Robbie Knievel Makes Daring Motorcycle Jump Over 24 Trucks At Kings Island

Robbie Knievel made a stunning motorcycle jump over 24 trucks yesterday, soaring over 200 feet off of a ramp nearly three stories high.

According to the Cleveland Leader, the jump took place in the parking lot of Kings Island Amusement Park near Cincinnati, Ohio. Flames fired up in the air and the crowed cheered as Knievel's motorcycle flew over the 24 trucks.

Knievel dedicated the jump to his late father, Evel Knievel, and US war veterans and military service members.

Evel Knievel made a jump in the same parking lot in 1975, traveling over 115 feet over 14 buses.

YouTube user sirflipper has uploaded video of the jump.



MyFoxCleveland also reports on the jump and lists Robbie Knievel's past jumps.

Source: Cleveland Leader and YouTube

Classic Indian Motorcycles Shine At The Third Annual Legend Of The Motorcycle Weekend

The New York Times features a story on the third annual Legend of the Motorcycle weekend and classic-bike auction held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel near Half Moon Bay, Califorina

According to the story, Indian Motorcycles played a starring role among the 100 rare and classic motorcycles at the Bonhams & Butterfields auction.

Many of the bikes were valuable due to previous owners: Evel Kinevel, Steve McQueen, and Bud Ekins.

Why has the Indian name endured so long? Jared Zaugg, founder of the Legends of the Motorcycle Auction, is quoted as saying the Indian brand is as iconic as Coca-Cola and purely American.

The New York Times also features a slideshow of the rare bikes that were up for auction.

The Los Angeles Times also features a story on the bike auction and a photo gallery.

Source: The New York Times
and The Los Angeles Times

Harley-Davidson's Dark Custom motorcycles seek young riders

The image of motorcycle riders has transformed over the decades from rough-living bikers outlaws to middle-aged professionals over the age of 40.

Motorcycle manufacturers balance their image to keep their rebel image alive, yet attract baby boomers who can afford pricey models.

What about the younger bikers? Where do the riders in their 20's and 30's fit in a motorcycle market geared to appeal to their parents?

According to MediaPost's Marketing Daily, Harley-Davidson has launched a new motorcycle brand targeted to younger riders.

The Dark Custom line of Sportsters, Soft Tails, and Fat Boys are featured on a specialized web site, featuring bikes sporting darker paint jobs and a classic design.

One of the Dark Custom bikes is the Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones.

According to Harley-Davidson..

With the retro look of a Springer front end and other post-war era bobber styling cues like a sprung solo seat, half-round rider footboards, Gloss Black round air cleaner cover and chopped front fender, the Softail Cross Bones rides with a Black and Polished Twin Cam 96B powertrain, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and truly unique Softail suspension.

As each Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle declares its styling independence with exclusive components and inspired craftsmanship, the Cross Bones is a bold addition to an already free-spirited family. Many features of the Cross Bones and other Softails are reminiscent of restless riders of the past, whose defiant attitude resonates with those who march to their own beat in any generation.

Another Dark Custom Bike is the XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster.

Stripped down and gritty, the Nightster reinterprets the Sportster legend with rugged, retro-rod styling. A solo seat and lowered suspension puts the rider just 25.3 inches above the pavement. Clipped front and rear fenders expose chunky tires. Wheel rims and hubs, forks and handlebars, hand and foot controls are finished in basic black.

Marketing to young customers is tricky, but Harley-Davidson hopes their brand name and appeal will inspire a new generation of riders.

Source: MediaPost's Marketing Daily and Harley-Davidson

The Whirlygig Emoto - A Steampunk Motorcycle

What the heck is steampunk? According to Wikipedia, steampunk is a form of fantasy fiction set in the 19th century featuring imaginary steam-powered gizmos and technology.

A steam-powered motorcycle is the type of vehicle that would fit perfectly in the topsy-turvy world of steampunk, but artist Tom Sepe has actually built a real one...sort of...called the Whirlygig Emoto.

The Steampunk Workshop features an interview with Sepe, who built an electric-steam hybrid motorcycle. The boiler part of the motorcycle is just for show, with a propane heating water to give off a plume of steam from the back the bike. The real power that makes the bike go comes from batteries.

Here's video of the steampunk bike going for a ride. It makes a loud whistling noise, like a teapot.



You can see more of the Whirlygig Emoto on Tom Sepe's Flickr site.

