All posts by : yaryna

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%

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