Show us your FROTY (First Ride Of The Year)

Dailyrider said:

In 1963 I rode a 50cc Kriedler Floret from Chicago to the west coast and down throughout Mexico, with no problems, 10,576 miles. I used a box of 8 spark plugs and had to decarbon the head, cylinder and muffler a number of times, no other problems! I had a brand new Bonneville at that time and I knew it wouldn’t make it!? Sad!
Take Care & ride safe,
Dan

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Amazing!

Way before my time (I was born in '63), but stories of trips like that on tiny cycles always make me wish I'd been riding during those days. Peter Egan (of Cycle World fame) has stories like that of riding a small bike (either a S90 or CB160 I think) cross country.

Something most of us can't imagine doing today.

I wish Kreidler was still around (and still German). I loved their road racing and LSR bikes from back in the day.

I think HD is in the process of changing things up. There are SO MANY HDs out there for sale, I can't imagine the market is very good for new ones. The typical HD owner is hanging up their chaps and selling their HOGs at this point most likely.

They may be looking for a total revamp with confirmed Adventure and Electric models. There have been photos floating around of a new small bike with a Street Tracker-look that would be produced in India.

He's just out of school, with no work experience in Engineering, but he does have almost 20 years riding motorcycles. I'm thinking they may be looking for a different engineering perspective to help with appealing to a completely new segment of riders.

MotoMike said:

I've been hearing that Wisconsin doesn't have much of a snow cover yet?

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Not much.

Up nort a ways (60 mi from me) there is about 6 or 7" on the ground. In this area, after last weekend's 40F temps and rain, there's nothing at all.

Riding on wet packing snow is pretty good, even on a frozen lake. If it thaws and refreezes (in the woods) in spots it's a real challenge to stay upright.

Keith said:

So will you be passing on any insights into what Harley Davidson will be offering in years to come? Although I don't think much will change in the foreseeable future, their customers don't like change very much.

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If these concepts are any indication, HD is definitely exploring completely new territory -

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/harley-davidson-pull-covers-two-whacky-e-bikes-ces

jsonder said:

Shucks, it is 68 here in the late afternoon. I was riding this morning in the 40s.

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There's one in every crowd...

Not as bad this morning, only -21F.

Funny thing is they are call for temps in the +40s this weekend.

I don't ride my street bikes in the winter, but do get out on the dirt bikes occasionally.

Saw a BMW rider on the road last night. It was 4F and the roads were still partially snow covered and icy in spots from yesterday's 2" snowfall.

No idea why you would do that, but whatever...