by Elena Gorgan from https://www.autoevolution.com Sometimes, the biggest ideas come about in the most unexpected ways. Such an example is Shelton Foster and Mike Brick’s decision to set a new world record for the longest motorcycle ride with no hands. In March 2015, Marcello Sarandrea set the record in Rome, Italy, riding a Yamaha Tricker 250 for 137.94 miles without touching the handlebars. At the time, Foster and Brick didn’t even know such a record existed, but they were already riding hands-free for fun. Shelton “Big Red Machine” and Foster Mike “Brick” Wall from Dry Prong, Louisiana, are the current holders of that record title, beating Sarandrea’s feat on May 9, 2017, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. They were able to ride in sync for 185 miles, 857 feet and 5 inches without touching the handlebars, at the MSR Speedway in Angleton, Texas. The new record was set on a pair of Harley-Davidson Electra Glides with no modifications, and verified by Guinness through extensive documentation submitted by the two riders and witness accounts, as is standard procedure. The history behind that record title is just as interesting as the accomplishment itself. Shelton is President and Wall is VP of the Red River Chapter of the Reguladores Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, an MC whose name needs no further explanation. They both work as correctional officers and are war veterans, and have chosen to dedicate their Harley passion and their work to raising awareness and money to an array of charitable causes, most of which focus on vets dealing with PTSD and domestic violence. The idea for the record, which they dubbed the “Jesus take the wheel” record, came about after Wall was pulled over by a cop for riding without hands. He was eventually let go with a warning after promising to never do it again. Back home, he looked into Louisiana law to see whether there was an explicit mention on how hands-free riding was illegal, and found none. What he did find was the previous record set by Sarandrea. Foster came up with the “Jesus take the wheel” name after a random chat in traffic with a car driver. “I was riding in the back seat of my bike [with no hands], pulling Eva [his service dog, which was riding in a trailer],” Foster explained in an interview with Town Talk. “A gentleman pulled up next to me and rolled his window down and hollered, ‘Hey, who’s driving the bike?’ And I pointed up to the sky and said, ‘Jesus is.’ That inspired the name of the record.” Once the decision was made, they started looking into what was needed to have the record recognized. They say their motivation for it was doing something they would be remembered by but, most importantly, knowing they would reach a bigger platform from which they could help their favorite causes. They dedicated their feat to DART (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team), Heels for Combat Boots, and Brothers and Sisters in Arms. Most of the training was done on the open road, as befits a Hog. The first attempt was foiled by bad weather, but the second was a success. With donated SENA cameras mounted on the helmets and bikes, and help from local sponsors (including Renegade Harley-Davidson and MSR Houston), the two rode in tandem at the MSR Speedway outside Houston, completing 228 laps without once touching the handlebars at a constant speed above 30mph, which is the limit for engaging cruise control. To further prepare, the two went on a lighter diet in the days leading up to the world record attempt, in anticipation of riding non-stop for some five hours. Getting hunger cramps while riding hands-free would have been counterproductive, obviously. They also packed plenty of water in backpacks and other easily accessible places. Eva, Foster’s service dog, which has been trained by a Brothers and Sisters in Arms to detect when he’s about to have an anxiety attack, was at the track but did not accompany her human on the Harley. Both Foster and Wall claim to be experts in riding without hands, and they insist it’s actually safer than you might think, as long as you’re taking extra cautions. These include not driving in heavy traffic and paying very close attention to the road, as the smallest pebble can throw you off. “You have to pay attention to everything around you all the time, every intersection, every piece of debris on the road, every vehicle that’s texting while you’re driving, every vehicle that’s not paying attention and is swaying back and forth,” Foster explained in the same interview. “It takes a lot of hyper-vigilance” Wall added. “You’re being more responsive to everything around you. You’re paying a lot more attention.” As of the time of writing, the record set by Foster and Houston stands. Footage shot at the scene is available here. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6IsNQW8_p_NGS9Rqozuhtw

 The Fourth Annual HighPipe Motorcycle Festival will move up the hill to Table Mountain at Mountain High North Resort in Wrightwood, Calif., with riders hitting the trails, July 17-20. Wrightwood sits in San Bernardino County, about 75 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

Table Mountain reaches an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet and is situated in a hilly, oak and pine forest with large meadows and breathtaking views. Average daytime temperatures in the summer reach the low 80s, with very pleasant cooler evening temps. The Table Mountain Nature Trail encompasses the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway, which provides a picturesque route for riders along some of the highest and most scenic ridges of the San Gabriel mountain range.

The HighPipe Motorcycle Festival showcases all makes and models of bikes. Basically, if it has two wheels and an engine, it is welcome. HighPipe provides opportunities for riders to hone their skills at base camp and take on the challenges of the expertly-created skills course to test their riding mettle. Riders can check out back roads on their way to discovering amazing new destinations. Base camp will also feature a vendor row, with leading brands providing demo opportunities and shopping for the latest gear.

