Cyril Huze Post

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Indian Motorcycle To Rev Things Up At 74th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally With All-New Model Year 2015 Lineup

Published by Cyril Huze June 25th, 2014 in Builders and Events.

Without any doubt one of the most important events of the upcoming rally will be again Indian Motorcycle revealing its new 2015 models. So many expectations… For now, what we know for sure is Indian’s calendar of activities from August 4th to 10th in Sturgis with demo rides, product demonstrations, apparel sales, live music, and more. Events will be updated at Indian Events.

Indian Motorcycle Display, 3rd & Lazelle St., August 2 – August 9, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.  Motorcycling fans are invited to stop by and explore the Indian Motorcycle display in Downtown Sturgis to check out the entire lineup of 2015 models. The Indian Motorcycle exhibit will offer hands-on product demonstrations, apparel sales, accessory displays, and much more. The display will also feature the American Motor Drome Company with live “Wall of Death” shows where daredevils risk life and limb to thrill and entertain Sturgis attendees. Shows performed daily on the hour; starting on Sunday, August 3 at 11 a.m. with the last show at 5 p.m. Tickets are complementary, courtesy of Indian Motorcycle. Riders can also enter for a chance to win a 2015 Indian motorcycle.

Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience, I-90 @ Exit 30, August 2 – August 9, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.  Sturgis Rally attendees can be among the first to ride the all-new 2015 Indian Motorcycle lineup at the Indian Motorcycle Demo Experience on I-90 at Exit 30. Rides will be led daily with the first ride leaving at 9:15 a.m., last ride at 4:30 p.m. Riders must be 18 years of age and must provide proof of endorsement along with a helmet and appropriate riding attire. For full details visit Indian Motorcycles.

Indian Motorcycle @ the Crossroads at Sturgis Buffalo Chip, August 2 – August 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Riders can also explore the new Indian Motorcycle display at the Crossroads to learn about the model year 2015 lineup, the brand’s heritage and sign up to win a 2015 Indian motorcycle. Admission to the Crossroads is free. Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle To Rev Things Up At 74th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally With All-New Model Year 2015 Lineup’

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Joke Of The Week

Published by Cyril Huze June 25th, 2014 in Editorial.

An old gentleman lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament. “Dear Vincent, I am feeling pretty sad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like the old days.
Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son. “Dear Papa, Don’t dig up that garden. That’s where the bodies are buried.” Love, Vincent. At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left.

That same day the old man received another letter from his son. “Dear Papa, Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That’s the best I could do under the circumstances.”  Love you, Vincent

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The Mystique Of The American Road. At The Harley-Davidson Museum.

Published by Cyril Huze June 24th, 2014 in Editorial and Events.

The Harley-Davison Museum has started a new exhibit “The American Road” which looks at how the road trip became an American ritual. It started in the 1930’s when leisure travel and the open road offered an escape for a small but growing number of affluent Americans. After WWII, in the 50’s and 60’s the road became the template for family vacation. It’s when motels and diners with large signs and gimmicks began appearing on the side of the road. “The American Road is something everyone can relate to,” said Harley-Davidson Museum Manager of Exhibits and Curatorial Kristen Jones. Continue reading ‘The Mystique Of The American Road. At The Harley-Davidson Museum.’

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In My Mailbox

Published by Cyril Huze June 24th, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.

Question. “Cyril, I am confused. What is Viola V-Twin versus S&S Cycle?”

Answer. “Viola is the village in Wisconsin where S&S Cycle is installed since 1969. Viola V-Twin is the service parts side of S&S Cycle whose mission is to provide the bike owners and independent shops with a one stop source for service parts needed for every day motorcycle maintenance and repairs.

Viola V-Twin offers parts for all Harley-Davidson OHV engines from 1936 to present day, as wells as some vintage Harley Flathead parts. Most of the parts are the same parts that go into an S&S engine and work wits a stock H-D engine. Anyone can search, download the catalog and browse for replacement parts. A dealer locator is available to find out a nearby S&S dealer”

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Thunderbike Germany Knows How To Throw A Party…

Published by Cyril Huze June 24th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

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Why We Ride Wins “Best Documentary” At New Media Film Festival

Published by Cyril Huze June 24th, 2014 in Editorial, Events and Videos.

Why We Ride, the number 1 motorcycle movie in America today, was in competition at the 5th Annual New Media Film Festival in Los Angeles, held June 10-11.

