South Dakota already got its winter share of snow and of storms with high winds up to 60 mph.
For those who are familiar with Sturgis Lazelle Street, a recent picture of some damage at the Easyriders Saloon extension to the the ex-Broken Spoke Saloon.
I am pretty sure that most of those who will install this Road Glide grille guard will do it for looks more than for protection.
But you never know what you are going to encounter on the road…
They are available in 2 finishes, powder coat black or chrome. MSRP $294.95. At Trask Performance or call 623-879-8488.
What better way to share the holiday spirit than with these exciting Motorcycle Holiday and Greeting Cards photographed by leading motorsports and fashion photographer Jimmy “The Greek” Gianatsis for his line of Motorcycle Pinup Calendars. Choose from Christmas, Motorcycle, and “Get Well” themes, along with Greeting Cards featuring your favorite racers in World Superbike and MotoGP. Cards are available individually and in a box of 10-Card sets. Order ay Fast Dates Holiday Cards.
New York City To Spend $2.6 million On 100 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. The NYPD began using Harleys in the late 1950s. The last Harley-Davidson purchase was in 2007, when cops bought $945,000 worth of bikes. The NYPD traditionally uses the Harley-Davidson Road King and Electra Glide, which both range from $18,000 to $24,000. The Harleys are used to patrol streets and highways, escort dignitaries and lead parades.
Erik Buell Racing To Distribute India’s Hero Motorcycles In North America. Erik Buell Racing LLC will become the exclusive distributor of Hero MotoCorp Ltd. motorcycles and scooters in North America beginning in summer 2014, marking the latest collaboration with its minority owner. East Troy-based EBR has had a partnership with India-based Hero since 2011, and Hero bought a 49.2 percent stake in EBR this past summer. EBR made the announcement about distributing Hero motorcycles last week at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Orlando, Fla., where it also unveiled a new street-legal sport bike at a price that competes with international manufacturers like Ducati. Specific Hero models to be distributed by EBR and pricing details have yet to be determined, EBR said in a press release. Hero manufactures more than 6 million two-wheelers in India each year.
Metzeler Has Enlisted Steven Tyler To Help Introduce Its Latest Models. Introduction will be made at the Metzeler Legendary Knight, a free entrance and open bar event to be held on 5 November at Fonderia Napoleonica in the Motoquartiere of Milan. Aerosmith frontman and Dirico Motorcycles USA spokesman Steven Tyler will unveil Metzeler’s custom touring ME 888 Marathon Ultra tyre in a Whitewall version and new 23” front size, while popular British rider Guy Martin will help the brand launch its new Sportec M7 RR supersport tyre.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Enters The motorcycle Business With A New Las Vegas-based Fleet Of Harley-Davidsons. The company better known for four-wheeled vehicles launched its two-wheeled last Wednesday, marking the first time a major car rental company is offering motorcycles in the U.S. Enterprise Vice President Steve Short says the company started the pilot program in Sin City because it sees opportunity among tourists who want to venture out to attractions like Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. Customers can now rent five different Harley models from a new Enterprise branch on Flamingo Road. Two more models should be available by the end of November. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
A woman is having an affair during the day while her husband is at work. Her 9 year old son comes home unexpectedly, sees them and hides in the bedroom closet to watch. The woman’s husband also comes home. She puts her lover in the closet, not realizing that the little boy is in there already.
The little boy says, “Dark in here.” The man says, “Yes, it is.” Boy – “I have a baseball. Man – “That’s nice.”. Boy – “Want to buy it?” Man – “No, thanks.” Boy – “My dad’s outside.” Man – “OK, how much?” Boy – “$250”
In the next few weeks, it happens again that the boy and the lover are in the closet together. Boy – “Dark in here.” Man – “Yes, it is.” Boy – “I have a baseball glove.” The lover remembering the last time, asks the boy, “How much?” Boy – “$750” Man – “Fine.” Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
The American Petroleum Institute (API), a national trade association that represents America’s oil and natural gas industry, conducted a survey whose results show that more than three-fourths of Americans fear that E15 fuel may damage fuel system components, the American Motorcyclist Association reports. Also, more than two-thirds of those surveyed believe that using more corn for ethanol production could force up food prices.
