World's Most High-Powered Superbike: MV Augusta F4 RR

The Italian superbike manufacturer – MV Augusta has begun production of its latest superbeast and the F4 RR is expected to hit the dealerships by June 2011. Tagged as being the most high-powered bike at the moment, the F4RR rocket has 201bhp and costs around £18k ($29k). 

Las Vegas Bikefest 2011, Sept. 29 to Oct. 2nd

Fred Vaillancourt of The Rat Shop Custom Bikes in Quebec won the People's Choice Award at the 2010 Artistry in Iron Bike Show at Las Vegas Bikefest. Photo courtesy of Jack McIntire.

Artistry in Iron is a competition of builders, judged by each builder. It’s a gathering of usually 20 of the world’s best builders and their creations and will be one of the featured events at Las Vegas Bikefest, Sept. 29th to Oct. 2nd 2011. Details: Las Vegas Bikefest.

Here's a link to Jack's 600-plus images of The 2010 Las Vegas Bikefest.

Laconia's 5th Annual Peter Makris Memorial Run

David UHL designed and donated this beautiful logo for the Peter Makis Memorial Bike & Boat Run around Lake Winnipesaukee that will kick off the 88th Laconia Motorcycle Week on June 11, 2011. 

NASWA Resort started the event five years ago to pay tribute to the life of Peter Makis, who was a devoted community leader, US Marine, biker and boater.

Proceeds from the event help to fund the Laconia Fire Department's Life Saving Fund and Water Rescue Unit that was originally launched by Peter Makis. The motorcycle and boat run has raised more than $120,000 over the past four years.

"We enjoy dad's run as one of the traditions at the NASWA," said his eldest daughter, Karen Makris. "We consistently have over 300 bikes participating," said Cynthia Makris, president of the family business. "They come from all over the country and Canada to share my father's passions and pay their respects in a way that would have made him so very proud."

Early registration is $40 and includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, commemorative T-shirt and drink chip. An all-day and all-night party with live music will follow at NASWA's NAZBar Beach Bar.Details at: www.naswa.com


Laconia 2011 Schedule of Events

Upstate NY Car & Bike Show for CURE Childhood Cancer

The Pittsford International Car & Motorcycle Show in upstate New York will, once again help CURE Childhood Cancer Association reach more than 2,500 people in the Rochester area who have a child diagnosed with cancer, said Ron Bajorek of Bajorek Insurance Agency, the presenting sponsor.

The 2nd Annual Pittsford International Car and Motorcycle Show is being staged, Noon - 5pm on Sunday, June 12th behind the Pittsford Library on State Street.

Admission is free. This is sure to be a fun filled event for the whole family. Pittsford Varsity Cheerleaders will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets to benefit CURE with chances to win the 50/50 or other great door prizes. This year we have great prizes supplied to us by many great local and national companies. We expect an even bigger turnout this year and we look forward to seeing everybody there. Food and Drink vendors will be on hand.

The Show supports C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association - a nationally recognized innovator in peer support for families with children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders. For nearly 30 years, CURE has been a forerunner in the concepts of parent advocacy, long-term educational assistance and peer-to-peer support. CURE encourages and assists children, young adults and their families in Rochester and the surrounding region to realistically face diagnosis and treatment, cope with their fears and believe in the possibility of life after cancer.

For more information regarding the show, to display a vehicle, or if you are a local business and would like to donate a door prize, contact Ron Bajorek @ 585-248-3810.

 
PLEASE NOTE: VEHICLES MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS. Please call to preregister if you wish to bring a vehicle to the show as there are only spaces for 50 cars and 50 motorcycles. "We have only a few spaces left, so we are looking for the unusual and unique," said Ron in an interview, May 20th.

Indian Motorcycles: 110 Year Anniversary Today

Indian Motorcycle, America's oldest motorcycle founded in 1901, is celebrating its 110th Anniversary today (Saturday, May 14, 2011) at the company's exclusive Southern California Dealership, Indian Motorcycle Los Angeles in Harbor City.

Festivities include a concert, an antique Indian Motorcycle show, food trucks, surprise guests, and displays of the full line of 2011 Indian Motorcycles, including the Classic, Dark Horse, Bomber, Roadmaster, and Vintage.  Hours are from 10am to 5pm.  Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Indian Motorcycle - LA is located under the same roof as California Harley-Davidson at 1521 Pacific Coast Highway in Harbor City, one mile west of the 110 Freeway and 5 miles from Redondo Beach.

Indian Motorcycle of the Twin Cities, Minnesota celebrated the 110th Anniversary with the new dealership's first ride.

