Born To Ride News

Biker in Florida Pulled Over for Wearing a Gladiator Helmet

By Jeremy Taylor

Pam Guenther was enjoying a Saturday morning ride on the back of her husband’s motorcycle in Ocala, Fla., when a cop driving in the other direction abruptly turned around and pulled them to the side of the road.

“I knew we weren’t speeding,” Guenther told Asylum. “So my first question was why is he pulling us over? [The officer] just pointed to my husband and said, ‘He’s wearing a mask, and it’s illegal to cover your face when riding a motorcycle.’”

Luis Santiago’s motorcycle helmet, a custom-modified gladiator-style head protector (pictured), is certainly a bit different. Yet, as Guenther pointed out to the officer, it doesn’t obscure the face any more than the typical tinted-visor biker helmet would. Nevertheless, the officer wrote Santiago up a warning for “wearing a mask prohibited.”

Irked by what had gone down, and sure her husband hadn’t done anything approaching illegal, Guenther contacted the Florida Highway Patrol. She was eventually told that Santiago was in violation of Florida statute FL 876.12.

“876.12 is a criminal statute based on an old (anti-) Klan law where you are not allowed to cover your face or head,” says Guenther, who has sought legal counsel. “It isn’t suppose to be a traffic rule that applies to people on motorcycles.”

When we got in touch with Captain Mark Welch, the Chief of Public Affairs for the Florida Highway Patrol, he also cited FL 876.12. In addition, he speculated that the officer may have pulled Santiago over because he wasn’t sure if Santiago was wearing eye-protection, which is required by state law. (Although, again, it’s hard to see how Santiago’s helmet differs from some more traditional ones in that respect.)

While it is true that a literal reading of 876.12 would prohibit face masks, we asked Welch if it’s typical for bikers to be cited or warned on that statute. “This is somewhat unusual,” he admitted. “In fact, it’s the first case that I know of.”

Guenther feels that she and her husband were unfairly targeted by what she describes as “a young officer jealous of a cool bike and a cool helmet looking for a reason to pull us over.” What she wants is for the department to apologize and make clear that a biker protecting his face is not breaking any laws.

Florida law doesn’t require adult bikers to wear helmets at all. So maybe the best way to limit the risk of being pulled over while riding the streets of the Sunshine State is to throw caution (and hair) to the wind and go without any head protection.

Rogue

Sturgis Freedom Fighters

Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005

www.bikerrogue.com

American Motorcyclist Association urges caution in the adoption of high-tech devices in motor vehicles Open letter to U.S. transportation secretary stresses rider safety

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood dated Jan. 8, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland urged caution regarding the adoption of “infotainment systems” being developed for motor vehicles. Moreland’s letter praised LaHood for his measured comments in Jan. 7 New York Times article regarding infotainment systems. (Read the letter here: AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/Sec_LaHood_Distracted_Driving_1-8-10.pdf.) In the article, LaHood said such high-tech electronics placed in motor vehicles will inevitably increase distracted driving and add to the ever-increasing number of accidents and fatalities attributable to distracted driving. The systems under development include Internet-connected computers, some with 10-inch screens, that allow drivers to watch videos and surf the web. Although the devices are being engineered so that advanced functions can’t be used while the car is in motion, the AMA is concerned that the potential to distract drivers from the primary task of vehicle operation is substantial. “The AMA supports your agency’s efforts to curtail distracted driving, and agrees with you that these new ‘infotainment systems’ are a step in the wrong direction toward achieving safer highways for all users, especially motorcyclists,” Moreland wrote. Moreland’s letter offered Secy. LaHood the AMA’s assistance in the development of strategies to oversee how high-tech electronics in cars and SUVs affects the crucial issue of distracted driving and impacts the safety of motorcyclists. “I would like to offer the AMA as a resource to be included whenever emerging technologies are discussed, so that we may better help you take into account the presence of motorcyclists on our nation’s roads and highways. “Driver, rider and pedestrian safety should never be compromised in the effort to introduce yet another technology distraction to an already overly distracting automobile cockpit,” Moreland wrote. The offer of help is just the latest in the AMA’s efforts related to distracted and inattentive driving. In 2008, the AMA adopted a position statement that endorses enhanced penalties for those who injure or kill others while operating a motor vehicle when distracted or inattentive operation is involved. To read the AMA’s position statement on distracted and inattentive driving, please go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/positions/distracted.asp. About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

