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Survey Sez: Motorcycles Going Mainstream–If riding makes you think you’re an edgy outsider, think again: theMotorcycle Industry Council’s latest survey suggests that bikes are moremainstream than ever.
The study found that the number of motorcycles owned and used in America hasgrown 19 percent since 2003, to a total of 10.4 million. Last year, 25million people “swung a leg over a bike,” a 7 percent increase over the sametimeframe. And Gen Y riders, once outnumbered by Baby Boomers, now eclipsetheir elders by a factor of two to one– a promising sign for the future ofmotorcycling.
Also of note is the fact that more new bikes than used arebeing purchased (despite a downturn in overall sales
As for the reasons why we ride, theMIC finds that motorcycles are used more for transportation than everbefore; getting from A to B is now the #2 motivation for using two wheels.The study suggests that fuel prices, environmental concerns, and conveniencemight be a few of the reasons why.
Transforming The Market! Scorpion?s EXO 900 Is This Summer?s Triple-Feature Blockbuster– (Lake Forest, CA May 13, 2009) There is a new blockbuster transforming the way riders think about helmets this summer. Looking for the safety and protection of a full face helmet, combined with the convenience of a modular/flip-up lid, but want it as a light weight ? open face for that trip to Sturgis or the Four Corners Rally? That used to mean you had to buy three different helmets ? not an option when everyone is looking for more bang for their buck in these tough economic times. Enter Scorpion?s EXO 900 TransformerHelmet?.
?Why can?t we have one helmet that does it all,? questioned Scorpion?s Head Stinger, VP Eric Anderson. With that basic design brief in mind, Scorpion?s engineers started with the aero-tuned advanced composite engineered full face shell, complete with its built-in retractable SpeedView internal sun visor and then set about transforming the market by making it a modular.
Now the entire chinbar and exclusive no-fog EverClear shield section flips up as one piece. But wait! There?s more? as the TV pitchmen always remind us. The safety and security of the composite engineered shell is combined with a state-of-the-art dual density EPS liner to absorb maximum energy. As a flip-up, or even in its open face configuration, the shell meets or exceeds all DOT and ECE 22-05 safety standards.
In addition to passing the protection test, Scorpion?s KwikWick washable, moisture – wicking comfort liner helps keep you cool in any of the three configurations. Speaking of cool, the ease in which the helmet transforms from a full face to and open face version (complete with peak sunvisor in ? mode) is positively seamless! Whether it is swapping out the SpeedShift quick-change outer faceshield or the entire front half of the helmet, the EXO 900 makes its transformation from ? open face to full face modular and back again in less than 10 seconds?and without tools!
Another innovative design feature shared with its ?standard? brethren is the new AIRFIT cheek pad inflation system to ensure the perfect fit for the TransformerHelmet in any mode of attack. But the biggest deal about this blockbuster TransformerHelmet may be the price. Unlike most of the modulars on the market, the ticket for the EXO-900?s triple feature is under $270. Scorpion even offers a full three- year warranty! Three thumbs up for the new three-way helmet.
MSRP: $269.95 in Gloss Black $279.95 in Matte Anthracite & Hyper Silver Join Team Scorpion! More information about the full range of ScorpionExo Helmets and Scorpion Sports, Inc.?s complete ScorpionExoWear line can be found at www.ScorpionUSA.com.
HISTORIC PAIR OF MILLER RACE CARS LEAD EARLY CONSIGNMENTS FOR RM AUCTIONS ?SPORTS & CLASSICS OF MONTEREY?– RM Auctions announces the consignment of two significant Miller race cars ? the 1931 Miller V16, the only V16 Miller race car ever built, and a 1927 Miller 91?a recreation of the Frank Lockhart Land Speed Record car – at its ?Sports & Classics of Monterey? event, August 13th ? 15th in downtown Monterey, California, USA.
