Fender Donates Special Edition Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Stratocaster Guiltar To Support The Muscular Dystrophy Association

Harley-Davidson's 105th Anniversary celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin starts on August 27, 2008. To commemorate the event, the Fender Custom Shop has created three special edition Fender Stratocaster guitars.

The first guitar (#1 of 3) will be auctioned online at www.h-d4mda.com with proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The auction runs from Aug. 21 through Sept. 4, 2008. The guitar is valued at $10,000 and will be exhibited on the Summerfest grounds August 29-30 at Harley-Davidson's Wreck Room exhibit.

The custom black Stratocaster features black cherry pin striping and a combination of black chrome and black nickel hardware. Other features include the Harley-Davidson bar and shield logo engraved on the jack plate, head stock applique, serialized neck plate and a Harley-Davidson inlay on the neck in black polycarbonate.

The guitar is also highlighted by a perforated alloy pick-guard and back plates assembled with the use of socket-head Allen screws commonly used by Harley-Davidson on their motorcycles.

"MDA is honored and grateful to benefit from this stunning work of art. Fender has created a guitar that perfectly conveys the spirit of the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary, and MDA is thrilled to be associated with this piece of history," MDA Director of Program Development Scarlett Marchman said.

Source: Harley-Davidson

Harley Riders Join 25 Cross-Country Journeys to Milwaukee From 105 Starting Cities to Celebrate Motor Company's 105th Anniversary

The Harley-Davidson homepage features details on the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration taking place on August 27-31 2008.

According to Harley-Davidson, Harley enthusiasts will ride home to Milwaukee via 105 different official starting points and along 25 major routes across the country August 17-27. The celebration will take place in Milwaukee August 28-31 with several exclusive ticketed events, as well as many activities that are free and open to the public.

There will be 105 unique starting points around the United States, each hosted by a Harley-Davidson Motor Company representative. The 105 starting points will all feed into 25 major routes bound for Milwaukee with an arrival date of August 27, 2008.

There will be four days of non-stop activities planned throughout the city of Milwaukee. The events will be centered around the Milwaukee lakefront area with highlights including music, food and entertainment at the Summerfest Grounds, activities at the Harley-Davidson Museum, and a special Harley-Davidson exhibit at Discovery World.

Source: Harley-Davidson

Milwaukee Art Museum Presents The Custom Motorcycles of Ron Finch August 26–31

The Milwaukee Art Museum website features details on the presentation of The Custom Motorcycles of Ron Finch—on view during Harley Davidson’s 105th Anniversary Celebration, August 26–31.

Ron Finch has been building choppers since 1965, when he opened Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles, and has established himself as one of the premier builders of our time. A fusion of function and whimsy, Finch’s innovative motorcycles are truly “art in motion.” His bikes have been appreciated by art lovers in several museums and art galleries and in shows throughout the United States and Europe.

Ron Finch, Outspoken, 1993.
Chrome moly frame; Gas & oil tanks, air cleaner cover made from Corvette side exhaust covers.

The Finch Collection, Pontiac, MI.

According to Milwaukee Art Museum, the Bikes by a Discovery Channel 2004 Biker Build-Off champion will roll into downtown for the presentation during Harley Davidson’s 105th Anniversary Celebration.


Coupled with the archival photographs of Detroit biker Jim “Flash” Miteff, the exhibition celebrates the customized motorcycle as an American icon of 1960s counter-culture and a pinnacle of artistic design. Visitors can park their bikes beneath the wings to see it during extended hours Thursday–Saturday, August 28–30, when the Museum is open 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Ron Finch, Finicky, 2006

Twisted offset frame that showcases the extended fins on the heads; Finned gas tank under the seat. Finch sculpture handlebars, fenders, primary, floorboards and exhaust

The Finch Collection, Pontiac, MI
 

Installed among the white arches of the Santiago Calatrava-designed Baumgartner Galleria are 12 of Finch’s chrome masterpieces. Among the featured choppers are two of Finch’s award winners, Odin’s Axel and Double Cross, both finely crafted creations of intricate rod work and metal fabrication. Built from rare parts such as Corvette exhaust covers and hand-built frames, each of the bikes bares unique stylistic touches.

