Motorcycle Rode Tests

Harley-Davidson built versatility into the Switchback, and that creates broad appeal. It is an ideal motorcycle for anyone who wants a Harley-Davidson; prefers not to go for a big touring bike but wants more bike than a Sportster.

The Night Rod Special is great to look at and the "ride" draws you into miles of highway. Power to weight ratio and low center of gravity makes this bike unbelievably easy to manage on any roadway designed for cruisers.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero rides and handles like a bike weighing much less than the stated 883 lbs. It is very agile and easy to maneuver onto the roadway. The biggest challenge to getting used to this motorcycle may be to understand how a Spanish word comes to be the name for a motorcycle manufactured by a Japanese company.

At the dealership, I was introduced to young salesman, Kris Pepper, a seasoned Can Am Spyder aficionado. It was quickly apparent that Kris liked the Can Am and enjoyed riding them. His enthusiasm was contagious.

The Sportster family's XL 883L SuperLow, among the utility infielders of the Harley-Davidson line-up of motorcycles, is a fun and dependable ride by any standard. Whether used for a trip to the local strip mall or heading down the highway with the 'Big Boys'; this little gem will handle any ride that comes its way.

This customized 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide (FLHX) is striking to motorcycle enthusiasts, and casual observers alike. Perhaps enough said. This bike is a traffic stopper with it's White Hot Denim mat finish base and purple flames bordered in pink that begins on the front fender and bat-wing and end on the sides of the hard bags. There is more...

As I walk up to this 2011 V-Rod Muscle, it sits quietly, unassuming, waiting as if to say who will pick me for the next ride?? This V-Rod Muscle emanates the confidence and self-assurance infused into it by a team of H-D engineers and designers when designing and building the first V-Rod in the late nineties through 2001. One is visually taken by the Revolution engine and hydroformed frame, which immediately captures a rider's imagination with anticipation of moving right onto the saddle.

The XR1200x is an efficient, uncomplicated motorcycle with excellent power and torque through out the power band. This motorcycle is at home in the neighborhood, on city streets, carving canyons, and on the highway with the big boys. That is exactly where we rode this little gem!

Nearly three years ago, we rode our first Concours 14 and we concluded then that the motorcycle was a superior machine in many ways. Kawasaki has indulged the highest standards and contemporary technology in power generation, suspension, braking, traction control, electronics, and operation of this motorcycle.

Cycle Matters editors rode a Crossbow Trike made available by Lehman Trikes, the Leader of the Three World, of Spearfish, SD. Two of us arrived at 9:00 a.m on a beautiful South Dakota morning; the sky was blue and temperatures in the low 80s and promising to climb to 90 by mid-day.