Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, expanded its Elite class with the all-new Indian Pursuit Elite and return of the highly exclusive Chieftain Elite.
With only 150 units available globally, the Indian Pursuit Elite is known as the most capable and refined American touring machine on the road, offering sophisticated style and unparalleled comfort and performance.
The Chieftain Elite makes the ultimate return in 2023, featuring more aggressive styling and custom-inspired details straight from the factory. With only 175 units available globally, the Chieftain Elite is a limited-build and highly exclusive.
Pricing for Indian Pursuit Elite and Chieftain Elite begin at $39,999 and $35,499, respectively, and will begin shipping to dealers around the world in spring 2023.
Watch out for Details in upcoming Weekly News only on Bikernet.com , so bookmark :
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING LEADS MISSION® SUPER HOOLIGAN® NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOLLOWING SEASON OPENER AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
2022 Super Hooligan® Champion Tyler O’Hara Takes Early Points Lead Following Back-to-Back Wins At Daytona Doubleheader
Indian Motorcycle Racing Comes Away with Podium Finish in Mission® King of the Baggers,
O’Hara Ranks Fifth In Season Standings with 21 Points, McWilliams Eighth with 19
MINNEAPOLIS (MARCH 14, 2023) – Following an offseason that expanded the competitive landscape with new manufacturers lining up for the MotoAmerica® Mission® Super Hooligan® National Championship (SHNC), it was Indian Motorcycle Racing and its factory team claiming the top two spots on the leaderboard, following the season-opening doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway. Piloting a pair of S&S®-built Progressive® Mission® Foods Indian FTRs, reigning SHNC champion Tyler O’Hara and teammate Jeremy McWilliams each left Daytona with a pair of podiums, including back-to-back victories for O’Hara and third and second-place finishes for McWilliams.
On Friday, March 10, O’Hara strategically tailed RSD Indian FTR privateer Bobby Fong for nearly the entire six-lap race. Waiting for the final lap to strike, O’Hara was able to carry more speed through the chicane and go up and around the outside of Fong to capture the season’s first win by .0064 seconds. McWilliams rounded out the podium to complete the Indian FTR podium sweep.
“Bobby was running fast all weekend and gapped me for a period until I was able to make up some ground. The lapper through the chicane definitely played a big role as I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to draft pass him on the finish,” said O’Hara. “But what a fun race, and for Indian Motorcycle to sweep the podium just shows how impressive this Indian FTR really is.”
Race 2 on Saturday, March 11, was filled with plenty of action. After an early crash caused a red-flag restart, it was a five-rider group at the front of the pack. Pushing hard in the group, KTM rider Andy DeBrino lost his front end and laid his bike down, while Fong encountered a technical issue – making it a three-rider run for first between Harley-Davidson rider Corey West, O’Hara and McWilliams. While West ultimately crossed the finish line first, a post-race bike inspection found an illegal air intake that resulted in a disqualification – awarding O’Hara his second win of the weekend and earning McWilliams a second-place finish.
In the MotoAmerica® Mission® King of the Baggers (KOTB) class, O’Hara reached the podium with a third-place finish in Race 1. While the Indian Challenger had been running fast all weekend, even clocking the weekend’s fastest speed on a bagger at 182 mph, both O’Hara and McWilliams suffered technical issues in Race 2. Indian Motorcycle Racing concluded the opening rounds at Daytona with O’Hara in fifth (21 points) and McWilliams in eighth (19 points) on the season’s leaderboard.
“Our issues this weekend were specifically with our tires, MotoAmerica is a spec tire series, we are only given one choice for tires for Daytona and they failed with our higher speeds after four laps, but our new bikes are performing incredibly well, with a significantly higher level of both handling and power, as evidenced by both our riders registering speeds of more than 180 mph throughout the weekend,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “At the end of the day, the performance of our Indian Challengers, coupled with our success in the Super Hooligan class has us feeling extremely optimistic and incredibly motivated heading into the second round in Atlanta.”
The 2023 KOTB and SHNC seasons continue with Road Atlanta April 21-23. For more information visit MotoAmerica.com.
The Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin produces 143 lb-ft of torque and 130 horsepower.
