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Archive for March, 2010

KRAWIEC AND HINES QUALIFY FOR FIRST NHRA FOUR-WIDE DRAGS

March 30th, 2010 1 comment

Krawiec Takes Harley-Davidson® V-Rod® to New Track Speed Record in Qualifying

CONCORD, N.C. (March 29, 2010) – Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines riders Eddie Krawiec and Andrew Hines qualified Harley-Davidson® V-Rod®  motorcycles for the Pro Stock Motorcycle elimination rounds at the Inaugural Four-Wide NHRA Nationals at zMAX Dragway. The event was the first NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event to incorporate a four-lane format in both qualifying and eliminations, rather than the traditional two-lane format. This put four cars or motorcycles on the starting line for each round of eliminations, with the first two across the finish line advancing to the next round. Hines and Krawiec were both eliminated in the first round on Sunday. The event was then suspended until Monday due to heavy rains. Al-Anabi Racing Buell rider Matt Smith won the final round.

Smith was the top qualifier for the event with a run of 6.875 seconds at 193.18 mph, setting a new track elapsed time (ET) record for the Pro Stock Motorcycle class. Krawiec qualified second at 6.882/195.42, setting a new track speed record for the class. Hines was the number-three qualifier, with a 6.883/195.11 pass.

In the first round of eliminations, Hines (0.050 reaction time/7.090 ET) finished third behind Suzuki riders Steve Johnson (0.036/7.041) and Michael Phillips (0.126/6.973). Coffman Tank Trucks Buell rider Angie Smith (0.112/7.955) was fourth.

“I had a good light but my bike bogged at the start, and I didn’t have the power to make it up,” said Hines. “Since the end of last season, we’ve been moving some weight around on the bike to try and improve our 60-foot time, and the changes we made may not be the way to go. We need to do some more testing before the next race so we can get a better baseline.”

The next foursome included Krawiec, Buell rider LE Tonglet, MB Machining Buell rider Mike Berry and Rum Bum Racing Buell rider Shawn Gann. Gann “timed out” during staging – he failed to take a position at the starting line on time – which automatically triggered the starting lights. The other three riders were unprepared to start, and Krawiec was the last off the line, with a 1.754 reaction time and an ET of 6.944. Tonglet (0.427/7.037) won the round, ahead of Berry (0.905/7.086).

 “None of us had run up our engines yet, so we were not even ready to dump the clutch and go,” said Krawiec. “So the first one to get his bike revved up was going to win. It caught me off-guard, because in a two-lane race, when I see that the racer next to me has timed out, I have automatically won. So much of what we do in a drag race is almost instinctive, and it was very hard to make that mental adjustment for one event like this four-wide.”

The race at zMax Raceway is the only four-wide event on the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule, and both Hines and Krawiec are glad it is behind them.

“I think four-wide drag racing is not the way to go,” said Hines. “I think the NHRA has thought of about 95 percent of the scenarios that could happen, but not all of them.  We had some feedback from fans that it was too hard to follow. I think drag racing should stay two-wide, winner take all.”

Krawiec, who won the opening round of the 2010 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season in Gainesville, Fla., on March 14, thinks four-wide racing will require racers to re-educate themselves.

“I guess it’s interesting to watch, but it’s really difficult for the racers,” said Krawiec. “It will be a learning curve for us if they continue. We had to do one event and see what the problems would be, and then get it right. But I’m not a fan of it.”

Following two rounds of the 17-race 2010 NHRA Pro Stock schedule, Buell rider Hector Arana leads in points with 175. Krawiec and Smith are tied for second place with 160 points. Gann is fourth with 129 points, and Johnson is fifth with 127 points. Hines is in 10th place with 94 points.  

 The next Pro Stock Motorcycle event on the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule is the 23rd Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals, April 9-11, at Houston Raceway Park in Houston, Texas.

Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin’ Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin’ Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.

  The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools, Dunlop and S100.

It’s Official … Tommy Hayden Snags First AMA Superbike Win

March 29th, 2010 No comments

Photo AmaProRacing.com

It’s been a long journey (13 years to be exact), but Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki rider Tommy Hayden outlasted Josh Hayes to claim his first AMA Superbike victory at Fontana Raceway Sunday, March 28. Hayden, who had a disapointing first race on Saturday bounced back the next day to claim his first Superbike win during the second race at Fontana Raceway in California.