ABATE of Florida’s Doc Reichenbach to speak at BETC

To all who have asked re: Doc Reichenbach and Sport Bikers

Recently a number of people have contacted me asking about the President/Lobbyist of ABATE of Florida’s, Doc Reichenbach’s, statement, made, during the battle over the Florida Legislatures attempt to pass legislation allowing the state to sieze motorcycles that the motorcyclists (sport-bikers) depicted in a film were, “not bikers.”

My apologies for being late in responding, I have had some medical problems as a result of an MC crash.

I was present at the meeting in question and heard him make the comment. He later tried to clarify the
statement by stating he was referring only to the persons in the film who were breaking the law.  He was also quoted making the following statement to the Miami Herald News,

“I don’t consider those people bikers,” said James ”Doc” Reichenbach, president of ABATE of Florida. “Every time someone is killed or there is a major accident, law-abiding bikers get categorized. I would call those thrill-seekers, and if they break the law we agree that they should pay a penalty.”
as posted on Bruce and RC’s motorcycle forum here:  http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=3562429698&frmid=48&msgid=971141&cmd=showHowever as those of us who were involved in the fight against this egregious legislation are aware, many of his statements were disingenuous and did not match his actual actions. If you will remember it was the ABATE President/lobbyist that put  out emails that the bill “hb137” was dead,  stop writing your legislators (10-12-07 wherein the ABATE of Florida legislative representative offered what could be construed as a  positive statement re: the sponsor of the bill Lopez-Canterra,

“Know that the sponsor is new to the legislature and is generally an ABATE supporter, but he is trying to crack down on the flyboy/flygirl stunt riders or anyone racing around and riding wheelie.”
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2007/10/continuing-questions-reabate-of.html) and that he was not working with the Bills sponsor Representative Lopez-Canterra. This despite an aide in his office telling us over the phone that Doc Reichenbach was working with Canterra and our posting of a letter from Canterra validating that the ABATE President/lobbyist was doing so, see: http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2007/11/one-letter-from-politician-cantera-one.html

As we all know HB 137 turned into a nightmare of a bill that would impact all of us who ride that we first warned about  on our site here on 9-27-07 here: http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2007/09/sport-bikers-and-rest-of-us-beware.html
and that Lopez-Canterras had personal reasons for introducing the bill that had nothing to do with motorcycle safety as we posted here: http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2008/11/florida-representative-lopez-cantera.html

Dara Mclain and I attended a number of committee meetings at the Florida State Capital to speak out against this legislation, as we did to speak out against it’s eventual permutation into SB1992, both of which were supported by the ABATE lobbyist, James D. Reichenbach.

The request for this info came along with notification, followed by a press release that the ABATE lobbyist would be presenting at  the 7th Annual PRO (Public Relations Officers) Convention and
Bikers Empowerment Training Conference http://www.betconference.com/.

The Press release would be funny were it not so sad that enough people have taken what is contained therein as truth without doing the research. For example:

“Some topics of Doc’s address may include ABATE of Florida ‘s many legislative successes over its almost

30 year history, including the long battle and resulting success repealing Florida ‘s Helmet Law in 2001.”

This, along with a number of other bogus claims, is far from the “REAL” truth which reading this post will plainly reveal: http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2009/04/wctv-helps-abate-of-florida-lobbyist.html
In a time of 2 minute sound byte news  and increasing government intrusion in our lives it should be incumbent upon all of us to learn the truth of our history if we are to have any hope at saving ourselves from those who would oppress us and the charlatans that would profit off us.