Tens of millions of dollars and countless man-hours go into Harley-Davidson’s King of the Baggers operation. None of those resources go to waste, either, with the Motor Company snatching the KotB crown in 2021 and nearly repeating in 2022. The fruits of the race team’s labor go beyond the circuit as well, with H-D engineers and designers fashioning race-developed parts for brand faithful.
Now, Harley brings even more KotB-proven performance to the market with its Screamin’ Eagle 135ci Stage IV crate engine. The new top-dog Milwaukee-Eight V-twin features the same 68mm throttle body and CNC-machined intake manifold originally designed for Kyle and Travis Wyman’s championship-contending Road Glide Special. Screamin’ Eagle Extreme CNC-ported cylinder heads, high-performance valve spring, and an SE8-517 high-lift camshaft take full advantage of the V-twin’s larger 2,212cc volume.
Forged pistons shoot through 4.31-inch steel-sleeve cylinders with 4.625 inches of stroke. The 4 5/8-inch flywheel steadies the big-bore M8, while the Screamin’ Eagle Pro Billet Cam Plate and Oil Pump maintain optimal oil pressure. With a 10.7:1 compression ratio and high-flow fuel injectors (6.8 grams/second), the 135 crate engine lays down 143 lb-ft of torque (at 3,500 rpm) and 130 horsepower (at 5500 rpm)—all at the rear wheel.
That output eclipses the Bar and Shield’s largest production engine, the Milwaukee-Eight 117, by 28 percent in the torque department and 41 percent in pony power. Harley-Davidson recommends pairing the Stage IV Milwaukee-Eight with Screamin’ Eagle Ventilator Extreme Air Cleaner and Screamin’ Eagle Street Cannon mufflers to achieve those reported power figures.
Retailing for $7,999.95, the Screamin’ Eagle 135ci Stage IV Performance Crate Engine comes in a Black or Chrome finish and is compatible with 2021 and later Touring models (sans Trikes). The brand also offers the crate engine in Air/Oil-Cooled and Twin-Cooled configurations.
To retain emissions and warranty compliance, the installation also requires ECM recalibration with the Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner. Of course, 135 Stage IV badging on the cylinder heads and timer cover lets everyone know that your Hog benefits from KotB-derived performance.
Vance & Hines Launches New Limited Production Handmade 90-Degree Stainless Steel Air Intake, Inspired by Popularity of Custom, Performance Baggers
Santa Fe Springs CA – January 19, 2023 – Vance & Hines today announced the VO2 Falcon Stainless, a limited production, hand-welded, 90-degree stainless steel air intake, inspired by the handmade exhaust systems that are common on the top professional and street race bikes. The intake fits all Milwaukee 8-powered Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 117ci motors down to 107ci, except those with fairing lowers.
The VO2 Falcon Stainless is manufactured by Vance & Hines welders in Santa Fe Springs using high grade, 304 stainless steel tube and is hand TIG welded from pie-cut segments. The process yields a striking array of color and pairs perfectly with a stainless steel 2-1 exhaust system, like the Vance & Hines Hi-Output RR. The system includes a precision CNC-machined, billet aluminum winged mounting plate and an integrated breather assembly. It features the same slant-nosed, high volume oil-media air filter that is used across the VO2 Falcon Lineup.
“High performance baggers, inspired by King of the Baggers and BRL, are the hottest Harley customizing trend around the world,” said Mike Kennedy, president of Vance & Hines. ” This new limited-production product not only delivers great air flow, but is the finishing touch to a great looking, go-fast bagger.”
My 2022 Harley Ultra Limited comes from the factory with heated grips. That was good because I have been using heated grips on my previous motorcycle for years and have gotten to like them a lot.
I have also been running a heated seat for years and again wanted to continue doing so. Well, Harley just happens to have one and it also cools, something I have not tried before even though there had been plenty of times, I would like to have had one.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES 2023 MODEL YEAR LINEUP; REVISES FTR LINEUP & DEBUTS INDIAN CHALLENGER ELITE
FTR Lineup Adds Fresh, Vibrant Colors, While New FTR Sport & FTR R Carbon Upgrade to Four-Inch Round Touchscreen Display with Navigation
Indian Challenger Elite Delivers the Ultimate in Style & Exclusivity;
New Sapphire Blue Smoke Paint with Black Smoke & Titanium Metallic Smoke Combine Premium Quality with Head-Turning Style
From Scout to Indian Pursuit, the 2023 Lineup Offers Models & Styles for Any Rider;
New Indian Motorcycle Accessories Further Expand Personalization Options
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – November 8, 2022 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its 2023 model year lineup, featuring the new FTR Sport and Indian Challenger Elite, along with various model updates and new accessories across the line. In addition, the 2023 lineup features a variety of new color options, highlighted by vibrant color schemes for FTR and FTR Sport on newly designed tank covers.
