“I wish to do something great and wonderful. But I must start doing the little things like they are great and wonderful”
Albert Einstein
Archive Page 37
Arrowhead Airbox For Your Indian Thunder Stroke 111” Motor
Published by February 17th, 2017 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Not only for traditional styling but also for slightly better performance.
Lloydz Motor Works is claiming a 5 to 6 hp gain when replacing your stock Thunder Stroke 111” air cleaner with their Arrowhead Airbox.
It is available either in chrome finish or black powdercoat with contrast-cut. Choice of filter element in red, black, or natural un-dyed. Fitting all Indian Thunder Stroke 111” motors. MSRP $495.00 (currently in back order). Lloydz Motor Works.
Valerie Thompson Named First Female Member Of Bonneville 200 MPH Club Board of Directors
Published by February 17th, 2017 in Editorial, Events and Racing.
Professional Motorcycle Driver & Team Owner Valerie Thompson, the world Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer was appointed to the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club board of directors during their recent meeting at the National Hot Rod Association Museum in Pomona California. Thompson is a seven-time land speed record holder, team owner/driver and member of six different land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs.
She made history at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, winning the “The Fastest Time of the Meet” award with a speed of 304.263 mph (489.6 KMH) piloting the Team “7” Racing streamliner. Thompson is the first female rider over 300 mph, earning the title of “Worlds Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer.” With a top speed of 208.812 mph, Thompson became a member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club on her BMW S 1000 RR at the 28th Annual World of Speed event in September 2014.
The Bonneville 200 MPH Club recognizes those drivers and motorcycle riders who are able to set class record over 200 MPH against an existing record. The club recognizes records of the Southern California Timing Association, and International records of the FIA and the FIM set in the flying mile at the Bonneville Salt Flats. There are currently over 750 members since the founding of the club in 1953. Continue reading ‘Valerie Thompson Named First Female Member Of Bonneville 200 MPH Club Board of Directors’
Crankshaft Position Sensor Now Available Exclusively From Twin Power
Published by February 17th, 2017 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
Never get stuck on the side of the road again with the new Crankshaft Position Sensor, exclusively from Twin Power. The sensor is an exact O.E.M. fit and offers the same function, a great addition to the ever- growing Twin Power product line.
“The Crankshaft Position Sensor is one of the most important parts of your motorcycle,” says James Simonelli, Brand Manager for Twin Power. “When it goes bad, your bike isn’t going anywhere. This new product will keep you on the road and solve a known problem without draining your wallet.” Continue reading ‘Crankshaft Position Sensor Now Available Exclusively From Twin Power’
New Super Touring Comfort Seat For Harley Freewheeler® Trike
Published by February 16th, 2017 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
The Freewheeler® trike, Harley-Davidson hotrod-inspired styling trike, got a new custom seat option thanks to Mustang. It looks like some owners would like to seat further with a wider seating area than stock.
For 2015-2017 models Freewheeler models Mustang offers a 19” wide driver seat that sits the rider 2” forward for easier steering control. The passenger will enjoy a slightly bucketed and very ample 14″ wide seating area.
As with all Mustang seats, the marine-grade fiberglass baseplate, proprietary comfort foam and individually sewn covers are proudly handcrafted and assembled in their historic New England facility (tours by appointment). For more information, visit Mustang or call Mustang800-243-1392 or 413-668-1100.
New Engine Installation Tech Tips By S&S Cycle
Published by February 16th, 2017 in Editorial and Engines.
The day has arrived and you are ready to order the new engine that you have been wanting. You should begin planning the installation when you order your engine. Here are several things to check during installation that are often overlooked. The advice from S&S Cycle.
- When ordering the new engine it is wise to order replacements for any questionable parts. If the battery cables, throttle cables, oil lines, primary chain, spark plugs, etc. are old and worn, order replacements when you order the engine. This will save you down time.
- Once you have removed your old engine it is time to prep the rest of the chassis. Replace any worn motor mounts in rubber mount chassis. Remove the oil tank and oil lines (if tank is removable from chassis) and flush thoroughly. If the tank is not removable flush it in place. This step is often overlooked and leftover debris is drawn into the new engine the first time it is fired, this debris can cause premature wear or damage. Also remove any paint or powder coat from the motor mounts. If the mount is not clean the paint will wear away over time causing the engine to be loose in the frame. Continue reading ‘New Engine Installation Tech Tips By S&S Cycle’
Carl Reese To Attempt Breaking The Motorcycle Endurance Record Of 2,023.50 Miles In 24 Hours
Published by February 16th, 2017 in Editorial and Events.
In 10 days, Carl Reese will try to break this motorcycle endurance record riding a BMW K1600GT. He is the current unofficial holder of the solo motorcycle “cannonball” record from LA to New York City in 38-hours and 49-minutes. The new solo motorcycle 24-hour distance record will be attempted on a 8.5 mile oval track with long straights and banked corners. Carl Reese will need to keep an average speed over 85 mph (137 km/h), fuel stops and tires change included. Such a continuous ride will requires exceptional physical endurance and mental strength. Continue reading ‘Carl Reese To Attempt Breaking The Motorcycle Endurance Record Of 2,023.50 Miles In 24 Hours’
The 2017 Slingshot SLR. The Boldest Slingshot Yet.
Published by February 15th, 2017 in Builders and Editorial.
The three-wheeled motorcycle is now offered in a new race inspired SLR version, the boldest Slingshot yet. 173 horsepower, a 305 mm rear tire, a two-tone high-gloss paint with a Sparco-inspired interior. This exhilarating ride is priced at US MSRP $28,499. In silver or orange.
Slingshot Racing. Last month, the USA hosted the Race of Champions (ROC), a first in the contest’s history, at Marlins Park in Miami. Some of the greatest drivers in the world went behind the wheel of the 2017 Slingshot SLR to put these machines to the test. The Slingshot SLR was the very first 3-wheeled roadster to compete in the event’s history and it is also the only vehicle in the race available for purchase. More info at Slingshot SLR.
3rd Edition Custom Show Emirates. March 30 – April 1, 2017
Published by February 15th, 2017 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The event is scheduled for March 30 – April 1st, 2017 at the huge Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi. It will host again the prestigious “Middle East Biker Build Off” and a Bikes Show organized by renowned motorcycle journalist and promoter Frank Sander. In this competition the best bike builders of Arabia will compete with those from Europe and the US.
The Custom Show Emirates is a partner of the Las Vegas based “SEMA USA” trade fair and is held in cooperation with Swiss Custom and other Bike Shows held in the Emirates. European Customizers will face top Middle East builders such as Lycan Custom, Custombikes Al Ain, Sheik Customs and other who have already scored high results at different bike show events. The Car section will present Car-Tuners and Customizers from 9 different countries.
This year’s Middle East Biker Build Off will see a hot battle between Pete Pearson von Rocket Bobs against Hussain Salmeen from Kuwait. Both teams will assemble their projects “live on stage” during the event. Visitors and jury will crown the 2017 “Middle East BBO Champion”, who first has to prove the rideability of his creation.
The event also includes stunt shows and international exhibitors from UAE, Europe, Australia, China and the USA . Since the Middle East enthusiasts are especially hot on tuning- and US cars, the SEMA will organize a ]car show featuring many aspects of car customizing and tuning, Bonus: the event is about 10 minutes by car from the famous Formula 1 ”Yas Marina Circuit” and 1.5 hours away from ”Ferrari World” Dubai. For many Europeans and a few Americans making the trip, a perfect pretext to escape the dull and grey winter days and enjoy the sunny skies of Arabia. Info for exhibitors, dealers and visitors at Custom Show Emirates
Daytona Bike Week. Inaugural Sons Of Speed Vintage Motorcycle Race. March 17-18.
Published by February 14th, 2017 in Builders, Editorial, Events and Racing.
Last October, due to the damage caused to the New Smyrna Speedway by Hurricane Matthew, the inaugural Sons of Speed vintage motorcycle racing had to be postponed. The event is now scheduled during Daytona Bike Week with practice on Friday March 17 and racing on March 18. Imagined by Billy Lane, Sons of Speed is a motorcycle race inspired by early 20th-century board-track racing.
