8 Tips to Consider Prior To Buying A New Motorcycle

You have decided you want to buy a motorcycle. You have done all the research that Google could possibly house. You have received your permit or license. Maybe you even did a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) class or two. Perhaps you even did a few demo rides at some of the dealerships or local motorcycle rallies. You have narrowed down the bikes to just one. You go to the dealership and you realize you did the wrong type of research. You are shocked by the financial aspect and perhaps slapped with pre-paid maintenance intervals, extended warranty and perhaps even GAP insurance. You are side struck by the thought that you will soon have the motorcycle of your dreams. You did not think about the loan process, or about adding parts, accessories or gear to that amount. You walk out, ride into the sunset, wake up the next day saying the word Fuck a million times.

Maybe that has happened to you? Maybe it has not happened to you yet. Nonetheless, let's talk about this stuff, because no one else does!

1. What the hell is GAP insurance or protection?

• Per Nationwide Insurance: Gap insurance is an optional insurance coverage for newer cars (in this case motorcycles) that can be added to your collision insurance policy. It may pay the difference between the balance of a lease or loan due on a vehicle and what your insurance company pays if the car (in this case motorcycle) is considered a covered total loss. 
• Meaning your negative equity is covered and that is actually what GAP insurance is. 

2. Do you need GAP insurance?

• If you plan on keeping your motorcycle until the end of eternity and driving like a made man, "maybe". 
• If you are buying a bike that will probably depreciate pretty fast, like a one off design that might cease to exist. 
• If it makes you sleep better at night. 

3. Do you need to pre-pay for future service maintenance intervals?

• If you do not have a clue how to even change a light bulb, let alone your oil, then yes! 
• You will save money paying upfront for the services. 
• However, if you do know how to work on your own bike, or have some basic knowledge and commonsense, then save your money. 

4. Should you buy an extended warranty?

• Honestly, with the way manufactures are mass producing bikes and cars these days, it might not be a bad investment. Especially if you have no idea how fix or replace bad parts. 
• Again, if you have basic knowledge on how to fix or repair things, you might be able to save some money here. 

5. If the salesman/woman asks you if you would like to upgrade your Wheels or       rims to spokes, say NO. Why? Well I'll tell you why....

• First off, they suck to clean. It is a nightmare to keep spokes clean. Unless you never ride your bike, or sit there meticulously wiping it off every single time you use it, then don't even think about them.
• Second, you will have to buy tubes for the rest of your life! In addition to tubes, you have to buy special balancing weights for spokes. The standard box type just won't work on most spoke rims because they will have a curvature to them. If your spoke rim actually has a flat outer rim then you are one lucky bastard. The special balancing weights for spoke rims cost more money. Tubes can run you all sorts of different prices depending on the brand. 
• Third, they are an expensive upgrade long term, seriously consider a standard rim. If the bike you are buying come with spoke rims as an original equipment feature, consider upgrading to non-spoke. 
• Forth, thank me later! 

6. Do you really need an exhaust upgrade or even a taller windscreen?

• If you have never rode a motorcycle before, than you could probably save some upfront cash by skipping the exhaust and just getting a taller windscreen. You are more likely to take a trip on a highway for an hour or more than you are entering a Moto GP event where performance matters. 
• If you don't think you will ever have money for an exhaust upgrade, then use this time to add it to your bike loan. 
• If you are a Sunday rider and will never go on the highway and don't care about more rpms, than roll with stock and smile at your lower payments.

7. Do you really need to buy a helmet and motorcycle safety gear?

• YES! Motorcycle gear is expensive. Even the cheapest stuff on the market will run you a few hundred bucks. There are helmets, pants, jackets and gloves you can choose from for under $100 bucks a piece. There are also helmets, pants, jackets and gloves you can choose from that can run you about $400 a piece or more. Do your research! RevZilla has a ton of educational YouTube videos on gear. Start there! 
• If the dealership has a good selection of helmets, might as well roll that at least into your loan. Get a good helmet! If they have gear from at least First Gear or Joe Rocket, then invest. If they have stuff from Alpinestars or Rev'it, great! Do it! If the dealer just has Harley Davidson gear, or Yamaha branded gear, etc, etc...read the labels? What are you getting? Educate yourself before you buy!

