Lifestyle

Our 12 Best Motorcycle Photos Of 2017

We asked Cycle World's staff photographer to choose his 12 favorite shots from 2017. Here they are, with captions provided by our longtime ace behind the lens.

By Jeff Allen

January 15, 2018

It was 107 degrees Fahrenheit at Dumont Dunes in the Mojave Desert in California. This BMW R nineT Urban GS shot in the summer heat of 2017 is a sneak peek into a future Cycle World.Jeff Allen

Naked bike hooliganism courtesy of the Aprilia Tuono for the September cover. Should we ask Aprilia if it's okay to burn up the tire on its testbike? No. It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission. Read more: Aprilia Tuono 1100 RR vs. BMW S1000R vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R vs. Yamaha FZ-10 Comparison ReviewJeff Allen

This one is special to me. It was my first time shooting my son Evan while he is testing a Suzuki RM-Z250 for sister magazine Dirt Rider. Read more: Riding The 2018 Suzuki RM-Z250Jeff Allen

Also for sister pub Dirt Rider, friend and all-around great photo model Ryan Orr throwing mad whips for the October cover. Read more: 2018 Yamaha YZ450F VS. 2018 Honda CRF450RJeff Allen

Where's the motorcycle? This unobstructed view comes from our ADV bike Grand Canyon adventure. Motorcycle tent camping right at the edge of the North Rim. Read more: Grand Canyon North Rim Adventure On The Honda Africa Twin DCT And KTM 1090 Adventure RJeff Allen

I love shooting superbikes at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California; it's one of the most picturesque racetracks in California. Suzuki-mounted Corey Alexander is chasing Aaron Colton and the Aprilia through The Cyclone. Read more: Aprilia RSV4 RR vs. Honda CBR1000RR vs. Suzuki GSX-R1000 vs. Yamaha YZF-R1 Comparison ReviewJeff Allen

The Yamaha R1 in motion also was featured in our superbike comparison. Read more: Yamaha YZF-R1 vs. Aprilia RSV4 RR vs. Suzuki GSX-R1000 vs. Honda CBR1000RR On The Street ReviewJeff Allen

These two fools are nuts. That's why I love 'em. Sam Smith and Zach Bowman are just the type of guys to ride a Ural sidecar from Seattle to Los Angeles in February, nonstop, through an Oregon coast rain-/snowstorm. This was the moment they started to remember why they thought it would be fun. Read more: The Unnecessary ExpressJeff Allen

The insanely talented Cody Webb demonstrating why he’s the two-time EnduroCross champion.Jeff Allen

World's Fastest Indian legend Burt Munro had his historic record run honored in 2017 with the "Spirit of Munro," piloted by his grandnephew Lee Munro at Bonneville. I was thrilled to witness and contribute to this wonderful effort. Read more: Honoring Burt Munro And Celebrating Speed On The SaltJeff Allen

Smile and say cheeeese. Gromtastic fun in the Alabama Hills of Lone Pine, California. Read more: Honda Grom Off-Road Adventure FunJeff Allen

This image speaks to the simplistic joy of motorcycling. A sunset cruise on California’s Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway.Jeff Allen

Okay, so it’s a baker’s dozen. It’s quite rare to get a good photo of myself riding. Thanks to Zach Bowman for this sweet shot.Zach Bowman