Posts Tagged ‘AMA’

Motorcycle News: An entire family gets to go to a national championship

Posted: July 30, 2021 in Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing
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ijustwant2ride.com

Hey guys, I am in a middle of a move and have not provided as much content lately.  Please stand by for a bit while I get back to normal… whatever that is!

Up Shift – Entire Family to Race at the Amateur Championship – The entire Rau family is going to the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s motorcycle complex! This is the first time that a mom, dad, and son have pulled this type of hat trick.

Mom and dad (Tressa & Justin) qualified for the Senior (40+) and son (Jett) made the cut in the Mini-E Junior (4-6) class.

My Take – This is one of those, “Isn’t that cool!” items.  Congratulations to the Rau family and I hope they all make the podium for another amateur motocross racing first!   

*****

Up Shift – New Harley Davidson Sportster – If you did not see this coming, I don’t know what to say to you.  The ever changing and tightening emission standards is slowing ending the air-cooled era of motorcycling. Lament if you wish, but the old engine just could not compete in this modern world.

The 50+ year old Sportster name continues at Harley Davidson with an all-new motorcycle. The new Sportster brings the Harley Revolution Max engine and 121 horses (from 1252cc) as a major upgrade to the name.   

To help tame that horsepower the new Sportster has lean-sensitve Antilock brakes, wheelie control, traction control and “Drag Torque Slip Control” to reduce rear wheel lockup during engine braking.

My Take – At first glance this new Sportster looks a like the FXDR from a few years ago.  A lot of styling points from that bike made it to the Sportster.  I do like the styling; I do like the performance upgrade, and I understand why Harley Davidson had to make the change to old bloodline.  I have not yet had an opportunity to ride this motorcycle, but I will make the time to do so.  At a $15,000 US starting point it seems to align with many of its competitors.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

Click here to see the last news update.

Holiday Gift Ideas for your Motorcycle Crazy Person in 2020.

Posted: December 2, 2020 in Motorcycle
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Have a motorcycle enthusiast (aka Crazy Biker) on your naughty or nice list?  Here are 9 gift giving ideas to make their 2020 holiday a little bit better.

9. A New Motorcycle Jacket – All equipment gets old and needs to be replaced. Look at the condition of your crazy biker’s jacket does it need to be replaced?  I have been using the Viking Cycle Enforcer Motorcycle Jacket for a couple years now and I am quite happy with it.  Check out my review of this jacket.

8. Motorcycle Art – Ran across this a few months ago on Amazon…your rider’s name spelled out, in pictures of motorcycle parts.  I do not own this, but I might just get one from myself. Check out Personalized Motorcycle Name Art – Harley, Indian, and Honda on Amazon

7. New tie-down straps – Another piece of equipment that gets old, but one that is especially important if your crazy biker tows or hauls their bike(s).  Steal a glance at their current straps, look worn or about to be worn out, get them a new set.

6. Custom Dynamic Motorcycle Lights – Custom Dynamic makes SUPER bright, eye catching lighting for motorcycles.  I have several sets on my bike and wish I had more! In particular, look at the ProBeam LED Motorcycle Turn Signals. 

ijustwant2ride

These turn signal lights are really DIY

If I could get a commission on every purchase of Custom Dynamic lights I have influenced, I would never have to pay for this website again.

5. A Gift Card – from their favorite local dealership.  That way they can pick out what they want!

4.  New Motorcycle Gloves – Is your crazy biker’s glove a bet nasty? Now is the time to gift them a new pair. Some consideration, vented for warm weather or waterproof for the rainy day?  Or heated for the cold months?

3. Battery Tender – Winter is here in the northern hemisphere. This gift will help your crazy biker be ready to roll the first chance they get. No recommendation, they are almost all good. Just make sure you get the right connection for their motorcycle.

2. A Branded Hat – cause, you know, helmet hair!

1. Membership in the AMA – That is the American Motorcycle Association.  Membership not only gets discounts on products it also includes emergency towing. The AMA is the largest, but not the only, lobbyist group protecting your right to ride.

Ride On, Ride Safe

9 Motorcycle Gift Ideas for the 2017 Holiday Season!

Posted: December 1, 2017 in Motorcycle, Product Reviews
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xmas 17Last year I offered a list so this year why not another?

These ideas are only to get you started.  Every rider is different.  These ideas are based on my thoughts from this past year. 

9.  Books about motorcycles – On a cold winters weekend a good book might be the ticket.  Recommendation:

revolutionary rideRevolutionary Ride, the latest book from Lois Pryce, “Revolutionary Ride” documents her solo motorcycle expedition to and through Iran.  The book vividly recounts her story of finding the truth about the “real” Iran.  I reviewed this book here.

