The independent and aftermarket motorcycling industry is endangered. Shops, builders, parts makers – every aspect of the industry is being threatened by regulatory lockdown. Dealers won’t work on bikes over ten (10) years old, but manufacturers won’t let anyone other than dealers work on the bikes. Motorcycling legend Bob Kay is speaking out for the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket (IMA). The IMA is collaborating with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) to save this industry, which supports the biker culture throughout the US. Watch the video and hear Bob Kay in his own words! Do you know an independent shop owner? Share this email with them and tell them about the IMA and MRF. Together, we can save our Right to Repair and the aftermarket industry. Click here for Bob Kay’s Bio Click here and Join The MRF

Build Moto sees a future for mechanics And so does Harley-Davidson which is now a sponsor
by Wayfarer

Would you have liked to build a motorcycle when you were in highschool?

A mentorship program based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is teaching teams of high school students how to work on motorcycles. Mentors from various companies are scheduled to donate time and effort to educate students about motorcycles, their maintenance, and custom building them. Milwaukee also has a history with international motorcycling community and hence some big brands are coming onboard.

Build Moto program will get support from Harley-Davidson as a sponsor from 2025 donating motorcycles, parts, accessories, support, and manufacturing expertise to enable a generating of motorcycle mechanics and gearheads.

Students will also learn fabrication, welding, machining, and of course the marketing and fundraising skills which is essential to the motorcycle industry. Small businesses, race teams, employment at a factory or dealership– it all will benefit from this knowledge and experience.

While that’s the big picture–for the immediate short term effects, teams of students from schools will be invited to design and build flat track racing motorcycles that meet American Motorcyclist Association specifications.

Social media will document and promote the progress till the final winner is awarded their prize.

The global village, the internet and the community is definitely the need for the art and craft of motorcycling to survive and prosper. It is the connection between the rider and his community that spurred the Golden Era for motorcycling and this highly skilled, highly evolved industry can do this again by involving the community.

As Build Moto says on its website– “Build a motorcycle, Build a future”. Certainly agree to that!

Consider Visiting https://buildmoto.com/
About Build Moto BUILD is a non-profit organization building trade & life skills through motorcycle fabrication. We are made up of dedicated board members, motorcycle-builder mentors, faculty advisers, local businesses/sponsors, volunteers, and team students & parents. BUILD Moto Mentor is a 501c3 non-profit organization. 

The Girl, the Stroked Knucklehead and the Band as narrated by Bill May

Shifting back in time, in 1970 I sold the bike I rode from Nevada to Oklahoma on in ‘69. I cruised back to Reno for a few months and fell in love with a girl there. I was riding with a small club in Oklahoma.

There wasn’t much going on and I guess I was just bored. I took off to Reno in a ‘62 Chevy. When I arrived there, she touched me but had a young child and a husband in LA. She ultimately decided she should go back and make up with him.

Click here for the ride down memory lane, splitting hairs about what was only on Bikernet.com

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Do you yearn to know the real deal about the golden era gone by in chopper culture and outlaw lifestyle? We got you covered and with plenty more to dig through in the Bandit’s Cantina. It is an exclusive area, guarded by hounds of Harley-Davidson bikers and their minions.
Visit https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx
Try the best membership deal online since 1996

COMING SOON TO USA

THE HIMALAYAN 450, BUILT BY THE HIMALAYAS

A motorcycle with strong adventure lineage yet remains true to our philosophy of pure motorcycling. The all-Himalayan retains the capability, versatility and the ability to go anywhere your adventure takes you. Nothing you don’t need and everything that you do.

We invite you to come join us on one of the 5 incredible trips through empty stretches of pristine landscape, traversing rock-strewn pathways, crossing great valleys and some of the highest mountain passes in the world – and all the while being surrounded by snow-capped views that will continue to take your breath away.

Choose one of the expertly curated routes below. Limited Slots Available!

Moto Himalaya Zanskar 2024 offers an unparalleled and unforgettable 2-wheeled experience! Get well off the beaten path in this vastly unexplored region and soak in the raw adventure. On this ride through Zanskar, nothing is static – you’ll capture the distilled essence of exploration and conquer uncharted roads and off-road stretches.

Visit https://www.royalenfield.com/us/en/motorcycles/himalayan-450/

Tell ’em Bikernet.com Sent Ya !!!