“Fully loaded with models and styles for the widest range of riders, the 2023 lineup is a powerful testament to our team’s relentless effort to build and refine a truly comprehensive product offering over the past nine years,” said Mike Dougherty, President for Indian Motorcycle. “This effort has been focused across the line and within each model lineup, as evidenced by the introduction of the FTR Sport – the addition of which creates four unique FTR offerings, each with its own style and personality.”
FTR: An American Original
Headlining the 2023 model year news is the introduction of a new FTR mid-range trim, the FTR Sport. Replacing FTR S, the FTR Sport sits just below the premium FTR R Carbon, but above of the FTR and FTR Rally – creating four distinct trim models for riders to choose from.
Designed for riders to cut loose and enjoy the pure sport of motorcycling, the FTR Sport’s bold aesthetics and sporty componentry, including a number plate, chin fairing and seat cowl, take the FTR’s energetic attitude to another level. A totally unique take on American V-twin performance with an unmistakable, muscular style, the FTR truly is an American original.
New for 2023, the FTR Sport and FTR R Carbon are upgraded with a four-inch round touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND, featuring navigation. Three ride modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) provide unique performance experiences for varying preferences and riding conditions, while Lean Angle Sensitive Stability Control and ABS provide confident, predictable handling in all conditions. The FTR R Carbon separates itself as the premium offering with carbon fiber components, premium seat, fully adjustable Öhlins gold front forks and a gold piggyback shock. The FTR Sport touts a new tank panel design and is available in Black Metallic with Indy Red accents and White Lightning with Indy Red and Black Metallic accents. The iconic Indian Script logo tank panels are exclusive to the FTR R Carbon, which is finished with a classy Cloud Silver and Championship Gold pinstriping.
While primary componentry carry-over for FTR and FTR Rally models, all four FTR models now offer a new sport exhaust muffler, and a retuned front braking system, which provides a firmer feel. Indian Motorcycle also moved the speedometer up for easier viewing and added a new clutch for improved feel and performance. With the new tank panel design, as seen on FTR Sport, and the addition of bold, vibrant colors, the refreshed FTR further broadens the appeal of the FTR lineup to more riders. The FTR is available in Metallic Black, contrasted by Lifted Lime branding with matching rear shock, and Stealth Gray, featuring Orange Burst branding, rear shock and wheels. Finally, the FTR Rally features 19- and 18-inch cast wheels wrapped with knobby tires. The FTR Rally is available in new Black Smoke paint, Desert Earth frame, and the iconic Indian Motorcycle Headdress logo emblazed across the tank. Pricing for the FTR lineup begins at $13,499.
For added personalization, Indian Motorcycle is launching nine new FTR accessories. Through a brand partnership with Gilles Tooling, Indian Motorcycle is offering co-branded pieces, including Performance Adjustable Rearsets, and three Billet components: Bar End Weights, an Oil Cap and a Radiator Cap. Performance Adjustable Levers will also be available in spring 2023. In addition, Indian Motorcycle has expanded its carbon fiber offering with three new pieces, including an Exhaust Heat Shield, Frame Guard and a Sprocket Cover. To enhance comfort, Indian Motorcycle has introduced a durable and weather-resistant Comfort+ Seat, which combines comfortable ergonomics with additional padding where needed most.
Indian Challenger Elite: Ultimate in Style & Exclusivity
For riders looking for something more exclusive and elevated from the rest, Indian Motorcycle is offering the 2023 Indian Challenger Elite. With only 150 available around the world, the limited-edition bagger makes a bold statement with its premium Sapphire Blue Smoke Paint with Black Smoke and Titanium Metallic Smoke Accents.
