The Motorcyclist's Post is now online...

To comment on the Motorcyclist's Post or this site, Click here

News Flash    

MC Post Publisher in Hospital Leo Castell, Motorcyclist's Post publisher,  had emergency surgery today for his gall bladder. He'll be at the Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT. for a couple of days to recover. Feel free to drop him a get well e-mail at lcastell@snet.net. He will definitely appreciate. Exciting News from the Motorcyclist's Post The Motorcyclist's Post Forum is up and running. So stop by to register and start contributing. To get to the MCP Forum, click on the Forum logo that looks like this at the top right-hand side of this page. There's much to talk about at the MCP Forum...your trips, working on your bike, pics of your ride, your favorite places to eat or stay and a whole lot more. So join the conversation with your MCP Post friends at The Motorcyclist's Post Forum! Crocker Motorcycle Company Resurrected For the full story  click here Indian Board Track Racing at Daytona U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) was honored by the United Bikers of Maine (UBM) at its annual Governor’s Tea in Augusta today For more on the story> click here Symtec sponsors motorcycle ride honoring U.S. armed forces Symtec sponsors motorcycle ride honoring U.S. armed forces   Transcontinental Patriot Tour pays tribute to troops and raises funds for wounded vets   Minneapolis, May 2, 2012 – Symtec Inc., a Minneapolis company that manufactures Heat Demon heated accessories for motorcycles and ATVs, will sponsor Nation of Patriots’ 2012 Patriot Tour in an effort to support men and women who have served in the military.   “Nation of Patriots has done a great deal for U.S. troops over its three-year history, raising thousands of dollars for struggling veterans and their families,” said Riley Harlan, president of Symtec. “We’re proud to support their efforts.”   The annual three-month ride crosses the U.S. with stops in 96 cities. Riders from various Harley-Davidson dealerships cover each leg of the tour, passing an American flag from one location to the next. Last year, the tour raised $10,000 for struggling families of wounded veterans. The Nation of Patriots is hoping to raise $50,000 on this year’s tour, which begins in Oconomowoc, Wis., on Saturday, May 26.   “The Patriot Tour is a united effort that requires the coordination and dedication of thousands of individuals,” said Bill Sherer, executive director of Nation of Patriots. “We couldn’t pay tribute to our troops on this level without the support of our sponsors and volunteer riders.”   More information about the tour can be found at www.nationofpatriots.org. Symtec, Inc. manufactures a complete line of heated accessories for ATVs and motorcycles distributed under the Heat Demon brand - www.symtec-inc.com  -  www.heatdemon.com Man Sues BMW Over 20-Month Erection Seat and Bike Make For "Hard" 20 Months A California man has sued BMW North America and seat maker Corbin claiming that a four-hour ride on his 1993 BMW with a "ridge-like" seat has given him a "a severe case of priapism (a persistent, lasting erection)" that's lasted 20 months and counting, USA Today reported in their weekend edition. The product liability lawsuit against BMW and well-known aftermarket seat maker Corbin-Pacific (reported first by Courthouse News Service in California) was filed in California Superior Court in San Francisco last Thursday by Henry Wolf and his lawyer, Vernon Bradley of Sausalito, according to USA Today. The Wolf vs. BMW lawsuit alleges that Wolf has continued to suffer the erection problem since the September 2010 ride. The lawsuit for emotional distress says Wolf is "now is unable to engage in sexual activity, which is causing him substantial emotional and mental anguish." According to the lawsuit, Wolf wants compensation from BMW and Corbin for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress and "general damage." MMA URGENT CTA - RIGHT TO REPAIR WITH POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT MOTORCYCLE IMPACT The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) has just learned that Senate Bill 2204 will be heard on the Senate floor on Thursday April 26, 2012. Senate Bill 2204 is an act relative to right to repair motor vehicles here in the Commonwealth. The MMA is asking all riders, their friends, and family to take immediate action on this bill because it now could contain specific and potentially significant language that affects motorcycles adversely. The MMA has learned that State Senator Thomas P Kennedy (D) Brockton has filed an amendment to exempt motorcycles completely from this bill. What this would mean to all of us is, in the future we could actually lose our right to repair our own motorcycles or have our favorite local small motorcycle shop be able to repair them for us. If motorcycles are exempt