More can be found at
http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?oe=utf8&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&hl=en&q=HB137+blogurl:http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/&sa=N&start=0
 or
http://tiny.cc/d1ZpQ

or by searching the archives of Bruce and RC’s biker forum,
http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=3562429698&frmid=48

which contain over 400 postings on the topic, resulting in Bruce Arnold having his ABATE life membership revoked in violation of ABATE of Florida by-laws.

This mail out will be posted at Big Bend Bikers For Freedom and Bruce and Rays Biker Forum along with some e-mails that this writer has been in possession of that will further demonstrate how the lobbyist of ABATE of Florida’s actions have resulted in many BOD members.

This information is free to distribute with the appropriate accreditation.

rc

Let Freedom Reign
http://bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/

The following is an answer in response to a press release that ABATE of Florida sent out about Doc.

I received this from Rogue who is a true advocate for motorcyclist not a charlatan like Reichenbach. It would be appreciated if you could spread the word about Reichenbach’s lack of success in the Florida legislature and show that he is riding on and claiming to have been the force behind the helmet law. On several occasions Reichenbach has been asked to explain exactly what “success” ABATE of Florida, Inc. has made. As usual there is no response. Why … because there has been no success. He has sold us down the river on several issues and lied to the very members that pay his outrageous salary. Remember HB139? Remember the handle bar height? We didn’t have any restrictions before ABATE of Florida, Inc., became involved. Have you renewed your Red-White-Blue tag? None of that money goes to injured motorcyclists-Thanks Reichenbach. Have you renewed any of your licenses or tags? Have they increased? Thanks Reichenbach, for bringing this to our attention … NOT! He has lied so much, I do believe he actually believes himself. Don’t let this parasite ruin what is left of Florida motorcyclists, we have so few rights left that if Reichenbach is left in his current position and you do NOTHING you have no one but yourself to blame. Do your research-do not endorse someone without having researched their successes or failures. Don’t do this for me-Do it for yourself.
 
Diana
Ride Free

Here are some sites to read:
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2009/10/abate-of-florida-what-hellwhat-we-have.html
 
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2009/08/abate-calls-us-liars-and-cowards-and.html
 
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2009/07/is-abate-of-florida-credibility-being.html
 
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2009/03/abate-of-florida-continues-to-feed.html
 
http://www.bigbendbikersforfreedom.com/2009/02/another-abate-of-florida-e-mail-finds.html

Rogue

Sturgis Freedom Fighters

Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005

http://www.bikerrogue.com/

I’m often asked my opinion on the best bike to buy for the beginner rider, or the re-entry rider (someone that hasn’t ridden in years). The answer to this question really depends on the rider. Generally, a midsize cruiser in the 650cc to 900cc class would be best. I say cruiser first because cruisers are about 70% of the market. Second, sport bikes (even naked bikes) in the 600cc class or beyond have very sensitive throttles. A sensitive throttle makes a bike more difficult to ride at low speeds and that’s where most people have a problem. Also, sport bikes and naked bikes have handlebars that don’t turn very far from lock to lock, which makes them more difficult to ride at low speeds.

Most cruisers on the other hand, have easy to modulate clutches and throttles.  Their handlebars turn quite a bit from lock to lock and the cruisers’ longer wheelbase makes them more stable at low speeds—plus, cruisers have a lower seat height. The low seat height allows shorter riders to flatfoot the bike when stopped, which gives most riders more confidence.

For small women 5’ or under, I’d recommend the Suzuki Savage 650, or S-40 as it’s now called. This Suzuki is about the same size as most 250cc bikes, yet it has enough power to cruise at highway speeds and above. If your 5’2” or over, the Suzuki Volusia C50 is a great choice. This bike has a very easy to control clutch and throttle With its 65” wheelbase, it will be easy to move up to a heavier cruiser since the heavier bike will still physically be about the same length and width as the middleweight Suzuki.

