Last night was opening night of Sturigs 2011 and "Iron Cowgirl Missy" Covill's first night on stage at the Sam Kinison Showcase Stage at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Playing guitar and singing original music on stage in front of a bunch of bikers is what she likes best. I met her last year up in Michigan and I can tell you, she's the real thing: A true biker who rides cross-country on her Harley softtail and will offer you a campsite and share a meal with you. The Sturis 2010 Rally was the fullfillment of a dream to play at the Buffalo Chip.
Iron Cowgirl Missy Covill will also be playing at the new "Biker Belles" charity event for women riders. "We couldn't be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” said Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles™ will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!” Read more.
Sturgis Buffalo Chip, the largest music festival in motorcycling now has the longest zipline in South Dakota! This year rally fans can fly by a live concert by Toby Keith, Poison, Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice Cooper, Jeff Bridges, Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty, or Tesla at the 71st annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: August 6 to 16th!
As many of you know, Jay Allen is no longer involved in the operation of Broken Spoke Saloon properties in Daytona Beach, Myrtle Beach, Laconia or the Sturgis Campground, having relinquished his management role to The Target Companies based in Boston. Jay's only comment was, "I hope they do well because I still have an investment." The good news is that Jay is in charge of entertainment at The Original Broken Spoke Saloon in downtown Sturgis and he has just announced a killer music lineup including Big Engine and Jasmine Cain and a couple of great rides, along with S&S and Baker Drivetrain events. Jay Allen knows how to throw a party at the Sturgis Rally... something he's been doing for 20 years!
Join Jay for the Michael Lichter & Sugar Bear Ride at 10:30am Sunday, Aug. 7th. CK out the full lineup, Aug. 4th to 13th at
"Sometimes you just have to step back in order to move forward to do the things that you really want to do," said Jay in a recent phone interview. "I want to race bikes and get back to shooting videos, like what I was doing with Johnny Chop and Indian Larry. In fact, I just got a new Johnny Chop tattoo on my back to go with the Indian Larry tattoo I have on my arm... And this time," Jay noted "I am older and wiser, I own the production company so I can continue to shoot footage at events all over the country and share everything I'm doing with the men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan because that's who I am. You know the people who serve in the military are always starved for entertainment and videos from back home."
"I'm at large and in charge and ready to rock it!" said Jay, when he posted this video to his Facebook page 2 hours ago.
Now that he is not tied to such a demanding schedule at the big four rallies, Jay is looking forward to visiting and getting involved in some of the newer events and rallies.
"I am one of the luckiest guys around, I have a wonderful family, great friends and the best job in the world. I get to go on some of the coolest rides and watch the history of the motorcycle industry happen before my eyes. You know, I don't feel like I'm getting any older..."
In 2009, Jay set a new Land Speed Record of 157.2765 mph in the MPF Class with this bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and later that same week, posted a 184.667 mph record in the 3000cc APS-PF class on his 2005 S&S 124 cubic inch engine, 6-speed Baker transmission racer. Click here to connect with Jay Allen on Facebook.
The original Broken Spoke Saloon & Museum at 905 Lazelle Street was a lumberyard in the late 1980's when Dave Iversen bought the property. He needed workspace and ample room for his collection of car and motorcycle memorabilia. The bar helped to pay the museum bills, but later became too much work. That is when Jay Allen became the owner, and the rest is history.
The Broken Spoke Saloon opened for the first time during the 1988 annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races. With the large open front doorway motorcycles were allowed to drive through the bar itself and park inside. Vendor spaces were created along the back and side walls that offered tattooing, mechanic repairs and food. Most available free space, high and low, was used for display. The small stage offered live music most afternoons and evenings.
The love of collecting is in Jay's blood as well and the museum part of the Broken Spoke is astounding. You will find a custom V-8 motorcycle sharing space with a 1920 original Harley. There is beer to be had in lots of spots in Sturgis during the rally but the original bar and museum is the most unique.
Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net
In New York's war on animal abuse, some of the worst offenders are pursued by a group of tattooed motorcycle-riding tough guys. Go inside a dog-fighting bust with the men of Rescue Ink. (Follow this story link to watch the video.)
Founded by Joe Panz, Big Ant and Johnny O., this group of guys share their love of animals, ink and motorcycles.
Being a member of Rescue Ink allows Joe to give a voice to animals, no matter what the circumstances. And his past makes him fearless — and propels him into situations even animal control won’t confront.
Here's what they have been up to lately:
Rescue ink has Johnny O for the last 9 days in Missouri with the ASPCA on a rescue mission. Rescue ink shut down a puppy store in Long Island, helped pass the strengthening of busters bill in Albany, rescued 17 dogs that were ALL adopted at Save A Pet, paid for vet bills for our rescues. Rescue ink sent Alley Cat on a raid with the SPCA in Philly. Learn more - see videos at http://www.rescueink-redemption.com/
NEW YORK FANS: If you care about the welfare of animals and happen to be a fan of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and other Rockabilly Stars and Country Music Legends, this is the live music event you don't want to miss!
