by Julie Perine from https://www.connect-bridgeport.com Those who were into the Suzuki GT750 might remember Leeson’s Import Motors moving into its West Main Street storefront. That was in 1970, but the history of the family-owned retailer dates back much further. It all started in the 1930s when Paul Leeson started a motorcycle shop out of his house on James Street, selling Harley Davidson and Triumph bikes. During the ‘40s, the shop was relocated to Route 50 in Adamston, operating into the ‘50s when Leeson retired. “Our grandfather loved motorcycles and it is just in our blood,” said Shawna Merrill, current sales manager. “Once you have ridden a motorcycle, it gives you such a sense of freedom. There is nothing else that makes you feel the way you do when you are riding.” In 1968, Leeson’s daughter Janice and her husband Sam reopened the shop, then called Clarksburg Suzuki Sales. Just two years later, Leeson Import Motors came full circle when it returned to Bridgeport. Four generations and many members of the Leeson family have been part of the operation which today carries a variety of power sports vehicles and accessories. “We sell Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs, Kawasaki Motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides, Kymco scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides, Arctic Cat ATVs and side-by-sides and SSR Pit bikes, off-road motorcycles, youth electric ATVs and side-by-sides,” Merrill said. “We are a full-service dealership, offering sales, parts and service.” Through the years, there have been definite trends and sought-after vehicles. The Suzuki T20 and RM370 of the late-1960s and ‘70s gave way to the Kawasaki 900 Eliminator of the ‘80s. That decade also featured Suzuki’s buy-out of the GSXRs and, of course, the ATV era as Suzuki introduced the Quad Runner 125 and 185. “In the 1990s, ATVs and motorcycles got bigger and faster,” Merrill said. “Kawasaki built one of the largest cruisers – the Vulcan 1500 and the Bayou 400 4×4. In the late 1990s, Suzuki built the fastest stock street bike, the HAYABUSA.” As the new millennium rolled in, side-by-sides gained popularity. “Kawasaki actually brought out the first side-by-side back in 1988 – the Kawasaki Mule – but it wasn’t until the side-by-sides got a little faster that they became more popular,” Merrill said. “Arctic Cat had the Prowler 650, Kymco had the UXV500 and Kawasaki had the Teryx.” Since 2010, the focus has been on off-road vehicles. “The sport model side-by-sides are the popular vehicles right now. The Arctic Cat Wildcat XX or the Kawasaki Teryx KRX1000 are the hot models these days,” Merrill said. With 2021 featuring the selection of ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes and street motorcycles – as well as helmets, jerseys, tire and roll kits and many other extras – there is something for just about everyone. “We currently have a team of 16 associates that work hard so you can play hard,” Merrill said. “We have had Suzuki since 1968, Kawasaki since 1984, Artic Cat since 1996, Kymco since 2008 and SSR since 2016.” Leeson’s also special orders parts and ships. Ordering is available through the dealership, as well as online at either leesonsmotors.com or leesonsatv on Ebay. Leeson’s Import Motors is located at 320 West Main Street and is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

by Erin Wencl (KAGS) from https://www.kagstv.com

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — TEEX and Harley-Davidson have teamed up to offer specialized and advanced training to law enforcement officers who patrol on motorcycles, according to information released by the school Tuesday. The training will be available for law enforcement officers in Texas, as well as motorcycle cops across the country.

The program will offer basic, advanced and instructor-level training courses. Basic level includes 80 hours of training for those officers going directly into the police motorcycle unit. Advanced training will be for experienced officer riders who are hoping to increase their skills and the instructor-level course will certify an officer hoping to build their own training program.

“As a former law enforcement administrator, I know training is key to managing risk,” said Dr. John M. Ray, who is director of the TEEX Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence. “You want to attend a manufacturer specific school because there are subtleties about riding these bikes in high-risk situations. This curriculum is tailored specifically for that.”

