Born To Ride News

AMA Legends & Champions weekend will celebrate motorcycling’s heroes and today’s top amateur racers Nov. 19-21 in Las Vegas

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame heroes, AMA Racing amateur champions, industry stalwarts, and families, friends and fans will converge on the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 19-21 for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Legends & Champions weekend.

Kicking off with the 2010 induction ceremony for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Friday, Nov. 19, the weekend also includes the 2010 AMA Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 20, featuring some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. The AMA Racing Championship Banquet bookends the weekend on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 21, where AMA Racing champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2010 accomplishments.

“The celebration of our 2010 inductees at the Red Rock Resort will represent another step in our ongoing elevation of the amazing people who’ve written the history of motorcycling,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “As we did with great success in 2009, we’re excited to once again combine our Hall of Fame celebration with our end-of-season AMA Racing Championship Banquet, showcasing motorcycling’s enduring legends and amateur racing’s top talent on one weekend.”

The Hall of Fame Class of 2010 — which will be announced individually and in random order over the next few weeks — includes those who have excelled in motorcycle business, history, design and engineering, as well as those who have made lasting contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of motorcycle racing.

“There is only one AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” said Jack Penton, a Hall of Famer himself and the AMA’s incoming director of operations. “I am honored and humbled as we approach the announcements of our 2010 class, which includes bona fide pillars of the motorcycling community, each of whom is truly worthy of a seat in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley added that he’s excited to again offer racers the opportunity to witness motorcycling history as they celebrate their own successful seasons.

“As a big part of both our heritage and the future of the AMA, amateur racing deserves the highest honor we can provide, and with this combined event, today’s champions can see first-hand what a career of dedication and hard work can bring: recognition in the revered AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” Bromley said. “Regardless of what, where or how you race, this is your weekend — where the best in the country descend on one location to celebrate their AMA National No. 1 plates.”

Although those champions come from numerous disciplines — from motocross to ice racing to drag racing to hillclimb, and many more, on both motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles — some of them will earn their titles that very weekend, at the Nov. 20 round the Geico Powersports AMA Endurocross National Championship Series.

With the AMA Endurocross National Championship Series celebrating its finale the night before the AMA Racing Championship Banquet, attendees will have the opportunity to experience both events at a discounted rate.

Ticket prices for the AMA Legends & Champions weekend are $89 for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and $69 for the AMA Racing Championship Banquet. In addition, the following combined ticket packages are available: $120 for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the Saturday night Endurocross; $100 for the AMA Racing Championship Banquet and the Saturday night Endurocross; and $160 for all three events. Spectator admission to the AMA Concours d’Elegance on Saturday is free.

Event tickets will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis, and further details will be provided in a separate announcement after June 1. Because the 2009 Championship Banquet was a sellout, early ticket purchase is highly recommended.

Reservations at the Red Rock Resort are available now at a special group rate via AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Accommodations.

The Red Rock Resort is a world-class spa, hotel and casino on the west side of Las Vegas, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms will provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends & Champions weekend, which is certain to be memorable for the 2010 inductees, champions, families, friends and fans. More information is available online at RedRockLasVegas.com.

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.

Survey: Arai helmets ranked first in customer satisfaction

 From a press release issued by J.D. Power and Associates…

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 20 May 2010 — Highly satisfied motorcycle helmet owners are approximately 10 times more likely to repurchase the same helmet brand, compared with owners with lower levels of satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction StudySM released today.

The study finds that brand loyalty is tied directly to owner satisfaction, as 41 percent of highly satisfied motorcycle helmet owners (satisfaction scores averaging higher than 900 on a 1,000-point scale) indicate they “definitely will” repurchase the same brand. Conversely, only a small percentage (4%) of helmet owners who are dissatisfied (satisfaction scores averaging lower than 550) say the same.

“As new-motorcycle sales have declined considerably during the past few years, the market for motorcycle helmets has also dwindled,” said Todd Markusic, senior director of the powersports practice at  J.D. Power and Associates. “As a result, it’s more important than ever for motorcycle helmet manufacturers to ensure their current customers are highly satisfied, increasing the likelihood that they’ll return to the brand the next time they are in the market for a new helmet. Since owners typically replace their helmets every three to four years, fostering customer loyalty may bring substantial benefit to the bottom line for manufacturers.”

