"I've got to ask: Why is your price so much lower than anywhere else on the internet? I've been looking at this jacket since last fall and everyone is still selling at list price."
Connie from Arcanum, OH
"Everything was Great, I have a hard to fit 2007 Softail Custom with the FAT TIRE. Tom V in customer service was more than helpful and knows what he is talking about. I had bought an aftermarket "Mustang" seat and wanted that perfect new sissy bar and pad, he made it work. Great parts, price and service, and thanks to Tom it all worked out. I will be a long term customer.
Thanks Tom, Appreciate all your help."
Tom Miller
“Impressive customer service. I can’t wait to tell all my riding buddies about you, as well.”
Harley-Davidson announced that after nearly 50 years as head of styling, Willie G. Davidson is retiring in April.
As the senior vice president and chief styling officer, Willie G. is widely recognized in the world of motorcycling and motorcycle design. Following his official retirement on April 30, he will continue on as an ambassador at motorcycle rallies and events. He will also be involved in special design projects as chief styling officer emeritus.
“Throughout my life, I have been truly fortunate to have the opportunity to marry my passion for design with my love for this amazing brand that runs so deeply in my veins,” Willie G. says. “What’s most rewarding has been to see the impact our motorcycles have on the lives of our customers. Everything we do in styling is based on the notion that form follows function, but both report to emotion.”
Over the course of his career, Willie G., 78, built a design team at Harley-Davidson that established the company’s unrivaled leadership in custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles. Today, the styling department is led by 19-year company veteran Ray Drea, VP and director of styling, who has worked collaboratively with Willie G. in the development of numerous milestone vehicles.
“It has been my privilege to work alongside many incredibly talented people at this company and I have great confidence the future of Harley-Davidson’s design leadership will continue to grow in its pre-eminence,” Willie G. says. “I look forward to spending time with riders at rallies and to my involvement in special design projects.”
Willie G. has long served as ambassador of Harley-Davidson at rallies around the world, meeting riders, talking to customers, lending his famous signature to jackets, and setting an example of being close to the customer that has become one of the hallmarks of the company.
“Few individuals have the kind of impact on an organization, a brand and a lifestyle that Willie G. has had,” said Keith Wandell, Harley’s chairman, president and CEO. “Everyone with a love for motorcycles owes a great deal to his vision and talent, and all of us have been blessed by his presence. His legacy will continue to grow, thanks to the talent he has nurtured in the Harley-Davidson styling studio.
As grandson of one of the company’s founders, William A. Davidson, and son of William H. Davidson, its second president, Willie G. joined the company as its first head of styling in 1963. With responsibility for the look of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, landmark motorcycles to emerge from Willie G’s styling studio team include the Super Glide, which established the factory custom category in 1971, Low Rider, Heritage Softail Classic, Fat Boy, V-Rod and Street Glide. He is one of 13 Harley-Davidson executives who purchased the company from AMF Inc. in 1981.
What better way to experience Daytona Beach Bike week this year then to enjoy the festivities by modeling some of the hottest motorcycle apparel in the country?
Motorcycle apparel and accessories company Hot Leathers is search for men and women bikers to model for the upcoming 2012 Daytona Beach Bike Week, March 9-18, 2012.
Persons selected to participate will get to star in a professional photo shoot with a Hot Leathers staff photographer on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
The winners will also be featured nationally in a variety of Hot Leathers media including their popular annual catalog, on their website and in other promotional materials. Models will also be able to keep a couple of Hot Leathers tees they’ve modeled during the shoot.
Specifics on location/time of the photo shoot and what to bring will be discussed when winners are selected. You do not have to be a professional model in order to apply, just be photogenic and enthusiastic.
Here are some of the requirements needed to be a Hot Leathers model during Daytona Beach Bike Week:
Looking for fun, energetic Men & Women Bikers that are comfortable in front of a camera;
Must be attending Daytona Beach Bike Week and be available between 12 noon and 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 14, 2012;
Must be 18 or older;
Having your motorcycle at the rally is helpful, but not required.
