Fat Man on a Little Bike

Sorry, but I don't have any details about this video.  I can't tell you who this is, where it was filmed, or even who is doing the filming.  However, I do know that that is a Fat Boy if I've ever seen one.

Man Reunited With HIs Motorcycle After 46 Years

Wow!  I found this article in the Kansas City Star today about an Omaha man who was reunited with is stolen motorcycle.

Pretty cool, right?  How often does that happen?  Well, it gets even better.  Donald Devault, now 73, had his Triumph Tiger 100 stolen when he was 27 years old, 46 years ago.  Apparently, the Triumph was waiting to be shipped to Japan when someone noticed the vehicle identification number matched a motorcycle reported as stolen in 1967.  Authorities amazingly were able to contact and reunite Mr. Devault and his "Li'l Blue Bitch."

That is one lucky guy.


 

Monday Morning Media (on Tuesday) - CB 350 Craigslist Ad

Any donut I want?  Now that's how you up the value of your motorcycle.

State Trooper Hits Couple on Motorcycle

On August 17th 2013, Ohio State Trooper Jacob Daymon rear-ended Corey and Amy Waldman while they were riding their motorcycle.  Apparently, Trooper Daymon was traveling 81mph in a 65mph zone when he crashed into the Harley.  I was unable to find many details about the accident but from watching the video he was clearly in the wrong.  Fortunately, other than some minor injuries and lots of road rash Corey and Amy Waldman are OK.  Trooper Jacob Daymon received a $150 fine and a six month suspension of driving privileges for his negligence.  

I will not pretend that a short video on YouTube provides all the necessary information to completely understand a situation.  We do not know about any distracting factors, lighting conditions, etc.  However, from what we can see the State Trooper is completely at fault. 

 Any operator of a motor vehicle, whether a police officer or not, is required to be in control of that vehicle at all times.  Trooper Daymon is clearly not.  He is speeding and he is either distracted or traveling faster than road conditions allow for him to react appropriately.  Either way he is not in control of his vehicle.  

I understand that there are a lot of distractions inside of a police vehicle.  However, those distractions are no more of an excuse for an officer than a cell or radio would be for a normal person.  

I also understand that accidents will happen which is why they are called "accidents," not "on purposes."  However, the most upsetting act of the video to me is Trooper Daymon's reaction after the accident.  He seems more concerned with the damage to his cruiser than with Corey and Amy.  His job is to protect and serve.  His job is not to worry about his car, Corey and Amy's tax dollars will pay that that.  

As I said earlier, the operator or vehicle is responsible for that vehicle and the consequences that occur while they are in control of the vehicle.  This holds true for a lay person but even more so for an officer of the law.  Just as doctors and lawyers are held to higher standards in their respective fields, a police officer should be held to a higher standard in his.  This is not the case in this situation.  In fact, it would be hard to imagine a normal citizen getting away with a $150 dollar fine for recklessly endangering the lives of others.

I am glad for all parties that no one was killed.    

Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750

Harley-Davidson continues it's busy 110th anniversary year.  Yesterday it released two brand new motorcycles the Street 500 and 750.  Just a couple of months ago saw The Motor Company cater to its higher end customers with Project Rushmore.  The driving force behind Project Rushmore was "listening to the customers."  Well, I would say that Harley-Davidson continues to do exactly that but where Project Rushmore's focus was on its established and wealthier riders the Street 500 and 700 occupy the other end of the spectrum.  The fact is the world is becoming more urban, diversified, and the future of any brand is attracting new buyers.  The Street 500 and 750 reflect this demographic.  

The Week's End Roundup- Top Ten Harley's of All Time

No, you are not seeing double.  Look closer.  

Man and Machine

I am not sure if this was a bad attempt to show sexism in motorcycle culture or just a brilliant viral marketing campaign but someone had the idea to recreate the advertising photos for Ducati's Panigale.  I dare you to look at the rest of the photographs comparing the women and men models and not laugh.  Good luck.


Top Ten Harley's of All Time
Without a doubt, Harley Davidson is one the most popular and recognizable motorcycle companies in the world.  Their motorcycles have spanned decades and influenced generations.  See what a group of panelists gathered by Motorcycle.com came up with as their top ten Harley Davidson's of all time.


2013 Triumph Rocket III vs Ducati Diavel Strata
Motorcycle-usa.com compares the uber powerful cruisers from Triumph and Ducati.


Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle?
Are you creative?  Are you handy? Pablo de Chaves certainly is. Check about the link above to see his latest hand made creation, a naked electric motorcycle.

The Week's End Roundup

BMW Unveils the 2014 R nineT Roadster.
BMW celebrates 90 years of Motorrad with the release of the beautiful R nineT Roadster.  Find out more here.

