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Archive for the ‘Daily Ride’ Category

Give Us Your Top Ten Reasons: What Makes Motorcycles Sexy?

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , on October 6, 2008 | 4 Comments »

Most riders I know have a confidence that’s almost contagious: an enthusiasm for life that is found in women and men in every walk of life. I have heard it more than once while riding that a lot of people think motorcycles are sexy. If you agree, the staff of Jafrum would like to hear your top ten reasons why. Let us hear your story!

Everyone who has made the decision to purchase a motorcycle has a story of the journey there and how it has continued. The first time I saw a motorcycle I was transfixed: as an artist, the design and engineering just blew me away. From that moment I knew I had to learn how to ride and control this beautiful and powerful machine. It was the idea of harnessing all of the power within that fantastic mechanical work of art that is top of my list of what makes motorcycles sexy.

Then about 6 months later, I starting dating a guy who owned a motorcycle and riding as a passenger only made me more excited about taking the wheel. Even at the slowest speed the feeling was exhilarating and I never felt more alive. I took the plunge and bought a used Harley-Davidson Sportster and the adventure began.

But I felt like a person with two left feet when it came to the motorcycle safety course. Anyone who tells you “it’s a piece of cake” should have been with me during my experience. Every time I take an instruction course to build up my skills, I realize that there is real science at work riding a motorcycle well. That’s really makes it, well–sexy. What’s your story?

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Top Ten Motorcycle Road Trip Essentials-Part Two

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , on August 8, 2008 | 3 Comments »

Photo courtesy of Rockymtnmoto.com

Photo courtesy of Rockymtnmoto.com

To make your motorcycle road trip rewarding, it’s essential to plan ahead, from the route you will travel to ensuring you have the gear you need to handle any situation.

To be prepared for whatever may happen on the road, here are the final 5 essentials to complete our top ten list of must have items you should pack:

  1. Roadmap: You should carry a laminated, foldable roadmap. A travel compass is also a great tool to help you get your bearings. A solid GPS system with bike mount is a good investment or a cell phone broad band Internet access to online GPS can work.
  2. Security: A wheel lock, heavy chain with a lock. Make sure that the lock is long enough so it can secure both wheels to make it difficult to be rolled away. You may also want to disable your bike for an added level of protection.
  3. Spare key: It’s a smart idea to carry a spare ignition key because, hey ya never know. Stow it in a ziplock plastic bag and secure it in a safe place on your bike or in your gear.
  4. Motorcycle mechanics list: Check your bike thoroughly before you take off down the road and make a list of bike repair shops along your journey. Keep it in a plastic protector with your important documents.
  5. Personal necessities: Power snacks like nuts and dried fruits give you long lasting energy. Decaf 5-hour Energy has B-vitamins and amino acids plus choline to enhance mental clarity.And don’t forget the toiletries; sanitary wipes, tooth brush, toothpaste and deodorant.

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Take the Roadtrip to the Burning Man Festival

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , on August 8, 2008 | 8 Comments »

Photo Courtesy of Wild Wind Motorcycle Tours

Photo Courtesy of Wild Wind Motorcycle Tours

Summer is winding down but there is still time to celebrate the uniqueness of the season and the joy of riding your motorcycle on the open road.

If you are looking for a special road trip you might enjoy joining the crew from Wild Wind Motorcycle Tours on a ride to the Burning Man Festival in Black Rock Desert, Nevada will be held this year from August 25 to September 1.

The 2008 art theme is “The American Dream” and this event has been called a once-in-a-lifetime, not-to-be missed experience in a location is perfect for refining your motorcycle riding skills.

Since 1986, the Burning Man Festival has been centered on the power of art.

A motorcycle is a work of art in motion: riding through the magnificent scenery of the Black Rock Desert can be truly awe-inspiring. But come prepared, the 107 degree temperature of the desert can be ruthless.

