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Lake Tahoe to Sacramento Trip

March 8, 2010 by byshaw

Motorcycle Trip

For those who believe the descent from the peaks of Lake Tahoe and Donner Pass (CA) to Sacramento is a smooth one, think again. One hundred miles is a short ride, yes, but dropping nearly 8,000 feet is not.

It was in the low 40s when I departed Lake Tahoe, bitterly windy, and bits of snow still clung in the shadows under the pines and the peaks in the distance. The road, littered with sand and other debris as winter approached, required intense concentration. In the high altitude, my poor carbureted bike – I call her Molinara – had a painfully-low idle devoid of horespower. I lean on the throttle, and she barely responds. I looked forward to the increasing temperatures, but I did not adequately anticipate their abrupt arrival.

I began that one hundred mile downhill ride fully bundled, miserably cold, and with every bit of exposed skin covered with some form of protective gear.

Half an hour later, steering with one hand, I was flipping open visors, unzipping vents, loosening cold weather gear, and sweating. The only one enjoying the ride was Molinara, who saw a quick restoration of her torque and a robust roar in her pipes. She was happy, but I was not.

Baking in the now-70s temperatures, I pulled over outside of Sacramento to start peeling off layers and switching to lighter weight motorcycle gloves. There, parked conspicuously on the shoulder of a highway entrance ramp, I made a number of wardrobe adjustments.

As I stowed my gear, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) car tore past me, tires smoking, engine protesting, and disappeared onto the highway. Whomever he was chasing was going to be disappointed when he quickly overtook them. Another good reason to abide by the law. But strangely, another CHP patrol car pulled up behind me not five minutes later. Scrambling out of his car, the officer strode towards me severely.

“Have you seen anybody driving crazy here recently. Spinning their tires or something?” he demanded.

Yes I had, I told him, but it was another patrol car – no doubt responding to a call. Hearing my response, he started giggling.

“Yeah, that was me; I was bored. You gotta practice that stuff, you know?”

Over the next ten minutes, he tried to recruit me to CHP, talked about his time in the Marines (he and I were both infantry), and insisted that I use his name if I apply. If I make it, he gets a week’s vacation as a reward. I told him I’d consider it.

As we both readied to leave, he told me to be safe, watch my speed, and if I wanted, I could tail behind him for a bit. It sounded like a license to exceed the speed limit, so I quickly agreed.

He did at least fifteen over, and I followed directly behind him. Getting bored of it, I guess, he turned on his lights and pulled over somebody doing merely ten over. Popping an ugly, left-handed salute towards me, he grinned, and I kept going – fifteen over. Later that day, having arrived in the Bay area, I climbed off of Molinara, thanked her for safely carrying me more than 5,500 miles from one side of the continent to the other, and gave her a kiss. The other, I told her, I would save for when she got me back home.

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I Was There

February 24, 2010 by byshaw


You don’t buy a motorcycle for transportation, in my opinion. Sure, when you turn your car in at the shop, you might use your bike, but that’s an exception. As a general rule, bikes don’t have enough cargo space, they’re too vulnerable to foul weather, and they’re entirely too expensive. No, you have a car for transportation, and you have a bike because it’s fun.

Cars are boxes, and their occupants (aside from those who live a little and drive convertibles) are very much “inside.” They’re protected from the elements, hidden from the wind, and climate-controlled. At times they’re so stuffy that the gastrological behavior of a passenger in the back seat can ruinously disturb the driver up front. And as far as I’m concerned, drivers are spectators to the scenery and a world that swiftly passes them by. They are simply relocating from point A to point B. What lies between the two goes largely unnoticed.

But then there are the motorcycles. You have the wind in your face, regardless of the speed. You have the 20 degree wind chill (at 60mph) to factor into any weather report. You have bug guts slathered across various areas of your
leathers and motorcycle helmet (or windshield), and perhaps a few on your face. When it rains, you get wet; and when the road is treacherous, you stand a chance of seeing it even more closely – pinned under your bike in a skid. Riding is a real-time interaction with the scenery, the weather, the road, the buffeting wind, and the bike itself – constantly. Whereas drivers occupy the mental wasteland between their starting points and their destinations, riders are always precisely where they need and want to be: riding. Not spectators, but participants.

