Born To Ride News

Join the AMA at a Cycle Gear store and get a special gift

 PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced it is collaborating with Cycle Gear and its 95 brick-and-mortar stores across the country on an AMA membership drive in the month of May. Cycle Gear, with stores in 26 states, will be conducting an in-store promotion featuring a $100 gift package for shoppers who join the AMA, with a gift card for use at Cycle Gear stores or online at CycleGear.com, as well as special promotional gifts from Cycle Gear product sponsors.

“We’re proud to be working with Cycle Gear on this promotion, which helps all of motorcycling by growing the country’s premier advocate of the motorcycle lifestyle,” said Grant Parsons, AMA director of communications and marketing. “Cycle Gear has been coming on strong in recent years, and this partnership with the AMA is an impressive move for a company that is clearly showing its commitment to preserving and protecting the future of the sport with the AMA.”

Cycle Gear’s Johnny Lin, the company’s chief marketing officer, said he was glad to be partnering with the AMA to give back to the motorcycle community.

“At Cycle Gear, we believe that having a strong voice in the future of motorcycling is so important, and that’s why we’re promoting AMA membership at our stores and online-nobody works harder to preserve our sport,” Lin said. “At the same time, it’s a lot of fun to offer a great gift package from our stores and our partners to new and existing customers. Stop by one of our stores, or visit us online today at www.CycleGear.com.”

Said Dave Bertram, two-time national off-road champion, ISDE gold medalist, and CEO of Cycle Gear: “Cycle Gear is proud to help promote the important work that the AMA does on behalf of all riders. Motorcyclists today face an endless stream of legislation and laws restricting our rights to ride. Cycle Gear believes that the motorcycling community and businesses must continue to support groups that fight for fair legislation on behalf of American motorcyclists. As a business founded by racers and enthusiasts, we are long-time supporters of the AMA’s efforts and are committed to helping the sport of motorcycling.” 

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 honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO, named 2012 Powersports Business Executive of the Year

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — PowerSports Business has named American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) President and CEO Rob Dingman its “2012 Powersports Business Executive of the Year.”

PowerSports Business – which publishes news, features and profiles for powersports dealers, manufacturers and suppliers — honored Dingman for the intensive efforts by the AMA to successfully overturn provisions of the federal Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), known as the lead law, that effectively banned the sale of kids’ dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

“Dingman’s leadership during the three-year battle was impressive on a variety of fronts, but most importantly to the industry’s future riders,” PowerSports Business said in making the announcement. “The AMA’s grassroots efforts to put a face to those affected by the CPSIA showed legislators the importance of riding age-appropriate vehicles.

“The positive, healthy environment in which young riders thrive on their vehicles, and with their families, also helped to get the point across,” the announcement said. “For OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), aftermarket companies and track promoters, the lead law ban had obvious economic impacts.”

The CPSIA, which went into effect on Feb. 10, 2009, banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under, including kids’ dirt bikes and ATVs, that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part.

The AMA was at the forefront of the fight to exclude child-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA from the beginning.

A highlight of the effort was the “AMA Kids Just Want to Ride” campaign, which included a day of lobbying in Washington, D.C., by kids and their families affected by the CPSIA clad in off-road riding gear. The association also participated in news events to focus media attention on the issue, lobbied on Capitol Hill and organized campaigns to encourage riders and parents to contact their federal lawmakers and key decision-makers to exempt kids’ off-highway vehicles (OHVs) from the CPSIA.

“It’s thanks to the efforts of Dingman and his AMA team that those youngsters can return to their hometowns, and turn to you as dealers and OEMs for their next purchase,” wrote Dave McMahon, senior editor of PowerSports Business magazine in an accompanying editorial.

As a result of the lobbying on Capitol Hill, Congress received powerful statements from members of the AMA and its All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), and on Aug. 12, Obama signed into law H.R. 2715, which granted kids’ OHVs a categorical exemption from the CPSIA.

“I’m very humbled by being named 2012 Powersports Business Executive of the Year,” Dingman said. “But the victory is the result of the intensive efforts of a lot of different people, from federal lawmakers to powersports industry officials and dealers to the kids and their families who ride every weekend.”

To read the announcement, go to PowerSportsBusiness.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 the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

The American Motorcyclist Association urges extra precautions during May: Motorcycle Awareness Month

 PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is urging all road users to look around, check your mirrors, and consciously watch for motorcycles during Motorcycle Awareness Month in May 2012.

