British trials motorcycling superstar Dougie Lampkin, a 12-time trials world champion, is training to wheelie the entire way around the storied Isle of Man TT course ((37.7 mile, 60.6 km)
Throttle against rear brake, with body positioned for balance and steering with hundred of corners.
The stunt will be performed on a lightweight trial bike. It will be televised by Red Bull (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)
The suit was alleging that Harley-Davidson sold more than 12,000 motorcycles not covered by a certification ensuring the engines meet federal standards, according to a statement from the EPA.
The suit also accused the company of selling 340,000 after-market engine tuners that, once installed, “caused motorcycles to emit higher amounts of certain air pollutants than what the company certified to EPA,” the statement said. Harley-Davidson agreed to settle this US Government Lawsuit for a total of 15 million fines.
“This settlement is not an admission of liability but instead represents a good faith compromise with the EPA on areas of law we interpret differently, particularly EPA’s assertion that it is illegal for anyone to modify a certified vehicle even if it will be used solely for off-road/closed-course competition,” said Ed Moreland, Harley-Davidson’s government affairs director, in a statement. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Settles US Government Lawsuit Over Numerous EPA Violations’
Light the way to enhanced nighttime riding and visibility with new Kuryakyn fairing-mounted driving light kits for select Harley-Davidson® and Victory® baggers. Powerful DOT-compliant H3 halogen bulbs offer intense, focused illumination, while sharp factory-styled housings provide an additional upgrade in style.
Fairing-Mounted Driving Lights w/ Turn Signals for Harley. These Kuryakyn Fairing-Mounted Driving Lights with Turn Signals give Rushmore batwing fairings an entirely new personality. Sleek bullet-style aluminum housings with stretched bezels and fully adjustable brackets mount snug to the fairing for a clean appearance. The 3” driving lamps with included H3 bulbs provide significantly increased visibility. Take the brightness level up a notch with optional Kuryakyn L.E.D. lamp upgrades (P/N 5035, sold separately), and L.E.D. Front Turn Signal Conversions (P/N 5442, 5443, 5455 or 5456, sold separately). Installation is plug-&-play for 2014-’16 Electra Glides and Street Glides equipped with a passing lamp switch and wiring. Models unequipped with passing lamp switch and wiring require separate purchase of a Kuryakyn Wiring Relay Kit (P/N 2203), or the Harley-Davidson Auxiliary Power Switch Kit (H-D P/N 71400105). P/N 5058 – Chrome. P/N 5059 – Gloss Black. MSRP: $399.99. Continue reading ‘Driving lights For Harley-Davidson And Victory Models’
Inspired by some of the most powerful and iconic Marvel characters ever to grace a comic book, Harley Davidson and Marvel have revealed 27 custom motorcycles, each one uniquely designed to reflect the personality and traits of a Marvel Super Hero. For example, a Thor-inspired Breakout Softail, a Black Widow-inspired Iron 883 Sportster, a Groot-inspired Street Glide Special. If you are not turned off by theme bikes, you can go to Harley Marvel Customs to see these 27 customs, then vote for your favorite bike/character, You will be entered in a draw for a chance to win the ultimate Harley-Davidson and Marvel holiday in Hollywood or Las Vegas.
S&S Cycle of Viola, Wisconsin welcomes Savannah Rose in the newly expanded position of Social Media Coordinator. Savannah is an avid rider, not afraid to wrench and a market leader in the evolving digital media environment. Savannah brings a renewed enthusiasm and diverse skill set to S&S. In addition to being well versed in digital media channels, she has experience in next gen style events including Born Free, Chopperfest and others.
S&S Vice President of Marketing David Zemla describes Savannah as a “Market savvy media authority that understands the social as well as the marketing aspects and who is versed in leveraging both. We look forward to her unique take on consumer facing media”. Savannah Rose relocated from California and is currently adding to her Sportster collection while traveling with the S&S team and can be found where the action is with camera in hand. (Photo @ Michael Lichter)
A blonde gets home from work early and hears strange noises coming from the bedroom. She rushes upstairs only to find her husband naked lying on the bed, sweating and panting. ‘What’s up?’ she asks. ‘I think I’m having a heart attack,’ – cries the husband.
The blonde rushes downstairs to grab the phone, but just as she’s dialing, her four-year-old son comes up and says, “Mummy, Mummy! Aunty Shirley is hiding in the wardrobe and she has no clothes on!”
The blonde slams the phone down and storms back upstairs into the bedroom right past her husband..there is her sister, totally naked and cowering on the floor. ‘You rotten jerk’, she screams. ‘My husband’s having a heart attack, and you’re running around naked, playing hide and seek with the kids?!!
