Born To Ride News

Allover Sublimated Mesh Construction

MILWAUKEE (May 27, 2011) – Built to keep women distinctively cool, the Cosmic Mesh Jacket (P/N 97221-12VW, $150) from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® line is constructed from 100 percent polyester allover-mesh with rich, allover sublimated printing. Dedicated pockets accept accessory hydration packs which, when soaked with water and affixed to the jacket, provide additional cooling via evaporation. Pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept accessory body armor, while zippered cuffs and adjustable waist tabs add a custom fit. Available in XS – 3W sizes.

Complement the look with the new Cosmic Skyline Helmet and Mesh gloves.

The Cosmic collection of MotorClothes is available at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Apparel and Collectibles, 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.

Packed with Premium Features and Materials

MILWAUKEE (May 27, 2011) – The new men’s Darkness Waterproof Leather Jacket (P/N 97088-12VM, $450) from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® line is constructed from waterproof midweight leather with waterproof buffalo leather trim at the elbows and shoulders. Its pre-curved sleeves, power-stretch panels above the elbows and action back translate into all-day riding comfort, while 3M^® Scotchlite^® Reflective Material increases your reflectivity in low-light conditions. Six cargo pockets – including a water resistant media pocket with headphone tab and a waterproof cellphone pocket – provide ample storage. Two zippered front intake vents and a horizontal back exit vent add custom comfort, while pockets at the elbows, shoulders and back accept accessory body armor. Available in S – 5XL and Tall sizes.

The Darkness Waterproof Leather Jacket is joined by the new Darkness Half Helmet and three new Darkness glove options. Each is available at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Apparel and Collectibles, 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.

Sumter County, FL, June 9, 2011 – This past week at the Sumter County (FL) Courthouse we have been observing the trial of Paul Sermons. The Florida Highway Patrol stated Mr. Sermons is the man that killed four bikers in Sumter County while intoxicated and driving on a suspended license over a year ago in March 2010.

Each day a number of ABATE of Florida members from our Freedom and Lake County Chapters have been in attendance to show our support for the surviving family members and to remind the Court that we are concerned with how this case is handled.

Tomorrow, Friday June 10, 2011, is the day it is believed this case will go to the jury. Therefore, we are asking that as many motorcyclists that can attend this hearing be there and stand with us.  There will be a group of us meeting at the Denny’s Restaurant at State Road 50 and I-75 with kick stands up at 8:00 am for the ride to the courthouse, and a second group departing the Village Convenience Stop/BP, 20339 US Hwy 27 in Clermont, also leaving at 8:00 am.

We would like to see as many as possible in the parking lot of the courthouse tomorrow. It is important not only to the families of the motorcyclists killed, but also to show support for the need of stiffer penalties for individuals that severely injure and/or take the lives of our brothers and sisters on motorcycles.

Please help us show not only Sumter County, but the entire State of Florida, that we mean business by joining us for this hearing. Our numbers will speak louder than our voices.

Contact Freedom Chapter President Dave Soles at dwsoles@gmail.com or Lake County Chapter Board Member Don Breckeknridge at webmaster@lake.abateflorida.com for additional information.

The Pacific War: Power and Pursuit

June 10 & 11

Symposiums at 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Followed by Meet-and-Greet

Initiated on December 7, 1941, with the attack on Pearl Harbor, The Pacific War pitted Allied powers against the Empire of Japan, engaging the U.S. for the first time in battle with a non-European enemy in his theatre of operations. The cultural and strategic requirements would test the spirit and strength of all combatants–on land, sea, and in the air. The challenges of living on aircraft carriers and remote islands, the engagement of fearsome kamikaze, and the legacy of the atomic bomb are just a few of many possible topics.

Learn more about all the Legends & Legacies programs here.

One of the Pacific War panelists, Lt. Col. Doug Canning, flew in military service for 28 years through three wars. On April 19, 1943, he and a handpicked group of P-38 pilots flew in loose formation fifty feet above the ocean in pursuit of a target. Their mission was to shoot down a Japanese bomber that was transporting the number one top military strategist of the Japanese Imperial forces. These men had been ordered not to return until that man was dead. His name: Yamamoto. The same Yamamoto who had ordered the attack on Pearl Harbor. The mission was completed as ordered.

Survivors of the Yamamota mission pose in front of a P-38. Doug Canning: front row, 2nd from left.

Grumman F3F and Pilot Reunited

"Junior" Hagemann's flying documents.

“Junior” Hagemann had no children of his own. He died in Maui during the summer of 1941–piloting one of three Navy Grumman F3F aircraft that crashed into the side of Haleakala during a foggy night training mission. His aircraft was identified as #1028.