Dr. Ray said there will be classroom and “on-track” training. The motorcycles will be provided by Harley-Davidson and they will offer servicing on-site. This is something unique to the program, according to Dr. Ray, because many training programs require students to bring their own bike. By teaming up with Harley-Davidson and their mechanical crews, students will be able to finish the course without worrying about if their own bike will make it through.

“We are proud to partner with TEEX to create a comprehensive training program that allows peace officers to focus completely on improving their skills,” said John Dedeo, GM Field Sales for Harley-Davidson.

Kyle McNew, who is the TEEX Training Manager for the Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence, said the training will be offered in Texas, but also other locations across the country. “That gives us an opportunity to save agencies money by sending their officers to train closer to home.” It also offers an option for those law enforcement agencies that are considering starting up motorcycle traffic enforcement.

If you would like to register, click here or call Kyle McNew at 979-458-2762. You can also email him at kyle.mcnew@teex.tamu.edu.

America’s First Motorcycle Company Celebrates its 120-Year Anniversary with an Ultra-Exclusive
Run of Only 120

MINNEAPOLIS (March 3, 2021) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unveiled the latest in its “Elite” lineup of ultra-premium, limited edition motorcycles with the 2021 Chieftain Elite. Combining unmatched power with bold, custom-inspired styling, the 2021 Chieftain Elite was designed for riders who demand the best of the best and want to stand out from the crowd. Its limited run of only 120 worldwide make it Indian Motorcycle’s most exclusive Elite model yet.

Starting at $34,999, the Chieftain Elite’s premium two-tone Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Carbon Crystal paint delivers a custom-inspired aesthetic. Premium finishes, such as the Thunderstroke 116’s Slate Smoke finish and color-matched badging throughout set the Chieftain Elite apart from any other bagger on the road.

“We designed the Chieftain Elite for riders who want to turn heads and stand out without sacrificing performance or comfort,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “The bike’s attention to detail and world-class craftsmanship is second-to-none, while its extreme exclusivity makes it something truly special to own and ride.”

The 2021 Chieftain Elite touts exclusive styling, premium amenities and easy-to-use technology.

Exclusive Styling
Each Chieftain Elite undergoes a meticulous paint process that takes more than 24 hours to complete by hand. From the gunmetal flake layered within the paint to the Slate Smoke engine finishes this premium bagger has a custom feel with utmost attention to detail. The Chieftain Elite’s streamlined fairing and slammed saddlebags with sharp lines and hard edges give the bike a commanding presence, while the two-up Rogue seat delivers a sleek profile. Lowered suspension and a 19-inch precision machined front wheel under an open front fender add to the bike’s custom-inspired design.

Riders can personalize their 2021 Chieftain Elite and truly make it their own through a robust offering of authentic Indian Motorcycle accessories. For touring and comfort, riders can select from a variety of handlebars and seats, including a Low Profile Quick Release Passenger Sissy Bar and Backrest Pad, as well as a color-matched, remote-locking trunk and color-matched hard lower fairings with adjustable air vents.

Riders looking for performance accessories can explore Indian Motorcycle’s Thunderstroke 116 Stage 1 and Stage 2 offerings. The Stage 1 Slip-On Exhaust Kit and Stage 1 Oval Slip-On Muffler Kit deepens the exhaust note while unleashing power. By pairing the Thunderstroke Stage 1 Performance Air Intake or Thunderstroke High-Flow Air Intake with the exhaust or muffler kits, riders will increase horsepower by 8%. For the ultimate in Thunderstroke performance, riders can continue their performance enhancements by adding the Thunderstroke Stage 2 Performance Cams Kit.

Premium Amenities
As standard equipment, the 2021 Chieftain Elite packs premium amenities, including full Pathfinder LED lighting, a tinted flare windshield with push-button power, spacious aluminum select floorboards and an integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system with crystal-clear sound quality. Standard features include, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage.

Easy-to-Use Technology
Indian Motorcycle’s easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology found throughout the 2021 Chieftain Elite delivers a next-level riding experience. Taking center stage is Indian Motorcycle’s industry-leading, seven-inch Ride Command infotainment system. With connected services riders can view weather and traffic overlays, while Apple CarPlay delivers an easier, more customized level of control for music, navigation preferences, and mobile device information.

