Kawasaki Ticket2Ride

Kawasaki rolled into the Bowie Town Center in Bowie, MD as part of their nationwide Ticket2Ride demo tour allowing licensed riders the opportunity to truly demo their bikes.

Although I’ve had the fortune to attend some of Kawasaki's press-only trips, there was no way I was going to miss an opportunity to take out one or two or three of their bikes while in my own backyard. So I threw my gear into my borrowed long-term Mazda SPEED3 courtesy of Automotive Rhythms and jetted to the town center for a day of riding.

Unlike some local demo opportunities where only a few select models are available, Kawasaki brought out a full compliment of bikes including their supersport line-up of Ninja’s to their array of cruisers including my new all-time favorite, Kawasaki’s ultra slick bad-to-the-bone Vulcan 1700 Vacquero. All in all, there were 16 models to choose from to tickle your riding fancy. Not sure which model is your riding style? Demo rider Jeanette Vaughn had the answer. She simply took out as many different bikes as she could. “I’m glad Kawasaki is providing this opportunity. I’m ready for a bike, but not sure what type or style yet." Jennifer say. "This will help narrow down if I want a cruiser, sportbike or dirtbike" she continued. Jessica Lysessika of Lorton, VA was in a similar situation. “I have a Ninja 250 and looking to upgrade to a Ninja 600” said Jessica. This was a great chance to demo the [Ninja] 600 to make sure I’m ready for the upgrade. After today’s ride, I know I’m ready” she said confidently.

Donny Campbell of Washington DC became a fixture in the Demo tent having gone out on at least four different bikes. “I’m in the market for a new bike and opportunities like these are usually reserved for the large bike events such as Daytona Bike Week, so how could I pass this up?” Donny said with excitement. Bike owners of different brands were also out to see if they were ready to make the switch to Kawasaki green.

Prior to each demo ride, safety riders conducted a brief rider’s safety meeting to go over the do’s and dont’s along a predetermined route. Each ride was then closely guided with professional safety riders leading and following the pack. The lead rider guided the way while another safety rider followed the pack to ensure no one was lost or left behind in the event of any unforeseen problem.

Kawasiki's Ticket2Ride event brought out both male and female riders throughout the DMV (DC, MD, VA for those outside the area) for a truly unique opportunity to take Kawasaki’s line-up out for a spin. I’ve been doing this (bike journalism) for a minute and can honestly say, when the Ticket2Ride comes anywhere near your city, take advantage of it and as their slogan says, Let the Good Times Roll.

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Written by: Leon L. Brittain
Motorcycle Journalist and photographer

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