S&S has been building stroker cranks since the 50s and has it down to an absolute art. Their latest efforts are aimed at the Milwaukee Eight platform (2017 and newer big twins) and open up a whole new level of performance for these engines. Stronger, more durable, and trued to a spec others can only dream of, these new flywheel assemblies are the best of the best to build your high performance engine around. Using a heat-treated 4140 material, each assembly is harder and 114% stronger than factory parts. S&S High Strength Connecting Rods are designed using Finite Element Analysis to eliminate weak spots and create a part that can handle substantially more power. Available in 4.375”, 4.5” and 4.625” stroke with tapered or high strength full-width wrist pin to accommodate even the most instance of builds. Each of their flywheel assemblies are also available with or without the counterbalancer gear. We’re particularly interested in their 4.625” stroker crank and figure we could combine that with the S&S 128” Power Package and build a 131” monster! Take a look at the details on their site https://www.sscycle.com/feature/lower-end/flywheels-for-m8-models   S&S® Cycle, Inc. | 14025 County Highway G, Viola, WI 54664 www.SSCycle.com Office 608.627.0358  

Riders and Motorists Can Work Together to Save Lives Washington, D.C. — In order to reduce motorcycle crashes and save more lives, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) wants to remind all road users that May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2018, while motorcycles make up just 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States. In 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes, which is a 4.7 percent decrease from 2017. The majority of these were not single-vehicle crashes but instead involved other vehicles on the road. More than 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in motor vehicle crashes. MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard had this to say, “Motorcyclists must learn through training and experience the best way to stay safe on a motorcycle. Avid motorcyclists are cognizant of the skills required to avoid crashing and will practice and train accordingly. And even though we hone keen awareness skills, riding safe also demands that others we share the road with remain constantly aware of motorcyclists, this is aided by constant messaging by our motorcyclists rights organizations and various governmental and public service agencies. May is traditionally the month many riders are hitting the road after winter and other vehicle drivers must pay attention, hence the importance of May is Motorcycle Awareness month.” With thousands of deaths each year, motorcyclists are overrepresented in crashes and fatalities. “Even the smallest momentary lapse in awareness by a motorist can result in the death of an unseen motorcyclist. Misunderstanding, misjudging, or overlooking a motorcycle can cost someone their life,” said MRF Director of Motorcycle Safety Jay Jackson. “We hope that shedding light on the issue during the month of May will help both motorists and motorcyclists begin to understand the driving behaviors that can help keep all of us safe.” On average most motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes collided with another motor vehicle. Because they have a smaller profile and have greater maneuverability than cars and trucks, motorcycles can be difficult to see or spot on the roadway, and motorists have difficulty judging their distance and speed. Motorists making left turns at intersections are one of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes, due to motorists’ difficulty judging the distance and speed of motorcycles. A motorcyclist’s “braking” is not always obvious to motorists. Motorcycles decelerate faster than vehicles, so motorcyclists will often downshift instead of applying the brake, especially when driving around a curve. This means the brake lights will not be engaged to signal motorists of deceleration or an upcoming stop. Drivers — please follow these safety tips to be more aware of motorcycles and to help keep all on our roadways safe: Slow down, assess your surroundings, and don’t rush when crossing intersections, entering the road from a parking lot or driveway, or turning left. Always give yourself enough time to thoroughly check for motorcyclists. When turning left, ensure there is enough time and space for the motorcyclist to clear the roadway before you initiate the left turn. Don’t follow motorcyclists too closely and allow sufficient braking cushion between your vehicle and the motorcycle in front of you to give your vehicle enough room to come to a complete stop without a collision. Remember, a motorcyclist’s brake lights might not always be engaged when a motorcycle decelerates. Always double-check your blind spots when changing lanes or starting to enter or exiting the roadways. Adjust your rear- and side-view mirrors and use them properly. Remember: May is Motorcyclist Safety and Awareness Month – Motorcyclists and Motorists Can Work Together to Save Lives.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

Dedicated to our friend Goodtime Charlie on Bikernet.com

by Adam Croft

Adam Croft was kind enough to send us this very tough looking classic chopper built by Dan Starkey & Friends. Every custom aspect reminds us of open roads and the freedom to build something super cool for the summer ahead.