If I were to close my eyes while riding (and I assure you that I don’t), I would still know where I was. Aside from the freedom and thrill of the riding itself, my favorite aspect is the smell. It changes constantly, and it always tells you
something. One moment it’s a skunk, and the next a cow pasture. Then it’s fresh-cut hay, or the dead leaves of autumn. In the Appalachians it’s wet rocks and moss. In downtown areas it’s the occasional whiff of marijuana, then
exhaust, then asphalt and rubber, then somebody’s grill in the back yard. On Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, it’s a virtual cloud of marijuana, movie theater popcorn, and the distinct aroma of weird. At random intervals along any
road, it’s roadkill. Regardless, it changes with the scenery, and I like it. Drivers miss every bit of this.

When they aren’t punching at their cell phones or wishing they’d reached their destinations, drivers might look about long enough to remember a billboard or a particularly rough section of road. I will remember how an area smelled. Then I will remember that I was on my bike at the time, and then I will remember how much I enjoyed it. It didn’t matter where I was going, or where I came from; it mattered that I enjoyed the ride. Why? Well, it’s easy. I didn’t pass a place; I was in it.

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Motorcycle Riding-Fun or Dangerous?

February 16, 2010 by byshaw

Silver City New Mexico
Silver City, New Mexico

When I enlisted in the Marine Corps Infantry, I was surprised with the responses I received when others learned the news. Most, probably envisioning me marching away to war, expressed concern for my safety, a handful indicated they were proud of me, and the vast majority tried to relate: “hey, I have a cousin in the Army. He says he likes it, I guess.” A few, however, blurted that I was going to get myself killed. Thankfully, that reaction (a disconcerting one) was rare. But when I purchased a motorcycle, it was the norm.

 “So you just got a motorcycle, huh? Well, you’re gonna crash and die.”

 An incredible number also felt compelled to tell me about specific incidents where that had happened, too. It was always somebody distant to them, like the husband of a cousin’s neighbor’s niece. Invariably, something horrible had taken place. That, too, was disconcerting. It was always bad news…

  “You got a motorcycle? Yeah, I just had a patient who ground his entire lower body to a nub when he skidded off his bike doing 100mph on a back road. Have fun riding.”

 “You got a motorcycle? Our prayer requests in Bible study yesterday were for the surviving family of a man killed when he was riding his motorcycle on his farm.”

 “Motorcycle, huh…..you ever seen that video of Evil Knievel hitting the pavement after his jump? I think he broke every bone in his body – at least twice. It was heinous. He looked like a rag doll.”

 “Yeah, my cousin bought a bike, but he crashed it on his first ride and now he’s in a wheelchair.”

 “One of the neighbor’s kids used to ride, but then he wrapped himself around a tree and died. I think he was about 20.”

 “Well, bikes are neat, but I’m too afraid to ride. I’m terrified that somebody will open a car door and I’ll go flying off. Have you seen that movie where there’s this scene….the guy landed in an intersection and got run over. It was pretty cool. But I don’t want to ride a bike, though. Too risky.”

I even had one person offer to pay me NOT to purchase a motorcycle. Naturally, I declined.

 Yes, it may be dangerous, but so is life itself. Besides which, there are number of measures one can easily take to mitigate the risks – beginning with a motorcycle safety course, leathers, and a motorcycle helmet. Furthermore, most other risks can be drastically reduced if riders set aside their pride, ignore the compulsion to exceed the speed limit, and simply enjoy the road. That you have a bike – a sleek, powerful beast with lots of shiny parts – is showing off enough. Respect it, be hyper-vigilant, and you’ll be just fine. You have a greater risk of injury riding a horse (according to the Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation).

In looking back on the whole ordeal, I’ve reached the conclusion that the first thing that comes to mind with a non-rider is the dangers of motorcycling. Thus, that’s what comes out of their mouths. For a rider, however, is the freedom, the road, the roar of the pipes inside your helmet, and the known fact that people in their boring little cars are staring at you with envy. All their kids are waving, too, much to the horror of their mothers. Maybe everybody’s a killjoy because they’re jealous that I’m going to have a lot of fun and they’re not. 

And here’s the best part: Now only two years after purchasing my first motorcycle, nearly every person who said something negative about riding has since gone riding with me and thoroughly enjoyed it – to include the person who offered to pay me to not buy the bike. At least one has purchased a bike of his own, and several more have expressed interest in buying them in the future. I win, folks. Well, motorcycles win. (I will note that one passenger kept peering over my shoulder to monitor the speedometer, but I think she still had fun.)

