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Kawasaki KX 50th Anniversary Edition Motorcycles

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2024 KAWASAKI KX™450, KX™450X AND KX™ 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION MOTORCYCLES

THE BIKE THAT BUILDS CHAMPIONS

Over the last 50 years, the Kawasaki KX™ brand of motorcycles has helped pave the path to championships for the some of the most popular motocross racers of all time. Today, the KX family remains one of the most dominant motocross and supercross brand of motorcycles available, with the all-new KX™450 once again raising the bar. With development cues taken from the Monster Energy® Kawasaki factory racing team, the all-new 2024 KX450 is one of the strongest and race-ready machines on the dirt. To commemorate the celebration and success of 50 years of the KX brand, Kawasaki is pleased to announce the release of 50th Anniversary Edition motorcycles. Equipped with a limited retro-inspired KX shroud graphic, a Uni-Trak swingarm graphic, blue seat, silver wheels and white fork guards, the 2024 KX250 50th Anniversary Edition and the KX450 50th Anniversary Edition motorcycles will spark nostalgia and tug at the heartstrings of motocross enthusiasts across the globe.

ALL-NEW 2024 KAWASAKI KX™450 HIGHLIGHTS:

• NEW Engine tuning
• NEW Cylinder head
• NEW Straight exhaust port and center exhaust
• NEW Smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX*
• NEW Handlebar-mounted traction control switch
• NEW Brembo brake system
• NEW Lightweight aluminum perimeter frame
• NEW ODI Lock-On grips
• NEW Easy-to-remove side cover
• NEW Slim ergonomic bodywork
• NEW Kawasaki TRaction Control and riding modes

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Kawasaki Celebrates 70 Years Of Making Motorcycles

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In September of 2023, Kawasaki Motors celebrates its 70th anniversary of making motorcycles, first making its forays into the motorcycle business in 1953. After the end of World War II, Kawasaki produced motorcycle engines under the name of “Kawasaki Machine Works.” Since then, Kawasaki has continued to Let the Good Times Roll and has strived to share “Fun to Ride” motorcycles with our customers around the world. Today, Kawasaki motorcycles are sold in more than 90 countries and regions.

To commemorate Kawasaki Motorcycles’ 70-year anniversary, a special exhibition will be held at Kawasaki USA Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California as well as Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe, Japan starting in September 2023. The display will focus on the history of the motorcycle business in the U.S. market, which marked a major turning point in Kawasaki’s overseas strategy. It will be the first in a series of events to commemorate this special anniversary.

Working toward upholding our mission statement of “Working for the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches,” Kawasaki aims to keep moving forward and growing into the future.

(Press Release)

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The 75th Panhead Anniversary

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by Rogue and others

I made plans to attend Harley Davidson’s 120th Anniversary in Wisconsin, when I got a phone call from Berry Wardlaw. He told me about the Panhead Anniversary and the event that was happening to celebrate it in the Milwaukee area.

The Event was June 22-24 and the Harley Reunion was July 13-16. That would mean two rides to Milwaukee from Florida and back. With almost a month between the events, so it was doable.

Click here to read this report only on Bikernet.com

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Anniversary Celebrations in Milwaukee

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Milwaukee Road by HD Museum

“Heard from staff that there are 30,000 motorcycles parked just in the parking lot! Record breaking crowds enjoying Harley Davidson’s 120th Anniversary in Milwaukee. Seeing so many friends is so special. Meeting so many people too!”
— Lori Struck DeSilva

Stay tuned for more reports on this epic mega-event.

Harley-Davidson Museum roars in March

By General Posts

The campus is now rolling seven days a week. Plus learn how you can get your ticket for a night with Milwaukee’s leading ambassador, John McGivern, for a screening of “Main Streets with John McGivern.”

MILWAUKEE, USA (March 3, 2023) – With the calendar turning to March, there’s even more opportunities to immerse yourself in the legendary history found within the walls of the Harley-Davidson Museum as the campus is once again open seven days a week.

Check out the new specials cooking at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant or hop into the Harley-Davidson® Shop and get set for summer’s biggest party as Harley-Davidson® 120th Anniversary Collection items are arriving daily. Hats, T-shirts, hoodies and more – some found only at the H-D® Shop – are going to be hot sellers as we countdown to July!

