S11E11: From NBA President to MSF Student: Returning to Motorcycles after 40 years
About this episode
Tim Harris—Los Angeles Lakers president, former pro soccer player, and a returning rider after ~40 years off—shares how he first got into motorcycles at 15 for practical “freedom” (cheap transport, gas lines during the energy crisis), why he stopped around college, and what reignited the passion in his 60s. The conversation covers getting back on safely (MSF course, modern gear), handling spouse/family skepticism, finding community without forcing group rides, and adapting risk in today’s distracted, faster traffic. Kobe Bryant trivia and a Ducati engine-sound guessing game close it out.
President of the Los Angeles Lakers, Tim Harris, joins the show to discuss his life as a returning rider to answer the question: is it ever too late to start riding?
Tim rode from age 16 to 22, then spent the next four decades "frozen in motorcycle ice" while building a family and a career. Now back in the saddle in his 60s, Tim shares the hilarious and humble reality of relearning the "friction zone" and surviving the "intervention" of worried coworkers.
We also dive into new data from AIM Expo about Gen Z's interest in motorcycling and answer a listener's question about how to convince a reluctant spouse to let you start riding later in life.
Check out more from RevZilla:
- Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews
- RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos
Motul
"Well, maybe that's because your fueling system is a little dirty. Luckily for you, Motul has you covered with their Motul valve and injector cleaner additive."
Motul is a company that makes motorcycle oils and other fluids. Here they’re talking about a cleaner you add to your fuel to help your bike run better.
Motul is a major French lubricant and motorcycle fluids brand. In this segment, they’re sponsoring a fuel additive product aimed at cleaning the fuel system so the bike can run more efficiently.
AIM Expo
"at AIM, which is the AIM Expo in Southern California, which is kind of like a motorcycle industry conference."
The AIM Expo is a major motorcycle-focused event held in Southern California. In the episode, it’s the venue where the colleague presented the study about attracting Gen Z to motorcycling.
Gen Z
"Was around Gen Z and how to create interest in motorcycling for Gen Z. And they went through some pretty interesting data."
Gen Z is a generation of younger adults. Here, they’re talking about how that group might want to try motorcycles without owning a bunch of them.
Gen Z is the demographic cohort born roughly in the late 1990s to early 2010s. In this episode, the speaker uses it to discuss how younger riders may approach motorcycling differently—like preferring lower-commitment ownership options.
high pipe
"Cause it had that sort of high, that, you know, that, that high pipe. So the, the dad kind of taught us how to ride the Nile."
A “high pipe” means the exhaust sits higher up than normal. On older trail-style bikes, that can help it avoid getting hit by rocks or bumps.
“High pipe” refers to an exhaust system routed higher than usual, often to keep it away from obstacles when riding off-road. The speaker points to the high exhaust as a visual cue linking the Triumph 250 to scrambler/trail styling.
DMV
"So I can go down to the DMV and get my driver's license and freedom and drive a car."
The DMV is the government office where you get your driver’s license. It’s also involved with things like registering vehicles.
The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) is the government agency that handles driver licensing and vehicle registration. In the U.S., it’s where you typically apply for a driver’s license after meeting eligibility requirements.
driver's license
"So I can go down to the DMV and get my driver's license and freedom and drive a car."
A driver’s license is what makes it legal for you to drive on public roads. You usually earn it after practice and passing tests.
A driver’s license is official permission from the government to drive a vehicle on public roads. It usually comes after passing tests and meeting requirements beyond a learners permit.
fuel tank capacity
"like what is what is a Honda 250 gas [1147.6s] take two gallons, like two and a half gallons? [1150.3s] It was tiny."
Fuel tank capacity is the amount of fuel a bike can hold, often measured in gallons or liters. The speaker contrasts “two gallons” vs “two and a half gallons,” explaining why the bike needed frequent refueling.
freeway
"Absolutely did ride at night. Absolutely did ride in the rain, but I absolutely did not ride on the freeway. And I think in part because where we lived was sort of tucked away."
A freeway is a big, fast road where cars usually drive at higher speeds. For motorcycles, it can feel more intense because everything moves faster and there’s more traffic.
A freeway is a high-speed, limited-access road designed for sustained traffic flow. For riders, it usually means higher speeds, more lane changes, and more exposure to wind and debris than local roads.
carving up turns
"[1376.3s] Meaning I wasn't doing it because I thought, well, I'm carving up turns [1379.9s] and I'm going to I'm going to drop a knee or anything."
It means riding through corners smoothly and confidently. Instead of just going straight, you set up the turn and lean the bike to follow the road’s curve.
“Carving up turns” is rider slang for smoothly leaning the motorcycle and following the curve with good line choice. It emphasizes cornering technique and control rather than just commuting or cruising.
drop a knee
"[1376.3s] Meaning I wasn't doing it because I thought, well, I'm carving up turns [1379.9s] and I'm going to I'm going to drop a knee or anything. [1382.5s] Or I'm doing wheelies or whatever."
“Drop a knee” is when a rider intentionally lets one knee touch the ground while leaning into a turn. It’s usually something you see on sport bikes or at the track, not normal commuting.
