Musings on a Winter Day (and new bike news)

Got some absolute bitter cold here; noticed the last few days as the mornings have gotten into the single digits that even the two wheeled diehards (and I salute you all!) have put the motorcycles and scooters in the garage. We don't see temperatures this low in the Piedmont very often, even in winter, but we do from time to time...and now is the time.
During cold like this, fun to do some research on the internet; a good time to explore some of the motorcycle sites out there. Today in fact, I not only discovered, but Honda also released the new Honda Fury. Had read some rumors about it, but saw today the first photos. Its a chopper of all things, very clean looking bike. The Fury uses the Honda VTX-1300 engine, has a shaft drive (Honda has no belt drive bikes) and despite appearances it is water cooled. Interesting time to release a chopper styled bike (but then again Harley-Davidson did it with the Rocker series of motorcycles) but got to admit its a very cool looking motorcycle.
Another bike I am really looking forward to seeing is the new Triumph Thunderbird. It also is brand new (like the Fury, this will be year one for the bike) and unlike most of the cruisers out there, it uses a vertical twin engine. The 1600 cc bike has a really nice look to it. Triumph really breaks the mold when it comes to motorcycles; not only do they have that bike, but they also make the remarkable (and biggest motorcycle factory motor in a motorcycle) in the Rocket III.
While it will be difficult with the Richmond transfer coming up in a few weeks, I do hope to make my annual ride out to the BMW/Triumph/Ducati dealer in Charlotte. Seems like every year one of those three come out with something really remarkable...getting to be a fun late/winter early spring ride. Got a feeling this year will be no exception. That dealer is also one of the nicest and cleanest motorcycle shops I have ever been in.
Course, sure to be dealers for those three (though they may not be together in one place there) in Richmond, Va. Getting ever closer to exploring the motorcycle scene in Richmond, and am looking forward to what I will find.
Hope this cold snap finds you (wherever you are) warm and toasty. Hang in there...spring is coming (and maybe some warmer weather soon for those of us in the South!). Ride safe!