Motorcycle TV: American Choppers is back!

Posted: June 18, 2018 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle TV
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After being off the air for a few years the American Choppers motorcycle TV show is back on the air. Discovery Channel has brought the Teutul’s back for another run Monday’s at 10PM EST.

If you liked it in the past I think you will like it now. If you did not like it in the past, then I don’t think you will change your mind. This time around, in addition to the shop hijinks, there is a focus on Senior and Junior trying to rebuild their relationship. Scripted or not your call.

As far as the motorcycle builds go, not much has changed…which is a bit disappointing, hardtail and pro stock bikes. The closest they come to something out of the norm was an ethanol (E85) bike. But, Paul Jr. used a standard engine just tuning it to be able to use the fuel. With all the angst out there about ethanol in motorcycles this would have been a great time to do more. Just my 2 cents.

BUT, here is the crux of my problem, and it is not with the show, if you want more motorcycle TV then you need to watch (or record) the show. Without ratings American Choppers will not last and Discovery and other channels will not invest in more motorcycle themed shows.

I for one want more motorcycle TV and, at least once a month, I search the TV listings for motorcycle themed shows. Whether or not I am interested in those shows I set the DVR to record those shows to at least give them a small boost.

Soooo, like it or not please give American Choppers a chance if not for that show but those motorcycle shows we don’t even know about yet by watching/recording.

Fuel for a Rant! Motorcycles and the EPA.

motorcycle vacation new england

Motorcycle Ride to Custom Dynamics Part 1

Posted: June 16, 2018 in Motorcycle, motorcycle safety, Rally
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custom dynamics

Recently Debbie and I took a 570+ mile round trip to visit the headquarters of motorcycle aftermarket lighting manufacture Custom Dynamics.  If you are a regular to this blog you know that, after buying and installing several of their products, I am a fan of what they produce.

Every now and again I check the Custom Dynamics website to see what new products they are offering.  This time I discovered they have new light for the Harley Davidson Rushmore motorcycles, one that fits into the fairing air vent.  The LED Light Kit for HD Bat Wing Fairing is both a bright running light and turn indicator.

ijustwant2ride

Debbie talking with Karen

I was just getting to the point of hitting enter on the order button when the “light bulb” (bad pun #1) came on over my head.  I was hoping that I could get a couple blog posts while shining a light (pun #2) on Custom Dynamics.

I contacted Custom Dynamics via their twitter account (Erin) and asked if I could ride down to check out the facility, products and talk to them about the companies’ history and where they are going. After a bit of back and forth we received an invitation to visit.

Arriving at a non-descript building with no signage we were not sure we were in the ijustwant2rideright place at first.  We meet with our point of contact, Karen, who had us ride into warehouse so the technicians could start the work.

While they were working I had an enlightening (pun #3) conversation with both Karen and the techs.  Turns out they have expanded the warehouse, doubling its size, and were now filling the new space. I am not surprised, like I said earlier they make a good product.

Ijustwant2rideTalking with the techs I asked how many installs they do at the different rallies and events that they attend.  This year they have estimate that they have installed over 3000 items and the season is not over yet.

While they were installing the new vent lights they decided to toss in new turn signal lights.  Now I was very pleased with the “Ringz” light I installed a few years ago, but WOW the new “ProBeam” turn signal insert lights seem to be a magnitude brighter. It was at that point Dave, the owner of Custom Dynamics, stopped in.

Talking with Dave I got the impression that he would be a guy I would like to hang out with or have as a neighbor.  We had a good conversation and a good interview about where the company came from, and where it is going…. But you will have to check in for part 2 for the rest of the story.

Click to enlarge but even with that you cannot understand how bright they are!!

Lights off
Just Flasher
Can you see me NOW?!?

Check my post on the Custom Dynamics Tour Pack Flasher kit!

 

Honda Motorcycle Unleashing a Zoo on America!

