Posts Tagged ‘Harley Davidson’

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Hilariously Confused Dad Is Overwhelmed By Daughter’s Gift Of A New Bike

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Pule Jets and Motorcycles?  Why not?  We also talked about this on the DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio show #393.

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Bosch wins a CES 2017 innovation award for their motorcycle technology.

 

The 2017 Honda Rebel is a rad reboot!

 

Rambo the Motorcycle Riding Alligator!

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So why 9?  Because everyone does 10 and 11 is too much work.

First of all this list is not for one of those around the globe motorcycle adventure trips.  I will not be mentioning things like lion repellant, spare tires or satellite phones.  These tips are more for that multi-day to couple week trips via normal roads/interstates motorcycle trips.

These tips are primarily based on our own experiences and may or may not be fully applicable to you.  However, Debbie and I are not any different then you guys so I hope that the tips get you to at least think about a particular item.

9.  Carry a few tools.  Yes, this is dependent on the type of motorcycle you ride.  A sport bike is not going to carry as much as a touring bike.  At a minimum get a multi-tool that is appropriate to your bike.  By that I mean, if your multi-tool has a hex tool but your bike has Torx screws, it is not going to be of much use.   Here is what I carry on the Harley Davidson Ultra Limited:

Multi-tool that came with the motorcycle, which turns out is quite limited based on our summer 2015 trip.

Mini screwdriver and ratchet sets with Torx, hex and standard bits in the sizes I need for my motorcycle.

Stop n Go tire Repair kit.

8. The weather is going to change, be prepared.  No matter what you think is going to happen, plan on getting wet or cold or both.  Again what you can carry is dependent on the motorcycle you ride.  At a minimum you should carry rain gear.  You need to stop and put on the rain gear as soon as you know that it is not a tiny little shower, especially if you are in the mountains.  It sucks to put on your rain gear after you are soaking and then the temp drops.b1

7. ATGATT  All The Gear All The Time – Every time I see or hear this I can’t help but think of the green Martians from the cult classic movie “Mars Attacks” (ack ack).  But what it should mean is good boots, motorcycle pants and jackets that are armored and abrasion resistant and a full face helmet.  I know that I do not do this all the time myself, it is something that we all know we should do!

6. Start Early End Early – This one is more from personal experiences with longer motorcycle trips.  After so many years in the army I still wake up early.  Because of that I get on the road early and, depending on where you are riding, that can get us out before traffic gets heavy.  It also allows you to beat the heat in the summer months, for a while anyway.  By ending early you have time to get your motorcycle unloaded and prepared for the next day, give you time for a shower and a bit of rest before dinner.  I like to be kickstand up no later than 7AM and stopped for the evening no later than 5PM.  This also helps with any bickering or sniping with your passenger because you are both tired or hot or cold.

5. Get in a Routine – Load and unload your motorcycle the same way in the same order.  Do your post ride checks in the same way at the same time (after diner). A routine of this nature will help ensure you do not forget anything while loading and unloading.  It will help to ensure that you perform your ride checks and preparation.b4

4. Inspect your bike at night – As part of your routine, do your T-CLOCS before you close down for the evening.  Wipe down the grime on your windshield/faring and if you have room to carry one, cover your bike.  Performing these activities on your motorcycle each night, I like to do mine after dinner, will allow you to be on the road little quicker in each morning. Do it in the evening or in the morning, but on all long motorcycle trips you need to do it every day.  Things become loose or need attention, better to find out when you are parked.

3. Snack Smart – Eating a big turkey leg at noon and then riding on the interstate might cause you get a bit sleepy.  Snack smart is just a tip to make sure that you can operate your motorcycle in the best manner possible.  Drinking soda or coffee might not be the best option over water or a sports drink on those days where heat might be a concern.  If you are on one of those rides where you only stop for gas consider adding a cup holder or hydration pack to your ride kit. Additionally, consider what you eat, would a banana be better for your riding or do you really, really want that turkey leg!!!

2. Tweak don’t Twerk –  Move around on the seat to stay comfortable and avoid saddle sores on a long motorcycle trip.  This is easy on a touring bike, with larger seats, highway pegs and large footboards the touring motorcyclist has it easy over the sport bike riders.  But, either way, you have to remain a comfortable as possible.  If you plan on lots of long distance riding, look into getting a seat that really fits your seat.

1. Stop and smell the roses! – Yes we all know we need frequent breaks but, if your breaks are only gas stations you are likely missing out.  If you see something that peaks your interest check it out!  Even if you have to turn around and go back to get the picture with the giant roller skate do it.  You might never know what you are missing…. maybe dinosaurs! b-2

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Premiering tonight at 9PM EST on The Esquire Network (formerly Spike TV) is the latest entry into Motorcycle TV “Wrench Against the Machine”.

According to Esquire’s web site Wrench Against the Machine is:

“The country’s most prestigious motorcycle builders put their reputations on the line in the ultimate test of creativity and craftsmanship. Each episode pits two teams in a head-to-head battle, with only three days and $3,000 to transform basic stock motorcycles into rowdy, riding, works of art.”

So from my POV an updated, bearded, DIY, “Biker Build Off” mashup with “Junk Yard Wars” or “Trading Spaces”.  This motorcycle TV sounds interesting to me so I hope to see it in the future.

Now, I do not get The Esquire Network as part of the “packages” on my TV provider but I am hoping that it will be part of the providers “On-Demand” offering.  Check out the “sneak peek” video below.