To apply for this fun modeling opportunity:
Please send several photos including headshots and full body shots (you do not have to be wearing Hot Leathers apparel) to photos@hotleathers.com; Important: In the subject line, please type “Model Search”
Include your name, address, cell phone number, email and please tell us a little bit about yourself;
If selected, you will be contacted by Hot Leathers via email
Want to stay updated on all the Hot Leathers events, specials, follow the Hot Leathers trailers around the country and get the first glimpses of Officially Licensed Merchandise? Then be sure to “Like” Hot Leathers on Facebook. You can also follow them on Twitter.
Hey Gang! We want to let you know that you’ll love spending the weekend in Motorcycle Central for middle America! The hills of Arkansas and the Hot Springs area, will provide an awesome backdrop for riding and supporting our disabled Veterans.
Registration is now open for Mid-America Bike Week which is a benefit for our disabled Veterans and their families.
Join our $10,000 Poker Run and also see Trace Adkins in concert while you are here. Details can also be found online at Mid-AmericaBikeWeek.org. Please help spread the word. Thanks!
Hey Gang – Sturgis is just jam-packed with fun places to hang out, and everyone has their favorite! We’d love to hear from you, about what spots are hot when you hit the world’s biggest biker party!
For the last couple years, we’ve had a blast at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Like always, they’re growing and expanding their capabilities to serve the faithful bikers of the Black Hills.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip®, the legendary Sturgis rally campground, concert and entertainment venue that has for more than 30 years been a focal point of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, today announced development of a new commercial and entertainment area named the “Crossroads at the Buffalo Chip™”. The Crossroads development at the Buffalo Chip, located three miles outside of Sturgis, SD will provide visitors a Free access area at the Sturgis campground where visitors will be able to visit friends and vendors, enjoy food, drinks, and music and find a much-needed relief from the traffic in the town of Sturgis.
“There has long been a need for a complete motorcycle rally park with free admission that’s easy to get to, provides access to industry displays and vendors and has ample and easily accessed free parking. It’s been planned for years and I am delighted that the Crossroads will be open during the 2012 Sturgis Rally,” explains Rod Woodruff, owner of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® campground.
The Crossroads gives the Sturgis biker rally visitor and general public the opportunity to come to the Chip to look at custom bikes, shop, view new products, get motorcycle mechanic work done, enjoy good food, full bar service, beautiful dancers, live musical entertainment, and just hang out and meet some friends without having to pay an admission fee.
Information for Sturgis rally camping, vending, concert and campground reservations at the Legendary Buffalo Chip is available at www.buffalochip.com and 605-347-9000.
And, just in case you needed another reason to stop by the Chip, here’s an invitation to hang out with the 2012 International Bikini Team!
Hey Gang – We brought you the new Victory Judge model a couple weeks ago, and here is a little vid from Zach Ness who took the Judge as a platform and created a cafe custom. We got some feedback on the initial post, anyone else want to chime in on how Victory stacks up with their new models??
Third generation bike builder Zach Ness revealed his custom Victory Judge on January 21, 2012. We spoke with Zach at the New York IMS about the bike, and what inspired him to create it.
Hey Gang, Along with having tons of fun with our bikes, we also sell some great parts and accessories, at awesome prices too!
Here are just a couple of our recent happy customers, taking their valuable time, to give us positive feedback. Thanks to all our loyal gals and guys who who we have the opportunity to serve, and their bikes that look and run awesome too!
“YES, I’M VERY PLEASED WITH MY PURCHASE FROM YOU FOLKS. AND I WILL BE BACK IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING……..”
- HAROLD
“My stator fit perfectly. i am looking forward to testing it out after the winter is over.
i have had a starter,a ring and pinion gear,and a carburetor from your company and am very satisfied with all of it. and the price was great too.”
