Bikes at RideNow (July 9, 2011)

Good time at RideNow in Concord, NC during the Victory Motorcycle demo, though there was a lot of interesting other things going on, and some nice bikes. For instance, liked this all black Kawasaki Vulcan Special Edition (and in fact they had a few of those there). Real fond of my Vulcan, think it was a really good value and the time, and over the years (currently enjoying my sixth year with the bike) its been a great ride. I like this, being a "factory custom" model, which is pretty cool, and this has a really good look to it. Wonder though how the paint on the bike's pipes would hold up over time, but all black is pretty neat way to go.
They had a dyno truck, and one of the motorcycles waiting to make it's run was this Triumph Rocket III. The Rocket III name came from a BSA motorcycle; BSA (and for a time Triumph) went out of business in the 1970's, but Triumph came roaring back. The engine in this bike is the biggest by a major motorcycle manufacturer, something on the order of 2300 cc's. Tons of horsepower and torque, and a fine looking motorcycle. Famous for triples, this bike is also a triple, though its in-line and in a pattern that runs along the fuel tank. Very interesting engine and a most unique motorcycle with a long and proud history.
Speaking of old bikes, here is a trio of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Ape hangers are not standard on this bike (added by the owner, these are all used, RideNow is not an HD dealer) though Harley does have a standard model called the Cross Bones which does come with ape hanger handlebars. Harley is the oldest US motorcycle manufacturer, Victory also makes its bikes in the US, and Indian (which has just been purchased by Polaris, company which owns Victory also) will be made in the US as well. Indian motorcycles were built at their factory at Kings Mountain, North Carolina until a few weeks ago when the purchase was made.
Nice looking custom here, there was a guy doing some pin striping and this and the Honda behind it I believe was some of the bikes he brought to show off some of his work. Like custom bikes, and there were a few interesting ones. Many of the custom bike makers in this area have fallen on hard times, due to changing trends and also due to the economy. Grumpy's Customs has gone out of business, as well as a number of dealerships and other motorcycle shops in the region. Not only common to North Carolina though, the economy has impacted a great many bike shops and builders around the US. Still, fun to enjoy fine motorcycles such as this one.
Finally, not sure who built it (though it did tell me, "its for sale") but a fine looking Victory custom which I am told has been ridden all over the country. Like people who make bikes like these their own, and this was certainly a fine looking example of what you can do with a motorcycle. Unlike the Vulcan at the top, nice contrast here with black and red.
A quick note on RideNow; does seem to get a lot of grief at on-line forums, but overall I think they are pretty good to deal with in most areas. Few problems I have had with them over the years have been easily resolved. I get parts and tires from them, and overall I am pleased.