Add some fun and performance to your 1991-2003 Sportster or Buell with the BAKER XL6.
This tranny provides the same as stock 2nd through 5th gear ratios but with a 6th gear overdrive providing a 511 rpm drop at 75mph.
MSRP $2850. Online At BAKER Drivetrain.
Received from Rich Ross, President of Discovery Channel, my invitation to the premiere in Los Angeles on August 1st of “Harley And The Davidsons” The series tells the story of the birth of the iconic brand launched in 1903 by two friends from Milwaukee, William Harley and Arthur Davidson.
In the series, Michael Huisman (Daario Naharis on “Game of Thrones”) will star as Walter Davidson, while Robert Aramayo will play William (Bill) Harley and Bug Hall will portray Arthur Davidson.
Harley and the Davidsons is set to premiere on the Discovery Channel Monday, Sept. 5, with its first two-hour installment. Two additional two-hour installments will air over the next two nights, Tuesday, Sept. 6, and Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016.
Artist David Uhl is almost finished with a fun, new piece that he will show during the coming Sturgis Rally. The painting has its roots in the “Daytona Duel” photo shoot. The patina on the car is amazing and the overall composition is outstanding. Featuring the lovely Paige Wyatt, “Winner Takes All” is now available in two sizes on canvas as part of a very limited edition. Continue reading ‘“Winner Takes All” By Artist David Uhl’
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE:PII) today reported second quarter net income of $71.2 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 compared to $100.9 million, or $1.49 per diluted share reported in the second quarter of 2015. Sales for the second quarter of 2016 totaled $1,130.8 million, up one percent from last year’s second quarter sales of $1,124.3 million. Motorcycle sales increased 23% during the quarter. Global Adjacent Markets sales increased 14%. ORV/Snowmobiles sales were down 6%, slightly better than expectations.
Motorcycle segment sales, including its respective PG&A sales, increased 23 percent in the 2016 second quarter to $231.3 million. All brands grew sales during the quarter. Gross profit increased 63 percent to $39.8 million or 17.2 percent of sales in the second quarter of 2016, compared to $24.5 million or 13.1 percent of sales in the second quarter of 2015. North American consumer retail demand for the Polaris motorcycle segment, including Victory®, Indian Motorcycle® and Slingshot®, was up mid-teens percent during the 2016 second quarter while overall motorcycle industry retail sales 900cc and above were down mid-single digits percent in the 2016 second quarter. Product availability for all three motorcycle brands remained adequate throughout the quarter as year-over-year paint capacity at the Company’s Spirit Lake, Iowa motorcycle plant has significantly improved. Continue reading ‘Polaris Second Quarter 2016 Results. Motorcycle Sales Up 23%. ORV/Snowmobiles Down 6%.’
I must say that I agree with the Burly Brand crew stating that most aftermarket bolt-on sissy bars are quite ugly with their multi-piece monstrosities made or square tubes with a giant pad. Whatever the reasons you may want to bolt-on a sissy bar, for looks, as a back rest for a riding companion, as a backpack or helmet hanger or all of the above, these 13” or 20” tall models are probably the best looking and designed ones you can bolt on your Harley. Installation outside of fender rails and removal is very simple. For Harley FLHT, FLST (non-Springer), FLSTS, FLT, FXD, FXDL, FXDWG, FXLR, FXR, FXST (non-Springer), FXSTS and XL. Short 13” $179. Tall 20” with mini pad. At Burly Brand.
If you are addicted to black, there is an easy way to change your front end with this 5-piece black Fork Tins. They are high-quality reproduction fork slider covers and fork tins. They are available in ribbed style with a gloss black finish for all 86-16 FLST models.
The suggested retail price is $124.95 for the 5-piece set. (Models equipped with front passing lights may need a hole drilled in the rear panel for on/off switch) For more information, go to Drag Specialties or your local dealer.
Man in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil never rides without his geared-for-the-road cat.
Harley-Davidson is revving up for the 76th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. As the official motorcycle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Harley-Davidson plans to pack more fun and pure riding experience than ever into this week-long celebration of freedom and the open road. Just a few of the activities making this Sturgis one of the best yet – daily concerts, parties, free demo rides on new 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycles®, H.O.G.® member special events, Harley-Davidson sponsored AMA Pro Flat Track Racing, the do-not-miss Wall of Death and a new custom motorcycle show.
