Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman

2024 Polaris Slingshot- A Fresh Take

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | Jun 20, 2024 | Bikes & Gear |

Here’s what is most important about the Slingshot: I’m grateful that there is a company out there THAT MAKES A VEHICLE LIKE THIS TODAY. I used to say that about Chrysler cars, with their incredible (if unnecessary) horsepower. And about Ford, and Chevy too, who made several performance models for everyday prices. But they don’t anymore. This isn’t a car, it isn’t a motorcycle, IT’S A FUN MACHINE. It’s loud, brash, unrefined, raw and industrial. It’s a bare knuckle, in your face roadster, and Polaris makes no attempt to apologize for it. It’s a vehicle that begs to be driven it like you stole it, every time you take it out. You have to drive this car, not be driven by it.

The Call We All Dread

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | May 8, 2024 | Ride Life |

The call came in early on a gray, wintry, February Monday morning. I was sitting at my desk preparing my activities for the day. It was the call that every motorcycle rider dreads getting- “Ken, it’s John.” Just the sound and tone of John’s voice told me this wasn’t going to be a happy chat. “Robert’s been in an motorcycle accident . . .it’s bad . . .real bad.” Those quiet words stabbed me like an icicle into my heart and sent a chill through my body that I can still replicate to this day.

National Veterans Awareness Ride

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | May 3, 2024 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

The National Veterans Awareness Ride takes place each May but its effects on the Veterans in the hospitals and on the participants on the ride last forever. The National Veterans Awareness Ride (NVAR) is the annual national event that is organized and executed by the National Veterans Awareness Organization. The ride begins in Auburn, CA, on May 14, 2024, just outside of Sacramento, and ends two weeks later in Washington, DC. on May 25. During those two weeks, several hundred motorcycle riding NVAR participants stop in veterans hospitals and veterans homes all along the way. They participate in local memorial services for veterans who have paid the ultimate price for America’s freedom. They speak in schools about service to our country, and the importance of appreciating and respecting the sacrifices of members of the military.

Rev Up Spring Maintenance

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | Apr 24, 2024 | Nuts & Bolts |

Spring is in the air! Or trying to get in the air, if you’re in the more northern latitudes. But we know we are close to warmer temperatures, and we’re going to want to get the motorcycle out and go for a ride. So it’s best to get started now and prepare yourself and your bike for the season. I know it may still be cold or rainy for some, but don’t procrastinate about getting ready now.

Two-Up Motorcycle Touring Tips

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | Mar 6, 2024 | Nuts & Bolts, Ride Life |

I have 42 years of experience with an outstanding wife who would rather I take long motorcycle trips without her, but who has accompanied me on rare occasions for long weekend trips. I also have spent many days on the road traveling with a multitude of friends and their wives or significant others on long trips to Sturgis and other places, so I believe I have learned some useful tips to pass along.

Distracted Riding

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | Feb 26, 2024 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

If we as motorcyclists rant and rave about drivers who are distracted by their phones, or fiddling with their sophisticated in-car infotainment systems, and who put our lives in danger every time we ride, we can’t be doing the same things while piloting our own motorcycles. We’ve got to be totally focused on the road and our surroundings in order to stay as safe as possible. We can’t decry driver’s behavior, but think that it’s okay for us to recklessly behave the same way.

The Last Ride, Part 2- A Short Story

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | Feb 16, 2024 | Ride Life |

With the bike resting on the sidestand, I helped him get his left leg on the passenger peg, and supported him as he slowly swung his right leg over and settled in. I got on and fired up the Yamaha Virago’s 1100cc V-Twin. “You sure you’re ready for this?” I asked.
“Been ready for 20 years,” he called back.

The Last Ride, Part 1- A Short Story

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | Feb 9, 2024 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

“What’ll ya have, Hon?” asked the large, round, 70-something waitress behind the counter as I placed my helmet on the open stool next to me. Her name tag said “Gertie”, and I think that was the name on the door above the large Diner sign. It was about 10:30 AM on a warmish sun-drenched summer Sunday morning, and I’d been motorcycle riding for about 2 hours on the Great River Road somewhere in Illinois, and was building up a hunger in my empty stomach when I asked, “Well, Gertie, tell me what’s good.”

Moto Products: Star Tron Fuel Additive

Posted by Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman | Jan 29, 2024 | Bikes & Gear |

There are a lot of gas treatments on the market that make all kinds of claims, so I’m always skeptical about them. I’ve seen and tested a lot of snake oil on the market making ridiculous claims over the years. But I had cause to spend some time at a trade show with the folks from Star Tron, learned about their product, and saw the testing data that they had about its effectiveness.