Archive for the ‘custom motorcycle’ Category

Custom motorcycle tank 2025 ijustwant2ride

When it comes to customizing a motorcycle, the tank is more than just a fuel reservoir—it’s a canvas for creativity, craftsmanship, and personal style. For 2025, I scoured the web and handpicked 14 standout tanks, narrowing the list to my top 9 favorites. Each tank on this list caught my eye for its unique design, stunning paintwork, and exceptional build quality.

Why These Tanks Stand Out
  • Design Innovation: From bold graphics to subtle lines, these tanks push the boundaries of what’s possible in motorcycle aesthetics.
  • Craftsmanship: Attention to detail and quality materials set these tanks apart from the rest.
  • Personal Expression: Whether you prefer classic looks or modern flair, there’s something here for every rider.
My Selection Process

I started with a yearlong search, looking for tanks that offered something truly special. After reviewing a dozen or so motorcycle tanks that made the final list, I focused on those that combined artistry with functionality. The final 9 represent the best of both worlds—tanks that not only look great but appear built to last.

Let’s Hear From You!

These tanks may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they work for me. Do you have a favorite from the list? Or is there a tank you think deserves a spot? Drop a comment below or connect with me on social media—I love hearing from fellow riders!

Motorcycle with artistic, hand-painted bodywork and sculptural elements, featured among the strangest motorcycles of 202

Every year I post my list of weird, strange, WTF motorcycles.   This year there were not as many weird or strange motorcycles out there as in the past. But I found these through the year.

How do I find them the weird, I just stumble upon these as I fool around on X, Facebook, Reddit, etc..

I just did not find a lot over the last year that I had not already used but there were a few weird motorcycles that did not make the cut. It is likely that those will be sprinkled around the IJUSTWAN2RIDE Facebook page.

So, without further ado I present the 9 Weird Motorcycles for 2025!  Which one is your favorite?

Connect With IJUSTWAN2RIDE: Share Your Favorite Weird Motorcycle

Ijustwant2ride
image supplied by Steet Iron Gear

If you’ve spent any time on the road lately, you’ve likely seen the three-wheeled silhouette that turns heads and sparks questions at every gas station. For some, it’s a curiosity; for those of us in the saddle, it’s a lifestyle.

I started my riding journey at 35 on two wheels, searching for a stress-relief valve for a life filled with the beautiful chaos of raising triplet boys and juggling a full-time career with college. After 16 years of navigating cruisers and adventure bikes, I found myself riding less. The hilly, twisty roads of Southeast Ohio that I once loved started to feel more anxious than adventurous.

Then came the change. I moved from two wheels to three with a 21 Can-Am Spyder RT, and suddenly, the world opened again. My “knees were in the wind,” but my mind was finally present.

That transition wasn’t just about a more stable machine; it was an entry into one of the most vibrant, inclusive, and creative communities in the powersports world. Whether you’re on a touring Spyder or a stripped-down Ryker, “Can-Am Life” is about a shared passion that bridges the gap between traditional motorcycling and a new era of open-road freedom.

The Community: Clubs, Chapters, and the “Grand Central”

The biggest misconception about three-wheelers is that we’re a solitary bunch. The reality is that the Can-Am motorcycle community is one of the most organized supportive networks on the road. The cornerstone of this life is the US Spyder Ryders, a national organization with local chapters across the country. These groups aren’t just about Sunday morning rides; they are collaborative environments that focus on community impact and charitable events.

For those of us who live in the digital space between rides, groups like Can-Am Trike Grand Central on Facebook serve as our digital clubhouse. It’s a place where you can ask about technical mods at 2:00 AM or share a photo of your latest custom look and get instant feedback from people who genuinely share your passion.

This inclusiveness is what makes the culture so special—it doesn’t matter if you’re a 40-year veteran like my husband or a brand-new rider; you are part of the family.

The Major Leagues: Deadwood, SpyderQuest, and Maggie Valley

If you want to see the Can-Am motorcycle life in full color, you must attend the major rallies. These aren’t just “bike shows”; they are pilgrimages.

