TLDR: Letter from the editor | Charity Rides | KLR 650 review | Epic Rides | The long way down
Hey riders,
As we wrap the year, I wanted to say thank you for taking this journey with me. As a 12-year rider, coach, and general lover of all things two wheels, American Moto Co™ is my mission to break down the rider niches we all fell into.
Rarely do I meet a rider who is dedicated to a single discipline, yet the motorcycle world has segmented itself by riding style.
Going into 2026, my goal is to break down the walls and share the stories from the road, no matter what you ride.
Stay tuned in the new year as we will be releasing community meets and even a spot at Bike Week to share your story from the road live.
Cheers! - Zach (Owner of American Moto Co™)
Want to give back for the holidays? Check out these 11 rides for charity before the holiday.
Fort Worth, TX 12/20/25
El Centro, CA 12/20/25
Scott, LA 12/20/2025
Puyallup, WA 12/20/25
Houston, TX 12/20/25
Dothan, AL 12/20/25
Ellington, CT 12/20/25
Mooresville, NC 12/20/25
Albuquerque, NM 12/20/25
North Charleston, SC 12/20/25
Clearwater, FL 12/21/25
Reviews for Riders: The KLR 650
There are motorcycles you buy because they’re fast, motorcycles you buy because they’re beautiful, and then there are motorcycles you buy because you want to go forever.
The Kawasaki KLR650 has always lived squarely in that last category.
For decades, it’s been the bike leaned against gas station walls, strapped with mismatched luggage, carrying riders who may not know exactly where they’re sleeping, but know they’ll get there. It’s never been glamorous. It’s never pretended to be cutting-edge. And that’s exactly why it’s earned its place in motorcycling culture. Read more….
Epic Rides : Stretches of asphalt that don’t just take you somewhere, but put you back together along the way.
If you’re already thinking about where to go in 2026, we put together a short list worth bookmarking. It’s a mix of roads you’ve probably heard about and a few you may have been meaning to ride someday, the kind of places that remind you why a long day in the saddle still feels like time well spent. No hype, no rankings, just 12 American roads that consistently deliver when you show up ready to ride. Read more…
Safety and Performance: Sedici Marco 2 Mesh Waterproof Jacket (a personal review)
…the Sedici Marco 2 Mesh Waterproof Jacket hits a sweet spot. It’s built to handle hot days without feeling flimsy, with large mesh panels that move real air while still backing it up with proper CE-rated armor in the shoulders and elbows, plus a pocket for a back protector.
I’ve spent enough time in jackets like this to say the Marco 2 feels more like practical riding gear than a compromise. It’s comfortable on the bike, doesn’t bind up when you’re moving around off it, and doesn’t scream track day cosplay when you stop for fuel or food.
My only two complaints are…
The sizing is ridiculous. I typically wear a medium/large, and I needed an XL to fit.
The rain gear is zipped to the inside. If you have the full set and it starts to rain, you have to find a place to hide and show the world your tighty whities, while you add the rain insert to your gear.
Community Spotlight: Michelle Lamphere, the KLR, and the Long Way Down
Michelle Lamphere (International Vice-President of WIMA & National President of WIMA USA) shares her story that starts on the Trans-Labrador Highway with a broken leg, a satellite phone drifting away on a KLR650, and an entire province of strangers showing up as if the universe had them on speed dial. Read more….
We’re always down to talk bikes. And if you know someone who lives for throttle therapy, send this newsletter their way; their readership helps keep the newsletter going.
Keep the shiny side up.
– The American Moto Co. Team