Another good choice is the Honda Shadow Aero 750. This bike has a very low seat height, and a wheelbase similar to larger bikes. Last, but not least, the Harley Sportster line, either the 883 or 1200 models. The Sportsters are probably the most popular beginner bike for women. Although I do hear a lot of complaints from women who claim the Sportster has a high center of gravity. Actually, that’s not the case. What makes the Sportster a little more difficult to ride despite its very low seat height, it has a short wheelbase for a cruiser and its handlebars don’t turn as far from lock to lock as the other bikes I’ve already mentioned.

In actuality, a heavyweight cruiser is just as nimble and easy to learn to ride as the middleweight bikes as long as you’re willing to put in some extra training hours before venturing out into traffic. But, since riding a motorcycle properly is 90% mental and 10% physical your brain will try to convince you that you should fear all that weight; and fear will hold you back every time.

I know what you’re thinking. What about a 250 Rebel or any one of the other 250cc bikes out there? Aren’t they the best for beginners? The answer is possibly. Here’s my rule of thumb. If you took the MSF course or any of the other beginner courses around and passed with flying colors you’re ready for a midsize bike. If on the other hand, you struggled through the course or failed it and you’re scared half to death just thinking about riding in traffic— the smaller bike is better to learn on.

Of course there are exceptions to any rule. In fact, I recently met a young lady that told me she got a 100% on her MSF course and had all the confidence in the world so she went out and purchased a custom Harley Wide Glide with tons of chrome and forward controls. Now she says she’s scared to death of the bike and can’t turn from a stop or make a U-turn to save her life. While the Wide Glide is a fine motorcycle, it has a very long wheelbase and rake–that makes it more difficult to turn. Plus, the forward controls have this 5’2” rider so stretched out, she has no leverage to use her brakes properly and she can’t counterbalance when making tight turns. In other words, she bought a bike that doesn’t fit her—consequently, her confidence disappeared and her fear is holding her back from really learning to ride.

I put this young lady on my 250 Yamaha and within minutes she was whipping the bike around like the toy it is. I then put her on my Triumph Bonneville (another easy to ride middleweight) and she whipped that bike around with confidence as well. I plan on teaching her the Motor Officer techniques on the Bonneville in my Ride Like a Pro course, then put her through the course on her Wide Glide. I’m betting I can improve her skills and put her in the top 2% of riders, even on that Wide Glide with about eight hours of practice. In fact, I’m hoping she’ll be good enough to ride in my Rider’s Skill show very soon. I’ll reveal her identity in the near future and video her progress for all to see, so keep any eye on my website, http://www.ridelikeapro.com/

Copy 2010 Jerry Motorman Palladino
-Ride Safe… Ride Like a Pro Team

HARLEY-DAVIDSON INTRODUCES NEW Clothing LINE

TO SUPPORT THOSE Touched BY BREAST CANCER

Forges Partnership with Breast Cancer Network of Strength®

MILWAUKEE (January 2010) – It’s an unwritten rule in motorcycling culture to stop for a distressed rider.  Of course, rider ethics go well beyond the open road, as motorcyclists often stop on the journey of life to help those in need – rider and non-rider alike.  In the spirit of that support, Harley-Davidson introduced a new clothing line today designed to aid those touched by breast cancer.

The new Harley-Davidson Pink Label Collection was inspired by women who have been affected by breast cancer and designed to provide them support during their difficult ride.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of every Pink Label Collection item will help fund the YourShoes^™ 24/7 Support Center, which is administered by the national non-profit Breast Cancer Network of Strength^®.  The YourShoes center, which helped nearly 50,000 people in 2008 alone, is staffed by breast cancer survivors who provide immediate emotional relief, at any time of day, to people  affected by breast cancer.

“Having a strong support system is critical to surviving breast cancer,” said Margaret C. Kirk, president and CEO, Breast Cancer Network of Strength.  “That’s why were thrilled to have the support of Harley-Davidson, as well as their family of employees, dealers and owners.  With their help, we can make sure no one faces this disease alone.”  

