Rider magazine is inviting its readers to join contributing editor Scott A. Williams on the IMTBike Essence of Northern Spain Motorcycle Tour, taking place from Sept. 9-17, 2023, and offering riders a rich blend of spectacular and unforgettable landscapes and encounters with ancient cultures.

Based in Madrid, IMTBike specializes in tours of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), but it also offers tours in France, Italy, the Alps, and Morocco, as well as MotoGP tours (Catalunya, Jerez, and Valencia) and tours in Turkey, Thailand, Japan, and New Zealand. In 2021, IMTBike earned a coveted Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award. In 2022, IMTBike celebrated its 25th anniversary, and Rider EIC Greg Drevenstedt, and his wife, Carrie, helped celebrate by taking the Southern Spain Andalusia tour.

Related: Iberian Escape | IMTBike Southern Spain Andalusia Tour Review

The IMTBike Essence of Northern Spain Motorcycle Tour should be just as amazing. IMTBike says the tour, which is nine days total (including two travel days and one rest day), will combine “all the wonderful aromas that one expects to find in the North of Spain; from the salty azure waters of the Cantabrian Sea along the Costa Verde, to the pristine fields of verdant grass of the Basque Valleys and the crisp air of the majestic mountains of Asturias’s Picos de Europa.”

The tour will start and end in Bilbao, a former shipbuilding town that is now famous for Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum and Jeff Koon’s “Puppy” sculpture. The tour will lead through the northern regions of Spain – the Basque Country, Cantabria, Castilla-León, and Asturias – on a route through small picturesque fishing villages and charming lost hamlets in the most remote mountain regions of Spain. You will visit fascinating cities such as the capitals of Asturias and the Basque Country, Oviedo, and Vitoria.

On Day 1 (or earlier, depending on your country of origin), arrive in Bilbao and take the day to explore the city. The group will meet for dinner and prepare for the journey, which begins on Day 2, when riders will enter the easternmost Cantabrian Mountains. You will ride little-known mountain roads surrounded by incredible greenery on the way to the magnificently preserved medieval town of Santillana del Mar.

Day 3 goes through the Picos de Europa mountain range, which stands out because of both the height of the mountains and their proximity to the ocean. You will visit the beautiful beaches and cliffs of the Green Coast (Costa Verde). We’ll dive into the heart of the immense Picos de Europa Mountains where you can take a cable car to the summit and ride through the narrow canyons that surround the massif.

The Day 4 destination is the Asturian capital, Oviedo. On the way, riders will visit some of the most photographed fishing villages on the Asturian coast and go along some of the most interesting local roads that run through the green mountains of eastern Asturias.

Take a rest day to explore the elegant city of Oviedo on foot, or there will be a ride to visit the western Asturian coast and the picturesque fishing village of Cudillero. IMTBike has prepared “a nice curvy route to get there.”

On Day 6, the route will start heading back to the eastern part of Northern Spain, crossing Asturias through its mining region. These mountains are full of natural resources below ground and perfect motorcycling roads above. You’ll spend the day immersed in captivating natural landscapes and cross several mountain passes before arriving in Castilla-León’s lake country at the foot of the Picos de Europa.

Day 7 takes riders to the charming Basque capital of Vitoria, passing through several mountain ranges, valleys, and beautiful remote areas, as well as a few natural parks east of the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Mountains before finally setting foot again in Euskadi (Basque Country).

The final riding day will be a beautiful route that crosses the entire Basque Country from south to north on the way back to Bilbao. After several mountain passes, you’ll arrive at the coast and then ride local roads that pass through authentic fishing villages while experiencing the wild landscapes of this coastline.

If you’re looking for curve-filled roads, verdant mountains, azure ocean water plus delicious gastronomy, charming cities and incredible hotels all wrapped up into a weeklong getaway, then this Essence of Northern Spain Tour has been custom made for you!