  • The Deadwood 3-Wheeler Rally (D3WR): Held in the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota, this event is a bucket-list item. Organized by the First Gold Gaming Resort, it brings hundreds of 3-wheel motorcycles to the Black Hills for guided rides through Spearfish Canyon and a legendary “Night Trike Parade” down Main Street.
  • SpyderQuest: Located in the beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY, this event is a premier destination for Northeastern riders. It’s a heavily collaborative event, often supported by valued sponsors like Seymour’s Motorized Sports, and it focuses on camaraderie and scenic rides through the Adirondacks.
  • Maggie Valley Spyder Adventures: For those of us who love the Smokies, Maggie Valley is home. This event is hosted by Value-Accessories and is a massive draw for people looking to tackle the Blue Ridge Parkway. It feels less like a corporate event and more like a massive family reunion centered around the winding roads of North Carolina.
Customization: Paint, Pinstripes, and the Art of the Wrap

While the events are the heartbeat of the community, the machines themselves are the soul. The level of customization in the Can-Am motorcycle world is staggering, but the approach often depends on which model you’re riding.

The Spyder: Classic Craftsmanship

Owners of the Can-Am Spyder tend to lean toward more traditional, high-end finishing techniques. Because the Spyder is a larger, more touring-oriented machine, it serves as a perfect canvas for custom paint and intricate pinstriping.

A talented pinstriper can accentuate the Spyder’s aerodynamic lines, adding a touch of classic “Kustom Kulture” that makes each machine a one-of-a-kind work of art. These riders often prefer the permanence and depth of hand-painted graphics to highlight their personal style.

The Ryker Sub-Culture: A World of Wraps

On the other side of the garage, the Can-Am Ryker has spawned an entirely different sub-culture. The Ryker is built for individual expression, and its owners have embraced custom vinyl wraps with religious fervor. The ease of swapping panels means a Ryker can be a “Black Panther” theme one month and a vibrant neon graffiti design the next.

Wrapping is so central to the Ryker identity that it has become a DIY movement, with riders constantly pushing the limits of color and texture to stand out in the urban landscape.

Lighting the Way: LEDs for Every Rider

Despite the differences in “skin,” both Spyder and Ryker “ryders: share a common obsession: colored LED lighting. Adding accent lights isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a safety mod that turns the machine into a glowing presence after dark.

From Underglow LED kits that illuminate the pavement to sequential fender lights and A-arm LEDs, lighting allows us to showcase every contour of our machines.

Presence in the Moment

My husband still rides his Yamaha Venture touring motorcycle, and we travel together, mostly as day-trippers for now, though our long-distance dreams are growing. Transitioning to a Can-Am didn’t take me away from the motorcycle world; it gave me back my place in it. It allowed me to be present—to truly appreciate the gifts of this amazing world without the physical anxiety associated with being on two wheels.

The Can-Am motorcycle life is more than just having an extra wheel. It’s about a community that welcomes everyone, a culture that celebrates individual creativity through pinstripes and wraps, and a lifestyle that ensures no one is ever left behind in the garage.

Whether you’re looking for a stress-relief valve or a new way to explore the Smoky Mountains, you may just find that Can-Am Trikes are the answer.

Ride a Can-Am…what are your thoughts on the Spyder-life?

Tara McLoughlin is the founder of StreetIronGear.com, a 25-year veteran of business operations management, and a dedicated rider who began her journey on two wheels at age 35. After 16 years on cruisers and adventure bikes, she transitioned to a Can-Am Spyder RT to stay confident on the steep terrain of rural Southeast Ohio. A mother of adult triplets, she views riding as a vital way to stay present and appreciate life. Through her store, she provides customizable gear for the motorcycle and Can-Am trike communities and gives back by sponsoring 10+ Can-Am and motorcycle events annually.

Where to find Street Iron Gear.

Website (store): streetirongear.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StreetIronGear

Facebook Group: Can-Am Trike Grand Central https://www.facebook.com/groups/887245937578434

Instagram: @StreetIronGear

X: https://x.com/StreetIronGear

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/street-iron-gear/

YouTube: @StreetIronGear

TikTok: @street.iron.gear

Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.

Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.

If you are US based, use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.

If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V798000

Manufacturer Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ninja ZX-6R, ZX-6R KRT Edition, ZX-6R KRT 40th Anniversary Edition ABS, ZX-6R ABS, and ZX-6R KRT Edition ABS motorcycles. The motorcycles may lose engine power during operation due to seizure of a metal crankshaft bushing.

Remedy Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. The remedy is currently under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Motorcycles in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 25V376 will need to have the new remedy performed, once available. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at (855) 878-4217.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V778000

Manufacturer Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2018-2022 XMAX scooters. The camshaft retainer bolt may loosen and not properly secure the camshaft, resulting in an engine stall.

Remedy Owners are advised not to ride their scooter until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will install a new camshaft plate kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 20, 2025. Owners may contact Yamaha’s customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990184. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 24, 2025.

*****

RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE

A vintage Honda Trail 90 motorcycle from the 1970s.
Teenagers riding motorcycles in the 1970s.
A family enjoying a motorcycle adventure in the 70s.
Motorcycle enthusiasts exploring new places in the 1970s.
A nostalgic scene of 1970s motorcycle culture.

The 1970s was a fantastic era for motorcycle enthusiasts! Kids, parents, grandparents, and hippies—everyone either rode or knew someone who did.

As a teenager during the ’70s, I rode almost every day, as long as the weather was even slightly cooperative. My dad had a Honda Trail 90 and would take my friends and me to explore new and exciting places. 

I am glad I grew up in that time when motorcycles and motorcycling were in their ascendancy.

Do you have any special motorcycle memories from the 1970’s?

RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE

*****

Yes, chrome does not get you home. But it does look good! Check out my latest purchase of a chrome part for my motorcycle.

ijustwant2ride
What you need to Know: Motorcycle Racing is Nearly Here

The first races of the motorcycle racing seasons are fast approaching. Here is a list of the first race of each of the major promotions.

MotoGP – March 2nd Grand Prix of Thailand

World Superbike – February 22nd Australian Round

MotoAmerica – March 29th Circuit of the Americas

American Flat Track – March 6th Daytona

Daytona 200 – March 7th

My Take: Winter may not be over yet, but sun rays of hope are flickering.  The start of Supercross racing just stoked my motorcycle racing appetite. BSB and Isle of Mann start in May.

I have plans, don’t we all, to attend at least one MotoAmerica race this year after missing out in 2024.

What you need to know: 50 Years of Honda Gold Wing at Daytona Bike Week

From a Honda Press Release:

  • Pop-up museum to document legendary touring model’s rich history
  • Schedule includes a host of customer-focused activities
  • Also planned: demo rides with Gold Wings and other Honda on-road bikes

American Honda announced today an expanded activation area at the upcoming Bike Week event in Daytona Beach, Florida, celebrating 50 Years of Flight with the Gold Wing touring bike. Situated outside Daytona Speedway from February 28 to March 9, the space will cover a total of nearly 32,000 square feet and will include a massive display tent and a demo-ride staging area.

Earlier this month, Honda unveiled the 2025 Gold Wing platform, which features special colors and logos commemorating the iconic model’s half-century milestone.

My Take: 50 Years of the Gold Wing!  I think it is great that Honda is doing something like this, taking a page from the Harley Davidson playbook.  If I have to buy another touring bike, I am going to take a hard look at the new Wing. 

How about the weird and strange from 2024. Now I will admit they are not as weird or strange as motorcycles from years past but still weird and strange.

My favorite is the stainless-steel bike, which one do you like best?

best of

Every year I like to make a post on what I think are the best motorcycle related posters. Most are for events, but some can be works of art. This year I started with 17 very neat posters and worked it down to the 9 best motorcycle posters for 2024.

Which one is your favorite? Do you have one that I missed?

Like the motorcycle tank art post, it was a slim year for new, crazy motorcycle helmets.  Just not a lot out there, a few of the ones I collected during the year I had already used, not good.

But in the end, I did find 9 that fit the bill.   Not sure I would use many of these helmets, but they are definitely crazy.