BLENHEIM, Ontario (May 27, 2009) ? RM Auctions will lift the gavel on an important pair of Miller race cars when its highly anticipated Sports & Classics of Monterey event returns to historic downtown Monterey, California, August 13th to 15th.
Now in its 24th year, the annual RM event was the first and original auction held during the now famous Pebble Beach classic car week. Regarded as one of the world?s largest auction events of its kind, over the years it has been witness to the sale of some of the most significant sports and classic automobiles available to the market. This year will be no exception with a one-of-a-kind 1931 Miller V16 and a beautifully crafted 1927 Miller 91 rear drive from the esteemed Chuck Davis Collection leading the pace for early consignments. The masterwork of legendary American racing car designer, Harry Miller, both cars boast fascinating histories and are set to attract the attention of vintage racing enthusiasts worldwide.
Joining the 1931 Miller V16 at the Monterey event will be another important and beautifully crafted Miller competition car – a spectacular 1927 Miller 91 rear drive car ? a recreation of the legendary Frank Lockhart Muroc Lake Land Speed Car and featuring the specially built Miller engine from that car. Like the V16, this example has also undergone a comprehensive and flawless concours restoration and is ?on the button? and track ready.
RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey auction event will be held at the Portola Hotel and Spa, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, Calfornia, August 13th to 15th. The auction preview will commence August 12th from 12noon ? 6:00pm, followed by full day previews on August 13th through 15th. All the auction action will kick off with the Nick Alexander Woodie Collection on August 13th, followed by the presentation of a range of other important and significant collector cars on Friday, August 14th and Saturday , August 15th.
Admission to the auction is $40.00 USD granting one person access to both RM’s annual Sports & Classics of Monterey event and preview and the Nick Alexander Woodie Collection event. An official auction catalog is available for an additional $100 USD.
For further information and full event details, please visit www.rmauctions.com
Blackwell Steps Away From Victory’s Day-To-Day Ops– Mark Blackwell, formerly in charge of Polaris’ Victory Motorcycles business, is stepping away from the brand’s day-to-day operations to devote more time to the OEM’s global motorcycle strategy.Polaris on May 18 revealed a plan to form an On-Road Vehicle division intended to include the OEM’s existing Victory Motorcycle business, as well as future on-road ventures. Polaris leadership placed Mike Jonikas as vice president of the new division; Steve Mennetto as general manager of Victory, reporting to Jonikas; and Blackwell as vice president of Polaris’ current and future motorcycle business. Both Jonikas and Blackwell will report to Polaris President and COO Bennett Morgan.
“I’ll be stepping away from the day-to-day operations of Victory to focus more on strategic issues, including how Polaris can grow its motorcycle business globally,” Blackwell told Dealernews.
Upon announcing the new On-Road Vehicle Division, Polaris said it intended to establish “a significant on-road presence.” Yet, in discussing adjacent business ventures ? such as military sales and the partnership with Bobcat ? Polaris leadership has never mentioned on-road opportunities. Still, Dealernews has learned the OEM may be preparing scooter and electric vehicle products.
Blackwell declined to discuss those possibilities, or any other future product opportunities.
–Dealernews
New packaging introduced by Performance Machine–PERFORMANCE Machine is introducing a new look for its product range with the creation of new vivid blue packaging.
The new packaging now comes with its popular accessories such as grips and mirrors, and the company says ‘the improved packaging keeps the product protected, and the signature PM blue will grab your buyers’ attention’.
The new packaging introduces a new ‘Accessory Program’, which has been designed to provide dealers with a professionally merchandised Performance Machine product display within their stores.
The program offers three buy-in tiers allowing dealers to purchase any combination of accessories, allowing for different dealers’ demographics and avoiding unnecessary inventory.
Each tier offers benefits such as buy-in discounts with extended terms, a PM billet sign, custom reorder cards, free shipping and other benefits.