Harley-Davidson Rally Point (Main Street and Harley-Davidson Way)
The Harley-Davidson® Rally Point is a permanent year-round space in Sturgis that features a stage for events and concerts and hosts a number of special events during the Sturgis Rally. Conveniently located in the heart of Sturgis, the Rally Point can also serve as a handy location for riders to rendezvous.
• Kick-off Party for the 76th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Friday, Aug. 5, at 3 p.m.
• Mayor’s Ride featuring Grand Marshal Ben Bostrom, Monday, Aug. 8. To register, visit the City of Sturgis’ website.
• Harley-Davidson Editor’s Choice Bike Show, Tuesday, Aug. 9 – Registration 8 a.m./Awards 4 p.m.
• First Ever Angel’s Ride, Friday, Aug. 12 – The number of women riders is on the rise in America, join us to celebrate. To register, visit the City of Sturgis’ website.
• MDA® Raffle – Grand Prize Bike Drawing, Aug. 13, at 4:15 p.m.
• Events and live music daily. View full Rally Point activities list
Sturgis Community Center (Fourth and Lazelle Streets)
Freedom, attitude and V-Twin engines invade the Sturgis Community Center as the home-base for the bulk of Harley-Davidson activity. Inside and outside the Community Center, riders will see and experience the newest motorcycle customizations, sales and demonstrations of the latest MotorClothes® merchandise, and the largest demo fleet in Sturgis offering free test rides on Harley-Davidson’s most powerful line-up of Cruisers ever. All activities are Aug. 6-13 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free Motorcycle Demo Rides: The 2016 motorcycle line-up and demo ride experience includes models such as the new Road Glide® Ultra, Forty-Eight®, Iron 883™ and Roadster™ and the new S Series – Low Rider® S, Fat Boy® S and Softail Slim® S plus a selection of customized models with H-D® Genuine Motor Accessories. Staging for demo rides takes place in the parking lot behind the Community Center. A selection of helmets and jackets are available for demo rides.
RUSHMORE Experience: From Boom Audio and LED lighting to the 103 high output engine, H-D’s Touring motorcycles need to be experienced first-hand to fully appreciate what Project RUSHMORE is all about. Be sure to check out this experience to get a behind-the-scenes look at our latest motorcycle technology and get educated on the enhanced features and benefits of Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles.
H-D1™ Fit Shop and Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories: This interactive area includes everything needed to turn any Harley-Davidson motorcycle into a one-of-a-kind custom. Harley-Davidson fit consultants are on hand to help adjust any motorcycle for maximum comfort, control, style and confidence, no matter the riding style or body type. New this year will be a “Quick Install” area for 30-minute or less installations of a selected few accessories for your motorcycle.
Gear: A selection of new Genuine MotorClothes merchandise is available for demo and purchase on site, including Willie G. and H.O.G.® Commemorative Merchandise. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Ready To Roll Into South Dakota Black Hills. Activities Planned Aug. 6-13.’
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)filed on June 17 a report regarding elevated exhaust temperatures on late model Indian motorcycles that may result in an increased risk of fire. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.
The number of motorcycles potentially affected is 18,367. They are models 2014-2016, Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured from April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-16-02.
2 students of the High Tech Campus Eindhoven (“the smartest square km in Europe”) in the Netherlands developed 2 electric motorcycles and will set off in August on an 80-day round-the-world ride to demonstrate the potential of electric transport.
The STORM Eindhoven team members have been working since 2014 on designing and building their long-distance electric motorcycles, with the mission of strengthening the worldwide image of sustainable transport. Their electric touring motorcycles perfectly present what they believe electric transport should be: silent, efficient and with a sufficiently long range.
Special feature of the electric touring motorcycles is the modular battery pack developed by the student team themselves. This consists of 24 separate cartridges with a maximum power capacity of 28.5 kWh, giving the motorcycles a range of 380 kilometers before recharging is needed. The number of cartridges can also be adjusted, allowing a lighter weight and higher speeds to be achieved.