“Drop a knee” refers to dragging one knee on the pavement during a corner, usually as a sign of aggressive lean angle and commitment. It’s more common in sport riding and track contexts than everyday street riding.
wheelies
"[1382.5s] Or I'm doing wheelies or whatever. [1384.0s] Yeah, ever, ever, ever."
A wheelie is when you accelerate and the front wheel comes up off the ground. It takes skill and is risky, so it’s not something you’d do on regular streets.
A “wheelie” is when the motorcycle’s front wheel lifts off the ground under acceleration. It requires throttle control and proper balance, and it’s generally not appropriate for public roads.
helmet
"Like I, I had a helmet. I had like this yellow showy helmet. But it might get worn."
A helmet is the protective headgear you wear on a motorcycle. It helps protect your head if you crash.
A helmet is the primary protective gear for motorcyclists. It’s designed to reduce head injury severity in crashes and impacts.
oil change
"Yeah, exactly. So I, I mean, like after six years, the bike probably needed an oil change and you're like, the bike was screaming for some kind of attention."
An oil change is when you replace the motorcycle’s oil. Fresh oil helps the engine stay lubricated and prevents damage from dirt and wear.
An oil change replaces the engine oil and oil filter to keep the engine lubricated and clean. Over time, oil breaks down and collects contaminants, which can increase wear and reduce performance.
motorcycles
"Like, this is kind of crazy. [1894.2s] And, and as I, as my kids got older and, and I'm obviously getting older, I'm like, [1899.7s] I got to figure out a hobby. [1902.3s] And at some point, Zach, a few years back, I thought, you know, you really enjoyed being on a bike."
This podcast is mainly about riding motorcycles. The speakers are talking about how they got back into it after a long time.
The episode is about returning to motorcycles after decades away. For listeners, it’s useful to treat “motorcycles” as the core activity being discussed—riding, training, and building confidence again.
Ducati
"And he pulls up and I look at it and I can see that, you know, it says Ducati. I'm like, okay."
Ducati is a motorcycle brand from Italy. When someone says “Ducati,” they usually mean a bike that’s built to feel sporty and fun to ride.
Ducati is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer known for performance-focused engines and distinctive styling. In rider conversations, “Ducati” often signals a bike with a more spirited character than generic commuter models.
Kickstarter
"You're like, where's the Kickstarter? Right. You know, hopefully you pre-warm it up for me."
A kickstarter is a lever you kick to start the motorcycle’s engine. Some bikes start with a button, but others can also be started by kicking.
A kickstarter is the manual lever you use to start an engine by physically kicking it. Many modern motorcycles use electric starters, so mentioning a kickstarter highlights whether the bike starts electrically or requires manual starting.
clutch
"What was that like the first time in 35 years, you pulled in a clutch and you put the biking gear, click, and you let the clutch out."
The clutch is a lever you pull to temporarily disconnect the engine from the gearbox. It helps you start smoothly and shift gears without jerking or damaging anything.
A clutch is the control that lets a motorcycle (or car) connect and disconnect the engine’s power to the transmission. Pulling the clutch lever disengages power so you can start moving smoothly or shift gears without grinding.
kickstand
"...you put it in neutral and you put it on the kickstand and you shut it off..."
The kickstand is the little stand that holds the bike up when you park. You want it fully down so the bike doesn’t fall over.
The kickstand is the motorcycle’s support leg used to keep it upright when parked. Proper kickstand use matters because a motorcycle can tip if the surface is uneven or if the stand isn’t fully deployed.
Honda XL 250
"And, and just sorry to interrupt Tim, but just in case people were confused at any point, any of you out there, a Honda XL 250 is like an Enduro. [2551.5s] It's a, it's a, it's an early, early 70s or mid 70s, um, dual sport, basically."
A Honda XL 250 is a motorcycle that’s meant to do more than one kind of riding. It’s the kind of bike you can ride on dirt trails and also legally ride on regular roads.
The Honda XL 250 is a dual-sport motorcycle model from Honda’s lineup. In this context, the host describes it as an early/mid-1970s style bike that can be ridden on both dirt and street.
Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC
"And I, and I, and I started, and the first bike was a, the first bike is the Triumph 1200 XC Scrambler Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC."
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC is a motorcycle that looks like a classic scrambler, but it’s built for real-world riding. It’s meant to handle both pavement and dirt more comfortably than a basic street bike.
Triumph’s Scrambler 1200 XC is a modern “classic” style motorcycle built for mixed riding, with a more upright, adventure-leaning stance than a pure street bike. The XC trim typically emphasizes off-road capability and comfort for rougher surfaces.
Triumph T120
"I'm going to sit on a, I'm going to sit on a T100, T120 and see what I think."
The Triumph T120 is a classic-style Triumph that’s generally the bigger, stronger-feeling option. It’s the kind of bike you sit on to see if it feels right for your body and how you want to ride.
The Triumph T120 is a larger, more powerful retro roadster in Triumph’s lineup, commonly positioned as the “bigger” counterpart to the T100. When shopping, riders compare the T120’s weight, power delivery, and comfort to decide what fits their riding style.