The perfect blend of style, performance and comfort, the Indian Challenger Elite is sure to turn heads on streets and crush miles on open highways. The PowerPlus engine touts a best-in-class 122 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs of torque, and its premium amenities and advanced ride-enhancing technology deliver a ride experience that’s second-to-none. Indian Challenger Elite’s long list of premium features include the following: three selectable ride modes, electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox®, Smart Lean Technology, an adaptive LED Headlight, LED driving lights, an adjustable flare windscreen, Select floorboards, heated grips, 6.5” Powerband Audio with Saddlebag Speakers, and a new Precision Cut five-spoke wheel. All-in, whether riding two-up for a weekend adventure or commuting solo, the Indian Challenger Elite delivers the ultimate in style and exclusivity.
2023 LINEUP: A Diverse Range for Any Rider
Touting a wider range of models and options than ever before, the 2023 Indian Motorcycle line offers a model suited for any rider and a host of new upgrades, including:
All Thunderstroke and PowerPlus models receive a new clutch – improving the overall feel and forgiveness. This new slipper clutch reduces engine drag which provides a smoother down shifting experience and comfortable ride while improving your ability to maintain traction when facing poor road conditions. Lastly, the larger friction zone and decreased lever effort reduces your clutch fatigue, which can be beneficial in urban areas or when riding in traffic.
Indian Springfield, Chieftain, Indian Challenger, Roadmaster and Indian Pursuit models feature a redesigned LED headlight, which improves reach and spread of light — helping the rider see what lies ahead, while also improving their visibility to other motorists on the road.
Integrated buttons on the Heated Seats and Heated and Cooled Seats for PowerPlus and heavyweight Thunderstroke models now feature haptics, which allow riders to feel the button’s responsive when wearing gloves.
Indian Pursuit with Premium Package models now offer Lower Fairing Storage compartments as standard.
Models with the four-inch round touchscreen display can now tie their RIDE COMMAND account from the Indian Motorcycle app or website to their bike, allowing app and web-accessible features like vehicle health, vehicle locator and ride tracking.
Across the line, Indian Motorcycle has introduced an array of new paint colors, including Sagebrush Smoke on Chief Dark Horse and Stryker Red Metallic on Scout Bobber Sixty, Chief Bobber and Roadmaster Limited models. Spirit Blue Metallic is a new color option on Chieftain Limited and Indian Pursuit models, while Titanium Smoke is introduced to Indian Challenger Dark Horse models. For a comprehensive view of the lineup’s new paint colors, please visit IndianMotorcycle.com.
For 2023, Indian Motorcycle is introducing an array of functional accessories. First, in partnership with CruzTOOLS®, Indian Motorcycle is launching three accessories, including two tool kits compatible with all models and an axle adapter for FTR models. To add storage to most models, a new All-Weather Vinyl Tailbag attaches to select passenger seats or luggage racks. In addition, a new Syndicate Heated Seat is available for Indian Challenger models, while a Reduced Reach Kickstand is now available for all Indian Challenger and Indian Pursuit models.
For the Chief line, Indian Motorcycle is launching two new bag options. The Chief Fork Bag attaches securely to the front of the handlebars and is perfect for storing smaller items like gloves, glasses, cell phones or water bottles. The new Chief Bobber Saddlebags are water-resistant and add convenient storage without sacrificing style.
For added comfort, Indian Motorcycle is offering Chief riders an upgraded Comfort+ Solo Seat and a two-up Syndicate Seat. The Comfort+ Solo Seat pulls design inspiration from old-school muscle car interiors. The top is more plush than the stock seat and contours to hold the rider securely and comfortably. The new Chief Syndicate Seat complements the bike’s distinct design, while adding comfort and support for both rider and passenger. The Syndicate Seat is made with a durable, weather-resistant black vinyl that won’t fade.
For Chief passengers, Indian Motorcycle is introducing the Low Profile Passenger Backrest, which complements the bike’s style and adds cushioned support to the passenger’s posterior.
Lastly, the new Quick Release Low Profile Trunk for bagger and touring models is expanding its colorway options. The streamlined Low Profile Trunk will now be available in 58 factory colors.