BMW S1000RR

March 29th, 2010 No comments

Check out the BMW S1000RR!

ABATE Legislative Update

March 29th, 2010 2 comments

Legislative Update

Remember last year when the State of Florida raised the driver’s license fees and the taxes on your vehicles? Well, there is a Bill moving thru both the Florida Senate (SB 2036) and the Florida House (HB 99) that would decrease these fees and taxes to the previous level.

With last year’s decision to raise the fees, renewing a driver’s license went from $20 to $48 and registering a new car jumped from $100 to $225. Lawmakers also boosted the amount of money going to the state from the sale of specialty license plate from $14 to $33, meaning that with organizations collecting between $15 to $25 per plate, a specialty plate could cost nearly $60.

In addition to returning the prices to previous levels, SB 2036 would also credit drivers who paid the higher fees between Sept. 1, 2009 and August 2010. You did read that correctly, you would get a credit if you paid the higher fees.

Why the change of heart? State transportation officials have told lawmakers that registrations have been off about 1.5% and specialty tag sales fell 67% statewide in November through January!

Stiffer Penalties Bill Update

Our House Bill CS/HB 875  “Traffic Offenses” (ABATE’s “Stiffer Penalties Bill”) is now in Public Safety & Domestic Security Policy Committee.  This is a great time to call your Representative to let them know that you, a member of ABATE of Florida, supports this Bill and wants them to vote favorably for this.

Below are a list of the members of this Committee. We strongly encourage your Chapter Legislative Trustee to call your area Representatives if they are on this list. Your Chapter Legislative Trustee should know if any of these are from your area. 

If one of these Legislators is from your area, call them, let them know that you are a member of ABATE of FL, and ask for their support of CS/HB 875 in the up coming committee meeting.

Ambler, Kevin C. (R)

Hooper, Ed (R)

Garcia, Luis R. (D)

Adams, Sandra (R)

Bernard, Mackenson (D)

Drake, Brad (R)

Evers, Greg (R)

Heller, Bill (D)

Holder, Doug (R)

Ray, Lake (R)

Robaina, Julio (R)

Rouson, Darryl Ervin (D)

Stargel, Kelli (R)

Waldman, James W. (D)

Texting While Driving Bills Update

A Florida Senate committee approved three bills regarding texting while driving a motor vehicle with varying levels of restrictions. The Senate Transportation Committee did not decide yesterday which of the measures (SB 448, 244 and 324) was too hot and which was too cold.  Rather than picking one course in a single bill, the panel approved all three.

The most stringent of the measures, SB 244 by Sen. Frederica Wilson (D-Miami) would ban all cell phone use in cars without hands-free devices, while the least restrictive, SB 324 by Sen. Carey Baker (R-Eustis) would limit the ban to drivers under 17. The third measure, SB 448 by Sen. Nancy Deter, was amended to ban using cell phones for texting or e-mail for all drivers, but punishable only if the driver is first pulled over for something else. That may have been done to win support from lawmakers reluctant to impose restrictions on personal behavior.

Having each been approved by the Transportation Committee, the texting measures will all next go to Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities and Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations committees, where they may possibly be combined.

Miscellaneous Bills Update

Just a few miscellaneous Bills that are moving through the legislature that might be of interest to you who enjoy fishing and those that enjoy a smoke in the privacy of your own car. These are not motorcycle related in any way (unless you sit on your bike while fishing or smoke while taking your children for a ride on your motorcycle).

SALTWATER FISHING FEE NOT A KEEPER, SENATE THROWING IT BACK

Last year the Legislature instituted a fishing license requirement for people to fish from the shore or beach, which had never been required before. The $7.50 fee was expected to be paid by about 120,000 anglers. It wasn’t very popular, and the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Thursday approved a Bill (SB 1514) to repeal it.

SMOKING IN CARS WITH KIDS

The House Roads, Bridges and Ports Committee may continue a workshop on a Bill (HB 1411) that would allow enhanced penalties for drivers who are pulled over for something, and then found to be smoking in their car with kids in the car. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kevin Ambler (R-Tampa), and is obviously controversial for its implications on the rights of government to control personal behavior.