Source: Milwaukee Art Museum

Ducati Hypermotard Scores A Victory At 86th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb In Colorado

Ducati recently announced a victory for a customer spec Hypermotard at the 86th annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado.

According to Ducati, a Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S, Greg Trachy won the 1200cc motorcycle class outright and took an incredible fourth over all classes. The victory, on a motorcycle in stock trim with Ducati Performance accessories, was significant as this year marked the return of stiff manufacturer competition. Against the 119 motorcycles attempting to tackle the Peak, Greg rode the Hypermotard to victory (in class) beating the overall times set by Andrea Padovani and Christian Lancellotti of the factory Aprilia team from Italy.

The idea to race the Hypermotard started almost a year ago at Pike's Peak. While attending the July event, Becca Livingston visited the local Ducati dealer and saw her first Hypermotard and by October the bike she was dreaming about was hers. Becca, with her husband Paul at the controls, were adding to their thousands of miles riding two-up when they came to the realization that this motorcycle could be a contender on the mountain. Over the next few months and repeated verification from some very qualified friends, the decision was made to officially enter the Ducati in the Pike's Peak event.

Source: Ducati

Harley-Davison Museum Opens With Chain Cutting And A Special Tattoo

The Harley-Davidson Museum, located in Harley's hometown of Milwaukee for nearly 105 years, opened its doors for the first time to the public on July 12th.

The Museum opening kicked off with a Harley-Davidson-style "ribbon cutting" ceremony in which a motorcycle primary chain wrapped around a Museum tower was cut with an acetylene torch. Festivities - including the Harley-Davidson, Inc. president and CEO Jim Ziemer receiving his first tattoo.

"Harley-Davidson has dreamed about building this Museum for a long time," said Jim Ziemer, president and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. "It adds a whole new dimension to the Harley-Davidson experience."

The Museum exhibits tell the stories of the extraordinary people, products, history and culture of Harley-Davidson. The stories are told through both chronological and thematic exhibits, which are linked together by a chronological procession of landmark motorcycles from the Company's 105-year history. Vintage photographs, posters and other artifacts explain major moments in the Company's history such as the entrepreneurial start in 1903, survival during the Great Depression, involvement in WWII, and the landmark buy-back from AMF in 1981.

Along side the history galleries, four galleries dive deeper into specific topics of importance to Harley-Davidson culture. The Engine Room provides an education on Harley-Davidson engines and the science behind how they work. Another exhibit explains how motorcycle competition spurred the creation of motorcycle clubs and includes a recreation of a 1920s board track complete with factory race bikes banking a corner. Elvis Presley's motorcycle is featured in an exhibit on customization along with paperwork proving that he purchased it just days before he became famous with the hit single, "Heartbreak Hotel." The Design Lab gives a look into the process of developing a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle from concept to manufacturing.

"Riders will instantly feel at home at the Harley-Davidson Museum," said Stacey Schiesl, Harley-Davidson Museum director. "And those who aren't yet riders will be able to experience the passion that riders feel every time they fire up their motorcycles."

In addition to enjoying a variety of exhibits, Museum patrons will also be able to take a peek into a portion of the previously private Archives, home to hundreds of motorcycles and thousands of artifacts and historical photographs.

Beyond the exhibits and Archives, Museum visitors and the general public can tap into the Harley-Davidson experience in a number of other ways - from grabbing a boldly flavored American meal in Motor, the Museum's 150-seat restaurant, or Cafe Racer, a grab-and-go dining spot, to reading the various personalized messages on the Living the Legend rivets, found on curved steel walls and in plazas.

With customizable indoor and outdoor spaces, the Museum also provides a variety of unique special event spaces that can accommodate an intimate gathering of 20 to freewheeling festivities for 15,000. The Museum site, located on 20 acres of park-like green space and bordered by the Menomonee River on three sides, is open to the public free of charge, 24 hours a day.

Source: Harley-Davidson

Motorcycle And Scooter Riders Celebrate Ride To Work Day On July 16th

Motorcycle and scooter riders will celebrate the 17th annual commuting day on Wednesday, July 16th.