IMTBike Essence of Northern Spain Motorcycle Tour daily itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival Bilbao
• Day 2: Bilbao – Santillana del Mar
• Day 3: Santillana del Mar – Picos de Europa
• Day 4: Picos de Europa – Oviedo
• Day 5: Oviedo – rest day
• Day 6: Oviedo – Palentine Mountains
• Day 7: Palentine Mountains – Vitoria
• Day 8: Vitoria – Bilbao
• Day 9: Flight back home

Pricing starts at $3,990 per person, including a BMW G 310 R motorcycle rental for a rider in a double room (see below for what’s included in the price). See the Essence of Northern Spain tour webpage for tiered pricing for different motorcycle models as well as pricing for a passenger and a single room supplement.

IMTBike Essence of Northern Spain Motorcycle Tour included services:

• Airport pickup on the first day of the tour
• Overnight accommodations in high quality hotels
• A gourmet evening meal every night (except on rest days)
• Complete buffet breakfast every morning
• New model BMW motorcycle fully equipped with three BMW cases
• Tour handbook (normally about 70 pages-very comprehensive) and highlighted map
• Expert multilingual guide on a motorcycle
• Multilingual guide in support vehicle which will carry your luggage, any oversized purchases you make; or even a passenger or two
• Tour souvenirs

Services not included:

Air ticket, lunches, gasoline, drinks, tolls, personal spending, and tips

Following the announcement last November of the 2023 Challenger Elite, Indian Motorcycle recently announced the release of the new Indian Pursuit Elite and the return of the Chieftain Elite. Like other bikes in the Elite lineup, both bikes will be limited in production and feature premium options. These new bikes in the 2023 Indian Motorcycle lineup will begin shipping to dealers in spring 2023. 

Related: 2023 Indian Motorcycle Lineup | First Look Review

The Chieftain Elite was the first bike in Indian’s Elite program, introduced for the 2018 model year. Aaron Jax, vice president of Indian Motorcycle, said the idea was to create an offering that was “not just limited in quantity, but exclusive in nature with custom details straight from the factory.”

“Today, with jewel-like finishes, our Elite line of baggers and touring models truly represent the best-of-the-best and deliver a statement like nothing else on the road,” Jax said.   

Related: 2023 Indian Sport Chief | First Ride Review

2023 Indian Pursuit Elite  

There will be only 150 units available worldwide of the Indian Pursuit Elite, a touring bike that Indian says is “designed for riders who value the journey as much as the destination.”  

The Indian Pursuit Elite has electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox that is managed from the bike’s infotainment system. Braking comes from radially mounted Brembo 4-piston calipers biting dual semi-floating 320mm discs up front and a 2-piston caliper and floating 298mm disc in the rear.

The bike rides on 5-spoke precision-cut wheels (19 inches in the front, 16 in the rear) with tire pressure monitoring and wrapped in Metzeler Cruisetec tires. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 108ci PowerPlus V-Twin making a claimed 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm and mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slip/assist clutch.

Related: 2022 Indian Pursuit Limited | Road Test Review

The Indian Pursuit Elite offers Smart Lean Technology using a Bosch IMU to manage traction control, ABS, and torque. Backlit switch cubes improve the rider’s ability to see the bike’s controls at night, and the Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlight combined with Pathfinder S LED driving lights and saddlebag lights deliver improved visibility. Both rider and passenger get a heated seat with adjustable controls on the seat and infotainment system.  

The Indian Pursuit Elite is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen powered by Ride Command and offers Apple CarPlay integration, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, one year of Ride Command+ connected features, and more. The bike’s Powerband Audio includes built-in amplifiers, a nine-band equalizer, and 16 speakers.

Offering more than 35 gallons of remote-locking storage, riders can keep all cargo protected inside weatherproof saddlebags and trunk, and for those looking to achieve further customization, a quick-release low-profile trunk is available as a color-matched accessory. 

The 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite comes in premium Super Graphite Metallic and Black Metallic paint with Shadow Bronze Chrome accents. Color-matched Elite badging and premium components complete the bike’s design. Pricing starts at $39,999.

Story continues below 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite photo gallery.

2023 Indian Chieftain Elite

Limited to only 175 units globally, the 2023 Indian Chieftain Elite features what the company says is “meaner and more aggressive styling with custom-inspired details straight from the factory.”