Around 700 guests and 60 motorcycles entered the 9th annual Cafe Racer Reader’s Ride-in Custom Bike Show in Sewickley, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 13. The field was slightly thinned by rain, but the entries covered everything from vintage British bikes to modern retro customs and even a BMW sidecar rig. The show’s top winners were:
Andrew Frederick’s seafoam green 1973 CB 350 Honda carrying away the People’s Choice and Best Japanese Cafe awards along with prize packages from the magazine sponsors and a check for $200.
Tyler Stepp won Best in Show for the amazing detail work on his sunning, all-white 1974 CB 360 Honda. Tyler’s check for $300, the day’s top prize.
Virginian Sean Skinner took top prize for Wildest Engineering for his Yamaha Virago 750 custom that featured a GP-style exhaust and open air intakes in the gas tank.
The new Electra Glo™ Keystone Auxiliary LED Run/Brake/Turn Lamps (P/N 67800589, $299.95*) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories add brilliant LED visibility to the rear fender strut opening on 2014-later Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles. These lamps emit a soft-red glow when the ignition is on, and the center row of LED lamps burn brightly when the brakes or turn signals are activated. The dark smoked lenses fill the gap between the fender and saddlebags.
Lamps are mounted in a sealed housing that slips into the opening, and are held in place with the saddlebag support hardware and an adhesive pad. The easy-to-install kit includes left and right lamps and a plug-and-play wiring harness. Available at more than 750 authorized retail locations in the United States and online. MSRP prices at local dealerships may vary.
On August 8, at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Triumph Rocket Streamliner powered by 2 turbocharged Rocket III engines became the world’s fastest ever Triumph to clock a speed of 274.2 mph (441.28 km/h) The salt flats at Bonneville offered near perfect conditions during the land speed practice week. The streamliner was piloted by TT legend Guy Martin, who smashed the previous 46 year old Triumph record of 245.667 mph (395.36 km/h) and the previous unofficial record of 264 mph (424.86 km/h), both of which previously set by Bob Leppan in the Gyronaut X-1.
The Triumph IRocket Streamliner features a carbon Kevlar monocoque construction with two turbocharged Triumph Rocket III engines producing a combined output of 1000bhp at 9000 rpm. The motorcycle is 25.5-feet long, 2-feet wide and 3-feet tall. The motor is powered by methanol fuel and the bike competes in the Division C (streamlined motorcycle) category.
Guy Martin will now attempt to hit break the land speed record at Salt Flats. Triumph has had a history of breaking the land speed record, holding the title of ‘World’s Fastest Motorcycle’ between 1955 to 1970. The previous record-breaking Triumph Streamliners include Devil’s Arrow, Texas Cee-gar, Dudek Streamliner and Gyronaut X1. It was the Gyronaut X-1 though that held record for the longest time. Currently, the land speed record is held by Rocky Robinson since 2010 piloting the Top Oil-Ack Attack streamliner that achieved a top speed of 376.363 mph (605.697 km/h).
Harley About To Introduce The New 2017 Touring Models Lineup With An All-New Engine. The Milwaukee Eight. As I wrote 3 weeks ago, it should be a 107” with 4 valves per cylinder. A lot of speculation is going on about other features. It will be the 8th generation of Harley engines and will replace the 17 years old Twin Cam, first only on MY2017 Tourers. Harley will introduce it as the company’s most powerful, most responsive, most comfortable and most advanced ever. To follow…
Lane-splitting May Soon Be Legal In California. It would make California first to formalize the practice. The state’s Assembly unanimously passed a bill Thursday giving the California Highway Patrol authority to create guidelines for the practice, reports the Los Angeles Times. The bill, which would make California the first state to give the official OK to lane-splitting, has kept things vague, simply defining what a “lane” is and directing the CHP to fill in the blanks. The bill’s original wording would’ve allowed the practice only if a motorcycle was going less than 50mph and not more than 15mph faster than traffic, but the specifics were later removed before passage. While critics say lane-splitting is dangerous for all involved, advocates cite several reasons for why zipping between cars is desirable: It saves fuel for bikers, cuts down on traffic congestion, and even keeps motorcycles from overheating, as the bikes aren’t designed to sit in traffic,
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame To Induct Charles Franklin, Chris Haines and Dennis Mahan. Indian motorcycle designer and engineer Charles Franklin, racer and tuner Chris Haines and engine builder Dennis Mahan will be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 13. The 2016 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held the first night of the American International Motorcycle Expo, which runs Oct. 13-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Among the 50 motorcycles to be auctioned, this C-01 Lotus motorcycle designed by Daniel Simon, if you really want to own a functional movie prop… Specifications are pretty good: KTM sourced 1195 cc v-twin, lifted from the RC8R super bike delivering 200 hp, carbon fiber wheels by BST, 320 mm racing Brembo brakes, twin Ohlins rear shocks. But is it worth the auction estimate of $370,000 to $450,000? I don’t think so since it lacks history and prestige. But you never know what an emotional bidder is able to offer for such a machine. Answer at the end of this weekend when you check out the results of this Mecum Monterey Auction.
