2012's in the RVA

 Could not make the Motorcycle Show in Charlotte (see previous post) but did get out on a windy day in the RVA to check out some new stuff...and saw some today. For instance checked out the green and black 2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R at Ultimate Cycle on Midlothian Turnpike. Nice shop with some friendly people and they claim they will beat any price in town. I also know that in Richmond Kawasaki will have in a few weeks a chance to ride virtually any Kawasaki at an upcoming event. I am following that, and will bring news of that time, date and site very soon.  

I ride a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500, liked this 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 custom. They do this quite often (the custom treatment) with the 900, seems to be a popular platform for the company. As noted, its a 900cc V-twin, belt drive. Like the white on black treatment, also the white walls on the spoked wheels is pretty cool too. The engine is also water-cooled, and I believe it has a six-speed transmission. The 900's are good sized and comfortable motorcycles with very good performance. They will run good at highway speeds, and get pretty good gas mileage. My 1500 has been stone reliable.

 This is the new "King of Speed" the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14. They made a number of changes for 2012 and according to the cycle magazines it is quicker than the Suzuki Hayabusa (for now at least). The company also puts that engine (detuned) in its Kawasaki Concours 14 which is said to be one remarkable sport touring motorcycle.
I read that among Japanese motorcycle manufacturers that Kawasaki is #1 in motorcycle sales in the US (just counting motorcycles though) . However the #1 in sales still belongs in the US to Harley-Davidson overall. 

As for Harley-Davidson, this is one of the 2012 models- in this case the 2012 Fat Bob. Certainly the most iconic brand in the US, and one of the most iconic in the world, they build some amazing motorcycles. I saw this one at South Richmond Harley-Davidson which is located on Hull Street.
You do see a lot of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and they have some interesting bikes out and on the road. HOG groups which can be found at most dealerships are a great way to experience some interesting rides and events with fellow Harley-Davidson riders. 

Charlotte Motorcycle Show (February 25, 2012)

 Cell phone photos seen here (actually pretty good) were taken by my friend Phil (often seen on these very pages) at the 2012 Progressive Motorcycle Show which came to Charlotte, NC. I could not be there, but Phil sent these, and a few more photos from the event which was held February 24-26. Bike at left is a very radical custom, and there was as will be seen a great variety of motorcycles at the show. Such events are a great way to see what is new (and often old) in the world of motorcycling.  

 Bike at left is a Ducati Diavel which means "Devil" in Italian. The bike which is the company's version of a cruiser has a 1198cc engine (also their version of a V-twin, though more of an L-twin) which puts out 1198cc and a claimed 162 hp. Ducati is known for performance, and few stock cruisers would be a match for this motorcycle. Nice to see a change from the typical cruiser configuration, and certainly one of the most interesting motorcycles to come out in the last few years.

This is an older motorcycle, not sure what is is (Phil did not say) but it is in perfect condition. Early in the history of motorcycles, there were many, many brands out there. As time went on, they became fewer and fewer. Many of the oldest brands have continued on through, or have come back from the dead...including Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Indian, Moto-Guzzi, and a few others. I like he old classic bikes, and enjoy shows that feature them. There are a couple of those coming to Carolina in the next few months.    

Finally, this a custom Star Raider. Star (a division of Yamaha) is starting a sort of factory customization program much like Harley-Davidson's CVO bikes and I believe this is one of the works seen here. It is one sharp motorcycle though.
Unfortunately I was in Richmond today, and as noted could not make the show. However, I did see some bikes today-had it in my head to check out a few, and got to see some bikes of interest. That will be the feature of my next post. Do appreciate Phil sending me these fine photos though!  

Quaker Steak and Lube/Velocity Motorcycles, Richmond, VA (February 4, 2012)

 Made a stop on February 4 at Quaker Steak and Lube in Richmond, Va for a order of chicken wings and a frosty cold beverage. Saw this hanging among the motorcycles, it is said to be (according to the name on the gas tank) a "Wizzer" and is a bicycle with a motorcycle engine. Final drive to the rear wheel is belt, and told it is for sale if anyone is interested. Guy also said it would run in the 60 mph range, which would make for one thrilling ride (to say the least) on those tires. With the rising price of gasoline, I have a feeling that a vehicle like this will be just the ticket. 

 Motorcycle here I photographed the same day but this time at Velocity Motorcycles in Richmond, Va. Velocity is my favorite motorcycle shop in the city, as they always have a number of interesting Italian, British, and Japanese motorcycles (as well as the occasional Harley). Bike at left is a 1930's (believe it was 1934) Royal Enfield. It was made when the company was still a British motorcycle manufacturer. This one is pretty old, but would be a fine restoration for one with the skills (and the cash) to do it. Many of their bikes though are ready to ride, and they are also very interesting rides.

 Velocity also has brand new Royal Enfield motorcycles-they sell the bike seen at left which is the Bullet. The company was once British owned but is owned now by owners in India, and the bikes are made in India and China. The name bullet comes from the fact that Royal Enfield also made military rifles for the British Army. The bikes are 500cc, have hydraulic lifters, are fuel injected twins, and have disk brakes. What I like about them is that they have a very classic look, and are also basic and simple motorcycles. Not a common sight on the roads of America, and that is also a plus.  

Speaking of old British bikes, this is a 1954 Triumph Cub. This bike is "not for sale" but is a very rare model. Triumph a few years ago came back from the dead-production restarted a few years ago, and the brand is doing quite well with a very interesting line of motorcycles.
Velocity sells new and used motorcycles, plus some riding equipment, and also has a very good service department. They also rent motorcycles, and you will find them a very friendly and interesting shop to visit. On a soon to be (and currently is) rainy day in Richmond, this was a fun place to spend some fun time around some interesting motorcycles and motorcycle people. I look forward to the next visit. As for Quaker Steak and Lube, always have a good time there, and look forward to a future visit to their Bike Night which will start in a few weeks on Wednesday night. I will keep you posted on that!