Highside/Lowside - A Motorcycle Podcast

Former President of the Los Angeles Lakers, Tim Harris, joins the show to discuss his life as a returning rider to answer the question: is it ever too late to start riding? Tim rode from age 16 to 22, then spent the next four decades "frozen in motorcycle ice" while building a family and a career. Now back in the saddle in his 60s, Tim shares the hilarious and humble reality of relearning the "friction zone" and surviving the "intervention" of worried coworkers. We also dive into new data from AIM Expo about Gen Z's interest in motorcycling and answer a listener's question about how to convince a reluctant spouse to let you start riding later in life. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Zack and Spurg dive into the auditory soul of motorcycling and what makes an engine sound "iconic." From the rhythmic clatter of a Ducati dry clutch to the "vicious" scream of an Aprilia V4, we break down the sounds that transports us to the racetrack and the open road. We also pay tribute to the legendary Japanese industrial designer who survived the atomic bomb to create the iconic Kikkoman soy sauce bottle AND the Yamaha VMAX. Stick around for a special Engine Sound Guessing Game and a heartfelt discussion on the risks and rewards of putting kids on the back of a motorcycle. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

In honor of "Back to the Future" turning 40, industry experts like Ryan Fortnine, Matt Oxley, and Ari Henning take a trip back in time with Zack & Spurg to explore five massive motorcycle "What if" scenarios: What if Boeing built motorcycles? What if Harley-Davidson abandoned "heritage" for "cutting-edge"? How would a different World War II outcome have changed German and Japanese engineering? What does a truly safe motorcycle look like? If gas motorcycles were banned tomorrow, would the community survive on electric and hydrogen alone? Plus, Zack analyzes his actual Alpinestars airbag crash data, comparing his 65-mph highside to Marc Marquez's infamous tumbles. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Is Marc Márquez the greatest of all time? To kick off the 2026 MotoGP season, Zack and Spurg sit down with legendary racing journalist and historian Mat Oxley to discuss why Márquez is a "generational talent". They dive into the incredible story of how Marc learned to save front-end slides with his elbows, the countless surgeries it took to keep him on the grid, and how Spain has created the most successful racing culture in the world. The guys also take a look towards the future at the 2027 MotoGP rule changes that could reset the entire field—and whether Márquez's body will let him stick around to see them. This entire conversation was inspired by Mat's new book, "Marc the Magnificent: Seven-times MotoGP King". To check out Mat's book for yourself, here is a link to his website. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

The $6,000 Harley-Davidson, Honda's automatic clutch, the "vicious" KTM 990 RC R superbike, and much, much more are discussed as Zack and Spurg preview the most exciting motorcycles, tech, and industry shifts coming in 2026! We also have an "Am I the A-hole" debate involving a delivery robot and a parked Harley… and we're joined by gear expert Pat McHugh to discuss the future of hearing protection: Cardo's active noise-canceling helmet. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Can you imagine crashing a superbike at a press event in a foreign country? Zack can! Zack Courts returns to the show and shares his experience (both on and off the track) at the KTM 990 RC R press event in southern Spain. Spurg & Zack also discuss changes in motorcycle policy at the Circuit of the Americas and whether or not a high BMW price tag is worth it off-road. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

In the last episode before Zack's triumphant return, Spurg and guest host Ari Henning celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Suzuki GSX-R by digging into its rise, fall, and rebirth as one of the most prolific motorcycles in the industry. The guys also dive into the challenge of finding a good used GSX-R and discuss the "Gixxer Bro" culture. Plus, stick around for a very special Engine Sound Guessing Game! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

The legendary Ryan from FortNine drops in to go deep into his most ambitious project yet: a feature-length documentary chronicling a record-breaking, 16-day motorcycle trip around the entire world. With Zack Courts still out on the mend, Spurgeon Dunbar is joined by CTXP producer Spenser Robert to ask Ryan about his chaotic time in India, the freezing "Nullarbor" of Australia, the logistical miracles worked by Ducati fixers at the Turkish border, and what it's really like to live on a bike for 24+ hours at a time. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Spurgeon is joined by Common Tread's Lance Oliver to take a deep dive into the financial and structural changes rocking the Harley-Davidson corporate world. From a surprise CEO change (Artie Starrs from Topgolf and Pizza Hut) to a dealer revolt and the future of the brand, we're cutting through the clickbait to deliver a rational, fact-based look at the Motor Company. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

The Motorcycle Dating Game returns! Patrick Garvin and Spurg match Highside/Lowside listeners to their perfect motorcycle. And they all lived happily ever after! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Fan-favorite Lance Oliver joins HSLS to break down the biggest news from EICMA 2025: The surprising new Suzuki SV-7GX, BMW's controversial F 450 GS (and its AI photos), Honda's wild V3R 900 E-Compressor concept, and the rise of brands like CFMOTO and Royal Enfield. Plus, they debate the "trickle-down" tech trend and ask: are big motorcycle shows like EICMA even relevant anymore? But where is Zack Courts? Spurgeon Dunbar explains Zack's absence (get well soon!) as well as the engine-sound guessing game, whether or not you should get a bigger bike, and much more! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

It's the Highside/Lowside Season 10 finale, and we're going out with a bang! World Superbike racer Garrett Gerloff joins Zack and Spurg for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from the mindset of a pro racer to the simple joy of riding a Yamaha Zuma. If you've ever wondered what a world-class rider thinks about group rides, speeding tickets, or even the Honda Gold Wing, this is the episode for you. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Zack and Spurg dedicate a full episode to you! Join us as the guys tackle your best comments and questions of the season: Are motorcycle throttles designed backward? What's the future of cruisers as Harley-Davidson's market share shifts? And what are the pros and cons of flipping your front track day tire to save a buck? And more! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Are Chinese motorcycles finally ready to compete with the established giants from Japan and Europe? In this episode of Highside/Lowside, Zack and Spurge dive deep into one of the most talked-about topics in the industry. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

The most intense and inspiring conversation in Highside/Lowside history, Zack and Spurg are joined by three riders who faced life-altering motorcycle accidents and fought their way back to the machines they love. This episode is a powerful testament to the passion, resilience, and spirit of the motorcycle community... and the unstoppable drive to get back on two wheels, even when the world tells you it's impossible. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Are motorcycle group rides the best way to make friends or the fastest way to make enemies? In this episode of Highside/Lowside, Zack and Spurg tackle the highs, the lows, and the unwritten rules of riding with other people. From the dusty trails of an ADV rally to the organized chaos of a track day and the etiquette of a local poker run, we cover what you need to know to survive and thrive. Plus, we dive into a classic "Am I the A-hole?" about confusing intersection etiquette and why being "too nice" can actually be dangerous. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new rider looking to find your crew, this episode is packed with tips, horror stories, and laughs. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Six generations, 640,000 sold and some of the most fanatical fans the motorcycling world has to offer. The Honda Gold Wing has had a huge impact on the industry both at home and abroad. Spurg and Zack explore the Gold Wing's origins and how it's managed to be a top seller in the touring world after 50 years. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Being a top competitor in MotoAmerica takes a level of talent, intelligence, and dedication that few possess... especially at 17 years old! Professional motorcycle racer Kayla Yaakov joins the show to give a glimpse of what life is like for one of the most exciting and inspirational racers in the sport! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Whether you already own a motorcycle or not, there are so many reasons to rent! But what is the best way?! Ride-share app? Rental Company? Dax Harlow (from MotoQuest) and Ari Henning join the show to discuss the ins, outs, and anecdotes of renting (and renting out) bikes around the world. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos