It's a Gas...the rising costs of fuel and motorcycles

Funny, just a short while ago, a few previous posts back I talked about the future and electric vehicles and the problems with gasoline. Now the problem is paying for it, events in the Middle East have caused a big rise in fuel costs. Many people will be considering motorcycles as an alternative, and they can be a real good one. Many things to consider though before the big leap into two wheels, not that it can not be a good move but research is important. Motorcycles can get really good fuel mileage, but not all bikes are the same. Like with all things, some are better than others. There is also maintenance costs to consider; valve adjustments can be a real huge cost (especially on multi-valve four cylinder engines) and tires can be expensive as can chains and sprockets (if so equipped). Do your research before you leap.
As for great fuel saving motorcycles; two come to mind. One is seen directly below in the previous post; the Kawasaki Ninja 250. I believe (last I read) that bike is the top seller for Kawasaki in the motorcycle division. It is a twin with a long history (been basically unchanged for a lot of years) with a low initial price new, and with many used models on the market as well. Getting some competition this year from Honda which is coming out with a 250 single; I hope to see that soon. If gas gets in short supply, or prices zoom up the Ninja 250 will get in short supply (that happened a few years ago when gas hit $4). The bikes are highway rideable, smaller bikes than 250 get even better mileage, but they get real limited on highway travel. Suzuki makes a pair of street 250's that are well worth a look. To me 250cc is the smallest and most versatile motorcycles you can get, though for just commuting without highway travel smaller is possible if you can get there via side streets.
The DL-650 also seen (and other bikes in the 650-500 range) also are good on fuel. Not as good, and more money to buy, but would be a big improvement on the vast majority of cars. Generally bigger bikes will get less mileage as horsepower goes up.
There are also a number of scooters out there. Again size is a factor both for fuel mileage and what you can do with it. Laws also depend on size, at a certain point in many states a motorcycle license is required. Those laws vary, so you need to check that before you sign on the dotted line if that is a factor. One "scooter standout is the Suzuki Bergman (there is a 650 and 400cc version). Automatic, and also have some good storage space, these bikes also give good motorcycle performance.
Know I said it before, but I will repeat...most important thing is to do a lot of research. If you get a motorcycle and have not ridden, be sure to get some training. It saves on insurance, and also can save your life. Well worth the time and the small cost of such programs. Most motorcycle dealers can point you to places (many even can provide) training on riding. Good luck, and best wishes!

Ultimate Cycle; on a Sunny February Day

Went by Ultimate Cycle on a Sunny, but a little cool February 23 day. Getting close to riding time in Carolina this weekend, and ready for that. In the meantime though, a good time to check out some 2011 motorcycles. Though these are previous models (which is to say they are basically the same bikes as in 2010) nice to see some of the new motorcycles. There are a few new models coming out, and I plan to bring them soon. I like Ultimate Cycle, seems to be a fine and very friendly shop. Bike at left is a Kawasaki Ninja 250. It is one of Kawasaki's best sellers, and I have a feeling with the big uptick in fuel prices, that won't change.

Seen here is a 2011 Suzuki DL-650. Stronger than the Ninja seen above, but like it is a twin (though the DL-650 is a V-twin) it has a real good reputation for reliability and is said to be a really fun bike to ride. Being tall, I like the size of this bike, and has one of the most comfortable motorcycle seats I have had the pleasure to sit on. The 650 V-twin is also the motor on the SV-650, which is also said to be a very fun bike. The bike appeals both to beginners, and is also said to be a great motorcycle for the more seasoned motorcyclist. There is also a larger Suzuki DL-1000 for those who need a bit more horsepower.
As far as Suzuki cruisers, they do not get any bigger then the 2011 M-109. That is in 109 Cubic inches, or for those of us with a metric bent that would be 2000cc's. Suzuki was in a partnership for a while (not sure if it is still going on) and the engine is the same basic engine as you would find in the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. Amazingly this is the second largest production motorcycle engine (from a major manufacturer) with the largest being the 2300 cc (or thereabouts) in the Triumph Rocket III.
If you are in the market for a new motorcycle in the Richmond area, be sure to check out Ultimate Cycle. They are friendly people to visit.