Initial model year 2023 shipping will vary by model. In the coming weeks, new 2023 bagger and touring models will begin shipping to dealers. New 2023 Scout models will start shipping in December. Riders can learn more or test ride by visiting a local Indian Motorcycle dealership. For more information on Indian Motorcycle, or to find a dealer, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
next stop is 5-Ball Racing Salt Torpedo at Bonneville Salt Flats
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
CRUZTOOLS® is a registered trademark of CYCOACTIVE, INC; FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc.; Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.
You don’t have to be a motorcycle enthusiast to visit here, but it helps
from https://soranews24.com
There are tens of thousands of Shinto shrines all over Japan and they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. They also have a plethora of individual themes that visitors may want to visit for highly specific prayers such as scoring primo idol tickets or breaking up with a significant other.
For example, did you know that there are 17 motorcycles shrines that have been sanctioned by the Japan Motorcycle Association? Our reporter Mr. Sato sure didn’t and decided to check one out when he learned of them…which is strange because he’s never ridden a motorcycle in his life.
In fact, Mr. Sato is what’s known as a “paper driver” in Japan, which refers to a person who though licensed almost never gets behind a wheel. The irony in this is that even though paper drivers have almost no experience or confidence driving, they end up with pristine records and gold-class licenses identifying them as model drivers.
And so, Mr. Sato got his motor running aboard a train and then headed out on the highway via a bus and finally went looking for adventure in whatever came his way on foot.
And what came his way was the entrance to the Kashiwa no Mori Motorcycle Shrine, which was established on the property of BDS Co. Ltd., a company specializing in motorcycle auctions in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.
Upon entering the shrine precincts Mr. Sato saw four torii gates lined up in a row, dividing the shrine into four separate mini shrines. This was an unusual configuration so our reporter felt like he was in store for some special mojo on this shrine visit.
Beyond the first torii was a shrine dedicated to Motomu, the mascot of BDS. It was fitting in the sense that this shrine was on company grounds, but our reporter wasn’t sure why anyone would want to pray to or for Motomu, except maybe to give the rabbit a boost in the Yuru-Kyara Grand Prix rankings.
Next up was the main event, the shrine of all motorcycles in Japan. This shrine could be prayed to for a number of reasons such as motorcycle dealers hoping for good business, those hoping to get a motorcycle license, or anyone simply wishing to not bust their head open while out riding.
However, since Mr. Sato never touches bikes, there wasn’t really anything for him to do, so he moved on to the next one.
Clearly Kashiwa no Mori Motorcycle Shrine was looking to cater to a variety of interests, because through the next torii was a hole-in-one-shrine. This is where golfers can go to pray for a hole in one, or as we’ve seen before, pray not to get a hole in one.
Mr. Sato doesn’t really golf much either, so once again he shuffled on to the next torii gate which stood in front of a shrine where you could pray for family. Mr. Sato finally found something he had a direct connection to and decided to pray at this monument.
Like with a lot of shrines, on the precincts is a booth where you can buy items such as omamori charms and ema boards. They too were based on themes such as Motomu, motorcycles, and golf.
Not wanting to go home empty-handed, Mr. Sato bought a motorcycle omamori, but since he doesn’t have anything to do with those things he doesn’t really need any luck with them.
Instead, he decided to give it to his colleague Go Hatori. That Yamaha Tricity actually belongs to Go and has been affectionately called the “Hatoricity.”
Well, anyway… That omamori should at least help prevent Go from getting hit by a motorcycle while he’s out walking around everywhere.
Shrine information
Website at https://www.bds.co.jp/company/shrine
Kashiwanomori Motorcycle Shrine / 柏の杜オートバイ神社
Address: Chiba-ken, Kashiwa-shi, Kaneyama 771
千葉県柏市金山771
event: AHDRA Mid-Atlantic Nitro Showdown presented by Zipper’s Performance Products when: October 7-9, 2022 where: Cecil County Dragway, Rising Sun, Maryland, USA
Anyone who attended last year’s AHDRA All-American motorcycle drag racing series stop at Cecil County Dragway knows that this is one explosive motorsports event. Nothing beats the violent thrust of a big Top Fuel nitro V-Twin engine, and this is the time and place to see these incredible motorcycles, the burly men who ride them, and the biker lifestyle that surrounds them.
