Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Towing Equipment

Personal towing is growing in popularity across Indiana. Whether you’re hauling a boat to Lake Monroe, towing a pop-up camper to Brown County State Park, or moving equipment for a home project, setting up a safe and legal towing system is more important than ever.

With the right equipment and knowledge, Indiana’s roads—and weekend adventures—are wide open. This guide will walk you through how to choose the right towing equipment, follow Indiana-specific regulations, and stay safe behind the wheel.

Understanding the Basics of Towing Equipment

Before you shop for towing gear, it’s helpful to understand a few key terms:

  • Tongue Weight (TW): The downward force your trailer applies to the hitch.

  • Towing Capacity: The maximum weight your vehicle can tow safely, as specified by the manufacturer.

  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The total weight of your vehicle when fully loaded with cargo and passengers.

  • Trailer Towing: The act of pulling a trailer with a vehicle using a hitch.

  • Tow Hitch: A device installed on your vehicle that connects to and supports the trailer.

These terms form the foundation for selecting the proper gear for your towing needs.

Common Towing Equipment You May Need

A well-prepared towing setup typically includes the following components:

1. Ball Mounts

These connect your tow hitch to the trailer. Adjustable models make it easier to tow different types of trailers with varying tongue heights.

2. Tow Hitches

A strong, properly installed hitch is essential. For heavier loads, consider a weight-distributing hitch, which helps balance the load between the vehicle and trailer.

3. Safety Chains

Legally required in Indiana, safety chains act as a backup if the hitch connection fails. Always cross the chains under the hitch and attach them securely.

4. Lighting and Electrical Systems

Indiana law mandates functional lights on trailers. Brake lights, turn signals, and running lights must all work correctly. Reliable wiring harnesses and controllers from brands like Tekonsha and Hopkins are recommended.

How to Match Equipment to Your Vehicle and Trailer

Here’s how to ensure your gear matches your setup:

  • Verify Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity: This can be found in the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website.

  • Know Your Trailer’s GVWR: This helps ensure you stay within the vehicle’s limits.

  • Use the Correct Ball Size: Common sizes include 1-7/8″, 2″, and 2-5/16″. Choose the right match for your trailer coupler.

  • Adjust for Your Activity: Different types of towing (e.g., boat trailers vs. cargo haulers) may require different hitch strengths and accessories.

Example: If you’re towing a jet ski or fishing boat, your equipment must be rated above the total weight of the loaded trailer and include functioning lighting, brake control, and safety chains.

Towing Laws and Requirements in Indiana

Indiana has specific towing laws designed to keep drivers and roadways safe. Here are some important regulations to follow:

  • Braking Systems: Required for trailers weighing over 3,000 lbs.

  • Safety Chains: Mandatory on all trailers.

  • Lighting Requirements: Trailers must have working taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.

  • Trailer Width: Cannot exceed 8 feet 6 inches without a special permit.

  • Speed Limits: There are no specific lower limits for vehicles towing trailers in Indiana—follow posted limits and adjust for safety.

For the most current information, refer to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Towing Safety Tips

Personal towing can be simple and safe if you’re prepared. Follow these best practices:

  • Practice First: Drive with your trailer in an open area to get comfortable turning, stopping, and backing up.

  • Even Load Distribution: Prevent trailer sway by loading cargo evenly.

  • Check Equipment Before Every Trip: Inspect your hitch, ball mount, chains, and lighting for signs of wear or malfunction.

  • Drive Cautiously: Allow extra braking distance and take turns slowly.

  • Stay Weather-Aware: Wet or windy conditions can increase the risk of trailer sway.

Routine Maintenance for Towing Gear

Towing equipment needs regular attention to stay safe and functional:

  • Inspect Components Frequently: Look for corrosion, cracks, or loose bolts on your hitch and trailer.

  • Test Your Lights: Ensure all trailer lights are working properly before every trip.

  • Grease Moving Parts: Lubricate the hitch ball and coupler to reduce wear and improve operation.

  • Replace Weak Chains: Don’t take chances with rusty or undersized safety chains.

When to Call a Professional Towing Service

Even with the best planning, there are situations where professional assistance is the safest option. Call a certified towing provider if:

  • You experience a mechanical breakdown.

  • Your trailer is too large or heavy for your current vehicle.

  • You’re unsure how to safely hook up or operate your trailer setup.

Professionals are trained to manage towing scenarios efficiently and safely, especially in emergencies or when dealing with oversized equipment.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hauling gear for fun or necessity, towing opens up new possibilities for travel and adventure in Indiana. Choosing the right equipment, following state laws, and staying safety-minded will ensure a smooth ride every time.

When in doubt, reach out to a qualified towing expert who can guide you through setup, safety, and gear selection—so you can hit the road with total confidence.

How to Approach Free Wellness Programs for Your Company

As organizations strive to offer their employees modern health and wellness benefits, the costs can become prohibitively expensive. While it might be tempting for leadership to explore free workplace wellness programs as a means of reducing initial investment, several key considerations should be kept in mind before opting for free employee wellness initiatives.

Why Wellness Programs Offered Through Insurance May Not Be an Ideal Option

Though free wellness programs may seem attractive, they may come with limitations that compromise their effectiveness in improving employee health. Such programs do not meet all employees’ diverse needs effectively and fail to offer meaningful and personalized solutions.

The Problem of “Free” Solutions

One-size-fits-all Approach:
Free wellness programs tend to use generalized approaches that don’t take into account the needs and preferences of individual employees, leading to less engagement and minimal impact. Think of it like trying to force all your employees to wear matching t-shirts – they cut, style, and size may work for one may not work for another!

Overly Basic Information Instead of True Behavior Change:
“Free” programs often fail to address specific health conditions, which is problematic for employees with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or asthma who might find general advice and resources inadequate in meeting their individual needs. Furthermore, such programs lack data analytics expertise necessary for effectively evaluating and improving individual’s wellbeing.

Profit Motivation Leads to Conflict
Arguably, the largest issue with “free” programs? Profit Motive Conflict. Wellness programs offered “for free” by insurance companies tend to be driven by profit motive, creating potential conflicts of interest. “Free” programs often include hidden costs or are structured more to benefit the insurance company rather than actually improve employee health. Furthermore, quality is often sacrificed to reduce costs.

Limited Resources and Tools
Free wellness programs often lack the advanced tools and resources required to provide employees with effective support. While some of them offer basic educational materials or access to wellness apps, many do not provide more specialized services like health coaching or telemedicine that employees with complex health needs require in order to meet their wellness goals.

What about Health Coaching?
Health coaching is one of the many essential services often neglected in free wellness programs. Health coaches help individuals set and achieve personalized wellness goals by offering tailored plans, advice, and ongoing support – something which allows for long-term improvements in health outcomes.

Pros and Cons of Free Wellness Programs

Free programs do offer some advantages, including easy of access and prevention-minded programming. However, their drawbacks should not be overlooked. Limited resources, quality issues, and funding challenges could undermine their effectiveness. It is therefore wise to carefully assess whether these free programs align with your company’s health goals as well as meet all employee needs effectively.

Common “Free” Wellness Programs

Insurance companies typically provide wellness programs, disease management strategies, behavioral health resources, health screenings and telemedicine services as basic support services to their employees.

Similarly, many companies also provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), smoking cessation programs and financial wellness initiatives. While such initiatives may prove helpful, they are ad hoc at best and do not allow for tailored assistance.

When exploring free workplace wellness programs for your organization, it is essential to carefully weigh their advantages and disadvantages.

Top Employee Benefits Brokers Offering Comprehensive Wellness Programs

Benefits brokers who prioritize wellness programs understand the strategic necessity of offering holistic wellness solutions as more than a value-added service; rather it should be seen as essential to an organization. Wellness programs improve employee well-being, productivity and morale while simultaneously decreasing healthcare costs; therefore, teaming up with an employee benefits broker who places an emphasis on this aspect will have significant positive impacts on your organization.

This article will outline the advantages of engaging wellness-focused brokers, and present many, best-in-class, employee benefits brokers that specialize in this area.

Why Wellness Should Be Priority when Selecting an Employee Benefits Broker?

Selecting an employee benefits broker who prioritizes wellness is an investment with tangible returns: it creates opportunities to reduce healthcare costs, all while improving employee health.