As Indian Motorcycle’s most powerful air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116 delivers class-leading performance with 126 ft-lbs of torque. Rear cylinder deactivation improves rider comfort when traversing through slower traffic, and three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport, allow riders to adjust the bike’s throttle response. The throttle map for each ride mode was designed with a specific application in mind, resulting in one motorcycle with three distinct personalities.

Available now at Indian Motorcycle dealers, pricing for the exceptionally exclusive Chieftain Elite starts at $34,999 in the U.S. and $42,999 in Canada.

Johnny Lewis aligns with top brands for 2021 American Flat Track Season

Milwaukee, Wis March 2, 2021: Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield rider Johnny Lewis is proud to announce his partners for the 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) season include]ing supporters from his 2020 AFT campaign, which saw Lewis capture Royal Enfield’s first-ever modern-day racing victory at the season finale in Daytona.

2020 marked the first year of development for the Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield team, Lewis is looking to build upon the success his Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield team earned at the conclusion of the year. To aid in his 2021 season, Lewis will receive support from multiple top brands in the motorcycling category including SENA, Rekluse and Beringer Brakes. Other notable partners involved in Lewis’ AFT program include Saddlemen, ODI, Lightshoe, Team Lawant and Cometic Gaskets.

“It has been a busy off-season for the team testing and planning for the year ahead,” said Johnny Lewis, Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield racer. “We have continued the development of the Twins FT and have also aligned ourselves with a handful of world-class brands who are backing our 2021 efforts. On behalf of myself and Royal Enfield, we’re thrilled to have them on board and excited for the upcoming season.”

Lewis will continue working on several programs for Royal Enfield such as Slide School presented by Moto Anatomy and the BUILD TRAIN RACE flat track program as a mentor. SENA, Rekluse and Beringer Brakes will support Lewis’ AFT program while Saddlemen, ODI, Lightshoe, Team Lawant and Cometic Gaskets will support the Lewis across all Royal Enfield programs.

The 2021 Progressive American Flat Track season kicks off on March 12 for the Volusia Half-Mile in Barberville, Fla. Lewis will return to competition with the Royal Enfield Twins FT after extensive testing throughout the offseason. Lewis’ last race in Florida yielded a victory and second place at Daytona AFT finale, and he looks to carry that momentum into the 2021 season opener at Volusia.

Be sure to follow @MotoAnatomyxRoyalEnfield on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest results and insights from the track. The team will continue to release short films documenting each round, which can be seen on Royal Enfield North America’s YouTube channel throughout the season.

A 4-DAY RALLY HELD IN TN, THAT SHOWCASES THE AREA’S DEPTH AND DEVOTION TO MUSIC, MOTORCYCLES, FRIENDS, FAMILY AND GENUINE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY.

The Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival is located at the majestic, 3,500 acre, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch & Campground, owned by country music legend, Loretta Lynn, and home of the AMA Motocross Championships. The Revival will showcase the area’s depth and devotion to Music, Motorcycles, Food, Art, Entertainment, and Southern Hospitality. Join us as we host 4,500+ on-site campers on 400 acres of manicured countryside that adjoins the meandering Hurricane Creek.

A one-of-a-kind experience with a backstage vibe. Nothing better describes the feeling of attending TMMR like the word REVIVAL. It brings you back to what we love the most about Motorcycles, Music, and Friends. Join us for Tennessee’s biggest and best bike rally and music festival wrapped up in one 4-day event!

Live Music featuring Nashville’s Next * Outlaw, Country, Rock, Bluegrass * Singer-Songwriters * Hooligan Racing * Biker Games * Harley-Davidson Demos * Pan America * H.O.G. Pin Stop * BC Moto Invitational Hand-Crafted Custom Motorcycles * Enduro Off-Road Loop * Wall of Death * Speed Shack Bar * Waterin’ Hole * Loretta’s Roadhouse * Bonfires * Bike Shows * Hurricane Creek * Tour Loretta’s Ranch * Swimming Pool * Full Liquor Bars * Food Trucks * Vendors * Official H.O.G. Pin Stop & Much Much More!

The Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival is proud to host the 4th edition of the BC Moto Invitational during its celebration of all things “Motorcycles and Music” at the historic Loretta Lynn Ranch. Bill Dodge’s “BC Moto Invitational” is a custom motorcycle showcase featuring hand-selected craftsmen displaying some of the country’s best custom motorcycles. It will be aptly situated in the unique setting of a picturesque, creek-side horse barn at Loretta’s.

Click here to purchase your general admission tickets and camping accommodations.

from https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com

The consortium will define the standardised technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category, mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles.

Piaggio Group on Monday said it has signed a letter of intent with KTM AG, Honda Motor and Yamaha Motor to set up a Swappable Batteries Consortium for motorcycles and light electric vehicles.

The consortium will define the standardised technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category: mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles.

The companies will be working closely with interested stakeholders and national, European and international standardisation bodies. The founding members of the consortium will be involved in the creation of international technical standards. The Consortium will start its activities in May 2021.

In the context of the Paris Climate Agreement and the transition to electromobility, the founding members of the consortium believe that the availability of a standardised swappable battery system would both promote the widespread use of light electric vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable life-cycle management of batteries used in the transport sector, the companies said in a joint statement.

Also, by extending the range, shortening the charging time and lowering vehicle and infrastructure costs, the manufacturers will try to answer customers’ main concerns regarding the future of electromobility.

Michele Colaninno, Piaggio Group chief of strategy and product, commented, “With the signing of this letter of intent, the signatories show their proactiveness vis-à-vis the major concerns of their customers and the political priorities as regards the electrification of vehicles.”

An international standard for the swappable batteries system will make this technology efficient and at the disposal of the consumers, added Michele Colaninno.

We offer a brief history of the Three-wheeled vehicle, and take a guess at the lifestyle each fits best.

In 2007, BRP put its three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder on the market and sold 2500 units in the U.S. By 2015, it had sold 1 million units globally. In 2017, it estimated the U.S. three-wheel industry to be good for approximately 40,000 sales a year, and that industry includes competition from historic names like Harley-Davidson and Morgan. Some bikers scoff at the three-legged mechanical portmanteau called an autocycle, but they’re here to stay; in 2020, BRP more than doubled its 2019 volume in the U.S.

Maybe you’re considering joining the growing crowd but aren’t sure which saddle to throw a leg over, here is a brief history of three-wheelers and the people who love them.

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In 2007, BRP put its three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder on the market and sold 2500 units in the U.S. By 2015, it had sold 1 million units globally. In 2017, it estimated the U.S. three-wheel industry to be good for approximately 40,000 sales a year, and that industry includes competition from historic names like Harley-Davidson and Morgan. Some bikers scoff at the three-legged mechanical portmanteau called an autocycle, but they’re here to stay; in 2020, BRP more than doubled its 2019 volume in the U.S.

Maybe you’re considering joining the growing crowd but aren’t sure which saddle to throw a leg over, here is a brief history of three-wheelers and the people who love them.

Indian Dispatch-Tow: Indian created its three-wheeler to help a Packard automobile dealer who didn’t want to send two mechanics to deliver customer cars; he needed something a single mechanic could tow behind the customer’s car, then ride back to the shop.

The Dispatch-Tow went on sale in 1931 with a 45-cubic-inch V-twin and a claimed top speed of 65 miles per hour. Produced intermittently until 1952, they’re usually found in museums or rotting in barns. Dispatch-Tow owners are inclined to bushy mustaches and riding in loafers. They also own an Airedale named “Champ,” and a bank.

Harley-Davidson Servi-Car: Trying to outdo Indian as well as lure buyers during the Great Depression, Harley created the Servi-Car in 1932. The 45-cubic-inch, 24-hp three-wheeler was instantly successful, toiling as utility vehicles for 41 years for everyone from the military to drug store delivery boys.

