'65 Harley Bobber "Just Add Violence" Ready for Sturgis 2011

Are you ready for Sturgis?

I will be posting photos from the 2011 AMD and Rat's Hole Bike Shows ASAP! Last year's Best of Show winner at the Buffalo Chip - Rat's Hole Show was "Courtesan" created by Abu Dhabi (UAE) builder, Mario  Kyprianides of Chopper Kulture.

Mario is back this year with "Just Add Violence," based on a 1965 Panhead. The bike was built before and after the Sturgis 2010 Rally for competition in the Biker-Build-Off Europe in early December 2010.  J.A.V. is for sure one of the top bikes to beat at Sturgis 2011. 

It won the AMD Middle East Championship, Best of Show, People's Choice, Free-style, and Best Paint Job at Dubai Bike Week in February 2011. Click on images to enlarge.

The bike was shipped to Daytona Beach at the end of February 2011 to compete in the World Series Showdown at The Rat's Hole Show during the 70^th Daytona Bike Week. It won against bike builders from the US, Canada and Australia, on top of winning Best Bobber.

The Harley panhead engine was rebuilt and customized by Billy at BB Racing. "We wanted to give the motor a more tech look," said Mario. "Billy and I medaled with the idea of making pan tops with glass so you can see the moving lifters  and splashing oil." Parts include an S&S oil pump and Jims hydraulic lifters. Wiseco pistons with 9:1 compression ratio with an Andrews J grind cam give the motor a little edge.

Rowe valves and guides were used and a mew aftermarket cam cover was sent to the engravers for some metal tattooing. The bike utilizes a Morris magneto G5 ignition and Cycle Electric generator. All the gaskets are from Cometic Gasket for a good no "spot marking" bike. With the glass tops on the heads, you can see the brass blocks below, with silver inscriptions: like FTW, FU etc. 
  

Because old Harleys have a unique thread size ¼’-24 that falls in the middle between coarse thread and fine thread, as well as bolts that have a unique and unusual taper of 82 degrees, all of the hardware was custom made from scratch in stainless steel by Jim from Diamond Engineering in Florida. For the transmission, Baker billet covers that look just like the original ones but polish really nice to give the whole unit a rich look.

A Chopper Kulture signature frame was used with a slight variation in order to position the drive train. Instead of the usual gooseneck, Mario decided to go straight up the backbone. "This frame has slightly more rake at 32 degrees and a slightly narrower rear end to house the 180 tire. The frontend is also a custom piece, with 2 inch stretch. The big difference is that it has the dampening springs in front of each other instead of side by side. This gives the whole bike a nice sleek look," he said. Wheels and brakes are from HHI.

The inverted "Cathedral" bars were knocked up from a straight tube and a perfect match for the previously made sissy bar, said Mario. "The forward controls were another special item that took a while to work out. They are the first and the debut of a line of Chopper Kulture forward controls. And what a perfect way to showcase them!"

"I wanted to keep the top of the transmission area clean, so I decided to combine the gas tank and oil tank," said Mario. "I came up with a two-piece idea that has a Frankenstein look, but also has the unmistakable look and feel of a Custom Kulture bike."

As usual, all of the chroming was sent to California MecLec. A seat pan was also sent to California, where Duane Ballard did the custom leather and tooling.

The frame and all important sheet metal parts were sent to Connecticut to be painted by Robert Pradke.  While Mario was showing "Courtesan" at the Sturgis 2010 Rally, Robert worked non-stop for six weeks (300 hours) on the candy tangerine metal-flake wrap. Custom brass units were made for all of the gas and oil fillers and sent to the engraver, along with the handle bar risers and shifter knob -- "Gas Hole" for the fuel and "Lube Hole" for the oil; and on the risers "Love" and "Hate." The brass shifter knob bears the inscription "Thug Life" ... Just Add Violence.

Written by MJ Lloyd Reynolds, owner of Motorcycle Event News at www.MotorcycleEventNews.com and MJR Media.

Best Trike - Lithuania 2011 Super Rally

This trike by Virginijus Mickevicius took Best of Show/Trikes at the Lituania 2011 FH-DCE Super Rally. Every year the Super Rally is staged in June in a different country, organized by a different member club of the Federation of Harley-Davidson Clubs, Europe.