Eric Buell Racing Unveils the 2014 1190RX
Who said America could only produce slow heavyweight cruisers?  Not Eric Buell that's who.  Eric Buell Racing's new 1190RX is light, powerful, and fuel efficient.  And it lists for less than $19,000, competition be warned.  Find out more here.

Harley Davidson Heritage Softail vs Indian Vintage Chief
For a rush of nostalgia, check out motorcycle-usa.com's comparison of the Harley Davidson Heritage Softail and Indian Vintage Chief here.

2014 Victory Ness Cross Country Limited-Edition Test Ride
Motorcycle-usa.com may have forgotten you Victory, but I didn't.  Check out what the great people of motorcycle.com thought of the Cross Country Limited here.

Get your cowboy on.  2014 Ural Gaucho Rambler.
A Russian interpretation the American West, using a classic German motorcycle.  I like it.  See the Ural Gaucho Rambler here.

"In Mother Russia Bus Stop Goes to You"

I found this gem on thechive.com.  No explanation or background was given as to why the original sidecar is missing and in its place there is now a wooden bench.  However, I think we can make an educated guess.  First of all, the bike looks to be a Ural.  Secondly, the landscape is barren and frozen.  And finally, we can deduce from the current sidecar design that the owner has a total disregard for safety and is proud of it.   This has Russian handiwork written all over it.  So why is there a wooden bench where a sidecar should be?  Easy, as they say in Russia, "In Mother Russia you don't go to bus stop, bus stop goes to you."

Motorcycle News

Cam-Am Gets a New Engine

Well, it looks like the new engines just keep on coming. Cam-Am has released its new Triple Rotax Engine. Named the Rotax 1330 ACE (Advanced Combustion Efficiency), the engine puts out a claimed 115 hp at 7250 rpm and 96 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm.  The engine only comes in RT platforms with the RS and ST models retaining the Rotax v-twin.  You can find out more about the new engine and other improvements here.

Suzuki Celebrates 50 Years 

Motorcycledaily.com has a great write up on Suzuki motorcycless with lots of colorful pictures of Suzuki bikes past and present.  Click here. 

  

Harley Davidson 110th Ride Report

The 110th Harley Davidson anniversary party has come and gone, but it was one to remember.  Maybe my expectations were low, maybe the flu had got to my head, but I enjoyed every minute.  In fact, I can't wait until 2018 to do it all again.

My wife and I planned on leaving early Friday morning but instead found ourselves leaving at 1 pm during the hottest part of the day. We ended up having to leave so late because our daughter was sick the day before, a sickness which we both now had the pleasure of experiencing.  So, hot and sick we took off.  Besides every joint of my body feeling like it was painfully stuck and sweating profusely from the heat, the first part of the trip went fine.  Approximately 60 miles west of Milwaukee, a cloud as black as night was moving toward us traveling Southeast.  20 minutes later, 70 mph winds, hail, horizontal rain, and flash flooding.  Luckily, after several miles of hold on for dear life we found a Shopko, where we were able to wait out the storm.  Unfortunately, our packed clothes, sleeping bag, and blankets didn't fair so well and sat soaking up the rain.

Eventually my wife and I made it to our campground at the Wisconsin State Fair Park.  Not typically used for tent camping, the park opened the Milwaukee Mile racing grounds for us "budget conscious" campers.  The good side was it was a pretty cool place to camp and it was located only minutes from downtown, the lake front, and the HD museum.  The bad, several inches of rocks directly under a thin layer of grass made staking a tent almost impossible and sleeping about as comfortable as riding through the hail storm.

Once we got the tent set up and the bike unloaded, it was starting to get dark.  We decided to head downtown.  For those of you who have not visited Milwaukee, I highly recommended it.  Milwaukee is set on the shore of Lake Michigan with the Milwaukee River snaking throughout its downtown area.  The shoreline has parks and green space broken only by museums and concert venues.  This is where the majority of the 110 celebrations took place, filling the lake front with vendors, exhibits, and several concerts.

Unlike mostly rallies I have been to, the urban location of the 110 celebration provided a unique atmosphere.  Thundering around skyscrapers and the lake front with thousands of other motorcycles made for an exciting experience.  If crowds aren't your thing, but instead you prefer to relax with a beer and listen to music, no problem.  There is apparently no open container law in Wisconsin and alcohol was sold along the lake front.  You could quench your thirst while walking around, lying in the grass, or dipping your feet in Lake Michigan.

On Saturday, I awoke at 6 am to the sound of a gas generator next to my tent.  Funny thing is, half asleep, for the first few minutes I thought it was the worst sounding Harley I had ever heard.  But seriously, if you are camping in a tent only area, have some courtesy and don't bring a generator. I think it is funny that the "biker" next to me could afford a pickup, enclosed trailer, motorcycle, and generator but could not afford a DC to AC converter to plug in his coffee pot.

Up early, we decided to have some coffee and breakfast on the lake front.  From there we went the HD museum which by opening time was already packed and continued to fill up with each passing second.  So maybe I should have thanked my neighbor for getting me up so early, not cursed him.  Oh well.

The rest of the day was spent riding around town and partaking in festivities.  By night time, we had one item left on our to list, UFC 164.  I am a huge mixed martial arts fan.  Again maybe my expectations were low, but the fights Saturday night were fantastic (except for one undercard heavyweight fight which after about one minute, I am not sure if the two fighters were cuddling or just sleeping together, but they were certainly not fighting anymore.  It's called a "cardio" big boys, you should try it sometime).  Several of the fighters were hometown boys which always gets the crowd going.  UFC 164 was not biggest crowd with less than 10,000 people.  However, we made up for our lack of numbers with boisterous enthusiasm.  Even my wife who reluctantly agreed to come to the fights was screaming at the end.  Saving the best for last, the fight night ended with a new minted Lightweight champion.  Anthony Pettis, a Milwaukee native, and Taekwondo practitioner, winning via submission against a Jujitsu black-belt.  I did not see that coming, awesome stuff!

Anyway, the rest of the trip was uneventful, excluding the drunks and burnouts at the campground at 3 am but hey, it's a bike rally.

As always, there is too much to see and do in such a short period of time.  But isn't that what keeps us coming back for more?

Iron Butt Rally Tracking Map

I find endurance events fascinating.  Whether it is ultramarathons, century bicycle rides, or any other crazy made up tasks that human invent to push our limits, it blows my mind as to what the human body can endure and accomplish.  I feel the same way about machines.  I have the same innate feeling deep down inside when I think about pushing them to their limits.  I love the patina of higher mileage machines, baked by the sun and worn by rain and tens of thousands of miles.  Maybe it is some type of anthropomorphism but I see motorcycles like humans, pushing themselves to their limits and exceeding what many think is possible.  

                                                                            2011 Iron Butt Rally

The stamina and perseverance displayed by both the rider and motorcycle while completing in endurance motorcycle events is for me the sans peril.  I imagine that I am not the only one who thinks this way, as evidenced by the popularity of the Iron Butt Association, Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, and Cannon Ball Run Coast to Coast Motorcycle Challenge.  

This is why I find the video above are so entertaining.  The video feature icons circumventing the United States, as they race from location to location to accumulate as many points as possible, before finishing exactly where they started.  The amazing thing is that each icon represents a single rider.  Each rider maps their own route and then sets out to cover approximately 11,000 miles in 11 days.  Now that is endurance for both man and machine.  

If you haven't yet check out the video above of the 2011 Iron Butt Rally, as well as the link to a similar style video of the 2013 rally here.  Then as always tell me what you think.      

Indian Motorcycle Assurance Program

It looks like Indian Motorcycles is taking some great steps to address some potential concerns of buyers.  They have released the "Indian Motorcycle Assurance Program," which includes the following elements.

5 Years of Coverage: Indian Motorcycle® backs every new Indian Motorcycle with 5 years of coverage that includes both a 1 year limited warranty and an extended service contract. Coverage is subject to $50 deductible with no mileage limitation.

Fly & Ride: The Fly & Ride program encourages new owners to make buying and riding a new Indian Chief a memorable and rewarding experience. Buyers can fly to an Indian Motorcycle dealer on any commercial airline, ride their new bike home, and receive a $250 credit on their Indian Chief purchase.

Trade-in Confidence: Buy a new 2014 Indian Chief with the total confidence that comes from guaranteed trade-in values. Two years after purchase, owners can bank on a guaranteed trade-in value of 70 percent of original MSRP, and 60 percent trade-in value after three years.

Competitive Financing: Indian Motorcycle dealers across the country are offering competitive financing rates of 3.99% for 36 months, or 6.99% for 72 months. Rates are available now through the end of the 2013.

Roadside Assistance: New owners who purchase now through the end of 2013 receive a full year of roadside assistance coverage. Available services include emergency transport (up to 100 miles at no cost), pickup and delivery of your motorcycle (charges apply), fluids delivery, and jump starting services.

In addition to the Indian Motorcycle Assurance Program, there is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week Concierge Hotline available for Indian Motorcycle owners. New owners of an all-new 2014 Indian Chief motorcycle can buy and ride with confidence knowing service, support and assistance is a phone call away.

There is a lot of risk from purchasing a bike from a completely new manufacturer.  Outside of the obvious issue of unknown reliability, there is lack of dealership support, and potential lost of value when trading-in the bike.  