E15 is a fuel blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline that the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved for use in 2001-and-newer passenger vehicles. Ethanol is grain alcohol produced from crops such as corn that is mixed with gasoline to produce an ethanol-gasoline blend motor fuel. Continue reading ‘Surveyed Americans Fear E15 Fuel Damage’
Magnaflow, a global leader in automotive performance exhaust products, today announces a new partnership with Arlen Ness Motorcycles to manufacture and sell a complete line of co-branded exhaust products. Known as “Arlen Ness by Magnaflow”, the high-performance, high-quality, made in the USA exhaust systems will be designed by Arlen Ness for American V-Twin motorcycles.
The new product line will make its world debut on the National Geographic Channel’s Let It Ride series starring Zach Ness on October 24, 2013. Magnaflow has been a leader in automotive exhaust performance, technology, design and manufacturing for over 30 years. Arlen Ness is an icon in the custom motorcycle world with a 40 plus year history of building custom bikes and high end parts and accessories. For more information and to see the new Arlen Ness by Magnaflow products visit Magnaflow Exhaust Systems.
Founded in 1981, Magnaflow is a global leader in American made automotive high-performance exhaust systems and catalytic converters. Magnaflow drives innovative exhaust design and engineering from their campus of buildings in Rancho Santa Margarita, California that includes a 350,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that sets the industry standard for technology and precision craftsmanship, a 100,000 sq. ft. catalytic converter laboratory and manufacturing facility, a 90,000 sq. ft. research and development technology center and a 35,000 sq. ft. media center. Focused on moving the V-Twin motorcycle market forward, Magnaflow offers innovative designs that generate unparalleled performance and deep, rich, powerful American Muscle sound. Continue reading ‘Magnaflow Partners With Arlen Ness Motorcycles On New Co-Branded Line Of Exhaust Systems. Products To Debut On Let It Ride TV Show.’
To honor Ayrton Senna da Silva (1960-1994), the legendary Brazilian Formula One racing driver who won three world championships before being killed in an accident during the San Marino Grand Prix, Ducati is launching the special edition Senna 1199 Panigale S. Production will begin mid 2014 to mark 20 years since Senna’s death. Only 161 motorcycles will be produced – the number of races Senna participated in F1 – and they will all be sold in Brazil and are going to feature a Senna-inspired color scheme.
Harley-Davidson recall of 29,000 of the company’s much-hyped 2014 Project Rushmore models equates to about 11% of the total number of motorcycles Harley-Davidson expects to ship in 2013. Will it have a strong impact on consumers demand?
No, said President, Chairman and CEO Keith Wandell during yesterday Tuesday’s third-quarter earnings report. He believes that the company acted with integrity by deciding the voluntary recall, that the fix on the defective clutch will be done in a timely manner by dealers on bikes brought back by owners, and that the delay in shipment of the new 2014 motorcycles will not be more than one week.
Due to the recall Harley-Davidson will take a one-time $4.9 million charge in its fourth-quarter financial results. The largest Harley-Davidson recall was in 2011 when the company recalled 250,000 motorcycles because of a defective rear brake light switch.
Young California shop Champions Moto built a trio of very nice customs with Café Racer styling, the Streetmaster, Brighton and So-Cal Miler.
To commemorate the bikes that got them started, they created 3 tee-shirts for those who believe in the tenets of Café bike culture: freedom, individually and a lust for speed.
A limited edition to please all asphalt junkies…
The Champions Moto Vintage Triple set also includes a handmade leather and brass key fob and is sold online online for $59,95.
Polaris Industries Inc. said Tuesday that its third-quarter net income rose 20 percent, buoyed by higher selling prices and lower product costs.
The snowmobile and ATV maker also increased its full-year earnings from continuing operations and revenue forecasts.
Chairman and CEO Scott Wine said in a statement that there’s continued demand for the Minneapolis company’s existing products. He added that new model year 2014 vehicles and accessories are arriving at dealers and receiving positive customer feedback. Continue reading ‘Polaris 3rd Quarter Profit Up On Higher Selling Prices.’
With the slogan “The Quality says NASA. The Style Says NASCAR”, Bitwell is launching the Biltwell Gringo full-face helmet with an aesthetic that conjures the spirit of motorcycle and 1970’s drag racing’s golden era.