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by Pradeep Shah from https://www.financialexpress.com

Aprilia RS660 will soon be making an official entry to the markets soon and the latest spy shot reveals a lot of interesting details

Aprilia’s middleweight supersport – the RS660 has been snapped testing doing test runs, image courtesy Aprilia Forum. What is even more interesting is the fact that the middleweight Aprilia was snapped alongside a Honda CBR650R, possibly due to performance comparison and some other aspects. The RS660 test mule that has been snapped looks production-ready and can be seen devoid of any camouflage on the body. The bike can be seen with well-finished body panels. As there is no test equipment mounted on the motorcycle, this further confirms that the bike is ready to enter production soon. The global debut of the Aprilia RS660 was earlier slated to take place on 9th May but the same has now been postponed with the Covid-19 crisis.

At the 2019 EICMA, the Aprilia RS660 concept was showcased for the first time which left a lot of visitors awestruck. This is all thanks to an impressive design language including the all-LED headlamp cluster upfront with sporty looking LED DRLs that should make the bike looks majestic and predatory in the dark. Moreover, what makes the RS660 quite interesting and worth waiting is its low kerb weight of just 169 kg and hence, one can expect an exciting power-to-weight ratio which should make it a great weapon for the racetracks. Now coming to the powertrain, the Aprilia RS660 is powered by a 660cc, parallel-twin motor that is good for producing a peak power output in the region of 100hp.

The bike also gets an impressive electronics package that includes a six-axis IMU along with wheelie control, traction control, quick shifter and five riding modes as well. India launch of the Aprilia RS660 is most likely and that should take place soon after its global debut. The RS660 is seeming a worthy middleweight supersport and in the current scenario, it will lock horns against the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in the segment. Also, can you see it as something that can be a worthy alternative to the highly-respected Triumph Daytona? Well, only time will tell.

Adam Croft was kind enough to send us this very tough looking classic chopper built by Dan Starkey & Friends. Every custom aspect reminds us of open roads and the freedom to build something super cool for the summer ahead.

Check the spec sheet, lots of the coolest parts. Connect with @dimebag.leather in Instagram and watch it grow and grow. Also connect with the builders. You can find @danstarkey on Instagram and Facebook.

By Gary Biller, NMA President

This is a controversial topic, even outside of these extraordinary times when most of the nation is confined to restricted movement as officials grapple with getting the coronavirus pandemic under control. With shelter-in-place edicts still in effect in most places, there is no doubt a lot of pent-up frustration. So we’re going to tackle the right-to-travel issue and provide an avenue of release for that energy.

First, let’s focus the discussion on the real question: The right to drive. Current times notwithstanding, and short of incarceration, people not only have the right to travel but are able to exercise that right quite freely. Long treatises have been written on the subject, and I won’t relitigate them here. The freedom to drive, where and when we want—that is the basic issue.

Some NMA members would like to see the driver’s license abolished, and as part of that process, to eliminate all state departments of motor vehicles. I have said before, and I’ll repeat here: Give the NMA $10 million and an army of lobbyists to take on this two-pronged battle, and we’d not make a dent. It’s not a realistic or practical goal.

The NMA’s mission involves reversing what the driver’s license has morphed into: Instead of a certification of an individual’s competency to drive a motor vehicle and understanding of traffic laws, the license has become a national ID card, and a means to gather information about and assess penalties to those individuals.

That is the real threat to driving freedoms. Well, that and the ongoing, concerted attacks by anti-driving and anti-driver movements. But let’s put aside the issues involving Vision Zero and Complete Streets programs for the time being and, for the purposes of this discussion, concentrate on the licensing issue.

To kick things off, I’ll share some past correspondence that I, NMA Founder Jim Baxter, and the late Jim Walker have had with others on this topic. As passionately as we all feel about the right to drive, there is no doubt readers will have some strong responses. I would expect nothing less. Email us at NMA@motorists.org with your thoughts. We’ll share the most interesting points of view.

From Jim Baxter, Aug 2010, responding to an email inquiry
“I appreciate your frustration with the abuse of governmental authority as it affects the ‘right to travel.’ Given your interest and concern in this issue, I assume that you know the ‘right to travel’ is not explicitly mentioned or defined in the Bill of Rights. It is certainly implied, but it is not articulated in those words. The courts, over time, have distinguished between the right to travel and the ‘privilege’ to operate a motor vehicle. They have held that the two are not synonymous or interdependent.