The event will feature 20 racers on hand-built chassis fitted with pre-1925 1000cc American V-Twin engines. Each rider has freedom to customize bars, exhaust, fenders, foot pegs and fuel/oil tanks. The Grand Prize is a brand new S&S Shovelhead type motor.
The 20 racers scheduled to participate are:
Billy Lane (1912 Flying Merkel), Warren Lane (1917 Indian Powerplus), Rick Petko (1919 Indian Powerplus); Shelly Rossmeyer-Pepe (1915 Harley); Rick Marshall (1924 Harley); Matt Walksler (1921 Harley); Brittney Olsen (1923 Harley); Xavier Muriel (1913 P.E.M.); Matt Olsen (19?? Harley); Rhett Rotten (1916 Harley); Derrick Ames (1919 Harley); Bill Rodencal (1915 Harley); Brook James (19?? Harley); Paul Cox (1917 Indian Powerplus); Dan Toce (1914 Indian); Buzz Kanter (1915 Harley); Jim Wall (1928 Indian); Matt Harris (1924 Harley); Mel Stutz (1919 Harley); and Bruce Kannry (1912 Indian).
The New Smyrna Speedway is located south of Daytona at 3939 SR-44, Samsula, Florida is a half-mile, paved, banked racetrack. Tickets to the practice and race event can be purchased at EventBrite.
Option 1: Special Early Bird Rate Pre-sale Pricing. for single-day tickets: $15 for adults, $5 for kids until March 18. These tickets get you in the gate JUST on the 18th (single-day tickets at the gate, if any are left, will be $20 per-person)
Option 2: $50 Pre-Sale gets you VIP access and choice seating, allowing you to watch the practice session on the 17th and attend the race on the 18th (also includes a signed lanyard)
Option 3: $250 Pre-Sale gets you all the VIP perks. VIP access, choice seating for practice session and race, signed lanyard, plus a 1-hour group tour of Billy’s shop. (top picture. BillyLane @ H. Roesler), bottom picture Shelly Rossmeyer)
Nick Beaulieu Named “King of Custom Motorcycle Builders”In J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show
Published by February 14th, 2017 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
J&P Cycles, the world’s largest aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories retailer, celebrates the naming of a new King of Custom Motorcycle Builders, Nick Beaulieu of Windham, Maine earned this title during the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, which announced the winners at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Chicago on Sunday March 12th. Beaulieu’s custom bike is of the type of “naked”, monochromatic, with very unique features: a custom girder front end, an S&S Motor, pentagram wheels and some bad ass aluminum work by Ray, his car buddy. It looks like it is barely more than two wheels, a motor and a gas tank. The J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is a seven-city showcase for custom motorcycles that featured a total of over 350 entries.
Excelsior Henderson Looking For A Partner For A Full Relaunch
Published by February 14th, 2017 in Builders, Editorial, Events and Videos.Aaron, Bell International is retained as the exclusive agent for Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles to seek a strategic relationship for the reintroduction of the brand to the marketplace. “We look forward to working with Excelsior-Henderson during this exciting time in America, with the resurgence of manufacturing pride and interest in motorsports,” states Ralph Bellizzi, founder and president of Aaron, Bell International. As one of the original “Big 3” OEM motorcycle manufacturers along with Harley-Davidson and Indian during the early decades of motorcycling, Excelsior-Henderson’s heritage includes owners Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh, and a long list of ‘firsts,’ being the first motorcycle to circumnavigate the world and officially ‘clocked’ at over 100 mph, to engineering and design innovations until ceasing production by owner Ignatz Schwinn of Chicago during the Great Depression. Continue reading ‘Excelsior Henderson Looking For A Partner For A Full Relaunch’
The Cancun 240. A Sportster Forty-Eight On A Budget.