Director/Producer Bryan H. Carroll, writer Chris Hampel, and one of the film’s stars Alonzo Bodden attended and participated in a Q&A following a special screening of the film. By the time the festival came to an end it was unanimous. Why We Ride was announced: Winner of “Best Documentary” at the New Media Film Festival! If you want to bring home this movie, log on to Why We Ride to buy it on iTunes or Amazon.

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Harley Cross Bones Sidecar

Published by Cyril Huze June 23rd, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

Are we going to observe a resurgence of the sidecar? Until the 1950’s sidecars were quite popular because they provided a cheap alternative to passenger cars. Sidecars are generally aftermarket products manufactured by companies independent of those producing the driving motorcycle. So, this type of 3-wheeler vehicle may become a new source of inspiration for many custom builders loving to build classic machines bearing similarities to the originals but with their own twist.

Building from scratch the passenger chassis, reworking the frame assembly, adapting the suspension for good handling are not easy tasks, but it is a challenge that more custom builders should attempt. It’s what did UK based Shaw Speed And Customs for a client living in Beirut, Lebanon. A 2010 Harley Cross Bones was chosen as the driving vehicle. An appropriate choice because in its factory livery this model (produced 2009/2010) is reminiscent of the authentic, raw and stripped-down post-war Bobber , Spristyling, Springer front end, sprung solo seat and half-moon rider footboards included. Continue reading ‘Harley Cross Bones Sidecar’

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Racing A Vintage Indian Scout For The 1st Time. The Story Of Gary Gray, Indian Motorcycles Product Manager.

Published by Cyril Huze June 22nd, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

You like vintage motorcycles. You would love the experience of racing one. You can. Just like Gary Gray, Indian Motorcycles Product Manager, did it. Take the time to read his story. Soon, it may be yours…

“Placing 6 th on a 1930’s hand shift Indian Sport Scout Bonneville at the 2014 FIM National Championships isn’t achieving greatness, but the people that helped me get there are. Doc Batsleer is a multinational champion. I met him by happenstance at an Indian Motorcycle sponsored event in Daytona Beach, Florida during bike week in the spring of 2014. Within ten minutes of meeting Doc he asked if I wanted to race one of his vintage Indian Scout Motorcycles. To say everything in this story happened as fast as a spark traveling down a coil wire would be an understatement. Doc is 69 years old and has had race fuel in his veins since he was young. He is a national champion. His national titles include holding the number one plate in AMA, FIM, AHRMA, USCRA, FGPRA, and he was the Spanish Karting Champion.

Even though I am riding an old bike, modern safety gear is required. Cam Fisher from our Polaris Industrial Design team sketched out a modern Indian Motorcycle race suit. Tony Peterson of Arsenal Leathers agreed to make a custom suit to Cam’s specification and get a Snell 2010 approved helmet from Scorpion and a Forcefield back protector. My good friend Cory Ness sent a pair of Arlen Ness racing boots and gloves. This completed the pieces to keep asphalt out of my epidermis, my fingers and toes attached, and the grey matter inside my skull. I’m fortunate to work at a great company. The Vice President of Motorcycles, Steve Menneto, gave his full support to participate in this event. At Polaris, we believe that the ride and the experience are what shape great products.

A racing license is the next hurdle. I quickly went online, read a few race books, read all the rule books and signed up to renew my AMA membership. I registered for a race class that took place the Friday before the race, and a USCRA event that was the Saturday before the event. This entire event is hosted by Bob Coy who gave vintage motorcycle racing its birth in founding the USCRA. Bob made it possible for me to get into the event where it would have been otherwise impossible. So now I’m all set, I just have to learn to ride a vintage bike, pass tech inspection, pass race school, and not crash out of the USCRA event. What could possibly go wrong? A terrorist attack on an airport, that’s what…
Continue reading ‘Racing A Vintage Indian Scout For The 1st Time. The Story Of Gary Gray, Indian Motorcycles Product Manager.’

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Sound Of Harley-Davidson Electric Motorcycle Has Been Improved

Published by Cyril Huze June 22nd, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.

Thanks to your feedback, in just a couple of days, Harley-Davidson electric motorcycle sound has been improved. At least in this video…

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Daytona Beach Police Department Makes the Switch. Will Use Victory Police Motorcycles Starting This Fall.

Published by Cyril Huze June 21st, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

When you will arrive in Daytona for this upcoming Biketoberfest, the Daytona Beach Police Department will be patrolling on Victory® Motorcycles. The Daytona Beach City Commission voted unanimously in May to support the recommendation of Police Chief Michael Chitwood and approve the switch to Victory Police Motorcycles starting Oct. 1, 2014. The police department’s motor officers will be patrolling on a fleet of 12 Commander I VPM models, which are based on the Victory “”Cross Country” model. October 1st is the date at which the current lease to use Harley-Davidson motorcycles is expiring.