The Chieftain Elite bagger features Indian’s most powerful air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116, which delivers a claimed 126 lb-ft of torque. While this is the same mill as the 2022 Chieftain Elite, the standard Chieftain is powered by a 111ci engine making a claimed 119 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 Chieftain Elite’s open fender showcases a new 10-spoke precision machined front wheel. Similar to the Indian Pursuit Elite, the wheels are 19-inches in the front and 16-inches in the rear with tire pressure monitoring and shod in Metzeler Cruisetec tires.

Like other Chieftain models, rear cylinder deactivation improves rider comfort when riding through slower traffic, while three selectable ride modes – Tour, Standard, and Sport – allow riders to adjust the bike’s throttle response to match their riding style.  

Related: 2023 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse

The 2023 Chieftain Elite has a 46mm inverted fork and air-adjustable single rear shock. Stopping power comes from dual 4-piston calipers and 300mm floating discs up front, with a 2-piston caliper and 300mm floating disc in the rear. ABS is standard.

From a style perspective, the Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight and rear saddlebag LED lights on the 2023 Chieftain Elite provide good visibility at night, as well as some head turns. An adjustable tinted flare windscreen raises or lowers to the rider’s preferred position with the push of a handlebar-mounted button.  

Like the Indian Pursuit Elite, the 2023 Indian Chieftain Elite features the 7-inch touchscreen display powered by Ride Command with Apple CarPlay, GPS with navigation, and Ride Command+ features, like live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature. The bike has backlit switch cubes, an integrated PowerBand audio system, keyless ignition, and weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage. For riders looking to personalize their ride, color matched accessories are available, including a quick-release low-profile trunk, as well as lower fairings.  

The new Chieftain Elite’s paint scheme features Super Graphite Smoke complemented by premium Shadow Bronze chrome finishes and Indian Motorcycle headdress floorboards. Pricing starts at $35,499.

For more information, visit the Indian Motorcycle website.

See all of Rider‘s Indian coverage here.

Wet hands can make a motorcycle ride not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. Aerostich’s Triple Digit Rain Glove Covers will keep your hands dry even in heavy rain.

Read all of Rider’s apparel reviews here.

They’re made of three layers of breathable and waterproof ripstop nylon and pack down small so you can always have them handy when needed. These gauntlets slide on over crash-protective gloves, and an elastic drawcord with a tethered cordlock keeps them in place.

The gloves also have Scotchlite reflective strips for hand signaling and a left thumb visor squeegee.

The Aerostich Triple Digit Rain Glove Covers are available in sizes M-XL in Black or Orange for $57 at the Aerostich website.

The Sidi ST and ST Air motorcycle boots are comfortable upper-level street boots that are also ready for the track.

Read all of Rider’s apparel reviews here.

The ST and ST Air feature an external ankle brace system, a nylon inner sole with a removable arch support pad, a cam-lock buckle system for easy entry and boot removal, nylon scuff pads on the toe, closable air vents, a DuPont polymer toe shift pad, and a Technomicro base material.

The ST Air includes a replaceable shin deflector plate and additional Technomicro material on the outside for maximum airflow.

All bolt-on parts are replaceable, and both boots are available for $374.99.

BMW Motorrad Boxer models are among the most popular and sought-after motorcycles in the world – unfortunately also among thieves. BMW Motorrad is now the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to meet this challenge with BMW iFace, a face recognition system that makes the previous ignition key superfluous and perfectly complements the existing Keyless Go technology.

BMW iFace was developed in cooperation with Professor Dr. Dr. Gerhard Lesjöh, head of the world’s leading institute for ophthalmology at the University of Munich. The system offers facial recognition of the rider’s face and an iris-cornea comparison of the eyes for definite identification on the other.

Related: 2023 BMW R nineT and R 18 100 Years Heritage Editions

BMW iFace: 3D Scan and Infrared Scanning Technology

Face recognition uses the latest 3D technology integrated into the ultra-modern BMW Motorrad TFT display, which is not visible from the outside. This is carried out by means of stripe projection, a technology that has been used for many years, for example in reverse engineering. With the helmet removed, the face is scanned three-dimensionally and biometrically.

