Articles by Michael Le Pard

About Michael Le Pard

Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists. Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.

Eye of Hurricane Irma from my Sunwing flight WG200D

Narrowly Escaping Hurricane Irma #LastPlaneOutofCuba

Sep 11, 2017 Michael Le Pard

The Incredible Last Chapter of our Escape from Cuba. They say a photo is worth a 1000 words, and I think this unbelievable photo from my passenger seat aboard Sunwing flight WG200D says it all. […]

Going on Vacation. Total Motorcycle updates will re-resume on Sept 15th

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Many readers do not know that Total Motorcycle is run by just one person, myself, and a handful of great volunteers in our forums. As I run the site myself outside of the forums and […]

Pablo Quintanilla Earns Top Six Result On Stage Four Of The Desafio Ruta 40

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Successfully completing a tough stage four at this year’s Desafio Ruta 40 in sixth place, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pablo Quintanilla has moved one step closer to securing a strong fourth place overall result […]

The American Flat Track battle resumes this Labor Day weekend with the Harley-Davidson Springfield Mile II and Springfield ST

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 29, 2017) – This weekend, American Flat Track heads to the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., for the Labor Day weekend edition of the legendary Springfield Mile. It’s twice the […]

Van Beveren Claims Third On Penultimate Stage Of Desafio Ruta 40 Rally

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Cold, demanding and run on the sandy tracks of northern Argentina, stage four of the Desafio Ruta 40 offered a perfect chance for Adrien Van Beveren to demonstrate his speed in long and exhausting rally […]

Suzuki Motocross Teams Fly Stateside For New USGP

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Team Suzuki Press Office – August 30. After a couple of changes in venue, the Suzuki riders are all excited to head to America and take on the challenges of the WW Motocross Park, near […]

Cool Wall Bikes #332-341: 2018 9 Bike Super Cruiser Comparison

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Vote and Discuss on this 2 week 2018 Super Cruiser Comparison. Nine Cruisers, One Winner! You Decide. Vote Now. NINE CRUISERS. ONE WINNER. 2018 SUPER CRUISER COMPARISON by TOTAL MOTORCYCLE I want to thank Harley-Davidson […]

2017 Moto Guzzi MGX 21 Flying Fortress Reviewed: What The Media Says

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress: This ain’t your Granddaddy’s bagger! The 2017 Moto Guzzi MGX 21 Flying Fortress takes that storied brand, which has been in continuous production since 1921 into full-throated adoption of high-tech […]

Pablo Quintanilla Secures Runner-Up Result On Stage Three Of Desafio Ruta 40

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Enjoying a great day aboard the FR 450 Rally machine, Pablo Quintanilla has claimed a solid runner-up result on stage three of the Desafio Ruta 40 rally in Argentina. Two stages before the finish of […]

De Soultrait Remains Third Overall With Two Stages To Go At Desafio Ruta 40

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Continuing his solid run of form in Argentina, Xavier de Soultrait secured a sixth-place result on a tough stage three of the Desafio Ruta 40 rally. Remaining third in the provisional overall standings, the Yamalube […]

YART Remain the Same for 2017/2018 EWC Title Challenge

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to confirm the rider lineup for the YART Yamaha Official EWC Team ahead of the opening round of the 2017/2018 FIM Endurance World Championship at the Bol D’or on the […]

Consistency Key for Reigning EWC Champions GMT94

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to confirm the rider lineup for the GMT94 Yamaha Official EWC Team ahead of the opening round of the 2017/2018 FIM Endurance World Championship at the Bol D’or on the […]

Honda Endurance Racing reveals new rider line up for the 2017 Bol d’Or

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Honda Endurance Racing is ready for the beginning of the FIM Endurance World Championship season, which kicks off with the Bol d’Or (15-17 September). For the prestigious 24-hour endurance race the team will feature a […]

Esurance Uses Predictive Analytics and Aerial Images for Hurricane Harvey Victims

Aug 30, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Catastrophe response team mobilized and helping customers quickly settle claims and issue reimbursements PR Newswire SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 30, 2017 SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Esurance is using smart technology, such as predictive […]

2017 Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 1-2 at Pittsburgh SBK

Aug 29, 2017 Michael Le Pard

Team Suzuki Press Office – August 29. Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing’s Roger Hayden broke through to score his second victory of the season in the MotoAmerica second Superbike race in the inaugural series event at […]