Published by February 13th, 2017 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If I had a message to deliver to Millennials, it would be that indoor is overrated. In participating in the Harley-Davidson “Battle Of The Kings” custom Sportster competition, all official dealers work for the future of the brand and at of course for themselves, promoting their shops to youngsters susceptible to access to the sport of motorcycling. In its 3rd edition, the custom competition is growing very fast, for example in the EMEA region (21 countries in Europe, Middle East, Asia) attracting a total of 220 participating dealers! In Germany, this featured entry from Rick’s Motorcycles is one of the 60 custom Sportsters competing for the country crown leading to a grand finale in November at the 2017 edition of Italian Motorcycle Fair, known as EICMA.
This year, Harley’s dealer custom competition has new rules. To create more custom diversity, dealers could choose between 3 Sportster platforms: either an Iron 883, a Roadster or a Forty-Eight. And to place everybody on the same level, a “Millennial” budget of only 6000 euros or about US$6400 for parts and paint. Rick’s Motorcycles dealership owner Patrick “Rick” Knoerzer picked a brand new 2017 Forty-Eight, decided right away to not touch the stock 1202 cc motor and 5-speed tranny, and being one of the few dealers/builders with its own full line of custom parts had to spend a couple of weeks wondering what should be his priority among all the proprietary parts he created. Continue reading ‘The Cancun 240. A Sportster Forty-Eight On A Budget.’
Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racing Team Will Use The New XG750R For The 1st Time In Daytona
Published by February 12th, 2017 in Builders, Editorial, Events and Racing.
The Harley XG750R replaces the well known XR750. It is a racing-only machine developed around the Revolution X liquid-cooled V-twin engine powering the Street 750 production model. The purebred racing engine will be available at the dealer in Street 750 motorcycle. It is assembled in Kansas at the at Harley-Davidson Vehicle and Powertrain Operations. The Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Racing Team will compete on the new XG750R throughout the 2017 American Flat Track series with the 1st race at Daytona TT on March 16.
The XG750R is the first all-new Harley flat track racing motorcycle in 44 years. The XG750R is a 60-degree V-twin, while the XR750 is 45-degree V-twin. The XG750R is liquid cooled while the XG750 uses air for cooling. The XG750R fuel delivery is injected while the XR750 uses a carburetor. The XG750R has four valves per cylinder, while the XR750R has two.
“There is extraordinary energy building behind the new American Flat Track series and after decades of XR750 dominance, it’s time to bring a new level of performance and technology to the track with the Harley-Davidson XG750R,” Harley-Davidson Vice President and Managing Director U.S. Mike Kennedy said.
Classic One-Piece Sissy Bars for Late Model Sportsters
Published by February 12th, 2017 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Called sissy bar, back rest or chick stick and adopted for practical or aesthetic reasons, these Burly one-piece units are a classic of the chopper look. They were offered for 1996-2003 Sportsters and now they are available for late models 2004+.
They are made of round tubes, offered in chrome or black, in 2 heights, 13” without pad or 20” with pad. They bolt-on in only 10 to 15 minutes to the outside of the Sportster fender rails and can be removed as easily. Sold with hardware included. Check them out at Burly Brand tel 888-367-1871, or contact your local dealer.
2017 Roland Sands Hooligan Flat Track Races. Thrills And Spills.
Published by February 11th, 2017 in Editorial, Events and Racing.
Organized by RSD and nicknamed the “Thrills And Spills” of Flat Track Racing, the 2017 Super Hooligan National Championship Series is a 10-round competition. It gets started this Sunday in Oregon and will end the weekend of October 13-14 in California. The races have been located in parallel to some of the best events in the US. Particularity of the Hooligan Series is the diversity of its participants, from former racers to plumbers to motocross riders, to everybody Joes. It’s a no-holds-barred battle to the stripe on 500 lbs. of fury.
Indian Motorcycle has ponied up with a FTR 750 Factory Indian Scout professional flat track race bike as the championship prize. Dunlop Tires, Motul Oils, K&N Filters and Bell Helmets are also involved in a big way, bringing fat contingency checks to the competitors, rewarding heroic rides and top finishers. Full schedule after the jump. Continue reading ‘2017 Roland Sands Hooligan Flat Track Races. Thrills And Spills.’