Indian was a major competitor of Harley-Davidson during its 52-year production run from 1901 to 1953.  After a brief return from 1999-2003, the Indian brand returned in 2006 and was recently acquired by Polaris Industries Inc.

Polaris Industries has been very successful with Victory Motorcycles and the Freedom V-twin engine that are now both manufactured at it's "Victory Motorcycle Center for Excellence" in Spirt Lake, Iowa. Polaris also manufactures ATV's and an off-road Ranger vehicle at Spirit Lake.

Polaris Industries Inc. announced its purchase of Indian Motorcycles on April 19th 2011 and also announced extremely strong first-quarter earnings. Analysts were expecting first-quarter sales of $421 million, according to Thomson Reuters. But Polaris reported revenue of $537 million, beating the earnings estimates by 64%! Let's hope they can do as well with Indian Motorcycles, which the company vows to operate completely separate from Victory.

Jesse James' New Book, New Life & Austin Speed Shop

A year after his dramatic breakup with America's sweetheart, Sandra Bullock, Jesse James is on ABC's Good Morning America and Nightline talking about his new book, American Outlaw - his upcoming fourth marriage to LA Ink star, Kat Von-D - and his new life as co-owner of Austin Speed Shop.

Now after closing up West Coast Choppers in California, the 42-year-old has started a new life at his home on 15 acres in the foothills of Austin, Texas. "It's what I needed," James said. "Where I can finally breathe." 

He initially moved to Austin so the kids could keep in contact with  Sandra, and so that he might have some contact with Sandra and her adopted son, Louie. But he also made the move for himself, he said in an interview on ABC's Nightline, May 5th.

He has very little contact with his former wife. But he is enjoying a family life with his three children - Chandler, Jesse Junior and Sunny. He says that he has returned to a simpiler life... "All I need is my welding helmet, a box full of welding rod and something to build and I'm in like heaven."

He discussed the break-up with actress Sandra Bullock. "I think, you know, a marriage ending, all this crazy stuff...that was like a lesson to work on myself and fix what's wrong with me," said James. "So I don't transfer it and keep it going, like my parents did."

Here is the full interview. The ABC Nightline interview focused on his new life at home with his kids and at Austin Speed Shop, where he is mentoring young bike and car builders and perfecting his welding skills.

Miss Hoka Hey, Whittany Crum Joins the Challenge Ride

"I watched from the sidelines as the first Hoka Hey Challenge roared into history but this time I'm going to be on the line with a thousand other riders," said Whittaney Crum. She is being sponsored by Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson in North Carolina that will be one of only 15 check points in the 10,000-plus mile challenge ride.

She will be riding a 2011 pearl white Street Glide provided by Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson. The Harley dealership expressed pride in sponsoring "Miss Hoka Hey, Whittany Crum to be riding for 'Team Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson' in this year's challenge... Whittany Crum, in our view, is a great representative of young female riders in the Harley-Davidson industry and we welcome her as part of our rider family."

The 23-year old enjoys hiking, horseback riding, fishing, cooking and riding Harleys. In her own words, she said "Growing up in Florida you might think I would wind up being a beach baby but I have always preferred the thump of an engine to the roar of the surf. Don't get me wrong, I'll ride anything (including a surfboard) but there is something about the open road... the places you can go, the sights you can see and the people that you meet on a Harley. Nothing else compares.

"I started out riding dirt bikes when I was in middle school; hitting the trails as often as I could. Then, the magical moment when I rode on the back of a Harley-Davidson for the first time. I'll never forget it - I was 14 years old and the destination was a winding beach road. I was hooked. I started my rebellion against all things conventional right then and there - starting with my step-father's Gold Wing. He would invite me to go along with him from time to time but, ever since that ride on the H-D; I didn't want to be caught on the back of any thing else. So, I did what any teenager would do and I lied. I came up with every excuse why I couldn't go with him because nothing could compare to the look and sound of that Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

"Fast forwarding to when I was 21; I got a call from Big Jim telling me of this endurance ride he had dreamed up with called the Hoka Hey. I fell in love with the idea and after several conversations over the phone with Jim & Beth, I soon found myself flying to Las Vegas to do my first show as Miss Hoka Hey. Over the past two years now, I've travelled all over the US going to bike events and visiting Harley dealers to spread the word about Hoka Hey. I feel that I am truly blessed to have this job and to say I love my work would be an understatement.

"So, I'll see you all on August 5th in Mesa, AZ when the members of Team Rocky Mount H-D bring it to the starting line!!" - To read more stories, follow the Hoka Hey Blog.