TwinPower Launches Innovative Bag-in-a-Box Oil Program for Dealers
Free Rack Helps Manage Storage and Dispensing Oil and Lubricants

Keller TX – July 10, 2024 – Twin Power, a leader in motorcycle parts and accessories, today announced the return of one of its most popular dealership support efforts, the 6-gallon Bag in a Box Dealer Oil Program. This program provides dealers with a free, heavy-duty metal dispenser rack when they purchase six boxes of Twin Power’s high-quality oil and lubricants. This innovative program offers numerous advantages over traditional 55-gallon drums, especially for dealers with limited space or a focus on service and repair.

“We are thrilled to bring this efficient and environmentally friendly program to our dealers,” said Twin Power’s Brand Manager James Simonelli. “The Bag in a Box system is compact, easy to use, and offers substantial savings, which makes it a great choice for shops looking to streamline their operations and reduce costs. And, it’s the same great oil that we offer in our quart containers, not a short service interval or break-in oil.”

The 6-Gallon Bag in a Box Dealer Oil Program offers numerous benefits to dealers. First, the free dispenser rack provides a practical solution for oil storage and dispensing. The system’s compact design requires no more space than a single 55-gallon drum, making it ideal for shops with limited storage. Additionally, the easy-to-use system simplifies oil dispensing and allows dealers to keep service quantities of several different weights of oil available to technicians.

Environmentally, the bag-in-a-box design eliminates containment and disposal issues associated with traditional drums, reducing waste and eliminating the challenge of handling drums of oil. The six-gallon bag saves dealers up to 30% compared to quart prices, providing significant financial benefits. The oil in the bag-in-a-box system is the same top-quality product found in quart bottles, ensuring reliable performance without the need for break-in or short service intervals.

“Our new program not only offers logistical and environmental benefits but supports dealers in providing the highest quality service to their customers,” continued Simonelli. “Whether it’s a conventional oil, synthetic oil, primary lube or semi-synthetic transmission oil, dealers can have it ‘on tap’ for their techs and customers.”

Dealers can take advantage of this program by contacting their Turn 14 Distribution sales rep to place their order.

About Twin Power: Since 1982, Twin Power has been designing and producing quality parts and accessories for the American V-Twin enthusiast. Driven by the same passion that fuels the American V-Twin scene, Twin Power is relentless in its pursuit of quality, functionality, and value. The Twin Power team will not offer a Twin Power product to its customers unless they are proud to sport it on one of their own rides.

Yamaha Announces New YZ250FX & WR250F
Along with Additional Updates to Off-Road Lineup

MARIETTA, Ga. – July 10, 2024 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is introducing its new lineup of 2025 off-road motorcycles with thrilling options for enthusiasts ranging from young beginning riders to seasoned professionals. The spotlight for 2025 falls on the exciting and ultra-capable new YZ250FX and WR250F. Based closely on Yamaha’s class-dominating YZ250F motocrosser, the new YZ250FX and WR250F are both designed to be slim, light and agile off-road weapons, ready for competition straight out of the box. The YZ250FX includes specific suspension and engine tuning suited to the extreme conditions of cross country racing, while the WR250F is prepped for enduro with unique engine and suspension tuning, an H4 headlight, LED taillight, shortened muffler with spark arrestor and other specific enduro features.

New 2025 Yamaha YZ250FX

Fresh off claiming last year’s XC2 GNCC title, the new 2025 YZ250FX features an extensive list of enhancements designed to further boost its class-leading performance and capability. With a revamped chassis, updated suspension tune, and reconsidered ergonomics, the new FX is lighter, sharper and more agile, with a better handling feel. Perfect for carving up tight cross country courses.

Updates to the 2025 model begin with a completely redesigned aluminum bilateral beam frame. Based on the competition-proven YZ250F, the new frame provides just the right amount of strength and flex for the perfect balance of stability and cornering performance. The redesign also includes model-specific engine mounts and lightweight subframe. The result is a better handling machine with lightweight feel and increased front wheel traction, allowing the rider to enter corners with greater confidence and more line choices.