On Ride to Work Day, motorcycle and scooter commuters seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation and increased public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.

According to the official Ride To Work Day website, participation in the yearly demonstration is estimated to triple the number of riders on the road. Motorcycle and scooter groups and organizations actively encourage riders to commute by cycle on this day.

Adding more motorcycles and scooters to everyone's daily commute makes urban parking easier and traffic flow better, according to Ride to Work, a non-profit advocacy organization. Studies have also shown that across the same distances, motorcyclists reach their destinations faster than those using automobiles.

Many motorcycles and scooters also consume less resources per mile than automobiles. "Riding to work on this day is fun and shows the positive value of motorcycling. For many people, riding is a socially responsible form of mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits," stated Andy Goldfine, this year's event organizer.

Source: RideToWork.org

Harley Riders Cover Three Million Miles In 24 Hours On "Million Mile Monday"

Harley-Davidson reports that on Monday, June 30, 2008, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members around the world shattered the goal set for the club’s inaugural Million Mile Monday, logging more than three million total riding miles in a 24-hour period.

“It blows me away. What started out as a simple, fun idea turned into something very special. Our members really gave it legs--make that miles. What a blessing to be enjoying this beautiful country on American iron right before the 4th of July. Now that's freedom. Can't wait till next year!” said Benny Suggs, Senior Director of H.O.G. Operations.

To put the accumulated mileage into perspective, the 3,000,960 miles ridden by the more than 18,000 H.O.G. members who participated on June 30 equates to the equivalent of about 120 trips around the equator.

Source: Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Helps Divas Put The Brakes On Breast Cancer

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is participating in the third annual Divas For A Cure (DFAC) Annual Cross-Country Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run.

Hundreds of motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts will make their way to Atlanta, Ga., to kick off the event on July 19.

The annual motorcycle run is organized by DFAC, a service-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising cancer awareness through early detection, education, screenings and supporting research for eradicating cancer. Last year DFAC raised $50,000 for breast cancer research. The organization is looking forward to reaching a target of $100,000 from this year's ride.

The DFAC motorcycle run is scheduled to take place from July 16 to Aug. 6 with donations presented to the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - Nellie B. Connally Breast Center.

The "Divas" are also scheduled to participate in a VIP tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum on July 22 guided by Curatorial Director, Jim Fricke. "We are very excited to have Jan Emanuel-Costley and her supporters tour our exciting new museum. Similar to Jan's commitment and passion to bring awareness to breast cancer, we are just as committed to support great efforts like the Divas For A Cure ride and other community-focused initiatives," said Jim Fricke.

The 6,000-mile ride is scheduled to depart from Brown Mills, N. J., to official kick-off city of Atlanta; Atlanta to Canada; Canada to the National Bikers Roundup in Pennsylvania; down the East Coast; and finally returning back to Atlanta. The meet and greet dates will begin following the initial departure from New Jersey. More details on the route are available online at www.DivasForACure.org.

Source: Harley-Davidson and Divas For A Cure

Harley-Davidson announces events for Laconia Motorcycle Week

Harley-Davidson recently announced events planned for the Laconia Motorcycle Week in Laconia, N.H. from June 17 - 21, 2008 that include the following highlights:

• Product displays and experts for the 2008 line-up of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, along with the latest Genuine Motor Accessories and MotorClothes Merchandise.
  
  
• The Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum featuring unique displays of vintage Harley-Davidson products and memorabilia.
  
  
• Demo rides provide the chance to test ride any number of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Rides are free, but participants must bring a valid motorcycle license, wear a D.O.T. approved helmet and eye protection, and sign a release form.

The Harley-Davidson Festival at Laconia Motorcycle Week is located at Laconia City Hall in Downtown Laconia, N.H.

Source: Harley-Davidson

Willie G. Davidson Family Gifts Sculpture To Harley-Davidson Museum

Harley-Davidson reports the grandson of one of the founders of Harley-Davidson and his family unveiled a gift they are giving to commemorate the new Harley-Davidson Museum, which will open to the public on July 12 in Milwaukee.