This three-dimensional image is compared with a data record stored in the system. If the calibration is positive, the ignition, steering lock, and other locking functions are released, and the rider can start the motorcycle. Since the 3D scan works with infrared scanning, this type of face recognition also works in the dark.

BMW iFace Iris Cornea Matching

BMW iFace operates as a dual system to achieve the highest-level of comfort and safety. The rider can be authenticated either using face recognition (without a helmet) or by iris-cornea scanning of the eyes. This type of authentication enables the system to identify the rider even with the helmet on, as only the iris and cornea are scanned and compared with the data stored in the system.

As with the 3D scan, infrared technology ensures functional reliability even in absolute darkness. In addition, a special polarization filter enables the scanning process even through heavily tinted and even mirrored visors, different types of glasses, and contact lenses. The rider enters the type of visor and visual aid he is currently using in the display prior to the scanning process using the corresponding menu functions.

Related: 2023 BMW S 1000 RR and M 1000 R | First Ride Review

Worldwide Networking Enables Identification of Thieves

In case of an attempted theft, BMW iFace communicates with the eCall electronic emergency service. Not only does the BMW Motorrad Call Centre receive a corresponding message about the attempted theft via a special code, but the scan data (face or eye scan) and the current geographical position data are transmitted in parallel to the international central database of the Federal Police authorities.

If corresponding data material is found there, the search for the person concerned can be initiated immediately. If no suitable data is available, the transmitted scan data will be stored in this database for possible use at a later date.

Related: BMW Motorrad Days Taking Place in Berlin, July 7-9

BMW iFace Field Trials

BMW iFace has been developed and tested in field trials over a period of more than three years.

“Our special thanks go not only to the Bavarian State Office of Criminal Investigation, but especially to Giovanni Häberle,” said Dr. Burkhard Hund, head of Theft Protection at BMW Motorrad. “Today a respected owner of a consulting firm for theft and burglary protection in the Stuttgart-Stammheim area, the Swabian was an invaluable help to us in developing this system thanks to his decades of expertise as a professional vehicle thief.”

BMW iFace will be presented at one of the autumn motorshows in 2023 and will initially be used on the BMW Motorrad Boxer models.

Ed. Note: This press release from BMW Motorrad came in on Saturday, April 1, and perhaps it was the festivities of Friday, March 31, or the fact that we were checking our email after logging into our phone with our fingerprint or ruminating on how Facebook chose to end their face recognition system at the end of 2021, but this new tech from BMW sounded pretty awesome and like something from Blade Runner (which was supposed to take place in the far-future of 2019, if you recall; we’re still waiting for our flying car…or maybe motorcycle). Anyway, whatever the reasons, we got suckered in hook, line, and sinker by this April Fools’ joke. It’s not often we see this kind of humor from the German motorcycle manufacturer, but for another good one that snared us, check out this post from 2017.

See all of Rider‘s BMW coverage here.

Last year, Yamaha Motor announced its Jin-Ki Kanno x Jin-Ki Anzen Safety Vision, which aims to create a world free of accidents together with our customers. The three pillars of the approach are: 1) “Technology” that assists with rider recognition, judgment, operation, and damage mitigation, 2) “Skills,” in which we encourage improvement of users’ riding skills, and 3) “Connectivity,” where the Cloud is used to provide feedback for safety initiatives. To highlight the Technology pillar, we spoke with the developers of the Advanced Motorcycle Stabilization Assist System (AMSAS). As it is naturally linked to Jin-Ki Anzen, we asked about its aims and the value it offers.

Related: Yamaha Announces 2023 Updated and Returning Models

A Rider Aid to Enhance Stability with Starts and at Low Speeds

Accidents involving motorcycles have been attributed primarily to recognition errors (10%), decision errors (17%), and operation errors (5%) on the part of the rider. Data also indicates that approximately 70% of motorcycle accidents occur within two seconds of the trigger leading to the accident. Based on these analyses of accident causes, Yamaha Motor’s development of rider aids is underway according to four vectors: assisted danger prediction, damage prevention and assisted defensive riding, assisted evasive riding maneuvers, and damage mitigation.