MSF
"So I signed up for an MSF course, um, in, in Long Beach here that Spurges and obviously you do that in, and I took, used one of their bikes."
MSF is a training program for motorcycle safety. They teach you the basics of riding safely, even if you think you already know how.
MSF stands for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It runs rider-training courses designed to teach safe motorcycle control skills, especially for newer riders or people returning after a long break.
RevZilla
"I was telling him a little bit about RevZilla and and it comes we come to find out that, you know, young young Scott Brooks lives right next to the the RevZilla showroom in Costa Mesa."
RevZilla is a store (and website) that sells motorcycle riding gear and accessories. The speaker is saying they’re close to one of RevZilla’s showrooms, which makes motorcycling feel more “real” and accessible.
RevZilla is a well-known online and showroom retailer focused on motorcycle gear and parts. In the episode, the speaker mentions the RevZilla showroom location, using it as a real-world connection point to motorcycling culture.
Harley
"[3596.2s] And then he said, like, you ride a motorcycle. [3597.8s] I said, do it. [3598.7s] And he made it like, I don't know if this is just a standard answer that you'd give [3602.3s] somebody who's my age, but oh, he ran a Harley. [3605.4s] Like he immediately just said, why is he a Harley?"
They’re talking about Harley-Davidson, a famous motorcycle company. If someone says “Harley,” they usually mean a cruiser-style bike from that brand.
“Harley” is shorthand for Harley-Davidson, the American motorcycle brand known for its cruiser styling and V-twin engines. In conversations like this, mentioning Harley often signals the rider’s preferred bike type and culture around the brand.
lane splitting
"[4125.9s] just knock on them. Like every car in LA now is going to be like aiming happy. No, I, I've talked [4125.9s] about this in the podcast before because, you know, Zach and I have talked about lane splitting in [4129.1s] the past."
Lane splitting means riding a motorcycle between lanes when cars are stuck in traffic. Some places allow it, and riders say it can help them get through traffic more safely. The discussion here is about how that changes the risk you feel over time.
Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between lanes of slower or stopped traffic. It’s common in places like California and is often discussed in terms of safety and risk management. The episode references how Los Angeles traffic culture and awareness affect how comfortable riders feel doing it.
dirt bike
"he wants to do something. He wants to ride a dirt bike and you know, he and I have kind of come, he seems excitable, that middle, that middle child."
A dirt bike is made for riding off the pavement. It has tires and suspension that help it grip and handle rough trails.
A dirt bike is a lightweight motorcycle designed for off-road riding on dirt trails, sand, and gravel. They typically have long-travel suspension and knobby tires for traction where street tires wouldn’t work well.
BDR
"how fun it would be to get a couple bikes and do like a BDR and trailer in and do a BDR trailer in and do some trail riding."
BDR is a kind of planned off-road riding route/event. People use it to ride dirt roads for multiple days, so you need the right bike, navigation, and preparation.
“BDR” in motorcycle context usually refers to a multi-day backcountry/off-road riding route or event (often associated with the “Backcountry Discovery Routes” concept). These rides are planned around dirt roads and trails, and they typically require careful prep, navigation, and appropriate bikes/gear.
skydiving
"[4878.1s] one of the few things that I feel that way about, because I feel like when I see someone riding a [4882.9s] bowl or surfing a 60 foot wave or skiing down a rock face with ice and avalanches and stuff,"
They’re comparing motorcycling to skydiving. To some people it looks like you’re just hoping things work out, but to the people doing it, it feels more controlled and planned.
Skydiving is used here as an analogy for risk and control. The point is that some activities feel “hope-based” to outsiders, but riders/participants see them as more nuanced and skill-driven.
motorcycle community
"I think in general, people in the motorcycle community get a bad rap from people outside of the motorcycle community. I think they're completely painted with the wrong color, but I think they're painted with a much darker color than they need to be."
A “motorcycle community” is the group of people who ride and share tips, meet up, and look out for each other. For new riders, it can make learning safer and less intimidating.
The speaker is talking about how riders form a social “community” around motorcycles—events, groups, and shared norms. This matters because it can influence safety habits, learning, and how new riders stay motivated.
new riders
"And I think one of the things that gets brought up a lot for new riders, whether they're Gen Z new riders or they're, you know, elder Gen Xers on the cusp of being a baby boomer, like the, how do you find a community of motorcyclists if you're just starting out regardless of how you're just starting out?"
The segment focuses on the challenges faced by new riders when they’re just starting out. A key theme is that finding the right social support and guidance can be as important as learning the mechanics of riding.
Aprilia guy
"Aprilia guy, he and I text all the time, but we don't ride together. Yeah. Right. It's just interesting reminder of, well, first of all, I think it's fair to point out that everyone's journey and experience within motorcycling is different."
Aprilia is a motorcycle brand. Saying “Aprilia guy” means they know someone connected to that brand—maybe a dealer contact or another rider—who they keep in touch with.
Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer known for performance-oriented bikes. Mentioning an “Aprilia guy” suggests the speaker has an ongoing relationship with someone associated with that brand, likely for advice, parts, or community connections.
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