John Hagemann visits his uncle's military aircraft.

However, Junior had four brothers who refused to forget their dashing brother’s courage. They shared stories of the “devastatingly handsome lieutenant” with their own children, who grew up with their uncle close to their hearts. Eventually the children started following up on clues about their uncle’s legend, sleuthing out more details, travelling far and wide to learn about his life… and to connect to his story.

As it turns out, the wreckage of Junior’s aircraft had been retrieved more than 40 years after the crash. From the remains of that aircraft and several other F3Fs, three flying F3Fs were built, including one that was eventually acquired by Fantasy of Flight and bears the military identifier #1028.

By tracing the military identification number, Junior’s niece Nancy Hagemann of Kansas City, KS, concluded her search at Fantasy of Flight, with Junior’s flying documents in hand. She presented them to Kermit Weeks, Fantasy of Flight owner, who has had them preserved and permanently placed in the Grumman F3F. A few days later, Junior’s nephew John Hagemann, of Texarkana, TX, dropped by to visit with his uncle’s plane and share more legends of Junior with staff.

Fantasy of Flight is honored to be the keeper of Junior Hagemann’s documents. We offer admiration for the abiding love of his brothers and their children in preserving the memory of a remarkable young man.

A Full-Featured Half Helmet

MILWAUKEE (May 27, 2011) – Styled with subtle graphics, the new Men’s Darkness Half Helmet with Retractable Sun Shield (P/N 97214-12VM, $145) from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® line features an array of useful options. The pull-down retractable visor is easily activated to minimize the sun’s glare. For those who want easy hands-free communication, the helmet accepts accessory H-D helmet headset and the RoadTech^™ Headset with Bluetooth^® 2.0 Technology. The inner liner is removable and washable, and a helmet bag is included.  It meets DOT requirements and is available in XS – 2XL sizes.

The Darkness Helmet can be matched with three new Darkness glove options and the new Darkness Waterproof Leather Jacket.

The Darkness Half Helmet and related items are available at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Apparel and Collectibles, 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.

Richly Accented with Allover Graphics

MILWAUKEE (May 27, 2011) – Richly accented with allover graphics, the new women’s Cosmic Full Face Helmet (P/N 97336-12VW, $210) from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® line matches style with protection. Fiberglass shell construction features a double D-ring chin strap, a tool-free removable face shield and venting for the chin and forehead. A helmet bag is included.  It meets DOT requirements and is available in 2XS – 2XL sizes.

Complete the look with the matching Cosmic Mesh Jacket and Mesh Gloves.

The Cosmic collection of MotorClothes is available at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Apparel and Collectibles, 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.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to recognize the start of Americade, an AMA National Convention, which will run June 7-11 in Lake George, N.Y. Attracting motorcyclists on all types of bikes, especially tourers, sport-tourers and cruisers, Americade offers some of the best riding in the country in addition to a full slate of events and entertainment.
“Americade is a gathering of true motorcycle enthusiasts, fun-loving folks who simply enjoy having a great time on two wheels,” said AMA Vice President of Membership and Marketing Dan Stedman. “The AMA is looking forward to being on location, supporting our members, signing up new members and enjoying ourselves at one of the premier events on the riding calendar every year.”

As part of its participation in Americade, the AMA is sponsoring the VT High Gaps Mini-Tour, Americade’s most popular tour. The AMA will provide prizes all four days of the ride, including a GoPro Hero HD camera, a Dispatch 1 Motorcycle Power Distribution System, XENA motorcycle locks, and DVD copies of the films Hard Miles 1 and 2, which tell the stories of the 2007 and 2009 Iron Butt Rallies.

In addition, the AMA will organize the AMA Women’s Brunch & Scenic Ride at the Roaring Brook Ranch, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., on Friday, June 10. Also on Friday, at 1 p.m. in the Ft. William Henry Resort Conference Center, AMA Riding Manager Dave Hembroff will offer a seminar on Powering Up Your Touring. AMA prizes also will be awarded at the Friday night Great Adventure ceremony for the Americade Poker Run.

In addition to all the great two-wheel camaraderie of Americade, the event features guided tours in the Adirondack Park and Green Mountains of Vermont, two motorcycle trade shows with nearly 250 vendors, demo rides, bike shows, barbecues, parades, music and comedy shows, boat cruises on Lake George, museum tours, displays from nearly all the major motorcycle manufacturers, and more.

“The list of cool stuff to do at Americade is seemingly endless,” Stedman said. “Certainly, it’s more than any one attendee can possible jam into five days. I guess it’s a good thing there’s always next year!”

