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Dec 11
Love0

Bike-Farm Melle wins European Biker Build-Off 2022

By General Posts

Indian Motorcycle Dealer Bike-Farm Melle wins top spot with a nearly 3:1 voting ratio

Last weekend, during the Custom Bike Show in Bad Salzuflen, Germany, the finals of the European Biker Build-Off saw Indian Motorcycle Dealer Bike-Farm Melle gain nearly three times the votes with their Indian Chief based Longfork Chopper “Purple Haze” over Harley-Davidson Bielefeld to take the title.

First held in 2007 and the highlight of the famous Custom Bike show, the European Biker Build-Off sees two teams competing to complete their custom bike in just three days, live, under the eyes of the trade show visitors. This year’s title fight was even more exciting as both finalists come from the region, just 30km from each other: Bike-Farm, the Indian Motorcycle dealer from Melle and Reibchen + Stegemann the Harley Davidson dealer from Bielefeld.

From Friday to Sunday at noon, the creation of two extraordinary custom bikes could be followed on the show stage and by 1 pm on the Sunday, the time had come: Judgement Day. With 529 to 179 votes, nearly a 3:1 ratio, the audience chose Bike-Farm’s ‘Purple Haze’ Indian Chief chopper as the clear winner.

“A classic long fork chopper based on the 2022 Indian Chief! It’s absolutely stunning what the Bike-Farm crew has created here. This bike radically brings to flower the seeds that are at the core of the current Chief lineup: The spirit of the past combined with the technology of today.” said Ola Stenegärd, Director of Industrial Design at Indian Motorcycle. “We always had the builders in mind during development and we worked really hard to make the reimagined Indian Chief a delight to work on. So, it’s such a pleasure to see this great canvas to create motorcycle art.”

Not only has ‘Purple Haze’ been completely designed around the current air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 engine, it also still features all the electronic amenities of the original Chief Dark Horse from which it evolved: from ABS to GPS navigation, via the touchscreen of the original gauge now cantered in the revised Chieftain tank.

Other core components have also been adopted and adapted from the original bike such as the footrests and brake systems. The frame, with a full 48° rake, was manufactured by the Dutch experts VG Motorcycle Specials, and all other components are custom-made by the Bike-Farm crew: Sheet metal parts such as the tank cover with integrated gauge and GPS transmitter to the fender were created in-house just like the sissy bar, seat, wheels, handlebars, final drive, intake and exhaust system. Even the seal-less, oil-free fork with its Teflon-lubricated sliding tubes incorporating Progressive Suspension Cartridges. Finally, Lange Metallveredelung took care of the chrome surfaces, while Vossi Lackcenter Melle traditionally handled the finishing of the paint.

“The entire bike was created within just eight weeks,” as workshop manager Tristan Frische recounts. “With four men, we wrenched, shaped and turned day and night. All the more we are delighted with this title. Not only have all the electronic features been retained, but also the fully road legal, including remaining Euro 5. So, this dream bike will soon be seen quite regularly on public roads.”

In case anyone feels inspired to build their own Longfork Chief Chopper: the VG frame is available for order at Indian Motorcycle Melle, the Indian Chief, of course, at any official Indian Motorcycle dealer.

More information about the ‘Purple Haze’ and Bike Farm/Indian Motorcycle Melle can be found on www.indian-melle.de and on their social profiles at Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Stay with the Buzz with Bikernet.com — click and view Cantina Membership benefits. Support Biker Freedom, Support Bikernet.com

ABOUT BIKE-FARM MELLE: What started in 1987 in a barn with a few friends has grown into a large company with highly specialized employees. Official Indian Motorcycle dealer since 2019, the 2,000-square-meter Bike-Farm is all about American V-twins. A constantly changing exhibition showcases custom bikes created on site, which regularly receive top marks in international competitions.

Photos by Ben Ott (@benottfilm) and Fabrian Friese (@fabfri)

Sep 14
Love0

Crushing the Record for the World’s Longest Motorcycle the American Way

By General Posts

by Cristina Mircea from https://www.autoevolution.com

The title for the longest motorcycle in the world belongs to an Indian who built one that measures 86 ft and 3 in (26.29m). Bharat Sinh Parmar holds the Guinness World Record since 2014. That didn’t sit well with the guys from Bikes and Beards, who decided to bring that record to the United States, using a vintage Japanese bike.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, Bikes and Beards is the YouTube channel of SRK Cycles, a bike dealer based in Pennsylvania. This isn’t their first unusual vlog, as the whole purpose of the channel is to redefine the way you use a motorcycle and push the boundaries of human creativity. In case you haven’t slept well at night wondering if you can run a motorcycle underwater for 10 minutes, do browse their channel and you’ll find out.