Through legislative and gubernatorial proclamations around the country, May has been declared Motorcycle Awareness Month. The outreach to remind road users to share the road with motorcyclists and make a conscious effort to look for them is an annual effort by the motorcycling community, particularly since in many states few motorcycles were on the road in the winter and early spring months.

The AMA request follows the association’s successful “Get Out And Ride!” Month of April, which encouraged motorcyclists everywhere to enjoy the passion and excitement of motorcycling in the dirt and on the street. Each week during AMA Get Out and Ride! Month, the AMA focused on a special motorcycling theme, from riding solo to riding with others to riding for a cause to riding smartly.

“Motorcyclists take to the highways in large numbers every spring, and it’s the responsibility of all road users to acknowledge us safely and attentively,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “This is why many states and local governments officially promote motorcycle awareness during the month of May.

“Unfortunately, many road users are not always mindful of those with whom they share the road, and an annual reminder is helpful for them to recognize the flow of motorcycles in traffic, and make an extra efforts to watch for motorcycles,” Dingman said.

“One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is the fact that drivers don’t see motorcycles,” he said. “Simply put, drivers tell themselves to watch for cars, trucks, buses and pedestrians, but they don’t tell always themselves to watch for motorcycles. We want to change that.”

Drivers can avoid crashes with motorcyclists by taking extra care to watch for motorcyclists, especially at intersections, respecting the motorcyclists’ space on the road and by not following too closely.

“If all drivers would make a conscious effort to look twice before turning left across the oncoming lane of traffic at an intersection, crashes could be prevented and lives would be saved,” Dingman said.

For motorcyclists, the AMA strongly encourages the use of personal protective equipment — including gloves, sturdy footwear and a properly fitted motorcycle helmet certified by its manufacturer to meet theU.S. Department of Transportation standard — as part of a comprehensive motorcycle safety program to help reduce injuries and fatalities in the event of a motorcycle crash.

The AMA has long encouraged local and state governments to maintain or increase funding for motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness programs — two highly effective strategies to reduce the likelihood of motorcycle crashes.

The AMA also successfully lobbied for a new study into the causes of motorcycle crashes, which will be the first such comprehensive research in 30 years. The Federal Highway Administration has undertaken a crash causation study at the Oklahoma Transportation Center, an independent and well-respected transportation research facility at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. The study is expected to conclude in a year or two.  

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 honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

 Early registration deadline extended for AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce that the deadline for early registration for the 2012 International Women & Motorcycling Conference has been extended through May 15 due to popular demand. The conference will take place July 26-29, in Carson City, Nev.

“We have been thrilled with the response to the conference thus far,” said AMA Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “The extended deadline means that AMA members can still rack up significant savings for the next two weeks during member-only pre-registration.”

The discounted price of $125 represents a savings of $50 off the regular member rate. Tsujikawa pointed out the significant savings opportunity for those who become AMA members.

“With the non-member registration rate starting at $235, a $49 AMA membership not only pays for itself, but opens the door for those who want to take advantage of the additional member-only early registration discount,” she said.

Online registration is available at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e5b2rc65a3dc83f3

Included in the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference registration fee is entry to seminars, the marketplace and Moto Action center, the Saturday Women’s Health Fair, priority registration for manufacturer demo rides, the Friday Night Cookout and Saturday Night Celebration Party, as well as a conference t-shirt and gift bag.

Full conference details, as well as information about how to become an AMA member, are available at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Events > Women & Motorcycling or on the conference Facebook page at Facebook.com/AMAWomenAndMotorcycling.  

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 honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Two-day gala showcases motorcycling heroes and classic bikes in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 16-17

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that online registration is open for the AMA Legends Weekend, Nov. 16-17 at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev. The AMA Legends Weekend includes the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance.

Attended by scores of motorcycling luminaries and hundreds of fans of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA Legends Weekend is one of the country’s must-attend motorcycling events. The event, which has sold out the previous two years, provides a world-class stage for motorcycling’s best and brightest as they are recognized by their peers, family, friends and fans. Register now at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e5r7zy8ea4316694

“The AMA Legends Weekend has grown from a small gathering in Ohio to a world-class event at one of America’s most electrifying destination cities, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue pushing the envelope,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We invite all motorcyclists to join us at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa on Nov. 16-17 as we spotlight motorcycling’s enduring legends and showcase some amazing motorcycles. It also is my pleasure to welcome back the Dave Mungenast family as the presenting sponsors for the Concours d’Elegance.”

