Spent Friday afternoon at the Progressive Insurance-sponsored IMS in Big D. Gauging by the increased number of vendors and the greatly expanded manufacturer's displays, I'd say the motorcycle business is in good shape and growing here in the USA.
My friends with the North Texas Norton Owners Assn (NTNOA) had their usual large display of vintage bikes including the one I want to share with y'all. This 1975 R90S has received a few performance mods but I'm still undecided about the pink paint. The pics may not do it justice... it is very pink. Quien sabe?
Motorcycle manufacturers are actively courting the first time and returning riders with lovely offerings within the $5K range. Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Royal Enfield and KTM seem to be the major players. All the show bikes displayed were of the current trend of street-sport; save the cool Yamaha 500cc, kick start only, 60's vibe roadster.
The Yamaha thumper has several styling cues that may take you back with the English big single vibe. Of course, The Royal Enfield has always had this characteristic.
Of this batch of low priced motorcycles, the KTM 390 Duke could easily drain my wallet.
Can you believe $6.00 for a 12-ounce can of beer! That's worse than the price at the nearby "gentlemen's" clubs! Or so I've heard. 8-)