Regardless of the actual price paid for a new helmet, motorcycle owners who are highly satisfied with their helmet also say they believe they received a great value. Overall, 57 percent of highly satisfied helmet owners rate the value for the price they paid as “outstanding,” while only 4 percent of those with low satisfaction indicate the same.

“In addition, satisfaction levels tend to rise as the price of the helmet increases,” said Markusic. “Quite simply, motorcycle helmets appear to be a product where you truly get what you pay for, in terms of comfort and fit.”

The study measures overall satisfaction of motorcyclists with their new helmet in three key factors: ventilation, face shield, and design and styling. These three factors are comprised of 11 attributes: quietness; ventilation/air flow; de-fogging performance; face shield ability to keep wind out; face shield ability to resist scratching; ease of replacing face shield; scratch resistance of shell; color/graphic design; weight; ease of fastening the strap; and fit and comfort.

Arai ranks highest in customer satisfaction for a 12th consecutive year with a score of 836 and performs particularly well across nearly all measures. Shoei follows in the rankings with 827, while Icon ranks third with 826.

Overall industry satisfaction averages 784 in 2010, up 18 points from 2009—the highest level since the study’s inception in 1999. This improvement in satisfaction is driven mainly by increases in satisfaction with ventilation/air flow; fit and comfort; color/graphic design; and scratch resistance of shell. Harley-Davidson has improved considerably, up 25 points from 2009, because of increases in satisfaction with ventilation/air flow; fit and comfort; and color/graphic design. Despite ranking below the industry average, Bell and Fulmer also improved notably—up 55 points and 39 points, respectively, from 2009.

The 2010 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 4,800 purchasers of new 2009 model-year motorcycles who provided information about their most recent helmet purchase experience and helmet use. The study was fielded August through October 2009.

Retrieved May 21, 2010; from http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1982

More Motorcycling Female Firsts

Myers, sixteen is the youngest rider to compete in this weekend’s West Coast Moto Jam and became the first female to win an AMA Pro Racing event in the circuit’s 77-year history! She placed first within the shortened Pro SuperSport race at Infineon Raceway.

This is Myers’ first season in the Pro SuperSport class, which is designed for riders between ages 16 and 21. Riders need to be at least 16 to practice or compete at Infineon, so Myers had previously taken only a few laps before this month at what she considers her home course.

Elena had pictured her first AMA win as more of a battle than default, but history had other ideas and really, that’s racing, all counts!

Elena was leading ahead of competitor Joey Pascarella during the ninth lap of the 18-lap race when he lost control of his bike and flipped going into Turn 10. Elena came around and crossed the finish line first as the race’s second red flag was brought out to halt the event. After a five-minute delay, Myers was declared the winner, as AMA officials concluded that cleaning up the track and continuing the race would have put the afternoon’s program too far behind schedule.

She qualified eighth but moved to fifth on the first lap. She held that position until the seventh lap when Jake Gagne slid off the track and went down on Turn 9 to bring out a red flag.

Myers started fourth when the race resumed and moved up to third after the first two turns.

Elena shares, that she kept Beaubier behind me and kept pushing, aiming to catch up to Joey. Elena succeeded winning by 0.338 seconds over Beaubier.

Big congrats to Elena our new American road racing female star, we’ll be watching!

Retrieved May 19, 2010; from http://www.motoress.com/readarticle.asp?articleid=489&c=news

Museum of Florida Art presents “Seasonal Crossings” Exhibition by Mollie Doctrow

June 11 – August 22, 2010

Mollie Doctrow has carved out a name for herself and has celebrated the untouched part of Florida doing it. Her work is woodcut medium, and represents natural forms that are processed accurately and expressively, moving beyond the documentation of native habitats, plants, insects, animals and even rocks that served as inspiration. The carving demands a “high dosage” of spontaneity, letting go, and following the movement or feeling for the form.