Complementing the revised frame, the YZ250FX’s class-leading, fully adjustable KYB® suspension is 10mm shorter and includes updated settings to deliver exceptional balance between handling and bump absorption, along with less pitch on corner entry/exit. The revised frame and suspension settings also result in a lower center of gravity for improved maneuverability in tight, technical terrain and an easier reach to the ground. Additionally, the front fork now includes a new hand-adjustable knob for easy, toolless compression adjustments.

Ergonomics are also enhanced, with a slimmer, flatter, more compact body lending a razor-thin feel and effortless body movement when shifting weight forward and back. The rider triangle is more generous as well with more space between the seat and foot pegs.

Other notable changes for 2025 include a completely redesigned intake system along with optimized ECU settings for better control on the low-end and even more mid- to high-end power. The new FX also receives the next generation of Yamaha’s industry leading Power Tuner App, now even simpler to use with a quick-adjust slide bar for easy engine tuning, and more functionality including new four-level Traction Control. Best of all, it’s still free-of-charge.

2025 YZ250FX Features & Benefits

• The new YZ250FX is lighter, sharper and more agile than ever, the perfect weapon for dominating cross country competition
• Completely redesigned aluminum bilateral beam frame based on the renowned YZ250F motocrosser provides the perfect balance of straight-line stability and agile cornering performance
• Revised, fully adjustable KYB® coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping now includes hand-adjustable knob for toolless compression adjustment
• Linkage-type rear suspension features a fully adjustable KYB® shock with revised settings for enhanced performance
• Lower center of gravity for enhanced maneuverability and easier reach to the ground in tight, tricky conditions
• A flatter, more narrow body design eases rider movement and updated ergonomics offer increased legroom and more comfort
• Advanced 250cc four-stroke engine features a high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles and forward positioned intake cylinder head layout for a broad, useable powerband
• More efficient down-draft intake path further boosts mid- to high-rpm engine performance
• Innovative wrap-around exhaust design improves mass centralization and power characteristics
• Ultra-compact 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomization while saving weight and improving mass-centralization
• Revised Yamaha Power Tuner App is even more user-friendly with intuitive new “Simple Tuning” slide bar, helpful new engine and suspension tuning guides, and additional new features
• New four-level selectable Traction Control System controlled through the Power Tuner App maintains ideal rear wheel traction
• Two-mode adjustable engine mapping allows on-the-fly selection between two maps via new handlebar-mounted push-button switchgear
• Wide-ratio six-speed transmission
• Large 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear disc are coupled with a Nissin caliper to provide exceptional stopping power and control
• Durable, large-diameter 15-plate cable actuated clutch withstands the high demands of cross country racing
• Lightweight, tapered 1-1/8-inch aluminum handlebars secure to four-position adjustable handlebar mounts
  Wide 55mm foot pegs
• Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides quick and effortless restarts
• Larger 2.1-gallon fuel capacity (compared to YZ250F) with low-fuel indicator
• Advanced computer-aided wheel design shaves weight without sacrificing durability
• Three-cross-spoke pattern 18-inch rear wheel for improved impact absorption and rider feel
• Race-developed Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires
• Wired for accessory radiator fan
• Sealed O-ring chain
• Aluminum side stand
• Composite engine guard
• Premium embedded graphics provide excellent durability and scratch resistance

The new 2025 YZ250FX is offered in Team Yamaha Blue and will be available from dealers this October for $9,099 MSRP.

New 2025 Yamaha WR250F

Aimed at setting a new benchmark for 250cc enduro performance, the new 2025 WR250F is lighter and slimmer with a lower center of gravity, quicker handling through tight turns, and more confidence inspiring with a host of significant enhancements. The end result is an enduro weapon that’s easy to ride fast, extremely capable in technical situations and more versatile than ever.

Updates for 2025 are also based on the YZ250F motocrosser, starting with a new bilateral beam frame with precisely tuned flex characteristics and unique engine mounts to ensure excellent stability, turning and bump absorption.

The WR250F’s class-leading suspension has been revised and lowered 10mm, contributing to the lower center of gravity for a planted feel and increased ability in tight turns. Fully adjustable KYB® fork with speed-sensitive damping delivers championship-winning performance, and now includes a hand-adjustable knob for easy compression adjustments. Linkage-type rear suspension features a KYB® shock with settings optimized to provide less pitch on corner entry/exit for improved stability.

