JT Nesbitt’s idea of designing a motorcycle that can last 100 years isn’t just about durability—it’s a design philosophy rooted in longevity and resistance to disposable culture. At the core of his thinking is a rejection of modern production cycles, where machines are often designed around short-term relevance and planned obsolescence. Instead, Nesbitt treats a motorcycle more like a piece of industrial art or architecture, something that should age with dignity, remain serviceable, and still matter decades after its creation. This illustration showcases the unique component design of the Magnolia 4. A 100-year motorcycle, in his view, has to be built on a foundation that transcends fashion. That means mechanical simplicity where possible, repairability over replacement, and materials that age well rather than degrade quickly. It’s about making every system understandable, accessible, and capable of being maintained by future generations who may not have factory support or diagnostic tools. There’s also a cultural layer to it. His inspiration comes from early American motorcycles, industrial-era craftsmanship, Japanese sword metallurgy, aviation logic, and even broader artistic influences. The idea is that a machine should feel like it belongs to a longer continuum of design history, not a single product cycle.  This final rendering depicts what the finished production motorcycle will look like. Nine have already pre-sold. In that sense, a 100-year motorcycle is an argument against obsolescence itself. If it’s well-conceived, it should be worth keeping alive indefinitely. At the heart of the 100-year motorcycle idea is a simple principle: reduce everything to what is absolutely necessary, then make those parts as strong and serviceable as possible. Instead of layering complexity onto performance, the design philosophy strips the machine down to its most durable mechanical core. “Have the fewest number of moving parts possible and make sure those parts are as strong as they can be.” JT Nesbitt Rule 1: Make it Simple Reductive mechanical design is the first rule Nesbitt has followed in the design of the Maglonia 4. That means using the fewest possible component parts and eliminating unnecessary systems entirely. The engine uses overhead cams driven by bevel gears and a shaft instead of a cam chain, removing multiple wear points and moving parts. Valve actuation happens directly over the cam, which eliminates rocker arms altogether.  The transmission is a simple 3-speed unit designed to take advantage of engine torque, using only a single shift fork and no shifter drum or PAL-style mechanism. Even the starter system is simplified. The starter motor and generator are combined into a single unit with no sprag clutch or intermediate drive components. An oil screen replaces a traditional disposable filter, further reducing service complexity. Fewer moving parts and stronger individual components means longer life. Rule 2: Eliminate Fluids The second rule is to use the least number of fluids as possible and simplify what remains. The only essential fluids are oil and fuel. The engine is designed with just three radial oil seals in the powertrain, and instead of relying on traditional gaskets, mating surfaces use RTV sealant throughout. Cooling is handled through an optimized fin design, eliminating the need for a water-cooling system entirely. Even braking is reconsidered. Drum brakes are used for their longevity and mechanical simplicity, avoiding hydraulic brake fluid entirely. The wheel design is also rethought to help manage heat, drawing inspiration from Ettore Bugatti’s approach to mechanical elegance and thermal efficiency. The goal is to remove systems that degrade, leak, or require constant maintenance over time. Rule 3: Limit Electronics The third rule is to limit electronics to only what improves reliability. In this philosophy, simple non-sequential port fuel injection is preferred over carburetion for consistency and durability, and electronic ignition replaces mechanical points for long-term reliability.  Beyond that, electronics are intentionally minimized. The motorcycle is designed with a kickstarter, eliminating the need for a battery-dependent starting system altogether. The intent is not to avoid modern technology, but to use only what demonstrably increases longevity while removing everything that introduces unnecessary failure points. The Legacy of 100 Years The Magnolia 4 is an exercise in restraint and intention. The result is a machine shaped as much by what has been left out as what has been included, where durability and clarity of design take priority over short-term innovation cycles. That thinking is what defines its “100-year” ambition. It’s a philosophy that treats the motorcycle less like a consumable product and more like a long-term mechanical companion. For a deeper look at the mind behind it, readers can explore our featured profile on JT Nesbitt (published in the June 2026 issue), where his broader design influences and approach are examined in greater detail. Nesbitt’s 100-year motorcycle ultimately asks a question completely opposite of the rest of the motorcycle industry.  What would it take for a machine to outlive the era it was born in, and still feel relevant when it does? The post The Motorcycle That Will Last 100 Years appeared first on Rider Magazine.

