October, 2010

• 2 October

  Canton Cycles Closing in Winsted

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com After 38 years of selling and servicing motorcycles, Canton Cycles in Winsted is closing. “Plain and simple – the economy got us. Nothing is selling. Service has flat-lined,” said majority owner Ralph DeLuco. The Victory line has has already been relinguished. Kawasaki, Royal Enfield and Ural will all …

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September, 2010

• 28 September

  A Tough Day Out Riding

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com Some days the bike(s) should just be left in the garage. A recent Sunday was one of those days. While Sunday morning is often reserved for rejuvenating worship at the Church of Two Wheels, otherwise known riding amidst nature’s beauty, Sept. 19th was problematic. For …

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• 26 September

  Victory Franchise Shifts to Hartford

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com It reportedly wasn’t supposed to happen until the start of 2011, but New England Cycle Center in Hartford has become a Victory dealer more than three months early after Canton Cycles in Winsted abruptly relinquished the cruiser and touring brand last week. Victory signage has been …

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• 19 September

  Motorcycle Cannonball Update

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com So, how’s Ed Zalonski and his 1910 Flying Merkel doing in the Motorcycle Cannonball endurance run from Kitty Hawk, N.C. to Santa Monica, Calif.?  The answer appears to be not very well and fantastic. I’ve been meaning to call Zalonski (on the right in picture) on the road to …

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• 18 September

  RIDE-CT Photo Gallery

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com Today’s RIDE-CT column in “The Republican-American” about last weekend’s Rice-O-Rama motorcycle show and swap meet includes comments from Larry Tashjian of Torrington. He owns a 1981 Honda CX500 and was quoted in the column as well in a post here September 12. The newspaper neglected to include a picture …

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• 18 September

  Rant: Where Do These Thoughts Come From?

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com It’s Saturday morning, still dark outside, a half-cup of coffee has been downed and motorcycle thoughts are already rushing through my head. Know the feeling? I’m meeting later this morning with a guy who wants to see a 1985 BMW K100RS that I have for sale …

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• 17 September

  Moto Guzzi Video, H-D Aftermath

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com Some of the best motorcycle “advertising” these days is found online where manufacturers post teaser videos and action footage. Moto Guzzi is out with an artistic new video of its 2011 V7 Racer. After watching it in action, I wanted one, but I do suffer from …

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• 15 September

  Norton Video A Tear-Jerker

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com If you’ve ever restored an old bike, or ever found the perfect gift for a parent or one of your kids, or just enjoy a story that will to bring tears of joy to your eyes, “The Norton Project” video is a must-watch online treat. Brothers Jeff …

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• 14 September

  "Milwaukee Iron" Won’t Go Away

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com A day after employees of two unions at Harley-Davidson plants in Wisconsin approved new seven-year contracts that will freeze wages, pass along more health insurance costs to workers and result in layoffs, the company’s board of directors approved the contracts and said it will keep the factories …

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• 13 September

  H-D Workers Approve Contract

  By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com Harley-Davidson’s union employees in Wisconsin today voted to approve a new seven-year contract offered by The Motor Company that will likely result in hundreds of fulltime workers being let go. The new pact also allows for many more part-time, “casual” employers, who will be paid much lower …

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