Hoka Hey Contingency Prizes For HOG Riders

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge begins August 5, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona, and will travel through all 48 contiguous U.S. states and several Canadian provinces before it ends in Nova Scotia. The route covers more than 10,000 miles and includes some of the most picturesque and challenging roadways in North America.

To sweeten this year's challenge, Harley-Davidson will provide more than $50,000 in contingency prizes to the five highest finishing members of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) who complete the entire 2011 Hoka Hey Challenge, as determined by the organizers. The highest finishing eligible H.O.G. member who completes the event, will be awarded a 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycle of their choice. The 2nd through 5th highest finishing eligible H.O.G. members will each be awarded a portion of a total of $19,000 in cash prizes.
- click image to enlarge event flyer.

Riders were able to sign up for the Hoka Hey Challenge during Daytona Bike Week at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona Harley-Davidson. Last years winner, Will Barclay and Tramp Stamp rider, Terry Rogue were on hand to discuss their personal riding experiences. 

“The Hoka Hey Challenge is a perfect match for the superior touring experience and capabilities of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the long-distance adventuring aspirations of many of our H.O.G. members,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Customer Experience. “The theme of the Hoka Hey Challenge is ‘It’s a good day to ride!’ and that is always the case on a Harley.”

To be eligible for any contingency award, the H.O.G. member must be in good standing at the time the event starts and they must display a H.O.G. emblem on their riding gear and in a prominent location on the motorcycle (preferably on the windshield or Tour Pak) during the entire event. The H.O.G. member must be the rider, not the passenger, and meet all eligibility requirements for the event. Free H.O.G. emblems and decals will be provided to all participating members at the start of the challenge.

Harley-Davidson is not responsible for organizing or conducting the event, it is an event and contingency sponsor only. The Motor Company will defer all decisions regarding final finishing order to the event organizers.

For more details, eligibility requirements, and rules of the H.O.G. contingency program, visit http://www.members.hog.com/ . For entry information or to monitor the event’s progress, visit http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/ .

Source: Harley-Davidson

Windshield Flyers For 2011 International Female Ride Day

JUST RIDE! Women all over the world will unite by simply getting on their motorcycles for a ride on Friday, May 6th.

In 2011 women riders throughout Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Hungary, Slovakia, India, Russia, Germany and more will participate in the 5th Annual International Female Ride Day. 

To download one of three windshield flyers visit: Motoress.com "connecting women with motorcycling." 

Two Russian Women Rider's Groups Join the 2011 International Female Ride - "Moto Lady" of Biker News in Russia, along with the National Russian Motorcycle Federation will be part of the 5th Annual International Ride Day on Friday, May 6th 2011.

FIM - Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (The International Motorcycling Federation) supports International Female Ride Day - along with brands: BMW, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Kymco and MV Agusta.

The ride is on a weekday to emphasize that women are not "hobby" riders. They ride to work and motorcycling is part of their lifestyle. Read more.

Supermodel Maria Miller Joins Harley-Davidson to Promote Women Rider's Month 2011

On the eve of International Female Ride Day (the first Friday in May - The 5th annual event is May 6,2011) Harley-Davidson has just announced that supermodel and Harley-Davidson enthusiast Marisa Miller will be part of the 3rd Annual Harley-Davidson celebration of May as "Women Riders Month" that includes a ride at many dealerships on Saturday, May 14th. May is also designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month.

"To recognize the increasing number of women who are hitting the open road on two wheels, as well as inspire even more women to get into the saddle of their own motorcycle, Harley-Davidson celebrates its 3rd Annual Women Riders Month this May," H-D said in a press announcement issued Thursday, May 4th.

Throughout the month of May, Harley-Davidson and their worldwide network of dealers will host a series of events to celebrate women riders, including a special day for women to commemorate the freedom and independence of riding, by hitting the open road on Saturday, May 14. Local dealerships will also host women-only Garage Parties throughout May and the rest of the riding season."

"Every time I start my motorcycle, my heart starts pumping faster," said Miller. "Learning to ride has changed my life. The challenge of riding has made me stronger and given me a new outlet for my adventurous side. I've met dozens of women riders who share my passion for the open road and I'm honored to help inspire even more women to get started on their riding journeys."

Women riders represent one of the fastest growing demographics in the sport of motorcycling. In fact, the Motorcycle Industry Council reports women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists and Harley-Davidson is the number one motorcycle choice among women riders.(1)


Harley-Davidson has a variety of resources available at www.h-d.com/women to help women get into the sport. The site includes inspirational stories from female riders, a "Roadmap to Riding" that shows you how you can start riding your very own Harley-Davidson in six simple steps, as well as calendars of upcoming women riders events.