The common approach for others who’ve tried to build a long motorcycle has been to place the engine and the drive train on the front, then add a long swingarm and then the wheel in the back. But there’s a simpler way to do things, which is to build two square tubes at both ends of the bike and have them welded on the motorcycle. The long frame would then get connected to those tubes.

The guys’ bike, a 1980 Honda CB750 Custom motorcycle, ended up measuring 108 ft, which was a success, not to mention the fact that everything was accomplished within one week.

In order to break the record, the motorcycle had to prove it can actually handle itself on the road, taking turns and everything. Bharat Sinh Parmar had to ride his for 308 ft (93.8 m) without putting his feet down, to break the previous record. But the Bikes and Beards guys took their stretched bike for a 1,058 ft (322 m) ride, crushing the Indian’s record.

Have A Look At The VideoBlog:

Apr 20
Love0

Harley-Davidson Launches Certified Pre-Owned Motorcycle Program

By General Posts

by Janaki Jitchotvisut from https://www.rideapart.com

Now at participating American dealers.

Back in March, 2021, we first told you about the upcoming Harley-Davidson certified pre-owned motorcycle program on the horizon. As of April 19, 2021, Harley-Davidson Certified is officially supported by the Motor Company’s network of authorized Harley-Davidson dealers throughout the U.S.

To be accepted into the H-D Certified program, pre-owned Harleys must satisfy a number of criteria for inclusion and undergo a comprehensive 110-point quality-assurance inspection will be conducted by certified H-D technicians. Additionally, dealers must ensure that any bikes accepted have zero open recalls or blocked VINs (one that’s invalid for some reason, for example theft or salvage). Bikes must also not have been in major accidents, and all scheduled service must be completely up-to-date.

Other important considerations include: the bike must not be more than five model years old, should have under 25,000 miles on the odometer, cannot have aftermarket engine or transmission modifications, and also should not have any major chassis or electrical mods.

What do buyers get out of the bargain? Each Harley-Davidson Certified pre-owned bike automatically comes with a 12-month limited warranty on both the engine and the transmission. If you buy one, you’ll also get a complimentary one-year membership in the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.).

Buyers may also be able to participate in special financing offers that may be available at the time of purchase. For example, there’s currently an APR as low as 4.49 percent available for Harley-Davidson Riding Academy Course graduates. To qualify, you must apply for this financing within 180 days of graduation of your course, but that seems like it could save some new riders some money.

To find out more information about the program and see what’s available, check out the official Harley-Davidson Certified Pre-Owned Motorcycles site. There’s also a convenient dealer lookup located on that page, so you can easily find a participating Harley-Davidson dealer near you.

Visit https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/products/bikes/certified-pre-owned.html

First Such Program from Harley-Davidson: Getting into Certified Pre-Owned Market
by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

Despite the glamorous image it projects, Harley-Davidson is still not where it thinks it belongs, business-wise. That’s why the Milwaukee company is trying all sorts of new recipes, from launching the Pan America, for a segment it ignored until now, terminating Sportster models, to rolling out its first-ever certified pre-owned motorcycle program.

The latter move was announced by Harley this week as a means to “strengthen our competitive position” and “drive Harley-Davidson desirability.”

To be run through the nationwide dealership network, the program will have all eligible pre-owned motorcycles checked and then resold with a one-year warranty.

According to the bike maker, an eligible bike means one that is no more than five model years old, reads less than 25,000 miles (40,200 km) on the odometer and has no aftermarket modifications made to the engine, transmission, chassis, or electrical system.

Each bike will be subject to a “110-point quality-assurance inspection,” and then the ride’s recalls or a blocked VIN status will be verified. Harleys brought in for the program will also have to be free of accidents and all service operations up to date.

The one-year warranty (with a $50 deductible charge per claim) covers the engine and transmission. Those who chose to buy a used Harley will also get a free one-year membership in the Harley Owners Group and the perks that come with that. The bike maker also plans to offer financing for these motorcycles.

“We believe this program will drive Harley-Davidson desirability and enhance the overall customer experience, allowing more riders to have access to our motorcycles and provide them with an added level of confidence in their purchase,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO, Harley-Davidson, in a statement.

You can find the full list of dealers taking part in the Harley program, as well as additional details about it at the company website.

Apr 02
Love0

Meet the 95-year-old grandma selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles

By General Posts

by Amanda Eustice from https://abc7.com

Ever since Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson opened 54 years ago, Fern Schaeffer, also known as “Nana”, has been in the driver’s seat.