The "Indian Motorcycle Assurance Program"  seems to help address these concerns.  What do you think?  If you were in the market for a new motorcycle, would this program sway you to purchase an Indian?

Liquid cooled Harley-Davidson's for 2014

Named "Project Rushmore," the 2014 Harley model release saw several updates to there traditional motorcycle line. Most notably, they announced that some of their 2014 Touring models will feature the "Twin-Cooled" engine. These engines will circulate coolant through the cylinder heads in combination with air cooling to allow for higher compression ratios and more stable engine output.

Ever since a patent of a liquid cooled Twin Cam surfaced on the internet, there has been speculation that Harley-Davidson would be releasing a liquid cooled engine.  It looks like the speculation was right.  The design of the engine shows a discrete radiator located between the down tubes. 

Three models will receive the “Twin-Cooled” engine, including the 103 cubic inch Electra Glide Ultra Limited motorcycle and the Tri Glide Ultra motorcycle. A 110 cubic inch version of the “Twin-Cooled” engine will also be found in the 2014 CVO Limited.

Other touring models featured as part of "Project Rushmore" will received a traditionally air cooled, High Output Twin Cam 103 motors.


Here is what Harley has to say on its web site about the new “Twin-Cooled” engines:

“If you started in 1909 with the very first Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine and worked your way up through every engine, every innovation, every improvement, every ride, every durability test in all those years and countless miles since, you arrive at the Twin Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine. This is the top of the line. 103 cubic inches of air and precision cooled Harley-Davidson®V-twin power. Twin cooling cools the heads around the exhaust ports to deliver at or near peak performance under all operating conditions and temperatures. Higher compression ratio increases efficiency and horsepower. There’s a new airbox for increased airflow and a new cam to optimize low-end torque. It’s got the fastest 60 to 80 mph 5th gear roll on in the history of Harley-Davidson. Which means it’s got the most passing power in the history of Harley-Davidson. On top of all that, it puts less heat on the rider and passenger on scorching days and in stop and go traffic.”

For more information and details regarding the new 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycles and "Project Rushmore," visit the Harley-Davidson website.

2014 Indian Chieftain, Harley Davidson CVO Ultra Classic, and Victory Cross Roads Tour Test Ride and Comparison

The New 2014 Indian Chieftain and no that is not my helmet but that most definitely is my shirt.

Ok, say you are in Sturgis, and if by some rare circumstance, you find yourself with some free time.  You know, the time between shopping, eating, drinking and partying.  You should totally take your butt to the demo rides.  Seriously, one of my favorite things to do at the rally, is check out the latest and greatest motorcycle offerings.  I mean, where else can you test ride any motorcycle you wish, guilt free and with no pressure or obligation to purchase anything.  With a quick scan of your drivers license within a few seconds you can be on your way.

This year my wife and I rode our Harley Davidson Heritage Softail to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  It just so happens, she was just as excited as I was to demo some new bikes.  Although, as a backseat driver .

A little background, my wife and I have traveled a decent amount on motorcycles.  We have traveled with and without windshields and soft bags, but never with a fairing or hard bags.  Maybe we are getting older, or at least wiser, but the full dresser touring bikes, the ones with a fairing and hard bags, are starting to look more and more attractive, particularly to my passenger.  With that said, we decided for time's sake to stick with the American manufacturers, Indian, Victory and Harley Davidson.

From Indian, we decided to test the $22,999 Chieftain.  From Victory, we tested the $22,499 Victory Cross Country Tour.  Lastly, from Harley Davidson, we rode the $37,599 CVO Ultra Classic.  Each of these bikes represents the flagship touring models from these manufactures.  Two side notes.  Firstly, this excludes the frame mounted fairing bikes i.e.: the Victory Vision and Harley Davidson Road Glide.  Secondly, I would typically consider a bike like the new Indian Chieftain to be a "bagger" more so than a true touring bike.  The Chieftain lacks a tour trunk and any passenger backrest, but it is the most "touring" model Indian has at this time.

I first tested the Indian on a fairly windy evening.  The next morning was slightly less breezy and I was able to demo the Victory.  A few hours later, I test rode the CVO Harley.

This review is just meant to be both mine and my wife's honest thoughts and impressions after riding each model.  This review is not a comparison of specs and performance numbers of each bike.  For more specific specs, I recommend checking out each manufactures websites, here, here and here.  I will compare each model based on Fit and Finish, Engine, Riding and Handling and Passenger Comfort.  So let's get started.

Harley Davidson vs Indian vs Victory

If you follow motorcycles or at the very least, you follow my blog, at this point you should know that Indian motorcycles is about to be reborn, again. I frequently hear and read comments about the renewed Harley Davidson and Indian rivalry, more specifically that "Harley better watch out, because Indian is going to hurt their bottom line."  While this is possible, these commentators are missing one obvious alternative outcome. Indian hurts its sister brand, Victory.  Keep reading to find out why I think the Indian brand will affect Victory motorcycles more that Harley Davidson.

