General Posts

The second annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis (VCR) will be hosted in summer 2016 and a new nomination program, “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime,” has been added. Starting in Los Angeles, California on July 30, the nine-day ride to Sturgis, SD will provide twenty veterans a chance to use motorcycle therapy as a way to decompress from the challenges of post-war life. Founded in 2015 by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and Emmy-award winning director Robert Manciero, VCR uses motorcycle therapy to provide a healing and fun experience for a select group of veterans who need support. “Giving veterans an outlet for their stress, and creating a way for them to find emotional balance, is critical,” said ride founder Dave Frey. “As a veteran myself, I’ve used long motorcycle rides for years as a mechanism to decompress. It occurred to me that others would benefit from the power of motorcycle therapy. VCR provides a group of veterans with the benefits of riding, plus a camaraderie and brotherhood that veterans often have difficulty finding on their own.” The challenges for veterans are well documented. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and difficulties with re-assimilation to civilian life are common. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans – many who are still young individuals – are facing a major crisis, with an estimated 20 percent of those veterans having PTSD and/or depression according to a 2014 survey*. Motorcycle therapy is one of several effective therapies for veterans seeking relaxation, peace of mind and enjoyment. VCR 2016 will give 15 ambulatory and five amputee/disabled veterans of various military branches – the majority of whom are post-9/11 vets – the opportunity to work toward overcoming their post-war challenges on the open road. Riding from Los Angeles to Sturgis, the veterans travel through the most scenic back roads of the

The all-new Kuryakyn Plug-N-Go Driver Backrest for Indian models provides ideal lumbar support that can be dialed in to suit the needs of virtually any rider. The stylish, contoured pads are wrapped in premium black or tan synthetic leather that’s weather-resistant and tailored to flawlessly match factory Indian saddles. Height can be adjusted by simply mating coordinated notches on the durable welded and stamped steel backrest with the included mounting bracket, which bolts securely to the frame beneath the seat. Fore and aft adjustability can be set up during installation, rounding out a full range of adjustable relief where it’s needed most. A removable Velcro pouch attaches to the rear of the backrest pad to provide a zippered stash pocket and additional foam padding for passenger comfort. The Plug-N-Go Driver Backrest with Black Pad (P/N 1628) and classic stitching is in stock and available now. The Tan Pad (P/N 1629) features diamond stitching and can be pre-ordered at the link below, with expected availability in late April. Hardware is included for bolt-on installation on all ’14-’16 Indian models (except Scout) with factory seats. • P/N 1628 – Black Pad, P/N 1629 – Tan Pad, MSRP: $599.99 http://http://www.kuryakyn.com/products/4959/plug-n-go-driver-backrest-for-indian Advertisement

At a venue known for speed – Daytona International Speedway – Harley-Davidson took a moment to slow down and say “thank you,” inviting a group of military personnel and first responders to take an unforgettable ride around the “World Center of Racing” during the 75th Annual Daytona Bike Week. Now through the end of 2016, all current and former U.S. military, and first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS professionals* are invited to learn to ride for free through Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy program. More information is available at a Harley-Davidson dealer or going to http://www.h-d.com/AmericanHeroes. If Riding Academy is not available in a particular area, qualified participants can still earn a Harley-Davidson Gift Card for the same amount of the enrollment fee for a qualified third-party motorcycle riding course. “Our offer of free motorcycle training for all U.S. Military and First Responders is all about expressing our for their service, so they can enjoy more of the freedom they work so hard to protect,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson U.S. Marketing Director. “We’re honored all of these riders joined us today. What a great way to celebrate 75 years at Daytona Bike Week, kick-off riding season, and salute those who help protect everyone’s personal freedom.” Escorted by police motorcycles and led by Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of the company co-founder, the group took an honorary lap around the recently remodeled Speedway track. After the ride, Harley-Davidson also premiered “Comeback Chapter,” featuring Bradley Sims, a police detective and former Army Reserve Solider and new Harley-Davidson rider. The video features Bradley’s story, and showcases the positive benefits of riding. Check-out the video at http://bit.ly/ComebackChapter. Guests also were invited to throw a leg over Harley’s 2016 lineup – the most powerful collection of cruisers in the brand’s 113-year history. Harley’s newest bikes – the CVO Pro

This lad seems to think he’s got the right idea… Or he’s got a very twisted sense of humor…

The 75th annual Bike Week celebration kicked off this weekend in Daytona Beach. More than half a million motorcycle enthusiasts are estimated to attend the event, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. The event hosts a series of shows,contests and big-name musicians, including the Marshall Tucker Band this past weekend. If you missed them this past weekend, you can catch the Charlie Daniels Band on Saturday. The event continues until March 13.

From pioneers and innovators to customizers and dealers, the 2016 inductees into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame represent every aspect of what makes motorcycling great. The Museum was chartered back in 2001 to recognize individuals or groups who have made a long term positive impact on the motorcycle community. Arguably the most diverse -and deserving – group ever inducted into the Hall of Fame, the Class of 2016 will be honored during the annual Rally on August 10, 2016. “The Hall of Fame’s mission is to honor those who have made a positive and significant impact on the sport and lifestyle,” explains Tigra Tsujikawa, Marketing & Development Director for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. “It honors the men and women who have dedicated much of their lives to improving, promoting and advancing motorcycling.” While the Museum certainly pay tribute to the heritage of the Rally, the Hall of Fame transcends the Black Hills of South Dakota, she adds. “Having a living off-road legend like John Penton, demonstrates that the Hall of Fame recognizes all aspects of our great sport,” says Tsujikawa. “Many consider John to be the godfather of the dirt bike industry and his pioneering of small, lightweight 2-strokes changed the world of off-road motorcycles.” Not to mention shaping and defining KTM to this very day. In addition to Penton, four other equally deserving inductees have been named to the Class of 2016. The Class Of 2016 Bert Baker – V-Twin motorcycle drivetrain innovator, businessman and patriot, Bert Baker is committed to using materials, labor, creativity, know how and grit born of America. Jerry Covington – Whether it is on TV or the cover of virtually every biker magazine in the world, it is hard to miss custom builder Jerry Covington. What does get overlooked is