The subjects of her artwork include old growth forests and land where little or no development has occurred. Many of the plant species represented are either endangered or threatened. Recent prints depict the varied habitats of Central and South Florida – swamps, forests, marshes, prairies, scrubs, and pinelands. A dominant theme is the “drama of the moment”, a personal interaction with a particular place.

The exhibition, titled “Seasonal Crossings”, will be at the Museum of Florida Art June 11 through August 22, in the Chris Harris Gallery, and is a must see for environmental enthusiasts and lovers of art alike. For more information and exhibit times, call the museum at 386-734-4371. The museum is located at 600 N. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand.

Kathy Tiller, Marketing and Public Relations Director, Museum of Florida Art

The mission of the Museum of Florida Art is to promote and showcase Florida Art and emerging and established Florida Artists through exhibitions and educational and interpretive programming made available to a diverse statewide audience of all ages; to collect and preserve works of art for this purpose; to publish books and other materials concerning the foregoing; and to make such resources available for the public.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to welcome Jack Penton to the position of AMA Director of Operations. Penton, an AMA Life Member who was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999 in honor of his off-road racing success, will start on June 1.

As director of operations, Penton will report directly to AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman, and will assist him in managing the day-to-day functions of the Association. Penton will also have direct responsibility for the Hall of Fame.

“Jack Penton’s breadth of experience in the motorcycle industry gives him a fresh perspective that I’m excited to bring to the AMA,” Dingman said. “His hands-on approach will help guide our staff as we continually seek better ways to serve our members and more effectively promote and protect the motorcycling lifestyle.”

Penton has more than 40 years of experience in the motorcycle industry. Early in his career he worked for Penton Imports developing Penton motorcycles, a brand founded by his father, AMA Hall of Famer John Penton. Later, he worked for Kawasaki Motors, Malcolm Smith Racing and KTM America. Most recently, Penton served with Tucker Rocky Distributing, a world leader in the distribution of motorcycle merchandise.

An AMA member for 45 years, Penton is also chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation (AMHF) Board of Directors, the fundraising body for the Hall of Fame, a position he will relinquish prior to June 1. Having served on the AMHF board for three years, Penton has watched the AMA make major improvements at a crucial time.

“I am eager to join the AMA staff, and I look forward to helping the Association become a more powerful voice for America’s motorcyclists,” Penton said. “The threats to motorcycling are greater today than ever before. Now is the time to secure the rights of motorcyclists in America, but to do so the AMA membership needs to grow many times over.

“The AMA has its priorities in order and has made the commitments needed to expand the organization,” Penton said. “Now is the time for motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere to join us so that we can respond with strength to the forces that want to take away our rights as motorcyclists.”

Effective June 1, those wishing to contact Penton can send him an e-mail at jpenton@ama-cycle.org, or call (614) 856-1900.

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.

