[wookie]

My ex girlfriend lived in NYC. I don't make the trip as much now, thank god. (edit to say, not because of the ride).

It is pretty difficult to get into Manhatten without paying tolls (no worries on 15 though). I think there is one route, but it is not worth it (and I don't know it well enough to take it and it takes you through a sketchy neighborhood). Pretty much all the bridges have tolls and I hate taking my gloves off or trying to fumble with cash and the change at tolls. I find it less stressfull to use the ez pass, but it is really not that big a deal to use cash (just don't spend your last dime on Saturday night). The triboro requires you to come to pretty much a complete stop (gated toll). You can keep the ez pass in your jacket pocket/tank bag and take it out with gloves on after you stop.

I stongly suggest the bike cover if you are leaving yours on the street. However, if this is once in a long while trip and you are bringing your new bike (sounds like it), you can always find a garage (you will sleep better, if you actually sleep). Usually 40-65 bucks per 24 hours, some places will cut you a deal on the bike (or suggest you park on the street which started my parking on the street). Don't park in a metered spot without paying, you might get a ticket and NYC tickets are no joke. However, it is usually easy to find non-metered/legal parking unless you are trying to stay in times square (parking perpendicular to the curb between cars is not a problem in non-metered areas).

Also, 95 close to the city and FDR have a lot of bumps. Nothing major, but worth knowing.

I don't want to stress you out, I'm just giving you all the info I have. Personally, unless it was raining, I always took the bike to the city. Enjoy!