The Reboots

Lehman, Motor Trike, and Roadsmith Trikes: Instead of turning a Beetle drivetrain into a three-wheeler, these companies started with the front end of a motorcycle and created kits to add a two-wheeled rear end. Lehman is no more, but Motor Trike and Roadsmith still convert tourers and cruisers produced by the major motorcycle brands.

The modern equivalent of owning a Bricklin kit car in the 1970s, owners keep shelves full of Yacht Rock CDs, are adored by their nieces and nephews, and have a backyard grill that costs as much as a good used car.

Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide and Freewheeler: Harley returned to the trike fray in 2009 with its Tri-Glide models. Available with a 114- or 117-cubic-inch V-twin and up to 125 pound-feet of torque, the Tri-Glide yokes a Street Glide-looking front end to a living room sectional. The Freewheeler debuted in 2015 with cruiser looks and “mini ape hanger” handlebars. Aimed at those seeking the Harley experience without having to keep 800 pounds upright, owners have easy manners, a ton of dad jokes, excellent prescription drug benefits, leather chaps over acid-wash denim, iron butts betrayed by back and knee pain, and friends who ride the two-wheelers these trikes are based on.

The Outsider

Yamaha Niken: A motorcycle version of the Piaggio MP3 500 scooter, Yamaha took its Tracer 900GT two-wheeler and put two scooter-sized 15-inch wheels up front, spaced only 16 inches apart. An 847-cc inline-three drives a normal-sized rear wheel by way of a six-speed manual trans. The roughly 600-pound Niken rides like a motorcycle, leans like a motorcycle, and will fall over like a motorcycle if you don’t put a foot down at a stop. The extra contact patch up front provides superb grip in wet conditions, the front suspension keeps both front wheels planted even on nasty ground. The Niken is best for those who regularly ride in rain, on the pro cycling World Tour, or in conflict zones, and who crave being asked, “What is that?” 38 times a day.

BRP Can-Am: The Can-Am Spyder debuted 14 years ago and we tested one because, well, that’s what we do and we rode the updated F3 when it launched in 2016. It’s a three-wheeler laid out and operated like the snowmobiles BRP also makes. The Can-Am lineup now counts three models in ten trims, Rotax engines ranging from a 600-cc with 50 horsepower and 37 pound-feet to a 1.3-liter with 115 horsepower and 96 pound-feet. Feels sorta like a motorcycle up high, rides sorta like a car down low. The base transmission in the Ryker model is a CVT, but the uplevel F3 and RT models come with a 6-speed automated manual. All the braking is done with a single foot-operated control. Owners want gnats in their teeth, but also stability and tons of storage, and have a fetish for 12-in-1 appliances like the Bacon Press & Griddle.

Morgan 3 Wheeler: This one ends production in 2021 while Morgan tools up a new version with a European-emissions-compliant engine. We’re including it because it, like all three-wheeled machines, offers a very unique experience and Morgan is the king of the old school, having built three-wheelers from 1909 to 1953, then resuming the trade in 2011. The model from Malvern, England came with a scone and a flat cap, and was the only three-wheeler that allowed a white-scarfed driver to say, “Tut tut!” and not be ignored or beat to a pulp.

Vanderhall: The Provo, Utah company puts out three-wheelers named after iconic California locales, no doubt in part because a three-wheeler requires no special license in Cali.

Built on an aluminum chassis, the Venice and Carmel are powered by GM-sourced four-bangers, either a 175-hp 1.4-liter or a 194-hp 1.5-liter. The electric Edison is motivated by two 70-hp electric motors. Owners played water polo in college, still wear sun visors, have Yellow Labradors with matching goggles, and both owner and dog are named “Chip.”

