Born To Ride News

Carl Edwards Wins Harley-Davidson XR1200 at Road America Nationwide Race

NASCAR driver Carl Edwards left Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, with more than just a win in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Bucyrus 200, the series’ inaugural road course race at scenic Road America on June 19. In addition to a custom trophy designed by the Harley-Davidson styling department and presented by Willie G. and Bill Davidson, Edwards also rode away with a brand-new Harley-Davidson XR1200X motorcycle. Not a bad haul for a hard day’s drive.

Second Annual Women Riders Month Celebrated Around the World in May

Riders from as far away as Aruba and South Africa celebrated the 2nd Annual Harley-Davidson Women Riders Month in May with rides and parties, enjoying the unique camaraderie found only on two wheels.

At the exciting event in Milwaukee May 22-23, more than 1,000 women–and men­­­–enjoyed the weekend’s festivities, with a highlight being the Group Ride to the Street Party downtown led by Karen Davidson, Creative Director of Harley-Davidson General Merchandise. Riders from Brazil, Australia, Mexico and Europe attended the event, enjoying the Harley-Davidson bond that is common across all cultures and countries.

“No matter where we are from, we are all uniquely bonded by our passion for riding,” said Davidson. “To see women taking their first step toward riding, and the excitement on the faces of the women already twisting throttles was exhilarating.”

A recap of the event is posted at h-d.com/womenriders featuring video and photos of riders around the world celebrating the growing number of women getting into the sport.

National Garage Party Sweepstakes Contest Winner Announced

Deborah L. McEnteggart of Pinellas Park, Florida, has been announced as the winner of Harley-Davidson’s National Garage Party Sweepstakes contest. McEnteggart along with three guests, will be rewarded with a spa retreat weekend in Los Angeles, in addition to learning to ride during a Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course. The lucky winners will also meet TV wellness expert Jillian Michaels, and get some tips on leading a healthier life. Michaels, a Harley-Davidson rider and life-long motorcycle enthusiast, recently forged a partnership with the Motor Company to encourage more women to participate in the sport.

Women interested in taking the next step can visit h-d.com/roadmap to access the Harley-Davidson Roadmap to Riding online tool. Through several simple milestones, women will get the tips, advice and confidence they need to turn their dream of riding into a reality.

Oshkosh Defense Announces Rumble With a Cause Sweepstakes Winners 

The Armed Forces Foundation together with Oshkosh Defense announced the winners of the custom-painted motorcycle grand prizes for the Rumble With a Cause sweepstakes. David Dingman, of Killeen, Texas, won the Army-themed bike and Skipper Lee Campbell, of Seguin, Texas, won the Marine Corps-themed bike.

Dingman, a staff sergeant with the Army, and Campbell, a retired Marine with 14 years of service, received calls from Patricia Driscoll, AFF president and executive director, and Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense, notifying them of their grand prize win. The winners will receive their motorcycles at a special event in the Washington, D.C. The sweepstakes, which ended on April 15, raised more than $150,000 for the AFF, which provides assistance to active and retired military members, as well as their families.

“Thanks to the support of many people, including the two lucky winners, the Rumble With a Cause sweepstakes was a great success,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “We at Oshkosh believe strongly in giving back to the men and women who serve our country, whether they’re on the front lines or have returned home. The AFF does so much for military members and their families, and we are very happy to have been able to support the important services they provide.”

With the support of Oshkosh, the AFF launched the Rumble With a Cause sweepstakes in October 2009. Oshkosh donated the two military-themed Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycles as the sweepstakes grand prizes. Donations raised through the sweepstakes will support the AFF and its wide range of assistance to active and retired military members, and their families, including counseling, living expenses, funeral arrangements and housing improvements.

While sweepstakes entries are no longer being accepted, those wishing to support the AFF and its many services can still make a donation through the Rumble With a Cause Web site at http://www.rumblewithacause.org/ or by texting AFF to 90999 to give $10.

No 2010 Harley-Davidson Open Houses at York or Kansas City Plants

Harley-Davidson Motor Company will not host Open House events at the Company’s York Operations or Kansas City Vehicle and Powertrain Operations this fall, due an expanded commitment of event marketing resources to other activities, including events that focus on new demographic markets, as well as the ongoing restructuring activities underway at York.

Dedicated Style Matches 3-in-1 Functionality

 MILWAUKEE (2010) – Limited to just 2,000 production jackets, the new Limited Edition Pink Label 3-in-1 Leather Jacket (P/N 98161-10VW, $450) from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® line is a unique way to look great and support an important cause. It’s made from lightweight leather, with four zippered vents, pre-curved sleeves and power stretch side panels for riding comfort. The removable zip-out fleece hoodie features extended-length cuffs with thumb holes to block wind from flowing into the sleeves, and can be worn separately. A custom interior leather patch notes the jacket’s limited availability and complements the embroidered graphics and stitching. Available in XS – 3W. A portion of the proceeds from this and all Pink Label Collection items support the Breast Cancer Network of Strength^® call center and YourShoes^™ 24/7 Support Center.

