Lance Oliver
@theridesofar.com
Writer, rider, usually combining the two. Managing Editor at Common Tread (RevZilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles). Expect motorcycle stuff, random observations, maybe a cat photo.
www.revzilla.com/common-tread
www.theridesofar.com
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The new limited-edition Ducati Formula 73 is an homage to the Paul Smart 1972 race bike that was the first Ducati to have desmodromic valves. See it at Common Tread. #motorcycle news; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
2026 Ducati Formula 73 first look: The Scrambler goes Paul Smart - RevZilla
The limited-edition Ducati Formula 73 pays homage to the 1972 race bike that was the first Ducati motorcycle to have desmodromic valves.
www.revzilla.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:04 PM
The new limited-edition Ducati Formula 73 is an homage to the Paul Smart 1972 race bike that was the first Ducati to have desmodromic valves. See it at Common Tread. #motorcycle news; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
WERA racer Melissa Berkoff makes her Common Tread debut as a writer today. See her test of the new fifth-generation Ducati Monster. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
2026 Ducati Monster+ first ride review - RevZilla
The fifth generation of the popular Monster gets Ducati's lightweight V2 engine and a host of electronic rider aids, adding up to a versatile street motorcycle.
www.revzilla.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:08 PM
WERA racer Melissa Berkoff makes her Common Tread debut as a writer today. See her test of the new fifth-generation Ducati Monster. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Good way to freshen up on your history of the Daytona 200 as we start thinking about this year's race.
February 11, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Good way to freshen up on your history of the Daytona 200 as we start thinking about this year's race.
Today at Common Tread, our monthly look at some of the best custom motorcycles being built around the world. Including a dual-engine Royal Enfield. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Custom roundup: A four-cylinder Enfield, an irregular XSR700, and a timely Brough Superior - RevZilla
A dual-engine Royal Enfield, a unique XSR700, and a limited-edition production bike with a watchmaker theme are in this month's selection of customs.
www.revzilla.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Today at Common Tread, our monthly look at some of the best custom motorcycles being built around the world. Including a dual-engine Royal Enfield. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Today at Common Tread, new Indian Motorcycle CEO Mike Kennedy outlines the company strategy under its new ownership. No lightweight or beginner bikes, no expansion into new market segments, no electric. Just big cruisers. Oh, and trikes. #motorcycle news; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Indian's new strategy: Like the old strategy, but with trikes - RevZilla
New CEO of Indian Motorcycle under its new ownership says the company will focus on its traditional heavyweight cruiser and touring models.
www.revzilla.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:52 AM
Today at Common Tread, new Indian Motorcycle CEO Mike Kennedy outlines the company strategy under its new ownership. No lightweight or beginner bikes, no expansion into new market segments, no electric. Just big cruisers. Oh, and trikes. #motorcycle news; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Talking about Bad Bunny's halftime show, President Trump said "nobody understood a word he said," making it clear who he considers the nobodies of the world. Me included.
February 9, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Talking about Bad Bunny's halftime show, President Trump said "nobody understood a word he said," making it clear who he considers the nobodies of the world. Me included.
I wish I had a good owl photo for #SuperbOwlSunday but I'm not that good a photographer. How about a seasonally appropriate photo of this Cooper's hawk riding out a snowstorm? No, not a sea hawk. #Birds 🦉
February 8, 2026 at 4:49 PM
I wish I had a good owl photo for #SuperbOwlSunday but I'm not that good a photographer. How about a seasonally appropriate photo of this Cooper's hawk riding out a snowstorm? No, not a sea hawk. #Birds 🦉
Weekend #motorcycle reading from the archives. My colleague Ari Henning called it "the stupidest saying in motorcycling." I called it "the last dangerous myth." We're both talking about riders who crash and then claim "I had to lay it down." #motosky theridesofar.com/2022/12/the-...
The last dangerous myth: “I had to lay it down” – The Ride So Far
theridesofar.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Weekend #motorcycle reading from the archives. My colleague Ari Henning called it "the stupidest saying in motorcycling." I called it "the last dangerous myth." We're both talking about riders who crash and then claim "I had to lay it down." #motosky theridesofar.com/2022/12/the-...