Bikes...and Barbeque Events in NC

Two posts below spoke of trying to find any motorcycle events in Richmond, Va...but was thinking today of news on a great riding day in Charlotte (heard about it, I was in Richmond doing some fun exploring in the car) and hearing about some of the stops there. A favorite motorcycle stop is Mac's Speed Shop, which has multiple locations in the Charlotte region. I have been to two; one on South Blvd in Charlotte, and one at Lake Norman. Great food, and a fun place which is VERY biker friendly. They also have some very good bike nights upcoming soon.
As far as Barbeque events; a big one announced its dates. That would be the Hog Happenin in Lincolnton, NC which will be held June 3 and 4, 2011. Great food, music, and a lot of motorcycle events. Heck, they even close off the town to where you can't drive into the square unless you are doing it on a motorcycle. Admission is free and this is a favorite don't miss event.
New for 2011 at Tilley's Harley-Davidson on September 23-24 will be "Biker Blues and BBQ" at the dealership. One of the bigger regional dealerships, they have a lot planned, and this will also be an event worth checking out. I plan to do so, if at all possible.
There is another Hog Happenin, this one held in the very cool town of Shelby; which will be held September 23-24. I have not been to that one (yet) but they have the food, its a great ride there, and they also have a bike show there (also some cars as well). There was a $2 admission charge on Saturday, at least back last year, could be possible again this year.
Course for some great BBQ there is the nearby town of Lexington, NC. Lexington bills itself as the "Barbeque Capital of the World" and has a number of fine places to eat. They have a huge one day festival, which is not really motorcycle oriented (but they are welcome there) which will be held this year on October 22. Lexington in the fall also happens to be a great motorcycle ride via NC8 which is a beautiful road which runs from the High Rock Lake area to downtown Lexington. That road is fun though any time of the year. The Lexington festival will have well over 100,000 people, and offers a great deal for everyone. The festival is free.
As with all of them either a low or no admission charge, but food and beverage will cost you though have found those charges to be very reasonable for some good food (at least I can speak to that in Lexington, Hog Happenin in Lincolnton, and at Mac's Speed Shop.
Riding and BBQ....does not get much better in the Carolina. More to come with a lot coming up in the Carolinas in 2011.

The Quest for 2011's...here is a Pair

Some what tired from the long drive and the previous night at work, pretty sure the bike at left was a 2011. Of course, it is a holdover from 2010, but a good one. This is the Honda Shadow Phantom, seen here at RideNow in Concord on my visit on February 12. My last bike (prior to the current Vulcan Classic) was a Honda Shadow VLX 600. Nothing short of a great and trouble free bike, this bike felt familiar. It also felt a bit short; with a 25.7 inch seat height (I being 6'2" was a problem with the VLX). It has a water cooled 745cc V-twin engine, fuel injection, 5 speed transmission, 3 valves per cylinder, and shaft drive. Looking like a Harley Sportster is probably very intentional. One of these will run you around $8,000, though think most bike shops in the current economy are very willing to deal on most if not all of the motorcycles out there.
This next bike is very interesting, and is one of the fine Victory Motorcycles. American made since 1998 they have created some very interesting designs. Arlen and Cory Ness, very noted motorcycle builders are associated with the company. The bike is the 2011 Victory Cross Roads. It comes with the 106 Cubic Inch (aka 1731cc's), a six speed transmission, v valves per cylinder, and also comes with fuel injection. It has the added bonus of hydraulic lifters and a self adjusting cam chain. Power to the rear wheel comes via a "Carbon fiber reinforced belt" (got all these details from the Victory web site). The engine is air and oil cooled. Again, subject to the deal you can work, the basic bike is right around (give or take) $15,000. There are a slew of add-on's you can get with this bike which could significantly raise that price.
Still waiting to see the all-new 2011 motorcycles (as in totally new designs/models) and on that front a lot of news and pricing is coming out. I think I will be reporting on them in the near future; get a kick out of all the new models, and am looking forward to both seeing them in the "flesh" (so to speak) and presenting some of them here. Ride safe!

Richmond Motorcycle Events (a few anyhow)

Enjoying a good post ride day in NC while relaxing in Richmond (previous post), and also enjoyed the new bikes I saw (next post) also in Concord. That was a great time, I am soooo ready for Spring which will offer some of the best riding of 2011. I have been looking for some upcoming events in the Richmond area, though I am far from my motorcycle when here, motorcycling is not far from my thoughts. Stumbled across some fine events in 2010; enjoyed the ChildSavers Ride by the Tuskegee Motorcycle Club of Richmond, Va...but as of yet I have not been able to find any info on the 2011 edition of that ride. Sure that Bike Nights will start soon in the Richmond area, but as of now, not a lot of information on them. Charlotte area events and rides are a lot easier to locate, with a lot more information.
However, I like to bring what I can; and did find a couple of upcoming events. April 2-3 Virginia Motorsports Park will host the 2011 Virginia Bike Fest. Found there will be some drag races, a poker run, and a host of other events; I also think there is a admission fee...think because other than the fact the event will be held, there is little information out there. Will be checking out a local bike shop this week, maybe there will be more information there.
Also on April 3, The Richmond Riders will be hosting a Poker Run which will leave from The Shoppes of Bellgrade Mall which is located in Midlothian, VA. I went to see them off last year; nice group and they ride a variety of motorcycles which is pretty cool. I was once in a club like that in Concord, NC, and we had a lot of fun (broke up when the factory closed, but at one time had over 200 members). Richmond Riders have a facebook page, and I decided to "join" that.
Many of the bike shows that I found last year I stumbled across; two of which were at Hooters. They seem to have problems updating their sites (one in Richmond had events and specials from 2009 and a note that none of the specials and events were current); but a surprise is a lot of fun. Will keep looking, and as I find anything of interest in Virginia motorcycling will keep you posted!