“The HighPipe Motorcycle Festival is one that we always have circled on our calendar,” said Tim Collins, Moto Vertical Leader, Bonnier Events. “The event has continued to grow and evolve over the last three years and Mountain High North this year will add even more excitement. HighPipe provides an outstanding experience for riders of all skill levels and the camaraderie among participants is second to none. We can’t for everyone to put the kickstand up and hit the trails.”

Always a highlight of the HighPipe Motorcycle Festival is the Scramble Ramble Scavenger Hunt, which takes participants to some of the most breathtaking locales, nearly a mile-high in the San Gabriel Mountains to discover unbelievable points of interest.

All HighPipe participants are invited to take part in the Scramble Ramble Scavenger Hunt. When participants find locations, they will share via Instagram and mark their scorecards. Each point found, enters participants into Saturday evening’s drawing for amazing prizes.

Event Features Include:

• Test Ride – Try out new motorcycles from top industry manufacturers
• Mob Runs – A challenging loop though the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, which includes both dirt and paved roads.
• Scavenger Hunt  – Use your riding skills along with sense of curiosity to discover amazing stops along the trails.
• Vendor Row with leading brands showcasing their latest products
• LIVE Music from local acts, sharing their grooves
• Delicious Food from a local establishment
• Ride In Bike Show – Featuring People’s choice awards
• Scramblekhana Skills Course – Ride a scrambler-style gymkhana course and show your skills with fun low-speed challenges such as riding the plank, crossing the log and sand turns.
• Quenching Brews – From Local Craft Breweries
• Professional Lead/Follow Rides – Various rides for different skill levels
• Bar Games – Axe throwing, Cornhole and Giant Beer Pong

The HighPipe Motorcycle Festival is presented by GEICO Motorcycle, with media coverage from Cycle World Magazine.

To register and for more information on camping/lodging, visit HighPipeMoto.com

A Case of “Corona”, Tits, Ass, and Speed Not Necessarily In That Order OHh, yeah, and motorsickles … lotsa motorsickles
Photos and text by DMAC

79th Daytona Beach Bike Week got It’s humble beginning way back in 1937 and started as the Daytona 200 – a motorcycle race that was actually a 3.2 mile course including beach and roadway. Picture that – high banking on sand – in view of the Atlantic Ocean – musta been a sight – especially with all that iron – newer to them then. Now, all vintage iron to us.

READ THE EVENT COVERAGE BY CLICKING HERE

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Source: Honda and http://www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Mar 30, 2020 – – Honda announced that the all-new Honda e electric vehicle and the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE supersport bike won product design awards in one of the most respected awards in the world, the Red Dot Award(1).

Honda e

Honda e won “Red Dot: Best of the Best 2020” in the automobile category, and also received “Red Dot 2020” in the meta category of “Smart Products”.

Honda e is a new-generation electric vehicle focused on a simple design and ease of use built upon Honda’s philosophy of human-centric design, while bringing new values to customers that meet the needs of modern urban life through seamlessly connected technology and outstanding driving dynamics. Honda e’s dashboard features two large touchscreens which display a wide range of applications and connected infotainment services in a lounge-like atmosphere, seamlessly integrating with the occupants’ urban lifestyle. By accessing various connected services displayed on these large touchscreens, the driver and occupants can enjoy the same connectivity and comfort while driving, stationary or charging. The battery is situated under the floor, realizing a low center of gravity and a firm footing despite its small size, and contributes to an optimum balance between stability and handling.

CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE

CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE received “Red Dot 2020” in the motorcycle category.

The CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE was announced at EICMA 2019 in Milan, Italy in November 2019, with sales soon beginning in Europe.

Positioned as the top flagship of CBR series, the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE was developed with the concept, “TOTAL CONTROL for the Track”, pursuing high performance on the track and in races. Its engine was designed with technologies from the RC213V MotoGP machine which continues to win world titles, resulting in the most powerful engine for a CBR yet. The frame has enhanced stability under acceleration and braking, and with the help of advanced electronic control system supporting sport riding, its potential has been further enhanced. Honda believes CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE won the award in part due to its functional beauty honed through pursuing the limits of high-performance and radical new form to achieve uncompromising function not only in the public roads, but also in the circuit.

(1) The Red Dot Award was founded in 1955, and has since become one of the most respected design awards worldwide. 49 categories of industrial products are judged on nine criteria including degree of innovation, functionality, durability and ergonomics. Outstanding designs are awarded by three awards, “Red Dot: Best of the Best”, “Red Dot” and “Honourable Mention”. “Red Dot: Best of the Best” is the most prestigious award among them.

by Eric Loveday from https://insideevs.com

It’s the first time these two vehicles hit the drag strip. Does the winner roll on two wheels or four?