This year's FH-DCE Super Rally® was June 9 to 13 on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in Klaipeda, Lithuania.

Harley-Davidson riders in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium used to meet in the 1960's at the Pinster Rally, organized by the Harley Netherlands' club, H-D C Utrecht.  

In 1973, the Pinster Rally was renamed "Super Rally" with plans for a Paris Super Rally in 1974. Those plans failed, but there was a Super Rally the following year in Kastelree, Belgium. 

Click images to enlarge.

Rally fans will probably return home from the 2011 Lituanian Super Rally with pieces of Amber that can be found along the shoreline.

Next up in Europe is the FH-DCE's PIT STOP Super Rally in Poland.

July 15 to 17, 2011

Click poster to enlarge for details.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

2011 Riding Into History Images by Jim Dohms

One of America's best Concours motorcycles events is held annually in May at World Golf Village in St Augustine, Florida.

For two days, the large picturesque resort grounds are filled with the sights and sounds of Vintage motorcycles... Riding Into History.

The 12th Riding Into History, May 20 & 21 began with a Friday lunch ride with Grand Prix World Champion Kevin Schwantz. Later in the evening, there was a Grand Marshal Dinner for 150 guests on the World Golf Village grounds. 

Images in this news feature are used by permission from photographer Jim Dohms. Click images to enlarge.

Click here to view a slideshow of Jim Dohm's Riding Into History gallery.

The 2-day gala event raises money for the Wounded Warriors Project that helps combat veterans re-establish their lives.

The Concours on Saturday spotlighted the "Best of Europe" as well as many other rare and special interest vintage bikes.

Artist Don Bradley creates a fine art poster every year for the event.


This magical gathering of vintage bike enthusiasts was started by Billy Aldrich, who began organizing the event as something "good and right to do" soon after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.




"Out of desperation 14 years ago, wanting to do something that would make a difference, I decided to work on this and pledge all the money to help in the fight against breast cancer," he said. He worked on the event through her surgery and cancer treatments, and the long healing process. "We raised a ton of money, and sponsored an early-detection program and now today my wife is fine."

 

Two years ago, the women's program was picked up by another sponsor and Riding Into History decided to take on fundraising for the Wounded Warriors Project.


 "We know how much this help is needed. These kids come home all torn up and beat up, and the Wounded Warriors Project does what it takes to get them going again,” said Aldrich.


“We raised $25,000 last year, and hopefully we raised that amount or more this year.”


More information at: RidingIntoHistory.com



Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Miss Hoka Hey, Whittany Crum Joins the Challenge Ride

"I watched from the sidelines as the first Hoka Hey Challenge roared into history but this time I'm going to be on the line with a thousand other riders," said Whittaney Crum. She is being sponsored by Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson in North Carolina that will be one of only 15 check points in the 10,000-plus mile challenge ride.

She will be riding a 2011 pearl white Street Glide provided by Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson. The Harley dealership expressed pride in sponsoring "Miss Hoka Hey, Whittany Crum to be riding for 'Team Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson' in this year's challenge... Whittany Crum, in our view, is a great representative of young female riders in the Harley-Davidson industry and we welcome her as part of our rider family."

The 23-year old enjoys hiking, horseback riding, fishing, cooking and riding Harleys. In her own words, she said "Growing up in Florida you might think I would wind up being a beach baby but I have always preferred the thump of an engine to the roar of the surf. Don't get me wrong, I'll ride anything (including a surfboard) but there is something about the open road... the places you can go, the sights you can see and the people that you meet on a Harley. Nothing else compares.

"I started out riding dirt bikes when I was in middle school; hitting the trails as often as I could. Then, the magical moment when I rode on the back of a Harley-Davidson for the first time. I'll never forget it - I was 14 years old and the destination was a winding beach road. I was hooked. I started my rebellion against all things conventional right then and there - starting with my step-father's Gold Wing. He would invite me to go along with him from time to time but, ever since that ride on the H-D; I didn't want to be caught on the back of any thing else. So, I did what any teenager would do and I lied. I came up with every excuse why I couldn't go with him because nothing could compare to the look and sound of that Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

"Fast forwarding to when I was 21; I got a call from Big Jim telling me of this endurance ride he had dreamed up with called the Hoka Hey. I fell in love with the idea and after several conversations over the phone with Jim & Beth, I soon found myself flying to Las Vegas to do my first show as Miss Hoka Hey. Over the past two years now, I've travelled all over the US going to bike events and visiting Harley dealers to spread the word about Hoka Hey. I feel that I am truly blessed to have this job and to say I love my work would be an understatement.