Source: Boing Boing and The Steampunk Workshop

War can't stop Iraqi bikers from riding in Baghdad

Almost nothing can keep bikers from riding their motorcycles, even the conflict in war-torn Baghdad, Iraq.

CNN.com features a story on a parking lot in central Baghdad where Iraqi motorcycle riders show off their skills by burning rubber and popping wheelies. CNN also features video of the Iraqi riders performing their stunts.

Baghdad is still a dangerous city, so security is tight when the riders gather for cheering crowds. There are no prizes or trophies in these exhibitions, the Iraqi bikers do it for the love of riding.

Hallmark offers Harley 2006 FXDBI Dyna Street Bob Keepsake Ornament

Give your favorite biker a Harley this holiday season. They don't even need a helmet to go with it.

Hallmark is offering the 2006 FXDBI Dyna Street Bob Keepsake Ornament this holiday season, giving any holiday setting a little Harley attitude.

According to Hallmark...

Take Christmas from zero to sixty just by displaying this extraordinary Hallmark Keepsake Ornament. The wheels and handlebars turn for greater realism. Pose it in perfect position on the luckiest branch of the tree. Comes with a full-sized Hallmark greeting card, with your personal message.

Source: Hallmark

Evel Knievel 1938 - 2007

Legendary stuntman Evel Knievel died today at the age of 69. Knievel gained fame (and occasionally broken bones) from record-breaking motorcycle jumps and an attempt to jump Snake River Canyon in a rocket-powered cycle.

ABC's Wide World of Sports brought Knievel's stunts to a wide audience during a three-year period, featuring motorcycle jumps over obstacles ranging from 13 Greyhound buses to 50 stacked cars.

SportsIllustrated.com features an AP story on Knievel's life and his fame in later life.

ESPN.com features a story on Knievel's appearances on ABC's Wide World of Sports and statistics on the stunts he preformed.

YouTube.com features video of an Evel Knievel jump in 1973 at Portland Memorial Colosseum.

Besides his stunts, Knievel was famous with kids during the 1970s thanks to a collection of toy motorcycles and action figures. Back to Basics Toys still features Evel Knievel Super Stunt Set for sale.

EvelKnievel.com features this tribute on the front page.

Steve Tyler brings Rock and Roll Style to Red Wing Motorcycle

Rocker Steven Tyler is getting into the motorcycle business. Tyler, in collaboration with Mark Dirico and AC Custom Motorcycles, have launched Red Wing Motorcycles.

According to Red Wing Motorcycles...

Red Wing Motorcycles are the fusion of rock and roll artistry and superior engineering. Imbued with Tyler’s sense of style, each motorcycle is as comfortable to ride as it is sexy.

Tyler’s artistic vision drove the outrageous design of the custom motorcycles, each hand crafted and hand signed by the legendary rock star.

“You get on one of these bikes and you can ride for days,” Tyler said. “These bikes are sick, rugged, and just damn cool. And they’re amazing to look at.”

According to Red Wing, their bikes are built with a 35% increase in horsepower to the rear wheel compared to a stock Harley Davidson.

Red Wing Motorcycles debuted at the New Hampshire International Speedway’s Sylvania 300. Exclusive viewing of the bikes can be found at Manchester and Nashua, NH Harley Davidson dealerships. Each bike is backed by an extensive warranty and can be fully serviced by local Harley dealers.

Bikes will be available in partnership with select dealerships across the East Coast through 2008 with a national roll out planned for later that year.

Source: Red Wing Motorcycles

Classic motorcycles on display at Vintage Motorcycle Day

Thekneeslider.com features photos from the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Day, held last July at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio.

A Moto Guzzi 500cc Falcone and a 1950 DynaCycle were among the classic bikes on display.

Writer for the Kneeslider, Paul Crowe, offers opinion on bikes styles favored in the United States versus styles popular in Europe and Australia.

44% more baby boomers are riding motorcycles

Motorcycle riders have had an image of rebellion since Marlon Brando starred in The Wild One.

According to The Financial Post on Canada.com, the average motorcycle rider is a baby boomer, and their numbers are increasing.

Motorcycle ownership among the baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964 and who grew up with Easy Rider, has increased over 44%.

Western New York Harley Davidson dealership celebrates 60 years

The Observer in Dunkirk, New York reports on a Harley Davidson Dealership celebrating 60 years in business.

