Planes, Trains, and Motorcycles—A Letter From Florian

Traveling to attend new motorcycle press launches often requires some serious travel. I don’t know many people willing to fly halfway around the world to ride a motorcycle for a day. My usual rule is that I want to stay at a location at least twice as long as it takes me to get there. That said, it’s impossible to satisfy that rule when a new motorcycle is presented.

I’m spending more time on the plane than in the saddle. But that’s fine, because we usually take new motorcycles on longer tours later to give them a thorough real-life test. Plus, it’s just part of the job to keep you informed of the latest models. I’m taking one for the team here!

Spending so much time on an airplane, I always think of my grandparents, who—as of a few years ago—were still peeved how people fly these days. You know, not all dressed up. I can only imagine my grandfather in his suit and Italian loafers and my grandmother wearing a fancy dress, jewelry and all.

It’s a stark contrast to how people fly today, which is mostly plastic athleisure garb. I can’t really blame anyone, though. Airplane comfort has all but disappeared and there’s nothing glamorous about flying. It’s just a matter of making it to your destination with your health and sanity intact.