from this and the trend to place computers in them for diagnostic purposes continues the only place you would be able to have your motorcycle repaired is a factory authorized repair facility or at the dealership from where you purchased your motorcycle. Many modern motorcycles (those manufactured in the past few years and beyond) are now heavily computerized and many riders are already reporting that their independent service providers do not have the required access to manufacturer's authorized dealers in order to diagnose and reset computer codes. The manufacturers are the ones that approached Senator Kennedy and told him they want motorcycles exempted from this bill. Of course they do, they do not want after-market manufacturers in business, local repair shops or even you yourself being able to repair your own vehicle. The MMA feels this would be a very unfair advantage to the dealerships and the companies and could result in monopolies by the manufacturers and increased pricing to us the consumer. Because we only have Wednesday April 25, 2012 to act on this the MMA requests that you contact your State Senator, via a phone call or a fax, immediately and let them know you do not want to be exempt from this law under Senator Kennedy's amendment.Tell them you support Senate Bill 2204 as currently written and amended by State Senator Richard T. Moore (D) Uxbridge. Senator Moore has filed an amendment to NOT have motorcycles exempted to the entire bill, rather only the specific section dealing with emissions testing during motor vehicle inspections which does not currently apply to motorcycles anyway. To find your State Senator please go to this link http://www.malegislature.gov/People/Search and type in your address. For more information concerning this matter please contact MMA Chairman Dave Condon at chairman@massmotorcycle.org or by calling 1-800-432-1MMA. Audi Aquires Ducati Chairman Rupert Stadler: "As a sporty, global premium brand, Ducati is an excellent fit for Audi." Ingolstadt/Bologna, April 18, 2012 – AUDI AG is acquiring from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., which has its registered office in Bologna. The transaction will be completed as quickly as possible once authorized by the competition authorities. The Supervisory Boards of AUDI AG and Volkswagen AG approved the acquisition today in Hamburg. Ducati is known worldwide as a leading brand in motorcycle manufacture, with outstanding expertise in engine development and lightweight construction. Alongside the traditional Italian brands Lamborghini and Italdesign, Ducati is now a third pillar for AUDI AG in Northern Italy. Another building block in the Company's growth strategy thus falls into place. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, declared: "Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world's most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi." The progressive control systems and special combustion chamber process of Ducati engines, their resulting sporty character, and Ducati's extensive know-how in lightweight construction thus offer great potential for AUDI AG and the Volkswagen Group. Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG, explains that the employee representatives of AUDI AG support the Company's sustainable, codetermined growth strategy. "We must use the opportunities offered by globalization for Audi – and that's exactly what we're doing. Everyone at Audi is looking forward to working with our new colleagues from Ducati," commented Mosch. Ducati is a globally active company and has manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Bologna and at its own factory in Thailand. It maintains a series of importer companies in strategic markets. Experts predict that the motorcycle market will enjoy strong growth over the next few years, especially in Asia. In 2011, Ducati sold around 42,000 motorcycles and generated revenue of some €480 million, employing around 1,100 people. The company was founded by Adriano and Marcello Ducati in Bologna in 1926. Known originally as Società Scientifica Radiobrevetti Ducati, it initially built parts for radios. It ventured into the manufacture of motorcycles in 1949. Ducati has been actively involved in motorcycle racing for many decades through its racing division Ducati Corse. Its racing activities are currently focused on the Ducati official factory team in the MotoGP class of the Motorcycle World Championship and in the Superbike World Championship, supporting competitive private teams. Ducati won the manufacturers' championship in this latter class 17 times in 21 championships and the pilots' 14 times. N.H. Senate passes motorcycle noise reduction bill More here Pioneer Cornerworker Passes On Bob Cole at Daytona during the 1998 CCS Race of Champions Bob Cole passed away on April 14 of cancer. Bob was a founder of the U.S. Marshals, and a pioneer in