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony kicks off the weekend on Friday evening, Nov. 16. The next day, the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance bike show will showcase many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles.

The nominees from which the 2012 class will be selected – which were announced on April 2 — include 26 highly accomplished individuals in the sport, business and lifestyle of motorcycling. Over the next two months, the Hall of Fame will announce those who will be inducted in Las Vegas on Nov. 16.

“At the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, our mission is to recognize and memorialize for posterity, the great men and women who have made motorcycling what it is today,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money for the Hall of Fame. “With our new class — not to mention the presence of dozens of existing members of the Hall of Fame — this weekend is an exceptional gathering of motorcycling greats. Please join us as we elevate all of motorcycling with a gala celebration amid the bright lights of Las Vegas.”

In addition, the Hall of Fame will honor the careers of two existing members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: the legendary Malcolm Smith and Mert Lawwill. Smith, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998, was a pioneer in off-road motorcycling. He’s famous for his accomplishments in the Baja 1000 and for his gold-medal winning rides in International Six Day Enduro competitions. Lawwill, also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998, was the 1969 AMA Grand National champion. Smith’s and Lawwill’s careers intertwined as stars of the timeless motorcycling documentary film, “On Any Sunday.”

Advance tickets for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony are $130. Concours d’Elegance tickets are $10 for attendees of the induction ceremony, and $20 for general admission.

AMA Life Members and existing AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers will receive a $25 discount to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. AMA Life Members showing their AMA Life Member card will receive complimentary admission to the AMA Concours d’Elegance.

Reservations at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group code RCIAME or AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST. Online room reservation is available at https://rooms.stationcasinos.com/cgi-bin/LANSAWEB?procfun+rn+Resnet+RRS+funcparms+UP%28A2560%29:;RCIAME;?

In addition, AMA member benefit partners Avis and Budget are offering special car rental rates for banquet attendees. Attendees can rent with the companies and enjoy their premium services, wide range of products and extras at a discount of up to 25 percent. The discount codes are provided on the AMA Legends Weekend registration page.

The Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa 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 to the 2012 AMA Legends Weekend that will be unforgettable for the inductees, champions, families and fans. More information can be found at RedRockLasVegas.com.

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Screamin’ Eagle Riders Hines and Krawiec 1-2 in Pro Stock Motorcycle points

BAYTOWN, Texas – A perfect reaction time at the starting line earned Harley-Davidson^® Screamin’ Eagle^®/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines a 0.0077-second, hole-shot victory over Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. in the final round at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway. Riding a Harley-Davidson^® V-Rod^® motorcycle, Hines scored his first win of the season and the 26th of his career, and now leads the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class in points. It was also the third consecutive win for Hines at the Houston track.

Arana Jr. set the low Elapsed Time of the weekend with a 6.846-second pass in the third round of eliminations on Sunday, and never ran slower than 6.897 seconds. Hines’ best pass coming to the final round was a 6.902 run in the first round.

 “It was going to take a really good start to beat Hector today,” said Hines. “I knew we could push the tree if we needed to, and I was trying for a double-00. My brother and crew chief Matt found me a really good tune up for the V-Rod, and I think I did some of the best riding of my career this weekend. This is a very satisfying win for the Screamin’ Eagle team.”

Hines qualified fifth for the event with a time of 6.877 seconds. Harley-DavidsonScreamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Ed Krawiec qualified the team’s second V-Rod in third place at 6.864 seconds. Hector Arana Sr. was the top qualifier at 6.850 seconds on a Lucas Oil Buell.

Krawiec, who won the opening event of the season at Gainesville, Fla., defeated Jerry Savoie on the Savoie Alligator Farm Buell in the first round of eliminations on Sunday. Krawiec lost on the second round to Geico Suzuki rider Karen Stoffer.

“I lost a little performance between the first and second rounds as the weather got hotter,” said Krawiec. “We are still working on our performance off the line, but we’ve got a good handle on it. We’ll just keep working at winning rounds.”

Hines got wins over Suzuki Extended Protection rider Jim Underdahl and John Hall on the Sovereign/Star Racing Buell in the first two elimination rounds, and advanced to the final when GottSpeed Racing rider Michael Ray fouled at the starting line.

In the final, Hines combined a perfect 0.000-second reaction time and a 6.905-second ET to overcome the 0.026/6.886 pass of Arana Jr., and crossed the finish line 0.0077 seconds (approximately two feet) ahead of the Buell rider.