 There’s something about a motorcycle that’s almost universally appealing. Something about the way it hugs the road in curves and bolts up the long inclines that cars struggle to climb. Or the deep rumble as you cut through tunnels and under overpasses. Maybe it’s the subtle statement that, “I can go fast if I want to, but I’m happy just relishing the ride.” All you naysayers, we’ll win you over yet. And then, we’ll see you out there on a bike of your own. You can’t help it; it’s just fun.
About Ben Shaw, the author

Motorcycle Trip Planning-To Plan or Not To

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Motorcycle Trip Planning-To Plan Or Not To?

February 12, 2010 by byshaw

Motorcycle Trip Planning
For those of you planning a lengthy motorcycle trip, my advice is to quit planning immediately. Planning means stating your intentions. And that means the gods of fortune are alerted to the fact you have hopes of doing something, at which point they unite against you to ensure that plenty of things go wrong. Two years ago, when I began arranging a multi-state ride, I knew none of this and planned carefully. Catching me totally unaware, the fortune gods ruined me.

Prior to embarking on a long ride far from home, it seems logical that you should turn in your bike for a thorough servicing. Take every precaution to ensure that your bike won’t leave you stranded, irritated, and walking from the Middle of Nowhere to Somewhere. Or worse. In my case, Molinara – yes, she has a name – received valve adjustments, fluid servicing, new brakes, and a new rear tire. The bill, of course, was astronomical. But, we can’t place a price on safety, right?

When the repairs were complete – and only a few days prior to my much anticipated departure – I had a friend drive me to the dealer to pick up the bike. I left like a bat out of hell, leaving my friend to drive back at a more reasonable, responsible speed.

26.5 miles later, roaring along swimmingly at 70mph on the highway, I heard a loud ping, a crash, and suddenly the bike sounded like it was on the verge of death. To my credit, I didn’t panic and do something novice. Instead, I simply pulled over, discovered my PIPES missing from the mid-joint back, and an enormous gouge torn out of my new rear tire. My pipes, by the way, were a quarter behind me in the ditch, severely dented, scratched, and at that moment searing a char mark into the grass. Despite being livid, I was thankful that my friend would be along shortly to spot me on the shoulder and help me out.

Completely ignoring me, he drove right by. Use a cell phone? No way. He never turns his on. He might have to actually TALK to somebody, you see. So, I called the dealer (who was now closed), informed them that I was standing on the side of the road with a broken bike, and that it was entirely their fault. That done, I limped the bike to a nearby exit, found a Waffle House, and sulked.

To my surprise, the manager called me back fairly promptly and announced that a vehicle had been dispatched to deliver me a loaner bike from their floor, and take mine back for repairs. They even paid for my Waffle House lunch.

But the loaner, of course, was tiny. And I’m 6ft 3in tall. I’ve listed the pro’s and con’s below:
Disadvantages of the loaner bike:

1. No windshield – and my friend called me a weenie for objecting
2. I ate bugs on the way home – I want to see HIM eat bugs
3. Smaller
4. Not loud and attention-getting
5. No saddlebags
6. It’s not my bike

Advantages of the loaner bike:

1. Um, it’s not my bike (ride hard)
2. I got home safely
3. It’s black
4. It’s better than walking, which isn’t cool at all

My Bike
Ben's Bike

Loaner bike
Loaner Bike

To shorten a very long story, the dealer discovered that they had failed to properly reattach my pipes after their work. The tire was replaced, the bike fixed, and returned to me – still broken and lathered in grease marks. So I took it back, and they fixed it again (meanwhile, I’m leaving in a couple days). Then my brand new sissy bar bag broke some buckles. Then it rained. Then I finally left – and was immediately rained on. And then, a state later, Molinara broke again, leaving me stranded, and sleeping overnight on a concrete stoop outside another dealer’s repair shop. And the next morning I was almost mugged in a gas station bathroom. Then, I tried something different.

Quite simply, I stopped planning. I would go where the road took me, stop when locals insisted there was something to see, and not stick to any schedule whatsoever. And you know, it worked perfectly. The next 13,000 miles were completely disaster free.

