If You Had Asked Me…

What’s life without a little romance, although at my age (62), marital status (single) and location (rural Connecticut) that means enjoying the company of a motorcycle?

Consequently, any time I see a motorcycle, I tend to look closely – whether it’s on the road, parked or on the telly. It’s a bike that popped up on television over the weekend that provides the kickoff to the monthly edition of “If You Had Asked Me, I Would Have Told You…,” the catch-all column for news items, rumors, odd stuff and opinions.

So, “If You Had Asked Me, I Would Have Told You…”

– That as much as I enjoyed the Sunday night debut of the new romance series “Chesapeake Shores” on the Hallmark Channel, it bugged me that lead characters Trace Riley (played by Jesse Metcalfe) and Abby O’Brien (Meghan Ory) went for a motorcycle ride – and broke the law.

The setting is Maryland, which has a mandatory helmet law, yet they hopped on Trace’s Triumph Bonneville without helmets (and perilously little riding gear of any kind) and headed to a beach. I know, I know, it’s only a TV show. But why not set a good example and at least follow the law?

The pilot episode sure did provide some good exposure for Triumph. Wonder what the company had to do to get the product placement, even in publicity photos?

It should be mentioned that “Chesapeake Shores” is adapted from a series of best-selling romance novels written by Sherryl Woods, who just happens to be a friend of nearly 40 years. I’m so damned proud of Sherry for having her work come to the small screen.

Continuing, “If You Had Asked Me, I Would Have Told You…”

– That Harley-Davidson will soon release its 2017 lineup. Part of the announcement will reportedly include the reveal of an eighth generation of engines – a new 107 cubic inch (1753cc) power plant dubbed the Milwaukee Eight for its eight valves (four per cylinder). It’s an air-cooled, pushrod engine.

– That the 4th annual Motorcycle Film Festival in Brooklyn will be here before we know it. It’s four days of celluloid (Sept. 14-17) at The Gutter, 200 N. 14th St.

– That British bike-builder Norton plans to produce a limited edition V4 model using a 1,200cc engine and a tubular aluminum frame. Only 200 of the hand-built models will be made. Look for the bike to be unveiled in November with delivery expected to begin in mid-2017. Of course, there are only seven Norton dealers in the U.S. making it tougher for anyone wanting one on this side of the pond.

“If You Had Asked Me, I Would Have Told You…”

– That I’m glad that Middletown Motorcycle Mania scheduled for last Wednesday in Middletown, CT was postponed a week due to rain, even though organizers took some social media heat for the rather late decision. Was too pooped to ride down. The 11th annual event will now be held tomorrow.

Indian Scout FTR750 Dirt-Track Racer Hits the… by Cycleworld– That having now seen video (above) of Indian’s FTR750 in action, and knowing the success of Ducati’s Scrambler line, Indian really, really, really  needs to produce a street version of the flat tracker. It would sell like, well, the Scrambler, appealing to young riders and oldsters searching for back roads fun.

– That Rhode Island has now joined 29 other states in creating an “autocycle” classification of motor vehicles, which allows for the sale of Polaris’ Slingshot and the Elio (if it ever goes into production). A total of 41 states now have the autocycle variant or provide exemptions for motorcycle licenses when it comes to the operation of three-wheeled vehicles.

– That while California has passed legislation allowing for lane-splitting (which at last check still awaits the governor’s signature), I don’t expect a crush of other states to follow suit. California is a special case.

Until next month…