Star Motorcyclescruisers. These performance-driven bikes manage to capture the essence of classic styling without forgoing any of the modern technology and reliability

Cruisers have come a long way since the likes of Easy Rider. That iconic image of counterculture in the late 1960s, the rebellious spirit of two dudes on choppers, seems to have been replaced by a bunch of middle-aged guys. At least that's what I thought before I had a chance to experience the full line of Star Motorcycles cruisers. These performance-driven bikes manage to capture the essence of classic styling without forgoing any of the modern technology and reliability for which Yamaha has become known.

Like I said, I have to admit I never appreciated the whole cruiser style—the relaxed seating position, the seemingly over-accessorized bikes with speakers—but I had also never ridden one.

Now I know, there is nothing more fun than cruising on a motorcycle in the comfort of a padded bucket seat blasting music from an integrated sound system attached to your iPod. The added features and comfort don't take away from the rebellious spirit of riding—they actually add to it, allowing the rider to simply enjoy the ride.

With the standards and performance one can expect from Yamaha, Star Motorcycles is Yamaha's cruiser-focused line of bikes. It can get a bit confusing as branding on the bikes tends to show both names, but rest assured that you're getting the quality of the Japanese-made engines with the focus and attention to detail that the cruiser-specific line allows. Yamaha has been making cruisers since 1978, and in 2004 decided to branch off with Star Motorcycles to allow both brands to focus more intently on their specific style of bikes, and abate any confusion about the Yamaha motorcycle brand.

I was invited to join a few other riders as Yamaha's guest in Georgia. Riding through the region's winding hills on a rainy day we were surprised by the responsiveness and handling of these seemingly behemoth bikes. The Venture S with its 33.6 gallons of lockable storage rode as nimbly as some of the smaller, less accessorized bikes. We were blown away by the V Star 250's power and ability to keep up with the larger bikes, and were surprised when the bigger bikes like the V Star 950 and 1300 handled just as well.

We also fell in love with music on a bike with the Stratoliner Deluxe's integrated speakers, iPod hookup and handlebar controls, all tucked neatly into this classically beautiful bike that handled like a dream. Plus, all of the speakers we tested on these bikes really pumped out the volume and could be heard over all of the extreme noises that come with riding a motorcycle.

The current lineup of Star Motorcycles features nearly a dozen bikes and nearly all of them are fully customizable with a complete lineup of accessories designed specifically for that bike.

Our favorite may have been the Road Star Silverado S, which evokes the styling of an old-school cop's bike and made us feel like some sort of '50s rockstar as we rode into the fog on the pearly-hued bike with its beautifully detailed leather accents. Initially we were intimidated by these huge bikes, but they all handled beautifully (even in the rain) and were just so much fun to ride.

New to Star Motorcycles is their Star Custom Line, SCL. Described by Yamaha as "true factory customs", these bikes allow for a level of style and quality rarely seen on a production motorcycle. The first bike ever for the SCL lineup is the new Raider SCL.

From custom-quality, six-layer paint jobs to a myriad of stainless steel and chrome features, the limited-quantity bikes (only 500 were made) capture the essence of a true custom cruiser. And the best part is these bikes come ready to roll off the showroom floor looking like they spent months in a custom shop.

The lineup of Star Motorycles manage to capture the essence and beauty of classic cruiser style while incorporating the latest technology and features. These bikes are the perfect blend of form and function coupled with the reliability and performance we've come to expect from Yamaha at an extremely reasonable price point.

Find Romance at London's May Fair Hotel with the Bachelorette Bliss Package

 

Relive the romance Bachelorette Emily Maynard recently experienced at London’s luxurious May Fair Hotel through the May Fair Hotel’s Bachelorette Bliss package.

From luxurious accommodations and a romantic breakfast for two, to enjoying the sights of London, the May Fair wants to help couples celebrate their love. 

The May Fair Bachelorette Bliss Package

The May Fair Bachelorette Bliss romantic getaway starts off with a toast to each other over the welcome bottle of Prosecco Sparkling Wine waiting in the May Fair’s luxurious accommodations. Breakfast for two and spa access completes the blissful overnight escape. It is priced at *£260, excluding VAT, August 13 to September 9, 2012 and January 1 – February 28, 2013 (approximately $405 USD plus tax) and £315, excluding VAT (approximately $485 USD plus tax), September 10 – December 30, 2012. All rates are per room, double occupancy and based on exchange rate at time of booking. Supplemental night rates are available.

The May Fair Hotel (www.themayfairhotel.co.uk) accommodated the cast and crew of the fifth episode of The Bachelorette. The episode featured gorgeous living quarters in the hotel’s signature suites occupied by the show's suitors and the newest Bachelorette, Emily Maynard, the first single mom to ever star on the series and who first captured America's heart on the 15 season of "The Bachelor."

BULGARI OPENS A LUXURY HOTEL BESIDE LONDON’S HYDE PARK

The company’s third global location boasts Italian-designed furnishings, a large spa, and a private cinema.

By Emma Hutchings on June 13, 2012.

The new Bulgari Hotel in London’s prestigious Knightsbridge neighborhood expresses the company’s aesthetic of timeless glamour. The design team, led by architect Antonio Citterio, furnished the 85 rooms and suites with stained oak, Sapele mahogany, leather, mirrored surfaces, and silver.

The in-house restaurant Il Ristorante offers a British-influenced Italian menu and is accessed by a handcrafted steel balustrade. Its feature wall is covered in metalised fabric with backlit sketches from the 1920s and 30s. Above the restaurant is a sweeping oval bar handcrafted from stainless steel.

A 47-seat private screening room for guests boasts a library of 500 films curated by the British producer David Puttnam. The hotel’s large spa, which takes over the two lower floors, features a 25m pool with mosaic tiles and a sandblasted Vicenza stone pool area. Click through to see photos of the Bulgari Hotel:

Bulgari Hotel