Ridden before it’s rated.

J.M.Stealens

Editor-in-Chief

Jan Marc “JM” Staelens, Ph.D., is a lifelong adventurer whose unparalleled passion for motorcycling has shaped every twist and turn of his remarkable career. With a deep-seated drive to explore the world from the seat of a bike combined with careers in technical fields, Foreign Affairs, academia, and his own companies, JM brings incredible technical acumen with a knack for storytelling and getting lost on two wheels. Afflicted with two-wheeled wanderlust born from an innate curiosity for what’s beyond the horizon, JM pursued an international career spanning Europe, Africa, Australia, North America, and Asia. An unconditional requirement for accepting overseas assignments was the opportunities for motorcycling the location offered, leading JM to turn down a promising career opportunity on Wall Street, much to his father’s disappointment. JM greatly enjoys exploring faraway places on a motorcycle. Nothing lifts his spirit more than riding gnarly trails into a remote mountain range or desolate desert and rolling out his sleeping bag next to his bike for a blissful night under the stars. If not out riding, JM enjoys reading, mountain biking, tinkering with motorcycles, and writing for motorcycle magazines including ADVMoto Magazine and GearJunkie. Although a veteran of intercontinental bike trips, he keeps adding far-flung destinations to his bucket list. JM considers himself fortunate to share his love for motorcycling with his wife and adult kids, who all ride too. To facilitate living their passion, the family keeps a motorcycle fleet at their base camps in Belgium, Thailand, Portugal, and California.

Adv

Sebastian Stealens

Publisher

Sport & Track Editor

Born in California to die-hard motorcycling parents, Seb was destined to follow in their tire tracks. His mother, a devoted rider, continued riding during her pregnancy until her OB-GYN grounded her in the seventh month when she arrived at a consultation in motorcycle gear, unable to close the zippers on her jacket and pants. Seb’s journey into the world of motorcycles began early. As an infant, his family left Santa Barbara for Europe before settling in Thailand, where he started riding at the age of seven on a Kawasaki KLX110 dirt bike. He spent countless hours exploring the MX tracks and jungle trails of northern Thailand with friends and his younger sister. At 16, Seb transitioned into the world of racing, starting on a KTM RC390 and later competing on the popular Kawasaki Ninja 400 sportbike. His racing career showcased both the highs and lows of the sport—claiming victory on the podium and waking up in the ER after a 170 km/h crash. Now 21, Seb specializes in reviewing and testing motorcycle gear to help fellow riders make informed choices. Whether it’s helmets, jackets, protective riding gear, or accessories, his honest, detailed reviews are rooted in real-world experience and rigorous testing. Through his work, Seb ensures that riders not only enjoy the thrill of the ride but do so with safety and confidence.

Sport

I am a motorcycle journalist covering everything from new bike reviews to road trip stories and the culture of riding. Fresh to the beat and eager to dive in, I combine a genuine passion for two wheels with a curious, detail-oriented approach to storytelling always chasing the next great ride and the story behind it.