“There are many ways a person can travel without operating a motor vehicle. Granted, in this day and age, most travel is via a motor vehicle, but it is not necessary to operate a motor vehicle to travel in a motor vehicle as a passenger. You are correct, the exercise of rights should not involve registration, permits, or taxation. But, while you cannot be charged a fee to register to vote, you do have to register to exercise the right to vote. And, while we constantly talk about free speech, we still have to pay to have that free speech circulated to audiences beyond shouting distances.

“My point is that these pure concepts do require melding with the realities of the world we live in. My free speech doesn’t give me the right to force a printer, or the government the right to force a printer to print my words, for free.

“As you noted, ‘rights’ apply to everyone. A blind person can exercise free speech, vote, can’t be searched without a warrant, and can assemble with others. He also has a right to travel — but the courts would not hold that he had a right to drive an automobile.

“The courts have held that a person has a property interest in a driver’s license and that license cannot be taken away without due process. This removes the driver’s license from the pure definition of “privilege,” but it does not raise it to the level of an enumerated right.

“I realize that this does not fit your view of how this issue should be judged. However, it would be disingenuous of me to pretend that the courts in this country would rule that driving a motor vehicle is a right that cannot be regulated or taxed by the government. They have had that opportunity in the past, and you and I are witnesses to how they decided these questions.”

From Gary Biller, Feb 2012, responding to another inquiry
“I believe that stating we have an inalienable right to drive when the truth is that it is a conditioned right because of the licensing requirement, is problematic. If the media picks up on even a simple statement on our website and presses the matter, it becomes awkward to explain.

“An earlier comment I made to others:

“This discussion has taken an interesting turn from opposing a tyrannical government for tagging our vehicles to current distress over a story published by the NMA over a year ago. (The Driver License: Is It Necessary?, Nov/Dec 2010 issue of Driving Freedoms)

“Traveling by private automobile is a right. But that right is muddied by a system the government put into place in 1913 when the first driver’s license was issued, a system that has become well-entrenched over the past 100 years. Driving is a right, but it is hybridized by the government’s requirement for driver certification.”

From Jim Walker, Feb 2012, in the same email discussion thread
“Driving is a right — IF done safely and competently.  Being licensed is the way a government can revoke that right — IF the person repeatedly drives unsafely or incompetently.  I have NO problem with driver’s licenses being controlled with rational traffic laws designed for safety only.

“I have BIG problems with driver’s licenses being used as the club for financial performance or other things unrelated to driving safety.

“I do NOT want the repeatedly convicted high-BAC driver on the road, or the one who runs from police causing accidents, or the one who repeatedly causes accidents by incompetence, etc.”

From Gary Biller, Oct 2013, in a separate email exchange
“The NMA position that the sole purpose of the driver’s license is to certify competence as the operator of a motorized vehicle remains unchanged. In other words, public safety is served by requiring a certain level of knowledge and skill for those who get behind the wheel of a vehicle on public streets.

“Let’s look at this another way. Traffic signs that regulate the actions of drivers can also restrict the freedom of travel to some degree. High-occupancy vehicle lanes prohibit certain drivers from entering under penalty of law. One-way streets force drivers prevent drivers from moving freely. “No Parking” signs restrict how drivers come and go. Would the same defense work in those cases, basically saying the state has no right to hinder our movements on the road?”

–Join the National Motorists Association (NMA)

by Abhinand Venugopal from https://www.rushlane.com

The 2020MY Honda Grom 125 remains mechanically unchanged from its previous version

Honda Motorcycle has unveiled the 2020 Grom 125 for international markets. Also known as the Honda MSX125 in certain regions, the modern-day minibike (with naked street motorcycle traits) receives minimal changes for the 2020 model year.

The mechanical department remains untouched while Honda has added new colour choices depending on the market. In the US, the 2020MY Honda Grom 125 is available in four colours: Cherry Red, Blue Raspberry, Halloween Orange and Incredible Green. The ABS version comes only in Cherry Red. US prices stand at $3,399 (Rs 2.57 lakh) and $3,599 (Rs 2.73 lakh), respectively.

For the niche minibike market, Honda has got another fun product under its miniMOTO category: Monkey. Available from $3,999 (Rs 3.02 lakh) in the US, the Honda Monkey is so popular that it coined the term “monkey bikes” to minibikes — as Xerox did to photocopy or “fridge” (from Frigidaire) to the refrigerator.