Hines, who lost in the final round at Gainesville to Krawiec, now leads the Pro Stock Motorcycle division with 216 points. Krawiec is second with 210 points, followed by Arana Jr. with 184 points, Stoffer with 129 and Buell rider Matt Smith with 127 points.

The Pro Stock Motorcycles will next race May 4-6 at the 32^nd Annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Ga.

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.

Zen and the Art of Million Dollar Motorcycle Making

by Todd Halterman

This video is a profile of custom motorcycle builder Chicara Nagata, and Nagata has it going on.

Nagata has won numerous awards for his custom motorcycles, some of which take him over 7000 hours to build, which, I guess, elevates them to the level of art, at least the kind of art people pay for these days.

And they pay a lot for them.

They sell for over $1 million each and can be seen at the Ippodo Gallery in NYC.

Retrieved April 30, 2012; from http://www.motorcycleinsurance.com/zen-and-the-art-of-million-dollar-motorcycle-making/

Kurt Sutter Takes A Real Walk on the Wild Side With New Documentary Series

by Todd Halterman

Kurt Sutter, the man behind the creation of the FX Network series and biker drama Sons of Anarchy has unveiled his unscripted series on Discovery Channel which profiles the world’s most notorious gangs and crime families.

Entitled Outlaw Empires, the series focuses on outsider organizations like the Crips street gang, the Irish Mob, a Latin American crime family, the Aryan Brotherhood and the real outlaw bikers.

Writer-producer Kurt Sutter is making his first leap into unscripted TV, and he handles the executive producer role -  and appears onscreen during episodes of this new series. Every episode will include interviews with a criminal organization’s current and former members, some of whom are in hiding, and tell tales that Sutter promises will “make Sons of Anarchy look like Sesame Street.”

“I’ve made a career writing about fictitious anti-heroes,” Sutter said. “To create these worlds, I’ve spent a lot of time with active members on both sides of the law. And if I had to pick the most interesting of the two, the choice is obvious — we all love the guys in black.”

How about A gang leader who gave up his own mother when she was targeted for a hit?

“As a storyteller, I listen to this stuff and think: ‘I couldn’t pitch this, nobody would believe it,’” Sutter said. “For me, it was about getting inside the head of these people and understanding what drew them to this life. What’s important is to get at the humanity of it all.”

Sutter has six episodes of Outlaw Empires to make it work.

The show is scheduled for a May 14 debut. Eli Holzman, Stephen Lambert and Philip Lott are also on board as executive producers on the project, which is from Sutterink and Studio Lambert.

Behind the America you know lies another world, where people live outside the law. For the new Discovery Channel series KURT SUTTER’S OUTLAW EMPIRES, premiering Monday, May 14 at 10PM ET/PT, Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter enters the realm of the gangs and families who have dominated our streets and helped shape our nation’s history.

Steered by Sutter’s compelling insight, each episode of KURT SUTTER’S OUTLAW EMPIRES tells the complete story of an iconic American outlaw dynasty – directly from the mouths of people from the inside. Through their no-holds-barred accounts, the series takes an unvarnished look at moment-by-moment experiences that were not only pivotal for the organizations themselves, but life-changing for the individuals telling the stories.

Retrieved April 30, 2012; from http://www.motorcycleinsurance.com/kurt-sutter-takes-a-real-walk-on-the-wild-side-with-new-documentary-series/

Harley Riders Can Win Trip of a Lifetime and Share it with a Non-Harley Riding Friend

MILWAUKEE – Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle owners can share their passion with a friend who rides a competitive brand motorcycle when entering the Harley-Davidson Power Trip Sweepstakes, which runs now through July 31, 2012. Harley owners will get a chance to invite a non-Harley riding friend along with them to experience one of Harley-Davidson’s legendary Authorized Tours. The winners get to choose from six iconic rides around the globe and show their friend the true feeling of riding a Harley-Davidson.

Entries in the Power Trip Sweepstakes must include one Harley-Davidson owner and one friend of the owner who rides a non-Harley-Davidson motorcycle. In separate random drawings, two winners and their referred friend will be selected; one in which the Harley-Davidson owner is also a member of the Harley Owners Group^® (HOG) and another in which the Harley-Davidson owner is not a HOG member. Each winner and friend will select as a prize one of six epic adventures hosted by Harley-Davidson Authorized Tours. The six available tours are: Faaker See & European Bike Week (Europe), Best of the Alps (Europe), Wild West (USA), Down Under (Australia), National Parks (USA) and New England (USA). The prize includes all travel expenses, including the use of two Harley-Davidson motorcycles on the tour. The tours are six to 14 days long depending on which is selected by the winner.