The Yamaha WR125R is clearly built for world markets where license restrictions come into play and places where 125 cc motorcycles are workhorse transport. Can it find success in the U.S.? See our test ride today at Common Tread. #motorcycle news & reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
2026 Yamaha WR125R first ride review - RevZilla
Yamaha's 2026 WR125R packs a lot of technology into a small, affordable package. Could this be the best beginner dual-sport on the market?
www.revzilla.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:20 PM
The Yamaha WR125R is clearly built for world markets where license restrictions come into play and places where 125 cc motorcycles are workhorse transport. Can it find success in the U.S.? See our test ride today at Common Tread. #motorcycle news & reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
KTM may have a new corporate name and new management, but it still faces the same troubles. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
KTM's struggles continue under Bajaj ownership - RevZilla
Employee layoffs and weak sales are signs of the continuing problems at KTM under new Bajaj ownership.
www.revzilla.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:09 PM
KTM may have a new corporate name and new management, but it still faces the same troubles. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Today at Common Tread, we get a first test ride on the new Triumph Trident 800. If the Street Triple has gotten a little too sharp-edged for you but you like that middleweight three-cylinder formula, here's your roadster. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
2026 Triumph Trident 800 first ride review - RevZilla
The new Triumph Trident 800 fills the role of a street-focused middleweight motorcycle, formerly held in the lineup by the Street Triple.
www.revzilla.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Today at Common Tread, we get a first test ride on the new Triumph Trident 800. If the Street Triple has gotten a little too sharp-edged for you but you like that middleweight three-cylinder formula, here's your roadster. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Sales of new motorcycles dropped 7.6% in 2025 in the United States while sales were up in many other countries. What's the difference? I have some opinions in today's story on Common Tread. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
U.S. motorcycle sales dropped 7.6% in 2025 - RevZilla
Another year of weak sales of new motorcycles reflects not just current economic pressures, but also the fact that motorcycling remains outside the mainstream.
www.revzilla.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Sales of new motorcycles dropped 7.6% in 2025 in the United States while sales were up in many other countries. What's the difference? I have some opinions in today's story on Common Tread. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Two facts I find amazing: 1) 125 years since its founding, Indian Motorcycles has been around for half of all U.S. history; 2) the Indian trademark has now changed hands 19 times. The latest sale closed today. #motosky #motorcycle news at Common Tread www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Ownership of Indian Motorcycles officially changes hands - RevZilla
The sale by Polaris of a majority stake in the Indian Motorcycle Company completes ahead of schedule, with new owners Carolwood LP taking control.
www.revzilla.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:10 AM
Two facts I find amazing: 1) 125 years since its founding, Indian Motorcycles has been around for half of all U.S. history; 2) the Indian trademark has now changed hands 19 times. The latest sale closed today. #motosky #motorcycle news at Common Tread www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
At Common Tread, we see the stats. So many new and aspiring #motorcycle riders are searching for info on buying their first bike. Here's our updated advice. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
The best beginner motorcycles of 2026 — and alternatives - RevZilla
The Common Tread staff picks their top choices for a motorcycle for a new rider and also provides some less expensive used alternatives.
www.revzilla.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:55 PM
At Common Tread, we see the stats. So many new and aspiring #motorcycle riders are searching for info on buying their first bike. Here's our updated advice. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Weekend #motorcycle reading from the archives: That time I tested a $43,000, 838-pound Harley-Davidson on the track. Fortunately, it was less of a handful than it sounds like. #motosky theridesofar.com/2024/03/2024... 📷 = Brian J. Nelson
January 31, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Weekend #motorcycle reading from the archives: That time I tested a $43,000, 838-pound Harley-Davidson on the track. Fortunately, it was less of a handful than it sounds like. #motosky theridesofar.com/2024/03/2024... 📷 = Brian J. Nelson
Today at Common Tread, a tale about that time the Mojave Desert swallowed the rear end of Spurgeon's BMW F 900 GS. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
The Midnight Sun in the Mojave Desert: A BMW F 900 GS fever dream - RevZilla
Can a BMW F 900 GS handle the deep sand and abandoned trails of the Mojave? Lessons learned from a solo desert mishap on the dirt route from Las Vegas to L.A.
www.revzilla.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Today at Common Tread, a tale about that time the Mojave Desert swallowed the rear end of Spurgeon's BMW F 900 GS. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Backlash against electric bicycles has been growing and several states are considering more restrictions. New Jersey just passed a law that treats some e-bikes the same as motorcycles. Will this affect the #motorcycle industry? See my take at Common Tread. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Will stricter laws on electric bicycles hurt or help motorcycling? - RevZilla
Growing backlash to electric bicycles is leading some states to enact stricter laws. Will the motorcycle industry benefit or be harmed by the changes?