Gowanda Harley-Davidson, located in Western New York, started out in 1947 as a motorcycle shop in a small barn.

The barn is still there: as a hallway that connects two large showrooms of Harley Davidson Motorcycles.

The story explores how a humble motorcycle shop has grown and endured as a respected Harley dealer.

Computers roar with a motorcycle engine USB port

USB Engine HUB, plug an Engin to your PC
Uploaded by AkihabaraNews

Make your computer roar like a motorcycle and hook up digital gadgets at the same time.

SCI FI tech features a story on a unique USB hub that rumbles and growls like a real motorcycle engine.

The USB hub sounds like a motorcycle, but its real purpose is to hook up devices to your computer. Connecting your digital camera or portable flash drive has never been more exciting.

It would probably be a good idea to use this hub at home and not in an office cubicle.

Novelist and biker opens his own cycle shop

The Mankato Free Press features a story on novelist and English Professor Terry Davis, who is also a motorcycle rider.

Davis has featured motorcycles in his books and stories, now he plans to open up his own cycle shop.

Davis's novel, Vision Quest, was made into a 1985 movie.

Gold Wing tour bikers ride the road in comfort

The Gazette-Times reports on the Gold Wing Touring Association and luxury bikes they ride.

Goldwings are known for their comfort features, from heated seats, ample cargo room, and even airbags.

The GWTA has over 9,500 members who love to roam the roads on their customized bikes.

Easy Rider actor to star in new motorcycle epic

If you ask anyone to name a movie featuring motorcycles, the most common answer will be Easy Rider, directed by and starring Dennis Hopper.

Dennis Hopper has acted in other films, ranging from Hoosiers to Apocalypse Now, but his role in Easy Rider is still his most famous.

Director Quentin Tarantino of Pulp Fiction fame wants to make a new motorcycle movie with Hopper called Hell Ride.

The project is described as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly on motorcycles.

Indian Motorcycle makes a comeback in Fall 2007

After a long absence, Indian motorcycle is about to hit the road again. One of the original American manufacturers of classic motorcycycles, Indian is making a comeback in Fall 2007.

What does Indian have in store for its comeback? Will Indian make it this time or fade into the past again?

MotorcycleUSA.com interviews Stephen Julius, the Chairman of Indian Motorcycles, for what bikers can expect.

Running a motorcycle shop

The DesMoines Register features a story on the American Cycle motorcycle shop, owned by Arden and Stacy Baty.

The Batys are interviewed about their love of motorcycles and how they run their business.

Do you run a cycle shop? Tell us about it and leave a comment below.

Intel promotes new chips with custom bike from Orange County Choppers

Intel is celebrating 30 years of delivering embedded computing products with an Intel-themed embedded technology-based motorcycle by Orange County Choppers.

The Intel motorcycle is more than just pretty metal and paint. According to the Intel site...

"The breakthrough performance and power efficiency that characterize the industry's first quad-core processors for embedded are as unmistakable as the raw power of the four cylinders of the Intel Chopper's quad engine," said Doug Davis, vice president and general manager of Intel's Embedded and Communications Group. "This 250-horsepower chopper – designed using quad-core Intel computers – is more than just a mechanical powerhouse; it's also a marvel of embedded technology with an ultra-mobile PC powering fingerprint recognition for security and a digital dashboard with ignition control, digital gauges, cameras that replace rear-view mirrors, integrated audio and video systems, GPS navigation and wireless connectivity."

Get a better look at the features of the Intel bike by clicking the image below or visit the official Intel site.

What do you think of the Intel bike? Is this a preview of the motorcycle of the future? What type of high-tech gear would you like to see motorcycles have? Leave a comment and tell us.

Harley-Davidson's "Build Yours" ads make a big impression

You may have seen ads for Harley-Davidson's "Build Yours" campaign, featuring images of people made from motorcycle parts.

The ads were made by taking motorcycle parts and arranging them on a giant floor, creating a portrait of each Harley rider.

Jeff Henshaw's Hog Blog features images and thoughts on the campaign.

Are you ready for the Can-Am Spyder Roadster?

The new Can-Am Spyder Roadster will hit the road later this year. Wisconsin is among the 12 states receiving the first models.

The Milwaukee Journal sentinel offers early thoughts on the new trike.

While some praise the Spyder Roadster's stylish looks and stability, others are uncertain of what sort of reception will come from traditional bikers.