Planes and racing on a winter "spring day"

Took the Vulcan out for a cruise on a very fine winter day; a bit on the breezy side, but warm is a beautiful thing. It was close to 70 out riding; nothing wrong with that especially in mid-February. Went out to one of my favorite places which was Concord Regional Airport. It is a nice place to ride to and I have always enjoyed aircraft. This is my bike in front of a couple of planes in the distance. Nice airport and one of the busiest in the state, this small airport gets a lot of flights. Many of the race teams are based there (as you will see in a little while a little further down). Sunday was a nice riding day, traffic was not real bad, and the motorcycles were for sure out in force! Nothing like a warm winter day to bring the guys and gals out for a ride. Enjoyed being on the bike after my two week pause from riding. I really enjoy getting out and do so every visit I can. The fact that the area is sort of in a drought makes that possible, though they had a snow fall (very light) just a few days prior. It is still winter, though nice to get a break for a short while at least. I am sure some more winter is still to come though.
From the observation deck, watched a number of planes take off and land. A Dad and two boys were also watching the flights, brought back memories of doing that with my Dad many years ago. Motorcycling and aviation have gone well together, many pilots also ride and make comparisons to the two activities. In fact one could make the case that riding helped the creation of planes. Many control issues were figured out by the bicycle knowledge of the Wright Brothers, and early versions of motorcycle engines powered the creations of motorcycle racer, and aircraft designer Glenn Curtiss.
A number of racing teams are based around the airport such as Earnhardt-Ganassi, Roush-Fenway, and of course Richard Petty. That is the Vulcan in front of Petty's shops. The track is also nearby, and many of the teams have aviation departments at the airport. I have in the past even seen drivers (saw Tony Stewart there) at the airport.
Rode out by Concord Mills (getting there would be wild, huge line of traffic on I-85 which I passed over in both directions to NC's most popular tourist destination) with a stop at Suck Bang Blow in Concord. Really like that place , nice place to relax near the end of a ride with some refreshing beverages (just one though...I am riding). Had a great ride, covering a short but fantastic 36 miles. Not a long ride, but better to ride a little than not at all. Looking forward to the next one. I also made a visit to RideNow in Concord the day before, couple of new bikes to show off and will do that in a future post.

Motorcycling and the Future

Been reading a great deal on electric motorcycles; and of course enthralled over the years with such things as "Speeder Bikes" in Star Wars and some of the motorcycles such as the flying one the cop rode (flew, rather) as well as Captain Kirk's bike (though never clear on what powers it, though obvious an internal combustion engine does not) in Star Trek. Some have wondered where are the flying cars sci-fi promised us, I on the other hand was more excited about the flying motorcycles. In a since though, they do "fly"...giving us incredible performance and improved reliability. Change comes rapidly and improvements are dramatic; and I enjoy checking out new developments that years ago were undreamed of. There are all sorts of bikes out there from the basic to the technology packed. Now you can change power settings on many sport bikes with the touch of a button; need some help on that track day...there is a setting you can change to make the bike more manageable. ABS, GPS...all sorts of letters that can help you in a ride; things are forefathers never dreamed of on their motorcycles, and more is coming.
Also coming are electric motorcycles, like it or not. All sorts of posts in all sorts of forums have knocked those who ride them as tree huggers, and point out that they also need energy to make power. That is true, but they also can be charged with a variety of forms of power, and that is what makes them interesting among other things. Forget saving that planet (though that is important, that being where we ride currently). There are like it or not limits to fuel in this world. One of those fuels; aka gasoline is getting harder and more importantly more expensive to find. Sure there are new techniques such as pumping fluids into old sources to get the last oil out. That reminds me of the old trick of putting water into a shampoo bottle to get enough soap to wash your hair one more time; sure it works but for how much longer? Fact is the days of cheap oil are long over.
Here is my thought on electric motorcycles. Are they ready for prime time for the typical rider? Probably not; range and cost are issues. Of course of the latter, cost tends to come down with more production. Look at what happens with most things; plasma tv's, computers, digital cameras (you get the idea). As for improvement range is continuing to get better, charging times faster. Plus there is the thought that development may even involve machines that don't use batteries as the storage media. Fuel cells, alternative fuels (perhaps a natural gas powered generator); the field is wide open.
I can say this; take a well developed future electric motorcycle with price, power (easy to do that with electric motors, they drive trains with electric motors) and range and then tack on say an arab oil embargo (happened before) some sort of series of natural disasters (say a few hurricanes), or just a dramatic rise in prices and this motorcyclist will be more than happy to give electric motorcycles a closer look.
The time of electric motorcycles may not be here for most of us, but that time may well be coming. As with many changes, that may be more remarkable than most people think; just look back at those who sold horses and carriages at the dawn of the internal combustion engine.