All custom builders have a special custom bike parked in their mind. The one they would like a client to order or, if it doesn’t happen, that they would like to build for themselves. Of course one made to ride, demonstrating the builder’s best skills, and one he can also look at proudly every day in his shop while working on other clients’ projects.
Brothers Justin & Jarrod Del Prado at DP Customs shared the same frustration of seeing all their commissioned projects leave the shop as soon as tested… and paid in full. Although extremely busy, a time window became available for a very special project, theirs… What is remarkable is that not only they agree almost all the time when working for others but also shared the same vision when building this Ironhead beast for themselves. Continue reading ‘Fast And Furious Sportster Ironhead’
So, you want to be a mechanic? To build motorcycles? This 1 hour 27 minutes film (with subtitles to chose from in 6 languages) explores the revival of manual work through the passion of motorcycle enthusiasts who have found happiness through their work.
Shot in retro Super 16, Greasy Hands takes you all over the world, with stopovers in France, the USA, Scotland, Spain and Indonesia. The cast is a roll call of big name builders: from American-based heavyweights Roland Sands and Shinya Kimura to controversial Europeans El Solitario and Blitz Motorcycles. Rent it for $6.99 (24-hour streaming period. Or buy it $12.99 (stream + download anytime) But first, watch the trailer. The Greasy Hands Preachers.
For all who work with rude customers, shame we can’t actually do this!
An award should go to the Virgin Airlines desk attendant in Sydney a few weeks ago for being smart and funny, while making her point, when confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo.
A crowded Virgin flight was cancelled after Virgin’s 767s had been withdrawn from service for a maintenance check A single attendant was rebooking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, ‘I HAVE to be on this flight and it HAS to be FIRST CLASS’.
The attendant replied, ‘I’m sorry, sir. I’ll be happy to try to help you, but I’ve got to help these people first, and I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.’ The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, ‘DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?’ Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
Letting your engine breathe as deep as possible to maximize performance is the objective of good aftermarket air cleaners. RC Components offer a wide selection of high velocity cleaners featuring a front flow K&N filter encased in a low profile design billet aluminum housing staying tucked in close to the motor without sacrificing performance. The backing plate incorporates breather ports eliminating the need to to use brackets and run ugly hoses. For those wishing to unify their custom parts, the RCX exhaust system from RC components is available with tips matching each air cleaner housing design. From left to right, top to bottom, models featured (others available) are Eclipse, Gatlin, Rival Eclipse and Rival Chrome.
Note: When you install a performance air cleaner, the air flow changes and can lead to an incorrect air/fuel ratio. So you need a fuel management system that will correct this ratio and keep your engine running smooth and efficient. RC Components is offering the RCX-Celerator Closed Loop Fuel Programmer. This unit is “Plug & Play” and learns and tunes your bike as you ride.
To salute the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s® 35 years of Rock, Rumble & Rebellion, Kuryakyn has built a custom performance bagger that pays tribute to the annual merging of motorcycle and rock ‘n’ roll cultures at The Best Party Anywhere®. This one-off commemorative 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide and its matching Epiphone Sheraton II guitar are up for private sale, and they could be yours if you can handle a lifetime of VIP treatment!
The purchaser of this one-off package not only will be the owner of one the coolest custom bikes and guitars on the planet, they will instantly find themselves treated like a rock star and will be able to enjoy concerts from VIP seating or front of the stage pit access, and when available have the opportunity to shake hands and have their photo taken at celebrity meet and greets as a VIP for as long as they own the bike. This is the first time in history the Buffalo Chip has ever offered this level of VIP status to the public.
The asking price for the Rock, Rumble & Rebellion Ultimate VIP package is $57,500. With a $1,000 non-refundable deposit, you can reserve the bike and guitar for purchase and the two will be waiting for you at the legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the 35th anniversary of The Best Party Anywhere! You must make this deposit by calling (605)-347-9000 and speaking with Carol. The non-refundable deposit may be made with a MasterCard, VISA or Discover. Continue reading ‘Rock, Rumble & Rebellion. A Custom Harley Road Glide, Matching Epiphany Guitar And Sturgis Buffalo Chip VIP Treatment For Life.’