Reduced Healthcare Costs
Wellness programs effectively tackle poor lifestyle habits that account for roughly 70% of healthcare costs, according to the CDC. For instance, sedentary employees incur an additional $1,313 in healthcare costs per year on average while smokers incur $2,056 on average – programs targeting behavioral change can significantly lower these expenses and lead to significant savings for employers.
Increased Productivity
Presenteeism–the phenomenon where employees come into work while feeling unwell or distracted–can wreak havoc with productivity. Smokers experience presenteeism 28% more often, 66% higher for unhealthy eaters and 50% more often among those who do not exercise regularly than others. Wellness programs designed to foster healthier behaviors can significantly decrease presenteeism while increasing overall productivity.
Improved Employee Morale
A well-crafted wellness program fosters an atmosphere of community, directly impacting employee morale. Organizations with strong wellness cultures see higher returns compared with peers without similar programs.
Experienced Guidance
Top brokers use their expertise in selecting wellness vendors for you organization’s specific needs, making selection easy with better outcomes and seamless selection processes. They can recommend programs specifically tailored for you!
Faster Implementation
Experienced brokers facilitate faster implementation by drawing upon existing vendor relationships and proven processes to ensure a smooth launch with immediate benefits for employees.
Cost Savings
Wellness-focused brokers can leverage vendor discounts, passing those savings along to clients. Moreover, showing dedication to wellness can result in favorable insurance underwriting and renewal rates for themselves and their clients. In fact, WellSteps has a full broker program offering discounted rates and add on services-just for brokers.
Customization
A generic wellness program often fails to produce meaningful change for employees. Brokers offering tailored solutions offer programs tailored specifically for your company culture and employee needs.

Pro Tip: Stay away from “free” wellness programs included with insurance packages as these tend to be generic and ineffective. Instead, invest in tailored programs which encourage sustainable behavior changes with long-term returns on investment.

How to Evaluate Wellness-Focused Brokers

Now that the case has been made for working with a broker-how do you choose? Consider the following areas when interviewing your wellness broker. Finding the right fit in a broker will ensure mutual trust and respect in the relationship leading to more collaboration and success.

Client and Culture Fit: Does the broker understand your company’s culture and objectives? Does their availability and approach to customer service fit your needs?
References: Check testimonials or ask for references you can contact directly. Review case studies from past clients when possible as they give an indication of what to expect as well as help avoid common pitfalls.
Cost and Expected Benefits: When determining the value of any wellness program, associated broker fees must be considered. When talking numbers and cost, be sure it is clear what services will be provided and compare initial investments against long-term savings potential.

Top brokers known for delivering innovative wellness solutions:

Ollis/Akers/Arney
Ollis/Akers/Arney has more than two decades of experience developing wellness programs tailored specifically to client cultures. Their services include:
Programs focused on physical, mental, financial and social wellness are offered. Regular data reviews allow us to tailor strategies accordingly and an annual Wellness Conference offers insights that are immediately implementable.
Nesso Group (Formerly Bongiovanni Insurance)
Nesso Group’s approach focuses on empowering employees while offering holistic wellness solutions. Their programs feature:
Individual corporate wellness partners for guidance and accountability; Spanish-speaking staff to increase accessibility; proven results such as increased productivity and decreased absenteeism mes 3. Epic Insurance Brokers & Consultants
EPIC
“The Well” initiative, offered by EPIC promotes behavioral modification through comprehensive, data-driven programs.
GBS
GBS enhances employee experiences with wellness programs that leverage advanced analytics. A few examples include:
Personal Health Coaching; On-site Screenings and Wellness Events, Comprehensive Rewards Consulting
Huntington Insurance
Huntington is dedicated to offering engaging wellness programs. Some unique features are:
Surveys to understand employee needs, Stress Management Initiatives
Holmes Murphy
Holmes Murphy offers tailor-made wellness programs with tangible outcomes. Their programs feature family planning resources and caregiver benefits, as well as surveys designed to uncover employee needs.
Lockton Affinity
Lockton Affinity’s wellness solutions help businesses implement wellness solutions to boost employee satisfaction and retention.
Marsh McClennan Agency
Marsh McClennan uses an integrated approach, including vendor selection, long-term planning, employee engagement tools and employee benefits, to deliver comprehensive wellness programming.

Now what?

Partnering with the best employee benefits brokers for wellness programs can transform your workplace culture, reduce costs, and boost employee wellness. When selecting the ideal broker, you will gain access to customized solutions, expert guidance, and tools necessary for building a thriving and healthy workforce.

Electric Himalayans, Hydrogen Kawasakis and an $80,000 MV – Oh My!

This week, we’ve got a plethora of brands slowly opening up their offerings in anticipation of the fall season:

  • Royal Enfield has released coverage of their electric Himalayan in North India via social media, proving the machine is on the way.

  • Kawasaki’s hydrogen motorcycle is back as “Mission H24,” making another appearance in Europe.

  • KTM’s new models are rolling out globally, with the brand working to stay transparent about model debut timelines.

  • MV Agusta reclaims its space in the market as a privately-owned marque with the release of the ultra-premium 1000 Ago.

Let’s dive into the highlights.

Upcoming Models: Royal Enfield’s Electric Himalayan

Footage from North India Confirms the Incoming EV

Royal Enfield is ramping up efforts with its electric Himalayan, known as the Him-E. Recent footage shows the machine in testing through the mountainous Ladakh region, alongside the company’s design chief and CEO—suggesting the project is nearing a significant milestone.

Details so far:

  • Larger 21-inch front wheel and aggressive knobby tires

  • One-piece seat, no visible fuel tank—typical for an EV platform

  • Twin battery packs housed in a central trellis-style frame

  • External and internal cooling fins for thermal management

Expect the internal combustion twin-cylinder Himalayan to launch for the 2026 model year, with the electric variant likely seeing updates and possibly a release between late this year and next.

The Hydrogen Hype: Kawasaki’s “Mission H24” Returns

Hydrogen-Powered Superbike Demonstrated in Europe

Kawasaki continues to pursue alternative energy with its hydrogen combustion motorcycle, a product of the HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology Association) partnership. The machine, based on a supercharged Ninja platform, uses hydrogen stored in rear-mounted tanks.

Key points:

  • Virtually zero emissions, only water vapor

  • Developed for high-performance applications where battery range is limited

  • Recent demonstration lap took place at a European endurance event

This approach offers a promising alternative to battery-electric motorcycles, especially where long-range and quick refueling are crucial.

KTM: 2025 Models Rolling Out Now

Models Include: 390 Enduro R, 390 Adventure R, 390 SMC R

KTM is launching its updated lineup with clear scheduling by region. Here’s a breakdown of when to expect each model:

  • KTM 390 SMC R:

    • May: North America, Asia

    • June–August: Europe, UK, South Africa, Oceania

  • KTM 390 Enduro R:

    • May: North America, Asia

    • June–August: Europe, UK, South Africa, Oceania

  • KTM 390 Adventure R:

    • May–June: North America, Asia

    • July–August: Europe, UK, South Africa, Oceania

  • KTM 125 SMC R & Enduro R:

    • July: Europe, UK, Asia

  • KTM 390 Adventure X:

    • May–August rollout across all major global regions

Despite past financial bumps, KTM appears committed to delivering these bikes with transparency and global coordination.

MV Agusta Rises Again with the SuperVeloce 1000 Ago

Limited to 83 Units Globally – Honoring Giacomo Agostini

To mark its 80th anniversary, MV Agusta unveils the Superveloce 1000 Ago—a jaw-dropping tribute to legendary racer Giacomo Agostini. The bike showcases:

  • Full carbon fiber bodywork in Fire Red Matt and Magnum Silver Matt

  • Four-cylinder inline engine with race-tuned electronics

  • Öhlins electronic suspension and Brembo brakes

  • 5-year factory warranty

  • Optional racing suit and helmet inspired by Ago’s gear

Each bike is signed by Agostini himself, with the $80,098 MSRP reflecting both exclusivity and heritage.

Final Thoughts

From Royal Enfield’s rugged EV testing to Kawasaki’s hydrogen combustion experiments, and from KTM’s steady global rollout to MV Agusta’s elite collectible machine, this week’s news confirms one thing: the motorcycle world is evolving fast—and diversely.

Whether you’re a trail-loving adventurer, an eco-minded urban commuter, or a high-end collector, the horizon is buzzing with potential.

Media sourced from Cycle World, Kawasaki, KTM, and MV Agusta.

Ducati’s “Knight and Steed” Livery for Mugello, Distillery Moves Into Harley HQ

These days, it don’t take much to open the news and grimace, which is why shiny stuff in the Powersports industry is becoming an increasingly attractive read; today, the weekly offerings include the following: 

Harley-Davidson has given 73,000 square feet of their headquarters building over to a distillery. 
Honda is getting ready to give us their CRF300F!
Both The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) and Powersports Rep Association (PRA) are partnering up to increase ease of access and communications between dealer, rep and vendors.
Kove has given us a very nice 450RR to loook at; do you think they will release the inline-four to American shores?
Ducati has gone full Italian Renaissance with a fresh new livery scheme for Team Lenovo and their bikes. 

Let’s start with Harley’s new roommate, shall we?

Harley-Davidson HQ Makes Room for Distillery

A view of the Central Standard Craft Distillery’s new location in the Harley-Davidson headquarters. Media sourced from the Central Standard Craft Distillery.

Central Standard Craft Distillery to Take Up 73,000 Square Feet of HD Floor

Harley’s not had the easiest time of things, and while we weren’t even going to mention the way that their CEO, Jochen Seitz, stepped down after his contracted years were up. 