Tron Motorcycle

If you have seen the Tron movies, then some where deep down inside, you have to admit you wish you could ride one of those beasts.  Well, good news, you are not not alone.  In fact, it appears that some motorcycle fabricators have indeed made rideable replicas of the "Light Cycle."

The Parker Brothers of Melbourne Florida initially found success after building a replica Batmobile motorcycle.  They knew they had found their next challenge after hearing CGI had to be used for the Tron Legacy motorcycles, because the bike was "unbuildable,"

They initially used gas engines, but later teamed up with Evolve Motorcycles (known for their electric scooters) to make an electric version.  So if you have an extra $55,000 to $70000 lying around, then your dream of flying around on a light cycle can be yours.

Below I have included some videos featuring the replica "Light Cycle."  The first video has a gas engine, the second an electric engine, and the last includes more of a history of the design of the bike with some Playboy models thrown in for some good fun (may not be suitable for minors.)

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Indian Bike Wash Commercial

Hopefully by now you all know that Indian motorcycles is releasing their first new model under the ownership of Polaris this August.  I wrote about this earlier this year.  In particular, I discussed their marketing campaign.  If you missed it you can find the article here.  Regardless, I think they have been doing a great job of spurring interest and I can only imagine that their reveal party at Sturgis will be quite an event.

Yesterday while on cyrilhuzeblog, I noticed a new commercial from Indian called, "Bike Wash."  The title is indeed descriptive, as the commercial features a man washing his motorcycle.  The motorcycle, by coincidence I am sure, just happens to be a Harley Davidson.  Strange for a Indian commercial right?

You can watch the commercial with "On the Road Again" music here or without after the jump.

Drill Powered Bike, No Seriously a Hand Drill Powered Bike

I am serious.  Someone made a drill powered bike.  Check out the video below.  It actually works pretty good and looks like a blast to ride.

Solar Powered Charger

For the DIY'ers out there.  How cool would it be to charge your electronics while riding your motorcycle?  Yes, I know you could just connect them to your battery, but what fun is that?  You are a "do it yourselfer!"  You need something more unusual than that.  How about charging your electrics with the power of the sun?  Well, that is exactly what this guy did on his Sportster.

J&P Cycles Open House Rally Reminder

I just wanted to inform those of you in the Midwest United States that J&P Cycles is having their 34th annual open house rally this weekend.  The rally is located at their Anamosa facility, June 29-30th.

Ride to Hell: Retribution

For all of you video game loving bikers out here, it is only a few more days until the release of Deep Silver's,  Ride to Hell: Retribution.  The game is set in the 1960's, in the good old USA and follows the west coast biker culture.  Keep reading to find out more, include the game trailer.

Feedback

Hi everyone,

It has been one month since my first post.  I wanted to say thank you to all of my readers for your time and comments.

Please let me know in the comments section your thoughts on how I can improve the blog.  Tell me what you like, what you would like to see more of, and what you don't like.

I look forward to your comments.  Thanks.

Vololights

Typical brake lights only light up when you decelerate by applying the bikes brake levelers.  However, commonly motorcyclist use engine braking and manually downshifting though gears to slow.  Unlike braking, downshifting does not alert other drivers of your deceleration.  This can leave the you susceptible to being rear-ended, particularly by distracted  drivers.

To remedy this problem, the teams at Vectolabs came up with Vololights.  Vololights attach to your license plate support and flash whenever it senses you are decelerating to alert others that you are slowing.  Pretty cool.

Vololights recently received funding through Kickstarter, so if this looks like something you are interested in you should be able to get one soon.  

Hot Buns

Probably not the best way to impress your date.

The WTF Bike

The words, "just hanging out, riding my bike," just got a whole new meaning.

I was just searching the web, when I saw this, contraption, for lack of a better word.

Created by Flitz, they call it a "velocipede concept of healthy, ecological mobility, in an overcrowded urban space."  I call it "half of McDonald's arch on wheels," but whatever works.  

Flying Bike

You have to admit, this looks like it would be fun.  Three Czech companies have combined their talents and have put together a flying bicycle.  The 209 pound bike is able to hover above the ground by using battery powered propellers.  

"Chance Encounter"

David Uhl, the painter known for his Woman of Harley, Sturgis Art, Daytona Art, as well as many more collections, has just released his most recent creation, "Chance Encounter."  It was commissioned by Harley Davidson Europe for a special project with The Vatican during The Motor Company's 110th celebration in Rome.  The painting features a 1948 HD FL Panhead and will be featured on 50,000 postcards and Fine Art Prints. If you would like to know more, click here.

