Enrico Punsalang

Enrico Punsalang covers motorcycles and powersports for RideApart with a clear focus on how new machines, technologies, gear, and policies change everyday riding. He writes for a site built by and for motorcycle enthusiasts, and his work consistently translates spec sheets, engineering decisions, and regulatory shifts into practical implications for riders. Across news, reviews, and features, he joins technical detail with accessible language and a rider’s perspective, making his coverage stand out from more generic automobile reporting.

Global motorcycle and EV industry

Punsalang’s news coverage tracks the global motorcycle industry with particular attention to electric powertrains and emerging markets. In his piece on Ola Electric’s Roadster EV motorcycle, he breaks down the three variants, their pricing in local currency, performance figures, and claimed range, and he benchmarks the entry model against a familiar 125cc gasoline commuter to show where it fits in real-world use. He presents the Roadster as Ola’s most performance-oriented model to date while stressing its “unbelievably affordable” price and long-range capabilities, underlining how EV motorcycles are becoming viable mainstream options rather than niche curiosities.

His analysis of Honda’s joint research agreement with QuantumScape on solid-state batteries frames the deal as one of Honda’s smartest EV moves, and he highlights that the company deliberately positions the technology for applications beyond cars, including motorcycles, power equipment, robotics, and other products. By pointing out that Honda keeps the door open for two-wheelers and other segments, he shows a habit of reading corporate language closely and connecting battery development to the future of motorcycles and powersports. A similar forward-looking lens is evident in his coverage of Yamaha’s president backing hydrogen development for future projects, where he follows the brand’s exploration of alternative fuels as part of its long-term strategy for upcoming machines.

Punsalang doesn’t limit himself to technology; he also reports on policy and regulation that affect riders. In a recent story on a city banning new combustion two-wheeler registrations by 2028, he covers the decision as well as the criticism it has attracted, situating the move within broader debates over urban mobility and emissions. He connects these developments to riders’ choices and market evolution, rather than treating them as abstract policy news.

Heritage and high-performance engineering are another thread in his industry work. In his coverage of Ducati’s 100th birthday, he focuses on the Superleggera V4 Centenario, a 228-horsepower carbon fiber superbike launched alongside a global lineup of events and experiences. He presents the special model as both a technical milestone and a centerpiece of the anniversary celebration, blending brand history with cutting-edge performance. Earlier features on a book about Giorgio Parodi and Moto Guzzi’s rich history, and the reopening of the Piaggio Museum after nearly a year of closure, show the same interest in how manufacturers curate their past and invite riders to engage with it in museums and published histories.

Product, gear, and design for riders

Beyond industry news, Punsalang spends substantial time on motorcycles, gear, and design choices that matter day to day for enthusiasts. His feature on Arai’s Haga Dark Rapide-Neo helmet explains how the model blends “old-school superbike vibes” with modern SNELL-certified protection, positioning it as a helmet that satisfies nostalgia while meeting contemporary safety standards. The piece balances aesthetic appeal with technical certification and shows his ability to communicate safety credentials clearly.

His review of the Pando Moto M65 WP jacket and Robby Slim jeans describes how the gear combines modern safety features with timeless, military-inspired styling, highlighting the way protective apparel can remain fashionable without compromising function. In a separate feature on Viking Cycle’s women’s riding gear, he points out that the range is stylish and compliant with international safety standards, emphasizing choice, fit, and safety for women riders who have historically had fewer options. These articles demonstrate a recurring focus on inclusive gear coverage and on the intersection of protection, comfort, and design.

Punsalang also gravitates toward unusual vehicles and small-displacement machines that broaden what motorcycling can look like. His coverage of an ATC-inspired concept trike remarks that it looks incredible while raising questions about how it would behave in corners, showing an eye for both visual impact and handling concerns. In an editors’ choice feature on Yamaha’s PG-1, he singles out the mini-bike as a standout for the coming year and writes in a conversational tone to readers who “read [his] stuff,” underscoring his connection to an enthusiast audience and his appreciation for accessible, fun machines.

On the motorcycle side, his article about a custom Harley X350 built in Japan uses the small-displacement cruiser as evidence that the model deserves a place in the U.S. market, tying customization culture to broader product strategy. Separate coverage of Harley-Davidson’s plans for a 300cc cruiser reinforces his interest in how established brands approach entry-level and emerging-market segments. Across these stories, he frequently links styling, ergonomics, performance, and pricing back to who will ride these bikes and how they fit into everyday use.

Heritage, commuting, and rider experience

Punsalang’s work often returns to rider experience, whether that’s commuting, travel, or engagement with brand history. In his piece on the Piaggio Museum reopening, he notes that visitors can once again access the collection after nearly a year of suspended operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, treating the museum as part of living motorcycling culture rather than a static archive. His feature on the Giorgio Parodi book similarly presents Moto Guzzi’s story as something current riders can explore and connect with, blending nostalgia with contemporary readership.

In a practical feature on the pros and cons of motorcycle commuting, Punsalang lays out concrete benefits such as saving money on gas, lowering emissions depending on the bike, and even burning significantly more calories per hour compared with driving a car. He mentions his own experience of burning roughly 500 calories on a one-way ride between home and work, grounding the argument in lived riding rather than abstract theory. This kind of experiential detail is rare in more generic beat reporting and typifies his habit of speaking from the saddle as well as from the newsroom.

Work across outlets

While most of Punsalang’s current work runs at RideApart, his articles also appear at other motorcycle-focused outlets and in automotive syndication. Bikernet carries his pieces on topics such as Harley-Davidson’s forthcoming 300cc cruiser and the pros and cons of motorcycle commuting, showing his analysis and practical advice reaching a wider rider audience. At TopSpeed, he has authored cruiser coverage described as a bike that makes riders forget about spec sheets, a line that encapsulates his tendency to privilege feel and experience over raw numbers when appropriate.

His Arai helmet feature has been republished at Yahoo Autos, crediting him and RideApart, which places his gear reporting in front of a broader automobile readership interested in motorcycle-related content. Across these mastheads, Punsalang maintains a clear focus on motorcycles, two-wheelers, and riding gear, but the mix of industry analysis, product coverage, cultural history, and personal experience distinguishes his work from more generic automobile news and makes him a consistent voice on the future and present of motorcycling.