The seat is now flatter, slimmer, with a more rounded profile, radiator shrouds are two inches narrower, and the fuel tank is slimmer. The new riding position provides more legroom between the seat and pegs, while the bars are moved forward. Altogether, ergonomic enhancements allow for better movement front to rear, easier leg extension, improved seating to standing transitions and a greater feeling of control.

The 2025 WR250F uses the same revolutionary front-intake, rear-exhaust, liquid-cooled, four-stroke power plant as the YZ250F, but tuned for enduro conditions along with an added wide-ratio six-speed transmission for versatility. A new intake design draws air from under the side covers and seat allowing for a more compact body. The more efficient path also boosts mid- to high-rpm engine performance. There is also new four-level Traction Control tuning, lap timer and helpful tuning guides enabled through Yamaha’s groundbreaking next-generation Power Tuner App.

2025 WR250F Features & Benefits

• Lighter, slimmer and sharper with a lower center of gravity, the new 2025 WR250F is built for attacking tight enduro courses
• Completely redesigned aluminum bilateral beam frame based on the YZ250F motocrosser provides the perfect balance of straight-line stability and agile cornering performance
• Revised, fully adjustable KYB® coil spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping now includes hand-adjustable knob for toolless compression adjustment
• Linkage-type rear suspension features a fully adjustable KYB® shock with revised settings for enhanced performance
• Lower center of gravity for enhanced maneuverability and easier reach to the ground in tight, tricky conditions
• A flatter, more narrow body design eases rider movement and updated ergonomics offer increased legroom and more comfort
• Advanced 250cc four-stroke engine features a high-spec piston, aggressive cam profiles and forward positioned intake cylinder head layout for a broad, useable powerband
• More efficient intake path further boosts mid- to high-rpm engine performance
• Innovative wrap-around exhaust design improves mass centralization and power characteristics
• Ultra-compact 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomization while saving weight and improving mass-centralization
• Revised Yamaha Power Tuner App is even more user-friendly with helpful new tuning guides, and additional new features
• New four-level selectable Traction Control System controlled through the Power Tuner App maintains ideal rear wheel traction
• Wide-ratio six-speed transmission
• Large 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear disc are coupled with a Nissin caliper to provide exceptional stopping power and control
• Durable, large-diameter 15-plate cable actuated clutch withstands the high demands of enduro racing
• Lightweight, tapered 1-1/8-inch aluminum handlebars secure to four-position adjustable handlebar mounts
• Wide 55mm foot pegs
• Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides quick and effortless restarts
• Larger 2.0-gallon fuel capacity (compared to YZ250F) with low-fuel indicator
• Advanced computer-aided wheel design shaves weight without sacrificing durability
• Rear wheel comes laced in a three-cross-spoke pattern for improved impact absorption and rider feel
• Race-developed Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires
• Radiator fan
• Sealed O-ring chain
• Aluminum side stand
• Composite engine guard
• Premium embedded graphics provide excellent durability and scratch resistance
• Enduro-specific features including unique engine and suspension tuning, an H4 headlight, LED taillight, shortened, quieter muffler with spark arrestor

The new 2025 WR250F is offered in Team Yamaha Blue and will be available from dealers this October for $9,099 MSRP.

Updated 2025 YZ250F

Recognized as the premier motorcycle in the ultra-competitive four-stroke 250cc class and the current points leader in the 250cc Pro Motocross Championship series, Yamaha’s renowned YZ250F returns for 2025 with a handful of key updates for enhanced performance, comfort and convenience. New features include:

• Revised suspension includes updated rear linkage, new settings front and rear, along with a lighter spring rate on rear shock and new delta-shaped piston shims in the fork for enhanced stability, traction and a more planted front-end feel
• New handlebar switchbox incorporates an updated ribbed design for more practicality and a better look
• New throttle tube increases the spacing between the throttle grip and throttle housing assembly
• New foot peg bracket design is lighter with a revised shape to enhance rider ergonomics
• The new 2025 YZ250F is offered in Team Yamaha Blue and will be available from dealers this August for $8,899 MSRP.

