Something really strange happened when Apple's iPod, iPhone and iTunes ecology achieved a certain level of popularity. It made talk radio popular again. No, we don't mean the generic noise we tend to hear on the radio waves these days. What we're talking about is the proliferation of bespoke, niche audio programs available for download from the likes of Spotify, Amazon Music, Stitcher and Apple themselves. If there's a topic worth talking about, someone's definitely recording a podcast about it, as we speak. And it was only a matter of time that Motorcycling would get swept up with all the rest of our favorite hobbies.
But like any other popular topic, just because there's content, doesn't mean it's any good. And wading through hours upon hours of bad microphones, people chewing while talking and boring personalities isn't anyone's idea of a good time. The best podcasts keep us hooked for very good reasons, be they humor, knowledge, entertainment or a well executed worthwhile premise. It's no different when it comes to motorcycling, and the vast cultures that slosh around within. There is a ton of programs, amateur and professional, floating around the internet, but only the best, or at the very least, the most interesting, deserve our ever shifting attention spans.
10 The TT Podcast
Known world-wide as the ultimate, and oldest, motorcycle race on the planet, the Isle of Man TT is an exhilarating and lethal spectacle. The event has claimed many a life, and will continue to do so, due to its break-neck speeds and open road circuit. But despite the ultimate price for competing at such a high level, racers continue to flood the tiny island in the Irish Sea.
To make sense of it all, TT Fan Park host Chris Pritchard and 2-time TT race winner Steve Plater join each other in the studio, along with special guests like Michael Dunlop. They chat about the lives, careers, dangers, rivalries and highlights of the Tourist Trophy. And if you're a TT fanatic, or want to learn more about the race and its history, The TT Podcast is the perfect place to start.
9 Last On The Brakes
On the other end of the racing spectrum lives one of the most popular sport events ever created: MotoGP. The races are emotional, high temperature battles, with dramatic crashes, rivalries and last second wins. It has chiseled gods out of mere mortals, the names of which have enduring legacy and recognition even outside of motorcycle culture. Names like Rossi, Marquez and Stoner are as synonymous with the sport as the Honda, Yamaha and Ducati bikes that got them the wins.
MotoGP's official podcast, Last on the Brakes, brings the fans behind the scenes, away from the noise, exhaust fumes and the hot lights of the racing circuit for intimate interviews. Guests like Brad Binder, Jack Miller and Maverick Vinales bring their unique perspectives on the culture of MotoGP and their rolls within it. For those looking to dig deeper into the sport, with unlimited access to the race, there's no better podcast to listen to.
8 Tuesday At Dobbs'
Sometimes you just want to listen to a well-spoken, English chap talk bikes. And Freddie Dobbs is the chap to beat when it comes to motorcycle vlogs. And while the bulk of his fan base is at his main YouTube channel, he does have a bit of side hustle with a very loose, moto-centric podcast, Tuesday at Dobbs'. Among many topics Dobbs discusses, he typically looks at motorcycle news, answers viewer questions and takes time to help riders deal with ordinary motorcycle issues like service intervals, warranties and security solutions.
7 Motorcycles & Misfits
If only one of these co-op motorcycle spaces existed in every city, big and small. Alas, the lucky moto citizens of Santa Cruz get to visit the Re-Cycle garage every Sunday, where they can work on their bikes, ask pressing questions, receive donated gear and learn tips and tricks from seasoned vets.
And it is from this environment, with interesting riding stories being told left and right, that the podcast came to be. There are hundreds of episodes available on just about every podcast app, so if you're a misfit in a mood to listen in on some friends having a chat about riding, download and let it rip.
6 Throttled Adventures
A low-key operation, Throttled Adventures has no pretense of ever being anything more than a couple of friends talking about off-road riding. Hosted by Cody and Chappy, both with many years of riding experience, the topics vary from traveling, camping, exploring and everything that comes with riding off the beaten path. They'll not only share their own stories, with all the ups and downs that can be expected, but also invite other riders and special guests to speak about their adventure experiences.
5 For The Ride
For The Ride is not only the title of this podcast series, but also the motto of one of the most recognizable motorcycle brands in the world, Triumph Motorcycles. On the podcast, host Adam Vanderveen brings on motorcyclists from all over the map to chat about their experiences and take deeper looks into what makes them love the two-wheeled life. Some of the past guests include stunt riders, photographers, MX champions and motorcycle journalists.
4 ClevelandMoto
If you're infatuated with the Cafe Rarer lifestyle, then the hooligans from ClevelandMoto have got some stories for you. Focusing on vintage motorcycles from Triumph, Norton and Moto Guzzi, these motorcycle veterans, mechanics and rockers are having way too much fun while drinking, eating and having a laugh at random motorcycle stories, project bikes and craigslist sales too good to be true. The episodes are long and plentifully. So if you've got a long road ahead of you, stock up on the downloads and get at it.
3 This Motorcycle Life
Taking a page from NPR, This Motorcycle Life aims to dig a little deeper into what makes us into motorcycle riders in the first place. Hosted by Bruce Philp, who had his own winding road back to motorcycling, the series looks into reasons why we ride as a group or solo, whether women have different reasons for riding, why riding in New York is challenging and how we reckon with the idea of our kids becoming riders like us, amongst other heady topics. If you're in the mood for philosophical conversations that surround the motorcycle culture then give this show a shot.
2 Adventure Rider Radio
Arguably one of the most popular motorcycle podcasts out there, Adventure Rider Radio is something most other content creators should aspire to. Run by a husband and wife tag team of Jim and Elizabeth Martin with a polish and steady hand born of experience and hard work, each episode brings a new and fascinating motorcycle adventure story from the likes of Elspeth Beard, Charlie Boorman and Ted Simon. And if you're even vaguely familiar with those names, this podcast will be right up your alley.
In addition to the interview episodes, the team provides valuable information on critical riding skills like riding through sand, standing up or how to climb a hill. There are also tips and tricks like why you should be an aggressive rider, what mods should be made to your bike, or how to get on and off the bike in any condition. And if that's not enough, there's a sister podcast called RAW, which has a more loose, round-table atmosphere of chats on topics that don't quite fit on the main series.
1 Highside Lowside
If you've ever wanted a motorcycle version of the legendary Top Gear, the closest thing we have for now, is RevZilla's Highside Lowside. If you think about what made Top Gear tick, you'll probably conclude that it was the organic chemistry between the three original hosts, Clarkson, Hammond and May. The easy charm, warmth and humor that existed between those three is the reason why the current version of the show, which seemingly has new hosts every year, is not as popular among most of the original fans.
Highside Lowside began as a YouTube series for Revzilla's channel, and it took some growing pains to get it to where it is now. The show experimented with different hosts and formats, until finally settling on Spurgeon Dunbar and Zack Courts in the pilot chairs. And it's easy to see why. The two have that same chemistry, with mutual jabs, humor and serious motorcycle knowledge sprinkled in between. But it's also the fact that the show is well-produced, has a regular schedule, brings in interesting guests like Ryan from FortNine and Jeremiah Burton of Donut Media and attempts to be accessible to all kinds of riders, be they seasoned or new. The two hosts explore some interesting topics, like whether trikes are bikes, motorcycle industry's biggest blunders and how many bikes in the garage is too many. Tuning in each episode is truly like joining your best friends in the garage and chatting about the most fun motorcycle topics you can come up with. And at the end of the day, that's all you could really hope for from a podcast.