KC to the center of the universe

[clay]

I am looking for some advise from those of you who have visited New York City on a motorcycle. I have this desire to travel there and see a few of the sites. It is the center of the universe after all.
My idea is to see Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero ( WTC ) and maybe Yankee Stadium and a game if the Yankees are in town.
I read an article a couple of years ago, not sure where, maybe the BMW owners news, about a guy who rode his bike to NYC and gave some advise on what to do, what not to do etc. One thing I remember about the article was, according to him, the streets of NYC are not motorcycle friendly and if you plan riding in the city, the only time it was really safe was early Sun. morning.
Are there any hotels in the city that that you would recommend?
Any must see, items not on my list?
Is this something you would recommend, or should I get a hotel in N.J. and take a cab into the city to see the sites.
Any advise you would have on this subject. would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Clay Hirner,
Spring Hill, KS

[ranks]

Having spent a short 3 months working in Manhattan in 1989, I would definately reccommend parking the bike. Parking in Manhattan is scarce and very expensive. So probably park in NJ and take the train in. Once in Manhattan, take the subway to get where you are going. Its cheap and safe (Safer than walking, crossing the streets. Not sure about outside manhattan).

There are just so many neat things to see/do.

Search around for places to eat. There are some real bargains, and some real rip-offs.

I've had friends say its really cleaned up since I was their, but I would not walk down any streets where I couldn't see other people. Especially at night.

Hope that helps.

[sanjaun2]

Clay,
Looks like you have quite the journey planned. Driving in NYC and Jersey can be a very humbling experience if you are not prepared for it. If you are not a agressive driver you may not appreciate the experience especially on a motorcycle. NYC has some of the best food and attractions in the world, But I do not know to many people who go there to ride a motorcycle. If you go, Be very careful. Normal traffic laws do not apply there. Sometimes red means go, And the cabbies are crazy. Good luck!

[mpillis]

Wrong! New York is not the Center of the Universe!! Rabbit Hash, Kentucky is the Center of the Universe. I know because I live just around the corner from there. I can prove it too. Goto
http://www.rabbithashthemovie.com

[BLBantz]

Clay, I live about a 45 minute drive from NYC and almost always take the train when I go in. The traffic is madness, but if you understand the madness it all makes sense! Unfortunately when I used to have to drive to Manhattan frequently I always pitied the poor people with mid-western license plates trying to drive while looking at all the big buildings! It just doesn't work. The streets themselves have potholes that could swallow an LT in one bite. It is also extremely easy to get turned around and lost in a neighborhood where you don't want to get lost...think Bronx...think Yankee Stadium. Park in NJ. In fact, you are welcome to park at my place if you want. The train is a few blocks from my house and lets you out at Penn Station in NY under Madison Square Garden. You can walk from there to all of Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, the UN, Central Park and all of the theaters. A short cab ride takes you to lower Manhattan and ground zero, Wall Street, etc. PM me if you are interested. Either way have a great trip!