corner-working techniques. He was always conducting research on new clean-up material and was the first to find an oil absorption material to clean up oil even in the rain. Bob contributed quite a bit to motorcycle racing. His legacy lives on in his son, Scott, who is a corner marshal at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. Bob Cole was born and lived in Malden, Massachusetts and died at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford, Massachusetts. He was 58 years old. A private service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 21st. From a press release issued by Laura (Cole) Snyder Norton Motorcycles unveils its 2012 TT contender 16 April 2012 – Castle Donington, UK – Norton Motorcycles has announced the factory’s intent to compete in the 2012 Isle of Man TT Senior race, and the development of their new race bike. Racing is an essential part of the make-up and history of Norton, particularly competing in the Isle of Man TT races in which Norton won the inaugural race in 1907. The marque went on to be a dominate force in Gran Prix racing for much of the 20th century. As in the past, Norton makes street specific and race specific motorcycles. Often what is learned on the race track can be applied to street production, but when racing at the world class level, they are distinctly separate endeavours. Given that the World Superbike and British Superbike series are limited to production road bikes, Norton has chosen to concentrate on ‘open’ or ‘formula’ championships such as MotoGP and TT racing which represent the pinnacle of racing technology and fan interest. It is not currently possible for Norton to compete financially with the three manufacturers that currently set the pace and formula in MotoGP racing, but the TT is the perfect re-entry setting for Norton. Arguably the world’s most famous motorcycle race, the Isle of Man TT is hard edged genuine racing where fans are able to be mere inches from the racing action, as racers average over 130mph while attacking the more than 200 bends on the 37.7 mile course.  Ian Mackman, the TT’s reigning privateer champion in 2011 will pilot the new Norton. Competing in the TT since 2007, he's firmly established himself as not only one of the most consistent riders currently competing on the Mountain Course but also one of the best. Initial testing on the Donington Gran Prix circuit found Ian all smiles and confident about the bike’s potential. The bike itself features a Spondon chassis, Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes. In cooperation with the Aprilia Factory in Italy, the Norton racer is powered by an RSV V4 engine. The bike is being built and tested solely within the factory at Donington Park Gran Prix Circuit. Here the incremental advancements to chassis and engine can be easily tested just outside the factory doors. Many parts and systems are developed and produced at Norton’s own in-house CNC machine facilities, from wheel spindles to throttle bodies. Partnering in the electronics package and fuelling system is Active Technologies Limited. Visually, the factory has captured a raw new Norton racing look, capped by the signature Norton alloy tank. Approaching the TT challenge, Norton sees it as a three year project, fully aware of the strength and experience of its determined competitors. Stuart Garner, CEO of Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd noted “We will be genuinely happy to come home with a solid finish this year. Any position would be a bonus. Over three years we would like to be in a position to be podium competitive, although we understand that it is a huge mountain to climb, and we have our work cut out to achieve this.”   Only now is Norton re-entering racing thanks to financing by team sponsors, supplier support and licensing activities. Norton is keen to assure all that no funds are being taken from the factory road bike business. “We have not lost focus in our road bike business, and we remain totally committed to meeting the growing demand for the Commando 961” stated Garner. The Isle of Man TT organisers have been quite helpful to Norton and they see the factory’s entry to the race as a refreshing change for the TT. For more information about the TT race visit www.iomtt.com  and Norton's entry in the IoM  click here.  For more information and news about Norton visit www.nortonmotorcycles.com/news/ Sure Sign It's Riding Season Sure signs of the start of the riding season are robins, forsythias in bloom and Maggie settled into her tour pack and ready to ride. Maggie, who has graced the cover of the Motorcyclist's Post a couple of times, belongs to Bill Thomas of Maine. Bill is a long-time friend of the Post and takes Maggie everywhere on his motorcycle. She is an old pro and has logged more miles than a lot of bikers. So it's Spring and Maggie is in the wind...so what are you waiting for...it's time to ride!...MCP...P.S. This season Maggie is sporting a very cool pair of "camo" doggles. A Triumph Scrambler Adventure with Ernie Vigil Watch as freestyle superstar Ernie "EDUB" Vigil takes a specially modified Triumph Scrambler all the way from a hot lap to a hot date. Norton Commando Transformer by Steve Twist Steve Twist: "Major Project for my BA (Hons) Computer Visualisation and Animation undergraduate degree at Bournemouth University (NCCA). 