The department is switching to Victory Police Motorcycles after every other year our agency ordered new motorcycles, and we were at the mercy of whatever new advances were made to the bike itself, which usually wasn’t much,” said highly decorated DBPD Traffic Unit Officer Jason Kilker. “By contrast, Victory Police Motorcycles provided a two-page checklist of law enforcement-only options that were available for our officers to select what suited them best. These options included, but were not limited to, full-size AR-15 rifle racks, heated grips, and a mind-blowing LED light package that no one can match.” Continue reading ‘Daytona Beach Police Department Makes the Switch. Will Use Victory Police Motorcycles Starting This Fall.’

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S&S Cycle Proven Performance®. The Final Episode. Break Free.

Published by Cyril Huze June 21st, 2014 in Customs, Editorial, Engines and Videos.

Don’t miss the conclusion of the S&S Proven Performance® video series. In this third and final episode, S&S Cycle main man is running out of time in his quest to Break Free from the repression of the “Stock Corps”. We witness his unwavering resolve to improve the performance of his motorcycle despite the eminent threat of the relentless P.I.G. enforcers. As he turns the wrench for the final time, will he and his bike be ready as P.I.G. closes in on him? Will he be able to escape the dreary, monotonous experience of stock performance? There’s a pounding on the door – time to find out…

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Steel Rear Bagger Fenders With Side Panels

Published by Cyril Huze June 20th, 2014 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.

Both “Bagger Werks” fenders feature full length side panels that cover strut and saddlebag gaps.

Available in smooth finish or with a set of 3 ribs, with or without cutout and license frame. They are designed for 2009-2012 FLHX Street Glide, FLTR Road Glide and FLHR Road King models.

If you order the cutout model it comes with a chrome full function License plate with LED turn signals, running and brake lights. Cutout fenders with the frame are $699.95 in smooth or ribbed and the non-cutout style goes for $510.95. Sold by Paughco or call 775-246-5738

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Charge Station For Harley-Davidson Electric Motorcycles

Published by Cyril Huze June 20th, 2014 in Builders, Electrical and Events.

Paul Jamiol, famous cartoonist, avid motorcycle rider and faithful reader of my daily news, gifted me with this toon about Harley-Davidson foray into electric motorcycles. Enjoy.

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The New Custom 500 Bell Helmet Is Thinner And Sits Lower

Published by Cyril Huze June 20th, 2014 in Accessories and Editorial.

The Bell’s classic 3/4 500 Bell lid is a classic that many of you, including myself, are wearing. Problem is that we all look like having huge heads…So, the Bell helmet technicians redesigned it with a thin-profile shell allowing the helmet to sit lower on the head. The 500 Custom looks much smaller on your head than before and the brand new headform offers a much better fit.

It is offered in 5 shell and EPS liner sizes to ensure a low profile look. As always, it features an integrated 5-snap pattern for aftermarket shields and visors, a multi density EPS liner, a stainless steel D-ring closure, a leather D-ring pull tab, strap keeper and an Industry-leading five-year warranty. Bell Helmets.

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Harley-Davidson Reveals Project Livewire. The First Electric Bike You Will Like?

Published by Cyril Huze June 19th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial, Events and Videos.

Not yet for sale, Harley-Davidson invites consumers to ride, react and shape the future of this new electric motorcycle. See it, hear it, feel it. H-D Invites is bringing innovation to the street and is inviting everybody to ride and tell them what you think. A 2014 U.S. tour – kicking off with a journey down Route 66 – will visit more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships now through the end of the year. In 2015, the Project LiveWire Experience will continue in the U.S. and expand into Canada and Europe. The tour across America will continue June 24th in New York City, where riders will be invited to take a historic ride. The other stops announced this morning are in Boston June 27th-29th and Philadelphia July 17th-19th. Other 2014 stops to be announced very soon.

“America at its best has always been about reinvention,” said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “And, like America, Harley-Davidson has reinvented itself many times in our history, with customers leading us every step of the way. Project LiveWire is another exciting, customer-led moment in our history.” Spurred by this heritage, the Project LiveWire Experience invites customers to test ride, provide feedback and learn more about the story of the motorcycle. Even those who don’t yet ride will have the opportunity to feel the power of Project LiveWire through Jumpstart – a simulated riding experience. “This builds on many recent reinvention successes for Harley-Davidson.” said Levatich. “In just the last few years, we’ve broadened our reach to serve an increasingly diverse society, as well as reinvented our approach to product development and manufacturing. This has resulted in cutting-edge products like the recently launched Project Rushmore touring bikes, Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 models and this reveal of Project LiveWire.”

