Bud Wilkinson

Bud Wilkinson is editor and publisher of RIDE-CT. He writes the "My Ride" classic car column for Hearst Connecticut Media Group's newspapers in CT and for the company's CT Insider website and YouTube channel. The weekly feature began in 2016 in the "Republican-American" newspaper in Waterbury, CT. He also wrote the "RIDE-CT" motorcycle column in that newspaper from 2005 until 2025 when motorcycles were folded into My Ride. A graduate of Vermont Academy prep school, he holds a B.A. degree journalism from Ohio Wesleyan University. He is the recipient of a Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award in 1992 and a 1991-92 regional Emmy Award for commentary. He currently rides a 1987 BMW R80RT and a 1996 BMW R850R.

Confessions Of A Motorcycle Show Judge

FALLS VILLAGE, CT – It’s a task with no requirements other than a pulse and a willingness to pick a favorite. Unlike other motorcycle shows, the two-wheeled portion of the Falls Village Car & Motorcycle Show doesn’t have categories, year restrictions or demands for original perfection. It’s a “come one, …

Read More »

The Cutest Car You’ve Probably Never Heard Of – Nissan’s Figaro

WOODBURY, CT – It’s most likely the cutest car that U.S. motorists have never heard of or ever seen. Writing for Hagerty back in 2018, Larry Printz declared the limited-production 1991 Nissan Figaro to be “Cuter than a basket of puppies.” It’s not that much bigger, either. Built only for …

Read More »

Bookshelf: “The Riders” Provides A World View Of Motorcycling

In one respect, all riders are the same. We may dress differently. We may ride different styles of motorcycles. We may use our motorcycles for different purposes; recreation being the primary reason here in the U.S. But we all have a sense of daring or adventure whether the ride is …

Read More »

Manchester H-D’s Bikini Contest Prompts Social Media Backlash

MANCHESTER, NH – In a move that’s already alienating and aggravating a portion of its potential customers, Manchester Harley-Davidson has revealed plans to hold a “Miss Manchester H-D Bikini Contest” over the next three months. Skimpy cash prizes will be awarded for preliminary rounds on June 3 and July 1 …

Read More »

A Fast Rescue For A Panhead With A Problem At Oley

OLEY, PA – Girard Fox had 40 miles remaining on a 140-mile ride Thursday from his home in Brooklyn, NY when his 1949 Harley-Davidson “Panhead” Hydra-Glide started losing power going up a hill. He was headed here to attend the Perkiomen Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America’s National …

Read More »

Big Turnout For Oley Meet With Long-Forgotten Brands On Display

OLEY, PA – Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts came to gaze at vintage models and to shop from tables and bins filled with tens of thousands of old parts at this weekend’s National Meet put on by the Perkiomen Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. After a year of …

Read More »

Long Dormant Honda CM400 Custom Needs A New Owner – ASAP

ROCKY HILL, CT – Real estate agent Mike Samulenas of Berlin, CT has a motorcycle problem, and he contacted RIDE-CT & RIDE-New England on Friday seeking assistance. He’s selling a condo in Rocky Hill. The hitch is there’s a long dormant 1981 Honda CM400 Custom motorcycle parked in the garage. …

Read More »