- SH
” Got my fender yesterday!!!!! Fast service!!!! Thanks a bunch! “
Hey Gang, I want to admit a little bit of a strange curiosity I’ve always had. When watching on TV a race that could be anything from bicycling to running, I’ve always wondered about the motorcycles you see that the cameramen are using to catch the on-road action. I’ve wondered about how these guys get those jobs and if it’s any fun to ride along with the world-class athletes as they compete!
If you’re anything like me, than this video will be very interesting and worth checking out. This the THE story of the motorcycle cameramen of the Ironman Triathlon of 2011.
For the first time ever, Victory Motorcycles sponsored camera teams at the 2011 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Take a look behind the scenes and ride with the professional camera operators and pilots as they capture one of the triumphs of human athleticism.
Hey Gang! Who hasn’t dreamed of owning a bike shop. Wouldn’t it be fun to sell, upgrade, wrench and play with motorcycles all day long? If you’ve ever dreamed of making the jump out of normal life and into the bike shop business, it’s worth taking a look at John’s Story.
For years, John Ottervanger had a dream. He wanted to own his own motorcycle shop.
“It was a very long-time dream,” he said. “I’ve been into motorcycles forever.”
The dream intensified after several years of working at the Fort Myers Harley-Davidson dealership. But he knew he lacked all the skills needed to survive and prosper in a competitive business environment.
“I knew how to work in the motorcycle industry, but I didn’t know how to run a business,” he said. “And I wanted more out of life.”
So Ottervanger embarked on a course of self-education, launching a succession of ventures – a consulting firm, a pressure washing operation and a pool maintenance business – where he served as his own apprentice.
“It was a great learning experience,” he said.
Ottervanger then spent a year building a detailed business plan for the shop. But still he hesitated, reluctant to take that big step.
Then his wife Kim ran out of patience.
“He talked about it and talked about it,” she said. “Finally, I told him, ‘you-know-what or get off the pot!’ ”
Spurred by the challenge, Ottervanger took the plunge; today, his dream is a reality, and Cape Coral’s newest motorcycle shop, Pirate Coast Cycles, is up and running like a well-tuned V-Twin.
“We started from ground zero, and every month it has grown,” he said
Our hardworking owners Kyle and George Marakas are proudly enjoying being Lehman Trike owners, and are sad to hear of the loss of the founder, John Lehman. Here is the press release from Lehman and the inspiring story of John and his love for motorcycling.
Lehman Trikes News
It is with great sadness that Lehman Trikes announces the untimely loss of John K. Lehman, Founder and Director. John passed away on Thursday, January 5, in Arizona. The suspected cause of death was a heart failure brought on by an embolism.
John was 60 years old. He is survived by his wife Linda, one son – Quinten, one daughter – Leann, three surviving sisters – Gladys, Linda, Carol, and three grandchildren.
John was one of the most recognized, admired and respected individuals in the motorcycling industry, and is generally considered the Father of the Modern Trike. In 2009 John was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame.
In 1984, John’s passion for motorcycling and his love of family led him to create the first modern trike so his wife, Linda, could carry one of their children. John’s creation had more to do with family togetherness than a business venture. The vehicle garnered so much interest everywhere they traveled that Lehman Industries was born, and John Lehman would go on to become one of the most recognized names in motorcycling.
In 1993, Larry Strilchuk, a long time friend, joined John and Lehman Trikes, Inc. was formed. “Today is crushingly sad,” stated Larry, “John Lehman was my lifelong friend and amazing partner. Through good and bad times, John’s gracious nature, love of family and friends, and positive outlook always touched everyone who came in contact with him. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.”
Known for his caring and charitable nature, John along with Larry started a program called the
“Good Turn Trike” which eventually became an annual event providing people with a passion for motorcycling, who face some of life’s greatest challenges, a trike – for free. John’s big heart helped raise money for terminally ill children, “Make A Wish Foundation,” “Kids n’ Chrome,” and many other worthwhile charities. He remained active in the company until his passing.
Lehman Trikes, Inc. had recently announced a Letter of Intent from an investment group relating to the sale of Lehman Trikes USA, Inc. The passing of Mr. Lehman will not materially affect that endeavor.