Financially, it is safe to say that Harley-Davidson is no longer making an easy surplus from its total winnings, as evidenced by the following gatherings about the ‘net: 

Global motorcycle shipments were down 17% in 2024 compared to 2023, while HDMC revenue was down 15%. (via RideApart).
Global retail sales of new motorcycles were down 7% for the full year 2024, with Q4 alone seeing a 15% decline globally and a 13% decline in North America (Via Harley-Davidson).
Q1 2025 consolidated revenue fell 23% year-over-year, and global retail sales dropped 21%, with North America declining 24% (Via Alnvest, May 1, 2025).

Whether the above is the catalyst for Harley’s new move to find a cool roomie for their headquarters is left to be seen, but we’re assuming it’s got something to do with it. 

A view of the Central Standard Craft Distillery’s new location in the Harley-Davidson headquarters. Media sourced from the Central Standard Craft Distillery.

According to RideApart, Central Standard Craft Distillery has purchased a substantial 73,000 square-foot section of Harley-Davidson’s historic main campus just outside of Milwaukee, with intentions to open their doors next Q3. The building was previously purchased along with land for a $20 million park – and, back in 2024, Jochen Zeitz told everyone that Harley-Davidson was “happy to have its campus as a community anchor,” imparting the following at the location’s ribbon-cutting ceremony:

“We could not be more proud to be part of the Near West Side, to be part of the community here in Milwaukee. A lot has changed in 120 years, but there’s one that hasn’t, that won’t change ever. And that is [that] Juneau Avenue is our home.”

– Jochen Zeitz, previous CEO, Harley-Davidson (Urban Milwaukee)

As for Central Standard Craft Distillery, they’re naturally quite pleased to have the space to themselves, having been quoted to have mentioned that the space will allow the distillery to grow 20 times their current size – not a small feat, nor a bad one, as evidenced by the Co-Founder’s comments below: 

“With this purchase, we’re excited to deepen our roots in the city we love, and to show our commitment and investment in the Milwaukee community.”

– Pat McQuillan, Co-Founder and President, Central Standard Craft Distillery (RideApart)

We’re super happy for both parties and will be keeping an eye on how Harley’s “next phase of investment at Juneau Avenue” plays out in the coming years. 

For a full deep dive into Harley-Davidson’s HQ movement, be sure to check out the following article on Urban Milwaukee: 

Harley-Davidson Reveals Plans for Future of Corporate Campus

Fast Filings: Honda Preps to Release CRF300F to America

Media sourced from Rust Sports.

Air-Cooled Model Slotted for 2026

Our beloved Big Red is officially readying to give us a new air-cooled machine!

Christened the 2026 CRF300F, this new trail bike recently showed up in filings from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), proving that an arrival to US markets is confirmed and now simply a matter of waiting until the unit is debuted. 

Based on these filings – sourced by the incomparable Dennis Chung at Motorcycle.com – we know the following: 

Honda’s upcoming CRF300F is fuelled by a 293cc fuel-injected, air-cooled single-cylinder engine.
Power is expected to be around 24 horsepower @ 7,500 rpm and 20 lb-ft. of torque @ 5,750 rpm.
The CRF300F will be paired to a six-speed gearbox with obligatories including a linked rear shock, a telescopic fork, and a single petal-style front brake disc.
Suggestions within the paperwork guess at the appearance of an oil cooler and a new aluminum swingarm.
Bodywork will remain classic to Honda’s CRF line. 

As for it’s placement within the industry, Honda’s incubating CRF300F will likely slide in right around where Honda currently shows off their lovely – but as yet not updated – CRF250F. 

Guessing the CRF300F’s debut is a bit tricky; Chung presumes that the machine will likely debut sometime this summer, while we wonder what Honda has coming for their attendance at EICMA. Thus far, we’ve seen the return of the CBR600RR to Big Red’s European lineup after a six-year hiatus (2023), and the arrival of a world-first high-performance V3 engine coupled with new EV models (2024).

Only time will tell!

For a full dive into the details of the incoming 2026 Honda CRF300F, be sure to head over to Motorcycle.com: 

New 2026 Honda CRF300F Coming to America

Industry Insider: PRA and NPDA Partner Up for the Ultimate Dealer-Vendor Connection

The PRA and NDPA. Media sourced from PRA.

“A Rising Tide Floats All Boats”

This article’s about to feature more acronyms than leather vests at Sturgis, so I’ll leave the following below: 

PRA = The Powersports Rep Association 

NPDA = National Powersports Dealer Association

For those of you unfamiliar with either of these organizations, think of the the Powersports Rep Association (PRA) like a helpful group specifically for the people who sell motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and all the gear to the dealerships. These guys are the ones that help our reps be awesome at their jobs and build trust across the whole powersports world. 

Then we have the NPDA. These gentlefolk are present to support, educate, and speak for powersports dealerships, helping them grow and making the whole industry more efficient financially beneficial for both the dealer and the rider looking to get a new machine into the garage. 

You can see why these two collaborating together is such a power move, yes? 

Excellent, and big congrats to both the PRA and the NPDA!

According to CycleNews, the partnership will allow talks between the PRA and NPDA; in sharing information about their processes and training methods, the customer’s experience will be that much better at a dealership because the quality of the service center’s… well, service… will be at an all-time high. 

Brilliant. 

Naturally, both sides of the deal are more than excited to see what this partnership brings about: 

“By advocating for a healthy and personal partnership between the dealer, rep and vendor, we will only strengthen our business relationship resulting in a more professional profitable powersports industry as a whole. We are better together.”

– Bob Kee, Chairman, the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) (CycleNews)

“An open communication pathway directly from rep/brand to the dealer network is something this industry has been missing for some time. We vow to make the effort in this collaboration to provide premier certified sales professionals in the powersports industry that will align with the Dealerships’ values.”

– Industry Vet, Tim Calhoun, the he Powersports Rep Association (PRA) (CycleNews)

The wBW team is so incredibly excited for this partnership; more than ever before, manufacturers are in need of solid processes and services to help connect to the customer, especially considering the volatility of our current markets and the changes happening within our good Powersports industry. We will always support moves toward a unified and profitable future for riders countrywide.

For more details on this strategic new collaboration, be sure to read the full report on CycleNews:

PRA Partners With NPDA

Kove Refreshes 450RR for New Model Year

A view of Kove Moto’s 450RR. Media sourced from Kove Moto.

Panigale-Esque Looker Could Be Headed for American Markets

Want a Ducati Panigale, but you’re really just tied to the aesthetics? Kove might be able to help with that… that is, if they release their new inline-four beastie to US markets. 

According to a recent report from CycleWorld, Kove’s 450RR has appeared in type approval documents that prove Kove has a larger-capacity engine in mind for their entry-level supersport. We’re told that the cubic capacity will likely be somewhere between 600cc and 800cc, based on the 450RR’s design, and that the official result of all this hullaballoo will be debuted next year, sometime in 2026.

Anytime a bike brand from the Far Eastern Hemisphere makes a supersport bike and uprates the thing to a larger capacity, there is huge potential for the machine to enter markets with bigger bikes. In this case, our fingers are crossed for the Americas, as it would be fantastic to have the competitor to Kawasaki’s ZX-4RR on the same track.

On to the bike’s personality. Perks of owning one of these bad boys include Bologna-style winglets, hooded headlights, and a fully adjustable suspension set complete with radial-mount four-piston calipers. The whole thing is set to buzz about around 70 hp @ 13,000 rpm with 28.8 lb.-ft. of yank available @ 9000 rpm.

We can’t wait for this bike to be debuted so that we can see if there’s potential to bring a 450RR to American soil. 

For a detailed look at the Kove 450RR update and what it could mean for Western markets, be sure to check out the full article on CycleWorld: 

Updated Kove 450RR

Knights and Steeds: Ducati Decks Out MotoGP Lenovo Team in Italian Renaissance Leathers

A view of the “steeds” belonging to Francesco Bagnaia (#63) and Marc Márquez (#93) for Mugello. Media sourced from Ducati.

New Livery Inspires “Knights and Steeds” for Mugello

There’s one thing I haven’t really seen in the Powersports industry – like, ever – and that’s a collection that marries the concepts of motorcycles being similar to horses. In fairness, while both sport reasonably slim silhouettes on pavement and both show off horsepower (snort), the industries are nowhere near each other in similarity.

Perhaps this is why Ducati took such a heavy lean toward the “Italian Renaissance” when they premiered their brand-new livery set for their Ducati Lenovo MotoGP team. 

According to coverage from Ducati’s press release, our favorite Bologna-based bike brand has presented a truly tasty set of leathers for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello. This ultra-special  livery celebrates the very essence of chivalry in a bygone era, with both Francesco Bagnaia (#63) and Marc Márquez (#93) transformed into what the press release calls “modern-day knights.”

