Columns

TORRINGTON, CT –    When avid motorcyclist Thea Everest of Torrington indulges in what’s commonly referred to as “wind therapy” by many riders, she often takes along a passenger who can literally spread his wings in the breeze as they roll down the byways.  Rather than occupy the normal pillion …

VALCOURT, Quebec – Can-Am moved closer to selling electric motorcycles this week by announcing that select dealers in Canada, the United States and 11 other countries are now taking pre-orders for its Pulse and Origin models. Production is expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year with global …

SHARON, CT – It’s not a stretch to suggest that Scott Rabeler became a BMW motorcycle enthusiast and collector by happenstance. Had dealers selling other brands been better stocked or shown more interest when he walked in their door, he likely wouldn’t have ended up with a basement workshop and …

It took a bit of easy burrowing to come up with some statistics that just may shock many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Unit sales over the past 10 years show a company in severe retreat. Sales have cratered.  To be precise, Harley-Davidson sold in excess of 100,000 fewer motorcycles worldwide last year …

Are you a motorcycle novice interested in learning to ride and get licensed?  Are you already riding on a motorcycle permit, but wish to get licensed. Have you been riding with a motorcycle endorsement, but would like to improve your skills? If your answer is “Yes” to any of these …

HARWINTON, CT – It doesn’t take psychographic analysis to know that the motorcycling community has changed significantly over the past two decades. As odd as it may seem, while it sometimes appears that there are more motorcycles on the roads on pleasant summer days, a contrary argument can be made …

It’s 46 years old and has never been ridden – a limited-edition 1977 Triumph Bonneville Silver Jubilee model. The gas tank has never been filled with petrol and its odometer reads only 1.3 miles. No doubt that’s because the motorcycle has been rolled around over the years. Its whereabouts and …

Jillian Leca calls it the “most difficult training – physically and mentally – that I’ve ever done.” It lasted three weeks and ended two weeks ago with the Connecticut State Police trooper graduating and becoming the first female to admitted to the agency’s Motor(cycle) Unit in the 120-year history of …

HARWINTON, CT – The photo shown on the invoice from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission that arrived in Monday’s mail clearly displays the license plate on the motorcycle that’s approaching a toll booth. It says unmistakably “RIDE-CT.” The itemized bill requesting payment of $17.60 was for midday turnpike use on Aug. …

TORRINGTON, CT – It was a promise made to myself nearly five years ago when buying a beloved motorcycle from Jack Potter. I vowed then that when he died, it would be ridden to calling hours and parked in front of the funeral home so mourners could gaze upon the …

GOSHEN, CT – It’s not uncommon when a motorcycle falls into disuse for an owner to regretfully park it in a corner of the garage to collect dust or shut it away in a shed to deteriorate under a tarp. Fond memories and affection often prevent the owner from being …

HARWINTON, CT – A story this week from “The New York Times” on higher food prices and changing consumer habits has me wondering if any company gives a lick about its longtime customers. It told how the biggest packaged food makers raised their prices last quarter and experienced rising profits. …

There may not be a more low profile, secretive brand on the planet than BSA, which is owned by Manhindra in India. Since announcing in late 2021 the revival of what was once a British marque that stood for Birmingham Small Arms, BSA has without trumpets assembled a growing dealer …

BETHEL, CT – Richard Schlansker of Amsterdam, NY has been riding motorcycles for 44 years. On Thursday evening, though, the 71-year-old retired engineer and rider admitted to some apprehension as he secured a new green and silver 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello to a trailer outside of Hamlin Cycles here. …

By Steve Smith / NAUGATUCK, CT – It happened during a Basic Rider Course that I was teaching maybe 20 years ago and involved a student who was opposed to wearing a helmet when riding.  ‘The class was engaged in a riding exercise when the student approached the stopping area …