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

www.abateflorida.com/

KTM Reveals Electric Offroad and Supermoto Motorcycle

March 26th, 2010 No comments

From a press release issued by KTM…

KTM PRESENTS THE ZERO EMISSION SPORTMOTORCYCLE: “FREERIDE” FOR OFFROAD AND SUPERMOTO RIDERS!

(March 25, 2010) – KTM showed the first prototype of a “zero emission” motorcycle in October 2008, a project that was the result of the company’s cooperation with the Vienna Development Institute “Arsenal Research”. Now, 18 months later, the sports motorcycle manufacturer from Mattighofen in Austria is right on target for the release of the first series-ready KTM electric sports motorcycle. Under the title “Freeride” KTM will present two near-series prototypes at the 2010 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, which in one year’s time will transfer the sporting spirit of the brand that is always “Ready to Race” into a series model fit for the 21st century.

With its first zero emission motorcycle, the world’s leading producer of offroad motorcycles has developed an electrically driven sports motorcycle that proves that riding fun and environmental sustainability need not be in conflict with one another. The cornerstone of this development is the clear commitment to offroad motorcycle sports and the obvious intention to go on the offensive by further expanding the strongest part of the company’s business activities with a unique product that, as yet, does not exist in this format. This revolutionary development embodies completely new perspectives: Freeride also stands for the end of motorcycles fleeing the city and the accepted return of sporting motorcycle events in urban areas.

The following information is enclosed:

1.) A New Chance for Offroad Sport

2.) A Decisive Step into the Future

3.) Competitive Price Levels

4.) A Long Journey for the Development Process

5.) Completely New Patented Technology

6.) Focus on Series Ready Machines

7.) Technical Data Sheet

8.) Questions and Answers on KTM Freeride

9.) About the KTM Power Sports AG KTMPRESS

1.) A New Chance for Offroad Sport

Due to the restrictions that exist today, many riders of offroad motorcycles are confronted with great difficulty if they want to practice their sport. Ideal basic conditions are very seldom found, even on closed tracks or special purpose parks. Regulatory requirements and demands from residents and general objections are leading to the closure of Enduro and motocross tracks. The decisive criterion against the use of competitive bikes in heavily populated areas is almost always a question of an excessive level of noise.

In order to give the sport more room and create new possibilities, there is no better solution than the zero emission motorcycle from KTM. It equates 100 percent to the sporting spirit and the race-oriented philosophy of the brand. It slips seamlessly into the product portfolio and at the same time brings with it a motor technology for sports motorcycles that until today has been very difficult to make feasible. This is a motorcycle that is extremely light, sporty and powerful, and with its electric motor, it is now also an emission- and noise-free form of mobility.

With this development it is possible to bring offroad sport close to densely populated areas, to establish new parks and riding opportunities, where until now it has been unthinkable. The use of this sport machine closer to home may generate interest in the activities of new target groups.

2.) A Decisive Step into the Future

Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM Sportmotorcycle AG: “With the electric drive system of the zero emission motorcycle, KTM has succeeded in taking a decisive step forward in the future of the motorcycle industry and two-wheel motorsports. Above all, emission-free mobility with a motorcycle brings new impulses in the short-term and opens up completely fresh perspectives. KTM remains answerable on two counts. On the one hand we are “Ready to Race” and we want to do that with the latest technology, and on the other, as the worldwide number one in offroad sport, we must take care that the sport remains intact, and indeed, further develops!”

Contrary to the belief that e-mobility is not sport-oriented, this technology is directly and immediately an advantage to the enthusiast consumer. Now, with this zero-emission, noise-free motorcycle, a consumer may be able to practice their sport in areas that were previously off limits due to noise restrictions. Furthermore, KTM’s aim is to offer “Freeride” at a comparable price to that of a similar combustion engine machine.

3.) Competitive Price Levels

Often with new technology, it is the high price that hinders the success of a product – not the least because of the significant expenditure in research and development. With electro vehicles, it is still a problem that the high cost of batteries continues to inhibit the broad-based deployment of emission and noise-free mobility. KTM has been able to solve this problem and will offer a competitive price structuring for its zero emission motorcycle right from the outset.

Mag. Hubert Trunkenpolz, Sales Director of KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG: “We can already say that the price of our Freeride motorcycles will be under € 10,000. With this we have a product on the market that is more than competitive right from outset. So apart from the fact that this positioning is on a par with a current combustion-driven Enduro of the type used in the World Championships, KTM is, in addition, setting completely new standards in matters of technology.”