"So, I'll see you all on August 5th in Mesa, AZ when the members of Team Rocky Mount H-D bring it to the starting line!!" - To read more stories, follow the Hoka Hey Blog.

Hoka Hey Contingency Prizes For HOG Riders

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge begins August 5, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona, and will travel through all 48 contiguous U.S. states and several Canadian provinces before it ends in Nova Scotia. The route covers more than 10,000 miles and includes some of the most picturesque and challenging roadways in North America.

To sweeten this year's challenge, Harley-Davidson will provide more than $50,000 in contingency prizes to the five highest finishing members of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) who complete the entire 2011 Hoka Hey Challenge, as determined by the organizers. The highest finishing eligible H.O.G. member who completes the event, will be awarded a 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycle of their choice. The 2nd through 5th highest finishing eligible H.O.G. members will each be awarded a portion of a total of $19,000 in cash prizes.
- click image to enlarge event flyer.

Riders were able to sign up for the Hoka Hey Challenge during Daytona Bike Week at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona Harley-Davidson. Last years winner, Will Barclay and Tramp Stamp rider, Terry Rogue were on hand to discuss their personal riding experiences. 

“The Hoka Hey Challenge is a perfect match for the superior touring experience and capabilities of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the long-distance adventuring aspirations of many of our H.O.G. members,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Customer Experience. “The theme of the Hoka Hey Challenge is ‘It’s a good day to ride!’ and that is always the case on a Harley.”

To be eligible for any contingency award, the H.O.G. member must be in good standing at the time the event starts and they must display a H.O.G. emblem on their riding gear and in a prominent location on the motorcycle (preferably on the windshield or Tour Pak) during the entire event. The H.O.G. member must be the rider, not the passenger, and meet all eligibility requirements for the event. Free H.O.G. emblems and decals will be provided to all participating members at the start of the challenge.

Harley-Davidson is not responsible for organizing or conducting the event, it is an event and contingency sponsor only. The Motor Company will defer all decisions regarding final finishing order to the event organizers.

For more details, eligibility requirements, and rules of the H.O.G. contingency program, visit http://www.members.hog.com/ . For entry information or to monitor the event’s progress, visit http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/ .

Source: Harley-Davidson

Windshield Flyers For 2011 International Female Ride Day

JUST RIDE! Women all over the world will unite by simply getting on their motorcycles for a ride on Friday, May 6th.

In 2011 women riders throughout Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Hungary, Slovakia, India, Russia, Germany and more will participate in the 5th Annual International Female Ride Day. 

To download one of three windshield flyers visit: Motoress.com "connecting women with motorcycling." 

Two Russian Women Rider's Groups Join the 2011 International Female Ride - "Moto Lady" of Biker News in Russia, along with the National Russian Motorcycle Federation will be part of the 5th Annual International Ride Day on Friday, May 6th 2011.

FIM - Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (The International Motorcycling Federation) supports International Female Ride Day - along with brands: BMW, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Kymco and MV Agusta.

The ride is on a weekday to emphasize that women are not "hobby" riders. They ride to work and motorcycling is part of their lifestyle. Read more.

Supermodel Maria Miller Joins Harley-Davidson to Promote Women Rider's Month 2011

On the eve of International Female Ride Day (the first Friday in May - The 5th annual event is May 6,2011) Harley-Davidson has just announced that supermodel and Harley-Davidson enthusiast Marisa Miller will be part of the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson celebration of May as "Women Riders Month" that includes a ride at many dealerships on Saturday, May 14th. May is also designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month.

"To recognize the increasing number of women who are hitting the open road on two wheels, as well as inspire even more women to get into the saddle of their own motorcycle, Harley-Davidson celebrates its 3rd Annual Women Riders Month this May," H-D said in a press announcement issued Thursday, May 4th.

Throughout the month of May, Harley-Davidson and their worldwide network of dealers will host a series of events to celebrate women riders, including a special day for women to commemorate the freedom and independence of riding, by hitting the open road on Saturday, May 14. Local dealerships will also host women-only Garage Parties throughout May and the rest of the riding season."