8 months of work from concept to completion. CGI produced in Houdini 9.5, composited in Shake." Honest Harley Davidson Commercial Maine motorcycles to display inspection stickers AUGUSTA, Maine — Motorcycles in Maine will soon have to display vehicle inspection stickers for all to see. More here Bikers are Animals go "Down Under" Motorcyclist's Post cartoonist Paul Jamiol's third children's book on motorcycling, Bikers are Animals 3 - On the Road, was featured in the Australian motorcycle magazine Ozbike -Thunder Down Under. Ozbike was the first biker magazine in Australia and it has been the premier mc magazine for 33 years. Established in 1978, it is the longest running and most respected publication of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Jamiol and his critters were thrilled to be featured. Shanya Texter named Motorcyclist’s Post Woman Racer of the Year Shayna racing photo -Flattrakfotos.com, Insert photo by Larry Lawrence Shayna recently earned the distinction of being the first female to win an AMA Pro Singles Grand National when she took top honors at Iowa’s Knoxville Speedway. Congratulations from the Motorcyclist's Post to Shayna for her great racing accomplishments. Malcolm Smith for President! New Sweatshirts with Motorcycle Awareness Message CheckTwiceSigns.com has just released a new sweatshirt with a motorcycle awareness message aimed at the non-riding public, These highly visible "message" sweatshirts are available at www.CheckTwiceSigns.com . Pete Giammalvo aka Sideways Pete Passes Away “Sideways Pete”   Peter Giammalvo in the winners circle at his short track on Rte 12 in Winchendon, MA with the nights winners. Pete was the “Spark Plug” that kept the sport of  motorcycle flat track alive in New England. Peter suffered a Stroke on December 24th and passed away while being treated at MA General Hospital in Worcester, MA on Tuesday the 27th of December. Pete was 52 years old at the time of his passing. Funeral arrangements posted below. I’m sure I speak for many when I say that Peter’s passing will be leaving a huge hole in the sport of motorcycling in New England. I man who leaves a legacy of accomplishments in the sport he loved and brought to countless thousand is a man that never really dies! Peter Giammalvos legacy will live on, the mark of true greatness! On behalf of all our readers I would like to give my sincerest condolences to Pete’s wife Connie and family and his countless friends. God Speed , “Sideways Pete”! NH Court strikes DOWN Hampton EPA ordinance Ruling here Daytona Motorcycle Madness, 1948 Life Is Good Photo: Joseph Scherschel/TIME & LIFE Pictures Click here Bert Schneider dies at 78; 'Easy Rider' producer More on Schneider's passing, click here Insane Risks Motor race - Isle of Man TT Jorian Ponomareff Drift FMX rider Jim McNeil dies at Texas Motor Speedway FMX rider Jim McNeil dies at Texas Motor Speedway Freestyle motocross rider Jim McNeil passed away today from injuries sustained in a crash during practice for a Freestyle MX demonstration for a NASCAR race at the Texas Motor Speedway. The 32-year old McNeil was a regular on the FMX demo circuit and the Red Bull X Fighters tour. More info as we get it. Motorcyclist's Post Cartoonist Releases 3rd Children's Book on Motorcycling BIKERS are ANIMALS 3 - On the Road by MC Post Cartoonist Paul Jamiol is the 3rd in a series of children's books that brings youngsters into a world of cartoon animals who love to ride their motorcycles and be with their friends. In his first two books, the author introduced his cartoon animals on “cool” motorcycles to show children and their parents that those involved in motorcycling are intelligent and caring. In his third book, using detailed and vibrant illustrations, Jamiol takes children even further into his cartoon world with a riding adventure that is fun and which has his menagerie of riding critters planning and working together to make their ride possible. Their journey takes them from their homes and into the city, then they head out of the city and hit the open road for a ride to the mountains. Their destination is a cabin on a lake, courtesy of one of their riding buddies, for an overnight stay. As with an actual motorcycle ride, there will be different roads traveled and stops along the way. This adventure will expand a child’s imagination with a unique vision of a group of critters doing what they love to do most – ride their motorcycles with their friends. A