Black Beauty 2012 ST1300

It's raining cats and dogs today. A perfect day to do a little bike maintenance.

I went to the Honda Dealer to buy oil and filter for my ST and spied a brand new, shiny black 2012 model. They must've just gotten it in; it wasn't there two weeks ago.

I tried out the seat for a few minutes and was impressed. I'm not happy with my current seat - the after-market Sargent that came with the bike. By comparison the stock seat was firmer and thicker. It had a firm foam filler that seemed to provide more cushion on the pressure points.

Did Honda revamp their stock seat? Or are stock seats from other years as good as this? 

I'd like to give the stock seat a try.

This Is Your Brain on a Motorcycle | MotorcycleInsurance.com

This Is Your Brain on a Motorcycle | MotorcycleInsurance.com As a daily rider ... One who commutes to and from work on a motorcycle ... i've noticed my brain is sharper on days that I ride. I wasn't sure if it was just fresh air and adrenalin, but this study seems to point to something more.

Pony up for motorcycle parking

In addition to riding motorcycles, my wife and I enjoy visiting state and national parks. We would love to combine the two. . .by riding our motorcycles to the state parks.

However, the fact that we each ride our own bike tends to make that an expensive proposition. . .since the state charges full price for motorcycles.

In my own humble opinion -- but perhaps I'm biased -- I think states should charge motorcycles a reduced fee for park access. Bikes take up less space in the parking lot; my wife and I park two bikes to a single spot. Bikes have lower occupancy than four wheeled vehicles. Plus, they generally consume less fuel. . . shouldn't their use be promoted by the same interests which advocate for the preservation of nature and our park system?

What would it take to successfully lobby our legislators for reduced fees for motorcycles at our state and national parks?