Ducati’s move behind this collection is twofold: 

Ducati has a tendency of expressing themselves at their country’s grid effort at Mugello, with 2024’s “Azzurro” homage coming to mind. 
Merging technology and beauty is Ducati’s very reason for existing, and they feel the Renaissance is the perfect era to embody both those qualities in their ethos.

But back to the collection. 

Marc Márquez (#93) in their new Mugello livery. Media sourced from Ducati.

We’re told that this livery set was the responsibility – and pleasure – of renowned designer Aldo Drudi and historian Marcello Simonetta, who in turn pulled from two iconic Renaissance figures – Leonardo da Vinci, the genius, and Niccolò Machiavelli, the macabre “thinker” – by reinterpreting Leonardo’s famous “Ancient Captain” drawing by showing off a lion and a fox. This harkens the teaching’s of Machiavelli’s most prolific work, “The Prince”: to win, one needs both the strength of the lion and the cunning of the fox!

How very poetic, how utterly Ducati.

To see more details and the stunning imagery of this unique Renaissance-inspired livery, be sure to check out Ducati’s official press release: 

Renaissance genius and Ducati vision come together in a unique tribute for the Italian Grand Prix

 

​

These days, it don’t take much to open the news and grimace, which is why shiny stuff in the Powersports industry is becoming an increasingly attractive read; today, the weekly offerings include the following: 

Harley-Davidson has given 73,000 square feet of their headquarters building over to a distillery. 
Honda is getting ready to give us their CRF300F!
Both The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) and Powersports Rep Association (PRA) are partnering up to increase ease of access and communications between dealer, rep and vendors.
Kove has given us a very nice 450RR to loook at; do you think they will release the inline-four to American shores?
Ducati has gone full Italian Renaissance with a fresh new livery scheme for Team Lenovo and their bikes. 

Let’s start with Harley’s new roommate, shall we?

Harley-Davidson HQ Makes Room for Distillery

A view of the Central Standard Craft Distillery’s new location in the Harley-Davidson headquarters. Media sourced from the Central Standard Craft Distillery.

Central Standard Craft Distillery to Take Up 73,000 Square Feet of HD Floor

Harley’s not had the easiest time of things, and while we weren’t even going to mention the way that their CEO, Jochen Seitz, stepped down after his contracted years were up. 

Financially, it is safe to say that Harley-Davidson is no longer making an easy surplus from its total winnings, as evidenced by the following gatherings about the ‘net: 

Global motorcycle shipments were down 17% in 2024 compared to 2023, while HDMC revenue was down 15%. (via RideApart).
Global retail sales of new motorcycles were down 7% for the full year 2024, with Q4 alone seeing a 15% decline globally and a 13% decline in North America (Via Harley-Davidson).
Q1 2025 consolidated revenue fell 23% year-over-year, and global retail sales dropped 21%, with North America declining 24% (Via Alnvest, May 1, 2025).

Whether the above is the catalyst for Harley’s new move to find a cool roomie for their headquarters is left to be seen, but we’re assuming it’s got something to do with it. 

A view of the Central Standard Craft Distillery’s new location in the Harley-Davidson headquarters. Media sourced from the Central Standard Craft Distillery.

According to RideApart, Central Standard Craft Distillery has purchased a substantial 73,000 square-foot section of Harley-Davidson’s historic main campus just outside of Milwaukee, with intentions to open their doors next Q3. The building was previously purchased along with land for a $20 million park – and, back in 2024, Jochen Zeitz told everyone that Harley-Davidson was “happy to have its campus as a community anchor,” imparting the following at the location’s ribbon-cutting ceremony:

“We could not be more proud to be part of the Near West Side, to be part of the community here in Milwaukee. A lot has changed in 120 years, but there’s one that hasn’t, that won’t change ever. And that is [that] Juneau Avenue is our home.”

– Jochen Zeitz, previous CEO, Harley-Davidson (Urban Milwaukee)

As for Central Standard Craft Distillery, they’re naturally quite pleased to have the space to themselves, having been quoted to have mentioned that the space will allow the distillery to grow 20 times their current size – not a small feat, nor a bad one, as evidenced by the Co-Founder’s comments below: 

“With this purchase, we’re excited to deepen our roots in the city we love, and to show our commitment and investment in the Milwaukee community.”

– Pat McQuillan, Co-Founder and President, Central Standard Craft Distillery (RideApart)

We’re super happy for both parties and will be keeping an eye on how Harley’s “next phase of investment at Juneau Avenue” plays out in the coming years. 

For a full deep dive into Harley-Davidson’s HQ movement, be sure to check out the following article on Urban Milwaukee: 

Harley-Davidson Reveals Plans for Future of Corporate Campus

Fast Filings: Honda Preps to Release CRF300F to America

Media sourced from Rust Sports.

Air-Cooled Model Slotted for 2026

Our beloved Big Red is officially readying to give us a new air-cooled machine!

Christened the 2026 CRF300F, this new trail bike recently showed up in filings from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), proving that an arrival to US markets is confirmed and now simply a matter of waiting until the unit is debuted. 

Based on these filings – sourced by the incomparable Dennis Chung at Motorcycle.com – we know the following: 

Honda’s upcoming CRF300F is fuelled by a 293cc fuel-injected, air-cooled single-cylinder engine.
Power is expected to be around 24 horsepower @ 7,500 rpm and 20 lb-ft. of torque @ 5,750 rpm.
The CRF300F will be paired to a six-speed gearbox with obligatories including a linked rear shock, a telescopic fork, and a single petal-style front brake disc.
Suggestions within the paperwork guess at the appearance of an oil cooler and a new aluminum swingarm.
Bodywork will remain classic to Honda’s CRF line. 

As for it’s placement within the industry, Honda’s incubating CRF300F will likely slide in right around where Honda currently shows off their lovely – but as yet not updated – CRF250F. 

Guessing the CRF300F’s debut is a bit tricky; Chung presumes that the machine will likely debut sometime this summer, while we wonder what Honda has coming for their attendance at EICMA. Thus far, we’ve seen the return of the CBR600RR to Big Red’s European lineup after a six-year hiatus (2023), and the arrival of a world-first high-performance V3 engine coupled with new EV models (2024).

Only time will tell!

For a full dive into the details of the incoming 2026 Honda CRF300F, be sure to head over to Motorcycle.com: 

New 2026 Honda CRF300F Coming to America

Industry Insider: PRA and NPDA Partner Up for the Ultimate Dealer-Vendor Connection

The PRA and NDPA. Media sourced from PRA.

“A Rising Tide Floats All Boats”

This article’s about to feature more acronyms than leather vests at Sturgis, so I’ll leave the following below: 

PRA = The Powersports Rep Association 

NPDA = National Powersports Dealer Association

For those of you unfamiliar with either of these organizations, think of the the Powersports Rep Association (PRA) like a helpful group specifically for the people who sell motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and all the gear to the dealerships. These guys are the ones that help our reps be awesome at their jobs and build trust across the whole powersports world. 

Then we have the NPDA. These gentlefolk are present to support, educate, and speak for powersports dealerships, helping them grow and making the whole industry more efficient financially beneficial for both the dealer and the rider looking to get a new machine into the garage. 

You can see why these two collaborating together is such a power move, yes? 

Excellent, and big congrats to both the PRA and the NPDA!

According to CycleNews, the partnership will allow talks between the PRA and NPDA; in sharing information about their processes and training methods, the customer’s experience will be that much better at a dealership because the quality of the service center’s… well, service… will be at an all-time high. 

Brilliant. 

Naturally, both sides of the deal are more than excited to see what this partnership brings about: 

“By advocating for a healthy and personal partnership between the dealer, rep and vendor, we will only strengthen our business relationship resulting in a more professional profitable powersports industry as a whole. We are better together.”

– Bob Kee, Chairman, the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) (CycleNews)

“An open communication pathway directly from rep/brand to the dealer network is something this industry has been missing for some time. We vow to make the effort in this collaboration to provide premier certified sales professionals in the powersports industry that will align with the Dealerships’ values.”

– Industry Vet, Tim Calhoun, the he Powersports Rep Association (PRA) (CycleNews)

The wBW team is so incredibly excited for this partnership; more than ever before, manufacturers are in need of solid processes and services to help connect to the customer, especially considering the volatility of our current markets and the changes happening within our good Powersports industry. We will always support moves toward a unified and profitable future for riders countrywide.

For more details on this strategic new collaboration, be sure to read the full report on CycleNews:

PRA Partners With NPDA

Kove Refreshes 450RR for New Model Year

A view of Kove Moto’s 450RR. Media sourced from Kove Moto.

Panigale-Esque Looker Could Be Headed for American Markets

Want a Ducati Panigale, but you’re really just tied to the aesthetics? Kove might be able to help with that… that is, if they release their new inline-four beastie to US markets. 

According to a recent report from CycleWorld, Kove’s 450RR has appeared in type approval documents that prove Kove has a larger-capacity engine in mind for their entry-level supersport. We’re told that the cubic capacity will likely be somewhere between 600cc and 800cc, based on the 450RR’s design, and that the official result of all this hullaballoo will be debuted next year, sometime in 2026.

