May/Jun '26 - RoadRUNNER

RoadRUNNER

May/Jun '26

May/June 2026

Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma: High-Tech Peace of Mind

Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma: High-Tech Peace of Mind

"I crashed my motorcycle and landed on a pillow,” a pro road racer said after his first crash while wearing an airbag system under his leathers. Energy and gravity being intimidated by a pillow is a strong argument for wearing an Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma airbag system. The

City Escape: Winchester, Virginia

City Escape: Winchester, Virginia

Located an hour and a half from Washington, D.C., the roads surrounding Winchester, VA, provide a superb chance to roar away from the capital’s bustle on two wheels. Around the city, you’ll find astounding rural beauty, American history, and marvelous local eateries in equal measure. Before you

Keeping the Wheels Turning

Christa's Journal

Keeping the Wheels Turning

The RoadRUNNER office grew quieter after Christian’s passing, but I was determined to keep the magazine alive—and with it, his spirit. I felt his presence in every corner. Burying myself in work felt easier than facing the empty space he left behind. With the support of my sons

Review: 2026 Yamaha WR125R

Motorcycle Review

Review: 2026 Yamaha WR125R

In a race to the bottom, you can sometimes win. Performance motorcycling is often characterized by displacement one-upmanship, bleeding-edge tech, and gram counting for optimal weight profiles. Ironically, fostering continued growth in motorcycling as a whole could benefit from an emphasis on the polar opposite of these things.

How to Plan a Motorcycle Tour—A Letter from Florian

Letter from the Editor

How to Plan a Motorcycle Tour—A Letter from Florian

Planning a motorcycle tour has never been easier—or more complicated. Back in the good old days, all we needed was a paper map and a halfway decent reason to ride. We’d then figured the rest of it out as the odometer ticked by. It was as simple as

Madison, Indiana Shamrock Tour®: 4 Motorcycle Rides

Shamrock Tour® Premium Content

Madison, Indiana Shamrock Tour®: 4 Motorcycle Rides

Along its 981-mile journey from Pittsburgh to the Mississippi, the Ohio River courses through southern Indiana and northern Kentucky. Because the massive, terrain-flattening ice age glaciers never advanced this far south, the region retained its hilly topography. Florian and I put our kickstands down in Madison, IN, our

Daytona Bike Week 2026—Motorcycle Racing Galore

Daytona Bike Week 2026—Motorcycle Racing Galore

Daytona Bike Week always delivers world-class racing. Just five miles inland from the chaos of Main Street, the real action was found inside the high banks of Daytona International Speedway, where the 2026 MotoAmerica racing season was underway. Aptly named, King of the Baggers has become one of MotoAmerica’

City Escape: McAlester, Oklahoma

City Escape: McAlester, Oklahoma

This City Escape route showcases western Oklahoma’s relatively lesser-known waterscapes. In addition, you get to enjoy rural cruising and carve through woods where robbers and murderers lurked. Roaring north out of McAlester, US 69 quickly takes you to the shores of Lake Eufaula. You’ll cross several bridges,

2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid: Taking the Ténéré Farther

2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid: Taking the Ténéré Farther

Yamaha will bring the 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid dual sport motorcycle to the U.S. market this year. This take on the Ténéré adds expanded long-distance touring capacity to an already capable motorcycle. At its core, the World Raid remains the same as the base model, sporting the

Cherohala Skyway—The Most Expensive Road in North Carolina

Cherohala Skyway—The Most Expensive Road in North Carolina

Spanning 43 miles of sweeping curves and high-elevation vistas, the Cherohala Skyway is one of the Southeast's most iconic scenic byways. Connecting Robbinsville, NC, to Tellico Plains, TN, the road winds through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests—hence the name “Chero-hala.” Built over the course

Continental TKC80²— Performance On and Off the Road

Continental TKC80²— Performance On and Off the Road

It’s finally here. After some delays, including production setbacks and even a brand-new machine lost in a shipping container at sea, the second-generation TKC80² tire is available in most sizes. BMW fitments should arrive in August. One of the most trusted dual sport tires got a significant

Tourmaster Zephyr Mesh Jacket and Pants

Tourmaster Zephyr Mesh Jacket and Pants

Tourmaster is on a roll. Last year’s models upped the ante, and now the all-new Zephyr riding get-up is yet another big leap forward. I first tested this gear on a three-day ride in southern California. From dusty trails to fast tarmac and temperatures ranging from