“People who work hard and legitimately doing everything that they can, always tend to be luckier”
Julian Edelman
4th Edition Of The Mama Tried Motorcycle Show. February 18-19, 2017.
Published by February 10th, 2017 in Editorial, Events and Racing.
For those who don’t know the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show. presented by Harley-Davidson is an indoor invitational founded for one reason: to connect motorcycles, builders, fans, and riders in the heartland and beyond. It features over 100 motorcycles from builders of all calibers—flat-tracker, hill climber, chopper, and bar hopper.The show will hold its fourth annual exhibition Feb. 17-19 in Milwaukee, WI, bringing thousands to the city in the dead of winter. The show will feature a full weekend of events, including the second annual Flat Out Friday indoor flat track motorcycle race, the Mama Tried Motorcycle Invitational with a special pre-party hosted by the Harley-Davidson Museum, and Slippery Sunday, an ice-riding competition on the Milwaukee Lakefront. Tickets are for sale HERE.
Flat Out Friday will kick off the weekend at 7:00 p.m. Feb. 17 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. More than 220 racers will compete in 11 classes ranging from amateur and professional to vintage, youth and hooligan. Racing on a flat track oval covered in Dr. Pepper syrup for traction, registered riders include flat track pro racer Jerad Mees, Hooligan riders Carey Hart and Mark “Rusty Butcher” Atkins and Milwaukee native Loyal Prach in the youth class. Special highlights will include an honor ride by the Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee-area veterans and the Charlotte Kainz Memorial Pro Race. See the schedule of events after the jump. Continue reading ‘4th Edition Of The Mama Tried Motorcycle Show. February 18-19, 2017.’
Custom Dynamics® New LED Lights
Published by February 10th, 2017 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
From Custom Dynamics, just in time for the riding season.
LED Fairing Trim. You can light up your Batwing Fairing with this new LED Fairing Trim. With a choice of Chrome or Gloss Black Finish, this LED Fairing Trim offers both White DRL Running Lights along with full contrast Amber Turn Signals and Smoked lens. The Trim mounts directly to stock Batwing fairings, offers a plug and play installation and is backed by the Custom Dynamics® Lifetime Warranty Against LED Failure! $199.95/pair.
BAGZ™ Saddlebag LEDs. Seen from the rear, you can increase your visibility and safety on the road with these new Saddlebag Lights for H-D (OEM) Saddle Bags! Available in Chrome or Gloss Black Finish with either a Red or Smoke lens; each unit offers 86 Super Bright Dual Intensity Red LEDs With a plug and play installation, the BAGZ™ will operate as run/brake on Pre ’14 models (run/brake/turn with SMART Triple Play® installed), and run/brake/turn on ‘14 and newer models (except Road King. $199.95/pair
Universal Bag/Filler Panel LED Light Bars. Working best as additional lighting on saddle bags or filler panels! Available in Black Anodized or Chrome Billet Aluminum Housing, with either a Red or Smoke Lens, the LED Light Bars offer a 3-Wire (low, high, ground) System, so multi-function installations are possible. Each unit contains 40 Red TruFLEX II® LEDs, which have outputs between 4000-5000 mcd, making them approximately 4X brighter than standard LEDs! $199.95/pair.
More information, at toll free at 1-800-382-1388, or visit Custom Dynamics, or contact your local Drag Specialties dealer.
New David Uhl Painting. “When Vanity Calls”
Published by February 10th, 2017 in Editorial and Painters.
David Uhl’s Pin-Up series began in 2007 and includes Fix ‘Er Up, Shine ‘Er Up, The Liberator and Clothing Optional among other pieces. It’s been about 3 years since David Uhl released his last piece in this series, titled Pump ‘Er Up. The newest addition to this collection, titled “When Vanity Calls” (shown painting is 90% complete). Uhl’s lovely friend Rose, in desperate need of a touch-up, stops and uses the first mirror she can find on this beautiful Panhead.