Anytime a bike brand from the Far Eastern Hemisphere makes a supersport bike and uprates the thing to a larger capacity, there is huge potential for the machine to enter markets with bigger bikes. In this case, our fingers are crossed for the Americas, as it would be fantastic to have the competitor to Kawasaki’s ZX-4RR on the same track.

On to the bike’s personality. Perks of owning one of these bad boys include Bologna-style winglets, hooded headlights, and a fully adjustable suspension set complete with radial-mount four-piston calipers. The whole thing is set to buzz about around 70 hp @ 13,000 rpm with 28.8 lb.-ft. of yank available @ 9000 rpm.

We can’t wait for this bike to be debuted so that we can see if there’s potential to bring a 450RR to American soil. 

For a detailed look at the Kove 450RR update and what it could mean for Western markets, be sure to check out the full article on CycleWorld: 

Updated Kove 450RR

Knights and Steeds: Ducati Decks Out MotoGP Lenovo Team in Italian Renaissance Leathers

A view of the “steeds” belonging to Francesco Bagnaia (#63) and Marc Márquez (#93) for Mugello. Media sourced from Ducati.

New Livery Inspires “Knights and Steeds” for Mugello

There’s one thing I haven’t really seen in the Powersports industry – like, ever – and that’s a collection that marries the concepts of motorcycles being similar to horses. In fairness, while both sport reasonably slim silhouettes on pavement and both show off horsepower (snort), the industries are nowhere near each other in similarity.

Perhaps this is why Ducati took such a heavy lean toward the “Italian Renaissance” when they premiered their brand-new livery set for their Ducati Lenovo MotoGP team. 

According to coverage from Ducati’s press release, our favorite Bologna-based bike brand has presented a truly tasty set of leathers for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello. This ultra-special  livery celebrates the very essence of chivalry in a bygone era, with both Francesco Bagnaia (#63) and Marc Márquez (#93) transformed into what the press release calls “modern-day knights.”

Ducati’s move behind this collection is twofold: 

Ducati has a tendency of expressing themselves at their country’s grid effort at Mugello, with 2024’s “Azzurro” homage coming to mind. 
Merging technology and beauty is Ducati’s very reason for existing, and they feel the Renaissance is the perfect era to embody both those qualities in their ethos.

But back to the collection. 

Marc Márquez (#93) in their new Mugello livery. Media sourced from Ducati.

We’re told that this livery set was the responsibility – and pleasure – of renowned designer Aldo Drudi and historian Marcello Simonetta, who in turn pulled from two iconic Renaissance figures – Leonardo da Vinci, the genius, and Niccolò Machiavelli, the macabre “thinker” – by reinterpreting Leonardo’s famous “Ancient Captain” drawing by showing off a lion and a fox. This harkens the teaching’s of Machiavelli’s most prolific work, “The Prince”: to win, one needs both the strength of the lion and the cunning of the fox!

How very poetic, how utterly Ducati.

To see more details and the stunning imagery of this unique Renaissance-inspired livery, be sure to check out Ducati’s official press release: 

Renaissance genius and Ducati vision come together in a unique tribute for the Italian Grand Prix

 

Small Businesses Wellness Program Ideas: Creating Affordable Programs

Small businesses face unique obstacles when offering health and wellness benefits to their employees in today’s highly competitive business environment. Limited budgets, time, and resources often make it challenging to provide wellness while competing with comprehensive programs offered by larger corporations. Yet, investing in employee wellbeing should not only be seen as a moral imperative but as an investment for success within your own organization. Healthier employees are more productive, engaged, and loyal – factors which ultimately contribute to any small business thriving.

In this article, we’ll examine the hurdles encountered when trying to implement affordable wellness programs and offer small business wellness program ideas for overcoming them.

Key Challenges and Solutions to Consider:
1. Budget Constraints

One of the greatest obstacles faced by small businesses is budget restrictions. Compared to large corporations with deeper pockets, small businesses typically operate with tight margins that leave no extra funds for additional benefits or incentives – many small businesses cite budget as being the primary reason they can’t provide wellness programs they would like.

Solution: Prioritize Needs, Leverage Partnerships and Turn Up Efficiency

Prioritize Employee Needs: Start by assessing the most pressing health and wellness needs among your workforce. Surveys or open discussions can be useful tools in pinpointing areas with potential for impactful well-being improvements. By allocating resources towards such initiatives, you’ll maximize their return.
Leverage Partnerships: Make use of existing relationships between healthcare providers, wellness organizations, or insurance brokers and you – such as discounts on rates or free services add-ons that can stretch your budget further. Plus, some existing partners might already provide wellness benefits that you aren’t using yet! Did you know WellSteps provides has a broker incentive program offering discounted rates?
Increase Efficiency: Your wellness program can start simple. Look for vendors who offer pre-planned or turnkey programs, like WellSteps Launch. By selecting a program that does not require planning you can focus time and efforts on communication and engagement in the program.

2. Lack of Expertise

Small businesses frequently lack the internal resources or expertise required to design and implement effective wellness programs for employees, making the task seem more daunting than it needs be. Without dedicated HR or wellness specialists on staff, designing programs tailored to employees’ individual needs may prove daunting.

Solution: Seek external support and utilize technology.

Hire Experts or Consultants: Wellness consultants specialize in creating programs packed with small business ideas. They provide valuable insights and develop cost-effective strategies aligned with your goals.
Utilizing Technology: Take advantage of digital platforms and apps specifically tailored for wellness programs to leverage technology’s benefits in managing programs more easily, tracking systems, resources, and modules designed specifically for wellness programs.

3. Limited Time and Resources

Small business owners and HR teams juggling multiple responsibilities often don’t have enough time for managing health and wellness programs.

Solution: Improve Processes and Engage Employees

Automate Administrative Tasks: Use digital tools to streamline administrative tasks such as enrollment, participation tracking, and reporting – saving both time and paper! Automation also frees up valuable strategic planning time for strategic thinking.
Form Wellness Committees: Assign passionate employees the task of organizing wellness committees within your organization to assist in planning, promoting, and implementing initiatives while creating an atmosphere of wellness throughout it all.

4. Addressing a Diverse Workforce

Small businesses often employ people from varying demographics with distinct health and wellness needs, so taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach may not work effectively.

Solution: Tailor Benefits Through Surveys and Flexible Offerings

Employee Surveys: Conduct employee surveys to understand their individual concerns and preferences ranging from mental health support, physical fitness and work/life balance.
Flexible Programs: Provide employees with various options, such as gym reimbursements, mindfulness activities or nutritional counseling. Customized programs will increase inclusivity and better resonate with employees.

5. Foster Engagement and Participation

A successful wellness program requires active employee participation. However, engagement may prove challenging when employees don’t understand all available benefits or don’t recognize their worth.

Solution: Communicate effectively and offer incentives.

Clear Communication: Use newsletters, email updates, and intranet pages to inform employees about wellness initiatives. Emphasize their benefits of participation while sharing success stories to inspire involvement.
Incentive and Rewards: Motivate employees with tangible rewards like gift cards, additional time off or recognition for participation. Gamification features such as wellness challenges can add excitement while encouraging friendly competition between colleagues.

Why Prioritize Wellness?

While developing and implementing a wellness program may appear complex and time consuming, its advantages far outweigh its challenges. Research consistently shows that investing in employee health leads to:

Increased productivity
Reduced healthcare costs
Higher employee satisfaction and retention rates
Greater business productivity

Conclusion

Offering affordable wellness programs may seem like an insurmountable task for small businesses, but with proper planning, partnerships, technology use and engagement strategies they can implement impactful wellness initiatives with long-term success in mind.

How to Choose the Best Corporate Wellness App for Your Workforce

Workplace wellness programs increasingly incorporate corporate health and wellness apps as tools for supporting employee goals, improving mental well-being, and creating a healthier, more engaged team environment. But with many options available to them, choosing an app may seem like an overwhelming task; to select one that truly aligns with employee needs as well as your corporate wellness objectives can be tricky business.

Key Features to Consider in Wellness Apps

The ideal wellness apps not only offer an array of features but also focus on user engagement and experience. Your goal should be selecting an app that complements your company’s wellness strategy while easily fitting into employees’ daily lives.

1. Individualized Health Plans and Customization

Every employee has unique health goals and preferences. A great wellness app should offer tailored plans tailored specifically for each employee based on his or her health goals, be they tracking physical activity, managing chronic conditions or encouraging healthy eating – the app should adapt to meet these individual needs. For instance, employees who are just starting their wellness journey might require beginner-friendly options, while more experienced users may require advanced features like tailored workout plans or nutrition tracking.

Why It Matters: Employee engagement increases through personalization, making employees feel more connected to their wellness journey and more likely to stick with an app that feels suitable and supportive of their unique goals.