The Pink Label Collection was conceived and designed by the Harley-Davidson Women’s MotorClothes Product Development and Design team. 

“We were inspired to create the Pink Label Collection by the countless women riders and passengers that we’ve encountered on the open road and at events who’ve been impacted by breast cancer,” said Kathy Whalen, Category Manager, General Merchandise, Harley-Davidson.  “We wanted to create something that honored their personal journey, as well as let them know that they never have to ride alone.”

The Pink Label Collection is comprised of 12 of the most popular women’s MotorClothes silhouettes – each featuring a tasteful touch of pink — including jackets, pants, eyewear, gloves, helmet, shirts and more.  Following are some of the highlights of the collection:   

Pink Label Collection

• The Pink Label Leather Jacket (P/N 98160-10VW, $295) combines lightweight leather, a fixed lining, multiple zippered pockets and pink-embroidered graphics.

• Made from 73 percent cotton/27 percent polyester with pink-embroidered graphics, the new Pink Label Activewear Hoodie (P/N 99171-10-VW, $60) and Activewear Pant (P/N 99172-10VW, $40) are casually comfortable.

• The 93 percent cotton/7 percent spandex Pink Label S/S Tee (P/N 99175-10VW, $30) is embroidered on both sides and available in XS – 3W sizes.

• Made from 100 percent cotton with an elastic band, the Pink Label Headwrap with Pink Embroidery (P/N 99499-10VW, $15) can be worn as a headband or wrap.

To find out more about the Pink Label Collection, or purchase items from the collection , visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership or www.harley-davidson.com/pinklabel.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON INDIA ROLLS OUT MOTORCYCLE LINE-UP

Announces 12 motorcycles from Sportster®, Dyna®, VRSC™, Softail®, and Touring families

Price range starting at Rs. 6,95,000 ex-showroom

Bookings for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles to commence in April 2010

NEW DELHI (January 2010) – Today at the Auto Expo, Harley-Davidson India announced it will bring 12 motorcycles from its 2010 model portfolio to India. The broad selection, with bikes from each of its five model families, will give riders in India maximum choice and opportunity to join millions of Harley-Davidson owners worldwide in pursuit of adventure, freedom and self-expression. 

“For over a century, Harley-Davidson has inspired motorcyclists across the world to celebrate their passion for riding. Our experience in leading the leisure motorcycle market worldwide makes us naturally suited to help lead and define leisure riding in India. We entered India with a promise to bring riders the pure Harley-Davidson experience with bikes from every family. Over the past year we have listened to riders across India at our many events, and we have produced a line-up to stir their soul,” said Anoop Prakash, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson India.

The 2010 Harley-Davidson® models introduced across Harley-Davidson’s five motorcycle families in India include:

Sportster: XL 883L SPORTSTER
                  XL 1200N NIGHTSTER®
                  XL 883R ROADSTER®
                  XR 1200X

Dyna:       FXDB STREET BOB®
                 FXDC SUPER GLIDE® CUSTOM

VRSC:     VRSCDX NIGHT ROD® SPECIAL  

Softail:    FLSTF FAT BOY®
                FLSTC HERITAGE® SOFTAIL CLASSIC

Touring: FLHR ROAD KING®
                FLHX STREET GLIDE®
                FLHTCUSE ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE® ( CVO )

Featured at the Auto Expo is a custom-painted Harley-Davidson Fat Boy in Indian color accents that will be the first motorcycle sold by Harley-Davidson in India.

The Harley-Davidson motorcycles are being imported into India as completely built units and will be priced between Rs. 6,95,000 and Rs. 34,95,000 ex-showroom (New Delhi).

“We have worked hard to give every enthusiast an opportunity to realize their dream of joining the global Harley-Davidson family,” said Anoop Prakash. “Our aim is to provide our riders with a world-class ownership experience comparable to the best in the world.  We will have available genuine parts and accessories and a broad selection of riding apparel and merchandise through our dealer network in India.”