4.) A Long Journey for the Development Process

The development of an offroad sports motorcycle is an extreme task. A competitive bike must be small and light so that it remains agile. It must be able to endure extreme jumps and the hardest of landings as well as showing resistance to impacts, stones and even rubble. It must be able to be ridden through puddles, mud holes, rivers or streams and survive crashes which are an every day occurrence for a sports Enduro. And naturally, after the hardest of offroad days, the bike must be able to withstand being cleaned by a high-pressure washing device.

Even for a conventionally driven motorcycle this is already an enormous challenge for the developer. For the developer of an electrically driven vehicle, it initially seems to be an unsolvable task. These requirements are so far removed from what is possible, feasible or conceivable according to what currently exists in the development of electrically driven vehicles.

Nevertheless, the KTM Development Team rose to the challenge. The established research company “Arsenal Research“, now operating as AIT (Austrian Institute of Technology) was called in as “reinforcement“. As well as its existing competence in the area of the development of electronic/electric motors and components, this Vienna-based institute company was openly enthusiastic about motorcycle sports, forming the ideal basis for a development partner.

Since the presentation of the first rideable prototype in October 2008, the core troop from KTM in Mattighofen, Austria has taken over the development of a series ready bike. They also cooperate with development and supplier specialists from various companies from all over the world.

5.) Completely New Patented Technology

The KTM zero emission motorcycle is the embodiment of a race-ready vehicle interpretation that is typical of the company’s “Ready to Race” philosophy. Like all KTM sportmotorcycles it exhibits the most modern construction hallmarks and is equipped throughout with high-quality vehicle components, representing the result of decades of experience and the continual dominance in offroad sports.

The completely new electro-drive technology developed by the KTM Development Team in cooperation with AIT sets entirely new standards. Its light-weight (under 100kg) is comparable to a 125cc two-stroke machine with a normal combustion engine. In the past, electric engine and battery durability, water-resistance and handling have been concerns of consumers that are now resolved through KTM’s worldwide registered patent for the battery drive unit.

Gerald Kiska, Development leader and KTM chief designer: “The development of a conventional high-speed sportmotorcycle to series level is already a big task. The creation of an electrically-propelled vehicle of comparable quality represents an entirely new era in all areas. The use of the electric motor means a completely new layout for the motorcycle – which brings with it an equal measure of pros and cons. Our team must be in a position to allow completely new approaches and solutions and at the same time to apply the existing knowledge in an optimal way. Because of this “Freeride” is a typical KTM project – extremely innovative, courageous and full of sporting ambition.”

6.) Focus on Series Ready Machines

Following promising tests, the transition of the zero emission prototype from a purely research project to a series development project has long been a reality. Intensive work is being carried out on the preparation of the finished series product at KTM headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria. The two prototypes being shown at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show are already series-near and the bike will be available for sale 18 months late in Europe.

DI Harald Plöckinger, KTM Power Sports AG Board Member: “As a company that is both innovative and a market leader, KTM has set itself the task of developing new drive systems for our sports motorcycles. The concept of the zero emission motorcycle united well-known KTM core competencies with a new and very interesting motor technology. The first prototypes are already revealing the huge potential of this development project.”

7) Technical Data Information

» Vehicle concept

Frame Lightweight Delta Box frame with forged aluminium components

Self supporting tail in monocoque design

Suspension Up-side-down fork and shock absorber with variable setting

Progressive damping system

Tires 21” Trial Enduro tires

Brake system Hydraulic brake system with hand operation for the front and rear wheel

Radial brake system with recuperation support through brake energy

Engine case Combined drive casing in light metal design and all inclusive system integration

Drive motor Permanent energized synchronous motor in shrunk-on-disc construction

Engine management Modular high performance power module with integrated system and “Drive by Wire” security management

Transmission Direct drive without clutch with gear transmission and chain

Traction battery Plug in battery in li-ion (lithium-ion) technology

» Technical data

Value Unit

Motor effective horsepower 7.4 (10) / 6000 kW (hp) / Umin-1

Motor peak performance 22 (30) / 6000 kW (hp) / Umin-1

Motor torque 43 / 500 Nm / Umin-1

Maximum motor speed 6600 Umin-1

Maximum battery voltage 300 V

Maximum energy content 2.5 kWh

Speed 70 Km/h

Overall multiplication factor

(Primary / secondary level) 10.5 (2.4 / 4.5)

Charging time 1.5 h

Total vehicle weight

Including removable traction battery 90 kg

8.) Questions and Answers on the KTM Freeride

When will the first KTM electro-motorcycle be available for sale?