This ain’t your granddaddy’s trike. (Photos by Kevin Wing) Harley-Davidson has given its Trike platform the biggest revamp since launching a line of factory-built three-wheelers in 2009. The three models for 2026 are the Road Glide 3, Street Glide 3 Limited, and CVO Street Glide 3 Limited, which all feature a revised chassis with a new rear suspension system that significantly improves handling, stability, and comfort. The trike’s previous live (solid) axle has been replaced with a de Dion-type suspension. This design uses a cast-aluminum axle connected via a spherical joint, allowing vertical movement with minimal impact on the chassis. If one wheel moves, the other follows with reduced disturbance to the rider and passenger. A lighter, more responsive rear chassis and suspension system have transformed Harley’s Trike platform. A Watts linkage centers the axle, and a stabilizer bar controls roll during turns. Power is transferred from the differential to the rear wheels through left and right half-shafts, each with inner and outer CV joints. The final belt-drive sprocket has been relocated from the axle to the chassis-mounted differential, which removes its weight from the suspension and simplifies maintenance. A new reverse system eliminates the weight of the previous electric reverse motor that was mounted on the rear axle. The redesigned rear chassis reduces unsprung weight by 68 lb. Rear-wheel travel has more than doubled, from 2.3 to 5.0 inches, allowing the trike to better absorb bumps and reduce side-to-side bump roll. The lighter weight allows the use of softer springs and shock damping settings to make full use of the increased suspension travel. The 2025 trike’s solid axle can cause the rear wheels to bounce over bumps, upsetting the vehicle and wrenching the handlebar back and forth. To allow riders to experience the difference the new chassis makes in terms of handling and comfort, Harley-Davidson set up a demo area during Bike Week in Daytona. Riders were able to ride 2025 and 2026 trikes back-to-back through a short handling course that included tight turns through cones and a series of staggered and sequential bumps that only impacted the rear wheels. Riding through the course at slow speeds, the 2026 trike turned more easily than the 2025 model. But the biggest difference was felt when riding over bumps. On the 2025 trike, the solid rear axle caused the rear wheels to bounce over the bumps, causing the handlebar to wrench back and forth. The 2026 trike rolled over the bumps smoothly, which was much less jarring. The 2026 trike’s de Dion-type rear suspension allows the rear wheels to roll over bumps. After the demo, we took some 2026 trikes on a ride around Daytona Beach, and I opted for a Road Glide 3 in Blood Orange. Since it was Bike Week, that meant lots of time spent idling in traffic while never having to take my feet off the footboards. We endured the slow parade among all the gawkers on Bethune Boulevard and Main Street, then we sat in more traffic. Riding over pavement seams and speed bumps and navigating turns and intersections was a breeze. We finally made our way to Bellevue Avenue, which hugs the south side of the airport and has some of the best (and fastest) curves in the area. Traffic was light, so we were able to push our pace a bit, and the Road Glide 3 remained planted and stable around every bend. Harley’s new trikes are a major leap forward, and the biggest beneficiaries will be passengers who will get jostled around much less than before. If three wheels are on your radar, you should try one out. The 2026 trike turns easier too, but the wide rear track takes some getting used to. 2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3 Base Price: $35,399 Price as Tested: $37,849 (Blood Orange w/ black trim) Website: Harley-Davidson.com Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles Engine Type: Air-/liquid-cooled, transverse 45-degree V-Twin, OHV w/ 4 valves per cyl. & VVT Displacement: 117ci / 1,923cc Bore x Stroke: 4.075 x 4.5 in. / 103.5 x 114.3mm Horsepower: 105 @ 4,600 rpm (factory claim) Torque: 129 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm (factory claim) Transmission: 6-speed w/ reverse, cable‑actuated wet slip/assist clutch Final Drive: Belt Wheelbase: 67.7 in. Rake/Trail: 26 degrees/3.8 in. Seat Height: 27.9 in. (unladen) / 26.5 in. (laden) Wet Weight: 1,184 lb (factory claim) Fuel Capacity: 6 gal. GEAR UP Helmet: Shoei GT-Air 3  Jacket: Cortech Rambler Wax Cotton  Airbag Vest: Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma  Gloves: Cortech Scrapper 2.0  Pants: Cortech AA Dyneema Jeans  Boots: Cortech Slayer Canvas Skulls Shoes  The post 2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3 Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

The MSF RIDE Day events give new riders a free first motorcycling experience. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is celebrating Motorcycle Awareness Month this May with two initiatives: MSF RIDE Day events and MSF DIY Challenge. Motorcycle Awareness Month was established in the 1980s to raise awareness of motorcyclists on our roads and to advocate for practices that keep all road users safe. The MSF’s efforts work to that effect by providing new riders a chance to try riding and by encouraging existing riders to practice their skills to become sharper riders. The MSF RIDE Day events are free to participate in, and everything is provided, including the motorcycle, helmet, and gloves. Designed to give those interested in riding their first taste of a motorcycle, the events consist of MSF-certified RiderCoaches guiding participants through the basics of the controls, balance, and operation of a motorcycle. Some RIDE Day events also offer SKILLS Checks for experienced riders to get feedback from coaches on their technique. Throughout the month of May, MSF RIDE Day events will take place in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Nevada, New York, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Visit the event’s webpage for more information and to find a RIDE Day event near you. Find all DIY Drills videos on the MSF website. There are 17 videos in both categories. The MSF DIY Challenge promotes the MSF DIY Drills, which are a series of videos that walk riders through exercises and techniques to continue developing their riding technique. On the MSF website, riders can find videos sorted into two categories. The Quick Drills videos are short animations to help riders review a drill while practicing in a parking lot. The Practice Prep videos are longer and include additional tips and real rider examples to thoroughly explain the exercise before your practice session. The DIY Challenge is supported by Comoto, which is awarding free gear to selected participants. Those wanting to participate in the challenge can try out some of the exercises in the DIY Drills videos, record their attempts, and post the results to social media using the hashtag #MSFDIYDrills. Whether you’re new to riding or have many miles under your belt, Rider encourages you to take advantage of these free resources during Motorcycle Awareness Month. For more riding tips and skills exercises, check out our monthly Motor School with Quinn Redeker installments. The post MSF Offers Free Riding Resources During Motorcycle Awareness Month appeared first on Rider Magazine.