Wild Wind Motorcycle Tours is based in Arizona and offers a variety of tours to mystical and magical places in the southwest. If you want to ride the legendary Route 66 or the Grand Canyon, these are the bikers to call.

To get a taste of how the Wild, Wild West earned its name, participate in the Arizona Good Guys and Gunslingers tour to “the town to tough to die,” Tombstone, Arizona.

For those bikers who want in on the Wild Wind Motorcycle Tours fun to Burning Man Festival, don’t delay because space is limited.

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Is it Really Cool for Bikers to Behave Badly?

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , on June 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

With the onset of warm weather bikers around the country are eager to be on the road again and part of the fun is attending biker rallies.

One of the first events that always have a huge turnout is Bikefest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina which took place June 2nd.

The reports have been pouring in that because of bikers behaving badly, the City Council is going to review hosting the event.

The majority of bikers attend rallies to meet friends, listen to great music, relax and have fun.

But many people on both sides seem to be stuck in the 1950′s: when rock n’ roll music was supposedly the product of an evil force and bikers earned a reputation for striking fear in the hearts of the townsfolk.

Every time bikers gather, there seems to be a great burst of energy released by non-bikers due to fear of the biker stereotype, that a handful of bikers like to keep alive.

It should be noted that college students share the credit with bikers for creating the mischief that is causing the City Council to take a second look at Bikefest.

Behaving badly or biker rage: call it what you will, just like road rage displayed by drivers, it’s bad news.

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Vintage Motorcycles on Exhibit in Juneau, Alaska

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , , , , on June 9, 2008 | 2 Comments »

Believe it or not, with only 91 miles of road Juneau, Alaska has more motorcycles per capita than most places in the United States.

This is one of the reasons for the “91 Miles to Ride: Juneau’s Biker Culture exhibit at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.

Four classic motorcycles will be on display; a 1924 Henderson Inline IV, a 1936 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead (shown in the photo on the right), a 1946 Indian Chief and a 9-foot-long 1975 customized chopper, all on loan from Juneau bikers.

In 2006, 1,025 motorcycles were registered in Juneau. According to Sarah Asper-Smith, guest curator of the exhibit which opened May 18th and will be on display until September 27th, the exhibit examines the reason why there are so many motorcycles in town, when it’s not possible to drive out of town and only 3 good months for riding a year.

The exhibit features memorabilia and photographs, which highlight the biker culture and groups of Juneau. There is a lot of history in these photographs: a 1930s photograph shows one of the earliest motorcycle clubs in town, when there were only one or two roads.

The motorcycle owners of Juneau are a passionate group and according to the Museum Director Jane Lindsey, the exhibit appeals to the community on different levels. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the history of Juneau, their neighbors and get a chance to see  vintage motorcycles that combine art with machine beautifully.

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Suzuki GSX-R1000 Rule Mountain Circuit Superbike TT

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on June 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

Cameron Donald donned his AGV helmet and had a big day at the recent Superbike TT on the Isle of Man along with 2 of his Relentless Suzuki team members, Adrian Archibald and Bruce Anstey. 

Suzuki GSX-R1000s are respected for their racing power and both of these riders are skilled at testing their metal and pushing their bikes to the ultimate performance. Racing fans screamed with delight as the Aussie mounted the podium to receive his honors.

The Relentless Suzuki team rode hot, thanks to the K8 TAS Performance-prepared GSX-R1000s. Their performance at the event keeps the record held by Suzuki intact starting with every rider from Norman Brown forward who have claimed top honors.

There were plenty of exciting moments, especially when Cameron Donald clocked in at 129.256mph on lap six of the 37.73 mile Mountain Circuit in just 17 minutes 30.84 seconds!

Fireblade John McGuinness’ exit from the race gave Cameron an extra boost of confidence that this could be his moment to shine and without a doubt he proved that he is racer to watch. Guy Martin proved to be a worthy contender, by leading early in the race, but Cameron Donald did not give him any quarter, pursuing him with rock solid determination that paid off; in lap three there was only 10 seconds separating Cameron and Martin from the rest of the field and in lap four Cameron overtook the lead from Martin.