2. Comprehensive Fitness and Activity Tracking

Fitness tracking features are an integral component of overall wellbeing, and most wellness apps offer fitness tracking options ranging from step counters and calorie burn estimations to heart rate monitors and integration with wearable devices. The best apps go beyond basic step tracking by offering workout plans, goal-setting tools and virtual fitness challenges designed to foster friendly competition and foster social engagement.

Why It Is Important: Physical activity helps relieve stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels – all key contributors to increased productivity. Offering apps that track fitness levels and motivate employees to exercise consistently provides long-term health benefits.

3. Nutrition and Meal Tracking

Healthy eating plays a pivotal role in overall well-being, and nutrition-specific apps can provide employees with powerful guidance when making food decisions. Look for apps that allow employees to log their meals, track nutrient,s and set dietary goals based on individual dietary requirements; some even provide meal plans or recipes tailored specifically for specific diets such as low-carb, high-protein, or plant-based eating, giving employees more freedom in selecting which option works for them!

Why It Matters: Offering employees simple meal tracking apps allows them to make healthier food choices that directly impact energy levels, concentration levels, and overall workplace performance.

4. Mental Health Support and Stress Management

In today’s high-pressure work environments, mental well-being is no less essential. The best wellness apps offer features to promote mental wellbein,g such as guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, sleep trackers, and breathing techniques to promote an employee’s emotional resilience; many also include resources on stress management, time management, and emotional resilience to assist employees navigate work/life balance challenges more successfully.

Why It Is Important: Reducing stress and improving mental health is crucial to avoiding burnout in the workplace and creating an inviting, supportive culture. Employees who feel mentally healthy tend to be more focused, engaged and productive.

5. User Engagement and Motivation Tools

One of the keys to developing an effective employee wellness app is user engagement. Look for apps with motivational tools like reminders, progress tracking, and reward systems as motivational aids; additional gamification features like challenges, leaderboards, and team goals may further boost user involvement while making the journey enjoyable and interactive.

Why It Matters: Employee engagement in wellness programs has been shown to lead to long-term improvements in health outcomes. Apps featuring fun and interactive elements help maintain employee motivation over time and contribute to their commitment.

6. Ease of Use and Accessibility

Even with all its amazing features, an app with complicated navigation or difficulty using will likely fail to gain much adoption. Make sure the wellness app you select is intuitive and user-friendly with an uncluttered interface and smooth navigation; accessibility should also be taken into consideration by making sure the application can run on multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets and desktop computers and is compatible with popular operating systems such as iOS or Android.

Why it Matters: Employees will more likely engage with an app that’s easy to use. If it proves challenging or cumbersome to operate, users could quickly abandon it altogether, diminishing its overall effectiveness as part of your wellness program.

7. Data Security and Privacy

Any wellness app that collects personal health data must ensure the utmost data security and privacy. Look for apps that comply with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) as well as offering clear instructions about how employees’ data will be protected. Transparent policies and secure encryption technologies are crucial components to guaranteeing that employee data remains safe.

Why It Matters: Employees need to trust that their personal health information will be handled responsibly, and providing strong data security helps build this confidence and increase overall adoption of your wellness app.

The Ideal Wellness App Is Tailored to Your Workforce

There are various corporate wellness apps on the market with similar features; however, for your organization to find its ideal one, it must meet both its unique needs and those of its employees.

To maximize the effectiveness of your wellness program, consider conducting an internal survey or focus groups to ascertain which features employees are most drawn to and would make them more likely to use a wellness app. If mental health is top of mind for your staff members, an app with strong mindfulness features might be ideal; otherwise, for fitness enthusiasts who prioritize activity tracking and workout plans can offer tremendous value.

Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes Review

Breakdown
With comfort at the forefront, Sidi’s ARX Air Riding Shoes are a great option for riders who are looking for a shoe that works both on and off the bike. While the shoe may lack armor inserts, D30 ankle protection, heel, and a rip-stop toe provides more protection than traditional streetwear. The shoes sport a timeless high-top design that’s sure to pair well with riding jeans, hoodies, and more.

Design

Build Quality

Size, Fit & Comfort

Protection

Value for Money

Pros
Timeless look that blends with most streetwear-inspired gear
Exceptional comfort both on and off the bike
Rip-stop toe and D30 ankle
High traction rubber sole keeps your feet firmly planted on the controls
Available in large sizes for riders with big feet

Cons
Reflective elements clash with the overall design
No protective inserts throughout the shoe
Only two color choices
Fraying stitch brings into question the overall quality of the shoe
The price point is high to comparable riding shoes

4.1

Review Summary

If you’re looking for the main takeaways from this review, here is my summary of the ARX Air Riding Shoes by Sidi:

The Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes retail for $179.99 USD
They are available in two colorways

Black/White
Castian/Bronze

The ARX Air Riding Shoes have a near-perfect streetwear-inspired design, with the only flaw being the clashing reflective elements on the heel
The black fabric is extremely easy to keep clean, and the white rubber heel can be kept looking new with the use of a magic eraser
The shoe feels high-quality overall with the exception of the stitching on the shift gear protection
The stitching began to fray after one ride, but has not progressed much further over the course of two months
Sold in EU sizing, which may vary slightly from US sizes
Manufactured and stocked in large sizes such as US 14 and 15
Exceptional comfort both on and off the bike
Protection is minimal, but still better than wearing street shoes
D30 ankle protection and rip-stop material across the toes
The shoes have a high price point in comparison to comparable riding shoes, but the value can be justified by how comfortable they are

Walk & Ride in Comfort

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a pair of riding shoes. If you’ve followed my previous work, you’ll know I tend to stray away from boots and opt for more low-profile, casual riding shoes. I’m not huge on boots, and I’m afraid that bias will impact the review.

Helmet House had expressed a lot of interest in working together on some gear, and I figured, what the hell! My current riding shoes are looking a little worse for wear, and the ARX Air Riding shoes looked right up my alley.

Slim, sleek, discrete, and most importantly, comfortable.

Yep, these shoes were thought to have it all! I put them to the test and was pleasantly surprised by how they performed. They ticked most of my boxes, and I think they will tick most of yours as well.

Skate Shoes or Riding Shoes?

I’m reviewing more streetwear-inspired gear, who would’ve thought?

The Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes have a few obvious design features that differentiate them from traditional streetwear, but apart from that, they fly under the radar pretty well. One of the most obvious features is the outer mesh along the middle and back of the shoe.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a pair of Nikes with mesh along the body. You’ll be pleased to know, however, that I’m grateful for that mesh. It gives the shoes plenty of ventilation in hot riding conditions, something you’ll appreciate as well.

What’s more, the mesh isn’t even noticeable in my riding jeans. The leg is long enough to cover that part of the shoe, exposing only the toe and part of the laces.

Speaking of the toe, the shift guard on the big toe is very discreet, and smaller than I’ve seen on other riding shoes. From a design aspect, I like that, but it makes me question the effectiveness of it.

In case you couldn’t tell, I reviewed the Black/White color combination. The white rubber sole contrasts nicely against the black fabric, alongside the white laces. Black laces were included in the box, but I think we can all agree that white laces look better.

The black ARX shoes are 100x easier to keep clean than the white Spidi XPD Moto-1 shoes I reviewed in 2023 (who would’ve thought?). At the time, I was stoked to have found a white pair of riding shoes, but I quickly realized they’re so hard to come by – they get destroyed by the shifter.

Overall, I love the design of the shoes. With what’s visible under my riding jeans, they remind me of a pair of black Converse. The only thing I would change is the reflecting details on the heel. I’d love to see Sidi incorporate reflective details in a more tasteful, design-oriented way.

If short boots are your style, you’ll want to check out our Best Short Boots list for 2025.

Design: 90%
Build Quality

At first glance, the shoes looked and felt high-quality. Throughout my review, that almost remained entirely true, with the exception of one minor detail with the potential to turn major. Let me explain.

The toe of the shoe is made out of a rip-stop material. This was a very smart choice of material as the rip-stop will encourage your foot to slide across the pavement to prevent your toes from catching while skipping across the asphalt. Not a pleasant thought, but the reality of an accident.

The sole of the shoe is firm and durable. I’m confident that the Vibram Rubber Sole will be able to stand up to any terrain. As for time on the bike, the sole has large grooves in it to maximize grip, ensuring your feet stay firmly planted on your pegs and controls.

Moving up the shoe is the upper canvas and aforementioned mesh material. In the hand, it feels thick, impact absorbing, and comfortable. Everything about this shoe is screaming high quality, except for one thing – the stitching.

On the shift gear protection, the stitching began to fray after my first ride. Funnily enough, it began to fray fairly high up on the foot in areas that are unlikely to be touched by the shifter. Aside from a few stray shifts, I feel confident enough to say that area of the shoe has not seen much action.

Regardless, the stitch has begun to fray. The good news? It hasn’t gotten much worse over the last few weeks than when it originally started. Like I mentioned, this is a minor issue with the potential to become a major one.

If the stitching is fraying from a bit of gear shifting, how will it hold up in a slide?

