Up To Speed

MUNICH – It was only a month ago that BMW revealed that it plans to get back into the cruiser market. The German manufacturer dropped its last cruiser – the R 1200 C – in 2004, but now feels the time is right to put its feet forward. Last week, …

HUDSON, MASS. – It is filled with what Colin Rixon succinctly calls “the tools of war.” Inside the 65,000-square-foot American Heritage Museum are more than two-dozen tanks. There’s also a variety of other armored vehicles among the more than 90 total; a V-1 flying bomb from World War II, a …

HARTFORD, CT – North Granby resident and RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland columnist Paul Siciliano has been recognized for his efforts in co-chairing Heads First Connecticut’s attempt this year to get a universal helmet law reinstated in the state. Along with eight others, Siciliano was presented with a “Thought Leader Award” by …

KENT, CT – Some products can spoil when the delivery time to market is too long. It was way back in the fall of 2017 – yes, 2017 – that Royal Enfield announced plans for two new retro models with 650cc, twin-cylinder engines. The company even showed off an example …

HARTFORD – A bill that would require all motorcycle riders under 21 years of age to wear a helmet in Connecticut passed in the House of Representatives in a 113-33 vote on Tuesday evening. The helmet bill now goes to the Senate. Current law requires riders under 18 to wear …

ELLINGTON, CT – After being owned for nearly 50 years by members of the Levesque family, TSI Harley-Davidson at 398 Somers Road (Route 83) is in the process of being sold. Chad Clark and Bryan Castor, who currently own Sheldon’s Harley-Davidson in Auburn, MA and Spitzie’s Harley-Davidson in Albany, NY, …

SEATTLE – The warmer the climate and the longer the riding season, the higher the rate of motorcycle fatalities. That’s the big conclusion derived from 2017 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics just crunched by the insurance comparison website QuoteWizard. Mississippi had the highest fatality rate with a 14.22 per …

HUDSON, MA – When is a motorcycle not a motorcycle? One answer may be when it doesn’t have a rear wheel, rather two treads. Tucked in a corner at the newly-opened American Heritage Museum here is such a vehicle – a German-built “”Kettenkrad” from World War II. Formally known as …

CAMBRIDGE, MA – A warm and sunny evening brought out riders to the fourth Wild Rabbit Community Moto Show on Saturday. The event, staged by Madhouse Motors in Boston, was held at Naco Taco on Massachusetts Ave. and attracted riders of all ages on all types of motorcycles. “Something we’re really …

MINNEAPOLIS – Indian Motorcycle has started a rental program that will enable riders to hop aboard an Indian for either a short jaunt or a multi-day excursion, but bikes will initially only be available at nine dealerships nationally. None are in the Northeast. In announcing its rental program this week, …

There are four used motorcycles sold for every one new bike, and most dealers sell used bikes at a rate of less than one used for every new. That means that there are a lot of bikes changing hands in the private sector.  It’s become much easier to sell your …

BRISTOL, CT – Parked just inside the front door of Yankee Harley-Davidson on Route 6 here and cordoned off by red velvet ropes is a stunning red, white and blue 2019 Road Glide model. A sign on its seat warns “DO NOT SIT ON BIKE!” and an invoice attached to …

The ranks of female riders are steadily growing, and it’s high time that this demographic is recognized by the increasingly profit-challenged motorcycle industry. Later this year, ladies will come out in force for the Women Riders World Relay (WRWR). What better way to unite women on two wheels and gain …

HINCKLEY, LEICESTERSHIRE – It’s even bigger and even more expensive than the previous Rocket 3. Triumph today announced a new, limited-edition Rocket 3 TFC model for 2019, with a larger 2,458cc, three-cylinder engine and heftier $29,000 price tag. Boasting 168 horsepower but weighing more than 88 pounds less than the …

Time for another Staff Inflection. This time RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland’s columnists comment on the worst stuff they’ve ever purchased. Not motorcycles, rather gear, parts and accessories that they’ve acquired over the years. In one case, the item wasn’t bad, just unnecessary, while another was outright junk. Except for the belt …