Bookings for Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be open from April 2010 at dealerships to be announced in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Delivery of motorcycles will commence from June 2010.

The Harley-Davidson Boot Camps and Founders Rides held in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore gave over 300 riding enthusiasts the opportunity to learn about the motorcycles and the model families and provide their input on the model lineup. In 2010, Harley-Davidson India will conduct more such experiential opportunities in India for passionate motorcyclists to experience the unique look, sound and feel of Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson is the global leader in cruising and touring motorcycles and ranks as one of the strongest brands in the world, with motorcycle sales now in more than 70 countries.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson India’s web site at http://www.harley-davidson.in/.

(Click on Image to See Full Size)

Live music all day & night
Drink specials: $2.50 Longnecks , $4.99 Pitchers of Bud Select, $1.50 Bloody Mary’s

Born To Ride TV Taping &
Magazine Shoot
Sun. Jan . 31

Vendors Welcome! •
5813 US Hwy 41 N. Apollo Beach •
813-641-8676

Cigar Attic is owned and operated by Ivo Medina, Jim and Tracy Brown. Our goal is to provide a place to escape your everyday lives, have a fine cigar and relax. We are open 7 days a week!

* Monday – Thursday 2 – 9PM

* Friday 2 – 10PM

* Saturday 10AM – 8PM

* Sunday 11AM – 6PM

Open for all Football games. When other cigar shops are closed we will be here to serve you. Closing time depends on customer traffic, if we have a gathering of people at the Attic we will not tell you to leave because its closing time…we will probably be having so much fun it would not matter anyway! Life is truly too short, you must LIVE your life every day. Far too many people are just existing….Have fun today! No Regrets!

Click Here to see pictures of the CAO event at Cigar Attic.

Contact us at:
The Cigar Attic
2226 Bloomingdale Avenue
Valrico, FL 33596
Phone: 813-571-7500
Email: info@cigarattic.com

Click On The Image to see the two page spread in Born To Ride Magazine Issue #68

Let’s face it; if you enjoy riding on the open road and appreciate your bike, you surely don’t want to part with it. Unlike cars or trucks, most stolen motorcycles are never recovered. Have you heard the story of the recovered stolen bikes … minus engine, tires, and added goodies? How about the story where the insurance company will not pay for the aftermarket parts on the bike? There are several antitheft protection units on the market for you to choose, but how many of them track your bike in real time? Real time tracking means your bike is communicating with a satellite tracking system 24/7, and transmitting to you the exact location of the bike. Now ask yourself how you can gain peace of mind – knowing your bike is safe? Guard My Ride GPS! Guard My Ride GPS is a new GPS powered antitheft protection unit for your bike, ATV, or watercraft.

More than 30,000 motorcycle theft reports are filed each year in the United States and Canada, resulting in millions of dollars in insured losses. Motorcycle thieves are very resourceful and will use every part for resale or reconstruction into another cycle. Motorcycle parts, including frames, can be more easily altered, reused and camouflaged than car or truck parts. This results in a lower recovery rate for stolen cycles than vehicles: approximately 25-30 percent vs. 60-65 percent. Higher-end motorcycles are also highly sought-after luxury items in foreign countries, fostering a lucrative export market for stolen cycles. (National Insurance Crime Bureau)

Guard My Ride GPS is the most effective way to keep an eye on your bike. It is easy to install (using a two wire – no cut set up) and easy to hide. The unit utilizes Skypatrol, a leading manufacturer and distributor of GPS-based vehicle tracking and monitoring solutions, to communicate with your cell phone or computer every time the unit senses Motion, Parked, Tracking or Battery SOS disconnect. “The best way to communicate with Guard My Ride GPS is to have an e-mail sent to your computer; cell phone carriers charge for SMS (short message service) messages, which can become costly” said Guard My Ride GPS, Partner Michael Scott. If the bike is in motion there will be a message sent every 5 minutes that it is in motion. When the bike is stationary for 90 seconds (engine not running) the unit powers down, to a hibernation mode waiting for motion to be detected. Guard My Ride GPS has:

• Cellular GPS alerts and e-mail notifications 24×7
• Proactive Real Time North American coverage
• Two wire no cut quick installation, No external antennas
• Weather and water proof. Built for Power Sports
• Low power draw – less than 2 milivolts
• 5-minute tracking across North America
• 1-Minute SOS tracking signal with 9-hour battery back up
• No external antennas small form factor; easy to hide
• Real time Internet and cellular tracking with mapping
• Geo fencing to tell you when the bike comes or goes from a geographic boundary area
• 3-year warranty

Excluding having peace of mind knowing your bike is safe from the average thief, Guard My Ride GPS will record your journeys on the road—via Google Earth. Log on to your Guard My Ride GPS account (http://www.guardmyridegps.com/), track your journey, and watch the places you’ve traveled in 3-D. How cool is that? An added feature to having a real time tracking unit – you can track how fast the motorcycle was going. If you have a young rider living at home you can note where the bike has been and how fast it was traveling … a nice gift for minors, who happen to be motorcycle enthusiasts!

We stock over 300 motorcycles— Indian, Kawasaki, Triumph and Victory. We use Guard My Ride GPS for our motorcycles, and I suggest you do the same for your investment.

GM Wes Harris, St. Pete Powersports

There are a few details to know about the Guard My Ride GPS unit. The unit will not connect to the horn on your motorcycle, or work as a kill switch to the CPU. It is a low voltage device; therefore connecting to the horn or CPU will drain the battery. The motion sensor is a triple sensor which measures movement when the kickstand is lifted or if the bike is moved, but loud pipes or a pack of loud bikes will not trip the sensor indicating movement. Guard My Ride GPS is a GPS unit, which means there is a monthly service fee (approximately $10 monthly), but the first year of service is on Guard My Ride GPS is included. A side note: St. Pete Powersports (http://www.stpetepowersports.com/) will cover the second year when you buy a motorcycle with a Guard My Ride GPS unit installed from them.

Safeguarding your motorcycle and the aftermarket parts on it is important – so is knowing your significant other is on schedule and safe while he or she is out on the road … sometimes the cell phone signal is weak, or the battery is dead. Guard My Ride GPS is the answer to easing your motorcycle security anxieties. It’s easy to install, small enough to hide, and tracks your motorcycle 24/7. The Guard My Ride GPS unit will perform four main functions: Alert, Track, Locate and Recover your stolen motorcycle. When discussing antitheft devices for your two-wheeled, ATV, or watercraft investment, Guard My Ride GPS is a unit worth inquiring into – and then purchasing. Log onto http://www.guardmyridegps.com/ to learn more about the unit, or stop by St. Pete Powersports 555 34th Street S. in St. Petersburg to purchase or install your unit.

Program Runs Through Jan. 31, 2010 at Participating Dealers

Milwaukee (January 5, 2010) –Harley-Davidson invites competitive riders to trade in their non-Harley-Davidson motorcycles for a new untitled Harley-Davidson motorcycle. As an added incentive, customers who trade-in an eligible competitive motorcycle toward the purchase of an eligible Harley-Davidson® motorcycle by January 31, 2010, will receive the dealer-negotiated trade-in value plus $500 towards the final purchase price.

 “It’s all about sharing the Harley-Davidson experience with a discriminating audience and earning the opportunity to welcome new riders into the family,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson Advertising and Promotions Director. “Currently one-in-four sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles are to competitive brand riders, but there may be some riders out there who don’t realize that nearly all Harley-Davidson dealers welcome competitive brand trade-ins, so we are spreading the word through this promotion and sweetening the deal to help get them on the ride of their dreams.”

For more details about the competitive trade-in promotion, visit your local Harley-Davidson dealer or log onto h-d.com/trade-in.

Company Background

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), and MV Agusta.