KTM will begin with the transition of this project into the pre-series phase in the summer of 2010. A comprehensive test program will be carried out at the same time. According to current planning, the delivery of the first “Freeride” offroad series production model will follow in late spring of 2011 for Europe.

What will the KTM “Freeride” motorcycle cost?

The price has not yet been finalized; however, the aim is to stay under € 10,000 and to settle on a price comparable to a conventional, high-quality, sport Enduro.

Will there be other variants or models?

The topic “electro-driven” certainly offers more areas of application than classic offroad sport. In the first phase, it will only involve the Enduro because here KTM wants to gather experience and push the sport. Following the enduro, there are numerous possible applications and scope for variants.

Is the KTM Freeride homologated for street riding?

In Europe, the machine will be homologated for use on the open road.

How long will the battery last under normal operation?

In principle it must be said that in the area of e-motors reach is largely dependant on the profile of the user. The range is significantly less with a motocross professional at the handlebars than with a hobby enduro rider. The development goal is to be equitable with the requirements in the area of Enduro. In other words, with mixed offroad riding, approximately one hour should be possible.

How long does it take to recharge the battery?

The battery can be used at 100% performance after 90 minutes on the charger. It is possible to recharge the battery while still installed in the bike, but it can also be simply and quickly removed and replaced with another.

How many times is it possible to recharge the battery?

The final specification of the battery has not been determined. The one that is presently being tested allows approximately 500 recharges, which is the equivalent of the normal life cycle of an Enduro motorcycle. Generally, it must be said that the development of batteries in this sector is still in the first stage and significant advances in development are expected in the coming years.

Does the “Freeride” mark the end of the classic Enduro with a combustion motor?

Absolutely not. From KTM’s point of view the new drive technology represents a big chance to open up a third stream of application in the area of motorcycles. Highly developed four-stroke motors will continue to be used in the future, just as with two-stroke motors. Above all, motorcycles with an electro-motor will contribute to bringing the sport into the urban areas and at the same time speak to an entirely new target group.

9.) About KTM Sportmotorcycle AG

The KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is a leading international manufacturer of motorsports vehicles. KTM has already won more than 160 world championship titles and has won the Dakar Rally nine times. The operational core business, the KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG, develops and produces race-ready offroad and street motorcycles. The KTM-Sportcar GmbH is the company for the light-weight sports car, the X-BOW, with which KTM has taken the first step into the automobile area. With it’s around 1,400 employees, the company group had a turnover in 2008/09 of approximately € 455 million. Some 17 sales subsidiaries and five joint ventures deliver KTM products to around 1,400 independent dealers all over the world.

Retrieved March 25, 2010; from http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1859

Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign would shut off-highway vehicle enthusiasts out of 379,000 acres in Colorado

March 25th, 2010 2 comments

Motorcyclists and others must act now to protect access

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has learned that within the next few weeks an anti-access group will present U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) with the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign, which would designate 379,000 acres of public land in Colorado as federal Wilderness. These new designations would be in addition to 3.5 million acres already protected as Wilderness in Colorado.

Because Polis is expected to introduce related legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, the AMA is asking all motorcyclists and off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts to protest this latest effort to inappropriately designate public lands as Wilderness.

“The AMA has formally objected to the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign, citing the inappropriate nature of the affected lands,” said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. “In addition to the AMA, the Basalt Fire District opposes the measure, contending that the designation would thwart efforts to fight fires.”

The Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign is designed to prohibit nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation on public land in the White River and Gunnison National Forests, such as the Flattops, Basalt Mountain, Red Tables, Thompson Creek and other areas. Included are many areas that have existing trails and other improvements that do not meet the federal definition of wild areas established by the Wilderness Act of 1964.

“We want AMA members, OHV users, recreationists and the general public to understand that this is the work of a single, powerful special interest group that is trying to act as a gatekeeper for public policy in Colorado,” said Moreland. “Of particular significance are concerns expressed by firefighters over acquiring waivers to fight fires on land designated as Wilderness. This is especially troubling when those Wilderness areas are adjacent to communities.