8. Do you really need to buy a tire and wheel warranty?

• First off, ask what this means? All dealerships create their own types of warranties, so ask questions, 
• Ask, if it covers a nail, or dent in the rim due to a rock or curb. Ask as many questions as you can possibly can come up with.
• I have heard of many dealerships trying to avoid warranty claims. You can read about it on a ton of different forums.  
• At the end of the day, even tire manufactures do not give you coverage on a tire if you get a nail in it. 
• This is one of those grey area warranties with very few success cases. So again, ask questions! Make a list of questions that you find online and ask them all! 

I hope these 8 tips help someone out. Looking back at my experience, these are things I wish I had known, or asked more questions about.

Luke Liked it, He really, really liked it!

Luke, my husband, passed his motorcycle permit test this past Saturday. Wahoo!! Every since I bought the RX3 Cyclone, he's taken an interest in motorcycling. As I stated in my last blog, I couldn't wait to see him at my right flank, and boy was that one hell of a feeling yesterday. 

Love on two wheels has officially begun. All I hear now is "I want to go ride". Ha-ha! Life is good! 

Update: New Years Moto Resolution #7 - Check!

If you read my New Years Moto Resolution blog that I posted back in January, then you know #7 on my list for 2016 was to buy some type of Dual Sport or Adventure bike. Well, I am happy to report that I did it! I just pre-ordered an RX3 Cyclone Zongshen motorcycle. Wahoo!

A CSC photo

If you are not familiar with the RX3, then you must be living under a rock or just don't read a lot of motorcycle news/blogs. These bikes are like the best bang for your buck motorcycle, that is finally now being imported to the USA by CSC Motorcycles located out of sunny Azusa, CA, a suburb of LA.

The Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) however, has been around in southeast Asia for a few years. Zongshen Motorsports or as public traded, Chongqing Zongshen Power Machinery Company, has been around since 1992. It was founded by Zuo Zongshen from Chongqing, China. Just like most overseas motorcycle or scooter manufactures, they focus on small displacement bikes. The RX3 has been one of the more popular bikes in their lineup, which seems to be the reason they were put on the radar of many in the western hemisphere.

This bike might be a 250cc bike, but it has an upgraded stator to run a full set of heated gear, auxillary lights, and even electronics (cell phone, gps charging port). Not only that, but it comes with engine guards, luggage guards, and a skid plate for protection. And the icing on the cake, it comes with a full set of panniers! No joke! This is stock! So, for $3800 bucks you get more on this little puppy than you do spending $16k on a new BMW. Granted, you are probably laughing about my comparison, but at the end of the day, I have a full ADV bike for a fraction of the price and weight of the big boys. I can't wait.

Well now that I got all that out of the way, I'll close by giving you the specs and features as listed on CSC's site.

• ENGINE: NC250
• ENGINE TYPE: Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, 4 Valve Water Cooled, Overhead Cam with Balance Shaft.
• MAXIMUM POWER: 24.8 hp
• MAXIMUM TORQUE: 16.6 ft. lbs
• PISTON SWEPT VOLUME: 250cc
• COMPRESSION RATIO: 11.5:1
• IGNITION SYSTEM: US Delphi EFI Electronic Ignition
• CHAIN: Racing Type Oil Seal Chain
• FRONT SUSPENSION: Dual Lubricating Inverted Forks
• REAR SUSPENSION: Adjustable Central Rear Shock Absorber
• HEADLIGHT: 3D Anti-Fog Fish Eye Headlamp
• FRONT BRAKE: SINGLE PISTON CALIPER, SINGLE DISC, 262mm (10.31")
• REAR BRAKE: SINGLE PISTON CALIPER, SINGLE DISC, 258mm (10.15")
• SEAT HEIGHT: 31.3"
• GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.3"