Polaris Industries Inc. (PII) announced that Craig Scanlon, Vice President of Slingshot and Chief Retail Officer (CRO) of the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) division, has been named Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Polaris. Scanlon will report to Scott W. Wine, CEO and Chairman of Polaris. Scanlon joined the company in 2004 in a Field Sales Role. He held positions of increasing responsibility in marketing, sales and general management within the Off-Road Vehicles business, before being promoted to VP of Slingshot in 2015. Scanlon added the role of Chief Retail Officer for Off-Road Vehicles in 2016, which he will retain.
You thought the throne in Game of Thrones was cool?
Check out these custom built Motorcycle Thrones from Progressive Insurance made of motorcycle parts, representing distinct bike types, including cruisers, touring and sport bikes.
Working with Buffalo Art Co. and custom motorcycle builder/expert, Chase Stopnik in LA, Progressive Insurance created these unique hand-built works of art.
These thrones will be included in the upcoming Progressive Insurance motorcycle ads. With the famous fictional Progressive salesperson character Flo (played by comedian Stephanie Courtney) riding them?
Sears has never been a motorcycle manufacturer. Sears Roebuck, the Chicago based chain of department stores had a successful mail order catalog reaching the most remote areas of the US. In the 1910’s, the catalog was offering a simple single cylinder then a 70” twin engine motorcycle (The Sears De Luxe) built by 3rd parties from different components used on other motorcycle brands. Sears badged the motorcycles with its name and sold them through its print catalog. The Sears De Luxe was distributed by Sears until 1916 with the claims that it was a fast and very simple motorcycle to maintain. This 1913 Sears is on display at the National Motorcycle Museum of Anamosa, Iowa. (Photography Doug Mitchel 630.605.6276)
A special “Lifetime Achievement” award has been added to the Class of 2016 induction ceremonies. Already a Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame member circa 1992, Arlen Ness was a unanimous choice to receive the first Lifetime Achievement honors. “Arlen truly is the ‘Godfather’ of the custom bike movement,” says Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall Of Fame Executive Director Myrick Robbins. “No one has done more to influence the look of what a custom motorcycle is.”
Victory Motorcycles also recognizes Arlen’s achievements and is honored to be part of the induction ceremonies this year. “Victory Motorcycles has worked with Arlen Ness for many years now,” says Rod Krois, General Manager of Victory Motorcycles. “Early on the designers and he helped to create the now iconic Arlen Ness editions of several different models. Arlen has always been the head of his time, and we are proud to be the presenting sponsor at this important event.” Continue reading ‘Arlen Ness To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award From Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’
These Adjustable Fairing Air Deflectors by Kuryakyn lock securely into place in multiple positions to direct airflow just how you want it. The elegantly contoured design seamlessly forms to Harley-Davidson® batwing fairings for a stylish upgrade along with improved functionality. Open the vents to channel air into the cockpit in warm weather, or close them up to block the breeze when riding in cooler temps.
The spring-loaded variable deflectors are easy to operate and made from sturdy, shatterproof polycarbonate with an attractive smoke finish. The frames, available in chrome or satin black, are made of durable ABS. A chrome or satin black accent on the outer edge of the deflector serves as a finger hold for easy adjustment.
These Fairing Air Deflectors Include hardware for easy bolt-on installation, mounting to existing holes in the fairing on all ’14-later Electra Glides, Street Glides and Tri Glides. • P/N 1246 – Chrome. • P/N 1247 – Satin Black MSRP: $119.99.
A lot of the 2016 Sturgis bike shows are set to happen at the Buffalo Chip’s free-access CrossRoads in 2016. As always some of the best, most creative, weirdest, outrageous and sometime quite ugly bikes will compete in no less than 5 bike shows in 5 days from Saturday August 6 to Thursday August 11.
In addition Clint Ewing will bring his stunt stylings, drifting and shifting up some adrenaline-pumping action on his fleet of Kawasaki motorcycles Sunday, Aug. 7 to Aug. 11. The Seattle Cossacks will again offer some of their death-defying stunts, piling riders high atop their vintage 1948 Harley Davidsons, Tuesday, Aug. 9 – Thursday, Aug. 11. You can also be inspired by Michelle Carpenter’s feature-length documentary “Klocked: Women with Horsepower” featuring land-speed record holders Laura Klock and her daughters, Karlee and Erica Cobb on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. Admittance is free.