“Nana”, now 95 years old. was the first full-time employee when her husband and son opened the business.

Nana still works at the store sorting the mail, doing notary work, and as her family likes to put it – keeping everyone in line.

Nana loved riding motorcycles growing up and occasionally will go for a ride in the sidecar.

“She always made it that it was a woman-run business because she did the parts ordering, the bike selling, the part selling, everything back when everything first started. My grandfather and my dad were the mechanics,” says Denise Calderone, Fern’s Granddaughter.

The Schaeffer’s hope to last at least another 54 years in business and continue the legacy of being a family-owned and operated dealership.

Apr 01
Love0

Harley-Davidson Dealer remembered as the community’s unsung hero

By General Posts

by Eddie Morales from https://www.jsonline.com

The owner of Cedarburg’s Wayne’s Drive-In and a Harley Davidson dealer in Thiensville is remembered as the community’s unsung hero.

When Wayne Houpt achieved his goal of becoming a business owner with Wayne’s Auto Body in 1962, it was just the beginning of the many accolades he would earn and lives that he would touch.

Houpt, born Oct. 1, 1938, was a family man and owner of several North Shore businesses for nearly 60 years. He died March 28 due to heart failure.

The Famous Wheeler Dealer

Houpt met his wife and business partner, Joan, during their senior year in high school. The pair were together for 59 years.

He started his entrepreneurial career with Wayne’s Auto Body in Saukville. Houpt expanded the business with a used car lot and moved the shop to Grafton, where he opened Suburban Motors of Grafton Inc.

In 1975, Houpt added Harley-Davidson motorcycles to his inventory and in 1985, he moved Suburban Motors to its current location, 139 N. Main St., Thiensville.

That’s when Houpt earned the moniker “The Famous Wheeler Dealer.” He was known for accepting trades like cows, dental service and boats from customers who were a bit short on cash.

Houpt’s daughter, Sandy Rath, said she remembers her father taking the family to various burger restaurants when she was a kid.

Rath would later realize Houpt was taste testing the food in anticipation of opening his own restaurant one day.

Houpt opened Wayne’s Drive-In in 1998, at 1331 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg.

Rath said when the drive-in first opened, Houpt would eat there all the time.

“He would go to Wayne’s the minute it opened,” she said. “He was like a kid in a candy shop. He loved that drive-in. He loved going there, and he would sit there like all the other customers and get himself something to eat.”

Remembered by his family

Rath said her father’s passion for life was in making sure other people were having fun.

On Sundays, Houpt and his wife would take their kids to places like Sunburst Winter Sports Park or a roller skating rink to experience things that he didn’t do as a child.

“He was so in touch with us and what we did,” said Rath.

She said that even when she was taking care of Houpt at home after his final hospital stay, he would muster up the energy to ask how everyone was doing.

His big heart extended beyond his family. Rath said her “humble” father would help others in secret.

Houpt’s wife said he didn’t want recognition for helping his employees buy their first home or for helping pay their medical bills.

“I remember one of our employees, their house burned down, and we took them in for a couple of nights,” Joan Houpt said. “He was just a giving person. He did a lot of things, and most of the things he did anonymously.”

Rath said her father would always root for the underdog.

“He had this sixth sense of seeing the good in people that others might not necessarily see,” said Rath.

Honored by the community

In the ’90s, Houpt supplied chalkboards and books to inmates for the Ozaukee County Jail Literacy Program.

Rath said he was very involved in the Special Olympics, and he earned a Friends of 4-H award in 2002.

Houpt’s community involvement was recognized by in 2004 when he was named Ozaukee County’s Exemplary Citizen for his efforts in ensuring that local organizations and businesses would profit from events related to Harley-Davidson’s 100th anniversary.

In 2019, the FBI Milwaukee Citizens Academy Alumni Association presented Houpt with an Unsung Heroes Award, in honor of his dedication to the community.

Houpt is survived by his wife; four children, Sandy, Mary, Joe and Nancy; and 13 grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for 3 to 8 p.m. April 5 at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 6 at Our Lady of the Lakes St. Mary Chapel, 300 Butler St., Random Lake.

Wayne’s Drive-In will postpone its opening day for the season to celebrate Houpt’s life with his family. The Drive-In will open at 11 a.m. April 6.

Jan 02
Love1

Vreeland Reflects on AHDRA Top Fuel Championship

By General Posts

“When I got my first AHDRA license in 1992, I never dreamed I would be Top Fuel champion 28 years later!” said Pennsylvania Harley-Davidson dealer and Top Fuel Motorcycle pilot, Rich Vreeland.