child will feel that he or she is welcome to ride along with these critters, and will also learn that working together, respect and friendship are paramount with this cast of characters. This is not just a book for kids in families with motorcycles. It's for young ones everywhere who gaze at a passing rider on a motorcycle and are curious about what this “thing” rolling past is all about. Jamiol’s characters run the gamut of the animal world as do their choices of motorcycles. They are young and old, and male and female. They like each other, respect each other, and have fun doing things together but are not afraid to do things on their own. Their independence stands out even in a large group. With Bikers are Animals 3 – On the Road, the message is clear... doing things together with friends, respecting who they are and not what they are, and riding down a road unafraid, are good things. For the child to get that message through a motorcycle ride that's totally fun, reinforces this message. The author encourages parents to join their kids on this ride and meet the characters. This is a reading adventure parents and children can share together, over and over again. BIKERS are ANIMALS 3 - On the Road is now available at http://www.bikersareanimals.com and Amazon.com.  The whole Bikers are Animals series are also available at Google eBooks for your Android or Mac device. Harley- Davidson recalls more than 308,000 motorcycles Harley-Davidson is recalling more than 308,000 motorcycles to fix a switch problem that can cause failure of the brake lights and possibly even the rear brakes themselves. The brake light switches can be exposed to too much heat from the exhaust system. The brake lights can fail, and the problem also can cause fluid leaks and the loss of rear brakes. Affected models include Touring, CVO Touring and Trike vehicles from the 2009 through 2012 model years. Owners will be notified by Harley of the recall. Dealers will install a rear brake light switch kit free of charge. For more info on recall, Click here Shawn Farnsworth (1975-2011) Pro Hillclimber Succumbs to Injuries By: Larry Lawrence (Photo by Jeff Whitehead) Shawn Farnsworth, the 2009 AMA Pro Hillclimb Unlimited Class Rookie of the Year who raced for Tom Reiser's Harley-Davidson team, died Monday in Dayton, Ohio. He was 36. Farnsworth crashed Sunday in the AMA Pro Hillclimb Championship season finale at the Devil's Staircase in Oregonia, Ohio. He was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital with critical injuries. He succumbed to his injuries last night. Farnsworth was a third-generation hillclimber and his family was well known in the hillclimb community for promoting the sport. The Farnsworths promoted the national hillclimb held in Canaan, New Hampshire. Farnsworth is thought to be the first pro hillclimber to die from an accident in a national competition. "Shawn's loss is not just a loss for our family and for New England Hillclimbing, but for the sport as a whole," said Shawn's older brother Michael Farnsworth, himself a former pro hillclimber. "He meant so much to so many people. He was friends with everyone from the top pros to the guy coming out to try his first hillclimb. He was a great guy who just wanted to help people get into the sport." Farnsworth was one of the leading hillclimbers running with one of the best teams in the country. He finished third in the Unlimited national standings in his rookie pro season of 2009 and won the national at his home hillclimb in Canaan, N.H., last year. He was ranked fifth in the class coming into yesterday's event and reportedly clocked the third best time on his fateful last climb. An empty spot on the podium was left open in honor of Shawn in Sunday's awards ceremonies at Oregonia. "Shawn had a broad smile and encouraged and mentored other riders," said Jeff Whitehead, of ProHillclimb.com. "At the Jefferson Climb this summer I asked Pro Sport rider James Green how he managed to win his first hillclimb and he said (referring to Farnsworth) 'I won it by listening to the boss. He's like a father to me.' That's what kind of influence he had on other riders. I don't think you'd find a single rider out there who wouldn't have a good thing to say about Shawn. He's going to be missed." Farnsworth's hometown was Rumney, New Hampshire and he was married to Yarrow Farnsworth. The couple has two boys, fourth-generation racers Sheldon and Roman. The family has not yet made funeral arrangements.. Cycle News Shayna Texter wins Knoxville Pro Singles Main! Photography By: Larry Lawrence Shayna Texter makes history in Knoville, Iowa as she becomes the first female to win an AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Pro Singles Main Event. Video of Shayna Texter on top of the podium after becoming the first female to win an AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Pro Singles Main event.

