WINDSOR, CT – They’ve become somewhat of a colorful relic from the days before smartphones, but a wall calendar can still be a useful and attractive addition to an office, a workshop or a garage filled with motorcycles, especially if it’s a motorcycle calendar. Photographer and motorcycle collector Steve Cote of …

COLOGNE, GERMANY – Indian Motorcycle today unveiled two new non-cruiser models for 2019 and used the INTERMOT trade show here to do it. The flat track-inspired FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S models will arrive in dealer showrooms next spring with MSRPs of $12,999 and $14,999, respectively. Both models are …

MILWAUKEE – In a move announced today that’s bound to have a negative impact on its dealers, Harley-Davidson has opened an online store with retail giant Amazon. It’s offering “select Harley-Davidson apparel and riding gear.” Merchandise is available as of today, with two-day shipping for Amazon Prime members. Harley-Davidson expects …

It takes gumption, fortitude and a hefty checkbook to ride a pre-1929 motorcycle from coast-to-coast. Eight men and women from across New England, including three from Connecticut, did just that this month. They were among the nearly 125 riders who registered to compete in the biennial rally known as the …

KENT, CT – Making a good first impression can set the tone for a relationship, and a recent introduction to a 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan courtesy of Iron Horse Customs/Royal Enfield of Kent began positively. Having thrown my right leg over the 31.5-inch seat, I instantly discovered that I could …

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The American-made premium sport bike brand Motus has lost its financing and abruptly shut down. Its founders announced in a Facebook post on Friday night that the company has ceased operations after 10 years, a move that stunned dealers and owners when the news began spreading today. …

PORTLAND, CT – If you ride by a place often enough, it’s only natural to get curious about it. Is it any good? Eggs Up Restaurant on Route 66 in Portland, CT (but nearer to Cobalt) was such a place until last weekend. Up until Sunday, the time to stop …

TORRINGTON, CT – There eventually comes a time when every motorcyclist gives up riding. At 91, Jack Potter has finally decided to sell his motorcycles. He actually stopped riding eight years ago. It wasn’t because he’d lost his nerve, rather his decision was mostly triggered by an abrupt decline in enthusiasm, …

BRATTLEBORO, VT – It’s called Top of the Hill Grill, although it might better be called Side of the Hill Grill as the ground adjacent to its patio and beneath it expansive deck plummets to lush green lowland just north of where the West River joins the Connecticut River. The …

SOUTHBURY, CT – It’s unpretentious, casual and a Southbury institution. Denmo’s, the outdoor eatery at 340 Main Street South, will celebrate its 40th anniversary on July 1 having sold countless hot dogs and hamburgers since opening under the original name of Cedar Hollow Snack & Dairy. The name changed to Denmo’s …

THOMPSON, CT – The invitation came unexpectedly. The winner of a contest held by the New England Riders motorcycle group was unable to attend an upcoming non-sportbike track day and organizer Ed Conde wondered if I’d like to fill the slot. Set for May 7 at Thompson Speedway, the street rider …

HINSDALE, MA – Sometimes it takes just timing. On two occasions over two years, I’ve stopped with friends at Ozzie’s Steak & Eggs only to find it closed; not surprising given its uneven hours. The third time proved lucky, though, and it was worth the wait. Located in a three-story …

Dear Progressive, I have a beef.  Earlier this week, I participated in an informative and carefully-executed instructional non-sportbike “track day” staged by Tony’s Track Days at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Thompson, CT. I rode my new-to-me 2014 Triumph Bonneville and did so without insurance coverage after being informed by …

BANTAM, CT – Just as Christmas once produced visions of sugar plums, at least according to “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” the arrival of Cinco de Mayo every year generates a strong yearning for tequila and margaritas. Friends from my Arizona days routinely referred to the date as “Cinco de …

CHESHIRE, CT – Blackie’s Hot Dogs is a by-the-numbers business. Opened 90 years ago in 1928, the quirky family-owned eatery has a limited menu and loads of character. Its building is in the shape of a barbell with a counter in the middle and seating areas on either end.  Where …