RESCUE INK presents the JOHNNY CASH music festival, July 3rd 2011 at Buckley's in NYC to benefit their animal rescue efforts featured at 10pm Fridays on National Geographic and on the Ellen Show and Dr. Phil Shows.
The Johnny Cash Music Festival will include Rock-it Radio's own Ranch Party Host, DJ Rockin' Daddy-O, Ken Abruzzi, with hours worth of classic Johnny Cash and lots of Honky Tonkin' between the live music sets. Door $10.00. Click the poster to enlarge for details.
Bike fans: English Don hopes to be there with his Babylon Taxi II!
There's Good Rockin' at Buckley's - easy and free parking for Hot Rods, Customs and Motorcycles.
Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net
Two American companies have again used the annual TT Zero electric motorcycle race at the British Isle of Man to spotlight Remy Electric Motors HVH 250™ and the MotoCzysz D1g1tal Dr1ve power system by capturing first and second place wins and setting another race course record on the 37.73-mile Isle of Man (IOM) mountain course.
First, here are video highlights of the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races, considered the most important in the world. This year, during the two week TT festival, more than 800,000 unique users in 201 countries visited the iomtt.com website. John McGuinness came from behind to take his 17th TT victory in the final race on Friday, June 10th setting a new Race Record time of 1:45.45.80, beating Steve Plater’s 2009 time.
In the annual TT Zero electric motorcycle race at the Isle of Man on June 9th, MotoCzysz bikes designed and manufactued in the USA captured both the top speed and overall course speed records. MotoCzysz' 2011 model posted a top speed of 149.5mph, beating the 2010 top speed of 135mph. The machine also set a course record with an average lap speed of 99.604mph.
After a record-setting win last year using Remy HVH250 technology in the MotoCzysz proprietary D1g1tal Dr1ve (DD1) power system, MotoCzysz entered its 2010 E1pc machine in the 2011 race. In addition, MotoCzysz ran a new E1pc model, also using Remy's HVH250 technology in the DD1, to complete the 2011 "Segway MotoCzysz" Team. The new bike, ridden by Michael Rutter, placed first, with the 2010 model, ridden by Mark Miller, placing second. Launched in 2009, the TT Zero is a clean-emissions speed race of electric motorcycles that make one lap around the 37.73-mile Isle of Man (IOM) mountain course.
"Our close relationship with Remy is resulting in electric drives that are leading the industry. The core technology from the Remy HVH250, around which we have built our D1g1tal Dr1ve, performed flawlessly at the IOM the last 2 years. We were thrilled to return to the podium with first and second place finishes in the race and set course speed records along the way," said MotoCzysz CEO Michael Czysz. "Remy continues to be the perfect choice for us. The HVH 250 has superior power and torque density and its compact and lightweight design fits our D1g1tal Dr1ve on the bikes perfectly. With each race, we have pushed the Remy HVH technology harder, and it has responded with victory."
MotoCzysz (based in Portland, Oregon) and Remy (based in Pendleton, Indiana) now own the fastest three laps ever executed by an electric vehicle around the challenging mountain circuit on the IOM.
"Motorsports has been a long time proving ground for innovative technologies," noted Kevin Quinn, VP and general manager of Remy Electric Motors. "This year's zero emissions electric motorcycle race was a great opportunity to demonstrate that the 2010 win could be repeated with the Remy electric HVH technology and MotoCzysz engineering savvy. With an extraordinary victory for both its bikes at Isle of Man, MotoCzysz helped Remy show the world how strong and powerful the Remy HVH 250™ technology and DD1 are in the most demanding of racing conditions."
MotoCzysz has used HVH250 core technology to create the winning D1g1tal Dr1ve, the same core technology that resides in the HVH250 motor, available from Remy. The Remy Electric Motors HVH 250 is the next evolution of the advanced electric motor for hybrid and electric vehicle applications based on Remy's patented High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) technology. Remy's HVH technology provides dramatically improved motor performance and cooling effectiveness versus competitors. The HVH electric motor's world-class torque and power density deliver increased range in all-electric drive mode and is compact and lightweight, which contributes to vehicle efficiency.
Companies including GM, Allison, Mercedes, BMW, Amp Electric Vehicles, ZAP-Jonway, Odyne, and Alte have chosen the Remy HVH electric motor for its superior technology, reliability and the speed to market that comes with Remy's existing global production capacity. The Remy HVH electric motor technology can be integrated into a car, truck, motorcycle, large transit bus and virtually any piece of equipment that can be converted to hybrid or electric.
Today, there are more than 90,000 Remy compact HVH electric motors on the road that have been driven a combined total of over a billion miles.
