Jonathan Handler - Ultimate Motorcycling Author

Cortech Versa-Flo Jacket Review [Ready for Summer and More]

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 06:32:07 +0000

Rumor has it that Summer is almost here after a long, wet, cold Spring in Southern California. The Cortech Versa-Flo jacket may be the answer to upcoming hot days, with the added versatility of a waterproof and full-sleeve liner. It’s like two jackets in one, and the liner can extend the range of temperatures and […]

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Eyelights EyeRide Head Up Display + Bluetooth Remote Review

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 02:51:10 +0000

I’m amazed and impressed by all the new electronic gadgets for motorcycle riders that are appearing lately with greater regularity. If you think that the helmet systems you’ve seen over the past decade are the pinnacle of modern gadgetry, you would be wrong. Units from Cardo, Sena, and others that offer music, FM radio, telephone, […]

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Sena SRL3 Intercom Review [For Shoei Neotec 3 and GT-Air 3]

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:22:29 +0000

Shoei has recently released the new Neotec 3 modular helmet in the US market, and it is intercom-ready via the new Sena SRL3 helmet communications device. Shoei’s outgoing Neotec II and GT-Air II were also intercom-ready utilizing the Sena SRL2 and SRL-Mesh units, so it is no surprise that the latest iteration of these popular […]

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2024 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS Test To Death Valley

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 24 May 2024 08:22:13 +0000

Friday at 0730. It’s cold, rain is predicted, and we’ve mountains to ride over on our long-planned Death Valley trip. Thoughts of punking out enter my mind, but I’m committed to my riding brothers to make this trip. I wrap myself in my best Held Hakuna battle suit and boots, throw an electric vest underneath, […]

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Cortech Marquee Jacket Review [Swiss Army Knife in Leather]

Jonathan Handler — Wed, 15 May 2024 05:49:46 +0000

Cortech has a winner here in the Marquee leather jacket. I can probably shortcut this review by saying that this black leather jacket ticks all the boxes on my list of important features to include in a great item of apparel. The Cortech Marquee jacket is constructed of 1.0-1.2 mm drum-dyed cow leather that is […]

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2025 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm Lineup Review [GT and R Models]

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 13 May 2024 06:25:15 +0000

Triumph Motorcycles has been building Rocket 3 motorcycles for 20 years. Yet, somehow, I had never ridden one until I found myself in the Côte d’Azur on the 2025 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT and Storm R. After 150+ miles riding just about every type of road extant along the French Riviera, it turns out […]

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Shoei Neotec 3 Review [Modular Motorcycle Helmet Test]

Jonathan Handler — Wed, 08 May 2024 05:34:41 +0000

Shoei has again impressed with the third and latest iteration of its Neotec modular helmet—the Shoei Neotec 3. As I removed the helmet from the box and held it in hand, the Neotec 3 radiated quality and good looks. The finish is flawless, and the design is beautiful to my eye. I have spent many […]

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2025 Indian Scout Lineup Review [Five Models Road Tested]

Jonathan Handler — Thu, 02 May 2024 06:17:56 +0000

Indian Motorcycle has been around since 1901 and is the oldest active motorcycle manufacturer in the United States. Its history is diverse, and many know Indian for its heavyweight cruisers, touring bikes, and the sporty Scout. The newest iterations of the Indian Scout are 2025 models in five different flavors. I attended the Tennessee launch […]

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Rider Shield 360 Ride Vision 2 Pro Review [Proximity Alert System]

Jonathan Handler — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 07:56:23 +0000

Ride Vision 2 Pro by Rider Shield 360 is an alert system that provides forward collision, blind spot, overtaking, and distance-keeping warnings, plus front and rear cameras to record up to three-hour videos of your ride. The system consists of an array of red and yellow LEDs on both mirrors, front and rear cameras, and […]

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Ultimate Motorcycling 20th Anniversary; Jonathan Handler Reflects

Jonathan Handler — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:33:29 +0000

2024 marks Ultimate Motorcycling’s 20th anniversary, and I’m proud and happy to be involved. It’s been 11 years since I wrote my first review, and I’m still as excited to have, arguably, one of the lowest-paying yet highest-reward jobs any motorcyclist can have. Editor’s Note: This month, we are celebrating Ultimate Motorcycling‘s 20th anniversary. We will be […]

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Sena SRL-Mesh for Shoei Helmets Review [Mesh Intercom Unit]

Jonathan Handler — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:11:54 +0000

Sena has addressed the rising demand for mesh intercom by introducing the SRL-Mesh, a mesh radio-enabled communications unit for three Shoei motorcycle helmets—the Neotec II, GT-Air II, and J-Cruise II. Previously, Sena offered the SRL and then the SRL2 communicators for these same helmets. The SRL2 utilized the then-current Sena 20S DNA. I had speculated […]

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Schuberth C5 Carbon Review [Schuberth Performance Helmet]

Jonathan Handler — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 06:31:27 +0000

Based on many years of riding in Schuberth helmets, I know any new model will be a serious addition to the company’s impressive lineup. I base this statement on Schuberth’s history of long development times, limited models, and incremental improvements to its helmet while in production. The just-released Schuberth Performance C5 Carbon is old and […]

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Bolid’ster Ride’ster V Review [Motorcycle Riding Jeans]

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:01:01 +0000

Bolid’ster, the French maker of armored riding jeans incorporating the Armalith 2.0 abrasion-resistant fabric, has recently released the Ride’ster V, their latest vintage-look offering in a line-up that now spans 11 models. Armalith is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, making up 43 percent of the pants. It is woven with cotton (50 percent) for comfort and […]

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Cardo Cross-Brand Intercom Firmware Update Report: It Works!