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

This week Ken completes his list of the top 11 motorcycle makers (by sheer number produced).  I was surprised that Royal Enfield was not one of those eleven!

Next we discuss the maybe, possible resurrection of Birmingham Small Arms, better known as BSA.  BSA started in the 1860s making guns  and then added bicycles, then motorcycles and at one time made cars, buses, tools among a long list of things.

The BSA brand was bought by the Indian company Mahindra and it is our hope that we might see BSA motorcycles on the road sometime in the not to distance future.

Next up is a review of the results of World Superbike, Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP racing.

You can listen to the show HERE!

 

 

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“My life lives inside me… that is what riding an old Harley teaches you.”  A quote from the movie that is what “Easy Rider would had been if it were a motorcycle documentary.

21-bThe premise of “21 Days Under the Sky” is four friends riding old school Harley Davidson choppers across America and the fun, trouble and adventure they find.  By old school I mean vintage Sportsters, Shovel and Knucklehead motorcycles. Their bikes have small tanks and more then a few break downs during their cross-country trip. This film interspaces vintage pictures and film clips from the 1960-70s with the travels and troubles of these friends as they ride US Route 40.

Broken frames, flat tires, running on empty and the age of their motorcycles plague 21-cthe riders.  But they also have some great times along the way.  Deviating from their planed route they stop by the Bonneville Salt Flats only to find it under a few inches of water.  They don’t allow the water to dampen the fun and the ensuing frolic makes for some beautiful and fun photography.

I have to say I loved the cinema photography of 21 Days Under the Sky.  But that was offset by the pretentious of the narration. While much of the movie’s narration was perfectly fine there was just enough ostentatious, almost pompous, sections of the script to gag a goat.

At 70 minutes the movie highly compresses their 21 day trip from San Francisco to New York City.  If you do the math they really did not ride that far each day, unless you count the time and distance they had to make up for each problem that put them to full stop. It would be very interesting to see what was left on the cutting room floor.

Currently on Netflix, 21 Days Under the Sky is worth your time.  Vintage motorcycle, old school choppers, a motorcycle ride across America is a formula for success, right?! I give it 4 out of 5 stars and I will watch it again.  Also, remember that this motorcycle movie claims “The next new thing is just ahead”!

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Discovery is starting another motorcycle “builder” series this show will premiere September the 12th.  From the Discovery Channel’s website they say the following about b2the show…

“SACRED STEEL BIKES follows a diverse group of elite individuals who come from a multitude of careers. From an Automotive Engineer to a Metal Fabricator to a high-end Beverly Hills Retail Associate, artisans from all spectrums of life are united in their passion for bike building and riding. The club has granted them a motorcycle oasis to live out their alter egos.”

More from Discovery … The series centers around Jason Wilson, who opened Sacred Steel Customs over a decade ago, and his team of fellow enthusiasts. The group honed their mechanical skills and founded Douche Larouche, now a full-fledged institution, complete with bylaws, regular meetings and chapters across the country and around the globe. Described as “the ultimate anti-bike gang – full of self-proclaimed ‘motorcycle dorks,’” club members range from fabricators and childhood friends, to highly connected icons in the world of underground bikes.

Each year, Wilson and his team transform dozens of bikes into masterpieces. If the customer has the cash or the connections, there is no limit on what they can do. Through favors to other members, neighboring chapters, and friends of friends, Wilson has grown an immense clientele alongside his crew. Discovery’s “Sacred Steel” aims to capture the build along with the adrenaline-fueled world of bikers.

So set your DVRs and check out the latest in motorcycle TV.

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Debbie and I had a, nearly, 200 mile motorcycle ride this past Sunday.  We left quite early in the morning as it was supposed to be over well over 95F by early afternoon.  Our plan worked as it was 94F as we made it back to the house about 1PM. Hot and muggy, but we beat the worse of it.

Pulling out that morning we really did not have a true destination in mind other than to ride through the towns of Lisbon and Damascus.  We wanted to hit those locations to add to our “Great Cities” motorcycle tour! With no real plan this was just going to be one of those “it’s the journey not the destination” rides.

After rolling through Lisbon we decided to just ride north.  Riding through small towns and rolling farmland made for a wonderful morning.  Toss in some light fog here and there it was just one of those rides were you just love the fact that you ride a motorcycle!

After about an hour we turned the motorcycle towards the west until we ran into US Route 15 which runs right by our home. Heading south we rode the motorcycle into Frederick, MD to stop for lunch and a quick stop at the Frederick Harley-Davidson shop.  The stop at the dealership was to take a quick peek at the new 2017 motorcycles and see for myself how the new engine looks.

A bit later we pulled the bike into our garage with about 192 miles on the trip meter.  All in all just another good day behind bars (motorcycle handlebars)!

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Premiering September the 5th on the Discovery Channel this three part mini-series is a creative vision of the early years of the Harley Davidson Motor Company.  From the Discovery Channels website they state

“Based on a true story, Harley and the Davidsons charts the birth of this iconic bike hd1during a time of great social and technological change beginning at the turn of the 20th century. Walter, Arthur and Bill risked their entire fortune and livelihood to launch the budding enterprise. Each of these men faced very different challenges, but it was the motorcycle that united their dreams and ambitions.”

The mini-series stars Robert Aramayo (Game of Thrones) as Bill Harley, Michiel Huisman (also from Game of Thrones) as Walter Davidson and Bug Hall (American Pie) as Arthur Davidson.  Based on the trailer the trailer (see below) it looks like there is some chemistry between the actors.  I am looking forward to watching the show!

Check out this “Creating the show” video…