–PERFORMANCE MACHINE
La Palma, California, USA
Tel: 714 523 3000
Fax: 714 523 3007
E-mail: sales@performancemachine.com
www.performancemachine.com
NEW SNEAKY CANADIAN COP CARS–Check this out- some cop cars in the Newmarket/Milton area (near Toronto, Ontario) are done up to look like cabs from a distance- the roof top light says POLICE with the phone number. Reminds me of years ago when the Toronto Cop cars and a lot of the cabs there shared the same school bus yellow paint jobs.
–Keith S.
Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler Confirmed for 2009 Legends Ride– Registration available for charity event that kicks off 2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
STURGIS & DEADWOOD, S.D. (5/26/2009) — An all-star roster of celebrities, world-class bike builders, cigar aficionados and artists have signed on to participate in the second annual Legends Ride to benefit Black Hills charities. Special Guests in the 2009 Legends Ride, which will be held Monday, August 3rd to kick off the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, include Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, and a host of the nation’s top bike builders, including Roger Bourget, Christian Clayton, Brain Klock, Michael Prugh and Paul Yaffe.
Aerosmith will be performing live at the Legendary Buffalo Chip, Wednesday August 5th and according to Dirico Motorcycles publicist, Aerosmith frontman, Steven Tyler and Dirico Motorcycles USA will take part in the 50-mile escorted Legends Ride that will take participants from historic Deadwood, S.D., through the Black Hills, and will finish at the Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis.
“The Black Hills have long been known as rider’s paradise, and the Legends Ride takes it one step further. You start in a town that’s infamous – Deadwood – ride through some of the nation’s best territory, and finish in the granddaddy of all motorcycle dreams – Sturgis and the Legendary Buffalo Chip; and you benefit charities,” said Rod Woodruff of the Legendary Buffalo Chip. “Every participant in this year’s Legends Ride is going to be talking about this very special event for the rest of their lives.”
The Legends Ride is hosted by the Legendary Buffalo Chip and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce. The Legends Ride is a fundraiser for the Children’s Home of the Black Hills and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Last year’s event raised nearly $40,000 for charity.
Registration for the 2009 event is open, and tickets are going fast. They can be purchased at www.legendsride.com or by calling (605) 347-9000. The 2009 Legends Ride is a $150 contribution, 100% of which goes to the charities. Contributing riders not only get to enjoy the ride but also a special souvenir gift pack, special parking privileges in Deadwood and the Legendary Buffalo Chip, meet-and-greet opportunities with master builders and celebrities, food and drinks at an invite only reception scheduled to be recorded for broadcast in a network television series and, to top off the experience, concert performances by rocker Lita Ford and country music superstar Toby Keith. The Legends Ride reception will be highlighted by a live auction featuring “The Deadwood Special,” a unique custom motorcycle built by Kyle Shorey of Shadetree Fabrications and a pinstriping demonstration by Buck Wild.
The 2009 ride begins at the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex on Deadwood’s Main Street. Other stops in Deadwood include the Deadwood Tobacco Company, where riders can enjoy a stogie with the Stars of Cigars including Christian Eiroa, Jonathan Drew, Nish Patel and many other of world’s top cigar aficionados. The Lucky Nugget Gambling Hall will showcase the works of the motorcycle industry’s and Black Hills’ top artists including Michael Lichter, David Uhl, Eric Herrmann, Rede Ballard and Kristi Goodell as part of the Buffalo Chip’s 2009 Essential Artists of the Black Hills Rally.
–Ken Conte
Do It Your Damn Self ? Tech Tips from Lowbrow Customs–Lowbrow Customs has been archiving how-to articles written by themselves as well as those by various denizens of the interweb in an attempt to compile the best and most useful in one convenient location. If you have been wondering what is involved with mounting a solo seat, the best way to radius your fender to fit your wheel just right, or how to cut down that king sporty tank to make your bike look like a lean, mean machine, you have to check out the DIY Tech Tips at www.lowbrowcustoms.com.