Don’t plan, folks. Sneak up on your trip and surprise it. The gods of fortune will never know what hit them.

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Introducing Ben Shaw-The Rider and Writer

February 12, 2010 by Jafrum

Ben Shaw -Jafrum's Motorcycle Blog Writer
Ben Shaw has been a rider since August 2007, when, freshly returned from multiple combat tours with the US Marines in Iraq, he purchased a Yamaha Virago 250. Ten days later, dissatisfied with its small size, he purchased an 1100.

In 2008, Shaw rode cross-country, expecting to cover 5,500 miles in roughly a month. Four and a half months and 9,500 photographs later, he returned – having ridden 13,500 miles. Since then, he has undertaken several shorter rides, and looks forward to available time to cross the United States on a northern route.

Shaw’s experience with riding is that there is danger, beautiful scenery, long, low curves through beautiful countryside, and a profusion of interesting people met along the way – often just as savory or unbelievable as the ride itself. The most important thing about biking, thus, is being simply curious about everything. Without fail, schedules never work, the weather never cooperates, weird and amazing people abound, but it all becomes the stuff of stories riders will tell for years to come. As any rider knows, strange things always happen on the road.

Shaw currently resides in Virginia, and works as a combat journalist and veteran advocacy writer.

Posted in Blogroll, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Thermahelm -Revolutionary brain cooling helmet technology which could save your life

January 21, 2010 by Jafrum

thermahelm -picture courtesyAll motorcycle helmets use polystyrene as a shock absorber, and for that purpose it works quite well. This is the same white foam that you’d find in refrigerators and coolers. The problem with this is that if you are involved in an accident one of the biggest dangers you would face is the increase in brain temperature and swelling, and polystyrene will accentuate that effect since it is an insulator.

If your brain swells too much it can close off the vessels and restrict blood flow, which can lead to brain damage and death. After a crash keeping your head cooler can have a dramatic impact on your changes of escaping brain damage…and death.

With the Thermahelm it also has polystyrene on the inside, just like any other helmet, but what makes this helmet unique is that it also has a layer of water and salt which will combine at the moment of impact (think of the type of cold packs that athletes use) to create a cooling effect and can prevent swelling of the brain which can allow precious time for emergency personnel to arrive.

Invented by Julian Powers after a basketball mishap where he accidentally elbowed a player in the head. After getting an ice pack he later gave it to his friend to put into his helmet on the ride home and an idea was born. According to Powers, there haven’t been any significant changes in the design of motorcycle helmets…until he invented this technology.

The turnaround time to retro fit your existing helmet is 5 days according to their website.

Of course critics say that the problem with this type of technology is that it ignores a more important issue: cyclists and drivers need to more careful on the road no matter what type of lifesaving gear they are wearing.

Thermahelm isn’t available for purchase yet, it is still in the prototype stage. You can visit the company website at: http://www.thermahelm.com and sign up to receive updates as soon as they become available.

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Harbortown bobber DVD movie

January 20, 2010 by Jafrum

The Harbortown bobber DVD is from the award winning directors of the movies “Choppertown” and “Brittown”. This fabrication documentary took over two years to make and it follows the building of a ‘69 bobber owned by Scott DiLalla. Featuring Irish Rick, Earl Kane, J-Bird and Dennis Goodson, the movie chronicles the crew as they work on the motorcycle and share their personal stories.

Along with an interesting ground up build, it’s also loaded with tons of helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to build their own bike. It’s far better than the staged ‘reality’ TV shows, this movie shows real people doing what they do best, without all the drama.

You can almost share in the excitement the first time Scott fires up the bike to take it for its maiden spin. It’s exhilarating when everything works just the way it’s supposed to with nothing going wrong, as it so often does.

Even if you have no interest in building your own bike, this is a great movie to just get an inside look at what building a bike is really all about, it also has a great soundtrack by The Lords of Altamont. The DVD has a run time of over two hours.

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Motorcycle Gifts over $100

December 15, 2009 by Jafrum

This year if you want to give a great gift to the biker on your list and you have either really deep pockets or you just love them a whole bunch and you want to really splurge, there are many gifts you can choose from. I’ve compiled a short list of some great gift ideas that are $100 or more. Check it out and find the perfect gift for your favorite biker.