“When Vanity Calls” is now available as a very exclusive (40 prints total) hand-signed, numbered canvas giclee print edition. Each print comes beautifully framed with a Certificate of Authenticity. As always, Uhl studio is offering a first right of refusal to collectors of the set who want to add their matching edition number. After fulfilling these, the remaining prints will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Print Specifics: Edition of 25 plus 5 Artist Proofs and 10 Hors d’ commerce. Image size 20″ by 24”. $1,250 framed, plus shipping. Contact Greg Rhodes, International Sales Director. Tel. 303-913-4840
Harley-Davidson Is Introducing A New King Of The Road. The Road King® Special.
Published by February 9th, 2017 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The Road King® Special is the transformation that no one saw coming. The first-ever blacked-out Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin engine for an all-new style and attitude Road King.
“The Road King Special pounds down the boulevard like a gleaming locomotive rolling through a train yard at midnight,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice-President of Styling and Design. “The Road King has always reflected the purity of the Harley-Davidson FL riding experience. By exchanging chrome surfaces for black and lowering the bike’s profile, we’ve moved the traditional Road King into a new space that’s very current in the custom bagger scene.”
A dark front end topped by a massive gloss-black headlamp nacelle is the signature styling element of the Road King Special. A new 9-inch-tall, 1.25-inch-diameter mini-ape handlebar puts the rider in an aggressive posture on the bike that’s also comfortable for long runs on the open road.
“Chrome was retained only on some key engine components,” said Harley-Davidson Designer- Stylist Dais Nagao. “The lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes and tappet blocks are finished with chrome to emphasize the V-Twin shape of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. We added a new engine-turned air cleaner insert, a finish that’s also featured on the tank console.” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Is Introducing A New King Of The Road. The Road King® Special.’
Harley-Davidson CEO Matt Levatich Announced Roll-Out Of 50 new “high impact” Bikes Over The next 5 years. It will probably include production of Harley’s first-ever electric bike called Livewire which was originally unveiled in 2014. Because foreign bike makers use currency exchange fluctuations to offer discounts in the US, Levatich also said that he is expecting from the Trump administration “bilateral agreements that could help level the playing field for Harley-Davidson”
Öhlins USA Partners With American Flat Track. American Flat Track announced a renewed partnership with Öhlins USA for the 2017 race season. A global leader in motorsport suspension technology, Öhlins USA returns for a second year to give competitors in the premier AFT Twins class the opportunity to vie for the “Öhlins Fastest Lap Award” at each of the 18 rounds on the schedule. Öhlins is one of the most respected and recognizable brands in motorcycle sport. Öhlins USA will have a presence at select rounds to support riders utilizing their products, and will give fans an opportunity to check out their signature gold product lines.
Harley-Davidson Financial Sued For Alleged Harassing. Michael Oliver a Brevard County, Florida resident filed a complaint on Jan. 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida Orlando, Division against Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc., alleging violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act. According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that beginning in December 2015, he suffered damages from receiving several collection calls on his cellular telephone. The plaintiff holds Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly kept on harassing the plaintiff by placing several calls per day on his cellular telephone using an automatic dialer system. The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks statutory damages, punitive damages, actual damages, all legal fees plus interest, and any other relief as the court deems just. He is represented by Jared M. Lee of Morgan & Morgan, Tampa P.A. in Orlando.
J&P Cycles Partners With GEICO Insurance. J&P Cycles, the world’s largest aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories retailer, will provides riders with personal insurance consultations from GEICO at their stores during Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida and the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota. Additionally, J&P Cycles Gold Club members and GEICO motorcycle insurance policy holders will receive other benefits online and at events to be announced throughout the year. Riders and customers will also find detailed information on how to select the right motorcycle protection and access to no-obligation insurance quotes from GEICO from the J&P Cycles website. GEICO is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States.
ThunderRoad Financial Continues To Finance The Remaining Stock Of Erik Buell Racing Motorcycles. ThunderRoad Financial partnered with EBR only 4 months ago. EBR had only about 15 dealers at the end of year 2016 instead of the minimum of 40 expected. EBR Motorcycles will continue to honor warranties and provide technical and parts support to these current dealers and riders. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Almost Unlimited Length. Limited Time Only.
Published by February 8th, 2017 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
For the very few among you into the SoCal Lowrider style, Samson proposes these Cholo longtail pipes.