Sonoma, Calif…Things definitely didn’t go according to plan for the Crozier Roberson/DNA Energy Drink Motorsports Team this past weekend at the West Coast Monster Jam at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. “Wow, what a weekend,” said team manager and co-owner Mark Crozier. “We started out really strong with Joey Pascarella qualifying his DNA Energy Drink Ducati in second place in AMA Pro Supersport West. Bobby Fong grabbed a 4th place slot on AMA Pro Daytona SportBike and Michael Beck followed up with a 12th on the starting grid. But as things began to unfold, it became painfully clear that that was all the good fortune that Lady Luck had in store for us over the weekend.” Riding the DNA Energy Drink Ducati for the first time, Pascarella powered off the Supersport starting line determined to land on the podium. Running strong, he ran up front for some laps and then settled into second. All was looking good and then disaster struck. Holding down the number 2 slot, Pascarella high sided and brought out the red flag. “Due to the number of laps completed, the red, flag ended the race and Joey had to take an 18th place finish.” explains Crozier. “The crew immediately swung into action rebuilding Pascarella’s DNA Energy Drink Ducati fore Sunday’s race.” Looking for a good day, Pascarella once again thundered off the start and was going full bore when he once again high sided coming out of the last corner. “Once again, the red flag came out,” continues Crozier. “But this time we were a little luckier. The crew managed to get the bike repaired just in time for the restart and Joey was able to make it from dead last to 8th place. He did an incredible job as did the crew and despite all our problems, Joey retained a 45 point lead.” For Bobby Fong, it really didn’t go much better. “On Saturday Bobby got a bad start,” says Crozier. “He managed to move up and was running in the lead pack until around lap 11 when he lost the front end and crashed giving him a DNF. Once again, the crew got to work rebuilding the bike. Things looked a little better on Sunday. Bobby got a great start and was once again running up with the leaders. Everyone had their fingers crossed, but it wasn’t our day. Excessive tire wear forced him to slow down and he came across the finish line in 6th place.” For Michael Beck Saturday went a little better. Running an extremely smooth and consistent race, Beck ended up taking an 11th place finish in his first race on the DNA Energy Ducati. “While Saturday was smooth, Sunday was a different story,” says Crozier. “While battling for 10th, a rider in front went down and Beck had nowhere to go but down. Once again, our crew wasn’t about to give up. Springing into action, the got Beck’s bike back into running order and he was able to restart. Putting his head down, Beck managed to move back up to 11th. Unfortunately, he high sided coming out of turn one and ended his day.” “If it could go wring, it did,” sums up co-owner Robbie Roberson. “I definitely take my hat off to our crew. They did a phenomenal job. I know our riders are determined, but that is nothing compared to our crew. There wasn’t a single moment that they contemplated giving up. It was all systems go from start to finish.’ “We have 16 days to get everything ready for the next round and threw is no doubt that we will be ready,” says Crozier. Hopefully Lady Luck will give us a smile next time out.”

Crozier Roberson Motorsports is sponsored by: DNA Energy Drink, Quality Brands, Inc., FMF, Arai Helmets, Race Tech, Motion Pro, Pit Bull, EBC Brakes, EK, Melillimoto Ducati, Moto-Heaven.com, XES, Thrust Company, HEL, Woodcraft, Armour Bodies, Puma, Held Gloves, GP Tech, Active, Zero Gravity and Christopher Bean Coffee.

Let Your Freedom Ring Loud and Proud

MILWAUKEE (2010) –The new Independence Collection from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® line celebrates our freedom and the American spirit. It’s comprised of
17 Made-in-the-USA^* sportswear tops for men and women, each emblazoned with graphics,
colors and sayings that evoke the heritage of independence.

The 100% cotton Winged Liberty Bell Woven Shirt (P/N 96412-10VM, $45) for men
features a button front and snap-down collar, and comes in S – 3XL sizes.

Let your freedom be loud and clear with the men’s Freedom Ain’t Quiet Knit Tee
(P/N 96408-10VM, $45). It is 100% cotton and available in S – 3XL sizes.

The men’s Other Side is Courage Tee (P/N 96403-10VM, $40) is made from 100% cotton
and comes in S – 3XL sizes.

The women’s Nostalgic Knit With Hood (P/N 96005-10VW, $55) is a 100% cotton
pullover with printed and rhinestone-embellished graphics. It is available in XS – 3W sizes.

 Made from 95% cotton/5% Spandex, the women’s Nostalgic Embellished Tank
(P/N 96003-10VW, $45) features printed and rhinestone-embellished graphics, and is
available in XS – 3W sizes.

Items from the Independence Collection are available beginning in May at most
Harley-Davidson dealerships.

^*All items are either Made-in-the-USA or  Made-in-the-USA of imported materials.

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.

Milwaukee Police Celebrate 100 Years Using Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of its use of Harley-Davidson motorcycles to patrol the streets of the city of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Police Department motorcycle unit held its shift change roll call at the Harley-Davidson Museum on May 13 during the first of the Museum’s weekly Bike Nights for 2010. Willie G. and Bill Davidson were joined by MPD Chief Edward Flynn for the ceremony, which was attended by over 40 motorcycle officers and their Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Police motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson Launches Start Something Campaign with Marisa Miller

Harley-Davidson’s Start Something campaign featuring supermodel Marissa Miller, which is designed to encourage men to stop dreaming and start riding this summer, kicks into gear this week around the Maxim Hot 100 magazine issue, including an in-book ad, as well as exposure at the Maxim Hot 100 party in Los Angeles, on the Maxim Web site, social communities and their television program.  