Polaris Slingshot: If the Slingshot had one more wheel, it would be close to a KTM X-Bow, but without the carbon-fiber tub. Infinitely customizable and so low it could “high center on a hickory nut,” as one commenter put it, Polaris unveiled plenty of updates for 2021. These include a new, in-house 2.0-liter inline-four producing up to 203 horsepower and 144 pound-feet and an optional automated manual with paddle shifters. Slingshot owners are the Lamborghini buyers of the three-wheeler world, therefore they have never met a neon hue, an aftermarket mod, or one-piece jumpsuit they didn’t like. Someone somewhere is working on a scissor-door kit for this; doors too, we suppose.

Campagna T-Rex: The T-Rex line features Italian carbon-fiber bodywork, a Japanese engine, and intergalactic prices. The 2021 T-Rex RR, which is powered by a Kawasaki-sourced DOHC 1.4-liter inline-four making 208 horsepower and 117 pound-feet of torque, starts at $65,999.

If the Slingshot is a Lamborghini, this is three-wheeled Bugatti. Owners have a lot of money, too many cell phones, a tequila collection, an infinity pool just for their pet alligator, a suite at a hotel in town, and sixteen copies of Scarface.

Elio Motors and Aptera: Both were founded more than ten years ago promising vastly efficient three-wheelers, both have never sold a vehicle. We’re not saying they won’t ever sell vehicles, but prospective owners do tend to have pockets full of Pokémon cards and believe Pikachu is real.

–from www.CarandDriver.com

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

When talking about the exploits of that European Harley-Davidson custom shop by the name Thunderbike, we’re usually treated with reinterpreted modern motorcycles. Occasionally, we also get full custom builds, based on their own frames, and somewhat rarer, conversions of earlier Harleys.

The Flying Shovel, as the one we have here is called, is part of that last category. Originally a 1957 Harley-Davidson FL, it was transformed into something the shop describes as a “true old-school Bobber with rigid frame, but reliable engine.”

What you see before your eyes is the frame of the FL, wrapped around an S&S shovelhead engine. The powerplant is linked to 4-speed gearbox from RevTech and topped by an S7S Super E carburetor also from S&S. The powertrain spins 18-inch wheels of Thunderbike make.

Other than the engine and frame, many of the other parts on this build have been custom-made for it exclusively. We’re talking about things like the exhaust, handlebars, grips, pegs, fuel tank, oil tank, rear fender, all of which have been designed specifically with the Flying Shovel in mind.

Some of these parts, made in brass, were wrapped in nickel, or given an old-finish look to have the appearance the bike belongs to another age, and for the most part, the shop succeeded.

In all, there were around 30 custom bits and pieces that made it into this two-wheeler, but because most were specifically designed for this project, very few of them are available commercially. That means it is extremely difficult to estimate how much it cost to put this thing together, and as usual Thunderbike makes no mention of the cost.

The Flying Shovel was built for a customer, and sadly the world lost track of it since it was completed about three years ago.

 

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame (MRFHOF) was introduced at the Meeting of the Minds in Denver, Colorado. This institution was created to recognize individuals that have worked through the MRF to positively impact motorcycling. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is proud to announce that the nomination process for the next class of inductees into the MRFHOF is now open.

The nomination form and a timeline are posted on the MRF website at:

MRF Hall of Fame

Nomination applications are due to the Hall of Fame Committee by March 1st, 2021 – please send completed forms to communications@mrf.org

Past Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame inductees are: Keith “Bandit” Ball, Karen Bolin, Mark Buckner, Vince Consiglio, Wayne Curtin, Michael “Balls” Farabaugh, “Still” Ray Fitzgerald, Richard Gray, Fredric Harrell, Teresa Hepker, Bob Illingworth, Nathan “Buck” Kittredge, Simon Milward, Ed Netterberg, JoAnne Packard, Sherman Packard, Lee Richardson, Rodney Roberts, Jerry “JT” Thomas, Todd Vandermyde, Paul Vestal, Penny Walker, Ed Youngblood, Wanda Hummel-Shultz, “Biker” Jim Rhoades, Lee Ryan, Marc Falsetti, Gary Klinker, Charlie Williams, Dave Dwyer, “Radio” Bob Letourneau, “Farmer” John Eggers and Michael “Boz” Kerr.