Speaking of the Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ festivities, tickets are now on sale for two special opportunities to bring home more memories during the Homecoming weekend. First up, a morning with a man who bleeds black and orange. Coffee & Conversation with Bill Davidson will give guests the opportunity to hear directly from the man whose name appears on the gas tanks of your favorite motorcycles. Reserve your spot now for an early morning event featuring coffee, pastries and conversation with Bill Davidson, the H-D Museum Vice President and great-grandson of a company founder (and the nicest guy you’ll ever meet!). The event takes place in the newly renovated Experience Gallery and concludes with a staff-guided tour, including a visit to the Motorcycle Vault. Offered on Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15 from 8 – 10:15 a.m.

If you’re shy on time, the “Homecoming Tour” is right up your alley. This one-hour tour is led by a knowledgeable H-D Museum staff member who will share stories about the Motor Company’s founding in 1903 and the many accolades H-D has earned over its 120-year history. This tour includes a visit to the vaunted Motorcycle Vault, giving it a distinctively “behind the scenes” flavor. These are limited-capacity experiences and reservations are required. Book one (or both) today!

But before we get too deep into the summer fun, there’s loads to see and do at the crossroads of 6th & Canal. Mark your calendars for March 28 when the H-D Museum welcomes John McGivern to campus for a screening of “John McGivern’s Main Streets.” Be among the first to see this episode that focuses on the backbone of MKE, the Menomonee Valley. Seating is limited, so reserve your (free) ticket now.

As mentioned, the H-D Museum™ campus is now open seven days a week. Our hours of operation are as follows: H-D Museum: Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant: Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Harley-Davidson® Shop & Factory Shop: Daily 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
John McGivern’s Main Streets – Menomonee Valley Premiere, March 28, 6 – 8:15 p.m.
Be among the first to view the Menomonee Valley episode of “John McGivern’s Main Streets”! Join John McGivern as he explores this thriving district in the heart of the city. Milwaukee’s Menomonee River Valley features some of the most popular entertainment destinations in Wisconsin with the Harley-Davidson Museum, Potawatomi Casino Hotel and American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. But there is also plenty of great food and drink, shopping, art, and outdoor fun for John to explore. In addition, John and his new co-host, Emmy Fink, will go behind the scenes to see what delicious goods are made only in the Valley!

Not only will you be among the first to see the Menomonee Valley episode, you’ll also get to see special scenes from extra footage created for this event! The evening will end with door prizes including an array of surprises from local businesses and Main Streets gear. You will also have the opportunity for a meet and greet with the star of the show as well as the show’s producers! This show is produced by Plum Media, an award-winning video production and editing company, located right here in the Valley.

Registration is required and limited to the first 250 people, but tickets can be had at no cost.

Doors open at 6 p.m. in Rumble (above MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant) with a cash bar available but come early and visit the H-D Museum, H-D® Shop and grab dinner at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant! The screening will begin at 7 p.m. This event is co-hosted by the Harley-Davidson Museum and Menomonee Valley Partners.

Annual Pass
Need spring break ideas? Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.

Guided Tours
The H-D Museum’s guided-tour portfolio has been updated with new experiences and content. Choose from the Spotlight Tour, the Beyond the Gate Tour or the VIP Tour. Spotlight Tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Spanish Spotlight Tours are available most weekends. Guests are invited to check out the calendar when planning their visit to sign-up in advance for an unforgettable guided experience. To book a private group tour, please call 414-287-2799 or email for more information. Reservations and prepayment required at least 2-weeks prior to tour date. Please note: Tour fee does not include General Admission.

Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be launched by our merit badge counselor. Then, scouts will explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date. Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, welcome and orientation by program facilitator, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.

ROLL INTO MILWAUKEE WITH YOUR BANDIT’s BEDROLL AND GET TO THE MUSEUM QUICK —
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MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
“My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto” (on display now)
From award-winning children and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine. With brilliant, colorful art from Peña paired with heart-warming stories from Southern Californian riding families, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” will draw smiles from kids of all ages. It’s an exhibit that focuses not only on where you can take a motorcycle, but where a two-up motorcycle ride with a loved one can take you.

Experience Gallery (on display now)
With inspiring stories from riders who have turned their dream of learning to ride into reality, a look at the epic journeys you can only experience behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, plus the chance to throw a leg over a new Harley-Davidson #FreedomMachine, the reinstalled and all-new Experience Gallery shows the world how United We Ride!

Google Arts & Culture: Take a Trip through Time (on display now)

Lillian Hauerwas began riding in 1911 when she was 19 years old. In 1914, she and a friend took a sidecar rig on a week-long trip. Check out a photo album from their ride and find out more about this early advocate for women motorcyclists on the Museum’s Google Arts & Culture site.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (on display now)
The four founders of Harley-Davidson were recently inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Learn more about this prestigious honor now on view in the H-D Museum.