Hey Gang! Recently we caught up with our favorite Sturgis Sweethearts, the K and G Girls, Amber and Devani! They just happen to be hanging out together this week, and of course, they’ve told us they’re looking forward to Sturgis 2012!!
In case you’re new around here, Amber and Devani did a beautiful job of being ambassadors to the crowds at the Buffalo Chip last August during the Sturgis Rally. They shared smiles and K and G shop rags with various Sturgis characters. We documented their full week of fun and posted it all on our blog – click this link to check our Sturgis 2011 Fun!
We recently chatted with Amber and she caught us up on the latest with them:
“We are both doing great” Amber said. “Devani just finished up her last graphic design semester and is still working away at her other majors, I had taken a semester off school and hope to start up next semester or this summer. We are counting down the days til Sturgis 2012!!!”
“We get to spend this whole week together, Dev is flying in to see me. and once the two of us get together….. well as K & G knows, it gets pretty fun how is everyone at K & G?” She asked.
“Kyle and George… We miss you guys too!!! We always talk about how awesome you guys were to us and how we felt like family right away:) love you all! (merry christmas and happy new year!)”
Devani said about spending time with Amber, “This week is going to be so fun! i love this girl ”
I don’t know about you, but as a kid, I loved to sit and doodle away, creating all kinds of images, probably some of them were even motorcycles. I can’t remember any of my scratchings turning out as cool as these!
Take some time to really look at these detailed drawing by “the Professor” that were sent to the headquarters at Roland Sands Inc.
The fellas over at RSD ended up using this as their Christmas card this year. Pretty Sweet!
Check out the RSD Blog here, and find lots of cool creations, hand-drawn and hand-crafted, but all artwork in motorcycles!
We know that it’s every biker’s job to keep his head on a swivel and be alert about the dangers presented by asleep-at-the-wheel cage operators. A recent poll in England shows the Top 5 complaints of motorcycle riders about the bad habits of car drivers. I’d love to see an impromptu Top 5 List from our K and G Gang. We’ll take your answers and post ‘em up. Just maybe we can raise some awareness and keep our biker brothers a little safer out there on the road!
Question: “What are your Top 5 Annoying Things You Notice While Riding Your Motorcycle.”
Feel free to leave your comments here, or on our Facebook Page.
Posted below is the original article:
Dec 18, 2011 MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM ,MARKETWIRE
Drivers not using their indicators correctly are the leading cause of irritation among motorcyclists, according to a survey by Swinton bike insurance.
Swinton Bikes, one of the UK’s leading retailers of cheap motorcycle insurance, revealed that an astonishing 53% of motorcycle riders find drivers not using their indicators properly to be the most annoying thing they experience while out on the road.
The survey, which polled 1000 motorbike owners, also revealed that 21% of bikers get irate when a driver discards a cigarette butt out of the window, with around a fifth of them saying they had been hit by a cigarette thrown from a car.
As well as citing potholes and poor observation as cause for annoyance, around a third of motorcyclists admitted that during bad weather, their biggest concern is the behaviour of fellow motorists.
Some said they were more worried about others lacking ‘observational skills’ while out on the road in poor conditions, such as heavy rain or strong winds.
According to the results, the top five annoyances for motorcyclists were:
1. Motorists not using their indicators correctly (53%)
2. Drivers flicking cigarette butts out of their window (21%)
3. Potholes or uneven road surfaces (11%)
4. Drivers overtaking unnecessarily in unsafe weather conditions (9%)
5. Ineffective use of mirrors, poor observations and general awareness by
others on the road (6%)
Antony Aronin, Head of Swinton Bikes, said: “It is easy to see how these things could annoy a motorcyclist on the road; however, dangerous situations can arise as a result. Becoming irate on the bike can often mean the rider getting distracted, which can cause accidents. It’s important that riders keep calm and collected, whatever the situation – the right motorbike insurance can also provide security, should the worst happen.”