Features


• 2 YEAR WARRANTY: 2 years parts and 1 year service
• LENGTH/WIDTH/HEIGHT: 83.8" x 34.2" x 49.6". 
• WHEELBASE: 55.1".
• FUEL CAPACITY: 4.2 Gallons. 
• WEIGHT: 385 lbs. 
• MAXIMUM LOAD: 330 lbs. 
• MAXIMUM SPEED: 84 mph. 
• TRANSMISSION: 6 Speed, Internal Gear Shift. 
• BRAKE SYSTEM: Disc, Front & Rear. 
• FRONT TIRE/WHEEL: 100-90-18. 
• REAR TIRE/WHEEL: 130-90-17. 
• MUFFLER: Stainless Steel Waterproof Design. 
• INSTRUMENTATION: Siemens Chip LCD Smart Speedometer.
• IGNITION SYSTEM: US Delphi EFI Electronic Ignition

New Years Moto Resolution

Happy 2016 friends! A new year, new trips, new resolutions. For me, this is a big year. I mean, I do not have plans to tour Africa this year, but I am house hunting. As much as I would like to stay a Nomad and disappear at will, the newlywed thing makes me a bit more grounded.

Here's what I have planned for 2016:

1. Horizons Unlimited Virginia - April
2. Outer Banks Bike week - April
3. Babe's Ride Out -East Coast - May 
4. Iron Butt- BBG - June
5. Cuba- TBD, I just want to be sure to bet Corporate America there.
6. Buy a house somewhere in the USA
7. Buy an ADV motor bike (RX3, CB500X, going small)
8. Even with all this planning, being spontaneous is awesome!

What are your plans for the new year?

Winter Blues

No matter how much gear you pile on, or even if you have heated gear, winter just gives us all the blues. Us motorcyclists that is. For the few like myself that will ride year around except for when that snow falls, it really isn't a big deal. Nonetheless, who wouldn't prefer to ride on a 70 degree day over a 30 below day and that doesn't include the wind chill.

Icy lakes, icy road ways, and not to mention "the salt, the salt, the God Damn Salt". (Yes I went there and referenced Jimmy Buffet) Anyways you get the point, it's just flat out cold. Company no matter the temps always makes a road trip that much better. I'm fortunate to have folks around me that also ride during the winter months. Perhaps we are just crazy, perhaps we are just stupid but no matter what riding is therapy. It helps to cope with the winter blues. Plus I think being in the cold burns calories, which my waist line doesn't mind at all. ha!

Well friends I sure hope that damn ground hog doesn't see his shadow and cast on us 6 more weeks of this crap come Feb. 2nd. If it turns out to be the case, then we'll just take it for what it's worth and hope we see a 40 degree day filled with sunshine in between the colder more gloomier days. Fingers crossed for an early spring! 

Let's here from you now: How do you feel about the winter months in your neck of the woods as a motorcyclist? Winter Blues? PMS (parked motorcycle syndrome)? 

Riding in the rain, flat out sucks!

Who's a commuter? Who always seems to get stuck in the rain every single time they go out for a ride? Well this blog post is for you!

Some people tend to have that "dark cloud" over them no matter what they do in life. I, like many, have that darn rain cloud over my head no matter how much sunshine is in the sky. Funny to some, not really so much fun when your squeezing a cups worth of water out of your socks. I know, I know, "wear rain gear". Been there, done that...I still get wet. I mean head to toe! I've come to the conclusion that it's the way the water runs off my bikes tank. The only gear I have yet to try out personally is anything lined in Gore-Tex. Only problem with that is, everyone using the product hasn't figured out how to make gear "Harley Exhaust" and forward control friendly. Even Harley has thought to do anything about it either. Maybe one day this will work itself out.

In the meantime, I'm glad I'm not that only idiot that decides to ride in the pouring rain. Stay safe friends!