Coming back to the 2020 Honda Grom 125, its 124.9cc air-cooled FI single-cylinder motor makes a humble 9.57bhp and 10.9Nm of torque. Even though these figures look low on paper, the Grom weighs just about 103kg to make the best out of the least. The engine is mated to a 4-speed gearbox.

Despite being smaller than the usuals, the Grom 125’s seat height is decently high at 762mm. Braking duties are carried out by 220mm and 190mm disc brakes at the front and rear, respectively. The minibike rides on 12-inch wheels supported by 31mm USD forks and a rear monoshock. Fuel economy figures are claimed to cross well over 50km/l no matter how much you abuse the engine. The Honda Grom 125 gets a 5.5-litre fuel tank.

Other notable features include full-LED lighting, digital instrument console, ABS (optional), etc. The Grom 125’s construction is as simple as it can get and this is the most fun part of owning a minibike. In a safe and legal environment, minibikes are excellent starter motorcycles for kids and lady riders. Its compact dimensions make it a joy to ride in tight traffic conditions.

For our market, Honda Motorcycle India had tried something similar with the NAVI. However, it ended up being an odd-looking CVT scooter that could not garner enough sales or interest. At one point, it was even offered for free while buying the BS3 Honda CBR250R. The outdated CBR250R was discontinued well ahead of BS6 emission norms as sales fell drastically due to tough competition.

from https://www.sfgate.com

Twisted Cycles has three pre-owned Harley Davidson Anniversary models available for purchase at its Texas locations in Dallas and Lubbock. These models include a 2013 Harley Davidson CVO™ Ultra Classic Electra Glide, a 2008 Ultra Classic Electra Glide and a 2008 Road Glide.

The most recent of the three motorcycles available is a gray 2013 Harley Davidson CVO™ Ultra Classic Electra Glide 110th Anniversary model. Its mileage sits at 17,888 miles and is priced at $17,995 with a potential $500 dealer discount. Customers can find the model at the dealer’s Lubbock location.

Another anniversary model available is a black 2008 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide. The model was built for the company’s 105th anniversary and receives up to 92 ft.-lbs. of torque. It can be found at the dealer with just 8,166 miles on it for a price of $12,995.

The last anniversary model the dealer currently has is an orange 2008 Harley Davidson Road Glide Anniversary, which was also built for the company’s 105th year in existence. The motorcycle has 61,037 miles on it and is currently listed at $11,995. Those interested in giving it a test drive can find it at the dealer’s Lubbock location.

Those interested in any unique model can find them at either Twisted Cycles locations. The Lubbock lot can be found at 2401 South Loop 289 or contacted by phone at (806) 687-7300. Meanwhile, the Dallas location can be reached by phone at (214) 937-5959 or at their location at 7700 S Interstate 35E. To schedule a test drive, customers can also find the dealer online at https://www.twisted-cycles.com/.

by Amit Panday, Malyaban Ghosh from https://www.livemint.com

Atsushi Ogata, operating executive at Honda Motor, Japan, will take over as president, chief executive officer and managing director at HMSI from today

Minoru Kato, who returns to Japan after leading operations in India for three years, has been elevated as the operating executive and chief officer life creation operation at Honda Motor Co

Japan’s Honda Motor Company Ltd on Friday announced changes in the top management of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Private Ltd (HMSI), India’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer.

Atsushi Ogata, who is the operating executive at Honda Motor, Japan, will also assume charge as president, chief executive officer and managing director at HMSI from today.

Ogata will succeed Minoru Kato, who returns to Japan after leading operations in India for three years. Kato has been elevated as the operating executive and chief officer life creation operation at Honda Motor Co.

Among other changes, V Sridhar, who was earlier GVP and director at manufacturing at HMSI, has been elevated as the senior director – purchase.

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, who was senior vice president for sales and marketing operations at HMSI, takes over as director and has also been also elevated to the board of directors.

“Guleria now has greater responsibilities with additional charge of customer service, logistics planning and control, premium motorcycle business, brand and communication along with sales and marketing at HMSI,” the company said.

Vinay Dhingra, who was the senior vice-president, general and corporate affairs, is the new director with added responsibility of strategic information system (SIS).