Willie G. Davidson, senior vice president and chief styling officer for Harley-Davidson, and his family presented a sculpture featuring a motorcycle hill climber to the Museum. The one-and-one-half-times life-size sculpture pays tribute to motorcycle competition and enthusiast culture.

"The Harley-Davidson Museum means so much to me and my family that we wanted to leave something permanent here as a gift," Willie G. Davidson said. "We chose the hill climber as a subject because it portrays the thrill and adventure of the sport and because of the important role motorcycle competition played in developing enthusiast culture."

Jeff Decker, a Harley-Davidson licensed artist and motorcycle enthusiast, was asked by the Davidson family to design the sculpture. The piece was made of bronze and will be permanently placed at the end of Canal Street on the Museum grounds. Designed with organic shapes and lines that contrast with the industrial architecture of the Museum, the sculpture will be among the first things visitors see as they approach the Museum. Access to the Harley-Davidson Museum grounds will be available to the public, free of charge, 24 hours a day.

Source: Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson Museum Opens On July 12th

Harley-Davidson is having a 105th birthday with the ultimate present: a new museum.

The Harley-Davidson Museum, located near downtown Milwaukee, will open its doors to the public on Saturday, July 12.

Described as an event 105 years in the making, the Grand Opening festivities will kick off with a Harley-Davidson-style ceremony at 10 a.m. and will continue throughout the weekend.

The Harley-Davidson homepage reports The 130,000-square-foot Museum will add a whole new dimension to the Harley-Davidson experience.

Visitors will get a feel for the freedom, camaraderie and pride that Harley-Davidson riders experience every time they fire up their motorcycles.

Source: Harley-Davidson

Biodiesel-Powered Harley Davidson Gets 89 Miles Per Gallon

As gas prices rise, Motorcycle are getting more attention for their fuel efficiency than their stylish looks. Compared to other vehicles, motorcycles are hard to beat for miles per gallon.

A unique Harley-Davidson motorcycle takes fuel efficiency to a new level with biodiesel power that gets 89 MPG. Ridden by Bill Bolch, the biodiesel-powered Harley recently won in the MPG category at the Fourth Annual Green Grand Prix in Watkins Glen in upstate New York.

Source: Autoblog Green and Faster and Faster

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

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation To Benefit From Charity Auction At Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

An upcoming charity auction brings together the unusual combination of Snoopy and a motorcycle from a Quentin Tarantino movie.

The MotoStars charity auction to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation features a wide array of motorcycle memorabilia.

According to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum...

To celebrate its new "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles" exhibit, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is offering enthusiasts the opportunity to take home a piece of exhibit-themed memorabilia while supporting a good cause.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit donors' selected charities, including the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF).

The first item benefiting PBTF is a "Joe Motocross" Snoopy statue. This unique piece of art, which stands five feet tall, honors legendary "Peanuts" creator Charles M. Schulz, who introduced millions of people to the sport of motocross in the book and movie, "You're a Good Sport, Charlie Brown."

"The statue is completely unique, and nothing like it will ever be produced again," says Ruth Chambers, noting that Charles Schulz' son Craig designed Snoopy's helmet, boots and chest protector.

The PBTF will also receive proceeds from the auction of a 2006 Honda VTX1300 ridden by actor Francesco Quinn in the Quentin Tarantino-produced biker movie "Hell Ride."

Quinn, the son of legendary actor Anthony Quinn, launched his career in "Platoon" (1986) and has since starred in numerous movies. He will personally autograph the Honda for the winning bidder.

Source: Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

Buell celebrates 25 years on July 2-6, 2008 in Wisconsin

The Buell homepage features details on the 2008 Buell 25th Anniversary in Wisconsin on July 2-6, 2008

The Buell 25th Anniversary takes place at various locations, including the Buell Motorcycle Company facilities in East Troy, WI and the surrounding communities.

Events include music and festivities at Milwaukee’s Summerfest grounds, Buell racing at Road America, factory tours, vintage bike display, and more.