Photo taken by +Christopher Kraus co-worker at +RevZilla 

Motorcycling and Sex, Yup lots in common.

Do you remember your first time you had sex? Your first kiss? Probably sucked, but you will never forget it. Now do you remember your first time getting on a motorcycle? Your first group ride? Probably sucked, but you will never forget it. See what I mean, tons in common!

Finally the weekend has arrived and I have been dying to write this post. It dawned on me the other day while I was on my hour and half commute to work. It hit me that motorcycling and sex have tons in common. Alright some of you are probably thinking I am crazy. Think about it. Finding the right partner is important in life, right? Finding the right sex partner is even better! Finding the right motorcycle is just as good of a connection. While finding great riding buddies is even better!

You have no idea how many riders I have ridden with all over the country. From 10,000 motorcyclist in the 911 parade in Phoenix, to hundreds of riders during the Polar Bear tours in the winter, to just myself and a friend out on a days ride. There are moments in life when you realize that will be the last ride with that group you take or with that individual. Maybe because the group rides really fast and unsafe. Maybe because your buddy keeps leaving you at stop lights. Definitely not fun experiences and you say to yourself "never again". You also will never forget. Same thing falls true with your sex partner. If your not satisfied you never let it happen again. (or at least that's what you say to yourself, but eventually "never again")

As time goes on and the older we get, we learn from our mistakes. Whether it's how we ride through the next turn, or who we choose to sleep with. Mistakes make us stronger and wiser, but be sure to share that wisdom or its all for nothing.

To conclude, safe motorcycling is like safe sex, the more you protect yourself the more fun you can have. Enjoy the weekend my friends. For those of you that get to enjoy both this weekend, hats off to you!

In the meantime, what are your thoughts about this post? I would love to hear your feedback.

Firstgear Heated Gear Review

A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of trying out the Firstgear heated gear line. I have to say it was a love hate relationship. Here's what I used before I go any further:

• Women's Heated Waterproof-Breathable Jacket
• Heated Pant Liner
• Heated Socks (actually made by Warm&Safe)
• Glove Liners (I believe are also made by Warm&Safe)
• Heat-Troller (made by Warm&Safe)

As you can see I was prepared for a snow storm. Well, at least for a very chilly ride in the 30s down the Atlantic coast from PA to NC. I had tested the jacket with the glove liners a day before my trip to make sure all worked well. The following day I tested the pants and the socks, again all was well. When I started on my journey to North Carolina. I was approaching Dover, DE when the temperature began to drop. I hit the on button and WALLA.....nothing! Nothing at all! I realized the heat-troller I had didn't have enough wattage to run the whole darn suit. I was beyond pissed at that point. At the same time, as cold as I was, I really wasn't. 

(My eyes were closed, but here's a pic of the jacket)

Turns out the gear, even though not advertised, does help with wind protection. I honestly was amazed. When I pulled over to get some gas, I ended up disconnecting the bottom later and just keeping my core warm. Little did I know the jacket would become severally uncomfortable. There is heat around the collar and honestly there really doesn't need to be heat around the collar. I felt like I was going to burn my neck. The heat was so bad I ended up pulling over again and connect the bottom half instead. Boy was I a fool for that one! The pants in the thigh area were getting so freaking hot that it literally felt like someone was searing my leg with branding iron. I think if I had left the pants on I would have had third degree burns. The socks and the gloves were really the best part of the suit. The jacket being worn as a stand alone waterproof light weight riding jacket is pretty awesome too. Just not with the heat. Also, the wires, oh man the wires! There were so many wires in the jacket that they basically took up one pocket. Even in the pants the wires were annoying. The gloves and socks had a different type of technology. Seriously Firstgear or Warm&Safe (which ever you are) you need to work on the technology. Honestly, I would only recommend the glove liners.
What brand do you use? Love/hate? Let's here what you have to say about heated gear?