This year, the Mecum Monterey Auction will be limited to 50 rare hand picked motorcycles. Pre-auction estimated values for the motorcycles this year range from $10,000 to $450,000, with quite a few great bikes available at the lower price range, many of them British bikes from such popular brands as Triumph and BSA. But the most desirable motorcycles at the Monterey auction do command strong values, including:
• A rare 1938 Crocker Small Tank, a handsome V-twin classic with a 61 cid engine and the raw, purposeful styling of the era, built to compete with the more-established motorcycles from Harley-Davidson and Indian. Restored with an eye on retaining its character and patina, the Crocker is in great running condition, Christenson said. Its estimated value of $300,000 to $350,000.
• The unique 2014 Lotus C-01 is the newest bike at the auction and the most valuable, estimated from $370,000 to $450,000. The stunning machine with the famous automotive name and a Hollywood connection is one of 100 built.
• A 1935 Brough Superior 11-55 hooked up with what is believed to be the first Alpine sidecar. This low-mileage original from Great Britain, considered to be “the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles,” has a value of $275,000 to $350,000.
• A 1942 Indian four-cylinder with serial No.1 is the first bike built in the final run of this model. Powered by a 1,260 cc straight-four engine, the full-fendered Indian was capable of speeds above 100 mph. Estimated value: $120,000 to $130,000.
• A 1928 BMW R62, a beautiful machine in the German “Bauhaus” design tradition that has been restored to original. There are a number of pre-war BMWs with similar styling in the sale. Estimated value: $75,000 to $100,000.
• A 1910 Harley-Davidson with a single cylinder and driven by a brown-leather belt. This rare antique is valued at $55,000 to $75,000.
Interest in vintage motorcycles has climbed in recent years, as have prices, Christenson said, although there are still plenty of bargains out there compared with classic cars. Another positive feature of motorcycles is their compact size, allowing them to be kept in an otherwise full garage.
The Mecum motorcycle auction takes place at the same time as the collector car auction, August 18-20, at the Del Monte Golf Course in Monterey. For information, visit Mecum Monterey Auction.
Working on your Sportster? This short socket is designed specifically for Sportster models to remove, install, and properly tighten the final drive sprocket/pulley nut.
Although the much longer Big Twin socket will fit the nut, the mainshaft on XL models does not extend through the main drive gear for the guidance collar to ensure correct alignment.
This 1/2” drive shorter socket is easier and safer to handle, providing full contact to the nut. Like all JIMS® tools, it is sold with a lifetime and is proudly made in the USA with a suggested retail price of $71.00. For use on all 1991-present Sportster and Buell models. (Except 1125R). More info, at JIMS USA or call (805) 482-6913.
When you are heading out on your bike for an adventure on the open road, or on a trail in the middle of nowhere, this double skull bracelets may be useful. The Survival Straps Double Skull Bracelet is made with military spec paracord, a marine grade stainless steel shackle and two pewter skulls adorning each end. It features up to 12’ of super strong, authentic 550 test military spec paracord. It is the same cordage used to rig military parachutes.
The stainless closure is a load bearing marine grade stainless steel shackle that adjusts on your wrist and is guaranteed to never rust or break. A break-away safety feature is included with every bracelet. If your bracelet gets hung up on something, it will break away from your wrist. Will not fade, mildew or rot. Hand wash with warm water and soap or detergent. Limited edition. $49.00. Order at Survival Straps.
When Harley-Davidson introduced the Street model, the company described it as a nimble urban machine with an aggressive and rebellious “Dark Custom™ attitude that youngsters would love for its low price. But the company never mentioned that the Street would be the perfect Zombie Killer machine… So, what was the zombie-inspired rationale for this 2016 Harley Street 750 project built by Anaheim Harley-Davidson?