Linda “Jo” Giovannoni (on display now)
This year the world of motorcycling lost a prominent voice, Linda “Jo” Giovannoni. As a co-founder of Harley Women magazine, she shared her love of the sport through articles in newspapers and magazines, and in national television interviews and documentaries. Learn about how Giovannoni inspired riders for over 40 years.

Revolution® Max Engine (on display now)
The brand-new Revolution® Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America® adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster® S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.

Clubs & Competition (on display now)
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.
The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)
In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.

The Harley-Davidson® Shop + Factory Shop
Keep your eyes peeled for new Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Collection items. New gear is arriving daily. Get ready for this summer’s Homecoming Festival in style. Both shops are now open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
MOTOR is ushering in March with extended hours, daily specials and our monthly menu specials, including a nod to St. Patrick’s Day with Chef Sione’s take on the classic Rueben sandwich. The days are getting longer, and we are looking forward to re-opening on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will be offering dinner every night of the week. New hours start on Wednesday, March 1 and MOTOR is open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

If you observe Lent or just love the Friday fish fry tradition, don’t miss out on our delicious All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry served every Friday all day long. MOTOR offers both an entrée option and a North Atlantic cod sandwich. Guests can enjoy receiving $2 off your check for Fish Fry Fridays through Lent (Friday, April 7) for diners enjoying the fry from 7 – 9 p.m. Just mention this to your server and enjoy the offer!

March Specials (while supplies last):
APPETIZER OF THE MONTH: CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS ($9.95)
Sprouts, bacon, Parmesan cheese, dried apricot with dynamite sauce.

ENTRÉE OF THE MONTH: DEEP FRIED SPARE RIBS ($15.95)
Marinated ribs, breaded and fried with a side of jicama slaw, French fries, and a side of BBQ sauce.

SANDWICH OF THE MONTH: RUEBEN SANDWICH ($14.95)

Smoked corned beef, Swiss cheese, topped with onion strings, jicama slaw, and 1000 island dressing on toasted rye.

DESSERT OF THE MONTH: APPLE PIE À LA MODE ($8.95)
Homemade apple pie served with vanilla ice cream.

Plus, save the date for our first Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at MOTOR on Sunday, April 9! Reservations will be available in early March.

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What We Know About the 2023 Harley-Davidson X350 and X350RA

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by Dennis Chung from https://www.motorcycle.com

Streetbike for Asia and a Riding Academy bike for the US

Harley-Davidson held its big 120th anniversary reveal last week, and for the most part, the announcement included the bikes we expected, such as the Nightster Special, and the return of the Breakout with a Milwaukee-Eight 117ci engine. What we also expected to come for 2023 but was not included in the announcement were the X350 and X350RA. Still, despite not being part of the big Jan. 18 announcement, we managed to get our hands on some information confirming more details of the Chinese-built models.

The X350 is the product of Harley-Davidson’s partnership with China’s Qianjiang Motors that was first announced in 2019. After some regulatory delays, the QJ-built X350 is finally close to production as a small-displacement model for Asian markets. The X350 and an X350RA variant appeared in Vehicle Information Number data submitted by QJ to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and as we recently reported, Harley-Davidson included the X350RA in its 2023 model year VIN information.

Following the Jan. 18 announcement, Motorcycle.com has secured a copy of the X350RA’s official owner’s manual, plus a single image of the model, with clear proof it is intended for use for Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. We’ve also briefly got a look at the official parts catalog, confirming some of the differences between X350 and X350RA.

The image above briefly appeared on Harley-Davidson’s Service Information Portal, showing a roadster with neutral riding ergonomics and, tellingly, bright orange bars bolted on to either side of the radiator.

The owner’s manual includes an illustration of the X350RA from the rider’s perspective, and it offers another view of the radiator guards. The added protection further confirms our suspicions that the “RA” version of the X350 is intended for the Riding Academy.

The owner’s manual further confirms some specifications of the X350RA. The bike is powered by an eight-valve liquid-cooled Parallel-Twin engine displacing 353cc. The engine isn’t entirely new but a larger version of the engine employed by the QJ-built Benelli 302S. The X350’s 45.2 mm stroke is the same as the Benelli’s, but its 70.5 mm cylinder bore is larger than the 302S’ 65.0 mm. The X350’s 11.9:1 compression ratio is just slightly off the 12:1 ratio of the Benelli 302S.