Almost unlimited length from up to 42” in 1 7/8” or 2 1/4” diameter. A sure way to make people notice your Harley Softail or Touring bike…Samson Exhaust 605-720-7676.
Why Harley-Davidson Can’t Benefit From Victory’s Demise
Published by February 8th, 2017 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
I reproduce below what I think is a great analysis by Rich Duprey for the Motley Fool. In it, he explains why the demise of Victory Motorcycles will not help Harley-Davidson, quite the opposite. I agree with him that the exit of Victory is only going to intensify the competition against the industry leader. Read, then voice your opinion.
“Unfortunately for Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG), there’s no way it can capitalize on the decision by Polaris Industries (NYSE:PII) to kill off its Victory brand of motorcycles. Although it means there will be one less American-made motorcycle on the market, which ought to bolster the made-in-America motorcycle king, its rival’s move to focus instead on its fabulously successful Indian Motorcycle nameplate means Harley is going to have an even harder time selling its bikes.
A losing proposition. Few would argue Polaris didn’t make the right move. Despite 18 years on the market, Victory hardly made a dent in the consciousness of bike riders. Growth was negligible, and the brand had accumulated losses of $100 million for Polaris. With an industry in the midst of a downturn, pouring more resources into Victory was not feasible, certainly not when Polaris has the Indian brand that could benefit further from the additional investments that will be thrown at it. Because Indian has made swift inroads into Harley’s market share, quickly jumping into second place in the short span of years since the nameplate was bought out of bankruptcy, having even greater resources available to it could see larger swaths of the market fall into its camp. As Harley-Davidson’s fourth-quarter earnings show, that’s a distinct possibility. While the bike maker finally snapped a two-year losing streak of falling quarterly sales in the U.S., the gains weren’t anything special. Revenue rose 0.1% over 2015, as it sold exactly 33 more bikes in the period than a year ago.
Declining volumes. At least it didn’t try to fudge the shipment numbers this time around. Unlike the last two years in a row — when it pushed out more motorcycles onto dealer lots in the fourth quarter than were warranted, to be able to say it made its full-year shipment forecasts — this year Harley just wouldn’t have been able to justify the big spike needed to make even the low end of its forecast. In the end, shipments fell 12%. That means Harley-Davidson missed its guidance for the year. Where it had said it was confident it would ship between 264,000 and 269,000 motorcycles in 2016, it ended up shipping a little over 262,000 bikes. Continue reading ‘Why Harley-Davidson Can’t Benefit From Victory’s Demise’
First Sturgis Buffalo Chip® 2017 Concert Announced. George Thorogood & The Destroyers.
Published by February 8th, 2017 in Editorial and Events.
George Thorogood and the Destroyers will be performing for fans at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® on Thursday, Aug. 10 and they’re still “Bad to the Bone.” The band’s show will follow Doug Danger’s Rattlesnake Jump, an attempt to jump Evel Knievel’s 1972 Harley-Davidson 120ft. over a pit filled with live rattlesnakes.
George Thorogood And The Destroyers has been a nonstop touring rock and roll machine since the ‘70s, celebrating 40 years of performing together in 2014. In that time the band’s signature snarling, buzz saw bluesy rock ‘n’ roll blend generated classic rock staples like “Bad to the Bone,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” “I Drink Alone,” “Who Do You Love,” “Move it On Over,” and many more.
“George Thorogood is bringing some of the most well-known hits in the world to the Chip this summer,” said Rod Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip President. “And if you’re in the crowd you’ll get to experience the power of these classic tunes in the best way possible, through the band’s explosive live performance. I expect everyone in the audience will be singing along to every word.”
In addition to nine nights of world-class concerts the American Flat TrackBuffalo Chip TT presented by Indian Motorcycle will light up the amphitheater on Sun., Aug. 6. The Moto Stampede continues in 2017 with Hooligan Races presented by Indian Motorcycle and authentic Street Drag Races on Wed., Aug 9.
The Buffalo Chip plans to announce more headlining main stage entertainment in the coming weeks. More info and purchase passes at Buffalo Chip