1. Motorcycle Helmets. This one item is too important to not be at the top of any gift list. A good helmet is literally the difference between life and death. Helmets come in various styles and prices but make sure to get one that is DOT approved. Helmets can be as inexpensive as less than $100 all the way up to over $800.

2. Leathers. A set of leathers can consist of pants and a motorcycle jacket or it can be more racing oriented with protection sewn in at the most vulnerable spots like the elbows, shoulders, and knees. No matter which option you choose this is a great choice for anyone who is an avid rider. It will keep them safe and they can look cool at the same time!

3. Motorcycle luggage. You have quite a few choices when it comes to luggage for your bike. You can get saddlebags that hang over the back fender, these can be permanently attached or just slung under the back seat and easily taken off when you need to. Or you can get sissy bar bags that mount right on your sissy bar. And last, but not least, you can get tank bags…pretty self explanatory! They come in either leather or man made materials and the prices can vary significantly depending on what type you get, but for a whole set you will most likely spend over $100.

If you’re making your list and checking it twice you might want to add some of these items to it. Of course, there are many other great gift ideas for the rider in your life, but hopefully you can use this list as a starting point. No matter what item (s) you choose, the biker in your life will love you for it!

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Icy Riders -Ice Racing Motorcycle DVD

December 11, 2009 by Jafrum

For three years, documentary filmmaker Bengt Löfgren, followed the riders, mechanics and fans in the glorious world of Ice Speedway. Icy Riders is a film about dreams, ambition and aging during what might become the last season of the legendary ice speedway rider Posa Serenius. The result became a warm and intimate road movie that rolls from rural Sweden to freezing cold Siberia. Brought to you by the folks at One World Studios Ltd. in association with Tussilago Films.

Runtime: over 2 hours!
Filed under best Motorcycle DVD, best motorcycle movie category.

Available at choppertown.com

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Give your Favorite Biker the Gift of Safety

December 10, 2009 by Jafrum

If you’re looking for a great gift for the biker on your Christmas list, no gift says ‘I love you’ more than safety gear. Making sure they are safe when they ride will give both of you peace of mind and it will make a great gift. 

Here is a list of the best safety gear that you can get the biker in your life. This equipment ranges in price from $20 all the way up to hundreds of dollars so there’s something for every price range. 

1. First things first, protect the head. Buying a top quality DOT certified motorcycle helmet will help keep your loved one safe. Helmets come in many different styles from half, to German, to full face. Prices will range anywhere from around $60 all the way up to several hundred dollars. 

2. To make sure your favorite biker keeps all their skin where it’s supposed to be, buy them a nice leather motorcycle jacket. A top quality leather jacket made with heavy duty leather will keep them safe in the event they take a spill, and if they don’t take a spill they’ll look really cool! Prices range from a few hundred dollars all the way up to $600. 

3. Boots. There are many styles of motorcycle boots. Some look like ‘motorcycle boots’ while others have a more everyday kind of style. To be an effective safety precaution make sure whatever boots you buy are of heavy duty construction, come up over the ankle, and are properly sized. Boots will cost anywhere from around $60 all the way up to $215. 

4. Gloves. A good fitting pair of heavy leather gloves can provide warmth as well as safety. Gloves come in many styles and a good pair of motorcycle gloves can run from around $20 all they way up to about $152 for heated leather gloves. 

Giving a gift is a great way to show someone you care about them. When you give the gift of safety to your favorite biker you are really letting them know how much you care. I hope this list helps give you some ideas of gifts for the biker in your life. 

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Great Gifts For Your Favorite Rider For Less Than $50

December 8, 2009 by Jafrum

If you, or someone you love, is a motorcycle enthusiast and you want to find them, or you, the perfect Christmas gift, I can help. There are a ton of accessories that you can get that will make the motorcycling experience more comfortable, safer, or just plain cooler. 

The list I’ve compiled below includes gifts that are priced for less than $50.00. Take a look and I’ll bet you can find something for everyone on your list, and don’t forget to pick something up for yourself while you’re at it!

1. Head wraps. These handy wraps are made to be worn underneath your helmet. They can help keep your hair in place and keep your helmet cleaner. They come in all kinds of patterns and colors and are machine washable. These cool bandanas cost you anywhere from $3-$5. 

2. Goggles.These come in kids and adult sizes and a ton of different colors. Most models feature an anti-fog scratch resistant lens, adjustable straps, shatter proof lenses, and can be used with glasses. Priced around $13. 