"Every time I start my motorcycle, my heart starts pumping faster," said Miller. "Learning to ride has changed my life. The challenge of riding has made me stronger and given me a new outlet for my adventurous side. I've met dozens of women riders who share my passion for the open road and I'm honored to help inspire even more women to get started on their riding journeys."

Women riders represent one of the fastest growing demographics in the sport of motorcycling. In fact, the Motorcycle Industry Council reports women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists and Harley-Davidson is the number one motorcycle choice among women riders.(1)


Harley-Davidson has a variety of resources available at www.h-d.com/women to help women get into the sport. The site includes inspirational stories from female riders, a "Roadmap to Riding" that shows you how you can start riding your very own Harley-Davidson in six simple steps, as well as calendars of upcoming women riders events.

Buffalo Chip Announces Biker Belles Celebration at 71st Sturgis

The Legendary Buffalo Chip will host the first annual Biker Belles (TM) celebration during the 71st Sturgis Rally. The event on Wednesday, Aug. 10th will "recognize the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling" while also raising funds for two charities, chosen by Helping with Horsepower (TM.) The charities chosen are Abbott House and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.

The inaugural Biker Belles™ celebration will begin in the historic town of Deadwood, where the Lodge at Deadwood will roll out the red carpet and host a special welcome reception complete with events, entertainment and activities catered to women. A women's-only ride to The Buffalo Chip for a concert and party will be led by Meg McDonough, a member of the Motor Maids. 

“Each year the Buffalo Chip sees more and more women riding through our gates”, said Toni Woodruff, daughter of Buffalo Chip president, Rod Woodruff. “It’s so exciting to have an event during the Sturgis Rally that caters to women riders and benefits local charities in the process!”

To highlight the Biker Belles™ festivities at The Chip, 4-time national land speed record holder and pilot of the original “World’s Fastest Bagger,” Laura Klock of Klock Werks Kustom Cycle, will unveil “SALT,” a customized Harley-Davidson® built under her direction and guidance with the girls and young women of the Abbott House. While at the party, Laura and her staff will be selling raffle tickets to win this special bike that will be given away in support of the Abbott House next fall. “We couldn’t be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” said Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles™ will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!”

Tickets for the 2011 Biker Belles™ celebration are available now on www.bikerbelles.com or by calling (605) 347-9000. The Biker Belles™ celebration requires a $75 contribution that goes directly to its chosen charities. The finishing touches are being worked out for the 2011 celebration, with details to be announced at http://www.bikerbelles.com/

AMD Show - Swiss Harley Days - European H.O.G. Rally 2011

Swiss Harley Days finds a home in Lugano for 2011 The official announcement by Harley-Davidson management for a repeat of Swiss Harley Days was made. The city of Lugano will once again host Swiss Harley Days - This year's rally is July 8th & 9th 2011.

Also just announced. Harley-Davidson Switzerland confirmed that, this year's event at Campione d'Italia/Lugano, Switzerland will be a Modified Harley-Davidson World Championship affilate event.

With the Campione d'Italia/Lugano Modified Harley Class winner receiving prize money to be able to compete at the world Championships at Sturgis, USA courtesy of Harley-Davidson Switzerland. The affiliation represents another opportunity for a European authorised Harley dealer or private customer to "mis-it" with America's best and try to follow the trail blazed by current Modified Harley-Davidson World Champions Shaw H-D from the UK.

Here's the video of European H.O.G. Rally 2010 in Lugano!

Related Article: Photos & Story of Swiss Harley Days - European H.O.G. Rally 2010

National 2011 Sturgis Road Show Tour Launched at Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex

Dave Perewitz, Eddie Trotta, Cycle Source & Limpnickie Lot have joined the first-ever Sturgis Road Show that is underway this weekend at the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Hershey-Harrisburg, PA.

Headliner Sturgis bands include: Bachman & Turner, Styx, and Tesla. Michelle Smith has joined the party with Vicious Cycle that is installing parts for Custom Chrome at the Sturgis Roadshow in Pennsylvania.

