Random Thoughts and Musings

Interesting thinking of motorcycles on a Friday. Easily the worst night of the week work wise, we do this huge cleanup with water, hopefully (but not often) out by 11pm (last Friday.....4AM) so happy thoughts do help; and not much happier than bikes.
Noted that this Sunday, Speed Channel will have the Springfield Mile live. I like Speed, they have good motorcycle racing coverage, and have gone back to live for a number of races after trying some delayed coverage last year. The Mile is a classic flat track dirt race; usually pretty exciting. Was once pretty well "owned" by Harley-Davidson motorcycles, but now a number of manufacturers have gotten involved. Used to go to a lot of flat-track races in Louisville, and also went to two (no longer held) in Concord at "The Dirt Track". Catch it Sunday if you can.
Also noted that this Monday (June 15) will be the annual "Ride to Work Day". Take that motorcycle or scooter to work (weather permitting) and have a good day. Motorcycles are better for the pocket fuel wise (and note....gasoline prices are going up) plus a great deal of fun. I would say they save fuel, problem I had riding to work was I tended to take the long way home when I rode to work. Did always put a huge smile on my face. As my bike is in North Carolina waiting for my next return (see previous post on the last ride a few days ago) will only be able to join in spirit this year. I have ridden to work though, and often. ina
Noted this week that Harley-Davidson is having some real problems; sales are way down, many of the bikes (thanks to sub-prime loans to keep sales up) are being repossessed, and they are cutting production and employees. I am a fan of the brand; lots of history and of course some great looking motorcycles.
However, for me, Harley-Davidson is not really an option. The bikes for some reason (I am 6'2") such as the Sportster are pretty small motorcycles, and the prices are amazingly high. I am also not a fan of air-cooled technology; the only bike that really appeals to me is the V-Rod with the water cooled engine. However, for roughly 1/2 the price Kawasaki gave me the Vulcan (thankfully paid for now) 1500 Classic with shaft drive, a bigger 1500cc water cooled engine, and that remarkable Japanese reliability. As a bonus, the bike was assembled in a factory in Lincoln, Nebraska. Harley is still stuck (due largely to consumer demand) on air-cooled V-twins; no other options are out there. Buell did sort of finally break away and now offers the 1125R with a watercooled engine, but most of their line still uses HD engines as well.
I would like to see HD make more bikes like the V-Rod (though the V-Rod is not doing well with the faithful, its a big seller in Europe), like to see them continue to improve reliability and features, and most of all would be nice to see the price come down. Many dealers still sell the bikes at MSRP and then add on to that; hard to get a real deal on Harley-Davidsons. Plus, even the vaunted "buy one and sell it used for the same price" is not so true anymore, with all the repos out there to be snapped up. I wish them well, but sure would like to see some changes in the Motor Company.
Just some news and random thoughts. Wish I was riding today; instead of washing down the equipment. Will be soon though!