Cameron Donald gave the credit for his win to every member of the Relentless Suzuki team and his gear, in particular his AGV helmet for their role in his winning performance. You can read the entire story at roadracingworld.com.

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President Bush Receives His Own Motorcycle Jacket

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , on May 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

President Bush is now an honorary member of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club complete with his own leather jacket. And you cannot help but wonder which motorcycle the President would ride: would it be a Harley-Davidson, Triumph or Honda?

Many of the Rolling Thunder bikers are veterans and reminded President Bush that there is a lot of room for improvement in terms of benefits veterans receive during active duty and after they leave the service.

This was a very appropriate way to mark the end of Motorcycle Safety Month. With Rolling Thunder’s visit to the White House on May 25th, it also underscored that what we really need are uniform motorcycle laws across the United States as well as increased driver education on how to share the road with bikers. Perhaps this event will encourage our lawmakers to turn a more careful eye to the legislature that is high the bikers lists of concerns.

Of course bikers need to do their part as well. It is a mystery to me why after countless motorcycle accidents, some of them fatal, that there are STILL bikers who ride without proper training, protective gear, license or insurance.

The more bikers respect their own safety, the easier it will be for drivers to do the same.

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Now Get Your Motorcycle Racing Thrills on Internet TV

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , on May 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

Motorcycles and racing is a match that’s made in heaven as far as fans are concerned. Thousands of bikers and car drivers attend events that deliver a thrill that is hard to define. Several websites have broadcast events but there’s something new is on the horizon: The Moto Channel on MediaZone.com.

Media Zone brings comprehensive coverage of Motorcross, Freestyle, Mini and SuperMoto racing direct and live via Internet TV. Beside the live coverage, there are archives of past season events and Fantasy Leagues as well.

Join the community with a season pass annual subscription of $24.99 and you can upload your photos and videos, blog and participate in member forums. Plus when it comes to live events, you will not believe all of the action that is included:

  • Weekly highlights on MediaZoneMoto.com
  • 2008 Motocross of Nations
  • 2008 Supermoto of Nations
  • 2008 FIM Supermoto World Championship
  • 2008 FIM Motocross World Championship
  • 2005-2007 Motocross, Supermoto, Freestyle and 2006 Minimoto Archives

The Moto Channel lets you truly experience the feeling of “being there” from where ever you are in the world. With coverage of motorcycle events from around the world on Internet TV, you may never watch regular television again.

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Bikers Living Dangerously: Riding Without Insurance

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , , , on May 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

Here’s an interesting point to think about: why do some bikers think it’s okay to ride uninsured? Is it possible they don’t realize there are heavy fines and penalties if they are caught–including losing their bike?

Hmmm…it does makes one wonder how they missed the memo on biker safety. Research studies show that uninsured automobile drivers tend to behave more recklessly: could the same be true for bikers? In addition when two cars are involved in an accident and either of them is uninsured, guess what? It affects the lives and premium rates of everyone.

It’s amazing to hear discussions offering workarounds that encourage bikers to flaunt the law. Yeah, we know the cost of living is high. But let me ask you this: have you checked the prices on funeral arrangements lately? Can you imagine being the uninsured biker in an accident? The first thought will be: “No insurance? That was stupid.”

Let’s not forget that bikers are already living on the fringe of legal roadrunners. Gas prices are making drivers look kindly at motorcycles, but there are still those who wouldn’t miss them. There have been some nasty encounters between drivers and riders on the road. So with that said…is YOUR bike legal?

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A Handy Biker Accessory

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , on May 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

Whether you are biking to work or across country, you can never have enough storage space butcargo storage you don’t want to weigh down your bike too much with extra luggage. Having all of your necessities at your fingertips just got easier with the Grab-it Pack. With a design that mimics the ever-ready gun holster, this nifty water-resistant storage gadget was invented by Louis Kiss, a Hollywood Stuntman and Special Effects Makeup Artist.