“We need to protect public land for future generations, not from future generations, and that includes access for responsible OHV recreation,” Moreland said. “The Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign does not accomplish that goal.”

The quickest and most effective way to contact your representative is to call. You can find contact information for your elected officials at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation. Enter your zip code in the “Find your Officials” box. A pre-written e-mail also is available to send to your representative by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information.

The direct link to the Issues & Legislation area of the AMA website is AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/rapidresponse.asp.

Wilderness designation is one of the strictest forms of public land management. Once Congress designates an area Wilderness, nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation are illegal. The National Wilderness Act of 1964 created Wilderness designations, which are designed to protect pristine, remote areas affected primarily by the forces of nature. In recent years, anti-access groups have abused Wilderness designations to force responsible off-highway recreationalists off public land well-suited to off-highway motorized recreation.

“The AMA supports appropriate Wilderness designations,” Moreland said. “However, when those lands include roads, trails, power lines, dams, bridges and structures, they do not meet the clear definition of Wilderness. All recreationists must protest these unfair measures before responsible motorized access to public land is lost forever.”

Last year, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act designated more than 2 million acres as Wilderness, and more bills have followed. Many of those proposals, such as the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign, would affect Colorado. They include H.R. 4289, the Colorado Wilderness Act of 2009, introduced by Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.). The bill will designate 34 areas totaling 850,000 acres as Wilderness, including 72,397 in Handies Peak, 20,025 in Browns Canyon and 38,594 at Redcloud Peak. H.R. 3914, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act of 2009, introduced by Rep. John Salazar (D-Colo.), would inappropriately designate 44,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and private land as federally protected Wilderness.

“With 3.5 million acres of existing Wilderness, Colorado is already one of the most federally protected states in the nation, and it also is home to many of this country’s OHV enthusiasts,” Moreland said. “We need to keep OHV routes and legal trails in the state open, so this and future generations can continue to experience the sweeping vistas and rugged terrain that the state has to offer.”

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.

Call for Entries! Lehman Trikes Offers “Good Turn Trike” Program

March 24th, 2010 No comments

LEHMAN TRIKES, INC. March 24, 2010 – Call for Entries! Lehman Trikes Offers “Good Turn Trike” Program With the deadline just around the corner, Lehman Trikes is gearing up for its annual “Good Turn Trike” award! The “Good Turn Trike” is a program started by Lehman that converts a recipient’s motorcycle into a trike. The recipient is a person that, despite physical or financial means, continues to make a positive impact in the lives of others and illustrates the program’s motto of “one good turn deserves another”. The program was started in the mid-1990s by Lehman Trikes and became an annual event just a few years ago. Applications are accepted throughout the year and are available at Lehman dealerships and on the Lehman Trikes website (in the “About Us” section), www.lehmantrikes.com. Applications for this year’s award must be submitted by April 30, 2010 and a winner is chosen by May 31, 2010. For more information on Lehman Trikes or the “Good Turn Trike” program, please contact: Sales/Public Relations Information Jaime L. Kreager Lehman Trikes USA, Inc. 125 Industrial Drive Spearfish, SD 57783 Phone: 605-642-2111 Fax: 605-642-1184 Email: marketing@lehman3.com www.lehmantrikes.com/

AMA Announces 2010 AMA Racing ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series Schedule

March 23rd, 2010 5 comments

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today the 2010 schedule for the AMA Racing ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series. Kicking off on May 8 in Burnsville, N.C., the series features the country’s top ATV dirt-track racers and will award national titles in a number of age, skill and machine-based classes.

“ATV dirt-track racing is of the most extreme motorsports in the country — high speeds, monster rooster tails and bar-to-bar action,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “For our racers and fans, this year’s schedule offers a number of venues that will not only test rider skill but take the series to a wide range of locations.”

The initial round will be at Robbins Ridge Motorsports Park in Burnsville, N.C., on May 8. The series will then make stops in Missouri, New York, Virginia, Ohio and South Dakota before returning to Ohio for the series finale on Aug. 28. The complete schedule is below.

More information about AMA-sanctioned events, including rulebooks and tips on getting started in racing, can be found at AMARacing.com.