Updated 2025 YZ450F

The new 2025 YZ450F continues to be the most complete, well-balanced and capable bike in the 450 class. Yamaha’s flagship open-class YZ returns with a handful of key updates for enhanced performance, comfort and convenience. New features include:

• Revised suspension includes updated rear linkage, new settings front and rear, along with a lighter spring rate on rear shock and new delta-shaped piston shims in the fork for enhanced stability, traction and a more planted front-end feel
• Revised engine mounts complement suspension updates, improving chassis compliance and enhancing stability
• New clutch design increases lubrication and enhances cooling efficiency
• New handlebar switchbox incorporates an updated ribbed design for easier operation and a better look
• New throttle tube increases the spacing between the throttle grip and throttle housing assembly
• New foot peg bracket design is lighter with a revised shape to enhance rider ergonomics
• The new 2025 YZ450F is offered in Team Yamaha Blue and will be available from dealers this August for $9,999 MSRP.

New 2025 Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ125, YZ250, YZ250F & YZ450F

Yamaha brings the look of a full factory ride back for 2025 with the return of the popular Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ125, Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ250, Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ250F and Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ450F. With a sharp, new race-inspired color and graphics package, riders can stand out from the crowd with the livery of Yamaha’s championship-winning Supercross and Motocross teams.

The new 2025 Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ125 will be available from dealers this October for $7,299; the new 2025 Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ250 will be available from dealers this November for $8,199; the new 2025 Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ250F will be available from dealers this September for $9,099; and the new 2025 Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ450F will be available from dealers this September for $10,199.

Returning 2025 Yamaha YZ Motocross & Cross Country Lineup

The remainder of Yamaha’s 2025 Motocross and Cross Country lineup are available in Team Yamaha Blue with a new YZ graphics package. In addition, the 2025 YZ125, YZ250, YZ125X and YZ250X two-strokes also receive new toolless fork clickers for quick, easy suspension adjustments, an updated radiator shape and a new handlebar pad. The 2025 YZ450FX and WR450F Cross Country models return with a new single-layer seat skin.

The 2025 YZ65 will be available from dealers this month for $4,499;the 2025 YZ85 will be available from dealers this month for $4,999; the 2025 YZ85LW will be available from dealers this month for $5,199; the 2025 YZ125 will be available from dealers this August for $7,099; the 2025 YZ250 will be available from dealers this October for $7,999; the 2025 YZ125X will be available from dealers this September for $7,199; the 2025 YZ250X will be available from dealers this September for $8,099; the 2025 YZ450FX will be available from dealers this month for $10,199; and the 2025 WR450F will be available from dealers this August for $10,199.

2025 Yamaha Trail Lineup

Yamaha’s capable and fun lineup of rider-friendly Trail models return for 2025 in Team Yamaha Blue with a new YZ-inspired graphics package. The 2025 PW50 will be available from dealers this month for $1,849; the 2025 TT-R50E will be available from dealers this August for $1,899; the 2025 TT-R110E will be available from dealers this August for $2,449; the 2025 TT-R125LE will be available from dealers this August for $3,599; and the 2025 TT-R230 will be available from dealers this month for $4,699.

2025 Yamaha Dual Sport Lineup

Yamaha’s world-renowned duo of rock-solid reliable, do-it-all Dual Sport models return unchanged for 2025. The 2025 TW200 is offered in Gallant Gray and will be available from dealers this month for $4,999; and the 2025 XT250 is offered in Radical Gray and will be available from dealers this month for $5,499.

Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program

All 2025 YZ models are eligible for Yamaha’s current bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features nearly $7 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. YZ riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a 10% rebate on GYTR parts and accessory purchases of up to $1,000, and receive a bLU cRU swag bag.

For complete details on how to register for the bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, website at: https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/blucru-registration.

Learn more about Yamaha’s complete Motocross, Cross-Country, Trail and Dual Sport lineups, as well as other Yamaha products at: www.yamahamotorsports.com.

Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at: www.yamaha-motor.com/shop.

For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit: www.yamahamotorsports.com.

An Outlaw Rider’s Story by Keith “Bandit” Ball

illustrated by Wayfarer

Whether he knew it or not he reveled in three aims, creativity through motorcycles, freedom through riding and the touch of a woman. He quickly discovered insincerity, power, control and evil in the service, but Frankie held true to his belief in fairness and freedom.

He fought to save his fellow sailors from confinement by the hands of power hungry Shore Patrol Officers. He stepped in when a gang attempted to fuck-up a fellow shipmate in the Philippines. He sought a sense of violent understanding and when to step into the fight and when to step away.