The Features include a seamless injection-molded ABS outer shell, shock-absorbing EPS inner shell and a removable hand-stitched comfort liner with open-cell foam and brushed Lycra construction. The comfortable chinstrap features brushed Lycra material on touch points and a flat D-ring fastener with an adjustable snap-style end retainer. Continue reading ‘Biltwell Gringo Full-Face Helmet’
This morning October 22, 2013 before Wall Street opening, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced its 3rd quarter earnings and dealer new motorcycle sales.Sales rose sharply in the third quarter of 2013, compared to the year-ago period. Worldwide retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 15.5% in the quarter, including a 20.1% increase in the U.S., compared to last year’s third quarter. Diluted earnings per share increased 23.7% to $0.73, primarily on strong operating results in the motorcycles segment, including higher motorcycle shipments and gains in plant operating efficiencies, compared to the year-ago period. Third-quarter net income was $162.7 million on consolidated revenue of $1.34 billion, compared to net income of $134.0 million on consolidated revenue of $1.25 billion in the year-ago period. Through nine months, Harley-Davidson net income was $658.6 million on consolidated revenue of $4.71 billion, compared to net income of $553.3 million on consolidated revenue of $4.41 billion in the year-ago period. Nine-month 2013 diluted earnings per share were $2.93, up 22.1% compared to $2.40 in the year-ago period.
“Harley-Davidson had a great third quarter, with strong financial performance and retail sales growth,” said Keith Wandell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “Rider response to the 2014 motorcycles we introduced August 18 was extremely positive. In fact, initial retail sales of the new Project Rushmore motorcycles sparked the largest year-over-year new model year sales increase in two decades. We also capped our year-long 110th Anniversary celebration in late August when throngs of riders joined us in Milwaukee from around the world for a huge three-day party like only Harley-Davidson can throw. “Everyone at Harley-Davidson is proud of our accomplishments and results so far this year, as we continue to see the benefits of our manufacturing, product development and retail strategies. Our employees, dealers and suppliers come to work every day with a relentless focus on providing our customers a great experience,” Wandell said. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson 3rd Quarter Earnings And Retail Motorcycle Sales Rise Sharply. Sales Rise 15.5% Worldwide, 20.1% in the U.S.’
The Conrad’s Ride to honor Texas native Conrad Nicklus will begin at 8 a.m. and is hosted by Indian Motorcycle and The Lone Star Rally Team. The start location is at the “Fish Tales Demo Lot” between 25th and 27th on Seawall Blvd. Indian will provide their Demo Fleet for all ride participants who provide proof of motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Gift bags, will be given to all Indian Motorcycle riders at the completion of the ride. The Lone Star Rally Team along with Indian Motorcycles will also provide food at the VIP Tent. There is no fee to participate in the ride. However, for a $10 contribution; riders will receive the annual “Conrad’s Ride, Lone Star Rally” patch. Or make a donation directly to the fund by mailing your check to: Conrad Nicklus Memorial Fund, C/O Woodforest Bank, 1599 Lake Robbins Ste 100, The Woodlands, TX 77380.
Master Builder Jeff Nicklus from Desperado Motorcycles has found a way to honor his son by finishing the ‘RAD RACER’ bike that Conrad started before his tragic death in July 2012. This magnificent tribute to an amazing young man will be shown during the rally between October 31st and November 3rd. Last year’s Republic of Texas rally was the last event Conrad Nicklus attended, with his father, before his life was cut short. Continue reading ‘The 2nd Annual “Conrad’s Ride” Will Be Held November 2, 2013 During The Lone Star Rally’
For Max Hazan of Brooklyn based Hazan Motorworks, motorcycles are an artistic medium. “I approach the process if it were a painting or sculpture, each part being the same as a brushstroke…”, he likes to repeat. So, some are going to admire this superb rolling piece of art. Others are going to state that it’s a failed motorcycle because even if you can ride it, it will not be for very long time with each bump on the road kicking your nuts…
A motocross accident letting him immobilized for a few months staring at a beach cruiser bicycle gave him the idea to build his first motorcycle. Let’s put an engine in it, he thought, until he realized that it was way too much power for a bicycle-conceived frame… Now in its fourth motorcycle project, he learned quite a few things about what can or not sustain torque and speed. But he is still faithful to a style reminiscent of last century’s first motorcycles, bicycles powered by an engine. Like many custom builders do it, he starts his creative process after first choosing an engine whose aesthetic qualities are pleasing him, and this whatever the rebuilt work that has to be done to make it run properly. A set of 1920’s car tires (31″ front, 30″ rear) he came across were the spark to inspire the project featured here. Continue reading ‘Art On Wheels’
Since 2011, date at which he launched his new shop named Bourget’s Chopper Shoppe in Montrose CO, Roger Bourget was very discreet about his new custom work. Then, a few months ago, he made me aware that the 2013 edition of Daytona Biketoberfest was his deadline to present 2 new extreme Bagger designs. But don’t expect Roger to mass produce these 2 creations like he was doing before during 20 years in his former very large Arizona shop. He wants to keep his shop small, to keep personal contact with customers, to have fun again with custom building while taking time to enjoy his personal life with wife Emily and his 2 twin boys Clutch & Cam. So, Roger took the decision to build only 15 units of these 2 new models. Continue reading ‘Exclusive. Roger Bourget Unveils 2 New Limited Edition Custom Baggers During Daytona Biketoberfest.’
