By Bud Wilkinson So-called “reality shows” on television are anything but real. They’re orchestrated and staged just like a sitcom or drama. The action is largely preordained and the open, middle and ending are tightly scripted. The purpose is storytelling, not truth, because actual reality can be
Read More »How to Avoid Crashing in Corners
By Steve Smith In a very simplistic view of the types of motorcycle crashes, it can be said they fall into two types: Motorcycle only and those with other vehicles. It’s important to note that there is rarely a single cause of motorcycle crashes. Most times a combination of
Read More »Product Review: Weise “Urban” Boots
Update: The light bulb finally went on and I learned to properly tuck the laces down inside the boot. Having worn them now for nearly 18 months, I’ve found them to be comfortable and durable, so the rating gets revised upwards by one star. —– Ever put your feet down …
Read More »Fighting Gravity
By Steve Smith of RIDE-CT.com Ever drop a motorcycle? Drops are a not to be confused with a crash. What I’m talking about is a mishap that occurs from a standstill or while riding slowly. Gravity takes over and leads to an “Oh, Shit!” moment. If this has happened to you, …
Read More »There’s Always Time to Learn
By Steve Smith Many riders have never had any formal riding training. Years ago, there was no rider training, so they learned to ride at the school of hard knocks. Maybe a parent or spouse provided some basic instructions to get rolling. Some, like me, started out on dirt bikes …
Read More »Litchfield Rider Ventures Out for First Time
By Bud Wilkinson Headed north out of Litchfield on Route 63 on a recent Sunday morning, I came up behind two motorcyclists who were riding in staggered formation at a speed that was at times a little south of the posted limit. As we approached a passing zone, the rider …
Read More »CBX Shook Up Honda’s Sagging Image
By Bud Wilkinson The brand and style of motorcycle that someone rides often makes a statement about that rider, projecting a real or desired self-image. The same can be said about companies and the models that the many manufacturers produce. In a 2009 article, “Motorcyclist” magazine recalled the late 1970s …
Read More »Group Ride Etiquette
By Steve Smith Motorcycling is mostly an activity between rider and machine, but it is enjoyable to ride with a group of like-minded individuals. Whether on tour or just out for a day ride, the camaraderie and the discussing of
Read More »Zero Makes A Case For Riding Electric
By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com It wasn’t until after a recent phone conversation with Mike Cunningham ended that the most obvious question popped to mind. Cunningham is Director of U.S. Sales and Dealer Development for Zero Motorcycles and the question – OK, two related questions – that I’d failed to …
Read More »Cornering Requires Technique
By Steve Smith The inspiration for this column came when I observed a student rider in a CONREP class make an error during a cornering exercise that caused a close encounter of the asphalt kind. The student was wearing protective gear and was fine. After righting the motorcycle, coaching was …
Read More »“The Pace” Is A “Must-Read”
By Steve Smith People pursue the art of riding in different ways. Some casually glide along the boulevard or back roads, while others enjoy the adventure of dual sport and off road, carving mountainous curves of asphalt ribbons or engaging in the adrenaline pumping action of track days or racing. …
Read More »The Case for “ATG-ATT”
By Steve Smith RIDE-CT readers may be familiar with the acronym “ATG-ATT,” which stands for “All the gear, all the time.” Myself and fellow Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider coaches extol the virtues of using proper riding gear as it is essential to safe riding. Wearing the right clothing can make
Read More »Garelli Comes And Goes Quickly
By Bud Wilkinson Before March 8, I’d neither heard of a Garelli nor envisioned myself emulating the guys on the “American Pickers” television show. I didn’t know that the Italian brand of motorcycles and mopeds was founded by Adalberto Garelli in 1919. Italian motorcycles to me meant Ducati, Moto Guzzi, …
Read More »Safe Riding: Looking But Not Seeing
By Steve Smith of RIDE-CT.com Most motorcycle safety professionals extol the value of visibility when riding a motorcycle. Our vision is probably the most important of our primary senses to help reduce the chance of a crash. The common phrase used is “See and be seen,” which reminds riders to …
Read More »Safe Riding: Think You Know How to Ride?
By Steve Smith of RIDE-CT.com The Connecticut Rider Education Program recently released 2011 training statistics. The number of riders trained was more than 6000, but the number of students taking courses for experienced riders was down significantly. I find this odd that riders are not seeking out ways to improve …
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