The X350 reportedly claims an output of 36 hp, but the Harley-Davidson VIN information confirms the X350RA will only claim 23 hp. An executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board further confirms that the RA model has been restricted, as it certifies the X350 and X350RA alongside a “derating removed” version of the RA which would presumably offer its full power output.

The owner’s manual further confirms the X350RA will have a circular instrument module with an analog speedometer and a small digital screen displaying mileage, time or engine speed.

The manual provides instructions for adjusting the damping on the inverted fork and rear shock. Also present are ABS and dual petal-shaped disc brakes, which is a bit of a surprise as many of Harley-Davidson’s larger, more powerful models still only use a single front disc brake.

The X350RA runs on 17-inch wheels, front and back. Pirelli supplies its Angel CT tires with a 110/70-17 up front and a 150/60-17 at the rear. From the parts catalog, we can confirm the non-RA model will have larger tires, with a 120/70-17 up front and 160/60-17 at the rear.

According to the owner’s manual, the X350RA claims a running weight of 440 pounds,with its 3.6-gallon fuel tank at 90% capacity. We expect the non-RA model to come in a bit lighter as it lacks the protective bars. The X350RA also has a 55.5-inch wheelbase, 5.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 30-inch seat height.

We don’t expect to have much longer to wait before Harley-Davidson officially announces the X350 and X350RA. While we thought there was a chance it would have been part of the Jan. 18 announcement, we can see how a small-displacement Chinese-manufactured Riding Academy model would stick out in an event focused on Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary. Harley-Davidson likely has a coordinated launch plan with Qianjiang for both the X350 and X350RA

Celebrating 120 years of the most desired motorcycle brand

By General Posts

by Wayfarer

Click Here to Read this Photo Feature Article only on Bikernet.com

The Milwaukee Motor Company, with fans around the globe, turns 120 years old. There has been quite a few announcements regarding the homecoming as well as a public park on land they own. Most awaited however, was their announcement for model year 2023.

Fans and dealerships waiting patiently for the model release would surely be impressed if not dancing in the streets. Some limited edition collectibles are of course for ‘collectors’, but there is plenty for us common two-wheel monkeys to run with.

Breakout makes a comeback and Road Glide is now available as a Trike too. There is a Nightster Special and a re-imagined Freewheeler.

Of course, these can’t be all that’s offered. What’s happening with the ADV Pan America and the Electric LiveWire? So much more awaited by one and all, especially after the boss announced that H-D will be all-electric in the near future. One can also expect lot of activities at the H-D Museum and there will surely be ‘limited-edition’ apparel, tee-shirt tie-ins and new jackets and boots….

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Harley-Davidson To Unveil 2023 Motorcycle Lineup

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by Dustin Wheelen from https://www.rideapart.com

  • On January 18, we get to see the 2023 motorcycles from the iconic Milwaukee Motorcycle Company

  • The Motor Company will also detail its 120-year anniversary Homecoming event.

Harley-Davidson does things differently; Always has, (probably) always will. For example, while most motorcycle manufacturers scrambled to showcase their latest lineups and brand-new models at EICMA 2022, the Motor Company remained aloof. With all the hubbub settling down from Milan, it looks like Harley’s finally stepping into the spotlight.

The Bar and Shield will reveal its 2023 motorcycle lineup on January 18, 2023. The announcement will stream live at 10 a.m. CST on Harley-Davidson’s website. Presenters won’t just unveil the first wave of 2023 Hogs but also highlight the brand’s new accessories and gear.

During the event, the firm will also divulge details about the first annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 13-16, 2023. While we can confidently forecast music, food, and entertainment at the 120th-anniversary celebration, Harley will expand on the event’s schedule, venues, ticket packages, and lodging.

“2023 marks the 120th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson during which we’ll honor our rich heritage, celebrate with our fans and riding community, and reveal our newest motorcycles and product offerings,” revealed Harley-Davidson President and CEO Jochen Zeitz. “Please join us as we kick off our 120th Anniversary with exciting new model introductions and a peek at what we have in store for the landmark year ahead.”

The news comes during a time of transition for H-D. The American OEM recently discontinued the long-running Evo-powered Sportster lineup but rumors of a Pan America 975 variant keep hopes high for 2023. The company also continues to move toward a remote/work-from-home model as top brass considers options for reconfiguring Harley’s Milwaukee headquarters.

It’s safe to say that the brand is juggling several initiatives as 2022 draws to a close. That’s even more reason to tune in on January 18, 2023, and see what Harley-Davidson has up its sleeve. After all, they always seem to do things differently.

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