3. Leather saddlebags. Saddlebags that are made from heavy duty cowhide and will last almost forever are a great gift. They can be thrown over the rear fender and can be taken off just as easily. You can adjust them easily to whatever height you need and they won’t get in the way of your passengers leg room. They will run you around $30.

4. Vintage, Half, and German style Helmets. DOT certified helmets in assorted sizes, styles, and colors. They sell for around $45. 

Obviously, this list barely scratches the surface of great gifts for the motorcycle enthusiast on your list, but I hope it will get get you moving in the right direction. Whether your special someone has been naughty or nice, you’ll find a ton of great gift ideas that will make their riding time more fun, and they’ll love you for it!

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Buell sportbikes reborn as Erik Buell Racing

December 1, 2009 by Jafrum

For anyone who was disappointed to hear of Harley-Davidson’s decision to discontinue the Buell sportbike brand you’ll be glad to hear that Buell sportbikes will go on…sort of. Erik Buell will leave Harley-Davidson to establish Erik Buell Racing, a company specializing in the production of race only motorcycles and parts.

“I’m looking forward to helping Buell racers keep their bikes flying”, said Erik Buell. “We’ve got some exciting race development projects in the works and it will mean a lot to me personally to see Buell racers competing for wins and championships in the 2010 season and beyond.”

While you won’t be able to go out and purchase a new street bike, you will still be able to enjoy the Buell brand’s racing team. Erik Buell will be the head of Erik Buell Racing based out of the East Troy Wisconsin factory and backed up by Harley-Davidson.

Many of the workers, who thought they would be losing a job, will stay on to continue with the production of the racing bikes. Erik Buell will supply the parts and preparation services as well as production of the Buell 1125R race only bike.

You can still get a Buell streetbike, while supplies remain, at existing dealers. After they are gone the only Buell bikes will be strictly for racing.

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Cold Weather Riding

November 23, 2009 by Jafrum

Cold Weather Riding

For an avid rider, one of the hardest things to face is the end of summer and the prospect of putting your bike away for winter. But with a little planning you can easily ride longer into the fall, and even the winter. All you have to do to enjoy cold weather riding is to make sure you have the proper gear so you stay warm. If your body gets too cold not only will it be uncomfortable, it could be dangerous since your reaction time will slow down considerably when you’re cold. 

Another potential safety hazard is the icy conditions of the streets. Even if the air temperature is above 32 degrees, you might still have some slickness to deal with so it’s important to remember to slow down a little. Just as you would in a car, allow yourself more room to stop and more time to get to your destination. 

Here are some tips for finding the best cold weather riding gear so you can enjoy your bike for a lot longer than just three months:

1. Dress in layers. If you are going for a long ride you might actually start to get a little overheated as you ride. If you have several layers you can just peel one or two of the layers off as needed. Make sure your base layer is made up of a fabric that will wick sweat away from your skin. We often forget that even when it’s cold out we can sweat. If that sweat stays next to your skin, you’ll get colder sooner. 

2. You may have to make adjustments to your helmet so that it fits properly over your hat. Don’t try to just cram it on, make sure you remove some padding and/or adjust the straps as necessary. It’s important to stay warm but you don’t want to sacrifice safety by wearing an ill fitting helmet. 

3. Hands and feet are very vulnerable to getting overly cold. Make sure you don’t cheap out on gloves. Get high quality insulated gloves. You can also protect your feet by getting thermal booties. Flexing your fingers frequently can help keep the blood flowing and help them stay warm. 

4. If you are going to be riding longer distances in very cold weather you should probably consider investing in some heated riding gear. That way you can really enjoy your rides for much longer distances, and times. 

Just because the holidays are around the corner and the leaves are all off of the trees doesn’t mean you have to put your bike away until spring. Just follow these simple cold weather riding tips and you’ll have a great time long after Labor Day!

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Buell Discontinued

November 18, 2009 by Jafrum

An emotional Eric Buell announced that Buell motorcycles will no longer be built. Known as a trend setter in motorcycle advancements, the Buell brand has been making motorcycles for over a quarter of a century.