 

8. Motorcycle brake light flasher – Get your rider’s rear end noticed, in a good way, in traffic.  These devices flash your break lights for a few moments when ever your touch your brakes, giving the cars behind you notice you are stopping. Recommendation: 

z3Custom Dynamics Brake Light Flashers is the product that I purchased for my bike.  They make them for more than just Harley’s but not for all bikes.  You can read about my use of the flashers here. Check around for your biker’s make and model.

 z17. Headed Gear – Does your motorcyclist lament cold weather? Then some heated gear might help.  I don’t own any but it is on my personal list!  There are many different companies making heated gear.  Some gear are battery operated while other are plugged into the motorcycle.  At this point it is a personal taste of what to get and how it works. 

z46. Disc Brake Lock – Motorcycle thief is up all over Europe and in parts of the US.  A disc brake lock in and of itself might slow down thieves but as part of a thought out package it might have them moving on to easier targets. Locks come in all colors and shapes some even have load sirens to further deter the bad guys.  

z55. Replacement Gear – Take a look at the gear your rider wear the most, does it need replacement.  Jackets, riding pants, and gloves are all good candidates for checking out and replacing as necessary.

 

z64.  Motorcycle Art or Household Items – Does your rider have a man cave, or maybe wishes for one?  Well every man cave needs some motorcycle themed items or art. I did a post a while back about a man cave bathroom.

 3. Ride Maps – These are maps made specifically for motorcyclist and showcase all the fun and interesting roads. Now in the age of computers and GPS why buy a paper based map?  IMHO there is something to be said for looking at a map on a cold, rainy day planning out the next epic ride. Recommendation:

          Mad Maps

 2. Helmet – Is your biker’s helmet more than 5 years old?  If so ask some sneaky questions to find out what they like in a helmet.  Full face, modular, open face, there are so many possibilities… maybe a gift certificate for a helmet might be better. 

1.  Membership in the AMA – That is the American Motorcycle Association not the medical association (or the version of the AMA in your area).   Membership not only gets you things like emergency towing it gets you a voice in Washington DC.  The AMA is the biggest (but not the only) motorcycle lobbyist group trying to protect your right to ride.  This is, most likely the most important motorcycle gift idea on the list!Motorcycle, motorcycling, Harley, Harley Davidson, café racer, café motorcycle, motorcycle safety, motorcycle advocacy, congress, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, hog, hd, custom motorcycle, harley owners group

9 Gifts for the motorcycle rider in your life!

Posted: December 3, 2016 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy
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xmas

’tis the season of gift giving for many around the world and if you know an avid motorcyclist I am sure she or he would appreciate a motorcycle themed gift.  Whether under the tree or handed directly as an unwrapped gift, bikers will enjoy gifts aimed at one of their favorite things.

These 9 motorcycle themed gift ideas are just to help get you started, there is so much stuff out there you are sure to find that one item to light up their eyes.

9 – Books on motorcycles.  Make sure that it is a general topic or specific to his or her bike.  My recommendations: stealing speed

          Racing – Stealing Speed: The Biggest Spy Scandal in Motorsport History

          General – American Motorcycle Girls

8 –  New motorcycle riding glasses – Over time even the best glasses will show wear and tear.  Glasses are quite personal so make sure you think the purchase through, maybe even just buy a newer version of what he/she already rides with.  My recommendation:

          Wiley X Air Rage with polarization & eye cavity seal

7 – Motorcycle themed t-shirt – Something to wear around the house. You can get all types of themes; racing, cruising, vintage and just about any make or model motorcycle. My recommendation is one of the hundreds of BRAAPP shirts out there, I like this one (if anyone cares 🙂

          USA BRAAAPmaps

6 – Motorcycle Maps – These are maps made specifically for motorcyclist and showcase all the fun and interesting roads.  Most are broken down by region so make sure to get the ones that work for your rider.  Now in the age of computers and GPS why buy a paper based map?  IMHO there is something to be said for looking at a map on a cold, rainy day planning out the next epic ride. My recommendations:

      Mad Maps

5 – Battery Tender – Over the long winter break batteries tend to die.  This motorcycle gift will help your motorcyclist out and make sure the bike is ready to go on the first day of riding season.  I don’t have a recommendation for a specific brand, they are almost all good.  Just get one that comes with the ends that connect to motorcycle batteries.

4 – Tire Repair Kit – Make sure you know if the tire is tubed or tubeless as that will define what you buy. Either way I recommend:

          Stop n Go Tire Repair Kit (this one is the tubeless)

3 – Bluetooth intercom set – This makes it so much easier to talk with your passenger (or other bikes if it so equipped).  There are many versions of these devices out there, shop around as I do not have a particular recommendation.

Ijustwant2ride.com

Just left the house

2 – Helmet – Is your bikers helmet more then 5 years old?  If so ask some sneaky questions to find out what they like in a helmet.  Full face, modular, open face, there are so many possibilities… maybe a gift certificate for a helmet might be better.  My recommendation (and we own this one):

          Nolan Evo 104

1 – Membership in the AMA – That is the American Motorcycle Association not he medical association (or the version of the AMA in your area).   Membership not only gets you things like emergency towing it gets you a voice in Washington DC.  The AMA is the biggest (but not the only) motorcycle lobbyist group trying to protect your right to ride.  This is, most likely the most important motorcycle gift idea on the list!