Two-time AMA Grand National Champion Gary Nixon Dies

Gary Nixon on the cover of the July 1970 Motorcyclist's Post in the winners circle at Loudon.

Two-time AMA Grand National Champion Gary Nixon died today at a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. The man simply known as "Nixon" was 70 years old. Nixon took ill while spectating at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca and was admitted to hospital after returning to his home in Maryland. He suffered a heart attack on July 29 and died from complications from that heart attack. He had been in ICU at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Baltimore after undergoing surgery to place two stents in his arteries.

Doug Henry Rides Again

Click here for link to video

Check out these stunt riders!

Click here

2011 Chad Reed Crash-Millville (Official Speed TV Feed)

Aprilia USA pays tribute to the Space Shuttle

Click here

New York Man Killed Riding in Helmet-Law Protest

Click here

Biker Kidz and Critters Join Together

Paul Jamiol's Bikers are Animals Critters have joined up with Belt Drive Betty in her effort to raise some some money for the education and prevention of child sexual abuse.

They will be a part of the Biker Kidz 2012 Calendar. Each page will have a BAA Critter introducing a Biker Kidz. A portion ($10) of each calendar sale will go to either the Little Warriors or the Katlynn Stinnett Memorial Foundation. The buyer has a choice of which organization to support or can buy two calendars and support both.

The BAA Critters are extremely proud to be a part of Belt Drive Betty's effort to help abused kids.

You can order your calendar with the Biker Kidz and the BAA Critters at http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/

Tibby's Harley-Davidson to Close

Owners Proud of Dealership's History and Community Involvement SPRINGFIELD, June 10, 2011 - Tibby's Harley-Davidson of Springfield announced today that it will close its store after over 55 years in business. The owners, Jason and Jean Thibodeau, say Tibby's Harley-Davidson is fortunate to have served many loyal customers over the years.

Tibby's Harley-Davidson opened in 1956 and sold their first bike in February that year, a 1956 Indian Fire Arrow which sold for $445 with $1.20 in sales tax. Annual photographs were taken each year to show the progression of the family and business. These photos can still be seen today proudly displayed just inside the front door. Three generations of the family have been employed at the dealership, along with countless other talented individuals over the years.

Tibby's also sponsored the local Harley Owner's Group (HOG) for over 25 years. This involvement has resulted in tens of thousands of dollars of donations and funds raised for local charities such as Cancer House of Hope, and NEADS. One year they even purchased a thermal imaging device for the Springfield Fire department.

Tibby's has also been proud supporters of the MMA, the Melha Riders, and the Patriot Guard. "The decision to close has been a personal decision for us since many of the employees, HOG members and customers are considered close friends. It's been a pleasure serving our customers and we thank them for their many years of loyalty," said Jason Thibodeau. Tibby's notified Harley-Davidson of its plans to close June. Harley-Davidson, at this time, has no plans to replace the dealership in the Springfield area. Customers can find other nearby dealers by using the Dealer Locator tool at www.harleydavidson.com.

