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Barbie and Ken, perhaps the most famous fictional couple of the 20th century, are back in vogue thanks to a new live-action Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. But Barbie’s history goes way back, to 1959 when the first iteration of the doll debuted. Since then, Barbie has gone on to become a cultural icon, loved by millions over the decades and adapted to take on just about every profession and pastime imaginable. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Barbie is well-acquainted with new motorcycles. Ken, too.

So we’re going to jump on the Barbie bandwagon and list five of the best streetbikes now on the market for a true Barbe-and-Ken-type ride. These bikes are great for two-up rides (learn about other options in the Best Motorcycles for Two-Up Riding and Best Motorcycles for Long-Distance Two-Up Riding 2022 articles), each has a bit of nostalgia built in, and each offers its own type of class and comfort. Some even look pretty damn close to bikes that have been sold in Barbie sets throughout the years. Although it’s up to you to find someone willing to paint these rides pink…

The W800 from Kawasaki would be great for a Barbie-and-Ken-like day at the beach.
The W800 from Kawasaki would be great for a Barbie-and-Ken-like day at the beach. (Kawasaki/)

Kawasaki W800

The Kawasaki W800 exudes a ‘60s motorcycle aesthetic but with none of the fuss of a true retro bike. It’s got modern touches like a smooth 773 parallel twin and assist-and-slip clutch alongside all its nostalgic design elements. It’s not the ideal ride for a long tour but is absolutely perfect if you want to spend a day riding up and down the California coastline. It’s approachable enough for the dilettante (which is great for a gal as busy as Barbie), but also cool enough for a stylish guy like Ken.

Barbie has a long history with Harley-Davidson, so the Heritage Classic is a perfect choice for your next tour.
Barbie has a long history with Harley-Davidson, so the Heritage Classic is a perfect choice for your next tour. (Harley-Davidson/)

Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic

Barbie and Harley-Davidson have teamed up on numerous collaborations throughout the years, even producing a Harley for Barbie with a striking resemblance to the brand’s Softail Standard. So to up the game a bit without losing that classic look, we propose the Heritage Classic as the perfect H-D machine for a Barbie-and-Ken-like tour. It’s got the look, the storage capacity, seating for two, great standard wind protection, a huge range of color options (which makes coordinating the wardrobe a lot easier), and gobs of accessories.

If the Hayabusa is good enough for Spy Barbie, it’s good enough for your next road trip.
If the Hayabusa is good enough for Spy Barbie, it’s good enough for your next road trip. (Kevin Wing/)

Suzuki Hayabusa

The venerable Hayabusa (see the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R MC Commute Review and 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Track MC Commute Review articles and videos) might seem like it’s way, way out of place here but Mattel has produced a Spy Barbie set in the past complete with a motorcycle that looks a whole lot like a ‘Busa. Of course, this bike has also won the hearts of countless riders as a highly capable sport-touring machine over the years. Power, handling, the latest electronics from Suzuki, a catalog of available accessories, surprising levels of comfort despite its sporty appearance. It’s an all-rounder capable of providing smooth, scenic rides and jaw-dropping exhilaration at the drop of a hat.

The Honda Gold Wing is the epitome of comfort and class on two wheels.
The Honda Gold Wing is the epitome of comfort and class on two wheels. (Honda/)

Honda Gold Wing

In the ‘90s Mattel produced a motorcycle for both Ken and Barbie that had an awful lot in common with Honda’s Pacific Coast. Since that model is no longer in production, we’re opting for the latest in Honda touring technology with the Gold Wing (read the 2021 Honda Gold

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By: Byron Wilson
Title: Best Motorcycles for Touring Like Barbie and Ken
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/reviews/best-motorcycles-for-touring-like-barbie-and-ken/
Published Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:11:47 +0000

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

Written by Barbara Toombs

Fremont Street in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.

Millions of visitors are understandably attracted to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’ renowned Strip each year, where world-class resorts, casinos, shows and incredible dining options are the name of the game.

What many don’t realize is that there’s another fascinating side to the Entertainment Capital of the World, headlined by two cultural districts known simply as Downtown and Chinatown.

Downtown Las Vegas (also known as DTLV) is really where this unique desert city got its start. In 1931, construction began on what is now known as the Hoover Dam, attracting thousands of workers to a site just east of the city. To capitalize on this growing workforce, savvy businessmen began building casinos and showgirl venues along Las Vegas’ only paved road at the time: Fremont Street.

Today, DTLV is comprised of three distinct districts. Many visitors to the city are already familiar with one of them: the Fremont Street Casino District, which contains museums, restaurants and bars, as well as the original Las Vegas casinos, including El Cortez, Golden Nugget and Golden Gate. Here you’ll also find the renowned Fremont Street Experience, which debuted in 1995. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is covered by a canopy of more than two million LED lights and a state-of-the-art sound system that comes to life every night for a spectacular sound and light show called “Viva Vision.”