First week of work at Revzilla.com

Hope everyone has been having a great March. Spring for the most part is here, besides the snow flurries and the 30 degree temps that seem to linger here and there. At this point, I'm hoping for summer to arrive early. Last week I embarked on a new adventure. A new chapter in my life, if you will. I accepted a position at one of the largest motorcycle eCommerce sites on the web, RevZilla.com. (note: Soon to be #1)

For those of you not familiar with Revzilla, they sell tons of motorcycle gear and accessories. They have a huge project this year that will expand their business into the V-Twin market. Previously, Revzilla has proven to be the one stop shop for ADV, Dirt and Sports bikes, not to mention Snow mobiles. I'm sure they won't let us down when it comes to us fellow cruiser riders. Revzilla, in my opinion, has the best user website out there. Therefore, if you're a V-Twin rider start exploring their website now and familiarizing yourself with the awesome ZillaCash program. Seriously, free shipping over $39 bucks and you earn cash for ever $100 you spend...I don't know about you, but that's a no brainier!

My first week has been jam packed with training. It has been loads of fun and information overload all at the same time. Coming from a "cruiser" background, many of us don't really know much about all the brands of gear out there. Mainly because that gear is never marketed to our segment of riders. Harley on the other hand, markets to me and hence that's what's in my closet! Since women riders have really made a come up in motorcycling, I feel that gear (protective) has become more of an important thing. I'm really excited to learn more on all these brands that offer protective gear, in order to pass on that education to my V-Twin community.

I'll keep you guys posted on how things continue to develop. I'm off to enjoy the rest of Sunday with family. Remember to check out the site and if you have any questions please comment below or on my G+ profile. I'll leave you with the Harlem Shake video. It's hysterical! (yes, this is where I work now)

Live to Ride, Ride to Live!

What to do about the Sons of Anarchy Craze?

 The Sons of Anarchy craze just doesn't seem to be letting up. The 5th season of the show launched this past fall in 2012. The 4th season was the last season I watched. I lost interest in it all, when I started attending events and people started talking about adding accessories to to make their bikes look like SOA bikes. Even better, tattoos or apparel. Since then, I've just been disconnected. 

A few companies are offering the custom 1/4 fairing for HD Fat Bob bikes. While others offer derby covers, turn signal and even the fairing and bars kits in one! 

Picture provided by Alex Ben Block-The Hollywood Reporter

My question: Why on earth would you want to replicate being a 1%' er? Obviously, the show depicts a bike gang that is fictional. Nonetheless, organized motorcycle clubs still exist in this country (and world). Whether you've seen them or not, they are there!

I've rode on rides with many 1% clubs. There is an element of respect to show, as well as your own smarts of when to leave. When I lived in Arizona, I did an annual ride that was extremely popular called the Hells Angles Prison Run. I joined in cause the ride was through Pinal County. One of the most beautiful areas in the valley of the sun. There is no way on earth would I have pulled up to that ride, with a 1/4 fairing, SOA derby cover and shirt and thought I was a bad ass. A) You'd get laughed at big time! B) You'd get laughed at big time! C) You might get your ass kicked so more people can laugh at you big time!

When I lived in Milwaukee, I meet another group of riders called the Outlaws - Milwaukee Chapter. The community feared them and the cops were present anytime these guys were around. Last year I hurried back to Milwaukee from a 5,000 mile trip I had taken to Carson City, NV for an AMA event. I was rushing to get back so I could attend the Rockerbox Rally. When I got to the rally, the Outlaws were parked right in front of my friend Sue's corner store. Whether they liked or not, or even me, we were all left getting to know each other a bit more that day. I told them I just hauled ass back for this rally and they talked about their bikes. After that day anytime I saw them, I would get invites to all their events. (Never went though- no time) When they would roll in club deep to the Harley Museum Bike Nights everyone would watch them. Like time stopped. They did have some very fancy custom bikes with TV screens, gold leaf work, speaker systems and so on. I always got a head nod from them as they rolled on through. The funny thing about that, is for me, it was just another riding say hey to another rider. It's the people that are with me that always got freaked out by it. 