Here’s the world’s first-ever video featuring a drag race between a Tesla Model 3 Performance and a Harley-Davidson Livewire. Which one wins? Let’s watch to find out. Or maybe not.

We’ll be upfront in saying that the video quality here is less than desirable and the racing action is quite difficult to see. However, from the video description and some other social media mentions, we can confirm this to be a race between the Model 3 Performance and the Harley-Davidson Livewire. It’s believed to be the first-ever matchup between these two highly different forms of transport.

Turning our attention back to the race at hand, it seems the Model 3 gets a very bad started off of the line. This isn’t typical for the 3, as usually, it jumps off the line to an immediate lead. However, it is matched up against a motorcycle here, an electric one at that, so maybe it’s just that the Livewire is incredibly quick off the line.

The Livewire jumps out in front immediately and builds a commanding lead. However, close to the end, you can see the Model 3 is gaining big time. Then, right when you expect the times to be posted, the video cuts off. Was this on purpose? Had the Model 3 come back to take the win? It’s hard to say, but it sure does look close at the end. Take a look and please do excuse the poor quality, as the video is not nearly as crisp as we’d like it to be:

So, which one wins? We don’t know. Do you? Let us know in comments if you can figure out the winner here.

 

by Enrico Punsalang from https://www.rideapart.com/

Sometimes all that glitters really is gold.

Few custom motorcycle builders are as unorthodox and eccentric a the folks at Polish custom shop, Game Over Cycles. Judging from their name alone, you’re certain that they churn out some pretty unique builds over there. Based on Game Over Cycles’ Instagram profile, the shop’s builds generally occupy the steampunk, tribal, and even dystopian themes.

One bike, however, stands out from the rest. This 2019 Harley-Davidson Street Bob was transformed into something entirely unique, something evoking pure emotion on the part of the owner. Dubbed the “New York – Rzeszow Motorcycle”, (don’t ask me how that’s pronounced) this bike was meant to pay homage to the places the owner calls home: New York City, and Rzeszow, a city in Poland.

One glance at this machine is not enough for you to absorb all the tributes and easter eggs that were so meticulously integrated into this work of art. I, literally, could spend hours admiring each and every detail on this bike. For instance, it pays tribute to New York City by depicting the Manhattan skyline and other notable buildings such as one of the World Trade Center towers on its wheels. This also makes the bike a 9/11 monument with more tribute pieces to the buildings involved in that fateful day. Apart from this, an exhaust manifold cover was designed to depict the Chrysler Building which was plated in 24k gold.

Additional details that honor New York culture is the logo of the New York Yankees on the timing cover. The brass fuel tank is painted in black with a subtle depiction of the Brooklyn Bridge on top. The front end was designed to represent the ruins of the World Trade Center with “9/11 Never Forget” engraved at the bottom, a thoughtful touch on the part of the owner.

Apart from the iconic New York and American heritage elements, the motorcycle also depicts Poland’s Revolutionary Act Monument. Situated between the Manhattan buildings on the wheels, it integrates itself into the bridge-shaped seat assembly to which the rear fender is attached via tension wires.

In total, it took the team at Game Over Cycles around 260 hours of C&C milling to craft the metal and golden pieces which adorn this motorcycle.

from https://www.sfgate.com/

Created for professional and amateur drag racers, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires has created the new Dragmax in 190/50ZR17 size, the most popular size for serious drag racers on metric and V-Twin motorcycles.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (PRWEB) March 30, 2020

Dunlop has never focused its considerable engineering experience on building a drag racing tire until now. But the time was right to support the drag racing market due to the higher demands of the Pro Street Bike class, where horsepower and speeds have achieved new levels in recent years.

Professional and amateur drag racers that are required to run DOT motorcycle tires had few choices. So, Dunlop created the new Dragmax in 190/50ZR17 size, the most popular size for serious drag racers on metric and V-Twin motorcycles.

The Dragmax is a radial tire that utilizes Dunlop’s exclusive N-TEC construction, similar to that of Dunlop’s rear road racing slicks. N-TEC combines the benefits of cut-breaker construction, which increases stiffness, with continuously-wound aramid Jointless Tread construction for maximum feel and stability.

This design allows racers to run very low pressures, increasing the footprint for maximum traction.

The compound is also very soft, the softest street compound Dunlop has ever produced in its Buffalo, NY plant.

A completely new profile that’s wider and flatter than a typical hypersports tire also helps lay down a bigger footprint. And the tire’s construction minimizes centrifugal growth to keep that footprint as consistent as possible, which also reduces the risk of de-beading.

To find out more about the all-new Dragmax, go to https://www.dunlopracing.com or https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com.

