DISQUS

Thanks, Mac. Discussions with Cycle News are on-going. Stay tuned.

Thanks, Mac. Discussions with Cycle News are on-going. Stay tuned.

The domain name is not for sale.

The domain name is not for sale.

SloRideBob - I like it! It just rolls off the tongue! :)

SloRideBob - I like it! It just rolls off the tongue! :)

Clark, thank you for the encouragement. I am not going away and there are definitely options. I have received several excellent suggestions for a new name.

Clark, thank you for the encouragement. I am not going away and there are definitely options. I have received several excellent suggestions for a new name.

Tim, there exists a publication called "Motorcycle News;" so I fear I would run into the same issue. Because I deal in news and other content that is very similar to the major magazines and serve the same audience, albeit regionally, I do have to choose carefully to avoid this issue in the future. The new name needs to not incorporate the name of any existing motorcycle news-related publication. So, "Motorcyclist", "Cycle News", "Motorcycle News", "Rider" are all probably not safe choices to include.

Bob, licensing may be a possibility. I am still waiting for Cycle News to respond to my proposal.

Tim, there exists a publication called "Motorcycle News;" so I fear I would run into the same issue. Because I deal in news and other content that is very similar to the major magazines and serve the same audience, albeit regionally, I do have to choose carefully to avoid this issue in the future. The new name needs to not incorporate the name of any existing motorcycle news-related publication. So, "Motorcyclist", "Cycle News", "Motorcycle News", "Rider" are all probably not safe choices to include.

Bob, licensing may be a possibility. I am still waiting for Cycle News to respond to my proposal.

Mike, I appreciate the support. Those with whom I have consulted advise me that Cycle News does indeed have a strong case. They have owned the trademark "Cycle News" in conjunction with newspapers relating to motorcycles, motorcycle activities and races for over 40 years. The commonality of the subject matter and the similarity of the names creates a reasonable possibility of confusion and that is enough for the trademark holder to be obligated to defend their mark.

As one of my readers put it, "How would you feel if someone started a motorcycle site and newsletter called Pacific Northwest Cycle News?" I would not be happy and would likely challenge that publication. Cycle News is doing the same.

Mike, I appreciate the support. Those with whom I have consulted advise me that Cycle News does indeed have a strong case. They have owned the trademark "Cycle News" in conjunction with newspapers relating to motorcycles, motorcycle activities and races for over 40 years. The commonality of the subject matter and the similarity of the names creates a reasonable possibility of confusion and that is enough for the trademark holder to be obligated to defend their mark.

As one of my readers put it, "How would you feel if someone started a motorcycle site and newsletter called Pacific Northwest Cycle News?" I would not be happy and would likely challenge that publication. Cycle News is doing the same.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Iso, I darkened up the green a bit; hopefully a little easier on the eyes.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Iso, I darkened up the green a bit; hopefully a little easier on the eyes.

Tom,

One could definitely do a 4-500 mile day on the Spyder. It is no less comfortable than a typical sport-touring motorcycle in my opinion.

I just learned last night that a friend of mine in Las Vegas bought one last weekend. Word is she absolutely loves it.

Tom,

One could definitely do a 4-500 mile day on the Spyder. It is no less comfortable than a typical sport-touring motorcycle in my opinion.

I just learned last night that a friend of mine in Las Vegas bought one last weekend. Word is she absolutely loves it.

Thanks, Mike.

Thanks, Mike.

Becky - Sounds like a great trip! Do let me know when you go and tell me all about your ride.

Becky - Sounds like a great trip! Do let me know when you go and tell me all about your ride.

Delta88,

I spent years commuting by motorcycle in Southern California. Even where it's legal to lane split there is no shortage of folks who get plenty ticked off when you do it. Some will intentionally squeeze in on you, throw lit cigarettes, open doors, etc. I always figured it was something about me getting somewhere ahead of them.

Still, one of my biggest fears is getting pancaked between two cars. In stop and go traffic it's easy to see how it could happen. Splitting lanes gets me out of that danger zone.

Delta88,

I spent years commuting by motorcycle in Southern California. Even where it's legal to lane split there is no shortage of folks who get plenty ticked off when you do it. Some will intentionally squeeze in on you, throw lit cigarettes, open doors, etc. I always figured it was something about me getting somewhere ahead of them.

Still, one of my biggest fears is getting pancaked between two cars. In stop and go traffic it's easy to see how it could happen. Splitting lanes gets me out of that danger zone.

The level of discourse on this topic has sunk sufficiently low that I have disabled further comments.

The level of discourse on this topic has sunk sufficiently low that I have disabled further comments.

Nope. Just a local motorcycle-related event. The link doesn't even go to the shop's site; only to a map of the location.