Unveiled last year, AMSAS stabilizes a vehicle’s attitude at low speeds by controlling drive forces and steering forces.

“[Its most distinctive feature is] its approach to use an arrangement highly applicable to existing vehicles since it does not require any modifications to the frame,” says Project Leader Akitoshi Suzuki. The prototype system under development uses a production YZF-R25 for its platform and is equipped with a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) along with drive and steering actuators.

AMSAS is a rider aid that focuses on the instability a motorcycle experiences when starting off or when riding at low speeds, and it works to enhance the stability of the vehicle during these moments. “When starting or stopping, the drive actuator fitted to the front wheel aids with stability, and from there up to about 5 km/h (3 mph), the steering actuator attached to the handlebars takes over,” explains Suzuki. Through the coordination of the two, the mid-development AMSAS prototype vehicle can move at walking speeds without falling over, regardless of the skill level of the rider aboard.

Related: 2023 Yamaha MT-10 | Tour Test Review

Yamaha Stability Assist System is Adaptable to Various Applications

Yamaha Motor once made headlines when it unveiled the MOTOBOT—an autonomous motorcycle-riding humanoid robot—and MOTOROiD, a proof-of-concept experimental motorcycle equipped with AI and self-balancing technology. “The R&D for AMSAS began with the idea of bringing the technologies and know-how acquired through developing these two models to customers around the world,” says Suzuki.

Jun Sakamoto, who handles safety strategy at Yamaha, explains the value AMSAS aims to offer: “It’s to create conditions where the rider can focus more on operating their bike, so that everyone can enjoy that sense of being one with your machine. By providing an assist when the bike is more unstable and requires skill to operate, we want to deliver fun rooted in peace of mind to a wide range of riders.”

Yamaha has set a target of reducing the number of fatal motorcycle accidents to zero by 2050 and is ramping up efforts according to the three aforementioned pillars of Technology, Skills, and Connectivity. AMSAS is one technology with the potential to become a pivotal rider aid if used in conjunction with other technologies, like the radar-linked Unified Brake System – the first of its kind in the world – already deployed on the TRACER 9 GT+.

Related: 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT | Long-Term Review

“With the base technologies in place now, we’re halfway to our goal of bringing AMSAS’ value to customers,” asserts Suzuki. He and the team have high aspirations for the technology. “From here on, we’ll be working to downscale the sizes of the various components and so on, as we want to develop it into a platform not just for motorcycles, but one also adaptable to a wide range of other personal mobility applications, like bicycles.”

See all of Rider‘s Yamaha coverage here.

CFMOTO USA has announced the newest addition to its 2023 lineup: the CFMOTO 450SS. The company says the light-midweight sportbike is “poised to be a flagship in one of the most popular and fast-growing modern motorcycle segments.”

Related: 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X | Road Test Review

The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS is powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC 450cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crankshaft making a claimed 50 hp at 9,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,600 rpm. The engine, which has an 11.5:1 compression ratio and Bosch EFI, is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip/assist clutch.

CFMOTO says the 450SS is suited to city and canyon riding but is especially suited to the track as a result of several of the bike’s features. Optional reverse shifting is possible with a “quick change” in position of the connecting rod on the gear shifter. The “performance-tuned” suspension comes in the form of a nonadjustable 37mm inverted fork and a preload-adjustable multi-link rear shock. Stopping power comes from a single radially-mounted Brembo M40 4-piston caliper biting a single 320mm disc up front and a single-piston floating caliper pinching a 270mm disc in the rear, and Continental ABS is standard.

The 450SS rolls on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 tires.

Related: Chris Peterman, CFMOTO USA | Ep. 40 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

As far as design, the 450SS was put through “extensive aerodynamic wind tunnel testing,” and GP racing-derived winglets enhance stability by providing a claimed 1.6 times downforce at higher speeds. A chromoly steel frame, aluminum alloy wheels, and 3.8-gal fuel tank contribute to a trim 370-lb wet weight. The bike has a 53.5-inch wheelbase and a 31-inch seat height.

The 450SS has full LED lighting and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and CFMOTO Ride App connectivity.