After his third tour in ‘Nam, he married his second love and during the confined periods on ship he wrote her adoring letters and studied motorcycle magazines. He dodged military treachery and ended up close to home, where he could ride, build a shop and start to customize motorcycles.

Soon, he had run-ins with clubs in San Pedro with Outlaws and Hangmen and then the Hells Angels and Hessians at the Chino run in Riverside.

Click here to read this hard fisted, fast paced, road ripping fiction only on Bikernet.com

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Get your fix of Two-Wheeled Adventures, real and unreal–in our Two-wheeled Tales department for free.

Story and photos Koz Mraz www.kozmoto.com

Arizona has incredible geological diversity that lie between Flagstaff’s Humphries Peak, at 12,637 feet to the Grand Canyon, the Red Rocks of Sedona to lush Verde Valley.

Arizona also has the longest continuous stretch of uninterrupted Route 66 two-lane asphalt and is home to Route 666. Renamed SR 191 in 2003 because the Department of Transportation was constantly replacing stolen highway signs.

Click here to read this ride report only on Bikernet.com

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Indian Motorcycle brings the thunder to Goodwood Festival of Speed with the Challenger RR and FTR750

Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, will bring the thundering sound of King Of The Baggers and American Flat Track racing to the UK with the appearance of the Indian Challenger RR and FTR750 at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 11-14.

Renowned for its celebration of motorsport culture, the Goodwood Festival of Speed attracts enthusiasts from around the globe for a one-of-a-kind event, where the past, present, and future of automotive innovation converge while honouring the rich heritage of iconic brands such as Indian Motorcycle.

Sharing the famous hill with some of motorsports biggest and best icons, the Indian Challenger RR makes its Goodwood debut offering a rare opportunity for fans outside of America to witness a full-factory race Bagger in action and hear the outstanding PowerPlus V-Twin engine in the hands of racing legend, Jeremy McWilliams.

Created to celebrate the 2022 King of the Baggers championship crown, Indian Motorcycle and S&S Cycle built just 29 Challenger RR customer bikes, each hand-crafted and race-tuned with the same spec and setup as Tyler O’Hara’s #29 championship-winning bike. The Challenge RR offers collectors the unique opportunity to own a piece of history.

Returning to Goodwood after first appearing in 2018, the Indian FTR750 is the dominant force in American Flat Track racing. A clean-sheet design, the FTR750 was developed in-house by the Indian Motorcycle Racing engineering and design teams with a high-performance 750cc V-Twin engine and unique, ultra-light steel frame, large centrally located airbox and sleek lightweight carbon fibre body.

From its racing debut in 2017, marking Indian Motorcycle Racing’s official return to professional flat track racing, the FTR750 has cemented its legacy with seven consecutive American Flat Track SuperTwins Championship titles and carrying Wrecking Crew rider, Jared Mees, to a record-equalling ninth championship.

Racing, and winning, have long been a core element within the Indian Motorcycle brand DNA. Founded by racers, driven to innovate by a desire to go faster and win races, Indian Motorcycle has been racing, and winning, for 123 years. From Oscar Hedstrom’s endurance racing at the turn of the century to O.C. Godfrey winning at the famed Isle of Man in 1911, from Burt Munro’s land-speed records to the original Wrecking Crew’s dominance in the 50s and the present Wrecking Crew’s American Flat Track dominance, from SuperHooligan Championships on the FTR in 2022 and 2023 to the Challenger taking the King of the Baggers Championships in 2020 and 2022 – the list of history-making racing milestones for Indian Motorcycle is unparalleled.

 

A portrait of an avid motorcyclist by Michael Fitzsimons 

Parti was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on June 23, a long time ago.

At 15, Parti bought an old Ford jalopy. When his mother saw the car, she threatened to chain the tires together until Parti turned 16 and got his driver’s license. Early on, he bought an old Indian Scout for $15, which Parti pointed out was the going rate for a bike that didn’t run in those days.

NOTE FROM Bandit: Mike Parti sadly passed a few years back, but his bikes and his legacy live on. Recently his daughter Clarice “Tish” kindly donated this historic sidecar rig to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. We are exceedingly proud to add this unique Bonneville Vincent powered sidecar rig to the race inspired exhibits.

Click here to read this photo feature article only on Bikernet.com

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