Nonetheless, from my experiences as a motorcyclists you should just be you. People will like you cause of you. There's nothing wrong with joining or being part of a club. I'm a AMA, HOG and RockerFoxMC member, love it! I ride with these groups cause they are part of my identity The AMA helps keeps roads safe and biker laws in our interest. HOG, is my exclusive connection into my Harley family. RockerFoxMC, is a group of women riders in Milwaukee that love to ride and motivate other women to ride. Throwing a SOA accessory on my bike, is like selling out to everything I believe in. It causes a loss of identity and increases the "idiot consumer affect" that Henry Ford Sr created when we developed the Model-T. "Ain't nobody got time for that"- Sweet Brown

"Progressive International Motorcycle Show - NYC, Final Part

Ok, time to wrap this up. Sorry I've been busy with home remodels, custom projects for a car that I haven't had time to finish this blog. Please accept my apology friends. While in New York I got to finally meet +Rachael Fuzzygalore. It was such an honor. We've been chatting on the web for a couple years and she tunes in for +MotoChat when she can. Truly a woman rider that really is inspiring. Anyhow, we got to talking about the show and what was going on, while my buddy Captain Ninja was disagreeing about her love for +Ural Motorcycles . He just didn't get it, "cause they go so slow". lol It was funny! We all have our opinions.

Got to meet another celebrating and motorcycle enthusiast Michael Wolf from American Pickers. Indian Motorcycles invited him to the show as a guest of theirs. Also, if you didn't know Polaris also bought Indian, in addition to Victory. It was kind of funny watching the same guy give us a run down of three different brands of bikes.  

Ducati had a few great bikes and gear on display as well as espresso. The espresso was just as impressive as their line of motorcycles. Truly beautiful bikes, but well out of my price range, well at least for the ones I really want. ;) +ZERO MOTORCYCLES was also at the show and had their sport, adv, off road and city cruiser all on display. They have a mobile app that they developed that allows you to adjust the performance of the bike. Pretty cool feature, nice looking bikes.

Here's some of my favorite custom bikes that were on display all over the showroom floor. Some really sharp bikes!

Before heading out I had to pay a visit to the +MotoGP bikes that were on display. 

Well my friends, that's it for this years show! I'll end it with me sitting on this BMW, boy do I look good on that baby! lol Cheers to you and thanks again for reading this series of posts. 

Progressive International Motorcycle Show - NYC, Part 4

Part 4 leads us to Triumph Motorcycles. I couldn't wait to check out this part of the press tour. A few of my friends on Google ride them and love them. Riders like +Rachael Fuzzygalore and +Wayne Fields. For most enthusiasts we all know that Triumph is giving BMW ADV riders a run for their money. BMW has been holding the #1 spot for a while, but you can't ignore the Triumph ADV collection. The New Tiger 800/880XC or the Explorer are perfect for the road and off-road experience. The Explorer is packed with 1215cc of power, liquid cooled 12 valve and shaft drive. Switchable ABS, 57 estimated highway miles. Starting at $15,699, I'll take one please! But don't think Triumph has forgotten about their cruiser riders. That's one thing they reminded us at the show by introducing a bagger! Yes, a Bagger! Pretty sweet bike. The sad part is I can't find any info on it. I'll have to dig further in to the press kit and do an update to this blog later.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show - NYC, Part 3

Part 3 continues with Can-Am an innovative new way to ride on three wheels. You can believe what you hear, but you can't dismiss what your eyes see. These bikes are super sporty, comfortable for the long haul and come with tons of accessory options. The cooper and black model is the Spyder RS-S. This is a high performance model with 15 in Carbon black wheels, tons of cargo space, LED lights and this baby is one hell of a bad ass. I know, I know.."it's got 3 wheels". I've heard many say that and so have you. Let's put aside our differences and just look at the bike. We all want the same thing out of riding motorcycles and that's wind in our hair and adventure! We're taught to not judge each other in life when it comes to other things, so don't judge a riders choice of putting 3 wheels in motion versus 2.