At that time, Vreeland and his brother Ray were fresh from opening Vreeland’s H-D in 1990 as The Motor Company’s youngest dealers ever. Rich was a sportsman gasoline racer and didn’t necessarily have the brutal Top Fuel bikes in his plans, let alone dreams of a championship. And if he was dreaming of a nitro TF championship, then 28 years later?

To be fair, there was no AHDRA All-American motorcycle drag racing series for a good chunk of that time, and Vreeland was busy winning two AMRA Nitro Funnybike championships in the meantime.

But when Bill Rowe plugged the starter cart back into AHDRA for the 2020 season, Vreeland was quick to jump on board as both racer and sponsor.

He bookended this first new-AHDRA season, winning the Cordova opener and then again at the finals in Gainesville.

While Rich has always had his brother Ray’s help when it comes to running the Bloomsburg dealership, 2020 was first season with Ray as full-time crew chief on the race team.

And clearly, the results were there. Vreeland’s steady A-B performances qualified no worse than third and made it to the semis at every race he attended. He won two races and was undefeated in final round appearances.

“I’m honored to be the inaugural Top Fuel champion under the new AHDRA ownership of Bill Rowe,” said Vreeland. “I am humbled to have my name added to the list of AHDRA Top Fuel champions like Ray Price, Jim McClure, Jay Turner, and Tommy Grimes.”

Vreeland was runner-up for the 2010 and 2012 V-Rod championships in the “old” AHDRA, and was the 2011 Pro Rookie of the year while competing in Pro Fuel/Pro Dragster.

“It’s been a long haul since that 1992 license for sure, and I’m not sure that younger, slimmer Rich ever seriously dreamed of being Top Fuel champion. But it’s a great feeling, a great accomplishment for my team, and a great responsibility heading into the new year.”

It’s not just motorcycles that gets Rich’s heart racing. He also serves as chaplain at all-Harley drag races all over the country, and is an accomplished Christian motivational speaker.

In addition to AHDRA, Rich and his team also run the high-exposure, nationally televised, internationally followed, NHRA Camping World series. So if big exposure, a piece of the action, and an extraordinarily positive and successful representative are important to your brand, then Rich and his Top Fuel Harley are the vehicle you’ve been looking for.

“I just what to thank my girlfriend and my team for giving me a consistent bike all year, I also want to thank all my sponsors—especially Advanced Sleeve https://advancedsleeve.com/ and Worldwide Bearings http://www.worldwidebearings.com/ . But also Christ in Action http://www.christinaction.com/content/Home.aspx , CP-Carrillo https://www.cp-carrillo.com/ , Sam the Spark Plug Man, Just Batteries, and Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson https://vreelandsharley.com/ .”

See the 2021 AHDRA schedule posted and updated at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AHDRA

See the 2021 NHRA Camping World schedule at https://www.nhra.com/schedule/2021

This report was prepared by Tim Hailey. Enjoy everything there is to read, see and watch about motorcycle drag racing and more at https://www.eatmyink.com

Feb 07
Love0

Indian Motorcycle Unveils 2020 FTR Rally – Now Available In North America

By General Posts

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE’S NEW FTR RALLY COMBINES SCRAMBLER STYLING WITH MODERN PERFORMANCE

2020 FTR Rally Now Available in North America

MINNEAPOLIS (February 7, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced the North American retail availability of the 2020 FTR Rally, a scrambler-inspired FTR 1200 that combines retro styling with modern performance capabilities. Launched internationally in Milan at EICMA in November 2019, the FTR Rally will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

With an urban scrambler aesthetic that’s certain to turn heads, the FTR Rally takes a step in a new direction while still maintaining some of the original styling DNA of the FTR 1200.  The FTR Rally features Titanium Smoke paint with the Indian Motorcycle headdress graphic, aluminium wire wheels with stainless steel spokes and a red pinstripe, brown aviator seat, a new rally windscreen and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires.

“We’re excited to offer North American riders a new take on the FTR 1200 that combines the unmistakeable look and stance of the FTR with the more classic, rugged elements that have made scramblers so beloved to city riders,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “The FTR 1200 is as much about style and self-expression as it is about street-oriented performance, and the FTR Rally delivers that combination in a totally unique way.”

The FTR Rally combines responsive handling with upright ergonomics to create a commanding riding experience suitable for urban environments or backroad adventures. It’s equipped with cruise control, a USB fast charge port, and new ProTaper handlebars that are two inches higher for better comfort and handling. The FTR Rally also features an LED headlight and LED turn signals offering better visibility with minimal maintenance.

