Inked Mag Staff
August 22nd, 2025
Ride or Die: The Baddest Bikes and Road-Ready Gear of the Year
Built for those who live full throttle and stop for nothing
It’s no secret that tattoos and motorcycles go hand in hand. Both are about freedom, self-expression, and living life on your own terms. This National Motorcycle Week, we’re stripping it down to the essentials: raw power, killer style, and gear that can take a beating. From fire-breathing bikes to helmets that mean business, from road warrior luggage to security tech that’s always one step ahead, this lineup is built for riders who play by their own rules. No frills, no fear, just the tools you need to own every mile.
Harley-Davidson
The Harley-Davidson Nightster motorcycle is lean and powerful, with a 27-inch seat height, low center of gravity and narrow profile, easy for both new and experienced riders to handle with confidence. The liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975T V-Twin engine is tuned to produce strong low-end torque, real-world power that delivers an exhilarating rush of acceleration through urban traffic and out of backroad corners. Cast aluminum wheels, LED lighting, premium Brembo brakes, three different ride modes, and rider safety enhancements are standard. The Nightster combines modern performance and technology with a classic Harley-Davidson silhouette and aggressive blacked-out styling. It is available starting at $9,999 USMSRP in Billiard Gray.
Indian Motorcycle
The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus blends iconic American V-Twin style with unparalleled performance and advanced rider technology. The contemporary design of the PowerPlus, featuring a liquid-cooled engine with overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, delivers 126 horsepower and 133 ft-lbs of torque. The PowerPlus optimizes acceleration for unrivaled passing power in every gear. A fork-mounted fairing offers classic design and long-distance comfort, while advanced rider-assist features (Bike Hold Control, Electronic Combined Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Tailgate Warning, Rear Collision Warning) enhance confidence. The Chieftain PowerPlus sets a new benchmark for power, comfort, and innovation in American V-Twin motorcycles
Nelson Rigg Luggage
Built for the bold, the Nelson Rigg’s Route 1 line isn’t your average motorcycle luggage. It’s attitude in motion. Designed for riders who live wide open and wear their story on their skin, Route 1 bags blend badass style with unmatched performance. Each piece is crafted with our exclusive UltraMax® fabric, giving you hardcore UV protection and rugged, road-tested durability that laughs in the face of weather. Whether you’re carving canyons, chasing the horizon, or tearing through city streets, Route 1 bags deliver secure storage, fast access, and clean lines that complement your bike’s raw edge, not cover it up. With features like waterproof rain covers, heavy-duty mounting options, MOLLE panels, and a sleek blacked-out look, this gear is as functional as it is fierce. No frills. No fluff. Just high-performance luggage for riders who stand out, ride hard, and never apologize for who they are. Built for the ones who ride with purpose and a little bit of rebellion. Nelson Rigg Route 1 – Luggage for the road warriors. Ink optional, attitude required.
Scorpion EXO Helmets
The Covert FX Carbon from Scorpion EXO is among the lightest helmets on the market. Hand-crafted and dual-certified (DOT & ECE), it features a comfortable fit, plush Kwikwick 3 liner, and sculpted EPS channels for optimal airflow. The dark smoke Everclear shield offers fog-free vision and can be easily swapped with a tool-less quick-release system. The Covert FX Carbon also includes a free clear shield and integrated speaker pockets for Bluetooth comms. The Covert FX Carbon, classic top-fuel style, now in an even lighter design.
Monimoto GPS
Meet Monimoto 9, the anti-theft GPS tracker trusted by over 50,000 riders worldwide. Built for motorcycles but versatile enough for scooters, ATVs, and more, it’s wireless, rechargeable, and runs nearly a year on one charge without draining your bike’s battery. Carry the included key fob and Monimoto automatically arms when you walk away from your bike and disarms when you return. Using LTE-M with an embedded eSIM, it works internationally. In the event of theft, Monimoto calls your phone instantly so you can act fast, delivering rugged, reliable, 24/7 protection.
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