           American Motorcycle Association Motorcycle, motorcycling, Harley, Harley Davidson, café racer, café motorcycle, motorcycle safety, motorcycle advocacy, congress, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, hog, hd, custom motorcycle, harley owners group

Motorcycle Advocacy: AMA call to action to protect motorcycles from E15 fuel.

Posted: February 10, 2015 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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no-e15-389x389

I am sure you have seen a lot of information flying back and forth on the proposed EPA rules about increasing ethanol percentages in gasoline and the impact on motorcycles. The long story short is that the AMA, major manufacturers and a lot of other folks truly believe that E15 will damage motorcycle engines.

The AMA and others have been working in congress to try and stop the EPA E15 mandate but the EPA is not listening. To that end there is a new bill proposed by U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Peter Welch’s (D-Vt.) H.R. 704, the RFS Reform Act of 2015. “The bipartisan bill would amend the Renewable Fuel Standard to recognize market conditions and realities. It will also prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from allowing the introduction into the marketplace of gasoline blends with more than 10 percent of ethanol by volume.

If this bill becomes law then E15 will not allowed. Of course that is a long shot as it will have to pass the house then the senate then go the president…. But you can help!!

The AMA is asking us to contact our representatives and senators and is providing us with pre-written statements to do so. Please check out this link if you are interested in more information or you want to send a message to your politician.

Motorcycle Ride for Neurofibromatosis

Posted: August 6, 2014 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring
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My daughter and I rode in a charity ride supporting Neurofibromatosis (NF).  The ride was hosted by NFmidatlantic.org and the Baltimore Ramblers Motorcycle Club.

NF is the most common of the “rare” diseases.  Neurofibromatosis is extraordinarily complicated. It comes in many forms, is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and presents in a myriad of forms. Read more about the different types of NF here.

The event began with a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s in Timonium, MD. After everyone had their fill of pancakes the riders, about 50 or so, broke into smaller groups for the ride.

Members of the Ramblers guided us through the back country of Maryland for about an hour and a half before we finished at their clubhouse.  The ride itself was quite nice, we only had to dodge giant farm tractors twice!  🙂

There were a few vendors and food available at the clubhouse along with door prizes and 50/50 draws (Eryn 5 feet 100 Lbs won size XXL gloves 🙂 ).  There was also several vintage motorcycle to look at including an old Indian and a 1953 BMW.  After hanging out for a while and talking with the volunteers from the Mid-Atlantic NF and the Ramblers Eryn and I headed for home.  BTW the Ramblers are one of the oldest AMA motorcycle clubs in America, founded in 1929.

Much to my worry, the sky started to darken and the closer to Leesburg the more rain drops we felt.  Luckily we missed the down poor by a bit and made it to the garage dry.  The XM radio traffic worked well and had routed around a jam and saved us from getting wet!

By Warren S Massey

Motorcycle Ride for Neurofibromatosis

Posted: June 8, 2014 in Motorcycle Rides
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ijustwant2ride.com

Pulling out for the NF ride!

My daughter and I rode in a charity ride supporting Neurofibromatosis (NF).  The ride was hosted by NFmidatlantic.org and the Baltimore Ramblers Motorcycle Club.

NF is the most common of the “rare” diseases.  Neurofibromatosis is extraordinarily complicated. It comes in many forms, is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and presents in a myriad of forms. Read more about the different types of NF here.

The event began with a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s in Timonium, MD. After everyone had their fill of pancakes the riders, about 50 or so, broke into smaller groups for the ride.

Members of the Ramblers guided us through the back country of Maryland for about an hour and a half before we finished at their clubhouse.  The ride itself was quite nice, we only had to dodge giant farm tractors twice!  🙂

There were a few vendors and food available at the clubhouse along with door prizes and 50/50 draws.  There was also several vintage motorcycle to look at including an old Indian and a 1953 BMW.  After hanging out for a while and talking with the volunteers from the Mid-Atlantic NF and the Ramblers Eryn and I headed for home.  BTW the Ramblers are one of the oldest AMA motorcycle clubs in America, founded in 1929.

Much to my worry, the sky started to darken and the closer to Leesburg the more rain drops we felt.  Luckily we missed the down poor by a bit and made it to the garage dry.

 

Motorcycling vs. CDC … I do not have a disease!

Posted: November 23, 2013 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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Looks like others are taken aback by the CDC and “its helmet study” I mentioned in my last post.  Congressman Tim Walberg (Michigan) wrote a letter to the CDC asking several pointed question about the study and its “findings”. A quick web search finds that the AMA, ABATE and others are taking the CDC to task on this issue as well.

If you have not yet dropped a note to your congressman or women now is the time.  It is not about helmet laws it is about labeling our activity as a health risk just like cigarettes, soda and Trans fats! If they can label motorcycles as a health risk then higher taxes and heavy restrictions will soon follow.