Harley Davidson recently announced they were discontinuing all production of Buell motorcycles and accessories. A press release quoted CEO Keith Wandell as saying: “The fact is we must focus both our effort and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path to sustained, meaningful long-term growth” after the recent release of HD’s third quarter earnings report which showed a drop of income of 84%.

180 Buell employees are expected to be out of a job by December 18, 2009. The assembly line in East Troy Wisconsin has built over 135,000 motorcycles during their 25 years in business.

If you are in the market for a Buell motorcycle you might still be in luck. All remaining inventory will be sold through regular dealer networks. Harley Davidson has committed to providing parts and service for all Buell motorcycles sold, including all warranty work.

This decision seems to come at an odd time considering the new product introductions and recent racing success Buell has had such as the 2009 AMA Pro Racing Sport Bike Racing Championship.

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Motorcycle Heated Gear

November 10, 2009 by Jafrum

Heated Motorcycle Gear

If you live in a colder climate you will be happy to know that you can continue riding even during the colder winter months with the addition of heated motorcycle gear. You can get heated jackets, jacket liners, vest liners,
heated motorcycle gloves, gloves liners, pants, and socks. These pieces will range in price from around fifty dollars up to a few hundred depending on what pieces you get.

Heated gear works in one of two ways: it is either plugged directly into the motorcycle battery, or it can come with a rechargeable battery that is sewn directly into the clothing. Both of these methods have their pros and cons.

If your clothing is plugged into your motorcycle battery it will last indefinitely…as long as you are on your bike. You don’t have to worry about running out of juice, but the minute you step away from your bike you’ll lose your heat. Battery operated clothing can keep you warm no matter where you go, even if you’re not on your bike, but you will lose the charge and have to plug it in to
recharge, which will usually take about four hours. 

No matter which type of Heated motorcycle gear you get, the kind you plug into your motorcycle or the battery operated type, you will be able to adjust the temperature so that you can stay comfortable. When you wear your heated gear you don’t want to wear it directly next to your skin. Keep at least one layer between you and your gear. You should still wear your leathers over your heated gear, that will not only add another layer of warmth, it will also provide protection if you should take a spill. 

Don’t let your heated gear lull you into a false sense of security when out in the cold. Even with heated gear you want to limit the amount of time you spend out in below freezing temperatures. No matter where you live you can use heated motorcycle gear to extend your riding season. You have a lot of gear styles to choose from, just pick which ones will work best for you and enjoy your bike year long.

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Las Vegas Bikefest Recap

October 14, 2009 by Jafrum

The Ninth Annual Las Vegas bike fest which ran the weekend of Oct 1- 4 is now a thing of the past. But if you talked to any of those attending the event they would say they had the time of their lives!

Attendance was right on target with last years’ at about 30,000, seems like even a bad economy couldn’t put a damper on the fun.

Cashmen Center was the site of the Artistry In Iron competition where some of the hottest and most innovative bike builders from around the country gather to try to prove who is top dog.

Thunderstruck Customs made off with the top honor ‘Builder’s Choice’ award along with a $10,000 prize check. Their bike was an industrial looking red chopper with an air plane like theme.

Harley-Davidson was on hand to give demo rides on its 2010 models. This was one very popular event over the weekend.

Vegas is always the place to be and when you add in 30,000 avid motorcyclists, let’s just say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

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Las Vegas Bike Fest 2009

September 30, 2009 by Jafrum

The ninth annual Las Vegas Bike fest is scheduled for Oct 1st through Oct 4 2009.

Over 40,000 motorcyclists are expected to descend on Sin City for the four day international event. The bike fest features a $100,000 Poker Run, a custom bike show, Miss and Mr. Las Vegas Bike Fest as well as vendor displays and entertainment.

The Artistry in Iron Master Builders Championship event showcases 25 of the most unique and beautiful custom bikes around. You can meet your favorite bike builders during the autograph sessions Friday and Saturday from noon until 2pm and a second session from 3 – 5pm.

Last year there were over 30,000 bikers in attendance, the expectation is that this year’s festival will top that amount.

The poker run is a 140 mile event that starts at the Sahara and will wind through the Valley of Fire State Park before heading back to the starting point.

There will also be no shortage of musical entertainment. Molly Hatchet will be appearing at the Sahara and the Johnny Cash tribute band, Cash’d Out will be performing at the Hard Rock.