2014 Indian Chief Sweepstakes

Indian motorcycles is giving away a 2014 Chief to one lucky winner.  If you are interested, there are three ways to enter: 1.) visit www.indianmotorcycle.com/sweepstakes and complete an Official Online Entry form between . 2.) print your first and last name, e-mail address, address, city, state zip code, daytime phone number, birth date and “Indian Motorcycle Bike Sweepstakes Mail-in Entry” on a 3” x 5” card and mail in a stamped business envelope to: Indian Motorcycle Bike Sweepstakes Entry, P.O. Box 510006, New Berlin, WI 53151. 3.) visit the Indian Motorcycle’s location at participating motorcycle rallies throughout the Promotion Period.  Indian will be a Laconia Bike Week, which starts this Saturday, and at Sturgis later this summer.



About the Sweepstakes

Enter for a chance to win the all-new 2014 Indian Chief. First introduced in 1922, the legendary Indian Chief is historically the brand’s most popular selling model and is widely recognized by motorcycling enthusiasts around the world as one of the most iconic motorcycles ever produced. The Indian Chief is the flagship of the brand’s 112-year product lineup, and it has come to proudly represent the spirit of the Indian Motorcycle brand. Don’t miss your chance to win a part of history

Harley Davidson Adjustable Luggage Rack

Did you ever have one of those moments where you see something, slap you forehead, and ask yourself why you didn't think of that?


Well, get an ice pack ready because Harley Davidson has come out with an adjustable luggage rack.  Yes, it pretty much looks exactly like a standard rack but when you need a little more room, just slide the sides out and voila, more space.

No more balancing bags, blankets, a tent, a grill, and who knows what else on a skinny little platform.  With a little push a button you can increase the surface area by 50%.  Think of all the extra stuff you could bring!

So go ahead, pack those flip flops and sombrero, you have lots of room.


Click here to find out more.

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle: An Explanation of a Bikers Utopia.

On the surface it would seem like quantum mechanics and bikers would not have that much, if anything, in common.  I mean quantum mechanics is the study of the small, the really small, I mean really really really small.  Bikers, typically, are not so small.  So how the heck could there be any relationship?

Lets start with a little refresher of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.  The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle as I mentioned before, is a principle found in the field of quantum mechanics.  It asserts that there is a fundamental limit to the precision to which the physical properties of particles can be measured at the same time.  In other words, the closer you know the position of a particle, the less you know the direction it is headed. 

I think a good example of a bikers utopia would be riding down the highway in search of adventure.  Agreed?  

Just like that little particle in the quantum world, you may know that bikers location as he speeds down the road, but even he couldn't tell you what direction he is headed next.  

Motorcycle trike: The tadpole vs delta

A couple days ago I reviewed the Can-Am's flagship trike the Spyder. This got me thinking about about the different three wheeled configurations and any benefits and drawbacks they may have.

Can-Am Spyder Test Ride

Hello everyone!.



I just got back from an extended Memorial Day weekend. I hope everyone had a safe and eventful holiday. If you well in the Midwest that meant rain, rain, and more rain. With all the flooding, I would probably serve you better writing about jet ski’s instead of motorcycles.

As you noticed from the title, I was able to test ride a Can-Am Spyder between the few brief lapses in the rain. Which I feel seems appropriate because I kind of looks like a jet ski. Anyway, keep reading to see what I thought.

No Panty Wednesday

So yesterday, I posted a chart showing the windchill factor.  This got me thinking about some of the different times I've been on the motorcycle and was caught either freezing or sweating my @$$ off.  I thought I would share one memorable story.

A few years ago, I was at Sturgis (as all good stories start).  It was hot from the first day there.  I mean really, freaking hot, like over 100 for days.  After a few days in the heat, I was sun-burnt and felt like a dried up stick of beef jerky.   On Wednesday, the group I was with decided to go for a quick ride to cool off.  We picked Hulett, Wy., thinking the scenery would be nice and it could be a fun ride.  As an aside, Hulett, is famous for its “No Panty Wednesday,” and it was Wednesday but I assure you that had no effect on our decision making process. 

Off we went, riding west through the furnace called South Dakota.  Way in the distance, we noticed clouds were developing on the horizon.  Within minutes, a wall of dark clouds had overtaken a good portion of the sky.  Then “wham” powerful wind slammed right into us,  closely followed by horizontal rain.   Unable to see, we pulled off the road, and by chance, a very generous nearby farmer invited us to ride out the storm in his barn.  This lasted about an hour, leaving the temperature behind the front 30-40 degrees cooler that when it started. 