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

For garages that don’t have it in them to build a motorcycle from scratch, there are countless bikes out there that can used for a customization process. Few of them are as alluring as the Harley-Davidson Road Glide, though.

Maybe it’s the iconic shape of the motorcycle, or maybe something else, but the reality remains some of the best custom works in the industry are based on this type of two-wheeler. And some of the strangest and extreme, too.

The motorcycle we have here is a Road Glide from 2012, heavily modified by a custom shop and taken to various events across the American continent since it was completed. It is now, once again, selling, this time on the Classic Cars website.

The custom bagger is no longer its former self, having been stretched by means of welds, not bolt-ons. The front end is raked, as a means to accommodate the huge 26-inch wheel fitted at the front. And even the ride height is no longer factory-specced, as it now can be altered at will thanks to the air ride suspension fitted front and rear.

There are, of course, custom motorcycle-specific elements on it, like the polished and chromed surfaces, the alligator skin seat, or the expensive paint job, which is valued at $15,000 alone. But there are also things you don’t usually find on a motorcycle, be it custom or otherwise.

Like the 6 speakers hidden inside the hard bags at the rear. That’s right, speakers, powered by 2 Rockford Fosgate amplifiers.

The current owner of the bike says he acquired it in a trade-in. Originally, the bike and the modifications made to it are said to have cost over $100,000, and it only has 534 miles on it since completed, but the selling price is now less than half that, namely $49,500.

Yamaha Owners Event Showcasing Proven Off-Road Vehicles Returns for Third Year

/EIN News/ — MARIETTA, Ga., March 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, announces its third-annual XT-Reme Terrain Challenge (XT-R Challenge) for Yamaha YXZ, Wolverine, and Grizzly owners, friends, and families. The three-day event will be held October 2 through 4 at the famous Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

Designed to deliver fun via formidable off-roading trails and obstacles, the XT-R Challenge brings extreme drivers, riders, and weekend warriors who own a Yamaha together for a weekend of great behind-the-wheel action and excitement. Drivers and spectators experience an enjoyable weekend of camping and entertainment with fellow friends, family, and adventure-seekers alongside Yamaha employees.

“The Yamaha XT-R Challenge is the perfect opportunity for owners to put their Proven Off-Road Side-by-Sides and ATVs to the test in mild-to-wild terrain,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports group marketing manager. “The event continues to grow each year and we’re ecstatic to have everyone back this October. The XT-R Challenge has become the ultimate showcase for Yamaha durability and reliability, as well as a great way for our customers to REALize their Adventure alongside other off-road enthusiasts.”

The third annual event will feature an off-road course with varying natural terrains and man-made obstacles specifically designed to put participants and their Proven Off-Road Yamaha Wolverine, YXZ1000R, and Grizzly vehicles to the test. Additional activities include demo rides, music, games, activities – including those for children – and more!

Entries in the XT-R Challenge are limited. More announcements, details, and registration information will be released soon on XTRemeTerrainChallenge.com and the Yamaha Outdoors social channels.

#by Svea Herbst-Bayliss from https://www.reuters.com/

(Reuters) – Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG.N) said on Monday it settled a board fight with Impala Asset Management just days after the investor began pressing to replace two directors at America’s oldest and best-known motorcycle maker.

An independent director, mutually agreed on by Impala and Harley, will join the board after the company’s annual meeting, which was held in May last year, and before July 31.

Impala, which owns roughly 2% of Harley’s stock, nominated two directors two weeks ago as the $2.8 billion hedge fund wanted the iconic American brand to return to its roots after focusing on electric motorcycles and concentrate on its core riders. It had criticized the company for losing market share and for being slow to fix poor returns. In January it pushed for the ouster of Chief Executive Matt Levatich. He resigned in February after five years as CEO during which the company lost more than half of its value.

On Monday, the two sides cast aside some differences as the coronavirus outbreak makes it tougher for companies to stay in business and falling stock prices are hurting many investors.

Harley and Impala entered the “agreement in the spirit of cooperation during trying times, viewing it as a necessity to move forward,” the company said in a regulatory filing.

The $2.7 billion company’s stock fell 4.38% on Monday to $17.02, having tumbled some 50% since the start of the year.

Two weeks ago Impala nominated former auto industry executive Brent Dewar and Leo Hindery, Jr., who has public board experience, as directors to Harley’s nine member board.

Now neither will be considered for the board seat, according to the agreement. Impala will not be allowed to suggest someone working for the fund for the board seat.

Impala is run by former Soros Fund Management Chief Investment Officer Robert Bishop.

At the end of February Harley tapped long-time board member Jochen Zeitz as interim CEO but the investment fund has criticized his compensation package of as much as $8.5 million.

Zeitz, a former CEO of German apparel and footwear maker Puma, has led a push for sustainability at Harley and was a force behind The Live Wire, the company’s first production of an electric bike.