The entry form, rules and details are available at www.h-d.com/PowerTrip.

The global Harley-Davidson Authorized Tours program offers Harley-Davidson riders an opportunity to experience riding adventures worldwide. In partnership with 11 independent, multi-national tour operators, the Harley-Davidson Authorized Tours program encompasses more than 150 distinct tour experiences conducted across the world in 10 languages, with destinations in North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Participants can book tours as an individual or as a group, and can select from five different types of tours, including guided, semi-guided, and self-guided tours, with riding itineraries for beginning or experienced riders.

For more information about Harley-Davidson Authorized Tours or to book a tour, visit www.harley-davidson.com/AuthorizedTours.

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’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

Association Welcomes Eight New Member Companies

IRVINE, CA – The Motorcycle Industry Council recently welcomed eight innovative, diverse and well-respected powersports businesses as new member companies. Christini Technologies, Inc.; Duo Web Solutions; Innovative Motorcycle Research (IMR); KLIM USA; Modern Tire Company; Pied Piper Management Company, LLC; Rinehart Racing; and Vroom Network all were approved as new members by the MIC Board of Directors.

“As MIC membership grows, so do the benefits that we are able to provide for all of our partners,” said MIC President Tim Buche. “These eight new member companies will enjoy access to our extensive market research data, our new Business Advisory and Forecast, technical data and regulatory support, and a variety of industry discounts. Their presence, in turn, provides the MIC with strength in additional numbers, untapped resources and fresh avenues for addressing the challenges that the powersports industry faces daily.”

The MIC’s eight newest member companies are:

Christini Technologies, Inc., of Philadelphia, Penn., was founded in 1999 by Steven Christini with the development of the company’s first AWD mountain bike. Christini now has motorcycles in 30 countries. Their patented mechanical All Wheel Drive system delivers power from the motorcycle transmission to the front wheel through a series of chains and shafts.

Duo Web Solutions, based in Elm Grove, Wis., is a leading web and online marketing service provider specializing in the powersports industry. Partnered with 7 Media Group to provide mobile marketing for powersports dealers with a news marketing vehicle, Duo Web Solutions offers email newsletter campaigns, website management, social media services, online reputation management and web analytics.

Innovative Motorcycle Research (IMR) was founded in September 1993 as a motorcycle service and repair shop, and is located in Salem, N.J. Since then, IMR has evolved from service repair into race bike building, race team management and race parts retailer. Now the primary focuses are race tire and race part distribution. The overall objective is to be the leader in trackside service.

KLIM Technical Riding Gear has a U.S. headquarters in Rigby, Ida., and is a global leader in designing, developing and manufacturing the most advanced motor sports apparel for the snowmobile and motorcycle rider. Utilizing the world’s highest technologies in waterproof, breathable, durable and comfortable materials, KLIM builds gear for the most demanding riders. Driven by the continual feedback and input from dedicated test pilots and passionate customers, KLIM strives to improve the customer’s riding experience without compromise.

Modern Tire Company, of Evansville, Ind., is a wholesale distributor of all major brand tires, wheels, tubes, winches, tire tools and accessories. They are a team of highly motivated and experienced sales people dedicated to providing the best tire products at the best prices available in the on- and off-road powersports industry.

Pied Piper Management Company, LLC, of Pacific Grove, Calif., develops and runs sales and marketing programs to maximize the performance of dealer networks. PPMC was founded to help clients apply fresh thinking to their challenges by quantifying, understanding and then influencing the future rather than focusing on the past.

Rinehart Racing, located in Asheville, N.C., has successfully made the transition from a small, locally based racing exhaust shop to one of the premier resources for performance exhaust in the motorsports industry, with customers ranging from motorcycle enthusiasts to NASCAR champions.

Vroom Network is a professional services company out of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., specializing in the powersports industry and founded by industry veteran Eric Anderson. Vroom brings 25 years of experience and expertise to branding, e-learning, marketing and business development. Vroom works with start-ups, turn-arounds, investment companies, and retail and wholesale operations. Vroom specializes in team building, social media, industry orientation, importation, sales training, public speaking, internal communication, helmet and technical riding apparel product development, and more.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.