“Project LiveWire is more like the first electric guitar – not an electric car,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “It’s an expression of individuality and iconic style that just happens to be electric. Project LiveWire is a bold statement for us as a company and a brand.” The bike offers a visceral riding experience with tire-shredding acceleration and an unmistakable new sound. “The sound is a distinct part of the thrill,” said Richer. “Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire’s unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market.” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Reveals Project Livewire. The First Electric Bike You Will Like?’

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Harley-Davidson. Big Reveal Tomorrow June 19, 2014.

Published by Cyril Huze June 18th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.

A Harley-Davidson teaser video to build anticipation before tomorrow’s announcement. Their latest innovation on Route 66? What did you see? What did you hear? The big reveal is tomorrow morning June 19. What do you think it can be? Tell me your guess in “comments”

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Polaris Chairman And CEO Scott Wine To Join Bancorp Board Of Directors

Published by Cyril Huze June 18th, 2014 in Editorial and Events.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced that Scott W. Wine, its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has been elected to serve as a director of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), effective July 14, 2014.

“It is a tremendous honor to join the Board of Directors of U.S. Bancorp, a great banking institution with a stellar reputation for efficiency, integrity, and strong financial results,” said Wine. “I look forward to contributing to, and learning from Richard K. Davis and the rest of the board.” Continue reading ‘Polaris Chairman And CEO Scott Wine To Join Bancorp Board Of Directors’

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2014 Annual “Motorcycle As Art” Sturgis Exhibition At The Buffalo Chip Is “Built For Speed”

Published by Cyril Huze June 18th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Events.

The 15th annual Sturgis “Motorcycles as Art” exhibition has for title “Built for Speed” and will be co-curated for the second year in a row by photographer Michael Lichter and Vintagent blogger Paul D’orleans. The exhibit held at the Buffalo Chip will showcase 35 custom motorcycles from around the world (as far away as Japan and Switzerland) with some connection to speed and racing.

‘Built for Speed’ will “WOW” visitors with a beautiful and thought-provoking display of motorcycles and related art, our race-inspired theme making connections between between motorcycle racing and custom bike designs inspired by racers. Each custom bike in ‘Built for Speed’ reflects a branch of racing; Speedway, Flat Track, Drag Racing, Board Track, Grand Prix, Land Speed Record, and will be displayed beside the racing machines suggesting the origins of each style. On the walls surrounding these awesome bike will be race-themed painting, photography, helmets and prints by artists equally inspired by competition motorcycles in action.

The 35 motorcycles in ‘Built for Speed’ include customs by long established and emerging builders, side by side with factory-loaned machines. Builder sending bikes include Alan Stulberg, Arlen Ness, Atomic Trent Schara, Bill Dodge, Bill Rodencal, Brad Richards, Brandon Holstein, Brian Klock, Dan “Bacon” Carr, Dan Rognsvoog, Danny Schneider (Switzerland), Jason Paul Michaels, John Reed, Kenji “Ken” Nagai (Japan), Kevin Baas, Kirk Taylor, Matt Olsen, Nate Jacobs, Pat Patterson, Paul Cox, Paul Wideman, Roland Sands, Skeeter Todd, Tator Gilmore, Warren Lane and Zach Ness. Continue reading ‘2014 Annual “Motorcycle As Art” Sturgis Exhibition At The Buffalo Chip Is “Built For Speed”’

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How It Is Made. V-Twin Motorcycle Engine.

Published by Cyril Huze June 18th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.

Yes, it looks very easy when built on an assembly line. Much less when you have to do it using shop tools and your bare hands…

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Harley-Davidson Recalls Chrome Hand Control Lever Kits

Published by Cyril Huze June 18th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Events.

Harley-Davidson is recalling 209 accessory Chrome Hand Control Lever Kits, part number 36700053, intended for use on 2014 Harley Davidson XL Sportster motorcycles.

The kits may have an excess of chrome plating on the brake lever which could prevent the full return of the front brake master cylinder piston. If the brake master cylinder piston does not return to the proper position, the front brake pressure would not be relieved and the front wheel may lock up, increasing the risk of a crash. Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the affected front brake levers free of charge. The recall has began. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson’s number for this recall is 0156.

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Find Your Dry Socks In Your Harley RUSHMORE Tour-Pak And Saddlebags

Published by Cyril Huze June 17th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.