The Custom Chrome International Bike Show is a featured part of the Sturgis Road Show that is being presented by two Sturgis icons  - The Legendary Buffalo Chip and Loud American Roadhouse, in partnership with promoter Motoring USA and the Eastern Regional Harley-Davidson Dealers Association (EHDDA.)

"Not everyone can make the pilgrimage to South Dakota," said Rod Woodruff, owner of the Legendary Buffalo Chip. "But now they can experience what makes Sturgis the best motorcycle event in the world."

The 2011 Sturgis Road Show will serve up a taste of Sturgis in the Mid-Atlantic region with nightly concerts on "The Legendary Buffalo Chip Main Stage" and food and drink from Main Street Sturgis in the touring Loud American Roadhouse. Features include galleries of work by world-renowned motorcycle artists and photographers, vintage motorcycles and memorabilia presented by the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, Custom Chrome International Bike Show, beauty & fashion events, educational and entertainment seminars, and motorcycle product displays and installations.

Here's the 2011 Custom Chrome International Bike Show Schedule:

Round 1 - North American Championship Powered By The Doc Pros at the Custom Chrome International Dealer Show, Santa Clara, CA March 19th and 20th 2011.

Round 2 – European Championship Powered by DHL Global Forwarding at the Custom Chrome Europe Dealer Show, Mainz Germany March 26th and 27th 2011.

Round 3 – Sturgis Road Show Championship - Sturgis Road Show, Harrisburg PA. Shows on Saturday and Sunday, with Awards Sunday April 17th.

Round 4 – European Bike Week Faak Austria September 10th 2011.

Local tourism officials see this event introducing the large number of cyclists within the Mid-Atlantic region to Pennsylvania's capital city of Harrisburg and America's chocolate capital of Hershey, The Sweetest Place On Earth®. Special lodging rates can be found at  HersheyHarrisburgHotels.com.

"Selecting this region of Pennsylvania was a strategic decision," said Bill Tull, Vice President of the EHDDA and owner of Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson. "Pennsylvania has the fourth most motorcycle registrations (329,750) in the United States surpassed only by California, Florida, and Texas. Neighboring states New York ranks sixth with 202,565, New Jersey has 163,070, and Maryland has 72,533 registered riders."Finding a central venue capable of hosting the elaborate event also played a role in the location," said Sharon Altland, HHRVB Sales Director. "Producers wanted the capacity to host large numbers of attendees, galleries, exhibits, and specialty option plus the capability to produce multiple special events and concerts under one roof."
The FSC is the premier event facility in the region with over one-million square feet of connected exhibit area, including two indoor arenas. As a tourism destination the region also provides ample lodging and easy accessibility for attendees coming from the Mid-Atlantic region.

"There are two kinds of riders in the world - those who have been to Sturgis and those who want to go," said John Detrick, CEO of Motoring USA. "We're taking the Sturgis experience to the world."

The Sturgis Road Show schedule will expand in 2012 to include more cities domestically and internationally. For more details visit http://www.sturgisroadshow.com/

Harley-Davidson "Share The Road" License Plate Launched Today in Wisconsin

From its world headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin today, Harley-Davidson Motor Company in partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation launched the first-ever Harley-Davidson branded "Share The Road" automotive license plate. The plate is available for automobiles, light trucks and motor homes in Wisconsin. 

"Rider safety is critically important to all of us at Harley-Davidson," said Matt Levatich, Chief Operating Officer and President of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "We are pleased to partner with the State and help increase awareness and support for motorcycle safety programs that further enhance rider safety and driver awareness in Wisconsin."

The new license plate is the first and only Harley-Davidson branded plate available anywhere in the United States, and it is only being offered in Wisconsin – the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. The plate was designed in collaboration with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Styling Team. The words "Share the Road" are displayed to emphasize the importance of motorcycle safety.

Motorists who wish to display the "Share The Road" specialty plates will pay an additional $15 issuance fee and an annual $25 donation. The annual donation will help support safety initiatives throughout the state. The plates can also be personalized (standard annual fees apply) and can be purchased at any time, not just when a motorist renews their registration (actual costs will vary based on time of purchase).


For more information about the Harley-Davidson/Share the Road license plates, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website at http://www.wisconsindmv.gov/.


SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Harley-Davidson Supports Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Efforts

A Japanese man recovers his classic 1950s Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was washed away with his home in the recent earthquake and tsunami destroyed town of Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan Sunday, March 20, 2011. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

To assist in the disaster relief efforts, the Harley-Davidson Foundation has made a $250,000 donation through the Red Cross.

To support the disaster relief efforts in Japan, please visit the Red Cross website to make a donation: http://rdcrss.org/eys4CP

UPDATE: In the name of trying to "get it right," a reader noted that the bike is not a 1950's Harley but more likely a shovelhead, mix match.

About 400 comments later on the harley-davidson fan page, consensus is the bike is a 1960's shovelhead or manybe pan bottom. But thousands of people applaud the efforts being made to help the Japanese people recover from the recent earthquake and tsunami.

Harley-Davidson Salutes Women Riders

Harley-Davidson is promoting activities throughout the month of May at nationwide dealerships in the USA to celebrate their involvement in the 3rd Annual Women Riders Month.

Women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists, as well as about 12 percent of new motorcycle sales for Harley-Davidson. To inspire even more women to participate in motorcycling, Harley-Davidson and its nationwide dealership network is staging a series of initiatives over the next several months including Garage Parties, Women Riders Month in May and the first-ever Biker Boot Camp for Women.

Harley dealerships throughout the country will also host a series of women-only rides on Saturday, May 14, 2011. H-D sponsored two huge rides in 2009 in Milwaukee and New York, and produced this video of the rides and women ride events all over the world.




Although Harley-Davidson has been an active participant in the past, their rides in the U.S. do not coincide this year with the 5th Annual International Female Ride Day that will include women riders across the USA and Canada, Europe/UK, China, Japan and Russia on Friday, May 6, 2011.

"We're very proud of the efforts we've made as a company to pave the way for even more women to turn their dreams of riding into reality," said Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson and Creative Director, General Merchandise, Harley-Davidson. "But we know there are still thousands of women out there who dream of riding their own motorcycles, which is why we're committed to inspiring them to take the first step, as well as providing them with the necessary tools and support they need."

Women Take Daytona
Kathy Davidson led more than 100 women in the Women's MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Ride during Daytona Bike Week 2011 from Riverfront Park in downtown Daytona Beach, north to Bruce Rossmeyer's "Destination Daytona" Harley-Davidson dealership in Ormond Beach.

Harley-Davidson again this year had more of a street presence and was more focused on women riders and the riding experience during the 70th Daytona Bike Week, March 4 to 13, 2011. There were demo rides and interactive motorcycle displays at Daytona International Speedway. There was also a women's area at Riverfront Park on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach that offered bike-lift demonstrations and the opportunity to meet Cris Sommers-Simmons (wife of the Doobie Brother's Band member, Pat Simmons.) Cris was there with her 1915 Harley, "Effie" that she rode cross-country in the 2010 Cannonball Run.

During Daytona Bike Week and at other rallies throughout the country in 2011, groups of women riders will be able to visit four informational stations set up in the Harley-Davidson women's area:

•'Motorcycle Orientation' - a basic introduction to the motorcycle controls, as well as all of the models in the Harley-Davidson family.
•'MotorClothes Gear' - to discover the important attributes needed in head-to-toe motorcycle gear, from helmets to protective leather to proper boots.
•'Motorcycle Fit and Function' - to learn how to customize a motorcycle to reflect a rider's personal style and ergonomic needs.
•'Bike Lift' - a hands-on demonstration that proves picking up a bike – even a Harley-Davidson – isn't as hard as you might think.

During Women Riders Month, the Motor Company also plans to stage the first-ever Biker Boot Camp for Women at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The special camp is designed to take women's dreams of riding to reality by immersing them in the culture of Harley-Davidson, participating in the Rider's Edge New Rider Training Course and celebrating with other new women riders. Details: www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders. The site also includes a calendar of women events scheduled throughout the country.

Harley-Davidson sponsors 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge announced today that Harley-Davidson Motor Company will provide marketing and promotional support for the 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will present the world’s greatest long distance endurance motorcycle event in August of 2011. The event, the second annual in a series, will begin in Phoenix, Arizona and travel through all forty-eight contiguous States and Canada to Nova Scotia. The route will travel over 10,000 miles requiring passion and determination to complete. The event is open to all riders of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Riders can ride the entire route or segments within the route.

