Review Episodes

In this episode of the Throttle and Roast podcast, host Niels Meersschaert reviews FortNine’s documentary "Yalla Habibi," which chronicles an attempt to set a world record by circumnavigating the globe on two motorcycles in under 19 days. The journey covers over 13,000 miles, spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with only three team members and no chase crew. Facing fatigue, border challenges, and wildlife hazards, the team’s perseverance and self-sufficiency stand out. The film ...

Host, Niels Meersschaert reviews the history and evolution of the Triumph Thruxton, from its 1960s café racer origins to the discontinued Thruxton 1200. The episode compares it to the Royal Enfield Continental 650, then introduces the new Triumph Thruxton 400 — a modern, affordable café racer that closely matches the original's spirit and performance. Design changes, specs, and pricing are discussed, concluding with thoughts on the Thruxton 400’s value for today’s riders. Revzilla overview To...

In this episode of the Throttle and Roast Podcast, host Niels Meersschaert dives into the distinctions between adventure vs sport touring motorcycles. He discusses the characteristics of ADV bikes, noting their popularity and comparison to dual sports, while highlighting their off-road capabilities and design features like taller suspensions and aggressive tires. Niels also examines sport touring bikes, emphasizing their more relaxed ergonomics suited for long rides. Finally, he suggests that so...

In this episode of the Throttle and Roast podcast, host Niels Meersschaert shares his first impressions of his new 2025 BMW F900GS after trading in several old bikes. He discusses the bike's aesthetic appeal, highlighting its modern design with a single headlight and rugged look. Niels also emphasizes the improved handling, noting the lighter weight makes it more agile on the road. With various rider modes now available, he contrasts the new performance features with his previous models. Overall...

In this episode of the Throttle and Roast podcast, host Niels Meersschaert discusses BMW's new R1300 boxer models, including the R Roadster, RS, and RT. He reflects on the evolution of the Roadster design and compares performance and character across models. The new R promises a compelling option for those seeking a Street Fighter style with strong performance, while the RS blends sportiness with touring capabilities. Niels highlights the distinct features and riding experiences these bikes offe...

In this episode, host Niels Meersschaert discusses modern motorcycle navigation systems, highlighting their conveniences and limitations. He examines popular app-based routing tools like Rever, Calimoto, and Beeline, focusing on their features, such as twisty road routing. While these apps offer quick route planning and point-of-interest features, they lack critical details like waypoint distances and arrival times. The conversation emphasizes the importance of features that enhance trip plannin...

We explore the diverse range of motorcycles available today, addressing the paradox of choice in the motorcycling world. Starting with scooters, highlighting their benefits for new riders, including smaller engine capacities, automatic transmissions, and upright seating positions. We also cover standard motorcycles, dirt bikes, dual sports, adventure motorcycles, cruisers, sport bikes, sport tourers, touring bikes and even some style variations like bobbers and cafe racers. Overall, the episode ...

We review the standout motorcycle gear from 2024. Highlights like the Sena 60S Bluetooth headset, featuring advanced mesh communication, improved speakers, and a new wave intercom that offers limitless range with cell service. Also discussed is the Arai XD5 dual sport helmet, noting its comfortable fit for a wider range of riders, removable face shield, and redesigned peak to reduce wind buffeting. And many other items we think are standouts. These innovative products showcase significant advanc...

In this episode of the Throttle and Roast podcast, host Niels Meersschaert discusses the rise of electric motorcycles in 2024, examining their advantages and disadvantages. Key benefits include instant torque, no gears for easier handling, and zero tailpipe emissions, addressing the challenges of strict regulations. However, the absence of engine noise may deter some riders, and range limitations pose practical concerns, especially in less populated areas. Niels emphasizes the balance between th...

In the latest Throttle and Roast podcast episode, host Niels Meersschaert delves into the exciting new motorcycles showcased at EICMA 2024. Covering adventure, standard, and sport bikes, he highlights the powerful KTM Super Adventure S and EVO, featuring advanced technologies like an automated manual and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, he discusses the Yamaha Tenere 700, which has gained popularity for its balance of performance and affordability, now enhanced with ride modes, traction co...

In this podcast episode, Niels discusses the importance of motorcycle headsets, exploring their features and benefits. He explains how these devices enhance the riding experience by providing clear GPS instructions, enabling music and podcast listening, facilitating hands-free phone calls, and allowing intercom communication with fellow riders. Niels also addresses reasons why some riders might choose to skip headsets, such as riding bikes with built-in speakers or using open helmets that limit ...

Send us a text In this episode of the Throttle and Roast podcast, host Niels Meersschaert dives into the rising prices of motorcycles, addressing the common perception among riders that costs have soared in recent years. He compares 2014 and current prices for various popular brands like Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati, revealing significant percentage increases. Niels breaks down median prices and price ranges across top brands, highlighting the factors behind these trends and examin...

Send us a text In this episode of Throttle and Roast, host Niels Meersschaert delves into the intriguing comparison between classic and modern motorcycles. He begins by discussing the iconic style of classic bikes from the 1960s and 70s, highlighting their distinctive aesthetics and characteristics, including air-cooled engines and chrome finishes. The conversation then shifts to purchase prices, noting how true classics can often be more affordable than new models, while some modern bikes, like...

Send us a text In this episode of the Throttle and Roast podcast, host Niels Meersschaert delves into the growing engine displacement of motorcycles and its impact on performance and pricing. He discusses the 50% increase in engine size since the 1980s, the climbing engine power, and how even low-end motorcycles now outperform most cars. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of motorcycle engines and the implications of rising displacement. Support the show Thanks for listening! Follow u...

Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the world of BMW GS motorcycles. Join us as we explore the unique features, performance, and riding experiences offered by each the newest GS models, the R1300GS and the F900GS. Whether you're a GS enthusiast or simply curious about these adventure bikes, this episode provides valuable insights to help you understand and appreciate the distinct capabilities of each motorcycle. Big thanks to MAX BMW for the demo rides of the new GS models. Read our ...