Stop fumbling in the dark with the new Tour-Pak® Luggage and Saddlebag Interior Light Kit (P/N 68000151, $119.95) from Harley-Davidson®. For early-morning packing or the late, dark end of a ride, brilliant white LED lamps illuminate the interior of Tour-Pak and hard saddlebag luggage of the 2014 RUSHMORE Harley-Davidson Touring models.

One LED light pod mounts inside the Tour-Pak carrier to illuminate the interior, and two LED light pods mount to the bottom of the Tour-Pak carrier to cast light inside the open saddlebags. Each LED light pod features a soft-touch micro switch for ease of activation, and a five-minute auto shutoff timer to prevent battery drain. The kit fits 2014 Electra Glide® and Street Glide® models equipped with King Tour-Pak luggage. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website.

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Tonight. Velocity’s “What’s In The Barn” Lends A Hand To The Home Depot Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project

Published by Cyril Huze June 17th, 2014 in Builders and Videos.

On Velocity’s “What’s In The Barn” episode premiering tonight June 17 at 10 PM ET/PT, host Dale Walksler goes on the hunt for a WWII military bike to help raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project in conjunction with The Home Depot Foundation. Dale’s search takes him on a 1,400 mile roundtrip journey to Harrison, Ark. where he finds two extremely rare motorcycles with a unique military history. The bikes were originally made by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company for the U.S. Navy around 1942 and were then likely re-commissioned by Harley-Davidson around 1946 for the newly forming U.S. Air Force. Below is a clip from this episode.

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Joke Of The Week

Published by Cyril Huze June 17th, 2014 in Editorial.

A blonde called her boyfriend and said, “Please come over here and help me. I have a killer jigsaw puzzle and I can’t figure out how to get it started.” Her boyfriend asked, “What’s it supposed to be when it’s finished?” The blonde says, “According to the picture on the box, it’s a tiger.
”
Her boyfriend decided to come over and help with the puzzle. She let him in and showed him where she had the puzzle spread out on the table. He studied the pieces for a moment, looked at the box, then turned to her and said, ”

First of all, no matter what we do, we are not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a tiger.” He took her hand and said, “Second, I want you to relax, let’s have a nice cup of tea, and then,” he sighed, “let’s put all these Frosted Flakes back in the box.”

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A Triumph Scrambler In Dirt Bike Clothing

Published by Cyril Huze June 16th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

This feature for all those among you loving modern classic bikes dressed for track spins, canyon carving and even road day trips. A bike for a great evasion, reminiscent of the Steve McQueen’s iconic Triumph TR6 Trophy in the 1963 film The Great Escape. British Customs decided to buy a stock 2012 Triumph Scrambler and see where it took them. As a matter of facts, in several directions, the bike having been customized at least 3 times for some paved and unpaved adventures, then for pure dirt track racing (yes, it was raced during the last Hell On Wheels “Hot August Nights”) and now the version seen here combining several influences, both dirt and street tracking, for hard competition on tough terrain or recreational fun on the road. Continue reading ‘A Triumph Scrambler In Dirt Bike Clothing’

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The 23rd Annual International Ride To Work Day Is Today June 16, 2014

Published by Cyril Huze June 16th, 2014 in Editorial and Events.

Since 2008, The Ride To Work Day (first event was in 1992) is set for the 3rd Monday of June. So, this year it’s today June 16. Ride to Work is a 501 c4 nonprofit, all-volunteer effort. Riding your motorcycle or scooter on this day is to demonstrate.

• The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians.
• That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life.
• That motorcyclists can reduce traffic and parking congestion in large cities.
• That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation.
• That motorcycling is a social good.

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2014 Harley-Davidson World Ride Is Set For June 22-23

Published by Cyril Huze June 15th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

All Harley riders around the word, H.O.G. members and the others, are invited by Harley-Davidson to take a break from the rat race and hit the open road on June 22-23 for the 2014 Harley-Davidson World Ride.

Launched in 2008 by the Harley Owners Group® as Million Mile Monday®, the annual riding event was expanded into the two-day Harley-Davidson World Ride in 2012 to give more riders worldwide an opportunity to participate. In 2012, participants logged 7.7 million miles, but last year as riders celebrated the 110th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the 30th Anniversary of H.O.G., riders from 66 countries blitzed that record by more than 25 percent, tallying an official total of more than 10 million miles. Riders logged their miles solo, in groups large and small, and through a variety of dealer-led events around the world, united by their shared passion for motorcycling. Continue reading ‘2014 Harley-Davidson World Ride Is Set For June 22-23’

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