The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS comes in Nebula Black or Zircon Black starting at $5,499. For more information, visit the CFMOTO website.

See all of Rider‘s CFMOTO coverage here.

The best motorcycle accessories serve two or more functions at the same time, and this Harley-Davidson Pan America fairing does just that. Wunderlich’s Side Fairing for the Pan America provides a cleaner look with a more comfortable ride.

See all of Rider’s Parts & Accessories reviews here.

On the left side of the Pan America, the back of the radiator and cooling fan, as well as cables and other parts, are visible.

The Side Fairing uses existing mounting points to cover up the opening and hide cables and parts.

Additionally, the Side Fairing redirects hot air from the fan away from the rider’s legs and boots. Available for $146.95 at the Wunderlich America website. 

A good ride doesn’t have to be a long one. With only $10’s worth of gas, I set out to see how much fun I could have cruising around close to home on a New Jersey and New York motorcycle ride, and I was not disappointed.

Scan QR code above or click here to view the route on REVER

It was a beautiful spring day with low humidity and temperatures in the 70s. I went out to the garage to warm up my 1990 BMW K 75, a bike known as the “Flying Brick.” Adding a little throttle as it idled, the BMW sang its familiar run run run run. I’ve owned it for 32 years, and with 28,000 miles on the clock, it’s barely broken in.

With its 750cc inline-Triple, waterproof saddlebags, and a cafe windscreen, some motorcycle reviews called the K 75 the perfect bike. It can take you around the corner for a quart of milk or around the world. I gassed her up, getting only a couple gallons for my $10. The gas station attendant admired the BMW’s silver paint and blue pinstripes and asked if it was new. I told him it was almost twice as old as he was.

Related: Retrospective: BMW K75S 750: 1987-1995

See all of Rider‘s BMW coverage here.

The days of the 1,000-mile weekend trip are over for me. Most of my motorcycle jaunts these days, whether alone or with friends, are designed around breakfast, lunch, and a late afternoon snack.

From my home in Ramsey, New Jersey, it was a quick ride north on State Route 17 to Auntie El’s Farm Market in Sloatsburg, New York. At one time just a small shack with plants in summer and Christmas trees in winter, it’s now half a block long and sells plants, garden art, and fresh fruit and vegetables. But for me, it’s all about Auntie El’s bakery, which serves up freshly baked pastries, pies, and cookies. I enjoyed a warm apple turnover with coffee.

Next, I veered west on Sterling Mine Road, curved my way back into New Jersey, and rode past Ringwood Manor, a 724-acre park with rolling hills and a babbling brook. A slow ride through the park is usually a nice diversion, but on this trip I kept going and turned onto Margaret King Avenue. A few miles later, I turned west onto Greenwood Lake Turnpike and crossed over the Monksville Reservoir, which provides water for northern New Jersey and recreation for kayakers, paddleboarders, and anglers.

It was not quite 9 a.m., and the lake shimmered in the morning light. Anglers were out trying their luck. I slipped into the parking lot with my K 75 making about as much noise as a sewing machine – even the geese on the shoreline were unperturbed. Walking out on the dock provided a taste of the natural beauty that’s so close to home.

Continuing on Greenwood Lake Turnpike took me to its namesake body of water, which is a narrow 7-mile lake that straddles the border of New York and New Jersey. From the turnpike I could see boats bobbing in the water at South Shore Marina, where years ago I kept “Dumb Idea,” my 19-foot day sailer. Anyone who has owned a boat will understand the name. The road, which becomes Warwick Turnpike, was all mine as I curved a large arc around Upper Greenwood Lake.

My next stop was Wawayanda State Park, a wonderful 34,350-acre preserve with 60 miles of trails and a beautiful spring-fed lake with a wide swimming beach, a boat launch, and kayak rentals. It’s a great place to take a short break and enjoy the sun sparkling on the lake. I was only burning $10’s worth of gas, so there was no need to rush.

I crossed back into New York, turned west onto Route 94, then north onto Sanfordville Road. Turning west on Pine Island Turnpike took me to Pine Island, an area famous for its onion farms and some of the blackest dirt you’ve ever seen. After a quick stop in town, where there’s a great restaurant called The Jolly Onion, I backtracked on the turnpike and turned north on Little York Road, a small country road with views of the fields and small tidy houses in dappled sunlight. I stopped at the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, which has a cafe, picnic tables, and acres of land. As I strolled the grounds, I admired the blooming roses and made a note to return for a longer visit.

See all of Rider‘s Northeast U.S. touring stories here.

Continuing east on Pine Island Turnpike, I turned east at West Street and rode into the heart of Warwick, a charming town full of cafes and restaurants. There’s free parking in a large public lot right off Main Street. I sought out a power outlet to recharge my phone and had a slice of pizza while I waited.

Farther down Main Street at the far end of town is a large public park with benches under towering oak trees, providing shade that complemented the spring breeze. On a little hill is the Old School Baptist Meeting House, a majestic white church built in 1810. It’s now maintained by the Warwick Historical Society, and I enjoyed a quick tour.

I left Warwick by riding south on Oakland Avenue (Route 94) and then turning east on Galloway Road (State Route 17A). A left turn on Kain Road took me to Bellvale Farms Creamery, which looks like a Norman Rockwell painting of a farmhouse and has an expansive view of a valley full of farms. It also serves delicious ice cream, but I didn’t want to spoil my appetite.  

One of my favorite stops for breakfast or lunch is The Village Buzz Cafe, which is in the heart of the Village of Greenwood Lake on Windermere Avenue just off Route 17A. The cafe serves up hometown cooking with welcoming smiles all around, and its menu includes all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and sweets. Their handcut home-fried potatoes with onions alone are worth a stop. Out front there’s a chalkboard with positive affirmations written in different colors, and they reminded me of how lucky I was to be up on two wheels on a gorgeous day.

By the time I returned home, I’d only ridden 89 miles, but the $10 I spent was a bargain for a great day of exploring hills, lakes, and curves.

See all of Rider‘s touring stories here.

It’s no secret that full-face helmets provide better crash and weather protection than open-face helmets. However, it’s inconvenient to peel your helmet off every time you stop for a drink or need to talk to your riding partner. A modular helmet lets riders have the best of both worlds.

The chinbar on modular helmets provides most of the safety of a full-face helmet but also allows riders to flip up the chinbar when stopped for a quick chat or a smoke – wait, does anyone do that anymore? Modular helmets also allow for other conveniences like a drop-down sunshield and a Bluetooth communications system (usually optional).

To be sold in the U.S., helmets must meet safety standards set by the Department of Transportation. All the helmets on this list meet those requirements, indicated by the DOT sticker on the back, and some even meet the requirements of stricter ECE standards.

If you’re considering a modular helmet, this list was curated for you. Each helmet has different features, styles, prices, and weights, so we’ve boiled all of that down for a quick comparison to help you find the helmet that best suits your needs. More color options and details are available on the manufacturers’ websites, but this list should give you an idea of the options available to you. Ride safe, and ride on!

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

AGV SportModular Modular Helmet

The AGV SportModular combines the convenience of a flip-up helmet with the lightness and strength of a carbon-fiber shell, offering the same impact absorption as AGV’s top-of-the-line racing helmets. The interior has a multi-density EPS liner and a removable, washable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial comfort liner with a reversible crown pad (one side breathes and the other insulates). The faceshield is Pinlock-equipped, scratch resistant, and locking, and a drop-down sunshield is also included. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $859.95. Weight: 3.2 lb (size M).

Fly Racing Odyssey Adventure Modular Helmet

The Fly Racing Odyssey Adventure can be used for both ADV riding and street riding, with a flip-up chinbar and a removable peak visor. It features a polycarbonate outer shell and a dual-density EPS liner. The moisture-wicking Quick-Dry liner is removable and washable. The faceshield has a hard coating to resist scratches and a fog-resistant interior coating. A drop-down sunshield is also included. Vents in the chinbar and crown, along with an exhaust vent in the rear spoiler, provide comfortable airflow. Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $279.95. Weight: 4.3 lb (size M).