Source: Buell Motorcycles

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

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum celebrates “Awesome-Ness”

On July 24, 2008, The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will open “Awesome-Ness,” a new exhibit honoring master motorcycle designer and builder Arlen Ness.

An icon in the motorcycling industry, and 1992 inductee into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Ness will join prominent colleagues and friends at the Museum in Pickerington, Ohio for the opening.

According to The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum...

The fifth in a series of Legends exhibits at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, “Awesome-Ness” will feature machines and memorabilia from Ness’ personal collection. Curated by photographer Michael Lichter, the exhibit will do more than simply display Ness’ significant creations; it will delve into the stories behind his influential career. Lichter, author of “Arlen Ness: The King of Choppers,” will use his unique perspective on Ness to provide visitors an in-depth look at the celebrated customizer.

“Awesome-Ness” will feature 11 of Ness’ significant creations, including “Untouchable,” the 1947 Knucklehead that launched Ness’ career. Additionally, the exhibit will spotlight “Two Bad,” his 2,000cc twin-engine Sportster; “Ness-Tique,” a modern custom inspired by a 1903 Harley-Davidson depicted on a Cartier trophy he won at a Harley-Davidson ride-in show; “Red Flame Chopper,” a straightforward, high bar bike inspired by his first Knucklehead; “Top Banana,” winner of top honors on the Discovery Channel’s “Biker Build Off”; “Overhead Cam Sportster,” a one-off 1200cc with sportbike styling that Ness keeps in his office; and “Mach Ness,” his helicopter turbine-powered bike.

More than four decades of groundbreaking designs have earned Arlen Ness his status as an authentic legend. He began his career in the 1960s, with the customization of a 1947 Harley Knucklehead. After entering the Knucklehead in local motorcycle shows, Ness’ work was noticed by the press, as well as by potential customers. Soon he was able to start a business custom painting bikes. Not long after, Ness began selling custom parts and created a catalog to keep up with customer demand. As business boomed, Ness continued to create custom motorcycles, with a stretched and lowered style and high-performance engines becoming hallmarks of his designs.

Source: The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

Female Ride Day on May 2nd invites women motorcycle riders worldwide

More women worldwide are buying bikes and joining the growing numbers of women motorcycle riders.

Motoress.com features details on Female Ride Day, celebrating women motorcycle riders. Introduced in Canada last year, Female Ride Day 2008 is a worldwide event.

According Motoress.com...

FEMALE RIDE DAY is always the first Friday in May. The event appeals to females, who own, ride or have access to a motorcycle and invites their participation on Friday 2 May.

International Female Ride Day a synchronized day worldwide where women motorcycle riders "JUST RIDE" -- demonstrating their enjoyment and in most cases, passion for motorcycle riding. The campaign was created with the aim of highlighting the number of women who ride and building female rider awareness -- encouraging other women to take up the activity. The event places a spotlight on the female rider and celebrates the countless numbers who do--riders new to the activity or those who have had the pleasure all their lives!

Introduced last year, FEMALE RIDE DAYS' first step was as a National event with the intention to build globally. The success in 2007 made it easy in 2008 to move on to making it International!

Motoress.com also features details, FAQ, and photos of last years event.

Source: Motoress.com

A preview of the new Indian Motorcycle dealerships

Dealernews.com features images of the designs for new Indian Motorcycles dealerships. The images are just computer renderings, but give an idea of what Indian Motorcycle's re-launch has in store.

Also included are images of a big-rig truck dubbed the "wheeled wigwam", due to tour bike rallies and other events with company information and a multimedia tour of Indian Motorcycle's history.

After shutting down in 2003, Indian Motorcycles reformed in 2006 and is scheduled to re-launch in mid 2008.

Source: Dealernews.com

Victory Vision Demo Ride Tour part of Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach

The Victory Vision motorcycle has been getting a lot of attention for its sleek looks and Ipod compatible sound system, but nothing beats seeing a bike like the Vision up close and taking it for a ride.

The Victory Motorcycles website offers cities and dates on the Victory Vision demo rides. The Victory Vision demo rides are part of Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, October 18-21.

Source: Polaris Industries