The Grab-it Pack is great for holding your wallet, cell phone, keys and coins: all the small stuff that you need on your ride. It’s designed to hug your hip, and straps secure it around your waist and your leg. It can be worn on either your right or left side or if you really need A LOT of storage room you can wear one on both sides. Velcro flaps hold all of your stuff securely in place making it easy to open and get to the things you need when on your motorcycle.

The Grab-it Pack is one of those items that can be used by every biker. It has a no-nonsense functional design gives you extra on-body cargo space that you can remove when you reach your destination. Way cool and reasonably priced to boot. Check it here.

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Love Riding Your Motorcycle? Let Congress Know!

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , on May 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

MAY IS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

Has YOUR Representative Signed on to H. Res. 339
Supporting the Goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month?

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month officially got the green flag on May 1st in Washington, DC. This year Congress saddled up at the starting line to show their support by introducing H. Res. 339 which highlights the safety guidelines that all bikers should know by heart:

  • Have a legal license
  • Get motorcycle rider training
  • Always wear a good quality DOT approved helmet
  • Wear protective leather motorcycle riding gear, boots and gloves
  • NEVER drink and ride

But H. Res. 339 goes an extra mile: focusing on the need for automobile drivers to not only share the road but also to be on the alert for motorcycle riders. In too many motorcycle accidents involving automobiles, the drivers stated that they didn’t see the motorcycle.

Really? Okay bikers, how can we change that?

  • Use your headlights — even during daylight hours
  • Wear helmets and gear with reflective red and white markings

Why red and white? Because these are the colors used in railroad crossing signs: automobile drivers associate them with danger. Respect your life: make your presence on the road easy to recognize and hard to ignore.

LET’S BRING THE NUMBER OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS DOWN.

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Get Paid for Your Love of Motorcycles

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , on May 2, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

How many times have you wished for a dream job working with motorcycles? Well, here is your chance to go for the gold and toss your hat in the ring for a chance to do the work you love and get paid well for your effort.

For the fourth year in a row, on May 5th Motorcycle Industry Jobs.com will host the online “Moto Job Fair” and is offering employers a huge opportunity to recruit the best moto talent on the planet and save a lot of cash ($125.00) in advertising fees if postings are placed by May 4th.

As a bonus, all of the help wanted ads placed by May 4th will be available to job seekers for 15 days (to May 20th) at no additional charge. Employers can also place their ads by calling the toll-free number of Motorcycle Industry Jobs: 1-866-376-8964.

MIJ is based in Escondido, California and has earned a solid reputation as the leading Internet search engine for the motorsports industry. Skilled bikers who have a passion for motorcycles get treated right; registration with the service provides several features to connect you with your dream job: highlight your resume with a 500 character clip to attract attention and receive instant job notifications by email — all for free: what’s not to love? Check it out: http://motorcycleindustryjobs.com/index.php

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Affordable ABS for Motorcycles: Traction Control Brake System

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , on May 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

Braking is the one aspect of motorcycling that many bikers struggle to master, especially when making an emergency stop. There are a few new motorcycles that have anti-lock brakes, but this option calls for deep pockets; not every biker can afford them.

The problem most bikers face without anti-lock brakes is that if you are riding full out and your wheels lock the result in most cases will not be pretty. Thankfully now there is a reasonably priced motorcycle accessory that comes in second only to the helmet in providing you with safety and protection: Traction Control Brakes.

This accessory is a safety product that can save your life. The brakes on a motorcycle lock on the high and low areas of the rotor. The Traction Control Brake System plays the role of middleman, absorbing the shock to the brake so they float over these areas. It eliminates premature locking of your brakes and gives you an accurate way to gauge how much brake you’re using.