Let's get to Victory Motorcycles, aka another American made motorcycle. These guys had a few surprises waiting for us. Victory revealed two special bikes at the show. The first one is Victory's 15th Anniversary touring bike. Only 150 of them were made and the cost for one of them is around $29k.

The next surprise had to do with Cory Ness of Arlen Ness Customs. He designed this Victory Arlen Ness Cross Country Custom that supports the National Motorcycle Museum. You can actually win this bike by donating to the museum.It's packed with 106 cubic inches of power. There's just too much on this bike to list. 

Progressive International Motorcycle Show - NYC, Part 2

Here we go, part 2 leads us to Kawasaki! One bike I couldn't wait to check out was the KLR. 651cc four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve single engine, 5-speed, chain drive, liquid cooled and so much more. This baby is the bad ass that will take on the trail and show you a good time. You'll forget what riding on the street feels like, although this is a street friendly bike. I test road the 2011 model last year and did about 80 mph on the highway. Kind of scary, but still fun! Black, green or yellow are the hot colors for 2013.

If you're more of a cruiser type of rider. The new Valcun line is nothing to dismiss at all. The stock seats are far more comfortable than any Harley Davidson I've ever sat on. The less chrome look is really an eye catcher as well. Less maintenance and more time riding. Serious competition for a more affordable cost.    

Had to save the best for last....the famous Ninja family. Boy are these bikes just sharp. I seriously wanted to ride one off the showroom floor...catch me if you can. One really interesting thing that I personally would have never thought to do with a Ninja is add hard bags to it. I don't know about you, but more than 5hrs on these things and your butt is a goner. You can ask my buddy Louis Clegg about that day! lol Anyhow, the bikes have adjustable windshields, which I thought was really cool feature for when weather changes up on you. Speed, ABS, liquid cooled, from 250cc to 1000cc....the Ninja is indeed still the Captain of the road for sport bikes. Now with a touring luggage option....smh still.  

Progressive International Motorcycle Show - NYC, Part 1

I was lucky enough to score a couple press passes to attend the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Press Day at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, New York on January 18th on behalf of MotoChat . I invited along a dear friend who's a New York native, writer and producer, the one and only Ms Jeri Klein. On a side note, we were also secretly shopping for a new motorcycle for her. Did we find one....you'll have to read on to find out.

At 9am the Press was taken on a tour to meet and get introduced to the new line of motorcycles that all the major dealership had at the show. While on this tour, I was accompanied by another dear friend, Marjorie Kleiman, aka Shadow, editor of Thunder Press Magazine  and was also able to finally able to meet Lance Lau of Maverick Moto Media. 

The tour for me started at Honda Powersports (I was late and missed the BMW intros, but stay tuned for those bikes). The first bike that caught my eye was the NC700x (of course). We had a month long special about this bike on MotoChatTV. My co-host J. Brandon was part of the Cycle World NC700x Challenge. (You can find out more about the challenge via our YouTube Channel.) It was awesome to finally see, feel, touch and sit on it. The NC700x is truly a great bike for the money. At under 7k, it's a steal and so are many of the other bikes Honda had to offer. The CBR collection of bikes have truly kept up to the Honda standard. Sharp looking, comfortable, and fast is still part of the package when it comes to these bikes. The CBR600RR features a new front suspension with 12-spoke aluminum wheels and to finish off with C-ABS. For you off-road enthusiasts the CRF250L is calling your name. Fuel injected single-cylinder engine, electric starter, comfortable sitting and very affordable at the pump. The CB1100 was one sharp bike. If you love cafe racer style riding or just cruisers, you'll love this bike. It has an 1140cc Transverse-Four engine, which is pact with power and gives you a nice smooth ride.