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 07:06:44 +0000

In September 2023, I wrote about Cardo’s claim that it had solved cross-brand mesh intercom compatibility with Sena’s mesh devices. After the long holiday delay, I set my sights on proving this, one way or the other. My first try failed, and the helpful tech support at Cardo worked with me on a solution. The […]

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Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Boots Review [On- and Off-Motorcycle]

Jonathan Handler — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 02:36:26 +0000

Form and function live beautifully together in the Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 boots. When I took a pair to Munich earlier this year for the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane launch, little did I know that they would become my latest go-to boots for much of my cruiser and around-town riding—they are that good. While […]

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Cardo Adapter For Shoei Helmets Review [Upgrade To Mesh]

Jonathan Handler — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:44:28 +0000

There’s a new intercom choice for Shoei GT-Air II, Neotec II, and J-Cruise II helmet owners—the Cardo Adapter For Shoei Helmets. The three Shoei helmets are delivered ready to mount a Sena-derived SRL, SRL 2, or SRL Mesh Bluetooth (BT) helmet-to-helmet intercom, and the attendant speakers, microphone, and BT module/battery. The helmets have an accommodation […]

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Sena 50R Review [Motorcycle Helmet Mesh Intercom Headset]

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 09:29:18 +0000

The Sena 50R mesh intercom headset has been around for a while. It’s the top of Sena’s extensive motorcycling helmet communicator range, standing side-by-side with the 50S. They differ only in switchgear—the 50R has three buttons for the main controls plus the mesh intercom button on the back edge, while the 50S replaces the three […]

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2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years Review [Weekend Love Affair]

Jonathan Handler — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:39:38 +0000

The 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years limited edition is the top of this year’s nineT range, and it is drop-dead gorgeous. I usually give people wide latitude when it comes to their personal taste versus mine or any others, but if you don’t agree that this roadster is a knockout, then we likely can’t […]

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Further: Silver, Pewter, and Purple | Thoughts On Motorcycling

Jonathan Handler — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:40:14 +0000

I once bought a bike through an online auction. It was in superb condition and needed nothing but an oil change. To my eye, it was one of the ugliest paint jobs ever perpetrated on a motor vehicle and, perhaps for that reason, I was the only bidder and got it for a price that […]

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Sena MeshPort Blue Review: Bluetooth to Mesh Intercom Adapter

Jonathan Handler — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 07:07:44 +0000

The Sena MeshPort Blue Bluetooth (BT) from Sena Industrial is an easy-to-use device that allows non-Sena Bluetooth-only helmet-to-helmet intercoms to connect to a Sena mesh group. Before this, I reviewed the Sena +Mesh. Although the Sena +Mesh looks identical to the MeshPort Blue, the +Mesh allows Sena Bluetooth-only intercom units to connect to Sena mesh […]

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Spidi Furious Pro Jeans Review: Technical Motorcycle Denim

Jonathan Handler — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 07:34:44 +0000

For the most part, Southern California weather is so nice year-round that I now ride in armored motorcycle riding jeans almost exclusively. Purpose-built touring and adventure pants wait in the closet for the occasional long-distance tour or ride in inclement weather. Denim-based technical motorcycle jeans are comfortable for all-day wear, cool on hot days, warm […]

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Xpd X-Nashville Boots Review

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 12:22:42 +0000

As far as my favorite riding apparel goes, boots are second only to leather jackets. There is something about the look and feel of fine footwear to rev my heart. Xpd X-Nashville motorcycle boots do just that, and at a nice price point of $270. Sure, you can spend double that on some boots, yet […]

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BMW Motorrad Days Americas 2023 at Barber Vintage Festival

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 01:30:40 +0000

I hardly know where to start when telling the story of the BMW Motorrad Days Americas 2023, held in partnership with the Barber Vintage Festival at Barber Motorsports Park. The mind-blowing celebratory event began with the unveiling of the all-new, highly anticipated BMW R 1300 GS. Few companies make it to the 100-year mark, and […]

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Cardo Cross-Brand Intercom Update [Exclusive Report]

Jonathan Handler — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:35:04 +0000

Cardo Systems has announced that it has made further inroads into cross-brand intercom compatibility—specifically between Cardo and Sena helmet-to-helmet communication devices. Past communiques have referred to compatibility with UClear, Midland, and Daytona. I’ve been reviewing Bluetooth (BT) communicators for 10 years and have often voiced my desire for an open standard on which all BT […]

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Schuberth S3 Helmet Review [Full-Face Protection from Germany]

Jonathan Handler — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:02:57 +0000

The new and refined Schuberth S3 helmet has arrived in the US, offering much more than its predecessors—the S2 Sport model from 2017 and the S2 over a decade ago. Schuberth is best known for modular-style helmets, and the S model range, now just the S3, is Schuberth’s only full-face helmet, a direct descendent from […]

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