The Limited Edition Pink Label 3-in-1 Leather Jacket is available now at many 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.

American Motorcyclist Association supports EPA decision to delay ruling on increased ethanol in gasoline

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) concurs with the decision announced by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 17 to delay its ruling on whether to allow the ethanol portion of blended gasoline to be increased from the current 10 percent to 15 percent.

“This is encouraging news because much more research needs to be done to be sure that increased levels of ethanol in gasoline are beneficial, rather than damaging, to motorcycle engines and components,” said Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager.

“The AMA supports the use of cleaner-burning fuels but we are concerned that, if the allowable level of ethanol is raised, it could result in premature engine damage or failure while a bike is being ridden on a highway,” Szauter explained. “We are also concerned about any degradation in performance, fuel economy and rideability that may result from the long-term use of blended fuels with greater than 10 percent ethanol.”

Growth Energy, an ethanol lobbying group, asked the EPA in March 2009 to allow gasoline to contain up to 15 percent ethanol. The EPA had planned to issue a decision by December 2009 but then said a decision would come in mid-2010. The EPA recently said a decision won’t be made until at least the fall because more tests need to be completed.

Currently, pump gasoline in the United States can contain up to 10 percent ethanol, which is used to increase octane, reduce carbon monoxide emissions and provide an alternative to petroleum-based fuels. Motorcycle manufacturers currently only certify their engines to run on fuels that have a 10 percent or less blend.

Increasing the percentage of ethanol could have a negative impact on motorcycle engines, since burning ethanol creates more heat than conventional gasoline. That has the potential to damage air-cooled motorcycle engines.

Also, fuel systems on bikes may be susceptible to corrosive effects of higher concentrations of ethanol in gas. And while ethanol helps reduce carbon monoxide levels in engine exhaust, it can also increase the levels of oxides of nitrogen, one of the components of smog.

“Until studies show that a higher ethanol blend won’t damage motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) engines, and won’t make motorcycles emit more nitrogen oxides than are allowed by the EPA, the AMA can’t support any proposal to allow a higher blend,” Szauter said.

The AMA is a member of AllSAFE, the Alliance for a Safe Alternative Fuels Environment, a group formed to ensure that fuels containing ethanol are promoted in a thoughtful manner. AllSAFE is made up of associations that represent consumer and commercial users of ethanol blends, manufacturers of boats, vehicles, engines and equipment, and retailers who sell gasoline and ethanol-fuel blends.

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 the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

K&N Filters’ Partnership with AMD builds Momentum for Upcoming World Championship

K&N Filters, the long standing performance standard for internal combustion engines, has signed an agreement with the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building to be a full partner in this prestigious event.

 Both Johnny Jump and Nick O’Kane of K&N are thrilled with the increased emphasis on the Modified Harley class. K&N air filters have long been the standard for performance when it comes to internal combustion engines, whether for motorcycle or truck engines, or anything in between. 
 
In most cases, exhaust modifications to motorcycles are enhanced by the use of a K&N air filter, typically resulting in a broader power band increase. With the combination of increased power and a lifetime of use, K&N air filters truly are the best performance value on the market today. K&N  and AMD both look forward to hosting another great event in Sturgis for all to enjoy.

The Riverside, California company is well known as the pioneer of high performance pleated paper filter technology and has been a staple for strip, race circuit and street applications for years.
 
Commenting on the decision to associate their brand with the aims, objectives and status of the World Championship program K&N National Accounts Manager Nick O’Kane said, “We have always sought high profile, high status opportunities to promote the K&N brand in a way that continues its association with and reputation for market leading quality.” “In the Harley-Davidson aftermarket, custom v-twin and performance and tuning industries the World Championship of Custom Bike Building is a prestige opportunity for us to continue that association and keep our brand profile high among the international customer base we manufacture for.” 
 
About AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building

The World Championship of Custom Bike Building exists to showcase and promote international custom motorcycle design and engineering quality, craftsmanship and innovation; and to promote the evolution of custom motorcycling in ways that will help secure the unique enjoyment of custom motorcycles for future generations of riders.

The World Championship is a free-public-admission four-day event that opens on the first Sunday of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, culminating in an awards ceremony at 3:00 pm MST on the Wednesday of the Rally. The whole event, including the awards ceremony, is broadcast on the internet at http://www.amdchampionship.com/

The results of all European and World Championships since the program’s inception appear in the event website registry, along with details of the motorcycle builders, photo gallery, and technical specifications.