Buffalo Chip Announces Biker Belles Celebration at 71st Sturgis

The Legendary Buffalo Chip will host the first annual Biker Belles (TM) celebration during the 71st Sturgis Rally. The event on Wednesday, Aug. 10th will "recognize the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling" while also raising funds for two charities, chosen by Helping with Horsepower (TM.) The charities chosen are Abbott House and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.

The inaugural Biker Belles™ celebration will begin in the historic town of Deadwood, where the Lodge at Deadwood will roll out the red carpet and host a special welcome reception complete with events, entertainment and activities catered to women. A women's-only ride to The Buffalo Chip for a concert and party will be led by Meg McDonough, a member of the Motor Maids. 

“Each year the Buffalo Chip sees more and more women riding through our gates”, said Toni Woodruff, daughter of Buffalo Chip president, Rod Woodruff. “It’s so exciting to have an event during the Sturgis Rally that caters to women riders and benefits local charities in the process!”

To highlight the Biker Belles™ festivities at The Chip, 4-time national land speed record holder and pilot of the original “World’s Fastest Bagger,” Laura Klock of Klock Werks Kustom Cycle, will unveil “SALT,” a customized Harley-Davidson® built under her direction and guidance with the girls and young women of the Abbott House. While at the party, Laura and her staff will be selling raffle tickets to win this special bike that will be given away in support of the Abbott House next fall. “We couldn’t be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” said Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles™ will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!”

Tickets for the 2011 Biker Belles™ celebration are available now on www.bikerbelles.com or by calling (605) 347-9000. The Biker Belles™ celebration requires a $75 contribution that goes directly to its chosen charities. The finishing touches are being worked out for the 2011 celebration, with details to be announced at http://www.bikerbelles.com/

AMD Show - Swiss Harley Days - European H.O.G. Rally 2011

Swiss Harley Days finds a home in Lugano for 2011 The official announcement by Harley-Davidson management for a repeat of Swiss Harley Days was made. The city of Lugano will once again host Swiss Harley Days - This year's rally is July 8th & 9th 2011.

Also just announced. Harley-Davidson Switzerland confirmed that, this year's event at Campione d'Italia/Lugano, Switzerland will be a Modified Harley-Davidson World Championship affilate event.

With the Campione d'Italia/Lugano Modified Harley Class winner receiving prize money to be able to compete at the world Championships at Sturgis, USA courtesy of Harley-Davidson Switzerland. The affiliation represents another opportunity for a European authorised Harley dealer or private customer to "mis-it" with America's best and try to follow the trail blazed by current Modified Harley-Davidson World Champions Shaw H-D from the UK.

Here's the video of European H.O.G. Rally 2010 in Lugano!

Related Article: Photos & Story of Swiss Harley Days - European H.O.G. Rally 2010

International Female Ride Day - May 6th 2011

Women all over the world will unite by simply getting on their motorcycles for a ride on May 6th - In 2011 women riders throughout Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Hungary, Slovakia, India, Russia Germany and more- will contribute to the campaign in compelling numbers. 

International Female Ride Day whose simple theme asks women to “JUST RIDE”, is a designated day, aimed at bringing awareness to the existing and mounting numbers of women motorcyclists, a prominent escalating segment of the motorcycling community who ride just as much as their male counterparts. The is the fifth year for the global ride in unison, which is always staged on the first Friday in May.

 “We ride on a Friday to emphasize the fact that motorcycling for women is not only a hobby but something women incorporate into their every day lives," said Vicki Gray, founder of the International Female Ride Day and MOTORESS - a global online community and magazine for women riders that is based in Canada.

"Women ride to work, to school or to run errands, such as I do on my scooter in the city- it’s a reality in a woman’s life, and this day simply accentuates it. Women enthusiastically prepare to ride and unite around the world on this synchronized day - and if you look at the feedback by way of internet, it’s truly phenomenal!” said Vicki. “For the 5th year we’re so excited to welcome support and participation from National Russian Motorcycle Federation (NRMF) and equally a group of women in India who are totally on board with the action! This year many women have referred to the campaign as a ‘movement’ and really, its global size is certainly proof of that!”  

In Kingston, Ontario - The Motor Maids will be leading a women's -only ride followed by a coed BBQ at MotoSport Plus - In Toronto, there will be a ride & rally. You will find events posted from Aruba to Russia in the Facebook Group: International Female Ride Day.