Posted: June 15, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news
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2019 Honda Monkey
Honda is setting to unleash the Monkey and Super Cub on America in 2019.* (see how I did that  LOL, I kill me sometimes)

These bikes are based on iconic motorcycles from Honda’s past like the Mini Trail (Z series) and Trail 90.  Both appear to be powered by the same 125cc engine.

mon 1The Monkey
“Beginning with a Japanese amusement-park ride, Honda’s 58-year history with the “Monkey” has seen the Z series capture the hearts of generations the world over, offering enjoyable, accessible mobility through a likable design, tiny dimensions, and low weight.”

The monkey will be available in Banana Yellow and Peral Nebula Red.  The standard version will cost $3999 and with ABS $4199.

The Super Cub ABScub 2
“A social phenomenon, the Super Cub even inspired a Beach Boys song, its worldwide popularity carrying it to a production milestone of 100 million units in 2017, making it the highest-selling motor vehicle in the world.”

That is a lot of motorcycles… the price for the Super Cub is $3599 with Anti-lock braking standard.  The Cub is only available in Pearl Niltava Blue.  I had to look up just what Niltava was, turns out it is a blue & yellow bird native to an area from the Himalayas to China and Taiwan.

So what do you think about the Honda Zoo?  I am really interested in looking over the Super Cub as my father and later myself road the Trail 90 all over the place!

*Most of the information below comes from the Honda Motorcycle press release.

2019 Honda Monkey
2019 Honda Super Cub C125

Motorcycle Ride and a Giant Skate

Posted: June 7, 2018 in Motorcycle, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring
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We are on a ride to visit the HQ of Custom Dynamics located in North Carolina.  Custom Dynamics make some very very bright LED lighting for motorcycles of all brands. 

I am a big fan of their products and thought it would be cool to check them out first hand.  Stay tuned for post all about Custom Dynamics in the near future.

BTW the little gnome was guarding Old Dominion Harley Davidson.

 

 

 

Steal & Share: Motorcycle Awareness

Posted: May 28, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
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May is Motorcycle Awareness month but May 2018 is coming to an end.  Motorcycle awareness should not come to an end.  Please take these Motorcycle awareness pics and post to all your social media accounts.  Lets get the word out all year long!!!!

DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio Show #464: Not Our Finest Day!

Posted: May 25, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing
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ijustwant2ride.com

The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio…The #1 Motorcycle Show in the US

Air jets to keep you from crashing your motorcycle?  Bosch think this is a good idea!  Phil does this after every Taco Bell run.

A reference to Deadpool 2 from an earlier show.

Moto2…. yawn….. MOTOGP, well Marquez looked good!

Motocross ….. Is Eli Tomac running a 650?

Flat Track…do we even know what happened?  Tune in to find out.

Oh and some silly season stuff from MOTOGP.

Please check out our PODCAST HERE!

5 Motorcycle things from the Inter-Web!

Posted: May 22, 2018 in Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing, Motorcycle Rides
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Ford Patents a Motorcycle in a Car… how weird is that?  Now I am sure this will never see the light of day but Ford submitted a patent where a scooter/motorcycle is inside a C-Max car.  The seat of the motorcycle would be the center console of the car.

“Carolina Hurricane” is called up to race in the UK.  The key to this interesting motorcycle racing story is that Keagen Brown is in the 5th GRADE!!!

11 Year old gets his stolen motorcycle back.  Problem is it was stolen 17 years ago!

Glen Curtis motorcycles set a world speed record.  Glen rode an V-8 motorcycle to a new record in 1908?

Top 5 Motorcycle rides in Europe.  Several of these from YouMotorcycle I have never heard of before!

Motorcycle TV: The History 100 “Evel Live”

Posted: May 18, 2018 in motorcycle show, Motorcycle TV
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100 evel

Evel moments before the crash landing at Caesars Palace.

The History Channel is planning 100 documentary shows portraying major events and figures of the last 100 years. The show is called “History 100” and one of the first will be Evel Knievel.

Nitro Circus Moto Mayhem - Geneva 2015

This show will be a three-hour event that not only covers the life of Evel Knievel but will also include the recreation of three of Evel’s most iconic events in three hours.  Travis Pastrana will attempt to break Evel’s record by jumping over 50 cars, followed by 14 buses and then the Caesar’s Palace jump.

