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Bike Review

This section describes the Bike Review articles from previous issues. If you would like to order the magazine in which an article appeared, please fill out the subscription form by checking the "Back Issue" box and indicating the appropriate month.

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January 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic LT

One thing is for sure, the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT definitely attracts comment. There was the mother, dripping with toddlers, who said (a trifle wistfully, I thought): "Gee that sure is a nice bike." And then there was the fellow filling his SUV who had plenty of time to talk. "Hey, that's a good-looking bike. What kind of mileage does it get?" And then there was my personal favorite, from a fellow who was old enough to know better: "Well, you must be a really baaaad girl to ride a bike that big." Dude! Twenty-first century? Come on in—the water's fine!…

December 2008 2008 Yamaha FZ6

Although gas prices are currently dropping, the recent high prices must have some people re-thinking their driving and riding habits. Hopefully riders are realizing that commuting to work on their bikes is not such a bad thing, especially if the weather is right. In fact, once you start commuting via motorcycle, it becomes harder and harder to justify not riding. And although Americans tend to think bigger is better, you don't need a large bike for commuting—especially if you are lucky enough to be able to split lanes. This sounds like a perfect time to consider a bike such as Yamaha's FZ6…

November 2008 2008 BMW F800ST

When one thinks of the stereotypical BMW rider, a certain image comes to mind. This fellow (and they are nearly always male) is usually on the tall side, has at least a little gray on the head, and his face has definitely seen its share of UV rays over time. Additionally, his ride seems taller and bulkier than most, and the gear on his back is invariably some high-tech textile suit that looks as if it would protect him equally from the effects of an avalanche or a zebra stampede—and everything in between. Taken as a package, the whole ensemble has a faint whiff of…dare I say it…Teutonic solidness to it. Sorry guys, but there just was not a lot of zip, zing, sass, or whatever you want to call it in that image. Hey, I said it was a stereotype…

July 2008 2008 Kawasaki Versys

When I first picked up the six-speed, 649cc, parallel-twin Versys from Kawasaki headquarters in Irvine, California, I thought, "Oh no, what did I get myself into?" I had planned to take the Versys on a trip to northern California, but when I dropped it into gear and started to pull away slowly, I wondered if I had made the right choice…

November 2007 2007 KTM 950 Supermoto

Are you the kind of rider who has a favorite stretch of road—the twistier the better—where you'll run out and back just for the adrenalin rush? Before breakfast? Then KTM may have a bike for you…

October 2006 2006 Buell Ulysses XB12X

To be perfectly honest I know very little about Buells. What little experience I do have comes from a fast jaunt some years back on a quickie test ride. The seat was too narrow, the breadbox on the side was confounding, and it sounded like a tractor. Not exactly the impression you were probably hoping for…

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