Bore and Stoke Ep 20: Talking Bikes With Zack And Ari
On Episode 20 of the Bore and Stoke podcast, Troy sits down with Ari Henning and Zack Courts — two household names in motojournalism and simply two-wheeled entertainment. From their early days building their loyal following, Ari and Zack have helped redefine how motorcycles are reviewed, tested, and talked about in the YouTube era.
In this episode, we’ll dive into all sorts of topics, including the evolution of motorcycle journalism — from their own eyes — inevitably asking the question: Where does this medium go from here? Since these two are known for the adventures they take, we ask them to talk about their creative process and how an idea goes from a thought in their heads to a viral hit. Equally as entertaining is the list of stories and ideas they haven’t told yet, and why that’s the case.
As if these two weren’t busy enough as it is, Ari’s side hustle is chasing perfection from the 286cc Honda CBR300 engine and the CRF300 chassis it’s commonly found in these days. We talk about Ari’s love for little engines and why he does it. Switching to Zack, we get an update from him after his crash testing the KTM 990 RC R. His physical state, sure, but also how he’s coping mentally and how he views motorcycling, and especially track riding, after his biggest getoff yet.
We end the conversation with a rapid-fire round of questions, including naming any bikes that surprised them — good or bad. Their answers might surprise you. It’s an honest and fresh look at two guys who’ve lived it — along with plenty of rider philosophy and a few wisecracks along the way.
Bore and Stoke Ep 20: Talking Bikes With Zack And Ari
We’d like to extend a special thank you to our podcast sponsor, the Honda Gold Wing. If you’re gonna ride, ride something legendary. Learn more about the Honda Gold Wing here.
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Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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Great pod, thank you. I happened to meet Ari walking in the heat at Sonoma Raceway about 9-10 years ago, in their late Motorcyclist co-editor days.
As we got to the tent where Ari and Spencer were hanging Ari said they were there to drag test a Kaw H2, and then went on a minute long soliloquy about how video was the was to explain bikes. Makes more sense after hearing them today.
This was a great three-way conversation. Honest and interesting, thx.