The dealership was among those competing in the contest “King Of Customs” organized by the mother factory. Each dealer was invited to customize a Street 750 with the public voting online for the most appealing. Very few constraints were imposed to each participant. Just a customization budget not to exceed, but almost complete freedom to use Harley and non-Harley custom parts. From the get go it was evident that the theme chosen would be very important in creating differentiation between each dealer projects. Café, Scrambler, Street Racer themes being so evident for a model like the Street, Los Angeles H-D decided to go in a completely different direction, one that other competitors would probably not think of. And it’s the way the dealer decided to turn the Street into a “Zombie Killer”
This voodoo build started with a new set of wheels from Ride Wright (19” front, 18” rear) using the factory cush drive and dressed with Continental TKC80 tires able to offer great traction on remote terrains. You know, the ones where could be found a zombie infestation. For the same reason – and theme – geometry was reset with the Street being raised in the back a couple of inches via a set of 15” Progressive Suspension fully adjustable 970-series piggyback shocks. For the chase, the stock seat would not make it, so a long steel pan – Scrambler style – was fabricated and upholstered by ALL American. Regarding bodywork, gas tank remains stock, slightly lifted, and is now holding a small map rack. Steel fenders have both been trimmed and are now powder coated wrinkle back for a rugged look and to match the H-D engine treatment. The 750 cc Revolution X™ liquid-cooled is now breathing through a Screamin’ Eagle air cleaner. Continue reading ‘Zombie Killer’
This is the 4th and last series of my postcards from the 76th Sturgis Rally. Many taken at the Rat’s Hole Bagger Show on Thursday August 11 and on the road. As usual, the awesome, the wild, the pretty and everything between was everywhere to be seen. Regarding attendance, I would guess that numbers are those of a “regular” Sturgis.
FYI, as of Thursday August 11, the City of Sturgis has issued 717 Temporary Vending Permits. This number compares to 897 in 2015 (75th Anniversary) and 673 in 2014.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation gave some traffic counts. The counting began the Wednesday before the Rally opened officially, just as last year. (Sturgis city officials count the rally crowd by different methods, including sales tax and garbage and sewer use.)
From Wednesday, Aug. 3 through Thursday, Aug. 11, 406,920 vehicles entered Sturgis, That’s 269,868 fewer than the 676,788 vehicles that entered Sturgis during the same nine-day period in 2015, a 40 percent drop-off. (DOT continues counting through today Sunday, Aug. 14) Total citations And Arrests. As of Friday. about same as last year. – Fatalities. As of Friday, 2 compared with 12 a year ago.
(Photography Onno “Berserk” Wieringa for Cyril Huze)
These new Indian Scout retro style floorboards from Rocky Mountain Performance are precision machined aircraft aluminum with rubber diamond-tread inserts. Called the “Gortboards” they are available in satin finish raw aluminum, or powder coat satin black. They come complete with mounting brackets and fasteners, mount in one of two fore-aft positions, and fit ABS and non-ABS equipped 2015-2016 Scout and Scout Sixty. $239. plus shipping. (the “Quiet-Riot” exhaust baffles featured here are from the same company. Rocky Mountain Performance 970-217-1623
6 a.m. Sunrise at the Rapid City regional airport while boarding my plane back home in South Florida. Black Hills, see you next year,
Made from solid brass the clips are available either in a knurled and 3 or 4 Hole designs.
They are guaranteed to be a perfect fit for these applications:
1940 thru 1947 Knuckleheads, 1970 thru 1984 Shovelheads and 1984 thru 1999 EVO engines. 4-hole style (P/N STF440) $47.95. Knurled $72.95. (P/NTFK40).
1948 thru 1965 Panheads and 1957 thru 1985 Sportster engines (P/N STF348), 3-hole style $47.95 and Knurled $72.95. Sold in set.
Online at Paughco or your local Paughco dealer or call 775-246-5738
“Heavy Industry” is now a full lineup of control parts inspired by the Kuryakyn Heavy Industry Mirrors that beat sales expectations. It’s a collection of coordinating grips and foot controls featuring sturdy aluminum construction, knurled surfaces and vibration-dampening EPDM rubber compound. Exposed socket head fasteners blend toughness with control and long-haul comfort.
Heavy Industry Grips. Don’t be fooled by the rugged appearance: the premium rubber inserts offer reduced vibration,and is form-fitted in the housing for long-lasting durability. The knurled areas on the housing provide additional grip. Available for most ’82-’16 Harley-Davidson® models with dual-cable or electronic throttle control. MSRP $99.99.