Last year’s winner Tracy Kile and his Bad Apple Racing teammates Dr. Jimmy “Mack” McMillan and Frank “Brother” Capone headline a field that includes 2020 AHDRA champ Rich Vreeland, NHRA record holder Bob Malloy, Billy “Jack” Jackson, country gentleman Ziggy Schwartz and more.
Veteran racer Larry “Grey Ghost” Stanley will be honored at this event for his dedication to Nitro Harley racing.
Hawaya Racing Nitro Funnybike champion Michael Balch will be taking on all comers in the high gear-only class, while the Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel carbureted class will see it’s usual slew of competitors. Milan winner Phil Lower, Rocky Jackson, Jim Martin, and Sam White are just some of the racers expected to attend, and Bad Apple’s Mary Dangrow will make her nitro debut.
Gasoline can be just as exciting as nitro, especially when burned in no-bar, street tire bikes. Charging Charley Douglass took the Milan Dragway GMS Racing Engines Xtreme Outlaw win in an all-turbo final, and expect that kind of action again at Cecil County. If we’re lucky, the seldom seen nitrous badass Mike Motto will make this one.
Super popular Baggers are expected in force, including Jason Broski and his all-motor Horsepower Inc. Pro Outlaw Bagger Milan winner, and Super Stock and V-Twin Powersports Hot Rod Baggers
Pro classes MTC Pro Comp Outlaw, Zippers Performance Pro Modified, and Pingel Modified will see V-Twins stretching their connecting rods to the max, including riders John Price, George Futch, Kimberly DeShields, Gary Douglass, Shayne Pendergrast and more.
Sportsman classes are the backbone of every drag racing organization, and AHDRA welcomes gobs of them. Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson Super Gas 9.90, Universal Fleet & Tire 10.90, 11:50 index, Super Pro 10.30, and Eliminator will all throw down. Racers Brad Cronenberger, Chris Phipps, Cody Rozeski, John Terry, Clayton Danford, Heather Van Fleet and many more will be cutting lights and taking stripes.
Dreaming of drag racing your own American made V-Twin for the first time? Then Trophy class is for you! Put on your appropriate safety gear and get prepared to stage your beast!
And the coolest thing that has happened at AHDRA in 2022? That would be the return of Junior Dragbikes!
Download the “Cecil Dragway” App from either the Apple or Android App Store and follow each round live. Your friends and family can follow your progress through each round.
Test and Tune from 6:00-10:00 pm on Friday, gates open at 10:00am. Qualifying begins at 11:00 am on Saturday, raceday opening ceremonies at 11:00 am Sunday. Admission is $25 for a day, $45 for a 2 day pass, or $55 for all 3 days
Bill and Chrissy Rowe look forward to welcoming the AHDRA family to one of their most popular stops on the calendar—Cecil County Dragway. Do not miss this event!
How to Build a Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle documents the construction of “The Worlds Fastest Panhead,” conceived and assembled by Keith Ball, former editor or Easyriders magazine and current owner of Bikernet.com, the most popular biker stop on the internet.
TYLER O’HARA CAPTURES 2022 MOTOAMERICA MISSION KING OF THE BAGGERS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING AND S&S CYCLE
Riding the Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger, O’Hara’s Consistency Through the Seven-Round MotoAmerica Series Carries Indian Motorcycle Over Rival Harley-Davidson to Reclaim Coveted Crown
Minneapolis, MN. (September 14, 2022) – This past weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Tyler O’Hara battled through rain-soaked conditions to finish second in the Main Event, earning the necessary points to capture the 2022 Mission King of the Baggers (KOTB) Championship for Indian Motorcycle Racing and S&S® Cycle. This is the second KOTB Championship in three years for O’Hara and the Indian Motorcycle Racing-S&S team in the increasingly popular MotoAmerican bagger-racing class.
O’Hara’s 2022 Championship run was a picture of consistency throughout the seven-round series. The Petaluma, Calif. native captured five podium finishes over seven rounds; including a victory at the Daytona Speedway season opener, along with two fourth-place finishes aboard his ever-reliable Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger. This year’s Championship came at the expense of Harley-Davidson Screaming Eagle rider Travis Wyman, who entered the series’ final round with a three-point lead in the Championship point race, only to see his hopes literally slip away when he crashed midway through the second lap while frantically chasing O’Hara through the rain soaked circuit in New Jersey.