SEE YOUR NAME BLAZING DOWN THE SALT FLATS AT 400MPH: BECOME A MEMBER OF BUB’S SPEED CLUB–Denis Manning, president and owner of BUB Racing and BUB Enterprises has announced a new type of sponsorship option for the BUB Seven Streamliner.
Anyone can put his or her name on the side of the motorcycle as it recaptures the world record and strives to be the first 400mph motorcycle by becoming a member of BUB’s Speed Club.
Now for the first time ever, Manning is offering the general public a chance to be a part of motorcycling history and be listed as an official member of the club by placing their name on the side of the record setting machine. For $100, a ∏” x 4″ space will be customized with a name for a year, and also receive an exclusive Seven member t-shirt and email updates. Clubs or companies also have an opportunity to fill a larger space with their name or logo with additional packages available.
These membership options are released in conjunction with a new website chronicling the history and progress of Seven now live online at www.seven-streamliner.com
Manning has been involved in land speed racing for over 40 years and held the record in 1970 with the Harley-Davison streamliner ridden by the late Cal Rayborn. Manning has been involved in a number of subsequent land speed record attempts and regained the title in 2006 with flat track champion Chris Carr at the helm. The team held the record for over 2 years. Seven was the first motorcycle to break the 350mph barrier is also the first streamliner to have motorcycle tires rated for over 400mph, thanks to the hard work of Goodyear and the BUB Seven crew.
Manning and crew are looking forward to renewing the challenge to break the record and the ultimate goal of 400mph . Questions and requests for information should be directed to Delvene Manning at BUB Racing in Grass Valley CA. Phone 530-272-4310 , membership application are available on the BUB Seven Streamliner website www.seven-streamliner.com or by emailing info@seven-streamliner.com
Go Fast and Stop Safe!
–Denis Manning and the BUB Streamliner Crew
www.bubracing.com
PH: 530 272 4310
FAX: 530 477 7489
Email: info@seven-streamliner.com
CALIFORNIA IS AT IT AGAIN–A BILL to smog check motorcycles is in the Senate. See the below link for the BILL:
www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0401-0450/sb_435_bill_20090413_ammended_sen_v98.pdf What this boils down to is, if your motorcycle is 2000 or newer you will be required to return it to stock condition and register it through a California Emissions Test Center. The BILL named SB 435 has gone to the next step and is went to the Senate Appropriations board on 4/27/09. Please do your part & log on to this site: www.senate.ca.gov/-newsen/senators/senators.htp Here’s a list of the names you can contact & voice your opinion on keeping this from passing. It will effect ALL of us if this goes any further! Members: PLEASE CONTACT THEM & DO YOUR PART TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING! Thanks!
Sen Christine Kehoe – Chair
Sen Dave Cox – Vice Chair
Sen Jeff Denham
Sen Ellen Corbett
Sen Mark Desaulnier
Sen Lori Hancock
Sen Mark Leno
Sen Jenny Oropeza
Sen Leland Yee
Sen Mark Wyland
Sen Lois Wolk
Sen Mimi Walters
Sen George Runner
–Doris Taylor / Sales Rep
Biker’s Choice / Tucker Rocky
dtaylor@bikerschoice.com
Spectro Performance Oils is now the official partner of Darwin Motorcycles, manufacturer of Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers– From now on, every Brass Balls Bobbers’ motorcycle that leaves production will have synthetic Spectro HD 20w50 Engine Lubricant in one of three bullet-proof engines available, including the Crazy Horse V-Plus, Harley-Davidson EVO or the S&S mill. According to a release, the Spectro HD Platinum 75w140 transmission oil will ride in the Baker Drivetrain transmission.
“We are excited about integrating their products into our motorcycles,” commented Dar Holdsworth, Brass Balls Bobbers’ BossMan. “Their high quality polymers combined with significant quantities of zinc/phosphorus is what gives our customers longer lasting oil and a longer lived motor. In addition, Spectro’s viscosity index gives the rider a smoother, quieter motor with better protection at start up… and that is what we all need with our air-cooled v-twin engines.”