We were probably 30 miles into the 70 mile ride, so despite the cooler weather, we decided to continue.  We hopped on the bikes and took off.  (Let me just say, after accommodating to 100 plus temperatures all week, it felt like 20 degrees and I was wearing a t-shirt and jeans completely soaked by the rain).  “The scenery at Hulett better be worth it,” I thought to myself.  So shaking worse than a Harley missing a motor mount we chugged along.  Miles in, I realized I’d been fairly motionless on the bike, and I decided to move my arms to keep my blood flowing.   As I moved my right arm, I was met with instant pain.  It felt like the skin on my upper arm tore wide open.  Panicked, I immediately reacted by reaching toward the pain with the other arm, only to feel the same tearing pain.  Ok, so now I’m cold and convinced both of my arm looked like they had been bitten by sharks, I thought, “the scenery at Hulett really better be worth it!!”

So we rolled in Hulett, parked and dismounted.  I checked my arms and thankfully (and surprisingly) the skin was intact.  Hulett looked like a ghost town.  Everyone had left.  I guess they had enough sense to realize a huge storm was going to roll though and left while they had a chance.  After some looking, we found a vendor tent, pulled back the door, and peaked inside.  Thankfully, we were able to buy some long sleeved shirts for the ride back.  The owner had closed up shop when the storm rolled through, but we happened to catch him there.   I had never been so grateful for the opportunity to spend my money in my life!

Sadly, the tent owner also added to our disappointment with news that contrary to the Hulett slogan that panties are indeed required on Wednesday.    

Late in the day, we made it back to Sturgis, skin intact (to this day I have no idea why I had that tearing sensation, but I can tell you that it was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced).  Now hanging in my closet is a very worn, dirty, but warm shirt with a lot of memories and a great story.

Oh, yeah.  The scenery at Hulett is beautiful, and I recommend you check it out, but before you go check the weather and dress accordingly. 

Life on Two Wheels is Much Cooler than in a Car

Life on two wheels is much cooler than in a car.  Literally.  When it is 65-70 degrees outside, you may find yourself packing on leathers to stay warm (Or heated vest, if you're my cold-blooded wife).  I'm always impressed by how much it changes.   The following wind chart provides some estimates of riding temperature depending on speed.  Amazing, right?   All the more reason to be prepared when packing for a trip or long ride.  There have been days of riding where I start out in full gear and end up shirtless, all within a few hours. But, it's all part of the fun.  

 The chart was complied by the National Center for Atmospheric Research.  They determined the classic windchill by measuring the change in temperature of water in a plastic container.   Note, they do specifically  state, "no claim is made for the real-world applicability."  However, speaking from experience this seems to be a pretty descent guide to determining what the temperature will feel like when riding at any given speed.  If you ride a motorcycle, tell me what you think.  Have you donned your winter gear on the same day as a tank top?  Ever used a heated vest in the summer on one of those cool mornings?

Harley Davidson 883 Sportster vs Star Bolt vs Triumph Bonneville

Recently, Motorcycle-USA.com compared the 883 Sportster, Star Bolt, and the Triumph Bonneville.  If you  haven't, I highly suggest you check out their article.  SPOILER ALERT: After putting the bikes through the paces, the testers determined the Triumph was the best bike, followed by Star, and finally the Harley.

Now everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I enjoy reading comparison tests probably more then most, but as a cruiser rider I feel many of these tests are fatally flawed.  Frequently you hear conclusions like "xyz bike manufacturer took cues from Harley, updated the technology, and we have a new winner."  But a few years down the road Harley is still selling thousands of the same motorcycle while the "winner" is no long an available model.   

As a disclaimer I love all motorcycles.  I have owned many makes of motorcycles, including Honda's, Suzuki's, Kawasaki's, Yamaha's, and Harley's.  I have enjoyed all of them and had mechanical issues with all of them, except the Harley's, knock on wood.  Additionally, the smoothest and most refined bike I have ever ridden is Harley's, Heritage Softail so don't forget that Harley Davidson can make very a smooth bike if they choose too.

So, what's my point?  What are MotorcycleUSA.com's review and many others like it getting wrong?  Well, for starters, notice how the tester constantly uses the Harley as the measuring stick, against which to compare the other motorcycles, particularly the Bolt, saying things like "xyz bike does this best, worst or the same."  In any test, one should start from scratch and rate each bike on its own merit.  If one sets the bar at the Harley and judges the test from there, it is already flawed.  It is like saying "this is the current best bike and here are some also-rans that may have some good qualities too".

Yes, I know comparisons are meant to compare things but if you are going to compare against one particular item only then you have to at least match up the right qualities.  So what are the right qualities?  Well, performance, braking, quarter mile time, miles per gallon are all important, but if you are judging cruiser type bikes I would argue, these are NOT the most important.  Horsepower, torque and smoothness are nice, but probably not the most reliable gauge of cruiser bike rider is looking for.  How finished the motorcycle is, how "cool" it looks, and most importantly how "cool" it makes you feel are usually what qualifies.