Just for fun, here are a couple old school vids of the recent stars of Discovery Channels Biker Build-Off
Old School Interview with Jesse James – Runner-Up Winner to Discovery’s Biker Build-Off
Old School Letterman clip with both Tuetals from their 2nd season of American Chopper. The 1st and 3rd Place finishers of the recent “Competition” – those are sarcastic quotes btw
Whaddya think Gang? Any comments on how these guys have progressed through the years??
2-Time Land Speed Record Holder Valerie Thompson Receives 2011 American Woman Riders Community Hero Award
Motorcycle racer and team owner Valerie Thompson has been named the co-recipient of the 2011 American Woman Riders Community Hero Award by the American Woman Riders Association. Thompson’s racing accomplishments and community support of the HopeKids children’s charity were key criteria for award selection. The American Woman Riders Community Hero Award was initiated in 2010 to provide recognition of women
motorcycle riders who donate time to charities and give selflessly to their community without expecting something in return. “Valerie’s many years of supporting the HopeKids organization was a key consideration in
selecting her for this year’s recognition. She has taken children to drag races, attended movie days, and participated in many fundraising events for the organization. Her motorcycle racing accomplishments in drag
racing and land speed record attempts make her an excellent role model for thousands of women riders across the country. Valerie’s positive, caring attitude display what a true American Woman Rider strives to be,”
according to Tina Reeves, President of the American Woman Riders Association.
“This award is a real honor. My parents taught me the importance of “giving back” to the community and helping those less fortunate. I love working with kids, which has been extremely rewarding for me personally. HopeKids
does excellent work and it has been a wonderful experience to help support their efforts,” said Thompson. Tammy Wiley from Harker Heights Texas was the co-recipient of this year’s community hero award, recognizing
her work with the “We Fight Like A Girl” ovarian cancer foundation.
Valerie Thompson Background
Thompson currently holds two land speed records at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats. This year Thompson ran a “personal best” top speed of 201.01 mph at the 8th Annual BUB Speed Trials, outperforming all other BMW’s at
the event. She has risen from a competitor in the All Harley Drag Racing Association series, to being a racing team owner/licensed competitor in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock Motorcycle Series in less
than six years. Thompson also serves as a motorcycle presenter for the world’s largest auto auction company, Barrett-Jackson. Thompson’s current goals include setting additional land speed records and becoming a
member of the “200 MPH Club.” Current sponsors include: CTEK battery chargers, TROON Enterprises, Swisstrax, Stand Up Photos, Alter/Bivins Racing, and Hawthorne CAT of San Diego.
American Women Riders Association Background
Founded in 2010, the American Woman Riders Association began as a New Mexico online magazine for
women who love to drive and ride motorcycles. The online magazine has grown quickly and now has
international members in Italy, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, and Australia. American Woman Riders
celebrates all the grandmothers, mothers, and daughters who love riding the open road.
With appreciation for the history of our U.S. Military and the 70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, here is some interesting information from www.leathernecksmc.com, find the whole page, including dates and details here.
THE HISTORY OF
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
MILITARY MOTORCYCLES
The U. S. Marine Corps did not use a large number of motorcycles during the Second World War. Some marine veterans don’t recall seeing any, other than captured Japanese machines. After extensive research, approximately 125 Harley-Davidsons and Indian motorcycles can be accounted for. There probably weren’t more than 200 or so machines in the Corps during the period 1941 – 1946.
The Marine Corps used motorcycles primarily for messenger, convoy and military police duties. Early in the war, the motorcycles was largely replaced by the Jeep.
Motorcycle Marines did participate in combat at Pearl Harbo on 7 December 1941.
During the attack, a motorcycle sqaud assigned to the 2nd Engineer Battalion at Camp Catlin, Hawaii was pressed into service. Equipped with Model UA Harley-Davidsons sidecar rigs, the Motorcycle Marines delivered machine guns, ammunitions and fisrt aid supplies; transported the wounded; and escorted convoys of ammunition trucks carring 3 inch anti-aircraft shells from the Lualualei Depot.