Spectro Oils has been in the motorcycle industry for over 42 years, offering a full range of fully-synthetic, semi-synthetic and petroleum lubricants for all classes of ?powersports? engine and transmission applications.
The Spectro line also includes a wide range of suspension fluids, fork oils, brake fluids, coolant, chain lubes/waxes, filter cleaners and oils, and protection/appearance products.
“Brass Balls Bobbers are champions of American manufacturing and when you see their design, quality and price point, you just have to say, WOW,” said Spectro Oils Vice President of Sales, Rollin Karoll. “It’s great that we have a quality custom-production bike made in the U.S. that enthusiasts can buy without going broke.”
Garage Leathers Introduces the ?Skully? Solo Bag —New Jersey, USA, May 29, 2009 ? Hot on the heels of the success and popularity of its solo leather bag for rigid, Softail, Sportster, and Dyna style motorcycles, Garage Leathers has announced the introduction of a new, larger bike bag.
Dubbed the ?Skully? for a distinctive skull and crossbones brand on the front of the bag, the new Garage Leathers offering is 20 percent larger ? due to a longer length — than their popular original solo bag. Like its sibling solo, the new Skully bag is made from sturdy 10-oz leather and is handcrafted in New Jersey, USA.
Other new and improved features on Garage Leathers Skully solo motorcycle bag are hidden quick-release buckles and four heavy nylon mounting straps. The Skully solo bag is available for $235 in classic black and vintage brown finishes.
?The crew at Garage Leathers is made up of very avid motorcycle riders,? said company President Robert Camardo, ?so we make products that we would want to see on our bikes and we thoroughly test our designs to be sure they?re road worthy.?
Camardo reported that, while the original Garage Leathers solo bag continues to be very much sought after, some riders asked for a bag with a little more room for longer trips. The bag is 15.5 inches long on the longest side and 11 inches wide.
?We wanted to be sure our customers could get what they want and need from Garage Leathers,? he said, ?so we developed the bigger Skully bag over the last several months.?
?We ride hard and so do the folks who use our bags,? Robert states, ?and we made sure Garage Leathers bags will hold up to whatever the highway can throw at them. We will not offer a bag that we wouldn?t want to see on our own motorcycles. The Skully more than meets the ?old school cool? test.?
In addition to the new Skully bag, Garage Leathers offers a large variety of bags for all types of motorcycles and in a number of finishes. To see the full line of Garage Leathers products and to order online, go to www.GarageLeathers.com. Garage Leathers supports the men and women of the United States armed services and offers a discount for military personnel.
THINK BIGTHINK REALLY BIGROT RALLY 2009!WWW.ROTRALLY.COM– Robbie Knievel Farewell Tour ATTENDS ROT RALLY.
Don’t miss the chance of a lifetime to watch Robbie Knievel Jump in front of the Texas State Capital as part of the Republic of Texas Biker Rally June 11th – 14th. Tickets for this historic jump go on sale Tuesday May 26th at noon. The jump will take place at 11:00 PM on Friday June 12th, 2009. Tickets are limited and are sold on a first come first serve basis.
There are two Premium Viewing Areas for the jump:Block “A” Premier Viewing is between 10th and 11th St. on Congress Ave. and Block “B” between 9th and 10th St. on Congress Ave. There is a $20 charge to enter either of these two blocks. Only ROT Rally wristband holders will be allowed into the block “A” viewing area.
VIP Tents for Sale:
A limited number of VIP Tents are available that will accommodate up to 20 spectators in each tent. These tents will be strategically located immediately in front of both the “Take Off ” and the “Landing Ramp” These premier viewing spots are limited to ten tents at each location. To reserve your tent email Denise Garcia at denise@rotrally.com Drop Natalie a note to purchase a Club Row Tent!
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