This Saturday evening October 19th, 2014, the legendary Daytona Boot Hill Saloon is celebrating its 40th anniversary. For your viewing pleasure, I asked top photographer Bill Eadie to shoot this picture of Sports Illustrated’s Meghan Dover astride a 2014 Indian Chief Vintage in front of the famous bar.
The backstory is that Enzo Almeida, the local Daytona Indian dealer, was seeking a location to display the new line of Indians on Main Street for Biketoberfest attendees to enjoy. He contacted Indian Motorcycle Company to request their assistance for the promotion in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of the oldest biker bar on Main Street, The Boot Hill Saloon.
As all good recipes are enhanced with a touch of sweetness, Sports Illustrated’s Meghan Dover became the promotion’s “meet and great” hostess. Meghan obviously caught the attendees’ eyes, but it was the new Indians that captured their hearts.
A simple story of a local business working together with the support of America oldest motorcycle company.
First, a little bit of history, The first annual Biketoberfest was held on October 16-18, 1992 and was originally named “The Daytona Fall Tour.” I was there among 5000 bikers, mostly from the local Florida market, with activities centered around the Main Street merchants. The name Biketoberfest became popular after a marketing campaign in Germany (where Oktoberfest is a national celebration) to attract bikers who wanted to escape Europe’s winter weather and enjoy a fun-filled Florida holiday. In 1993 the name Biketoberfest® was registered with the US Trademark office, marking it the first US trademark registered motorcycle event in the country.
Today, Biketobefest events have spread around Daytona, to Ormond Beach to the north, to Orlando to the west… and to the Keys to the south for those looking for a long weekend scenic ride. Daytona Main Street, Daytona Beach Street, the International Speedway and Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach are ground zero for motorcycle manufacturers and custom part vendors selling everything you can dream of to make your bike look and run better. Continue reading ‘2013 Daytona Biketoberfest. Flash News.’
Always a very good choice for both stock and custom motorcycles, WIRE-PLUS offers redesigned Seat Post Wiring Systems when in need of a key housing and a place to hide a module. The choice available includes Seat Post Wiring Systems for stock controls including lighting control and compression release, with automative start, in 3 chrome or polish or black face designs (Classic, Old School and Coffin series.) Replaceable start relay and diagnostics LED’s switch can be viewed through holes in the face of the housing. WIRE-PLUS.
On September 30, 2013 I featured a Harley Sportster Forty Eight built by a Brisbane, Australia based shop called Ellaspede Custom Motorcycles. Owners Steve Barry and Leo Yip want Ellaspede to be a hub for motorcycle culture and creativity. In one clip they document their lifestyle. Result is a very cool video that they wanted me to share with you.
Discovering the country from a recreational vehicle is a US tradition. A way to do it in style and luxury is the Bowlus Road Chief. I guess a strong competitor of the Airstream trailers, and even more exclusive because less seen. Particularity is its relatively light weight of 2800 lbs thanks to a welded tube aluminum frame and an aircraft sheeting exterior. It means that almost all vehicles can tow it. Inside, amenities include a bed that you can setup as a King or a Twin, a dining room with table that you can convert in 2 extra small beds, a fully functional aluminum kitchen and a shower. Electricity via a solar panel, detachable awning and charging station for all your electronic devices. $100,000. Watch it on the road.