The Arts District

A popular attraction in this district is The Mob Museum (the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement), which showcases intriguing tales and the age-old dichotomy of good guys versus bad guys. Explore at your own pace, go on a guided tour or uncover museum surprises as part of a group scavenger hunt. Want a literal “taste” of old-school Las Vegas? Plan to dine at Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, perched on the 24th floor of Binion’s Gambling Hall. The restaurant dates back to 1965 when it was known as Top of the Mint, the signature dining spot at The Mint hotel tower. The interior design (and menu – think steak, prime rib, lobster and even Baked Alaska) is a throwback to an earlier era when the mob ran much of Las Vegas, but the real draw is the spectacular view through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 2002, the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED) is a six-block area that stretches from Las Vegas Boulevard East to 8th Street and from Ogden Street South to Carson. FEED is pedestrian-friendly, offering diverse street life and many eateries, cafes, bars and lounges, as well as ample shopping opportunities and lively entertainment. A must-see attraction in this district is the Downtown Container Park – a dining, shopping and live music venue made of 45 colorful repurposed shipping containers, all fronted by a two-story, fire-breathing praying mantis who made its original debut at Burning Man. Nearby is the popular Bin 702 – one of many great dining choices in the area – featuring a great selection of beer and wine, as well as a tantalizing choice of charcuterie and cheese, sandwiches and small plates for sharing.

18b sign in The Arts District.

In recent years, The Arts District – or the 18b as it’s also known (a reference to it occupying 18 blocks of Downtown Las Vegas, loosely outlined by Commerce Street, Colorado Ave, Fourth Street and Hoover Avenue) – has been growing in popularity. Its monthly “First Friday” block party and art walk features food trucks and live music, serving as a backdrop for artists showing their works off at a variety of open-air and indoor galleries. These include The Arts Factory, home to over 30 artists and art galleries, and ArtSquare, a hip establishment that houses design stores, designer’s studios, wellness spots, and food and drink outlets. Behind The Arts Factory sits one of many great dining choices in The Arts District: Taverna Costera, serving up delicious Coastal Mediterranean fusion that draws inspiration from coastal Spanish, French, Italian and Greek cuisines and beyond.

Just a couple of miles east of the Strip, along Spring Mountain Road (roughly between Rainbow Boulevard and Interstate 15), lies the city’s amazing Chinatown, which has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Asian businesses in Southern Nevada, including a multitude of authentic Asian restaurants, gift shops, a hair stylist, a reflexologist, home decor, an Asian supermarket and the only Chinese bookstore in Nevada.

At Chinatown’s heart is the enormous and ornate Chinatown Plaza, featuring a colorful, dragon-adorned, Tang Dynasty-inspired gate and gleaming

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/beyond-the-strip-discover-the-cultural-gems-of-las-vegas-2023/
Published Date: Fri, 19 May 2023 18:07:14 +0000

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

This red 1967 Corvette custom coupe received a complete custom restoration at Springfield Motorsports in Peachland BC, Canada. The build consists of a completely new jig-mounted tube chassis with C4 corvette front upper and lower control arms riding on coilover shocks and power rack & pinion steering. The rear differential is a custom narrowed 9-inch Ford with aluminum Dale Gerry center section with Wilwood disc brakes on all 4 corners. Filling out the wheel wells are custom offset Fikse wheels.

K&S machine in Kelowna, British Columbia took the 454ci engine and machined it to 496ci it is equipped with Comp Thumper camshaft and 800cfm carburetor and it creates a true hot rod sound through the ceramic-coated exhaust. Lee Baxter upholstery created the one-off hand-stitched red leather interior with a rear storage area. It features Vintage Air, Digital gauges, power windows and a leather-wrapped vintage-style steering wheel.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: 2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/2024-scottsdale-auction-1967-chevrolet-corvette-custom-coupe-no-reserve/
Published Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:52:01 +0000

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From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

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Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
The Honda CBX 1000 was only in production for four years, but that was enough time for it to leave a lasting impression on the motorcycle industry. First released it in 1978 as a screaming six-cylinder naked superbike, it later faced stiff competition from its stablemate—the equally iconic CB900F. So the Japanese marque redesigned it as a sport tourer, halfway through its tenure.

The updated ‘CBX-B’ had a touring fairing, optional panniers, and Honda’s new-at-the-time Pro-Link mono-shock setup. It was a hair less powerful than before, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a legend in its own right. If you park a CBX and CBX-B next to each other, you could argue that the latter has more presence.

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

It’s that mystique that prompted the owner of this 1982 Honda CBX 1000 Pro-Link to buy it. Enamored with the fusion of modern technology and ancient traditions found in Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, he was on the hunt for a classic motorcycle that embodied that philosophy. When he found the CBX, the sheer brutalism of its six-cylinder engine was impossible to ignore.

“In the eyes of this enthusiast, the engine wasn’t just a mechanical marvel; it was the soul of the motorcycle, much like the heart in a human body,” says Tiago Gonçalves, founder of the Portuguese custom shop, Unik Edition. “This revelation laid the foundation for a transformative project, one that would honor the motorcycle’s origins while infusing it with a new identity.”

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik EditionRead More

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/honda-cbx-1000-restomod
Published Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:34:54 +0000

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