
2014-01-What-the-Color-of-Your-Motorcycle-Says-About-You_fea

#3 What The Color of Your Motorcycle Says About You

Unless your motorcycle is painted in “Tinkle Me Pink” or “Rainbow Sherbet,” you may be surprised as to what your motorcycle’s color really says about you as a person/rider. We dove into some deep psychological stuff...no, not really. Rather, we spoke to many manufacturers as to their choices in colors, looked at stats and compared data to see what your motorcycle’s color really says about you.