For most die-hard motorcyclists, a trip to Los Angeles to have their beloved ride customized by innovative designer and master-builder Roland Sands would be a dream come true. In August, Bell Powersports is making this dream a reality with its BELL STAR TREATMENT contest. Launched on the Bell Powersports Facebook page and themed to highlight Bell’s premium Star Carbon helmet, the unique promotion challenges fans to offer their most compelling rationale for why they and their motorcycle deserve the “Star Treatment” from Bell and Roland Sands Design (RSD). The contest includes a trip for two to the RSD headquarters in Los Angeles where the winner will collaborate with Sands himself on a customization plan for their motorcycle. The winner’s motorcycle ...

Lowbrow just launched a new website with bigger photos, better organization and a slick new look. Check it out and play around and be sure to let them know what you think. Feedback is always appreciated!

Electric motorcycle tax credit may be extended Buyers of on-road electric motorcycles would continue to be eligible for up to a $2,500 tax credit under a bill approved by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.  On Aug. 2, the panel approved bipartisan legislation extending dozens of tax breaks, including language offered by U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to preserve the tax credit for buying electric motorcycles designed for the street.  "Right now, companies like [electric motorcycle maker] Brammo in Oregon are keeping the American electric vehicle industry on the cutting edge, "Wyden said. "But without an extension of this tax credit for the purchase of electric motorcycles, we could be stifling this innovative new industry in ...

  The new Hollywood Handlebar (P/N 55800050, $109.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories® combines the laid-back riding attitude of the 1940s with a shape and black finish that's perfect for today's new-school, stripped-down bobbers. Introduced as Original Equipment on the 2012 Softail® Slim model, this traditional, cross-bar equipped handlebar features limited rise, a narrow profile and gentle pull-back shape. The Hollywood Handlebar fits 2010-later Forty-Eight™, 2006-later Street Bob®, 2010-later Wide Glide®, 2000-later Heritage Softail Custom, Fat Boy® and Fat Boy® Lo, and 2008-later Softail Deluxe models. Installation requires separate purchase of additional components. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details.

    The epic 6000 mile Hoka Hey Saga continues and this year I am following Hoka Hey challenger Kelly Quinn (ThrottleGirl). Throttle girl takes on the Hoka Hey Challenge, riding to raise money and positive advocacy for those faced with childhood cancer. ThrottleGirl is pleased to announce a community partnership with the Northern Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NNCCF). It is the distinguished privilege to partner with the NNCCF, a foundation that provides hope, inspiration and the means to help assist families face the adversity of childhood cancer. ThrottleGirl is #730 in US Fleet tracking so follow her on her at  http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/ThrottlegirlRidingforaDifference  and  of course right here at Bikernet with personal insights and photos just for Bikernet.  “I’ve ...

  The Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s annual Biker Belles™ will again celebrate the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Biker Belles™ celebration presented by Harley-Davidson® begins Wednesday, August 8, 2012 with festivities and symposium at The Lodge at Deadwood, followed by a guided ride through the beautiful canyons of the Black Hills to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® where a reception, catered meal, entertainment, fashion show, auction and more await, including a concert by country music star Eric Church. This year’s ride will also include Black Hills native and avid motorcyclist Jessi Combs, a top motorcycle and automotive fabricator who has found success on television with programs such as Mythbusters, Xtreme 4x4, Full Metal ...

The new Headlamp Modulation Kit ($99.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories® flashes a low beam from full- to low-intensity four times per second to make the bike and rider more conspicuous on the road. The Headlamp Modulation Kit includes an override switch to allow the rider to activate modulation when desired and features a light sensor so modulation will only occur during daytime. Two versions are offered: P/N 67700139 fits 2012 Dyna® Switchback, 1987-later Electra Glide®, Street Glide®, and Road King® models, and 1998-later Road Glide® models. P/N 67700078 fits 2005-later V-Rod™, 2004-later Sportster®, Softail® and most Dyna models. Not compatible with HID or LED Headlamps. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details.

Are you Sturgis bound?  Make sure you check out The Chop-in Block Builders at the Broken Spoke Campground. The Misfits & their bikes will be partyin’ at the Spoke from Fri. 8/3 – Sat. 8/11 and they want you to join them.  Every day you’ll find the builder’s and their bikes hanging out and having a blast.  From 3-5 each day, take a dip in da pool and have a cool one at the Chop-in Block daily Pool Party!   Be at the Block on Wednesday, August 8th by 11 AM, to join some of the best builders in the industry for The Chop-in Block Builders Ride through the beautiful Black Hills.  AFFLICTION, sponsor of the ride, is offering a free ...

Stop by the National Motorcycle Museum Saturday, September 8 and check out the wide variety of sidecars ridden in for this one-day event, the 9th Annual East Central Iowa Sidecar Rally. Your National Motorcycle Museum admission will let you see the field of sidecar entrants plus take in the Museum with over 420 motorcycles, bicycles, toys and thousands of pieces of artwork. Check out the sidecar rally bike show with modern and antique classes,  the vendors and sign up for raffle prizes. Add the 5:00 pm banquet for just $5 more. Call the Rally promoter at 319 846 2619 to learn more about this family event. Sidecars have been around since the 'teens. As soon as motorcycle frames got stronger, ...

Any of you who have stopped by the PM Road Show at rallies around the US, can attest to the fact that it’s a mighty impressive set up.  Imagine a corral of custom motorcycles bejeweled with the best of PM motorcycle parts, vast amounts of billet art on display, all capped off with the classy PM Vintage Vargas Vignettes.  Once you’ve let that sink in, imagine that setting times two and you’ll have arrived at our 2012 Sturgis Grand Opening with both Performance Machine and Xtreme Machine brands lined up in a 3,800 square foot motorcycle accessory mecca. If all this sounds enticing and you’re headed to the rally you can come visit us at the iconic Black Hills Harley ...