General Posts

Catch the second half of Scooter Tramp Scotty’s account of a winter among new friends, interesting people, tough projects, good food, and fun times.   In case you missed part one, click here.

It’s time for your fill or Guns, Road Freedoms, Legislative fights, Performance Products, and Really Bad Jokes Read the news here.

Brand, a New York-based artist, worked with an Ultimaker 3D printer to create his own dream motorcycle. The result is a life-size replica of the Honda CB500, printed piece by piece using PLA plastic and a home Ultimaker 3D printer. The whole thing required 18 kg of plastic to create, with individual pieces taking anywhere from a few hours to an entire day to print. There’s good reason why some of those pieces were so complex, too—while no one will be firing this CB500 up anytime soon, the motorcycle can turn and be rolled across the floor. Read More.

A very rare Indian bike is being put up for sale by a South Dakota family during an estate auction Friday near the town of Marion. In 1904 the 695th motorcycle built by Indian rolled out of the factory. Back in the day when a motorbike was more bike than motor an Indian like this set the world motorcycle speed record at a blazing 56 miles an hour. This 111 year old classic built in Springfield, Massachusetts, eventually made its way to Springfield, South Dakota. And that’s where Lindy Graber’s dad, Cleon first set eyes on the bike in the mid 70’s. Read more.

Source: Associated Press When the MotoGP grid lines up at the Circuit of the Americas race this weekend, former champion Nicky Hayden will be the lone American in the field and he will not be aboard one of the factory bikes expected to challenge for the win. It’s a far cry from the golden era of American motorcycle racing, when U.S. riders won 13 of 16 world championships between 1978 and 1993. “The question wasn’t if an American was going to win, it was which American was going to win,” said Kevin Schwantz, who won the title in 1993. “This was a breeding ground for world champions.” Since then, Americans have won only two championships and none since Hayden’s title in 2006. “I feel some pride and responsibility to keep carrying the flag and representing our country until we’re ready to develop some young talent to come in and take my place,” Hayden said from his family’s hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky. Hayden and Schwantz hope a new series kicking off in support of the MotoGP races this weekend in Austin, Texas, will help rebuild the pipeline for U.S. riders to reach the top flight of motorcycle racing. The series called MotoAmerica is headed by three-time world champion Wayne Rainey, who is working to align its rules with international series, bring back regular TV coverage and restore the involvement of major manufacturers still recovering from a collapse in motorcycle sales during the recession. Hayden’s younger brother, Roger, is racing in the top class of the MotoAmerica series, and is serving as a roommate and mentor to 19-year-old teammate Jake Lewis of Princeton, Kentucky. “I want to be positive,” said Nicky Hayden, who made the jump directly from the old AMA series to MotoGP in 2003. “They’ve definably made a splash, and

When Klock Werks designed the well received KlipHanger Handlebars, it was with individual rider comfort in mind. No two riders are the same, and Klock Werks innovative machined “Klamps” allow the control/grip portion of the KlipHanger Handlebar to be positioned exactly where you want your wrists to be, and then locked into place with the same technology clip-on race bars utilize. “Our popular KlipHanger Handlebar design blends clip-on race technology with a taller bar. The “Klamps” allow the control/grip portions of the handlebar to be adjusted in several directions, allowing the ultimate in personal adjustability and ride comfort. Multiple size offerings accommodate a large range of preferred riding positions. I think we are most excited to announce that we were able to reduce the price on these bars! We want everyone to be able to experience the improved comfort they provide, plus they add unique style to your bike,” stated Brian Klock, President of Klock Werks. KlipHangers truly are the ultimate in personal choice – now proudly offered with pricing everyone can afford. Chrome hardware, polished billet aluminum dome bar end caps, and complete installation instructions included all for $449.95-$459.95. KlipHanger Handlebars are available for a large range of bike models from most HD, to Victory, and Indian Motorcycles. Klock Werks welcomes any questions and encourages riders to understand the difference in order to make an informed buying decision. Hit the banner below to find out more. Advertisement

The Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety program is looking for applicants to help meet demand for rider safety classes in 2015. More teachers are needed in Great Falls, Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula. According to a news release from Montana State University-Northern, the Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety Program is hoping to qualify up to 15 new instructors this year to help less-experienced motorcyclists build riding skills and safe habits. Similar training programs have proven effective in preventing injuries and deaths among novice and moderately experienced motorcycle operators and their passengers. The program holds classes in most major population centers in Montana from April through June. In a typical year, about 1,300 riders complete basic or advanced riding courses. “Being a RiderCoach imparts a certain status within the motorcycle riding community, said Jim Morrow, director of the Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety program based at MSU-Northern in Havre, “but the main reason our coaches devote time to teaching is to help riders be safe and to support motorcycling. They have a passion about safety as well as motorcycles.” After passing a nine-day course and riding skills test, coaches are expected to teach a rider course about once a month during the riding season running from April through September. According to Morrow, the pay a RiderCoach receives will more than offset the $150 registration fee for their training course, however, none of the coaches who participate do it for the money. “Our rider coaches have a sincere desire to help people,” Morrow said. “They want to give back to their community.” Experienced motorcycle riders qualify to teach by passing the RiderCoach Preparation Course developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The course is about 70 hours conducted over nine days. The next RiderCoach training is set for May 9-17 in Great Falls. More information

See the products and brands featured this month brands!   Advertisement

Finally, a frame-mounted fairing sized for mid-size motorcycles. No longer do riders of bikes like Harley-Davidson Dynas, FXRs and Sportsters; and Triumph Bonnevilles and Thruxtons, have to settle for a fork-mounted fairing. No more trying to adapt a full-size Bagger fairing to a smaller motorcycle. The Wedge offers the advantages that only a frame-mounted fairing can: a more stable ride, better wind protection, and storage – all in a compact package! Easy installation. Twin LED turn signals. Two halogen headlights – see and be seen! Windshields available in 3 heights, clear or tint. Quality finish means only minor prep is needed before paint. Complete mounting kit: bracket, wiring harness, ‘shield, and hdwr. A quality product designed and manufactured in the USA. The Wedge Complete kit only $1395 + S&H More info at 612-866-3977 or on Blackmore Manufacturing’s website www.wedgefaring.com Dealer inquiries welcome

Here’s a nice power increase that’s easy to install! Zipper’s USA-Made Premium Air Cleaner Kits feature internal-breather backing plates CNC-machined from solid billet for strength, performance and beauty. The included cleanable/oilable, pleated gauze element is available in standard 2-1/4″ width or Zipper’s 5/8″ wider MaxFlow unit to really let that engine breathe! Available with satin billet, texture black or chrome plated breather ports. Bolt it on and feel the difference! Advertisement