I'm Back!
Posted by Jim Zeiser on Monday, April 13, 2026
The official start to the riding season was two weeks ago with Motorcycle Inspection Day. It's the one time in the Bike season that I get to ride all four of my fleet in one day. It allows me to do more than just start them and listen to the thunder in the garage.
First out of the blocks was the Kawasaki, my biggest bike. I do the Kawasaki first so I don't get thrown off by its size and power after riding something lighter and not as strong. It's always cool to experience the intensity of the Kawasaki after being off my motorcycles since the Fall. There's a reason it's my Americade bike. It just handles the trip there, the runs around the Adirondacks and Food Runs to Queensbury with ease.
Second to be scrutinized was the Honda 250 Nighthawk. The Honda changed my view of Honda motorcycles forever after I bought it. I always thought that Hondas were like refrigerators before it. Competent, reliable and as exciting as Vanilla Ice cream. When I finally got the Honda together I was impressed with its spirit. I had ridden a Cruiser style Honda, the Rebel, with the same engine in it. It wasn't anywhere near as sporty as the Nighthawk.
The scooters were the next to go for Inspection starting with the 250 CF Moto. The CF is a very comfortable and able machine but the difference between it and the Nighthawk couldn't be more stark. Where the Honda accelerates the CF just picks up speed casually. Where the Honda goes around turns easily the CF reminds me of my Mother's Oldsmobile. It does it, but not as well as the Honda. The CF is long, low and requires stronger work at the handlebars.
Lastly is the Tiyen 169cc scooter and it's a hoot to ride. I used it two seasons ago at a motorcycle event and it did just fine. Besides that, it's red and looks like a sport bike. When I ride it even people on Big V-Twins wave back to me because you can't tell from the front that it's a scooter. I really like riding it around corners since it's so light and short. It always makes me smile. Oh, they all passed Inspection by the way.
This week there is a Bike Night in Kingston and I will probably be going to that. The season is coming quickly and it looks like a good one. Prepare to reading about my exploits on a regular basis.
First out of the blocks was the Kawasaki, my biggest bike. I do the Kawasaki first so I don't get thrown off by its size and power after riding something lighter and not as strong. It's always cool to experience the intensity of the Kawasaki after being off my motorcycles since the Fall. There's a reason it's my Americade bike. It just handles the trip there, the runs around the Adirondacks and Food Runs to Queensbury with ease.
Second to be scrutinized was the Honda 250 Nighthawk. The Honda changed my view of Honda motorcycles forever after I bought it. I always thought that Hondas were like refrigerators before it. Competent, reliable and as exciting as Vanilla Ice cream. When I finally got the Honda together I was impressed with its spirit. I had ridden a Cruiser style Honda, the Rebel, with the same engine in it. It wasn't anywhere near as sporty as the Nighthawk.
The scooters were the next to go for Inspection starting with the 250 CF Moto. The CF is a very comfortable and able machine but the difference between it and the Nighthawk couldn't be more stark. Where the Honda accelerates the CF just picks up speed casually. Where the Honda goes around turns easily the CF reminds me of my Mother's Oldsmobile. It does it, but not as well as the Honda. The CF is long, low and requires stronger work at the handlebars.
Lastly is the Tiyen 169cc scooter and it's a hoot to ride. I used it two seasons ago at a motorcycle event and it did just fine. Besides that, it's red and looks like a sport bike. When I ride it even people on Big V-Twins wave back to me because you can't tell from the front that it's a scooter. I really like riding it around corners since it's so light and short. It always makes me smile. Oh, they all passed Inspection by the way.
This week there is a Bike Night in Kingston and I will probably be going to that. The season is coming quickly and it looks like a good one. Prepare to reading about my exploits on a regular basis.
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If you wish to comment my e-mail address is h1500e@hotmail.com. I'd like to hear anything-good or bad-that anyone would like to say. As they said in college, we're all lifelong learners.