Polaris Industries Inc. announces the acquisition of Indian Motorcycle

Polaris brings world-class engineering, manufacturing and distribution to Indian’s rich American heritage and historic brand

MINNEAPOLIS (April 19, 2011) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the acquisition of Indian Motorcycle. The business was acquired from Indian Motorcycle Limited (“IML”), a company advised by Stellican Limited and Novator Partners LLP, U.K. Private Equity firms. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We are excited to be part of the revitalization of a quintessentially American brand,” said Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris Industries Inc. “Indian built America’s first motorcycle. With our technology and vision, we are confident we will deliver the classic Indian motorcycle, enhanced by the quality and performance for which Polaris and Victory are known.”
With this acquisition, Polaris adds one of motorcycling’s legendary brands to its strong stable of Victory cruiser and touring bikes. Indian will operate as an autonomous business unit, building upon the potent combination of Polaris’ engineering acumen and innovative technology with Indian’s premium brand, iconic design and rich American heritage.
“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Polaris. Polaris will utilize its well-known strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution to complete the mission we undertook upon re-launching the brand in 2006: harness the enormous potential of the Indian brand,” said Stephen Julius, chairman of Indian and managing director of Stellican. “Polaris is the most logical owner of Indian Motorcycle. Indian’s heritage brand will allow Polaris to aggressively compete across an expanded spectrum of the motorcycle market.”
Novator Partners LLP is a London based alternative investment firm founded and led by the investor Mr. Thor Bjorgolfsson. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Bjorgolfsson said “After a troubled past, our goal was to bring the legendary Indian bikes back on the roads. The initial phase of that project is done and now our great partners at Polaris will carry on the work to realize the full potential of this classic American brand.”

Conference Call and Webcast Presentation
Tomorrow, April 20th at 9:00AM (CT), Polaris Industries Inc. will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the acquisition, as well as the first quarter 2011 financial results. The call will be hosted by Scott Wine, CEO, Bennett Morgan, President and COO and Mike Malone, Vice President-Finance and CFO.
A slide presentation and link to the audio webcast will be posted on the Investor Relations page of the Polaris web site at www.polarisindustries.com/irhome> approximately 30 minutes before the conference call begins.

To listen to the conference call by phone, dial 800-374-6475 in the U.S. and Canada, or 973-200-3967 internationally. The Conference ID is #36643140. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call for a one-week period by accessing the same link on our website, or by dialing 800-642-1687 in the U.S. and Canada, or 706-645-9291 internationally.

Driver of car that struck, killed motorcyclist gets two years' probation over objection of victim's family

Click here for more info

Motorcyclistspost Goodies

Coalition opposes Wild Lands policy

The AMA and ATVA need its members and other OHV enthusiasts to voice opposition to the usurpation of congressional authority regarding public land designations to Abbey today. You can follow the "Take Action" option to send a pre-written e-mail directly to Abbey to voice your opposition to the new Wild Lands policy

A Really Cool Video of TT '97 with Joey Dunlop onboard Honda (RVF750) RC45 on our Audio/Video page...click here

Dirt-Track Family Mourns the Passing of Wayne Hosaka, Former Dirt-Track Racer and Creator of Flattrack.com

Wayne Hosaka  with long time vintage racers, Tom Horton, Jeff Johnson and Brad Holt
(photo - http://www.vft.org/ )

Let's Put Wayne Hosaka and other Legends of Flat Track on the Daytona 200 Monument before it's too late! Only 20 spots left for the 12X12 inch Photo Engraved Black Granite Plaques.

Let me sweeten the pie...a $500 donation will also get you a paving brick with your name on it. $100 or more gets a free one year subscription to The Motorcyclist's Post.

We have until mid February to get the first $1000 in time to have the plaque made in time for Daytona Bike Week. I have donated the first $100 so just match my donation and we only need nine more people to donate. Or how about 1 or 2 hundred people at $10 or $20 and we can get a couple more Legends of Dirt Track immortalized on this beautiful Monument on Daytona Beach! God Speed Wayne Hosaka and Rick Hocking

There are people who want to change the laws in the US so they are the same as Europe. Here is what you can expect.

