February 2025 - Nicky Zarras

Fast Facts

• Riding since 1966
• 2001 Honda VFR F800 FI Interceptor build 
  
• US Air Force Veteran
• Road/Product and Safety Editor at STAReview Magazine

Hometown/State?
Las Vegas, NV

First motorcycle?
1962 Harley Davidson Sprint

Current motorcycle(s)?
2001 Honda VFR F800 FI Interceptor

Why did you first start to ride?
I first started riding in 1966. I lived in an apartment just outside of New Brunswick, NJ. A friend had this “Italian” Harley, and I rode it in the backwoods areas by the Raritan River. It was lightweight, and fun to use on the dirt trails.

Where are your favorite places to ride?
Over the years, I rode in New Jersey, Thailand, and the Philippines. Now my main areas are California, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Lots of open countryside. Great places to stop and chat with other motorcyclists. Everyone is like family out here.

Describe a memorable motorcycle adventure? 
Motorcycling created a new life for me. I had a bad operation my last year in the USAF that put me in a world of constant doctors, and hospitals for years. My life was a far cry from my years flying jet fighters all over the world. After many years I used my knowledge of medicine to build my own medical theory and turn my life around. I then took an MSF course, bought my present motorcycle, and started riding again. I then became involved with STAReview Magazine, a motorcycle magazine. First as an Editor at Large, then Feature Editor, doing safety articles, product tests, and motorcycle road tests for all manufacturers. Then I was upgraded to Managing Editor for 11 years. Now I have turned over that position and I am the Road/Product and Safety Editor. I have been to the California Superbike School and Yamaha Champions Riding School for articles and training. I did product tests on Aerostich products and religiously wear my Aerostich suits, the finest products on the market. This four-state area is vast, with beautiful scenery, and each trip is memorable, and which I have published in the magazine.

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
Never stop learning

How did you first learn about Aerostich?
As a product test editor, I was looking for new products to review. I spotted an Aerostich catalog. I was impressed. I acquired a Men’s R-3 One Piece Suit in black, and the Men’s R-3 Light Tactical One Piece Suit in Hi-Viz.

The quality of the workmanship, the utility of the design, the customer service, the protection if you fall is unparalleled for the price, and it is Made In America. When I go to ride events, where riders are in mostly street garb tied to their particular motorcycle product line, I get a lot of observers taking pictures of my Aerostich suit. I always get questions on the suit I am wearing. I enjoy talking about the Aerostich product line.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
For winter the Men’s R-3 One Piece Suit in black, and for summer the Men’s R-3 Light Tactical One Piece Suit in Hi-Viz.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of motorcycling?
My uncle trained me to be a Greek Chef, and I have competed. I also opened up a USAF Officers Club with a Greek night for Senator Dominici, at Holloman AFB, NM when I was an AT-38 jet fighter instructor there.

Because of my bad operation in the USAF. I started my own research company in Neurogenics. I build my own medical theory to reduce the effects of Temporo-Mandible Joint related conditions. I am also heavy in Homeopathic research, especially in Cancer cases.

I enjoyed SCUBA diving, as I am a PADI Master Diver Trainer.

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
The Aerostich gear has been a great boon to my riding enjoyment. The Aerostich Kanetsu AirVantage Electric Liner with the Aerostich Electric Warmbib is good down to 20 degrees, and while others were cold, I was comfortable. The Warmbib is especially good as I can wear it in a warm area down at 1,000 feet then turn it on as I ride to 10,000 feet where it is cold. It also provides wind protection. The Omni-Cruise manual throttle control is very easy to use, and I love waving to riders with my right hand. The Aerostich complete tire repair kit with mini compressor has helped a local rider. The Zovii Alarmed Grip Lock kept my bike safe during a major bike event when they attempted to take another. I use the Brakefix when I normally stop on an incline to keep the front brake locked in, when the bike is in view. The Aerostich Chest Impact Armor is a boon for when the local birds, debris from our mini-tornadoes in Nevada hit you. I have several stories about that. Instead of losing concentration and control, I just shrug it off and thank my Aerostich ATGATT philosophy. On each road test, I do not have my three hard case bags to haul personal gear in. The Aerostich suit’s pockets allow me to carry the stuff I need.

Any other thoughts?
I cannot over emphasize the importance of having gear that provides you with the utility and the protection that Aerostich suits provide. Also, the Hi-Viz has saved me more times than not for “Visibility is Survivability.” Read the accident reports and learn from them. Scan the road and move to the lowest probability of an accident. Anticipate the accident and react early to avoid it. Ride Safely my friends. Wishing you clear roads and clear skies.

Yay or Nay?

• Backroads? Yes
• Freeways? Yes, no problem, Vegas is mega-freeways 
• Gravel Roads? When doing a road test on a dual sport or off-road bike.
• Roadside Motel? Yay
• Camping? Yay
• Helmet Audio System? I do not listen to music.