• P/N 6120 – Cable Throttle, Chrome
• P/N 6122 – Electronic Throttle, Chrome
• P/N 6121 – Cable Throttle, Satin Black
• P/N 6123 – Electronic Throttle, Satin Black
Heavy Industry Driver & Passenger Floorboards. These floorboards have a wide profile and sturdy construction that provides plenty of support. The knurled top center surface surrounded by molded rubber inserts offers solid traction. Both are direct replacements for stock Harley-Davidson boards, reusing existing hardware for easy installation. MSRP: $199.99
• P/N 7041 – Driver Floorboards, Chrome
• P/N 7042 – Driver Floorboards, Satin Black
• P/N 7043 – Passenger Floorboards, Chrome
• P/N 7044 – Passenger Floorboards, Satin Black
Heavy Industry Switchblades. The versatile Heavy Industry Switchblades allow riders to deploy heel rests for additional foot support and placement. Hidden heel supports flip out from beneath the flat wide-style foot pegs and secure in place via spring-loaded mechanisms. Available with splined male mount adapters as direct replacements on most Harley-Davidson models. Also offered without adapters for a wide range of fitment with separate purchase of Kuryakyn model-specific splined adapters. The splined adapters allow personalized peg angle adjustment to dial in ideal positioning. MSRP from $129.99 to $139.99.
• P/N 7027 – Heavy Industry Switchblades w/ Adapters, Chrome
• P/N 7028 – Heavy Industry Switchblades w/ Adapters, Satin Black
• P/N 7029 – Heavy Industry Switchblades w/out Adapters, Chrome
• P/N 7030 – Heavy Industry Switchblades w/out Adapters, Satin Black Continue reading ‘“Heavy Industry” Lineup Of Custom Control Parts’
On Wednesday morning August 10 at the Lodge in Deadwood, SD hundreds attended the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast to recognize individuals or groups who have made a long term positive impact on the motorcycle community. Each year the Sturgis honors the men and women who have dedicated much of their lives to improving, promoting and advancing motorcycling. During the event, Arlen Ness, who is already in the museum’s hall of fame, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2016 inductees are:
Bert Baker. V-Twin motorcycle drivetrain innovator, businessman and patriot, Bert Baker is committed to using materials, labor, creativity, know how and grit born of America. Jerry Covington. Whether it is on TV or the cover of virtually every biker magazine in the world, it is hard to miss custom builder Jerry Covington. What does get overlooked is Covington’s behind the scenes commitment to the motorcycle community, his selfless donation of time and resources to those less fortunate through has various charity projects. John Penton. One of the most influential figures in off-road motorcycling in the world, John Penton developed a legendary brand of motorcycles that bore his name (better known as KTM today). He also founded Hi-Point, an accessory and distribution company that had 50% of aftermarket sales in the U.S. and set the mold for modern distribution powerhouses like Parts Unlimited, Tucker Rocky and WPS. Gary Spellman. Using motorcycle as means to further charitable causes, philanthropist Gary Spellman has been quite effective in utilizing motorcycles to raise money for charities benefiting first responders and their surviving families. He has created the Peace, Love and Happiness Charity Ride with fellow Hall Of Famer John Paul Dejoria. Buddy Stubbs. Buddy Stubbs was raised in his father’s Harley dealership in Decatur, Illinois and has spent his entire life in and around dealerships, including opening two of his own in the greater Phoenix area. This year marks his 50th year as a dealer and more significantly an ambassador to the motorcycle lifestyle.
On Tuesday August 9, about 100 ladies (and a few men) straddled their motorcycles for a group ride from the Buffalo Chip through the beautiful Black Hills and ending at The Lodge in Deadwood. Then, they participated to a symposium moderated by Marilyn Stemp of the Sturgis Rider Daily and Iron Trader News. The theme? “Two-Wheeled” transformation.
A panel of 4 luminaries representing women from a broad cross section of today’s motorcycle industry took the stage to explain how motorcycling empowered their lives. They are: Moto-journalist and Iron Lillies co-founder Leticia Cline, Perewitz Cycle Fab’s Jody Perewitz, Land-speed record-holder Karlee Cobb, BMW Motorrad’s Sarah Schilke.
The event was created to raise awareness of the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling and also to raise funds for local worthy charities.
A tradition to start the Sturgis Rally, on Monday August 8 thousand of bikers gathered at the Silverado-Franklin Gaming Complex in Deadwood, SD, to raise significant funds for local charities.
The event starts with an industry press conference and is followed by a live custom motorcycle auction right on Deadwood’s historic main street.
The 2 items raising the largest amount of money were the 2 custom bikes built last winter by area Black Hills students during the “Buffalo Chip Challenge” under the direction of Keith Terry and the supervision of 2 professionals, John Shope for a custom 2015 Indian Chief Classic and Rusty Jones for a 2016 Victory Cross Country. Then, hundred of pre-registered bikers joined some of the biggest names in television, film, music and famous builders for a self guided scenic ride alongside the beautiful Black Hills and ending at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.