It was an afternoon rainstorm that spoiled the best-laid plans for points leader Wyman and served up a golden opportunity for O’Hara and teammate Jeremy McWilliams, who both thrive in wet conditions. Starting from the fourth and fifth positions respectively, O’Hara and McWilliams jumped out to a fast start, overtaking Wyman and Vance-Hines Harley Davidson rider James Rispoli and moving into second and third position respectively coming out of turn one. This allowed McWilliams to slow the pace for the field behind him, including Wyman, and create breathing room for O’Hara who consistently maintained pace behind race leader Kyle Wyman.
With an added level of urgency thanks to McWilliams’ stifling efforts, the younger Wyman made an aggressive outside pass on McWilliams and immediately began aggressively pushing to close the gap with O‘Hara, ultimately low-siding and sliding into the infield late into the second lap. Although he was able to get back on his bike and continue the race, Wyman fell to the back of the pack, while O’Hara stayed close behind the older Wyman brother, holding his second-place position to the finish and capturing his second KOTB Championship.
“Even though it’s one rider that earns the Championship, this was a situation where the support from Jeremy and our ability to work together made all the difference, and I could not be more grateful for his support and the tireless work of my entire Indian Motorcycle-S&S team,” said O’Hara. “Every member of this team sacrificed so much of themselves over this past year and to stand on that podium and celebrate this Championship with them is a testament to our commitment and nothing short of a dream come true. I’m so proud to reclaim the crown and the number-one plate for such an incredible and talented group of guys who put their hearts and souls into this season.”
McWilliams, a veteran road racer of Moto GP fame, joined the Indian Motorcycle-S&S factory team at the start of the 2022 season. Along with a virtually unmatched level of experience and skill that resulted in a Round Two victory at Daytona and fourth-place finish overall, McWilliams brought an invaluable wealth of knowledge to the team. His technical input and collaboration with Indian Motorcycle-S&S engineers and mechanics throughout the season allowed the team to continually evolve, refine and improve the Indian Challenger, optimizing set ups specific to track conditions at each and every round.
“Jeremy’s expertise and experience, combined with Tyler’s skill and competitive fire is something truly special,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service and Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “When you back those two guys up with the expertise, commitment and heart of this entire Indian Motorcycle-S&S crew, you come away with a Championship. On behalf of everyone at Indian Motorcycle, I could not be prouder of our team and what we’ve accomplished this season.”
Ultimately, it’s the commitment of the entire team, including the engineers and mechanics behind the riders, that makes the difference between winning or losing a championship. This was no better evidenced then by the consistency of O’Hara and his Mission® Foods S&S® Indian Challenger throughout the entire season. Not only did O’Hara’s #29 bike finish every race during the season without fail, it never finished lower than fourth place.
“This Championship is the result of the sacrifices and commitment made by each and every member of our team – so many days on the road away from their families and sleepless nights working to ensure our bikes were dialed-in for Tyler and Jeremy,” said Jeff Bailey, S&S Cycle Crew Chief. “Every member of our crew played a critical role, making unique sacrifices and sharing in the highs and lows we experienced together throughout the season, and that’s truly what makes this Championship so gratifying. I could not be prouder of this group of incredible individuals.”
Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s King of the Bagger efforts include Mission® Foods, S&S®, Medallia, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® : Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
ABOUT S&S® CYCLE : S&S® Cycle was born from a passion for racing and has spent over six decades building performance for the powersports market. Their unwavering focus on quality, reliability and top shelf power has made S&S® Cycle the absolute leader in high performance on the street and track.
ABOUT MISSION® FOODS : MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit www.missionfoods.com
Being part of the Hamsters for 30+ years and building custom bikes, I never thought of owning a Trike. One night 10 years ago, as we were admiring all the custom one-of-a-kind bikes at Sturgis, a buddy says to me, “You know what the next big thing is going to be……. Trikes”.
I’m like what? And he says, “Think about it. We are all getting older.” Well guess what… I bought a Trike.
Because of a major bike accident a few years ago, I’ve lost my ability to close or grip with my right hand. It’s become a major problem to hold up a heavy bagger. I decided I can’t risk this anymore with my wife on the back.
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