Here we are….

Time flies when you’re working hard

Well MotoReaders, 2025 is well underway and I just realized that I haven’t posted anything since January! They say that time flies when you’re having fun, and I suppose that’s true, but I can tell you… time also flies when you’re working hard, too!

You may be wondering what has had my attention pulled away from the ole’ MotoWriter blog site for the past few months? Well, as I mentioned before, I am currently in the process of writing a book and, as you might imagine, that takes a lot of time and creative energy. While I’m not sure when I’ll finish it, I’m anticipating that it may be sometime, relatively speaking, soon.

My regular, full time, “payin’ job” has been ramping up with activity as we enter the event season, so there’s always that distraction this time of year. I’m also exploring another professional opportunity, which has the potential to really change the dynamic of my daily routine, so I’m anxiously pursuing that. Maybe, hopefully, I’ll get some good news and be able to share that with you in the next few months or so.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I failed to mention that the weather here on the South Coast this spring has been incredible, so I’ve been getting as much riding in as I possibly can. If you’re wondering- yes, it’s been raining all morning… hence my update today.

Not much else to talk about… except…

Now, when I say that there’s not much to talk about… please understand what I mean… there’s PLENTY to talk about in the world… but I made a point a long time ago, when I started this little writing/blogging venture, that when you good folks visit the MotoWriter’s corner of the interweb, you weren’t going to have to read about all the rest of the crap that we are bombarded with every single day, for hours a day. These days, there is no escape from it- it’s on the television, social media (ugh- it’s the worst), on the radios and in the newspapers (where ever those are still being printed). 

Here in my little corner of the internet- you get to breathe freely. You get to be who you are, believe what you want, like who you want, vote for whoever you like and ride (or drive) whatever you like, without judgement, influence or persuasion. I don’t want your money and I’m not trying to sell you anything, and I intentionally keep ads off my site so that no one else uses my site to try to get your money.

The only persuasion from me, is to try to get each of you to live your life fully, embracing each day, savoring every moment, while respecting each other and being kind and considerate to everyone you meet. Don’t take your loved ones for granted… spend time with each other. Appreciate the time you have with them, then make a point to spend a little more time with them. 

In motorcycle news

The new 2025 Harley-Davidsons are out, and as I understand, still coming out (H-D loves to release new models throughout the year- marketing technique maybe?). I’ve seen the new model year bikes and I am impressed with the tech. I’m also a little put-off by it, too. While I dig the aggressively styled design elements, and some of the tech, some of the other stuff is a bit too much for me. The tech I do like- ride modes and traction control- awesome; Tire pressure monitors- I love it and want it on my bikes; LED lighting- perfect (and I DO have it on my Road King, albeit, I had to add it as aftermarket parts). The tech that scares me- the giant, all digital display in place of analog gauges. I know, I know… these are solid digital displays, specifically designed for this purpose… but, I wonder- how long will it last? Will there ever be a vintage 2025 Road Glide sitting in the Barber Motorsports or Wheels Through Time Museums? What will the “old heads” of the future be riding? The tech is meant to advance us, and I know that our favorite motorcycle manufacturers have to provide the tech that the consumer expects, but I fear that we, as a society, are becoming too reliant on technology. Artificial intelligence is a great example of that. We now have AI creating “news” stories complete with “supporting photos” that are completely fabricated by this “digital intelligence” that we created. I’ve personally been offered writing opportunities for AI creators to help create more believable AI products and, I’ll tell you… sometimes the pay is tempting, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I simply do not want to be a part of the process of eliminating ourselves from relevance. But, I digress.

The Indian lineup looks good, and I do like the different engine options they have. I do think, however, that they are trying to phase out their air cooled engines, and I believe that this is their way of doing it. Offer the air cooled and liquid cooled engines in the bikes that only had the air cooled option, then base the decision on sales. It’s no secret that air cooled engines are less efficient than liquid cooled mills, but the aesthetics are inherently different and there is still a perceived simplicity of the air cooled mills. I emphasize perceived, because if you’ve ever worked on one of these new air cooled, or twin cooled, engines, you understand that there is little that is “simple” with them. 

Where Indian is dropping the ball, in my humble opinion, is their lack of new models and model changes. Harley-Davidson has several bikes to offer new, or seasoned, riders. H-D is spending a lot of money (and taking serious financial risks in doing so) to try to entice a new generation of riders to get on two wheels. Polaris seems to be resting on it’s laurels on design, and they have made no real progress on building a dealer network. I’ve said it before- this is where Milwaukee is undefeated and why they take the lion’s share, and have for over 120 years. I can be practically anywhere in the US of A and still be within an hour or so of a H-D dealership. A dealership, specific to H-D and H-D products. I’m currently over an hour away from the closest dealer that carries Indian motorcycles as part of their wide selection of largely imported motorsports equipment and vehicles. I want to go into an Indian dealership and see 8 Chieftains, next to 6 Challengers, 10 Chiefs and a dozen Scouts, all in different colors with varying options. I want to be able to peruse the parts and gear, and know that everything in there will be brand specific. I want the sales crew to be able to answer any and all questions I have about the different Indian models, and even be able to give me a history lesson on the company, as well as, some confidence about the future of their company. That’s what you get with Harley-Davidson… every single time you walk through a dealership’s doors.

The sun’s coming out…

The sun looks like it’s coming out from behind the clouds, both metaphorically, and literally here at the MotoWriter compound. In the metaphorical sense, I’ll say that if you’re looking for a nice motorcycle to begin, or continue, your motorcycling life- there are a lot of options. Also in the metaphorical sense- your life isn’t over. You’re still here, no matter what else you’ve faced or are facing, and no matter who, or what, you’ve lost… you’re still here. You are here, reading this… so make something good come out of this day.

I know that this post was kind of all over the place today, but this is, more or less, where I’ve been lately. It sort of feels like I have too many “irons in the fire” and maybe I do, but sometimes I just need to let the words flow out, and fall into whatever spaces that they fit into. When I ride my motorcycle, my mind clears, my thoughts process a little better, my frustrations fade and I’m able to sort through the randomness that is, well, pretty much reflected here today. So, I’m going to go outside, get on my bike, and try to fit in some mototherapy before the rain starts again. 

Have a great week MotoReaders! Ride safe and make good choices!