To help get men in gear, Harley-Davidson is also providing a few perks.  Men can register for the chance to win one of hundreds of free Rider’s Edge New Rider Training Courses, as well as an exclusive package featuring the chance for one lucky winner and four friends to:

·                    Participate in the Rider’s Edge New Rider Training Course together

·                    Select the Harley-Davidson motorcycles of their choice

·                    Go on the road trip of a lifetime

·                    Meet supermodel Marisa Miller

The Start Something campaign extends the relationship Harley-Davidson has enjoyed with Marisa Miller, who first linked up with the Motor Company in 2008 to help launch the Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle motorcycle.  Miller’s role in the Start Something campaign is to encourage…and challenge men to live out their dreams.

In addition to the new Start Something spread featuring Miller and her favorite ride in the Maxim Hot 100 issue, men can also visit h-d.com/start to download exclusive photos of Miller and her motorcycle, as well as view behind-the-scenes video from the ad shoot.

Harley-Davidson XR1200 Is the Perfect Prize for a NASCAR Race Winner

Beer, brats, and cheese are certainly iconic Wisconsin food fare—but for the race winner in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Bucyrus 200 presented by Menards at Road America—what could be more iconic than a brand-new Harley-Davidson motorcycle? In addition to presenting the winner of the June 19 race with a brand-new XR1200 motorcycle, Harley-Davidson is also creating a unique presentation trophy that will be awarded to the winner.

Hines Rebounds to Third Place in Season Points

NHRA Atlanta_Polito

COMMERCE, Ga. (May 16, 2010) – Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines won the final round of Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations at the Summit Racing Engineering NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway. Hines rode a Harley-Davidson® V-Rod® to the win over Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana, the second time he has defeated the defending class champion in the final round this season.

The win comes on the heels of a disappointing outing for Hines in St. Louis on May 2, when the three-time champion went out on a red light in the first round.

“This was a big moral victory for the Screamin’ Eagle team after St. Louis,” said Hines, who has now notched 20 Pro Stock Motorcycle wins in his career. “Some of us stayed in St. Louis to test, and we focused on improving our 60-foot time. We started by learning what not to do, but on our last run of testing we had a great pass, so that’s where we started from here in Atlanta, and my worst 60-foot time today was better than any I’ve had all season. We are not racing from behind any more.”

Hines qualified third in Atlanta with an elapsed time (ET) of 6.938 seconds. His Screamin’ Eagle teammate, Ed Krawiec, qualified sixth with a 6.976-second pass. Arana led all qualifiers with a time of 6.913 seconds.

Krawiec lost at the starting line in the first round of Sunday eliminations, when his 7.013 ET could not overcome a 0.064-second reaction time and he fell to Valvoline Buell rider Craig Treble (0.017/7.026).

“That light was not acceptable,” said Krawiec. “We had trouble with our tune-up all weekend, and I never got mine fixed because I was done after one round. I think we got it right on Andrew’s final run, so we can save that and move on.”

Hines moved through Sunday eliminations with wins over MB Machining Buell rider Mike Berry, Treble, and David Hope on the VRoom Racing Buell. In the final against Arana, Hines had an outstanding 0.006-second reaction time and made his quickest pass of the day at 6.968 to take his second win of the season. Arana ran 0.034/7.047.

“Like Ed said, this was our first race of the year in hot weather, and we were really fighting to get the engine tuning right,” said Hines. “But on the last run the V-Rod felt really good. So we got a big win and some good data we can use for the rest of the season.”

Following five rounds of the 17-race 2010 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle schedule, Arana leads in points with 475. Al-Anabi Racing Buell rider Smith is second with 374, followed by Hines with 369, and Krawiec with 354.

The next Pro Stock Motorcycle event on the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule is the United Association NHRA Route 66 Nationals, June 3-6, at Route 66 Raceway Joliet, Ill.

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.