"We’re excited about what the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge represents to our riders," said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Customer Experience. "The new direction of being more about a personal test of touring endurance, where rider and machine stretch the boundaries of long-distance touring, appeals to us. It’s a perfect match for the superior touring experience and capabilities of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. 'Hoka Hey' translates to 'It's a good day to ride!' and that is always the case on a Harley."

"The Hoka Hey is about being the greatest endurance motorcycle event ever held and we are very excited to become associated with the greatest motorcycles ever built," said Jim Red Cloud, founder of the Hoka Hey Challenge. "Harley-Davidson's support and guidance will certainly enhance this ambitious event."

The first twenty-five participants to reach the finish and who ride the complete stipulated route will be recognized as winners and be eligible for monetary awards. Each rider will have the opportunity to designate a selected "home Harley-Davidson dealership" when they enroll. The home dealers of the top five finishers will be eligible for awards and recognition alongside the riders.

There will be fifteen check points along the route located at Harley-Davidson dealers where participants must check in as they ride the route. In addition to being an event sponsor, Harley-Davidson is exploring hosting a check point at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

For further information about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge or to obtain enrollment information, visit the event's web site: www.hokaheychallenge.com  or contact the office at 480-649-1071 or email info@hokaheychallenge.com.

For photos and additional media informaiton, contact Lisa Ballard, marketing director for Hoka Hey at 603-377-0517 - email lisa@dbcustomleather.com.

Aruba 2011 International Bike Week

Come and Experience Riding in Paradise ... Aruba.

The 2011 Aruba - International Bike Week is October 30th through November 6th.

My friends in Aruba have shipped their bikes to attend plenty of rallies in the USA.

So if you are ready to experience Aruba and go riding with the locals... just shoot an email to:
TTT_Riders_Aruba@Hotmail.com


Click the poster to enlarge for details.

Want to know more about the riders in Aruba?

Women Riders Month: Ladies of Harley, Aruba

The Ladies of Harley in Aruba joined women across the globe who have taken life by the handlebars. Their first ride around the island was May 23rd in celebration of Women Riders Month. ...

David Uhl's Newest Pin-Up Girl Comes To Daytona Bike Week

The 70th Daytona Bike Week is just around the corner – March 4 to 13, 2011 and I can’t wait to see David Uhl’s Vintage Pin-up Series.

David is always set up in front of Destination Daytona and you can usually catch him working on his latest series of paintings. His vintage pin-up series pays tribute to his favorite pin-up artist, Gil Elvgren.

The paintings have a simpler, lighter background that was the popular choice of most traditional pin-up artists.

His previous 4 pin-up prints sold out in a matter of hours. His newest offering is “Clothing Optional,” now available as a hand-signed, numbered canvas print edition. Each print comes beautifully framed with a certificate of authenticity.

I am also looking forward to meeting the  MeanStreet Riders, a group of musician song writers, who ride together. They did the music behind a David UHL video.



Last year, it was "Stella" who came to Daytona Bike Week 2010 with David UHL

Born in a small fishing village in Michigan, David Uhl earned a scholarship to attend the Colorado Institute of Art. An avid Harley owner since 1988, Uhl's passion would soon coincide with his artistic talent. Harley-Davidson Motor Company executives recognized David's creative talents and introduced him to Segal Fine Art, a licensed publisher of Harley-Davidson fine art. 

David spends endless hours in the Harley-Davidson Archives researching vintage photos to use as reference for his official fine art paintings. Captivated by the extraordinary history of the Motor Company, David's desire is to memorialize the legacy.

Harley Davidson Circa 2020

Looking into the future, designer Miguel Cotto’s Harley Davidson concept looks like it came straight out of sci-fi. The futuristic concept is dated for 2020, and has an 883cc engine for power and the familiar roar of the Harley. Then there’s the sleek design, hubless wheels and the overall look, all indicators to a motorcycle of the future. The design is nearly tron-like in execution. Check out the wheel hubs. They’re in fact huge bearings. So with all those usual stuff practically present, all you need now is your futuristic helmet and futuristic getup.

More photos: Car-Shows.com

EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show To Feature Custom City

The 68th (EICMA) Milan Motorcycle Show, Nov. 2 to 7 will feature the unveiling of the new Ducati 1200 super street model, “Diavel” and eight new models by Honda. It will also feature a new Custom City,  dedicated entirely to custom bikes.