As I mentioned earlier Harley Davidson chooses to make motorcycles that vibrate.  (So, does lack of smoothness really mean anything to an HD rider?  Probably not, they WANT that feel of a Harley)  Now I can already here people saying I am crazy, but there's a reason why the Sportster's, Dyna's and touring Harley's are rubber mounted.  It's hard not to feel cool and tough when the motorcycle is shaking like a paint mixer.  Conversely, it's hard to look cool and feel cool when there is a HUGE tank seam staring back at you, a la Triumph and Star.   I mean seriously, it's the first thing I see in the pictures of the bikes.  There's a reason there is no tank seem on even on the cheapest of the Harley's.  There's a reason Harley is by far and away the sales leader in cruiser type bikes around the world.  THIS is why I have a problem with this comparison.  If performance and cost was king, then people would just buy a sport bike for about half the cost and twice the performance.  This type of bike is about more about "feeling" and authenticity.  THIS is why these reviews always annoy me.  If the other bikes were really the winner to riders, wouldn't their sales be number one?

My comparison:  Let's start with price.  The Bolt R-Spec was the most expensive bike in the test coming in couple hundred more than the Sportster which cost $7999.  The Triumph was the bargain bike at $300 less than the Harley Davidson.  So, we're pretty much equal.  Let's set aside the Triumph because it shouldn't be in this comparison to begin with.  (It is a two seater, parallel twin standard).  The Harley Davidson and the Star Bolt are single seater, air cooled v-twins.  From a rider's perspective, if Star can't offer a better value to offset what they are missing in the refinement (TANK SEAM!) and visceral "coolness" category, then the Harley Sportster will still be around long after the Bolt is gone.   Now, if that price was a couple thousand lower, we might be talking....

"Cycles for Discerning Gentleman and Teenage Punks"

"Cycles for Discerning Gentleman and Teenage Punks."  That is the descriptive slogan for Irish builders, Medaza and very much sums up their build design.  After a quick visit to their website, I would describe their style as combination of eloquent and refined yet minimalistic and mechanical.  Recently, they have won both the Irish and AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building competitions.  The latter was which they were competing against 66 other bikes in the Freestyle class.  Don Cronin and Michael O'Shea, the two Irish men responsible for this build created a one off frame for the single-cylinder, 1971 Moto Guzzi Nuovo Falcone 500 engine.  They also hand made the aluminium bodywork and highly modified a V-Rod swingarm.    As you can see from this most recent entry, Medaza is definitely not your cookie cutter bike shop.  Of course, most bike shops are not catering to discerning gentlemen and teenage punks.

Full Throttle Saloon, Broken Spoke Saloon, and Buffalo Chip Concert Schedules

Sturgis Buffalo Chip

Friday            8/2/13    Queensryche
Saturday        8/3/13    The Cult
Sunday          8/4/13    Halestrom/ZZ Top
Monday         8/5/13    Kid Rock
Tuesday        8/6/13    Toby Keith
Wednesday   8/7/13    Machine Head/Mastodon/Rob Zombie
Thursday       8/8/13    Brantley Gilbert
Friday            8/9/13    Sublime

Daily rates fluctuate depending on the days events.  Click here for a complete listing of Sturgis Buffalo Chip rates.

Full Throttle Saloon

Friday            8/2/13    TBA
Saturday        8/3/13    Black Label Society
Sunday          8/4/13    Bret Michaels
Monday         8/5/13    Gretchen Wilson
Tuesday        8/6/13    Vince Neal
Wednesday   8/7/13    Big & Rich
Thursday       8/8/13    Jackyl
Friday           8/9/13    TBA

Concerts free

Broken Spoke Saloon

Sunday          8/4/13    The Black Crowes
Monday         8/5/13    Queens of the Stone Age
Tuesday        8/6/13    TBA
Wednesday   8/7/13    Gary Allen

Free Concert with camping: Tent $159 per person

Gold leaf, metal flake, LED lights: you've got nothing on the LumiLor electroluminescent coating system.  Designed by Darkside Scientific, Lumilor is a sprayable coating that can be permanently applied AND that can be illuminated with a simple electrical current.  Yes, you heard that right!  Add an electric current to whatever you coated and it lights up the night.  Darkside is a research and development company specializing in electroluminescent technologies who's mission is "to provide environmentally friendly electroluminescent coatings that marry art and science together to deliver innovative new products."  I say mission accomplished.  Outside the obvious applications of custom painted helmets, motorcycles, and cars, do you see any other applications?  What about highways marker and signs?  Tell me what you think.  Also, check out some of LumiLor's video demonstrating the possibilities.