www.revzilla.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Backlash against electric bicycles has been growing and several states are considering more restrictions. New Jersey just passed a law that treats some e-bikes the same as motorcycles. Will this affect the #motorcycle industry? See my take at Common Tread. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
There's always some amazing #motorcycle riding in the annual Republic Day Parade in India. See the video today at Common Tread. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Video: Amazing motorcycle stunts in India's Republic Day Parade - RevZilla
Motorized military officers performing amazing feats is an annual part of the Republic Day Parade in India. See the video.
www.revzilla.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:00 PM
There's always some amazing #motorcycle riding in the annual Republic Day Parade in India. See the video today at Common Tread. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
It's been a wild off-season in MotoAmerica (more on that later) and one big surprise was not a rider change but the dismissal of original employee Paul Carruthers. Now he's started a Substack and if you're interested in U.S. roadracing, it's probably worth checking out. carrutherssays.substack.com
Carruthers Says | Substack
Stories and conversations shaped by a lifetime in motorcycle racing. Click to read Carruthers Says, a Substack publication. Launched 3 days ago.
carrutherssays.substack.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:08 AM
It's been a wild off-season in MotoAmerica (more on that later) and one big surprise was not a rider change but the dismissal of original employee Paul Carruthers. Now he's started a Substack and if you're interested in U.S. roadracing, it's probably worth checking out. carrutherssays.substack.com
Does the 2026 limited-edition Triumph Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer look familiar? That's because it's basically the return of the discontinued Thruxton model. See it today at Common Tread. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
2026 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer Edition first look: The Thruxton revived? - RevZilla
Triumph's limited-edition Cafe Racer will look familiar to anyone who misses the British manufacturer's former Thruxton models.
www.revzilla.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Does the 2026 limited-edition Triumph Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer look familiar? That's because it's basically the return of the discontinued Thruxton model. See it today at Common Tread. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
I dug a tunnel so we'd at least have the option of going out the back door. If for some reason I'd want to go outside and freeze my face off. Like if the house was on fire. Maybe. #@WinterStormFern
January 27, 2026 at 7:59 PM
I dug a tunnel so we'd at least have the option of going out the back door. If for some reason I'd want to go outside and freeze my face off. Like if the house was on fire. Maybe. #@WinterStormFern
To mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Indian Motocycle Company, today's iteration of Indian is introducing the Chief Vintage, with style straight from the past. Today at Common Tread, Dustin takes a first ride. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
2026 Indian Chief Vintage first ride review - RevZilla
Marking the 125th anniversary of Indian's founding, the Chief Vintage give cruiser riders faithfully retro looks and enough performance to back the style.
www.revzilla.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:25 PM
To mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Indian Motocycle Company, today's iteration of Indian is introducing the Chief Vintage, with style straight from the past. Today at Common Tread, Dustin takes a first ride. #motorcycle news and reviews; #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
A re-entry rider gets a complimentary admission ticket. Who doesn't want a free #motorcycle? Now, wonder how much it's really going to cost. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Who wants a free bike? This guy. This guy right here. - RevZilla
When someone gives you a free motorcycle, the only two questions are how do I get it running and how much is this free bike going to cost me?
www.revzilla.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:03 PM
A re-entry rider gets a complimentary admission ticket. Who doesn't want a free #motorcycle? Now, wonder how much it's really going to cost. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
It's an old question with many right answers: What's the perfect number of motorcycles to have? How many do you really need? I chew over the topic in my latest post at The Ride So Far. #motorcycle stories; #motosky theridesofar.com/2026/01/how-...
January 24, 2026 at 4:05 PM
It's an old question with many right answers: What's the perfect number of motorcycles to have? How many do you really need? I chew over the topic in my latest post at The Ride So Far. #motorcycle stories; #motosky theridesofar.com/2026/01/how-...
Today at Common Tread, Zack Courts dives into onboard video and airbag data to try to understand the #motorcycle testing crash that sidelined him from riding for months. Even with the help of the technology, some answers are elusive. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
Crash course: Learning from airbag data and onboard video - RevZilla
Zack Courts delves into airbag data and video to investigate the cause of his crash on the KTM 990 RC R but some answers are still elusive.
www.revzilla.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Today at Common Tread, Zack Courts dives into onboard video and airbag data to try to understand the #motorcycle testing crash that sidelined him from riding for months. Even with the help of the technology, some answers are elusive. #motosky www.revzilla.com/common-tread...