Of course Travis will have the benefit of modern motorcycle technology in attempting 100 scoutthis fearsome task.  By using the Indian FTR750 he will have a significant advantage that Evel never did.

The show will debut on Sunday the 8th of July so have your TV sets on or your DVR set.  Get the popcorn and set back for some interesting entertainment.

Make a game of MOTORCYCLE SAFETY!

Posted: May 15, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety, Uncategorized
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safety

                                        May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

As we all know all the safety gear we wear and all the safety tech on our motorcycles are just not enough at times. Awareness of motorcycles by drivers of cars and trucks is as important as everything we do.

So to help improve the awareness of others (and therefore ourselves) we need to start teaching children to watch for motorcycles. That is why the idea of teaching kids to count motorcycles instead of “punch bugs” is so important. If they are watching for motorcycles as kids they will have an easier time seeing them when they start to drive. Thus our safety as motorcyclist is improved. The payoff is in the future but let’s invest now.

Make a game that has a small reward when they spot “X” number of motorcycles. Ask your non-riding friends to do this with their children. Mention it at events and gatherings, just get the word out. You know when a 6 year old yells “motorcycle” that their parent is going to see it to!!

This is a repost from May 2017

9 Things I Learned Last Weekend (while at the Motoamerica Race)

Posted: May 8, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle racing
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 This past weekend I attended the Virginia International Raceway stop of MotoAmerica.  Phil and I drove, 4 hours, to check out the action of this year’s motorcycle race.  This is the first time I have attended a professional motorcycle race in person.  I had a great time and learned a few things along the way.  In no order ….bp 10 

1.  The track is a lot steeper in person then on TV.  Wow the elevation change on the back side of the track had to be at least 300 feet top to bottom, with a couple “S” turns tossed in.  There was not many attempted passes in that section, it would take super skill or brass ones to pull it of downhill at 130MPH. 

2. Phil may still be “persona non-gratia”.  If you listen to DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio you know Phil has been hard on MotoAmerica over the last year.  Not for the motorcycle racing but for the seemingly lack of effort to entice fans to the events.  More on that below.  But anyway, I put in for media credentials for both Phil and myself, I got the “hard card” ID like badge and Phil got an armband and they misspelled his name.  LOL 

3.  The “Air Wall” works as advertised.  Hayden Gillim crashed right in front of us coming out of turn 3, sliding right into the bp 2Air Wall. I would guess he was going 80-90MPH when the motorcycle slides out from under him.  Hayden got up and walked away, though the spectators, not sure that would have been the case with a stack of tires.  

4.  When you are standing near the motorcycles when they launch off the starting line it is faster and louder than on TV. 

5.  Fox Sports 1 must get better ratings for a regular season baseball game then the Championship motorcycle race for SuperCross.  Baseball pre-empted about 20 minutes of SuperCross and that made us cross. 

6.  Virginia International Raceway is a great facility for racing.  In addition to the track there is a small hotel and condo on site.  The view of the track is good, except where they had to put up advertisements for the TV cameras, but that is money and money is why they have a good facility.  

7.  MotoAmerica is getting better.  There was a lot going on at track between races, stuff for kids, bp 6scattered corn hole games, the WALL of DEATH, vendors, and the spectacle of the race bikes getting worked.  It is a lot more then there has been in the past.  BUT, there seemed to be a more than a few cars from the DC, Maryland area based on no advertising in the Washington DC region.  What would they get if they actually tried to recruit fans to VIR? 

8.  My phone and sunlight do not mix.  I tried to do a few Facebook Live events during the weekend and then came of OK at best.  I will have to take OK as I could barely see my screen and at times had no idea if the recording was on or off!  Oh well. 

9.  The visceral feeling as the race started or flew by.  TV, at least for now, just cannot replicate that feeling as dozen high powered motorcycles scream off the line or through a turn just 25 yards away.  WOW

 

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