Up To Speed

THOMPSON, CT – If this were a fish tale, it might be considered a whopper. However, unlike anglers who sometimes exaggerate the struggles involved in landing a prize catch, motorcyclists don’t need to embellish when storytelling because the truth alone is usually sufficient. Maine “Ted” Smith of Cheshire had such …

RHINEBECK, NY – It was 2016 that the Rhinebeck Grand National Meet shifted from its then-traditional second weekend in June spot on the calendar to close to the Fourth of July. Now, after two years, it’s looking to shift again, despite accomplishing its goal of boosting attendance by getting away …

RHINEBECK, NY – It’s easy to assume that the Rhinebeck Grand National Meet is the same from year to year. Sure, there’s always a timeline of classic motorcycles inside an exhibition hall, seminars, loads of vendors hawking parts and old bikes, and lots of familiar faces. And the layout stays …

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Motorcyclists who ride the back roads of New England know just how bad they can be. Potholes, cracks and uneven pavement can make maneuvering a challenge. A new report released this week by the non-profit national transportation research group TRIP confirms it, revealing that the New England …

POMFRET, CT – As usual, the parking lot at the Vanilla Bean Cafe was filled with motorcycles on Sunday morning, but some heads turned when Charlie Gallo of Mansfield, CT rode in on his 1929 Harley-Davidson JD and parked next to a 1924 Ace owned by Dan Emerson of Woodstock, …

SANTA MONICA, CA – Dates and cities for the 37th annual Progressive International Motorcycle Shows tour were announced today. The IMS visit to New York City is set for Dec. 1-3 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 2017-2018 tour will stop in seven cities, the same ones as …

THOMPSON, CT – Some bikes can grab your attention instantly. The 1960 Velocette MSS owned by Rick Price of Chester, CT did just that as it was being unloaded from the back of a pickup at the Thompson Vintage Motorcycle Classic. So did the 1971 BSA Rocket 3 owned by …

THOMPSON, CT – What a difference a year and five weeks makes. It was under a sunny sky filled with puffy clouds that shirt-sleeved riders enjoyed the 2nd annual Thompson Vintage Motorcycle Classic on Sunday at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park. The warm day was a huge difference from the …

HARWINTON, CT – Wintertime is normally the slow news period when it comes to motorcycles, not summer when new models are out, when rallies and shows are being staged, and when new roads and eateries are being discovered. Winter is the time for trial balloons and cockamamie suggestions, not summer. …

WATERBURY, CT – The recent closure of Adams of Oakville, the former Honda and Suzuki dealer nearby, and a “family pet project” have combined to prompt Doc’s Motorcycle Parts to expand its business into providing parts and gear for motocross and dirt bike enthusiasts. “We’re a motorcycle shop. Those are motorcycles,” …

WETHERSFIELD, CT – Are motorcyclists second class citizens in Connecticut? It seems that way. I recently received a tip from a rider and reader Chris Hinze of Middletown, CT who complained that the state Department of Motor Vehicles is discriminating against motorcyclists by not allowing us to research online the …

(Update: Dates for the IMS stop in NYC will actually be Dec. 1-3.) NEW YORK – Here’s an item for those riders who like to plan well in advance. Nothing’s been announced yet regarding 2017-2018 dates and tour stops for the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows, but the days for the …

BROOKLYN – When Peter Boggia first starting earning his living wrenching on motorcycles nearly 20 years ago, he found a line of work that resonated with him like nothing else. He ultimately established Moto Borgotaro at 97 Union St. in Brooklyn in 2008 and became the go-to guy for repairs …

CHESTER, VT – I’ve always been fascinated by cyclecars. What are they? Here’s a very loose history: Cyclecars first became popular in 1910. They were lightweight vehicles with small, motorcycle engines and minimal bodies. The most common configuration was a V-twin engine mounted in front between two steerable wheels with …

LAKE GEORGE, NY – Most everyone in the motorcycle world knows that the first full week of June is reserved for one of the best known motorcycle rallies in the country – Americade. But what most don’t know is that last year Americade hatched a side show – the DirtDaze …