Saturday, Aug. 6. Full Throttle Magazine 10-Class Bike Show. 12 p.m. Registration, 5 p.m. Awards. Registration fee $20, Awards for 1st and 2nd place, “Best in Show” and “Judges Choice”
Sunday, Aug. 7. Full Throttle Magazine Buffalo Chip Bagger Nationals. 12 p.m. Registration, 5 p.m. Awards. Registration fee $20, Awards for 1st and 2nd place, “Best in Show” and “Judges Choice”
Tuesday, Aug. 9. Biltwell “Sportster Showdown” – Moto Stampede. 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Registration, 5 pm. Awards Best chopper, tracker, vintage and café Sportsters. Presented by Biltwell, Led Sled, Street Chopper, S&S, Rusty Butcher and Chop Cult
Wednesday, Aug. 10. Easyriders Bike Show & David Mann Art Auction 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration, 4 p.m. Awards. Enter your bike for free to win trophies, cash, prizes and bragging rights. 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – David Mann Art Auction.
Thursday, Aug. 11. Rat’s Hole Bike Show. 10 a.m. Registration, Awards 5 p.m. The “Best of Show” winner will be presented a trophy on the Wolfman Jack Stage.
Aware of Indian models popularity, NAMZ just released a Badlands Illuminator module that converts rear turn signals into running lights, brake lights and turn signals for added visibility and safety.
You will just need to swap out the stock rear amber turn signals with red versions, but you are covered there as well. This plug-n-play turn signal kit comes with a pair of red LED’s, rubber backing grommets and red lenses that install in minutes.
Badlands products are available directly from their NAMZ website or calling 877-277-NAMZ, or through Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited, Tucker Rocky, Mid USA, J&P Cycles, V-Twin, Parts Canada, Motovan, Les Importations Thibault, Parts Europe, Custom Chrome Europe, Motorcycle Storehouse, W&W, Zodiac, Rollies Speed Shop, Wildrider International Pty Ltd.
You like it when the claim “amazing rich, deep, thundering bass sound” can be demonstrated by a sound clip. It’s below. These Top Gun slip-ons also offer reduced decibels at cruising speed making them the a good upgrade for long haul performance minded riders.
The Pro-Flow, 3 step perforated baffle cores are engineered to generate maximum horsepower gains over stock. Available in show chrome or deep black finishes with inner and outer precision channeled end caps. Made in the USA. At Magnaflow (Part# 7200203 and 7200302)
A panel of luminaries representing women from a broad cross section of today’s motorcycle industry will take a leading role in the Buffalo Chip’s 2016 Biker Belles® “Two-Wheeled Transformation” symposium on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Taking seats on the panel moderated by Marilyn Stemp of the Sturgis Rider Daily and Iron Trader News are – BMW Motorrad’s Sarah Schilke – Moto-journalist and Iron Lillies co-founder Leticia Cline – Perewitz Cycle Fab’s Jody Perewitz – Land-speed record-holder Karlee Cobb.
The Buffalo Chip chose this group of panelists due to their influence in the industry and their leading roles in helping to shape the future of motorcycling. Following a ride through the beautiful Black Hills the panel will discuss the theme “Two-Wheeled Transformation” while guests enjoy a catered lunch at The Lodge at Deadwood.
The event was created to raise awareness of the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling and to raise funds for local worthy charities. Continue reading ‘Women’s Empowerment. Biker Belles In Sturgis. Industry Leaders Take Seats For Symposium “Two-Wheeled Transformation”’
The American Police Motorcycle Museum Of Meredith, New Hampshire (another Police Hall Of Fame And Museum is located in Titusville, Florida) is a private museum owned by Douglas Frederick. It is the concretization of his dream to honor police officers that rode the primitive motors of old and to bring their history to the general public. But don’t visit the museum after July 18th. Frederick is looking for a new location and hope to reopen for the start of the 2017 New England motorcycle season. So, keep it in mind for the 2017 edition of Laconia Bike Week. You will be able to see again over one hundred machines. Just a few shots during a short visit (photography H. Roesler for Cyril Huze)