2010 AMA Racing ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series Schedule

Round 1
May 8
Robbins Ridge Motorsports Park
Ted Robbins
(704) 826-6228
btnc660@yahoo.com
www.edtracing.com
LOC: Burnsville, N.C.

Round 2
May 29
Ozark Mountain ATV Raceway
Roy Reed
(417) 683-1667
rrgetmuddy@aol.com           
www.ozarksatvraceway.com
LOC: Ava, Mo.

Round 3
June 19
Dundee Motorsports
Dean Hoag
(607) 382-8613
blackrockspeedway@yahoo.com
www.blackrockspeedway.com
LOC: Black Rock Speedway, Dundee, N.Y.

Round 4
July 10
Birch Creek Motorsports Park
Ken Ferrell
(434) 836-7629
carlsmail1@comcast.net
www.birchcreekmxpark.com
LOC: Danville, Va.

Round 5
July 24-25
Fischer Cycle
Pine Lake Off-Road Facility
Bud Fischer
(440) 997-4166
williamfischer07@yahoo.com
www.fischercycleracing.com
LOC: Ashtabula, Ohio

Round 6
Aug. 14
Michael Coburn Racing
Michael Coburn
(605) 594-3465
tpaloil@alliancecom.net
www.edtracing.com
LOC: Sioux Falls, S.D.

Round 7
Aug. 28
Patriot Promotions
Wayne Phillips
(330) 465-1990
www.waynecountyspeedway.com
LOC: Wayne County Speedway, Orrville, Ohio
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.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

NEW LUMINATOR LEATHER JACKET FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON

March 22nd, 2010 2 comments

Exclusive 360-Degree Enhanced Visibility

 MILWAUKEE – The New Men’s Luminator Leather Jacket
(P/N 98013-10VM, $495) from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line combines premium functional features with exclusive, 360-degree Enhanced Visibility for the highest visibility in low-light conditions. Exclusive to H-D, the 360-degree system strategically places 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material throughout the jacket – on front, back and sides – so the rider is visible to other motorists from nearly every angle when illuminated by headlights. The jacket is constructed from midweight leather with six zippered vents, pre-curved sleeves, power-stretch side panels and a removable kidney belt. Seven zippered pockets deliver ample storage space, while removable, lightweight body armor adds protection at the elbows and shoulders. Available in S-5XL and Tall sizes.

For even greater visibility and additional protection, pair the jacket with the Luminator Leather Chap (P/N 98012-10VM, $325), featuring midweight leather construction, zippered vents, removable armor and extensive 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material.

The new Luminator Leather Jacket and Chap are available now at most
Harley-Davidson dealerships.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes products, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.

Wimmer Custom Cycle Introduces the Ultra Sucker Air Cleaner

March 21st, 2010 2 comments

Myrtle Beach, SC- The latest introduction to the ever-growing line of quality intakes and products from Wimmer Machine is the Ultra Sucker air cleaner. It was designed to work with all V-Twin (USA) motors, both with carburetors and fuel injection systems including DBW. The Ultra Sucker provides provide better airflow and is part of the world famous line up of products offered from Wimmer Machine. Increased performance and looks form this totally CNC made in USA intake. Rain protection also available. There are also two types of breathing systems. Our patented top breathers or the new IBS totally enclosed system. The choice is yours.

The CNC machined billet intake is available in several finishes…luxurious chrome, polished or black anodized. The easy-to-service “lifetime” filter is available in four different colors… red, blue, black and purple. Rain socks are available for nasty weather riding. You can mix and match to achieve your desired look.

When it comes to aftermarket intakes, Wimmer Custom Cycle continually outperforms its competition. For over a decade, Wimmer has stayed on the cutting edge of technology, producing some of the best intakes on the market. Wimmer’s intakes not only look great, but will also increase the performance and horsepower of your bike…guaranteed! “We proudly stand at the top of our industry as the King of Intakes,” exclaimed Lee Wimmer, founder and president of Wimmer Custom Cycle. Top custom bike builders and award winning bikes from around the globe use Wimmer intakes.

For further information on intakes, please contact Wimmer Custom Cycle directly at 1-866-Hot Cycle (1-866-468-2925) and 215.721.4110. You can also view their complete product line at http://www.wimmermachine.com/ or drop them an email at info@wimmermachine.com. Wimmer Custom Cycle, 11670 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Dealer inquiries invited!