Team K and G Cycles is proud to let you know that our Sturgis Adventures have gotten recognition all around the Net! Check out this story that is running today on the front page of http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com
K&G: Full Tilt at 2011 Sturgis Rally
Ken Conte
08/19/2011
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
K and G Cycles showed up 1000 percent at the 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at the Legendary Buffalo Chip, making their best showing to date; engaging rally-goers, delivering an enormous grand prize to one lucky rider and sponsoring two phenomenal industry events.
K and G Cycles attracted rally goers to their enormous promotion with the K and G Cycles Girls, Devani and Amber, while owners, George and Kyle, passed out complimentary grease rags and engaged people at the Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground.
Tom Messer, the lucky winner of the K and G Cycles Great Sturgis Vacation Giveaway, was awarded an extraordinarily generous prize on the main stage of the Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground on Friday night, while Edgar Winter was giving an out-of-this-world performance.
His prize included, among other things: the EZ Camp Package for two at the Legendary Buffalo Chip; Fan VIP upgrades at the Chip; two passes to the VIP Media Tour of the Michael Lichter Exhibition and entrance to the VIP Party; two sets of jackets, chaps and gloves from River Road, two HJC full-face street helmets; $250 in merchandise from Hot Leathers; a photo-op with the beautiful K and G Street Team Girls and $1,000 cash. Messer was beyond excited to win this once-in-a-lifetime grand prize.
K and G Cycles was also proud to generously support two grand Sturgis and Legendary Buffalo Chip traditions: the annual Legends Ride and the Michael Lichter Motorcycles as Art exhibit “Slant Artist – An Eccentric View of Motorcycles and Art.”
George Marakas (K&G Cycle owner) says: “On Monday, the K and G Cycles team went to Deadwood, South Dakota to do the Legends Ride, kicking off the 71st annual Sturgis Rally with a Ride that Really Rocks! There, we were joined by an array of celebrities, builders, artists and riders from all corners of the world.
“This year’s Legends Ride raised significant funds for two worthy Black Hills charities, including the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and the Black Hills Special Olympics, the Legends Ride has raised more than $150,000 in just three short years and has become the premier charity-celebrity event in motorcycling.”
This year’s 11th Annual Motorcycle as Art exhibition, “Slant Artist – An Eccentric View on Motorcycles and Art” focused on avant-garde artist, Jeff Decker.
In addition to Decker’s numerous beautiful bronze sculptures, there was a large, eclectic display of collectible motorcycles and wall art culled from his personal collection, friends and other artists filling the 7,000 square foot gallery. Decker also worked on a bronze sculpture in the exhibition space during the rally.
You can see photos, videos and read personal accounts of the 2011 Sturgis experience documented by the K and G team at the V-Twin Blog, vtwinmotorcycleblog.com/.
Hey Gang! What makes you fall in love with a riding jacket? Is it all about protection, or all about comfort? Maybe you don’t care about either one as long as it looks goood? We believe you’re getting it all with this Drifter jacket from River Road and, our Great Sturgis Vacation winners agree!
Tom Messer and his guest Steve Hill each received a Drifter jacket as part of their winning package of riding gear in our 2011 Great Sturgis Vacation Giveaway. Tom says “I own 5 leather jackets, mostly Motor Company brand. The Drifter is the best Leather I have!” Team K and G couldn’t help but notice that these guys really fell in love with these leathers. In fact it was rare that they even took them off throughout their super-fun week at the Rally!
We’re offering this awesome jacket at a real value at 20% off of retail! Combine this purchase with our Sturgis savings Facebook Friend discount and really $AVE!!!!!
• Quality, medium-weight leather provides protection and comfort
• The distressed finish (as in many miles) has a great look and feel
• 2 front chest intake combination vents/pockets and 2 vertical rear exhaust vents keep you cool
• 2 front, waist-level, on-seam zippered pockets to hold essentials
• The fully-sleeved, removable, insulated liner has a built-in pocket for most mobile devices
• 1 zippered placket pocket allows easy access to important contents
• Snap closure tab collar
• Includes 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
how is everyone at K & G?” She asked.