At $79 a wheel, this is one safety feature you cannot afford to do without; Traction Control Brakes can be fitted to 95% of the current bikes on the market. Protect yourself and be safer on the road: see the Traction Control Brake System up close and personal.

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Desperados Move From the Street to Your Garage

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , on April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

It is Bike Security 101: lock it or lose it, but it’s not just for the street anymore. Many bikers feel that parking their bikes out of sight in their garage makes it unnecessary to go through this routine but the thieves among us have gotten very clever: motorcycle thefts from garages are on the increase.

There is a high demand for certain motorcycles just as is the case with cars, so bikers need to be wise and street smart: don’t advertise your bike by parking it on the lawn. Bike thieves rarely break into a garage at random: don’t give the opportunity to case your bike and steal it from your garage.

Taking measures to secure your bike in your garage like it was on the street is the first step: the second thing you have to do is deny a thief the opportunity to get into your garage. That means keeping your garage keys out of sight in a place where thieves cannot get to them easily. That may not stop every thief, but the harder you make it for them to gain access to your bike the more likely they are to give up on the heist.

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Do a Wheelie in Florida: Lose Your Bike?

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , , on April 29, 2008 | 1 Comment »

The state laws that make it mandatory for bikers to wear a helmet laws are useful, but the new “reckless driving” law proposed in the State of Florida (HB137 2008), may cause problems for bikers who are riding safely.

If this new law goes into effect, it will prohibit motorcyclists from performing stunts such as “wheelies” on public roads. At first glance it sounds like a good idea; it’s easy to see how a motorcyclist who performs a stunt on a public street or highway poses a danger to themselves and other motorists.

Basically this new law states that bikers must keep both wheels on the ground at all times. If a biker fails to do this or is driving 30mph over the speed limit, a police officer can arrest and take the rider into custody.

The rider’s motorcycle will be seized and if the rider is found guilty the Department of Motor Vehicles will be ordered by the Court to revoke their motorcycle endorsement. The rider will lose their bike and their privilege to legally ride a motorcycle in Florida. Follow this link to read the bill: Reckless Driving.

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Born to Be Wild—and Green

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , on April 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

If you have ever dreamed of owning and riding a motorcycle, here’s another reason to make that move: the zero emissions Brammo “Enertia” electric motorcycle gives you a thrill while you go green.

Electric motorcycles have been around for quite a while—and they’re no wimps either. In fact, if you have 100 Grand sitting around gathering dust, the “KillaCycle” is ready to drop your jaw at 168mph over a quarter of a mile, making it the world’s fastest electric motorcycle.

For the first time bikers who want to go green and spend a little less “ka-ching,” the Brammo Enertia will be the fist legal motorcycle powered by electric batteries. The production announcement was made in July 2007 and the advance orders are pouring in for the first mass-produced electric motorcycle. Obviously, this bike is not meant for touring, the main focus is the urban commuter market.

With a price under $15,000 it’s easy to show Mother Nature respect without giving up on the performance you crave: the bike goes from zero to 30 mph in 3.8 seconds. And charging your bike batteries is easy too: at a speed of 50 mph the Enertia gives you up to 45 miles per charge, just get yourself to the nearest outlet and you’re good-to-go. Check the videos at http://www.enertiabike.com.

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Control Your Biker Ego and Stay Alive

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , on April 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

JAFRUM serves the motorcycling community in North Carolina and has a passion for the safety of every biker. With regret we learned that Cameron Wagner, a 20 year old student at Western Carolina University died in a crash when he lost control of his bike last week.

Time and again we hear these stories: inability to maintain control of the bike is one of the significant factors in many motorcycle accidents and the other is insufficient training/experience. Unfortunately many bikers allow their ego to choose bikes that they ill-equipped to handle and overlook the need for continuous riding skills training.

