Velocity Motorcycles, Richmond, Va (June 11, 2011)

View of a an award winning older Royal Enfield on display at the new location for Velocity Motorcycles in Richmond, Va. Now located at 3023 West Marshall Street, the shop is a dealer for Royal Enfield. They also sell a number of used motorcycles including some very interesting models. As there is no dealer in Richmond that I know of which sells Ducati motorcycles, it is a great place to check out some older models. You also can find some BMW and bikes such as old BSA motorcycles, as well as some fine Japanese motorcycles from time to time. It is also a great place to rent motorcycles. I think it has some of the most interesting bikes in Richmond.
I mentioned Ducati, this is one of the bikes there. Ducati is made in Italy, and is a very performance oriented brand of motorcycle. I have seen both older models, as well as some newer model Ducati motorcycles for sale in the former store and the new one. The shop has a good parts department, and a fully staffed service department. This cafe racer model is one of the older Ducati's but would be a great deal of fun to ride. Ducati has a long history and has been very successful in motorcycle racing. The Monster line is very popular and also they have this year added a cruiser to the line up. Maintenance has also been made a lot less complex over the last few years.
Seen here is a 1958 Harley-Davidson, which is also for sale at the shop. As I have noted, you never know what you will come across at the shop. This is a rare model Harley-as it does not have the classic V-twin type engine. It looked to be in very good shape. I have as I have noted, seen a lot of interesting and very rare bikes in the shop, and have enjoyed checking out quite a few models. The staff is very friendly, and has a lot of information on the motorcycles on hand.
I have a few photos posted on my photo page of some older and interesting bikes at the shop. I am not sure if they still do, but they did sell Russian made Ural motorcycles (with sidecar!).
Seen here is the entrance to Velocity. Guy on the bike is checking out a brand new Royal Enfield Bullet. Royal Enfield started production in 1870 in England, and ended there in 1971. However, they also made bikes in India, and that production continues to this day. The "Bullet" got its name because Royal Enfield also made rifles (slogan for the bike was " Made like a gun, goes like a Bullet"). Current model is fuel injected, 500 cc's and a single. Not a real powerhouse, but gets great fuel mileage, and the classic styling is certainly cool. Also neat is that the bike has a front disk brake. It comes in a number of models.
Finally, seen below is a BMW (as I remember it is a R60. BMW is a German company, also with a long history. Though it makes a number of in-line fours, and even a brand new in-line six touring bike, the boxer engine (opposed twin) seen here is the classic engine (and is still used in BMW's today). Next to it is a another Ducati motorcycle. As I have noted (and this was not all that could be seen in the shop, there were also a couple of used Yamaha motorcycles) you never know what you will come across at Velocity Motorcycles. If you are interested in motorcycles, and are in the Richmond area, this is a must see shop during your visit. Easily one of my favorite shops!