Sunglasses. Protective eyewear. Shades.

Regardless what they’re called, it’s an essential piece of equipment needed for riding. Sunglasses could be considered a helmet for the eyes, keeping out the dirt, small road debris and bugs a rider faces every time they get in the saddle.

Like many riders, the staff of Clutch and Chrome have bought their fair share of sunglasses from bike nights and motorcycle events with the decision being made on price (cheap is good) and of course looks. Other factors that make their way into how long or how favored a pair of glasses may be fall to fit, comfort and the effectiveness of keeping out the wind and road hazards.

Some people say nostalgia is a thing of the past. It’s certainly a well-ridden topic with bikers who are quick to discuss how much the open road and the motorcycles that cruise them have changed.

There have been many technology advancements brought to motorcycles, some are loved while some die-hard bikers consider others taking away from the art, and feel of riding itself.No one would argue for the old days of kick start engines and advancements in electronic controlled combustion has left many with a much smoother ride.

Even as Harley Davidson packs its corporate saddlebags for the metaphorical roadtrip to expand its dealerships across the globe, a country other than the United States can apparently claim roots to the American icon.

Many books have been written on the history of the company, from the early success being built out of a shed, to its dramatic downfall in the 1970’s and eventual rebirth after being bought by former employees.

There are few things more stressful than the sight of your motorcycle lying on the ground. Although Clutch and Chrome can't help with that sick feeling in the bottom of the stomach, we can guide you through getting the bike back up on two wheels.

It’s a gut-wrenching sight for a motorcycle owner, you’re pride and joy lying on its side. Whether it came to be in this position from a vehicular mishap or the ground didn’t prove to be as solid as you had thought, the first thing on your mind is getting the bike upright and checking for damage.

While the latest and newest may bring ideas of modern and advanced models, a large group of riders long for the styles of yesteryear when it comes to motorcycles.

Admittedly, nostalgia may a thing of the past but a classic-looking motorcycle can catch any rider’s eye. Whether simply for the classic lines or the images of a simpler time filled with untamed roads, the vintage style of motorcycles has long been a draw for riders.

In what could be considered the darkest hours for the motorcycle industry, the highly desired younger demographic consumers may be riding in on a white painted bike to save the day.

Even as dealerships close from slow moving inventory and agreements are struck between motorcycle manufacturers and labor unions to reduce costs a subtle transition with the public's perception is taking a past-time once associated with aging, old rich men to realm of young and hip riders.

While it may feel like there are a host of things to keep a biker from laying down those motorcycle miles, lately a somber slant comes from the struggling economy.

In better days, real life would steal away a biker’s time putting the open road one or two chores out of reach. But with more feeling the financial impact of the recession, bikers find themselves being kept away from the saddle simply from less money in their wallets.

While not exactly two topics that commonly mix and mingle, the latest edition to the White House has many around the Clutch and Chrome offices bringing politics and motorcycles together and asking a question seemingly from the Barbara Walters interview handbook.

If Barack Obama was a biker, what kind of biker would he be?

Publishers pick a variety of would-be writers to author books about motorcycles. With subjects ranging from how-to-ride to the experiences found on a motorcycle, the authors come from magazine editors to professionals who manage different safety programs as well as nearly every walk of life in between.

But regardless of who writes it, with pretty full book shelves already many riders and readers may wonder if there is the need for yet another book about motorcycles. The answer comes from the author of the latest title, ‘Let's Ride: Sonny Barger's Guide to Motorcycling

The perfectly planned road trip can be brought down by nature’s unforgiving sun and its endless supply of bugs. But with a little planning, some forthought and of course handy tips from Clutch and Chrome, with the help of Consumer Reports both can be kept at bay.

As exciting as any road trip may be, nature toughest challenges need to be packed for. And while this may not be the first time for many riders heading out into the elements, new studies and a better understanding of the sun as well as suncreens may change what most have been told our whole lives.