The 1203cc V-twin engine features a smooth power delivery with loads of low-end punch.  The engine produces 123 horsepower, 87 ft-lbs of torque, and features a flat torque curve to deliver a fun riding experience in all conditions. The engine is housed in a black trellis frame and the FTR Rally will continue to feature an inverted front suspension with radially mounted dual Brembo brakes for exceptional control and stopping power.

The 2020 FTR Rally is compatible with the entire range of 40+ accessories specifically developed for the FTR platform, giving riders the ability to customise combinations and maintain the independence they seek when purchasing an Indian Motorcycle.

Pricing for the FTR Rally will start at $13,499 MSRP. Riders can learn more by visiting their local Indian Motorcycle dealer. For more information on the 2020 FTR Rally, or to find the nearest dealer, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Dec 14
Love0

Recall: Rear Brakes On Harley Trikes Could Activate On Their Own

By General Posts

by Sabrina Giacomini from https://www.rideapart.com/

A software issue poses a safety hazard.

The NHTSA has issued a recall by Harley-Davidson on three models of trikes that could potentially present a software issue that could cause the rear brakes to activate on their own. Here are the details.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company has issued a recall on over 12,500 trikes in the United States for a potential brake problem due to a faulty software. The company estimates that roughly one percent of the 12,624 recalled units are actually affected by the problem. The models targeted by this recall are:

  • 2019-2020 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG (Classic Ultra Tri Glide)
  • 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTGSE (CVO Tri Glide)
  • 2019-2020 Harley-Davidson FLRT (Freewheeler)

The three models of Harley trike are equipped with an electro-hydraulic control unit (EHCU) that manages the Trike Traction Control System. The company found that the EHCU could present an error and cause the traction control to respond incorrectly to a faulty rear-wheel speed signal. This could lead to one of the rear brakes to engage on its own and cause the trike to suddenly change direction. The loss of control that could result from it could ultimately cause a crash.

The Harley-Davidson dealers should already be aware of the issue and letters to the owners affected have been sent at the beginning of December. Owners are invited to make an appointment with their Harley-Davidson dealer to have their trike checked. Should the vehicle present the software issue, the system will be updated which should eliminate the error. The service will be provided free of charge.

Should they have any questions or concerns, owners of one of the models involved in the recall are invited to call the Harley-Davidson customer service line at 1-800-258-2464 to have their VIN verified. The company’s internal number for this recall is 0175. Customers are also welcome to address their inquiries to the NHTSA’s hotline service at 1-888-327-4236.

Oct 29
Love1

Screamin’ Eagle High-Flow Exhaust System and the Complete H-D Experience!

By General Posts

Installing a High Flow Exhaust System On A 2019 Street Glide

Back in September 2018 I had the Harley-Davidson Screamin Eagle Exhaust sitting in a box waiting to go on my new 2019 Street Glide. While out doing some break-in miles, I was struck by a driver illegally making a left-hand turn. While still in my recovery I decided to look for another bike for the exhaust. It’s usually the other way around but hey, what the heck.

I went into Space Coast Harley Davidson, the largest dealer in the world, and met Jon Estep the Sales Associate, a straight shooter and knows his bikes. He helped me browse around the 2019 and 2020 Street Glides, based on my preferences I went with a Vivid Black 2019 Street Glide Special with Tony Ane, the sales manager giving me a great deal without all the haggling.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE TECH ARTICLE IN THE CANTINA

Oct 06
Love3

Paris Harley-Davidson, Adam Sandoval set new world record

By General Posts

by Macon Atkinson from http://theparisnews.com

Paris Harley-Davidson and philanthropist Adam Sandoval have set a new Guinness World Record for continuous Harley-Davidson motorcycles on parade.

In an event dubbed Bring it Home 2019, 3,497 motorcyclists from across the country rode their Harley Davidson bikes through Paris on a 3.5 mile ride, the Guinness official announced. The record has been taken from Hellas Motorcycle Club of Patras, Greece, which previously held the record set May 22, 2010, with 2,404 Harley-Davidsons making a 2.8-mile trip.

Paris’s parade raised money for Motorcycle Missions, a nonprofit that helps first responders with PTSD. The $15 per bike registration fee was donated entirely to the nonprofit, with over 3,400 pre-registrations, said event organizer Molly Beaudin, who is also a dealer development manager for Paris Harley-Davidson.

“I don’t even know what to say. Let’s hear it for America. We officially brought it home,” Sandoval said.

See Sunday’s edition of The Paris News for more coverage of the parade.