Build Quality: 75%
Superior Fit & Comfort

Some things that really stuck out to me with the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes are in regard to the sizing. First off, you’ll need to convert your US foot size to match the EU sizing. This is easy enough to do with a simple Google search.

Unfortunately, by following the EU sizing, the shoe isn’t made in my exact size. Typically, I wear a size 9. With the ARX’s, I had the choice of either an 8.5 or 9.5, but not a 9. I opted for the latter and was pleasantly surprised by how well they fit. Yes, a tad bit big, but still snug and safe to ride in.

On top of that, take a look at the overall range of sizes, particularly the larger ones. I challenge you to find me another riding shoe that’s not only made, but stocked, in a US size 14 and 15. I’ll wait.

Size options are abundant with the ARX Air Riding Shoes; that much is clear. Aside from that, the fit is excellent. On first use, the fit is fairly snug, with the high-top design and protection working against you. Luckily, Sidi included a pull tab on the back that helped motivate my foot into the shoe.

After my testing period, I’m happy to say that the shoes still fit snug. Typically, I’d like my shoes to loosen up over time, or break in, but with riding gear, I expect the opposite. I don’t want my armor and protection to wear through normal use. That’s not a good sign of strong reinforcement.

As far as comfort goes, these shoes are a dream to wear. Whether I’m walking or riding, I didn’t have any pain in my feet, found the soles to be extremely cushy and supportive, and enjoyed my time wearing them.

I was afraid the larger size would be an issue, but it wasn’t at all. I don’t have any complaints when it comes to the size, fit, and comfort of the ARX Air Riding Shoes.

If comfort is what you’re after, you’ll want to check out our review of the Cortech “The Slayer” Canvas Riding Shoes.

Size, Fit & Comfort: 100%
Good Protection For What They Are

Just by looking at the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes, I knew what I was getting into in terms of protection. They don’t make use of metal inserts in high-impact areas, nor do they incorporate highly-abrasion-resistant materials.

Yet, they are still certified to EN 13634:2017. They have low-profile D30 material around the ankle for impact absorption and energy dissipation. Furthermore, the heel and toe are reinforced for additional protection.

The ARX shoes weren’t designed to be the most protective short boots on the market, and I think it’s fair to say anyone considering buying them is not expecting them to be. With that being said, I think that Sidi could’ve incorporated a few more protective features while still maintaining a low profile. For example, an insert in the ankle wouldn’t add bulk to the shoe, but it can make a huge difference in a slide.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more protection, check out our Best Cruiser Motorcycle Boots.

Protection: 75%
Value for Money

Coming in at a mid-range price, the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes have a hard time presenting their value for money.

For example, the TCX Street 3 Air Shoes come in at the same price point, look very similar, yet have a heap more features throughout the shoe. Some of the most notable features include an Ortholite footbed and D30 inserts on the malleolus.

Looking at cheaper shoes, the aforementioned Cortech “The Slayer” riding shoes have comparable features to the ARX Air’s, but cost over $40 less.

Now that’s not to say that the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes are overpriced. I think that they are an extremely comfortable shoe that a lot of riders will find value in, but unfortunately, that isn’t something I can provide a direct comparison as I haven’t worn the previously mentioned shoes above.

Value for Money: 70%
Final Verdict

Riding in the ARX Air Riding Shoes was a pleasure, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to review them. The shoes have a great design element to them, which will appeal to riders looking for a discreet, streetwear-inspired shoe.

While they aren’t the cheapest pair of riding shoes on the market, or the most protective, it is my belief that riders will find value in the ARX shoes through the comfort they provide both on and off the bike.

If staying calm, cool, and comfortable is most important to you, the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes will be a great fit for your closet.

Scoring

Design: 90%
Build Quality: 75%
Size, Fit & Comfort: 100%
Protection: 75%
Value for Money: 70%

Pros

Timeless look that blends with most streetwear-inspired gear
Exceptional comfort both on and off the bike
Rip-stop toe and D30 ankle
High traction rubber sole keeps your feet firmly planted on the controls
Available in large sizes for riders with big feet

Cons

Reflective elements clash with the overall design
No protective inserts throughout the shoe
Only two color choices
Fraying stitch brings into question the overall quality of the shoe
The price point is high to comparable riding shoes

Specifications

Manufacturer: Sidi
Price: $179.99
Colors: Black/White, Castian/Bronze
Sizes Available: 7, 8, 8.5, 9.5, 10, 11, 11.5, 12.5, 13.4, 14, 15
Review Period: April – May 2025

Where to Buy

Helmet House
RevZilla
Amazon

Photo Gallery

The post Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes Review appeared first on webBikeWorld.

​

Last updated:

Review Summary

If you’re looking for the main takeaways from this review, here is my summary of the ARX Air Riding Shoes by Sidi:

The Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes retail for $179.99 USD
They are available in two colorways
Black/White
Castian/Bronze

The ARX Air Riding Shoes have a near-perfect streetwear-inspired design, with the only flaw being the clashing reflective elements on the heel
The black fabric is extremely easy to keep clean, and the white rubber heel can be kept looking new with the use of a magic eraser
The shoe feels high-quality overall with the exception of the stitching on the shift gear protection
The stitching began to fray after one ride, but has not progressed much further over the course of two months
Sold in EU sizing, which may vary slightly from US sizes
Manufactured and stocked in large sizes such as US 14 and 15
Exceptional comfort both on and off the bike
Protection is minimal, but still better than wearing street shoes
D30 ankle protection and rip-stop material across the toes
The shoes have a high price point in comparison to comparable riding shoes, but the value can be justified by how comfortable they are

Walk & Ride in Comfort

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a pair of riding shoes. If you’ve followed my previous work, you’ll know I tend to stray away from boots and opt for more low-profile, casual riding shoes. I’m not huge on boots, and I’m afraid that bias will impact the review.

Helmet House had expressed a lot of interest in working together on some gear, and I figured, what the hell! My current riding shoes are looking a little worse for wear, and the ARX Air Riding shoes looked right up my alley.

Slim, sleek, discrete, and most importantly, comfortable.

Yep, these shoes were thought to have it all! I put them to the test and was pleasantly surprised by how they performed. They ticked most of my boxes, and I think they will tick most of yours as well.

Skate Shoes or Riding Shoes?

I’m reviewing more streetwear-inspired gear, who would’ve thought?

The Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes have a few obvious design features that differentiate them from traditional streetwear, but apart from that, they fly under the radar pretty well. One of the most obvious features is the outer mesh along the middle and back of the shoe.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a pair of Nikes with mesh along the body. You’ll be pleased to know, however, that I’m grateful for that mesh. It gives the shoes plenty of ventilation in hot riding conditions, something you’ll appreciate as well.

What’s more, the mesh isn’t even noticeable in my riding jeans. The leg is long enough to cover that part of the shoe, exposing only the toe and part of the laces.

Speaking of the toe, the shift guard on the big toe is very discreet, and smaller than I’ve seen on other riding shoes. From a design aspect, I like that, but it makes me question the effectiveness of it.

In case you couldn’t tell, I reviewed the Black/White color combination. The white rubber sole contrasts nicely against the black fabric, alongside the white laces. Black laces were included in the box, but I think we can all agree that white laces look better.

The black ARX shoes are 100x easier to keep clean than the white Spidi XPD Moto-1 shoes I reviewed in 2023 (who would’ve thought?). At the time, I was stoked to have found a white pair of riding shoes, but I quickly realized they’re so hard to come by – they get destroyed by the shifter.

Overall, I love the design of the shoes. With what’s visible under my riding jeans, they remind me of a pair of black Converse. The only thing I would change is the reflecting details on the heel. I’d love to see Sidi incorporate reflective details in a more tasteful, design-oriented way.

If short boots are your style, you’ll want to check out our Best Short Boots list for 2025.

Design: 90%
Build Quality

At first glance, the shoes looked and felt high-quality. Throughout my review, that almost remained entirely true, with the exception of one minor detail with the potential to turn major. Let me explain.

The toe of the shoe is made out of a rip-stop material. This was a very smart choice of material as the rip-stop will encourage your foot to slide across the pavement to prevent your toes from catching while skipping across the asphalt. Not a pleasant thought, but the reality of an accident.

The sole of the shoe is firm and durable. I’m confident that the Vibram Rubber Sole will be able to stand up to any terrain. As for time on the bike, the sole has large grooves in it to maximize grip, ensuring your feet stay firmly planted on your pegs and controls.

Moving up the shoe is the upper canvas and aforementioned mesh material. In the hand, it feels thick, impact absorbing, and comfortable. Everything about this shoe is screaming high quality, except for one thing – the stitching.

On the shift gear protection, the stitching began to fray after my first ride. Funnily enough, it began to fray fairly high up on the foot in areas that are unlikely to be touched by the shifter. Aside from a few stray shifts, I feel confident enough to say that area of the shoe has not seen much action.

