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

In this episode of Highside/Lowside, we sit down with Chris Northover of Bike World TV to explore the benefits of riding different types of motorcycles — from enduro bikes to adventure tourers to sportbikes. Can cross-training with various bikes actually make you a better rider? We dig into how switching things up can sharpen your skills, build confidence, and give you a whole new perspective on two wheels. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

In this episode of Highside/Lowside, Spurg and Zack chat about the BEST new motorcycles under $10,000 and have made some exciting picks! Which is your favorite? What did we miss? Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

What makes the Isle of Man TT the most legendary – and dangerous – motorcycle race in the world? In this episode of Highside/Lowside, Spurg and Zack sit down with veteran motojournalist and former racer Mat Oxley to dive deep into the thrill, history, and high stakes of the TT races. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Highside/Lowside is back for its 10th season! You could say we've learned a thing-or-two about motorcycles over the past 9 seasons. What we know for certain is there's no better way to start a season than with our very own Lance "Silver Fox" Oliver! Lance joins Spurg and Zack to discuss the exciting new-for-2025 motorcycles. Are you happy with what we've seen so far? What are you hoping to see? Let's hear 'em! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Kinga Tanajewska from OnHerBike gives her take on this past season's talking topics including: Solo-riding in foreign countries, her top bike-mods & rider aides and so much more! Also, the first flying motorcycle available to the public and a very poetic review. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

What repairs can you really do on the side of the road with only a tool kit? Will Chinese bikes force Japan to compete? If you truck your bike out of town, where should you park while you ride? All these questions and more… plus a special present from a listener that has Zack & Spurg cry laughing… on this episode of Highside Lowside. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Lobbyist and rider Phil Stalboerger joins to discuss his own journey getting a lane-splitting legalization bill built and passed in the state of Minnesota… and how you can do it too! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Some bikes never get made. Some get discontinued. And some only exist in the wildest dreams of our hosts. Listener-favorite Spenser Robert joins the show to come up with the best motorcycles in every category that (for whatever reason) AREN'T being made… but could be top-of-the-heap if they were just given a chance. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Do electronic rider aids actually make you safer? Faster? Do they breed new motorcyclists incapable of truly handling their machines? Ari Henning joins the show to breakdown the current state of electronic rider aids and determine which ones are actually worth the money! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Is A.I. ready to rip two wheels? That's what we want to know! With more and more people turning to A.I. for answers…motorcycle experts Zack, Spurg and Lance "the Silver Fox" Oliver put the intelligence through it's paces to see if it's a viable source for our fellow riders out there. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Petcock. Pillion. Backing the Bike In. If you've ever heard riding buddies throw these words around and been too embarrassed to ask what they mean… this is the episode for you! Zack and Spurg define and dig into the confusing slang and technical terms sent in by our listeners. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Race-legend and journalist Mat Oxley joins the show to educate us on the history of and present fascination with the high-stakes (and high-speed) world of MotoGP motorcycle racing and the super-athletes brave enough to ride in it. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

The Suzuki SV650's interesting history and monumental impact on the world of motorcycling made it the perfect bike to kick off our new "Motorcycle Icons" series! Whether you own an SV650 or not, you're sure to enjoy learning more about this prolific ride. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

What were the moto headlines 100 years ago? How did Lance Oliver put 100k miles on a Street Triple? What was the first bike Ari Henning went 100 mph? In honor of our 100th episode, we invited all your favorite guests to discuss motorcycling by the 100's. Also on the show: An engine-sound guessing game first and a frank discussion about Spurg & Zack's riding ability. 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 is back! Zack & Spurg take requests to find the perfect motorcycle for those searching for that special moto. Will our lonely riders find their moto match? Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Zack & Spurg have the best mods to get the most out of your motorcycle… whether you're heading across town, across the country, down the track or off the beaten path. Also on the show: Are hydrogen motorcycles the real future of riding? And an engine-sound guessing game for the ages. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

You know stand-up comedian Alonzo Bodden as the grand prize winner of Last Comic Standing (S3), but did you also know that he's been riding motorcycles for over 40 years? Alonzo joins Zack & Spurg in this season's finale to discuss his start on two wheels, current moto philosophies and whether or not biking affects his time on stage. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Would Ari Henning recommend racing oil in your bike if you aren't racing? Will 90's video game-style sport bikes make a comeback? What's the best way to make riding buddies? Moto-gurus Zack & Spurg (and Ari) answer these questions and more from listeners like you in this season's comments, questions, and answers episode. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

As Zack and Spurg are just starting their journey as dads, they look for guidance on how to introduce their children to two wheels and how to successfully make motorcycling a family affair. So the duo interview their own dad's about their personal riding history, what it was like becoming parents who ride, and ultimately the joy of riding with your kids. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Ever wanted to know what experienced moto-journalists would buy if they were looking for a bike in your area? We gave Spurg, Zack and Patrick Garvin $20,000 to buy three motorcycles that were actually for sale in their areas (East Coast, West Coast and Midwest). Check out what they picked, and more importantly… why they picked them! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Motorcycle Safety Tech has made some BIG leaps in the past several years. Who better than gear-guru Pat McHugh to fill Zack and Spurg in on the biggest advancements, how they work and if they're right for you! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Displacement creep is real! And it's happening across every motorcycle segment. Zack and Spurg dig into the details and answer why engines keep getting bigger, where it's helping and where it's hurting. What do you think?! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Zack and Spurg are back, and this time, they're joined by legendary moto-journalist — and Spurg's hero — Peter Egan. Will Spurg shed tears of joy? Will he full-on ugly cry? Place your bets in the comments! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

We asked YOU to spill the moto-tea! Zack and Spurg share stories & predicaments sent in by our listeners that may not always have a clear cut answer. That doesn't stop us from hashing them out with guest Patrick Garvin to try to determine: Are You An A**hole?! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Evel Knievel was a semi-pro in what sport? What bike inspired NASA's lunar-motorcycle? Join Zack & Spurg as they go head-to-head for a special surprise in Highside Lowside's first-ever Motorcycle Trivia Challenge! Hosted by the one-and-only Spenser Robert with a guest appearance from The Silver Fox: Lance Oliver! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Zack and Spurg welcome Ari back to Highside/Lowside to answer an age-old question: how classic are modern-classic bikes? Do you lean more toward the modern side or the classic side? Let us know! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Zack & Spurg welcome Abhi Eswarappa back to Highside/Lowside to discuss a favorite topic, motorcycle blunders! This time, the gang discusses the motorcycle misses from the otherwise consistently reliable island of motorcycle production, Japan. Do you agree with our assessments? Can you think of some other big goofs we may have missed? Let us know! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

It's here! Highside/Lowside returns for season 8. Starting the year off on the right foot, Common Tread Editor Lance "The Silver Fox" Oliver joins Zack and Spurgeon to chat about all the new-for-2024 bikes. Which models are you looking forward to this year? Let's hear 'em! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

Alastair Fagan of FortyFourTeeth takes a break from ripping around the track and making kick-ass content to give Zack and Spurg his take on season seven's most popular motorcycle topics. Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos

It's that time again! It's the "Comments Episode" where Zack and Spurg sit down and respond to YOUR comments! We even got Zack's Dad to weigh in with his opinion for one lucky listener! Check out more from RevZilla: Common Tread: Written motorcycle news, opinions, and reviews RevZillaTV: Your favorite Video coverage of all things motorcycle