2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review

There’s a reason why national superbike grids around the world are stacked with Suzuki GSX-R1000s. With 37 championships in the past 10 years, the pedigree and performance potential of the venerable Gixxer speaks for itself. Making up at least 45% of the AMA Superbike field since 2009, the GSX-R has a reputation for winning. Of course, just when you think it can’t get any better, it always does. Introducing the 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000.  At first glance, the new GSX-R looks pretty similar to the outgoing model. It still has a funky trapezoidal headlight, familiar lines and the distinctive blue and white color scheme. According to Suzuki, the 2012 model is a “refined version of the fifth generation.” Perhaps the first thing visually...

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2013 Victory Judge Review

Nearly three years in the making – from concept to the street – the Judge is Victory’s first new cruiser platform since 2006. While we didn’t know Victory’s latest creation was on its way to us, a recent full day ride aboard the Judge says this new cruiser was worth the wait. The first impression the Judge imposes is that it’s a power cruiser with a lineage from the Hammer S. Although this new bike is stout looking, just like the Hammer, the Judge is its own machine, with its classic American muscle car-inspired styling revealed most prominently in the cast-aluminum 5-spoke wheels wrapped in plump 16-inch Dunlop 491 tires wearing raised white lettering. At first glance the Judge looks compact. With a deeply dished saddle...

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2012 Harley-Davidson CVO Models Review

Harley-Davidson’s Custom Vehicle Operations, or more commonly, CVO, is the company’s in-house customizing arm. It’s like a company within a company, and Harley employees covet the opportunity to work for this branch of the Motor Company that takes standard Harley models and turns them into something special. CVO bikes start as OE-model Harleys. A dedicated staff then works from the expansive array of goodies from Harley’s P&A (Parts and Accessories) division, as well a few touches exclusive to the CVO line, to craft these run-of-the-mill Harleys into tasteful works of rolling art. Paint scheme pinstripes done by hand means no CVO bike is 100% identical to another, even if the same model. Furthermore, CVO paint schemes are available only...

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2012 Harley-Davidson CVO Softail Convertible Review

I’ve befriended many Harley owners over the years, and have met even more while at various events or when I’m out for a ride. Yet despite the number of Harley fans and loyalists I encounter, it never ceases to surprise me how few of them either know very little about, or haven’t ever heard of,Harley-Davidson’s line of in-house customs known as Custom Vehicle Operations, or CVO for short. Crafted from existing standard model Harleys, a CVO is adorned with a laundry list of Harley’s own aftermarket goodies, as well as possessing a number of items or features unique to each model. CVOs are notably pricier than the standard models they’re derived from, but by comparison to many high-end, high-priced cruisers from independent shops with low-volume...

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2012 Yamaha Zuma 125 Review

If riding a small-bore scooter leaves you feeling emasculated, consider the Yamaha Zuma 125. Rugged, aggressive styling (especially in black), fat, semi-knobby tires and power enough to shoot its rider across an intersection faster than the average automobile, the Zuma 125 is as virile as it is affordable. Whereas most scooters are variables of a central street-legal, urban theme, Yamaha’s Zuma 125 radiates a more adventurous attitude with a look that says “let’s go camping,” or “go ahead, take off down that fire road and let’s see where it goes.” Conveying this venturesome spirit are the fat for 12-inch rims (120/70 front and 130/70 rear), enduro-esque tires. An exposed large-diameter steel frame is a styling element that allows Yamaha...

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