GMAX MD-01 Modular Helmet

The GMAX MD-01 was made for cross-country adventures, featuring eleven vents and a CoolMax liner to keep riders comfortable even on the hottest days. The exterior is a poly alloy shell, while the SpaSoft interior works to wick moisture away. A multifunction integrated LED rear light ensures you’ll be seen by traffic. Also included are a drop-down sunshield with an anti-fog coating, a breath deflector, a chin curtain, and speaker pockets. This helmet is DOT and ECE approved. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $219.95. Weight: 4.1 lb (size L). 

HJC i100 Modular Helmet

HJC’s i100 is different than other modular helmets in that it features a full-rotation chinbar for both open- and full-face riding modes, and it’s P/J homologated for both. An integrated sunvisor is cable-operated from the left side of the shell, which is composed of HJC’s Advanced Polycarbonate material. The i100 is engineered with optimal balance and weight distribution for all-day riding comfort and connects with the SMART HJC Bluetooth systems (10B and 20B). Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $319.99. Weight: 4.1 lb (size M).

HJC RPHA 91 Modular Helmet

The top-of-the-line HJC RPHA 91 features a Premium Integrated Matrix EVO shell to enhance shock resistance, a distortion-free faceshield with increased peripheral view, and a drop-down sunshield. The chinbar has a hidden closure point for smooth contact and less pressure in the cheek area, and the 3D-engineered interior reduces wind noise. The RPHA 91 is compatible with the second-gen Smart HJC Bluetooth system and other comms systems. Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $549.99. Weight: 3.8 lb (size M).

Schuberth C5 Modular Helmet

Schuberth’s C5 is a clean-sheet design that’s a leap forward in comfort, fit, and function. The shell is made of DFP fiberglass reinforced with a basalt layer for strength, and the EPS liner provides improved shock absorption. It meets the latest ECE 22.06 helmet safety standard and is homologated for use in both the open and closed positions. It has a washable comfort interior, a washable chin filter, customizable internal padding, a drop-down sunshield, and pre-installed hardware for the SC2 comms system. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $749. Weight: 3.6 lb (size M).

Scorpion EXO-AT950 Modular Helmet

Functioning as both a full-face ADV helmet and a touring helmet, the Scorpion EXO-AT950 features a polycarbonate outer shell, a dual-density EPS layer, and a removable peak visor. The oversized eye port provides better peripheral and downward visibility. A drop-down sunshield is included, and the removable and washable KwikWick II liner helps keep the rider comfortable. Removing the no-fog Everclear faceshield allows goggles to be worn for off-road use. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $274.95. Weight: 3.9 lb (size M).

Scorpion EXO-GT930 Transformer Modular Helmet

The Scorpion EXO-GT930 Transformer can be used as either a modular or an open-face helmet. The chinbar and faceshield are removable, the included peak visor can be added in open-face mode, and the drop-down sunshield can be used in either mode. The shell is polycarbonate, and the multidensity EPS liner absorbs impact energy. On the inside, the KwikWick liner is removable and washable. This helmet integrates with the Exo-Com comms system and is compatible with other comms systems. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $249.95. Weight: 3.8 lb (size L).

Sedici Sistema II Modular Helmet

The Sedici Sistema II features an outer shell made of fiberglass and aramid fiber, and the dual-density EPS liner is channeled for efficient airflow. The sunshield is easily deployed with a glove-friendly slider, and it has a moisture-wicking, removable, and washable interior with antimicrobial treatment. Fit is customizable with small panels of padding at the forehead and temples. Ventilation is provided by a forehead intake vent, a chin vent, and three rear exhaust vents. Available in sizes XS-3XL starting at $259.99. Weight: 3.7 lb (size L).

SMK Gullwing Modular Helmet

SMK’s Gullwing features P/J homologation that allows it to be used in both open and closed positions. The Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic shell has an abrasion-resistant finish, the interior comfort liner is anti-static and moisture-wicking, fit is intermediate oval, and there are crown, chin, and rear vents. The faceshield is double-glass, extra-wide, and ready for the included Pinlock 70 anti-fog lens. It also features a retractable sunshield, wind stops, a breath deflector, and a quick-release strap. Available in sizes S-4XL starting at $155.99. Weight: 3.8 lb (size L).