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Harley-Davidson is acting quickly to address potential safety issues by voluntarily recalling certain 2014 Touring motorcycles equipped with a hydraulic clutch system that may pose a safety issue for riders and/or passengers. The recalls include a Do Not Ride notice to owners and a Do Not Deliver notice to Harley-Davidson dealers until the motorcycle is fixed.
The recalls affect 25,185 Touring motorcycles, models FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE and FLHRSE, and 3,861 Softail® CVOs and Trikes, models FLHTCUTG, FXSBSE and FLSTNSE, built between May 3, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013.
Some of these motorcycles may exhibit a condition in which the hydraulic clutch system may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch. If the clutch does not disengage as intended, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, which could result in an accident. Harley-Davidson has initiated these recalls to correct the affected motorcycles. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Issues “Do Not Ride Notice” To Owners Of 29,000 Touring And Softail Models With Hydraulic Clutch Systems.’
Energetic atmosphere at the inaugural AIMExpo (American International Motorcycle Expo) of Orlando where motorcycle dealers and media are invited during 2 days to preview the new releases from oem manufacturers and from over 400 vendors of after-market accessories (more about this in future posts.) Important presence of members of the American V-Twin industry, participating or checking this new important motorcycle show that will open its doors to the public all Friday afternoon and Sunday until 9 p.m. The American International Motorcycle Expo’s purpose is to serve as the catalyst to bring together industry, press, dealers and consumers in a single arena that creates a grand stage for motorcycling in the U.S. and North America. A few postcards from people on the floor…
From left to right and top to bottom.
1- Ladies of AIMExpo.
2– Kerry Graeber, AIMExpo Marketing Director with Chris Carr, seven-time AMA Pro Grand National champion and Larry Little, Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group VP and General Manager.
3- Chris Wall, Metzeler Tyres Marketing Director.
4- Chris McGee, Director Of Magnaflow Motorcycle Division with Rod Woodruff Owner of Sturgis Buffalo Chip.
5- Paul Gomez, General Manager National Cycle.
6- Mark Wilsmore, Ace Cafe North America with Cyril Huze and Jeff Najar from Biker Pros.
7- Mike Corbin, Corbin Seats with unknown.
This is something to think about when negative people are doing their best to rain on your parade. So remember this story the next time someone who knows nothing and cares less tries to make your life miserable.
A woman was at her hairdresser’ s getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband.. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded: “Rome ? Why would anyone want to go there? It’s crowded and dirty.. You’re crazy to go to Rome . So, how are you getting there?” “We’re taking Continental, ” was the reply. “We got a great rate!” “Continental? ” exclaimed the hairdresser. ” That’s a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they’re always late. So, where are you staying in Rome ?” “We’ll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome ‘s Tiber River called Teste.” “Don’t go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it’s really a dump.” “We’re going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope.” ”That’s rich,” laughed the hairdresser. You and a million other people trying to see him. He’ll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You’re going to need it.” Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
From the American International Motorcycle Exposition (AIMExpo) in Orlando. Less than 30 minutes ago, and after months of speculation from motorcycle dealers, sport bike enthusiasts and Media, Erik Buell Racing (EBR) unveiled their latest sport bike, the EBR 1190RX. While the new, street-legal high performance motorcycle is a direct descendant of EBR’s race-bred limited edition 1190RS Super Bike, the 1190RX features many new rider-focused features and is raising the bar over competitive sport bike offerings.
Most notably, the new motorcycle weighs-in at just 419 pounds, yet boasts 185 horsepower and 102 ft.-lbs. of torque from its ET-V2 1190 cc V-Twin engine. Few, if any, production motorcycles have ever produced this level of peak torque. The 1190RX’s wide torque band assures riders that ample power is available in every gear, and 21 traction control settings keep the power within the rider’s control in all road conditions.
Aside from boasting the broadest torque band, the new engine delivers a combined highway/city fuel economy of over 40 mpg. Likewise, the hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide exhaust emissions produced by the 1190RX are less than 25% of those allowed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Carbon monoxide emissions are just 6% of the level allowed by U.S. federal regulations. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. Erik Buell Unveils His New American Sport Bike. The EBR 1190RX. $18,995.’
For those building their bikes from a modified Harley-Davidson frame where mounts are shaved and relocated or from any after-market frame, a kickstand with holes you can weld-on exactly where you want on the left lower tube. Choice of finish, polished or black anodized. MSRP. $189.99. At Speed Dealers Custom. 417-392-0233