Others that are scheduled to perform are: Randy Travis, Journey, and The Guess Who. AC/DC, who was scheduled to appear as part of their Black Ice World Tour, has had to postpone 6 of its dates, including the one scheduled for October 3rd at the MGM.

The Cashman Center’s Vendors Village will play host to over 250 vendors. There will be daily demo rides offered by Harley-Davidson showcasing their new 2010 models.

The bottom line is that Vegas is the place to be the first weekend in October. There is so much to do you’ll never be able to fit it all in…but think of the fun you’ll have trying!

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Clunker Jacket Program from Jafrum

September 25, 2009 by Jafrum


Offer ends Oct 9, 2009. Click
here for more details


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Trike Motorcycles, This Isn’t your Toddlers 3 Wheeler!

September 16, 2009 by Jafrum

A motorcycle trike is exactly what it sounds like: a three wheeled motorcycle. These new forms of motorcycles are really starting to gain in popularity, what used to be novelty is becoming common place. 

There are many reasons for the increased popularity of these machines. For many people the added size and stability gives them an increased feeling of safety. For others the bigger size provides a more comfortable ride and additional storage. For some people they simply want to be able to continue to enjoy the ‘wind in your hair’ feeling of a motorcycle but have some physical limitations that prevent them from riding a two wheeled motorcycle. 

Because of the added stability of having three wheels a trike is easier to learn how to ride. Many people can be intimidated learning on a two wheeled motorcycle. Riding a trike is different from a two wheeled motorcycle since you don’t lean in corners, you just steer, more like a car. 

Any motorcycle can be converted to a trike, Honda and Harley-Davidson are two of the most common conversion packages. The price to convert your motorcycle to a trike will vary depending on the type of bike you currently have as well as the particular conversion kit you choose. 

There are different finish levels available which will determine the final price. Just ask your favorite motorcycle dealer or accessories shop for a referral. 

For the 2010 model year, Harley-Davidson has two styles of 3 wheelers available. They are introducing these models because they are seeing an increased demand for the 3 wheelers. 

For licensing and insurance purposes trikes are classified as a motorcycle and all state and federal laws, such as helmet laws, still apply. You aren’t as exposed as you are on a motorcycle, but you still are exposed, that’s why you have to wear all the same safety apparel that you would wear when riding a motorcycle. 

So if you’ve thought about either getting your own trike or converting your existing motorcycle to a trike with a conversion kit, you’ll gain a lot of stability and storage without losing any of the joy of riding a motorcycle.

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2009 AMA International Women and Motorcycling Conference

September 8, 2009 by Jafrum

The 5th annual 2009 AMA International Women and Motorcycling Conference 
was held in Keystone Colorado August 19 -22. This years theme: ‘Riding to New Heights’. 

There were 1,000 avid motorcyclists in attendance. The event was sponsored by Harley
Davidson and Buell. 

The beautiful Keystone Resort and Conference Center, with the Rocky Mountains in the background, provided the perfect location for four days of training sessions, riding, seminars, riding, speeches, and yes, more riding!

Celebrating the dramatic, and continuing, increase in the number of female riders and the role they will have on the future of riding, this conference was an testament of the AMA’s dedication to representing all riders no matter what, or how you ride. 

The keynote speech by Ashley Fiolek, the defending Motorcross Association National Champion and X Games gold
medalist, who was born deaf and was the first woman to compete on the Honda racing team. 

Fiolek told of her challenges in breaking into such a male dominated sport. She stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with those who believe in you and your dreams and will support you in the pursuit of those dreams. After Fiolek’s passionate speech the crowd, many of whom were moved to tears, gave her a standing ovation. 

Throughout the 4 day event, punctuated by social events such as the Rocky Mountain Barn Dance and the International Street Party, there were many inspirational speakers such as: AMA’s President and CEO Rob
Dingman, newest member of the AMA’s board of directors Maggie McNally, Leslie Prevish the great-granddaughter of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson, Jan Plessner Public Relations Manager for Kawasaki, and Leslie Porterfield the land-speed record holder and 2008 AMA Female Athlete of the Year. 

AMA Marketing and Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa summed up the event like this: “The AMA is appreciative of all the speakers, guests and sponsors who helped make the 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and
Buell, possible,” “We had an incredible time in Keystone, and I’m sure I speak for all the attendees when I say that I came home more optimistic about the future of
women and motorcycling than ever before.”

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