The Zen Trailers Daytona Journal

The Zen Trailers Daytona Journal

Journal Entry: Report 3 - Venture Forth
March 6, 2001

Well today we headed to the Speedway to road test some bikes. As it was only 65 degrees, our 110km ride was a bit chilly, but well worth it.

When we arrived at the Speedway, we headed for the various manufacturer displays, including Honda's -- featuring a VTX custom bike exhibit. As Honda was booked up for test rides, we headed to the Honda Riders Club area where I picked up my freebie bag of goodies. Mumbles and I purchased some Riders Club shirts, including VTX t-shirts and hats.

We made our way to the Yamaha display and booked test rides on the Venture Touring bike. A sight to see: Dan The Man on a Roadstar 1600, Mumbles and Cowboy Bob on two-tone red Ventures, and yours truly on a grey one.

I must say that the Venture, for a new bike, performed very mediocre. The power band and certain handling traits were not up to expectations. Mumbles noted that the radio needs 30 more horsepower.

Sporty could not get on a Sporty bike, so she went out on a Vulcan 800 Classic. Future VROC member? NOT!

On to Kawasaki, where they took our pictures on their new Drifter and handed us some Kawi keychains. Our next destination was Daytona downtown for some window shopping at the bike dealers, and then on to Krispy Kreme for our nightly dozen donuts. Our ride back to Orlando (110km) was a chilly one, but well worth the hour of bone-chilling pain as we were riding, not shoveling snow!

Wednesday marks the start of two major exhibits: the American Motorcycle Show and the huge swap meet. Your fellow Zens will be in attendance at both events (time permitting) and will report back. We are also planning to ride the Honda VTX and the new Goldwing in the next day.

Kudos to Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Harley Davidson for exhibiting a high level of customer service and hospitality to us during our visits with them.

Kudos as well to my fellow Zen Riders who are exhibiting exemplary riding skills in our daily travels.

BT

· · · · ·

I think this one is entitled "Gonzo, eat your heart out"
Mumbles is not afraid of 1800cc's.

Sporty says, "Whatcha think?"
Sporty astride the Vulcan 800 Classic, ready to roll.

"The VTX was nice," Mumbles says, "but how 'bout THIS one??"
Same funky Vulcan from the side.

...and from the rear.
Another funky Kawi.

A crowd gathers at the circle KK.
Translation: "Come and get it!"

Yo ho ho and a bottle... er... box... of doughnuts...
Cowboy Bob and Sporty showing off the Harley cupholder accessory.

Well today we headed to the Speedway to road test some bikes. As it was only 65 degrees, our 110km ride was a bit chilly, but well worth it. When we arrived at the Speedway, we headed for the various manufacturer displays, including Honda's -- featuring a VTX custom bike exhibit. As Honda was booked up for test rides, we headed to the Honda Riders Club area where I picked up my freebie bag of goodies. Mumbles and I purchased some Riders Club shirts, including VTX t-shirts and hats. We made our way to the Yamaha display and booked test rides on the Venture Touring bike. A sight to see: Dan The Man on a Roadstar 1600, Mumbles and Cowboy Bob on two-tone red Ventures, and yours truly on a grey one. I must say that the Venture, for a new bike, performed very mediocre. The power band and certain handling traits were not up to expectations. Mumbles noted that the radio needs 30 more horsepower. Sporty could not get on a Sporty bike, so she went out on a Vulcan 800 Classic. Future VROC member? NOT! On to Kawasaki, where they took our pictures on their new Drifter and handed us some Kawi keychains. Our next destination was Daytona downtown for some window shopping at the bike dealers, and then on to Krispy Kreme for our nightly dozen donuts. Our ride back to Orlando (110km) was a chilly one, but well worth the hour of bone-chilling pain as we were riding, not shoveling snow! Wednesday marks the start of two major exhibits: the American Motorcycle Show and the huge swap meet. Your fellow Zens will be in attendance at both events (time permitting) and will report back. We are also planning to ride the Honda VTX and the new Goldwing in the next day. Kudos to Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Harley Davidson for exhibiting a high level of customer service and hospitality to us during our visits with them. Kudos as well to my fellow Zen Riders who are exhibiting exemplary riding skills in our daily travels. BT · · · · ·

	I think this one is entitled "Gonzo, eat your heart out"	Mumbles is not afraid of 1800cc's.
	Sporty says, "Whatcha think?"	Sporty astride the Vulcan 800 Classic, ready to roll.
	"The VTX was nice," Mumbles says, "but how 'bout THIS one??"	Same funky Vulcan from the side.
	...and from the rear.	Another funky Kawi.
	A crowd gathers at the circle KK.	Translation: "Come and get it!"
	Yo ho ho and a bottle... er... box... of doughnuts...	Cowboy Bob and Sporty showing off the Harley cupholder accessory.