First, get the right bike and riding gear. A new rider must have a bike that is easy to handle, for instance the Suzuki VanVan 125 or the Kawasaki Eliminator 125. Let the Harley-Davidson 600+lb. Fat Bob be your object of lust and dream of the day you can ride it. But this is definitely NOT the bike an inexperienced rider should buy. Wear a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 helmet and bright reflective clothing to be as visible as possible.

Second, get the training. The 15 hour Basic Motorcycle Rider Courses is the mandatory starting point; then pump up your training with the techniques that the professionals use. Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider’s Handbook Politics aside, if you have ever seen a police motorcade on the move, you have witnessed the result of superior riding techniques that every biker can learn to use to steer clear of danger and stay alive.

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The Long Way Down: Two Bikers on a True Adventure

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on April 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

While the mystique of riding a motorcycle causes many to yearn to shed their conventional mode of transport and don a leather jacket instead, for bikers around the world who enjoy the experience on a regular basis the goal is much bigger. Many bikers dream about it, but only a few ever have the ability to make the dream a reality, here are two of the few.

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor are two bikers who started a mind-bending 15,000 mile trip on May 12, 2007 from John O’Groats, London to Cape Town, South Africa. The journey that took 85 days included a crew of photo and videographers who chronicled the adventure.

Of course there is much more to this story than charting a course for a motorbike run. Beyond the weeks of planning was hours of physical training for endurance; traveling through different types of weather conditions, climates and time zones can be grueling and disorientating to say the least.

The book “The Long Way Down” won the Play.com Popular Non-Fiction Award at the Galaxy British Book Awards, a fitting reward and a well-earned thumbs up for motorcyclists everywhere. The film will be released on the National Geographic channel in July 2008. Check out the videos at http://www.longwaydown.com/

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Heads-Up for Honda V-Twin Owners

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , , on April 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

In case you haven’t heard, if you own a Honda VT750s VT600s, VLXs and VTX 1300s manufactured in 2006, 2007 or 2008 you may be in danger every time you start your engine.

Honda has issued a recall of these models which is now in progress as of April 10, 2008. The recall is due to the discovery of an improperly manufactured fuel control value diaphragm which could leak and poses a fire hazard in the fuel delivery system. Honda dealers will replace the fuel control valve diaphragm assembly free of charge. The recall will affect 39,000 VT600s, VLXs and VTX1300s and apparently all 750 V-twins designated ’07 or ’08 models.

A warning issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states: “the fuel control valve diaphragm and the fuel valve may drip fuel. In the presence of an ignition source, dripping fuel poses the risk of fire.” Follow this link for the official NHTSA document.

Consumers may contact Honda at 1-866-784-1870 Reference Recall No. Q75 or the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or view more info at http://safercar.gov or consumeraffairs.com

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Motorcycle Lifestyle Exhibit

Posted in Daily Ride, tagged , , , , , , , , on April 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

Alfred P. Sloan was elected President of General Motors in 1923 and led the company to phenomenal success for 23 years. Flint, Michigan was famous for making carriages long before it became known for automobiles. The Alfred P. Sloan Museum located at 1221 E. Kearsley Street is part of the Flint Cultural Center dedicated to preserving automotive history.

Before World War II, the motorcycle was used because of its practicality as a form of transportation. The “Rides and Rebels,” exhibit runs until July 2008, is a tribute to the motorcyclist who has become the symbol of individual freedom and discovery.

This exhibit shows that there is more to the motorcycle lifestyle than the image presented by the film “Rebel Without a Cause.” Bikers are responsible and creative individuals who value the environment: motorcycles use far less gasoline and produce fewer pollutants than cars.

The display features 60 motorcycles on loan from Michigan riders, famous racers, including a section called “My First Bike” featuring a Tiger Triumph named “Tea Time” restored by local leather artist Bob “Leatherman” Katrinic, that’s adorned with silver spoons, teapots, teacups and crystals from chandeliers. There is also artwork, photographs and a lot of leather jackets.

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