Since its introduction in 2007, International Female Ride Day has continued to expand demonstrating magnificent growth. This has also been a result of the endorsement and support from the motorcycle industry and its prominent leaders, renowned female rider clubs, and international governing bodies such as Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

International Female Ride Day is supported by BMW MOTORRAD CANADA, HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HONDA, KAWASAKI, KYMCO, SUZUKI, ARAI, AFMQ (Association des femmes motocyclistes du Québec) , CMA (Canadian Motorcycle Association), CANADIAN BIKER, DRAGGIN JEANS, GEARING UP (Canada Safety Council), GO-GO GEAR, INSIDE MOTORCYCLES, RIDE FOR SIGHT, RIDERS PLUS INSURANCE, FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme).

See related articles about what Harley-Davidson is doing.. and photos from the first Aruba Women Rider's Day: International Female Ride Day.

Born Free 3 Vintage Chopper Show, California

The Born Free Show on June 25th 2011 at Oak Canyon Ranch in Orange County, California is about the love of old motorcycles and like minded individuals having a good time enjoying each others company & these bikes of the past. The list of participating builders is international - from professional to home-built. This is a family-friendly event - young and old a-like are welcome to come out and enjoy the day.The show is meant to unite people from all walks of life by bringing the passion that we all have of these old machines together for one day.If you come out to the event please be prepared to have a great time,enjoy some vintage bikes..lots of vintage bikes in a peaceful friendly family environment. There will also be a ride to the after-party  a few miles down the road.

You can also buy the event poster for a chance to win at $25k knucklehead.

Details: Born Free Blog.

Here's the updated list of builders from all over the world who are planning to attend:

Andy, Pangea Speed, Triumph -

Barons Speedshop UK/Factory Metal Works Pre Unit Triumph

Bryan Thompson , Pre Unit Triumph - Caleb Owens, Cro Customs, HD

Dave Barker, Speedmetal, Panhead - Dave Polgreen, St Paul, Knucklehead

Gaku Okomizu, Hawgholic, HD - Harpoon, FMA, Knucklehead

Ian Barry, Falcon Motorcycles, Vincent - Irish Rich, Shamrock Fab, HD

Jason Craze, Eternal Combustion, Knucklehead

Jason Weber, ATR, Knucklehead

Jeff Leighton, Wing Nuts MC, Knucklehead

Jeffro, White Knights, Triumph

Jeremiah Armenta, Love Cycles, HD

Joe Lingley,Panhead Dragbike

John Copeland, White Knights, Shovelhead 

John Edwards, Old Tyme Custom Paint, Panhead

Jon Rispante, Las Vegas, Triumph/BSA - Kim Boyle, BCM, Triumph

Kosuke, Sunrise Cycles, Triumph - Max Schaaf, 4Q, Panhead

Mike Olsen, Vista, Knucklehead - Robert Hernandez, AZ, HD

Scott Craig, Chopperville, Knucklehead

Shawn Donahue, Chino, PanShovel

Todd, Small City Cycles, Triumph - Warren Heir, JR Cycle Prod, HD
Event details: http://www.bornfreeshow.com/

2011 Born Free 3 was another great success!               "We had just over 100 vendors at Born-Free 3 and I think everyone had a ball and did well. This is mostly due to us tailoring the show to our wants and desires, attracting people from all over the globe, and not charging an entry fee," said Grant of Born Free. A $50 discount is being offered for "early bird" vendor sign ups. Born Free 4 is coming to Oak Canyon Ranch, California on June 30, 2012.

Cody & Kyle Ives Stunt Show at 2011 Thunder Beach Rally

Cody & Kyle Ives are not typical teenagers. They have been doing freestyle stunt shows for nearly 10 years and you can see them April 27 to May 1st at Frank Brown Park during the 13th Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City Beach, Florida. - See a video of their Thunder Beach 2009 Extreme Motocross, Steel Globe of Death Show.

The 13th Thunder Beach Spring Rally kicks off with a free GENEVA concert on Wednesday, April 27 and includes poker runs on Thursday, Friday & Saturday - Free outdoor concerts, free parking and 250 vendors at venues across beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida. Friday - Miss Thunder Beach Pageant with King Cotton Band (Blues w/Country edge.) Saturday - MS Thunder Beach (35+), Thunder Beach Parade, and Steel Horse Law Best of the Beach Bike Show. Sunday - Blessing of the Bikes and Scenic Ride. Details: http://www.thunderbeachproductions.com/