Americade is just one event on the calendar of AMA sponsored, promoted and sanctioned events for 2011. For more on AMA Road Riding events see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding.

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

Demo New Harley^® Motorcycles at 200 Events Nationwide and at Americade’s New Extended Test-Ride

MILWAUKEE (June 6, 2011) –  Demos are a popular and exciting way for riders to experience the power and performance of Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles, and the new Harley-Davidson Dare to Compare Experience at the Americade Motorcycle Rally lets riders take an entire day’s ride on a new 2011 Harley^® motorcycle.

To experience the exhilarating difference of twisting the throttle on a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle, H-D is offering more than 200 events nationwide.

Since 2008, Harley-Davidson has tripled its fleet of motorcycles offered for dealer demo events due to the demand from riders. Harley-Davidson dealerships host over 180 free demo events at their stores. In addition, on a daily basis they offer individual test ride opportunities. Check out our website where you can schedule a free test ride online or find a dealer demo event nearest you, www.h-d.com/testride. Test rides are generally available for all licensed riders at participating Harley-Davidson dealerships anytime during the riding season.

1. Motor Company Demo Events are offered in more than 15 locations and are staffed by Harley-Davidson employees. These events offer our newest models to test. Also new this year is the opportunity for non-riders to experience our “Jumpstart.” This stationary motorcycle allows aspiring customers to learn how to start, shift and twist the throttle on a fully-functioning motorcycle that does not move, www.h-d.com\demos.
2. Rentals are the ultimate test ride opportunity. Planning a trip to a new location, why not check out a new motorcycle at the same time, www.h-d.com/rentals.

The new one-day Dare to Compare Experience at this week’s Americade Motorcycle Rally will offer riders not only our demo test rides, but also the option to swap their competitive brand motorcycle to test ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the day. The Dare to Compare Experience is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis with select 2011 Harley-Davidson models from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It will be located at the Beach Road Lot down the hill from Fort William Henry. These rides are free, but participants must bring a valid motorcycle license, sign a release form and wear a helmet that meets DOT requirements and eye protection.

“With the riding season starting in scenic areas like Lake George, we’re daring riders to measure their motorcycles against ours and see why no other bike on the road compares to a Harley-Davidson,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Customer Experience. “There’s more reason than ever to test ride and feel why Harley-Davidson motorcycle design, detail, power and heritage combine for a premium riding experience.”

Learn more online about what goes into creating the ultimate ride on a Harley-Davidson. H-D’s heritage is rich, the attention to detail and design are impeccable and our V-Twin power is distinctly unique.  With over 10 videos, we illustrate the undeniable differences that make Harley-Davidson motorcycles truly unique, www.h-d.com/whyharley. No Compromises. No Cages.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com.

AMA Pro Announces XR1200 Series to Appear at Indy MotoGP Race

Milwaukee (June 6, 2011) – Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing rider Chris Fillmore emerged victorious from a classic multi-rider drafting battle to earn his second season victory in the AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines XR1200 Series race Sunday at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. The top seven riders were separated by just 0.955 second at the end of the 7-lap race.

Several riders took turns at the head of the lead pack, including Danny Eslick (Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing), Michael Barnes (Drag Specialties), Steve Rapp (Parts Unlimited), and Fillmore. Other riders in the mix included Travis Wyman (Harv’s Harley-Davidson), Michael Beck (J&P Cycles), and Shawn Higbee (WFO Racing), with riders swapping the lead sometimes several times per lap as they drafted and outbraked each other on the 4-mile track’s three long straights. As the final lap approached, riders planned their strategies for the run up to the checkered flag out of Canada Corner, the penultimate corner of the 14-turn course.

“The Harleys push a pretty big hole in the air, and if you’re the fourth or fifth guy in line you can get a pretty good head of steam. Generally somebody would pass me back going into Canada Corner, which is perfect. That’s what I was hoping for the last lap and it just didn’t work out,” said Eslick, who eased up enough to allow Fillmore to pass but couldn’t make the gap back up in the run up to the finish line. “The draft was a huge part of the race today, and Chris definitely outsmarted me on that one.”

“[Eslick] wanted to give me the position all the way just before coming up into Canada corner. He pretty much checked up and I got a good run,” Fillmore said. “You really can’t make up much time there, so I figured I could make a little bit of a jump and cross my fingers and hoped that nobody got me at start/finish. And it worked. I think it was the only lap that nobody passed me on the front straight.”

Third place finisher Travis Wyman, who hurried from the post-race podium ceremony to make the start of the Supersport race, went on to win that race for his first AMA Pro victory.

The AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines XR1200 Series returns to action June 18-19 at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, AL.

Vance & Hines XR1200 Class Added as Support Race for Red Bull Indianapolis GP

Harley-Davidson V-Twin engines will roar around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this summer when the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series competes at the fourth annual Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Aug. 26-28. The XR1200 Series adds a fourth class of racing to the Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend, as it joins the three World Championship classes – MotoGP, Moto2 and 125cc – competing on the 16-turn, 2.621-mile circuit that combines part of the famed IMS oval with an infield section.

“The sound of Harley-Davidson motorcycles resonates with riders across the globe, and we are excited about this opportunity to bring the thunder of XR1200 racing to a worldwide audience at one of the greatest racing venues in the world,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson director of customer experience.

Road America Race Result:

1. Chris Fillmore (RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing), 7 laps

2. Danny Eslick (RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing), +0.127 second

3. Travis Wyman (Harv’s Harley-Davidson), +.258

4. Michael Barnes (Drag Specialties), +395

5. Steve Rapp (Parts Unlimited), +.463

6. Shawn Higbee (WFO Racing), +.692

7. Michael Beck (J&P Cycles), +.955

8. Tyler O’Hara (GPBikeParts.com), +3.209

9. Kyle Wyman (RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing), +13.982

10. Michael Corbino (RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing), +29.389

11. Michael Morgan (Python Exhaust), +54.337

12. Paul James (James Gang/Hoban Brothers/H-D of Appleton), +57.276

13. Bryan Desimone (Kuryakyn), +1:33.102

14. Matthew Heidel (Shar-Tuff), +1:42.010

15. Gerry Signorelli (Kuryakyn), -2 laps, crash

16. Chase McFarland (Latus Motors Racing), -3 laps, crash

17. Nicholas Hansen, -4 laps, DNF

18. Josh Chisum (Troy Lee Designs), -5 laps, DNF

19. Sammy Halbert (HOG Racing), -6 laps, DNF

XR1200 Series Points Standings

1. Chris Fillmore, 110

2. Steve Rapp, 87

3. Kyle Wyman, 63

4. Michael Barnes, 62

5. Michael Beck, 59

6. Danny Eslick, 50

7. Michael Corbino, 49

8. Chase McFarland, 48

9. Tyler O’Hara, 46

10. Joe Kopp, 45

Company Background

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles
and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit harley-davidson.com.

Hines Takes V-Rod^® to Semi-Finals; Krawiec Top Qualifier at NHRA SuperNationals

ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 05, 2011) – Harley-Davidson^® Screamin’ Eagle^®/Vance & Hines riders Andrew Hines and Ed Krawiec maintained top-three positions in series points with multiple wins in the elimination rounds at the 42^nd annual NHRA SuperNationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. Krawiec was the top qualifier for the event and took his Harley-Davidson^® V-Rod^® to the second round of eliminations. Hines raced a Harley-Davidson^® V-Rod^® to the semi-final round on Sunday.

Krawiec posted the low ET (elapsed time) of the event with a 6.819 blast in the third round of qualifying on Saturday. Hines qualified fifth with a 6.885 ET.

On Sunday, Krawiec defeated PiranaZ Buell rider Junior Pippin in the first round of eliminations. Krawiec (6.959) lost to Al-Ababi Racing Buell rider Matt Smith (6.920) in round two.

“I had an awesome bike in qualifying, but today we just seemed to lose our tune-up a little,” said Krawiec. “The V-Rods were both working great off the line, and we set personal-best times for the first 60 feet, but that didn’t translate into good ETs today. We won some rounds and salvaged some points, so we’ll just go for a better day at the next race.”

Hines started Sunday with wins over Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. and Suzuki Extended Protection rider Jim Underdahl. Hines (6.971) lost to Smith (6.902) in the semi-finals. Smith edged Geico Suzuki rider Karen Stoffer in the final to take his first win of the year.

“It’s never a bad day if we make it to the semi-finals, but it would have been nice to do it with more style,” said Hines. “We tested last week and thought we had a good set-up. Like Ed said, both bikes were really strong in the first 60 feet, but from the top of first gear it felt like I had an electrical problem. We’ll tear it all down back and shop and see what we find.”

After four of 16 scheduled Pro Stock Motorcycle events, Stoffer leads the series with 380 points. Hines is in second place with 337 points, and Krawiec is third with 311. Nitrofish Suzuki rider LE Tonglet is fourth with 273 points, followed by Smith with 252.

The Pro Stock Motorcycles will next race at the 5th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 23-26, at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

Company Information

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit harley-davidson.com.

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