Regardless, the stitch has begun to fray. The good news? It hasn’t gotten much worse over the last few weeks than when it originally started. Like I mentioned, this is a minor issue with the potential to become a major one.

If the stitching is fraying from a bit of gear shifting, how will it hold up in a slide?

Build Quality: 75%
Superior Fit & Comfort

Some things that really stuck out to me with the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes are in regard to the sizing. First off, you’ll need to convert your US foot size to match the EU sizing. This is easy enough to do with a simple Google search.

Unfortunately, by following the EU sizing, the shoe isn’t made in my exact size. Typically, I wear a size 9. With the ARX’s, I had the choice of either an 8.5 or 9.5, but not a 9. I opted for the latter and was pleasantly surprised by how well they fit. Yes, a tad bit big, but still snug and safe to ride in.

On top of that, take a look at the overall range of sizes, particularly the larger ones. I challenge you to find me another riding shoe that’s not only made, but stocked, in a US size 14 and 15. I’ll wait.

Size options are abundant with the ARX Air Riding Shoes; that much is clear. Aside from that, the fit is excellent. On first use, the fit is fairly snug, with the high-top design and protection working against you. Luckily, Sidi included a pull tab on the back that helped motivate my foot into the shoe.

After my testing period, I’m happy to say that the shoes still fit snug. Typically, I’d like my shoes to loosen up over time, or break in, but with riding gear, I expect the opposite. I don’t want my armor and protection to wear through normal use. That’s not a good sign of strong reinforcement.

As far as comfort goes, these shoes are a dream to wear. Whether I’m walking or riding, I didn’t have any pain in my feet, found the soles to be extremely cushy and supportive, and enjoyed my time wearing them.

I was afraid the larger size would be an issue, but it wasn’t at all. I don’t have any complaints when it comes to the size, fit, and comfort of the ARX Air Riding Shoes.

If comfort is what you’re after, you’ll want to check out our review of the Cortech “The Slayer” Canvas Riding Shoes.

See also

Size, Fit & Comfort: 100%
Good Protection For What They Are

Just by looking at the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes, I knew what I was getting into in terms of protection. They don’t make use of metal inserts in high-impact areas, nor do they incorporate highly-abrasion-resistant materials.

Yet, they are still certified to EN 13634:2017. They have low-profile D30 material around the ankle for impact absorption and energy dissipation. Furthermore, the heel and toe are reinforced for additional protection.

The ARX shoes weren’t designed to be the most protective short boots on the market, and I think it’s fair to say anyone considering buying them is not expecting them to be. With that being said, I think that Sidi could’ve incorporated a few more protective features while still maintaining a low profile. For example, an insert in the ankle wouldn’t add bulk to the shoe, but it can make a huge difference in a slide.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more protection, check out our Best Cruiser Motorcycle Boots.

Protection: 75%
Value for Money

Coming in at a mid-range price, the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes have a hard time presenting their value for money.

For example, the TCX Street 3 Air Shoes come in at the same price point, look very similar, yet have a heap more features throughout the shoe. Some of the most notable features include an Ortholite footbed and D30 inserts on the malleolus.

Looking at cheaper shoes, the aforementioned Cortech “The Slayer” riding shoes have comparable features to the ARX Air’s, but cost over $40 less.

Now that’s not to say that the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes are overpriced. I think that they are an extremely comfortable shoe that a lot of riders will find value in, but unfortunately, that isn’t something I can provide a direct comparison as I haven’t worn the previously mentioned shoes above.

Value for Money: 70%
Final Verdict

Riding in the ARX Air Riding Shoes was a pleasure, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to review them. The shoes have a great design element to them, which will appeal to riders looking for a discreet, streetwear-inspired shoe.

While they aren’t the cheapest pair of riding shoes on the market, or the most protective, it is my belief that riders will find value in the ARX shoes through the comfort they provide both on and off the bike.

If staying calm, cool, and comfortable is most important to you, the Sidi ARX Air Riding Shoes will be a great fit for your closet.

Scoring

Design: 90%
Build Quality: 75%
Size, Fit & Comfort: 100%
Protection: 75%
Value for Money: 70%

How to Ensure Equality in Workplace Wellness Programs

Wellness programs at work provide an opportunity to promote healthier lifestyles and boost employee wellbeing, but when these programs are not created with equality in mind, they may inadvertently contribute to health disparities or leave some employees excluded from reaping their benefits. Ensuring equality in workplace wellness programs means giving all employees equal access to resources and opportunities related to health and wellness, regardless of personal characteristics or circumstances.

Equality in workplace wellness programs is crucial to creating an inclusive company culture, as 75% of employees believe their employers should support their overall health. Let’s explore how employers can foster equality with wellness initiatives that include every employee.

Steps to Guarantee Inclusivity

Employers looking to promote equality in wellness programs must take four key steps in order to guarantee equitable and inclusive programs:

Assess All Employee Needs: Taking into account all of the interests and health concerns of employees is key to creating effective wellness programs.
Ensure Accessibility: Accessibility Is Key for Inclusion. Wellness programs should be easily adaptable for employees of varying physical abilities, and accessibility plays an integral role in inclusion.
Avoid Stigmatizing Employees: Wellness programs should support employee health without creating shame or embarrassment, including by avoiding language and activities that alienate or stigmatize certain employee groups.
Include Inclusive Incentives: Employee incentives should be accessible and tailored specifically towards supporting their personal goals, while encouraging participation across different backgrounds.

Digging in…

Let’s explore further just how to include each of these steps in your employee wellness program.

1. Assess Employee Needs and Build Equality

Understanding employee needs is the cornerstone of creating a wellness program tailored specifically to their health interests and challenges. Here are several strategies you can use to collect this essential feedback:

Conduct Surveys: Utilize anonymous surveys to better understand employee health and wellness needs, such as physical activity, stress management, mental health needs management, and chronic disease prevention.
Examine Health Data: Review internal data like insurance claims, absenteeism rates, and workplace injury reports to identify common health concerns and design wellness initiatives to address them.
Hold Focus Groups: Participating in open discussions between employees is an effective way of uncovering health concerns that may not come out in other ways. Focus groups provide direct insights into employee needs that can guide program design.
Review Current Programs: Evaluate existing wellness offerings to identify what’s working and where improvements may be required, and to ascertain if any programs or resources require extra support to meet employee needs.
Consult Health Professionals: Seek advice from wellness specialists such as dietitians, exercise physiologists, and mental health counselors who can offer guidance in meeting employees’ health needs effectively.
Employers can utilize these approaches to ensure their wellness programs reflect the diverse needs of their workforce and promote greater participation while improving health outcomes.

2. Provide Access for All Employees

Wellness programs should not be limited based on physical abilities, location or other factors. According to the 2018 Disability Equality Index Annual Report, 28% of employees with disabilities reported that their employer did not offer wellness programs compared with only 21% for employees without disabilities.

Employers looking to create an inclusive wellness program must:

Assure employees with disabilities have equal access to wellness activities. Provide flexible participation options, such as virtual or remote wellness programs for employees working from home.
Accommodate employees who require special consideration, such as wheelchair access or support for those managing chronic health conditions.
Accessibility in wellness programs is paramount to creating an inclusive workplace in which all employees can take part and benefit from them.

3. Create Stigma-Free Wellness Programs

Wellness initiatives that stigmatize weight loss or certain medical conditions may alienate employees. Instead, successful wellness initiatives should celebrate healthy behaviors while offering support in an inclusive manner. To create stigma-free wellness programs:

Provide Diverse Wellness Activities: Offer wellness activities tailored to different fitness levels and interests, such as yoga, meditation, walking clubs, and more.
Respectful Language: When promoting wellness programs, use language that does not stigmatize employees by labeling them. Instead, empower employees to improve their well-being and boost it!
Foster Support across Cultures: Train managers on cultural competence so wellness initiatives respect the diversity of your workforce.
Focus on Personal Well-Being: Encourage employees to focus on their health journey without comparing themselves with others.

4. Inclusive Incentives to Encourage Wellness Program Participation

Incentives play a pivotal role in encouraging participation in wellness programs. To ensure all employees feel motivated to engage, consider offering inclusive incentives like:

Flexible Work Hours: Allow employees to participate in wellness programs during work hours or adjust their schedules as necessary.
Subsidies for Wellness Activities: Consider offering gym membership subsidies or reimbursements to make fitness classes and health activities more accessible to employees across all income levels.
Inclusive Wellness Activities: Provide inclusive wellness activities such as mental health workshops, fitness challenges, and stress-relief sessions in order to satisfy diverse preferences.
Resources for Health Education: Provide your employees with resources and information related to nutrition, mental health, and stress management to encourage a proactive approach to their own well-being.

Conclusion

Implementing equality in wellness programs may seem intimidating, but the results will benefit both employees and the organization as a whole.

By emphasizing equality and inclusivity in workplace wellness programs, you can enhance their effectiveness significantly, giving each employee access to the resources they require for optimal performance and making sure everyone benefits from having healthier, more engaged workers within your organization.