Anupam Mohindroo, previously director – purchase, and Harbhajan Singh, who was director – general & corporate affairs, have retired after completing their respective tenures.

by Fraser Addecott from https://www.mirror.co.uk

Instantly recognisable around the World, the Triumph logo has has many guises over the years, each one providing a reflection of the mood of the time it represented

Think of the most iconic names and brands in motorcycling and Triumph must surely be near the top of that list.

The instant recognisable logo, with the swoop of the “R” running through to the “H” – known as the “smile line” – is familiar to all bikers.

What may not be so well known is that the branding has had numerous guises, reincarnations, redesigns and tweaks over the years, all reflecting the mood and culture of the time.

Mirror Motorcycling spoke to Miles Perkins, Triumph’s head of brand management and previously part of the design team at global brand consultant Wolff Olins, which created the recent triangular iteration of the logo.

Miles says: “For me, the Triumph logo represents an incredible history and attitude.

“It generates a great deal of reverence and passion from fans all over the world, something the team took very seriously when carefully developing the latest version of this iconic mark.

“The creation of the new badge with its Union Flag detailing and Triumph logo was inspired by the original maker’s mark engine-badge triangles from the 1930s, and was first sketched out at the factory with the Triumph engineering team.”

Miles confesses he doesn’t have that original hand-drawn sketch any more.

“I’m kicking myself,” he admits, “as this would have been a wonderful memento.’’

But he does have an intimate knowledge of the famous branding.

“The logo is synonymous with the passion and independent attitude that the bearer shares,” Miles says.

“The likes of Steve McQueen, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, who all wore T-shirts bearing the logo, helped make it a metaphor for style, individuality and fashion.”

The first Triumph motorcycles were produced in 1902 at a factory in Coventry, owned and run by Siegfried Bettmann.

Miles says: “One of the very first logos had a slightly religious leaning about it, the trumpet possibly signifying the triumphant fanfare at the gates of heaven.

“Those early bikes gained the nickname Trumpets from their owners.”

From 1902 to 1906, the firm used a somewhat imperialist-looking crest badge, featuring flags and the Coventry name.

The first script design appeared in 1907 and was used until 1922.

Miles says it “sought to make Triumph appear less of a faceless manufacturer and more approachable, by making the firm’s voice more personal, stressing the emphasis that was put on human craft, care and engineering”.

But in 1922, the company reverted to a badge.

Miles explains: “After the First World War, faith and trust in British products was a major selling point for firms based in the UK, and Siegfried Bettmann strengthened that message with an evolution of the old crest design.

“He recognised that Coventry was the then silicon valley of the bike world and added red, white and blue to the patriotic mix as well as emphasising the links with the city.

A page featuring a map of the world was briefly used in 1932/33, before a return to a script.

Miles says: “Advertising was becoming an altogether more sophisticated art and the idea that branding was about delivering a clearer message on quality and personal choice came increasingly to the fore.

“This was the start of the age of the science of brand with the advent of television so the logo, with its distinctive smile line, was born.

“The T in Triumph was drawn to symbolise the piston in an engine’s cylinder head while the serif font and sweeping line from the R to the left of the H were very much the design flavour of the day, bringing a more instantly recognisable human touch taking the lead from Victoriana and Art Deco.”

The design was used from 1934 all the way to 1990.

At that point, the firm went into receivership and was then reborn under John Bloor.

“The logo needed another evolution that reflected the amazing renaissance of the business and the energy of the motorcycle boom of the 90s,” says Miles.

“Every element of the logo was sharpened up a little and the smile line brought to the front of the H to give it more balance, reflecting the new-found strength and stability of the brand.

“In line with the design style of the day, it became a more solid, modern and symmetrical logo to be trusted.”

That version was updated slightly in 2005, before a redesign and the introduction of the triangle in 2015.

This incorporated the Union Flag, the logo and the timeless shape of the original engine makers mark that first appeared with patent details on the engine casing of 1939 Speed Twins.

Miles adds: “Most motorcyclists who ride big bikes would certainly know the Triumph logo and continue to associate it with an incredibly rich history, technical excellence, and of course British engineering.

“Our challenge, as those who came before us who have shared custodianship of this incredible brand, is to make sure that as times change, the brand continues to evolve to reflect today’s riders and their passion.’’