    * Group: Motorcycle R&D
    * Discussion: Is motorcycling becoming an old man's hobby and therefore slightly uncool to the under 35 year old consumer?

We believe the bigger obstacles are:

- Licensing laws
- Insurance Costs
- Lack of exciting entry level products

- Licensing laws:

Here in Europe a major factor affecting the supply of new riders to the market has been the introduction of various EU Driving License Directives.

‘2nd Directive’ has been in force in Europe since 1996: Under 21s must take test on 120-125cc, then 33bhp limit for 2 years Over 21s may take ‘Direct Access’ test on 500cc for unrestricted license.

‘3rd Directive’ will apply from 2013: Seeking to encourage progressive access by introducing additional 35kw (47bhp) restriction until an additional test is taken on machine over 600cc. Age of Direct Access might be raised to 24.

Gen Y’ers want to get the bike they lust after now not in 5 years time. Unless new models are developed which fit within the restrictions it is reasonable to predict that the 3rd European Driving Licence Directive will push potential new motorcyclists into abstaining for even longer.

- Insurance Costs:

The high cost of insurance is also a major factor affecting sales in the 15 to 34 age
range. The soaring cost of litigation, expensive vehicle repair bills and high volumes
of claims by inexperienced bikers has made the cost of insuring motorcycles
prohibitively expensive for many young riders. There is a significant difference in the insurance classification of available models; for example the popular learners bike, the CBF500 (group 9) and the 600cc supersports class (group 14) which rules out the supersports for the majority without a significant ‘No claims bonus’.

ACEM’s figures show that for a young rider the cost of insurance can now easily outweigh the cost to purchase a machine and unlike the initial purchase this is an annual cost.


- Lack of exciting entry level products:

Today the introduction of Euro2 and Euro3 EU emissions regulations and changes in
both the European and Japanese licensing laws have meant that the lightweight
supersport segment is practically un-catered for. As a result some of the milder and
more forgiving 500-750cc machines have migrated into beginner’s bike list. First
bikes tend to be 50bhp or less and 180kg or less. The further a bike is above those
limits, the more cautious new riders appear to be about purchasing.

The Suzuki GS500 and Honda CB500’s are now considered by many the best choice
as a first bike: relatively light, inexpensive, not too much power (consequently
cheaper to insure), and available new and used. The current CB500’s/CG500’s offer a
sensible package but they are not evocative or highly desirable, they do not inspire young
people.

This void of desirable products offered at entry level adds to the licensing restrictions
in pushing young riders into abstaining.

The now discontinued 250cc two stroke and 400cc four stroke class of ‘Lightweight Supersports’ represented a good balance of looks, performance and affordability to fill the void between the ‘learner’ bikes and outright supersports 600s. Other than Kawasaki ’s Ninja 250 where are these products today?

The high re-sale value of 10 year old second hand Supersport 400s (RVF400’s still sell for 3k to 4k) suggests that many consumers in this market already decide against buying new and look for privately sold models instead; independently financing the purchase, forgoing dealer warranties and after sales care.

Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005

Springfield Mile and TT video clips

Watch the video highlights of the 2010 Springfield Mile Flat Track event courtesy of Fast&Dirty.com...Click here for video.

Some really cool old pics

Some really cool old pics from famed Sacramento, CA racer and long-time Harley-Davidson dealer Armando Magri.  Several photos in the pile are of Babe Tancrede and Ben Campanele...Click Here

Tech Page Articles and Reviews

Spark Plugs by the Professor

Laminar Lip Review by the P. Jamiol

Click Here for Mark Bremer's "At the Flicks"

Subscribe to the Motorcyclist's Post

Subscriptions are:
One Year (12 issues) $25
Two Years (24 issues) for $45

Send your name and address along with check or money order to:

The Motorcyclist's Post
c/o Leo Castell
11 Haven Lane
Huntington, CT 06484