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Quick Ride

This section describes the Quick Ride articles from previous issues. A Quick Ride is a first impression—the motorcycle is usually only ridden one day. 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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September 2009

Hyosung Aquila GV650 SE

Let us get one small (but important) fact out of the way at the start. I have very little cruiser riding experience under my, well, I suppose butt would be the appropriate term here. And before anyone gets all up in arms and starts nattering on about 'bike biases' and such, let me just say that my belief about the whole sportbike vs. cruiser vs. tourer ridiculousness has always been, "I don't care what you ride as long as you ride!" As for me, I will ride anything with wheels—well, those big trailies kind of give me the heebie-jeebies—as long as I can convince someone to hand over the keys. No, in my case it has just been a matter of access, as in I have had very few chances to take someone else's cruiser-class bike out and tool about the countryside at length…

June 2008

2008 Star Raider

With the introduction of the Star Raider, Yamaha has done more than just introduce a new cruiser to the motorcycle world. They have launched the latest in their line of Star motorcycles that are defining them as a force in this market segment. Becoming a brand within a brand, it has been no easy task for the Japanese company, which is synonymous with high-performance motorcycles, to build an awareness for the Star line. According to product planning manager, Derek Brooks, the awareness they are after is really starting to take hold. With the Raider joining the fold, there are now a total of 18 motorcycles under the Star banner from which to choose…

May 2008

Piaggio MP3 400 and 500—Three Wheels, Anyone?

Why did Piaggio design a scooter with two front wheels? In a word: handling. It is simply fantastic. Two of the best handling and stable motorcycles I have ridden, the Piaggio MP3 400 and MP3 500 are great motor scooters. Regardless of the riding situation, they remain safe and very capable. And although expensive, both models have enjoyed exceptional sales throughout the European Union…

February 2008

2008 Harley-Davidson CVO Models

Strolling around downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a day before the introduction to Harley-Davidson's limited production 2008 Custom Vehicles Operations (CVO), gave me a chance to gain some insight into this iconic American company and its philosophy. Discovering Juneau Avenue, walking through the historic buildings, and meandering along the blossoming river front area really showed me the depth of Harley-Davidson's roots. Enjoying the old buildings and churches, I found my way to the waterfront and sat awhile watching an old sailing ship tack its way across Lake Michigan…

January 2008

2008 Kawasaki Versys

The challenge for motorcycle manufacturers is figuring out what the consumer wants. Sometimes the consumers themselves let it be known what they crave. Such was the case with Kawasaki's new (to the U.S.) Versys. Available in the European market for the past year, it created such a storm of email—more than the Kawasaki had ever received on a bike—that the Versys is already available as an early release 2008 model…

December 2007

2008 Harley-Davidson FXDF Fat Bob

It seems like custom-built, stripped-down 'bobber' motorcycles are showing up everywhere, and now with the 2008 FXDF Dyna Fat Bob they're really going mainstream. To celebrate its upcoming 105th anniversary, Harley-Davidson has introduced a number of new models, including this retro-styled bobber…

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