Hosted in the trade fair district of Fiera Milano Rhò in Milan, Italy, the EICMA draws 400,000 to 500,000 visitors. It is the largest bike show in the world.

More than 2,300 journalists from 31 countries attended the 2009 EICMA.

CUSTOM CITY is being introduced at the 2010 Milan Motorcycle Show as a “show within the show”, in the same way that “Green Planet” was introduced last year for hybrid and electric vehicles.

The idea matured thanks to the insistence of motorbike companies, manufacturers and enthusiasts, but finds its rational justification in numbers: against current downhill market trends, the share of vehicles dedicated to custom and touring bikes has slowly grown to represent 17.5% of the sales market.

CUSTOM CITY will be set up in Hall 2 of Fiera Milano, in collaboration with Terre di Moto srl, which will notably be putting on a show, and is fully sponsored by Biker's Life Motorcycle Magazine.

Biker's Life also supports the Italian Padova Bike Expo, and flies the top three winners and their bikes to compete each year at the Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show during Daytona Bikeweek. Bike builders from all over eastern and western Europe compete in the Padova Show in January for a large purse and prizes that include flights to compete in March during the Daytona Bikeweek rally that draws half a million bike enthusiasts worldwide.

So it will be interesting to see what may develop from this sponsorship.

The opening trade-show days (for press and industry) are Nov. 2 & 3, 2010.

EICMA will be open to the public Nov. 4 to 7 with opening hours from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., every day except Friday, when the show stays open until 10.00 p.m.  Ticket and tavel info:  eicma.it/moto

In recent years, MotoLive has been introduced and has become a "must see" event at the massive expo. In the brand new American Pavilion, seven new electric models by Brammo will be presented. The Scootergirls from Los Angeles made their fashion debut last year in the city known for fashion and they will be back to preview a colletion for men. The company speciaizes in protetive motorcycle garments with high fashion appeal. 



UPDATE: Here's footage of the 2011 Ducati Diavel super street bike unveiled at the EICMA Show. In some ways, the stripped-down machine recalls the original Ducati Monster 900, a lightweight bike, elegant in its simplicity, that essentially saved the company nearly two decades ago.

The Diavel features a superbike-derived Testastretta 11° engine and 456lb of authentic Ducati performance, including ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes.

The new motorcycle is sure to excite longtime Ducati fans, especially those who long for the form-follows-function approach the company took to bike design in the 1970s and 1980s. Unlike many bikes nowadays, the Diavel looks more like a horse and less like a two-wheeled car, but it is also loaded with modern performance and safety features.

Its name comes from the “Devil” in Bolognese dialect, and is pronounced dee-AH-vel. The company says when an early prototype was assembled and shown to group of Ducati engineers and technicians, one person said: “Ignurànt comm’ al diavel!” that’s Bolognese for, “Evil, like the devil!”

While it has some of the dirt-tracker looks of a Harley-Davidson XR1200, it also resembles the recent wave of high-tech musclebikes from the Yamaha V-Rod and the BMW K 1200 R. The new Ducati, which is scheduled to go on sale in late winter or early spring of 2011, uses the same Testastretta engine used in the company’s top-of-the-line superbikes. The Diavel will also offer anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronically adjustable riding modes aimed at increasing safety and comfort.

Harley Davidson will present the new SuperLow, together with four new CVO models.

Yamaha will present an electric scooter, a city mobility prototype.
 
Italian visitors will also have the opportunity to view the new ZX-10R, the Z750R by Kawasaki due to be launched on the market at the same time. KTM will present the Duke 125 in its naked version. Aprilia presents two 4-cylinder models: Tuono 1000 and RSV4 with traction and wheelie control, as well as the Dorsoduro 1200. And BMW presents two Touring motorcycles: a 6-cylinder K 1600 GT and K 1600 GLT.

At Triumph all eyes will be on the official presentation of the new Tiger 800 enduro with 3-cylinder engine. Piaggio presents a comeback of the Vespa Classica (the PX 125 with handlebar gear lever) and the Piaggio Typhoon.

The novelty at Moto Guzzi will be the V7 Racer. And the helmet manufacturer, Kali, will be presenting its ROAD Line series for the first time ever.