Maria V wrote:Any reports on the trip and the bike show?
Well, one wonders about the wisdom of a trip that starts with the early arrivals' pushing the bus to where it could get a grip in the parking lot! Truth! Once that minor wrinkle was resolved, the well-organized trip went off without a hitch and all who set off in the morning returned unharmed.
After that, I think we were maybe 1/2 an hour behind schedule when we arrived at the Javits Center after an unscheduled stop at the Delaware Service Plaza to remedy the ice in the bus door that had pried the thing open sending cold air straight to the driver which extended an extra 10 or 15 minutes waiting for the couple who got stuck in the Starbucks line. Traffic got a bit heavy at times, but never terribly slow, and the queue at the Lincoln Tunnel toll plaza seemed shorter than my typical experience.
The trip back was uneventful. Sat across the aisle from old sailing buddy (and scooter fan) John Wayshner and his wife (and R1150RT rider and BMWBMW member) Donna. Also saw Linda M whom I recognized from a MD RTE.
I rarely get to motorcycle shows, but what I liked was the vast number of bikes, of course, and plenty of time and opportunity to at least sit on them and chat with total strangers about their faves. Absent test rides it's hard to do other than take in the moto-porn and people watch. Little kids climbing on the bikes can be a hoot in spite of their gumming up the works a bit.
The BMW Scooters look like you'd think a BMW scooter would look like and seems not a bad option for one considering a scooter.
Sparse farkle vendors - really got nothing out of the Twisted Throttle display that I wouldn't have from their website.
I did overhear Nate Kern talking about the improved S1000RR suspension and how it all works better if you stick with the stock fitted Metzeler tires.
I had a nice chat with a NY moto trooper about their safety and inspection requirements.
My Dad grew up in New York City, Mom near New Haven, CT, and when I was a kid growing up in Cincinnati we'd vacation to visit relatives in NYC, Long Island & CT. So every time I get to somewhere folks drop their "r"s, I feel eerily welcome, as if at any moment one of the aunts is going to come up and give me a hug, remark about how much I've grown, offer me a coke and remind me to put my wallet in my front pocket to decrease the chance of getting it picked.
All in all, not a bad way to mindlessly while away a winter Saturday, even though I may have missed some good skiing (got that in Sunday and Monday). Didn't take any pics of note.