Remy International, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer, remanufacturer and distributor of light duty starters and alternators and Delco Remy brand heavy-duty systems. Remy International also manufactures and distributes electric propulsion motors designed with leading edge technology and backed by the security of over a billion miles of proven reliability. In business for over 100 years, today Remy International is actively collaborating with companies throughout the world to develop innovations that are transforming the vehicle industry. Recently, Remy was recognized by the United States Department of Energy for its leadership role in the hybrid technologies space and awarded a $60 million grant under the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative.
The 2012 Isle of Man races are scheduled for May 28th to June 8th. Details at IOMTT.com
Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net
For the first time, bike builders will not have to make that long trip to Daytona Beach to enter the World Famous Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show. The 2011 Thunder in the Valley Rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania will feature The First Annual Rat's Hole Ride-in Bike Show on Saturday, June 25th. Advance registration is available at www.RatsHole.com
There will be a Rat's Hole Bar all weekend at the Train Station, and 34-oz souvenier mugs are on sale at the rally website - where you will also find a complete list of entertainment.
Click the poster image to enlarge for details.
Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net
Everybody has a favorite ride song, and this is mine... and what great ride images in this Bob Seger - Roll Me Away music video. Classic Bob Seger 1982. Brings back some great memories for me that the younger generation of my family can relate to because they like Bob Seger and riding, too!
Bob Seger's Roll Me Away from the album The Distance (1982) (Audio CD Dec. 2008)
It was the best of times and the worst of times for Seger's Silver Bullet Band, and after the shuffle, the 1983 Go The Distance Tour included Alto Reed, Don Brewer (Grand Funk RR), Bob Seger, Craig Frost, Dawayne Bailey (Chicago), and Chris Campbell.
The Distance spawned numerous hits beginning with Rodney Crowell's "Shame on the Moon" (Seger's #1 career hit), "Even Now", "Roll Me Away" and "Making Thunderbirds" (promoted with a music video filmed in Detroit.)
Roll Me Away (written by Seger) is on the Armagedden (1998 film) soundtrack and was played all the way through to close Cher's big film hit, The Mask (1985.) It was Seger's opening song on his Face the Promise Tour, 2006-2007 ... and it also closes in 1984 film, Reckless as Aidan Quinn & Daryl Hannah ride off on Aidan's motorcycle.
There are a couple hundred personal stories attached to this video ... Here are a couple that make me think of myself and my brothers back in th 80's when we were looking back over the crazy turmoil that we had grown up in... the assassinations of JFK, RFK and Martin Luther King, JR. ..Vietnam and the explosion of great music: The Rolling Stones, Hendrix, Dylan, Joplin and Woodstock.
...I was in the military back in '86. I bought a brand new Honda Nighthawk 650 and got 6 weeks of leave that summer. I was 26 and rolled out the front gates of CFB Petawawa for the time of my life. I toured most of North America. From Yosemite, the Avenue of the Giants in Oregon, the Great Plains, the Rockies, I slept in ditches 'neath the stars, washed in rivers, ate a billion tacos, drank whisky and racked up 15, 000 miles, all solo.
I will never forget those miles and the smiles - racerxjj67.
...Ride it long, ride it hard. Ride it till all the tears, all the fear, all the troubles disappear. Motorcycles saved my life! - HDbikerchick.
If you are in the wind, enjoy the ride my friends and enjoy the memories..
Here are links to Rides & Rallies coming up in JUNE - JULY - & AUGUST.
If you are interested, here are the Roll Me Away lyrics:
Took a look down a westbound road
Right away I made my choice
Headed out to my big two-wheeler
I was tired of my own voice
Took a beat on the northern plains
And just roll that power on
Twelve hours out of Mackinaw City
Stopped at a bar to have a brew
Met a girl, only had a few drinks
And I told her what I decided to do
She looked out the window a long, long moment
And she looked into my eyes
She didn't have to say a word
I knew what she was thinkin'
Roll, roll me away, won't you roll me away tonight
Bike builder Paul Yaffe is in the news on Arizona Highway TV and Paul Yaffe added some personal news last month, when he married the love of his life, Suzie Q! - wedding photo (Arizona, May 2nd) by Julianna Turner Salvante.
Arizona's Centennial Mascot, "Copper Chopper by Paul Yaffe" is on a 17-month tour at locations all over Arizona, where participants have a chance to buy a $5 raffle ticket to try to win the Copper Chopper. The final drawing - on the 100th anniversary of Arizona Statehood - is the week of February 14, 2012 at the Best Fest of Phoenix.
The absolute high point of my 70th Daytona Bike Week experience was an interview with legendary bike builder Ron Finch, published in a limited edition of the Daytona Beach Ratty Rag. The 20,000 commemorative copies disappeared into the wave of rally fans at the "world's largest rally."
But here is the entire article (c) 2011 By MJ Reynolds & RH Swan.
May 27, 2004 - Ron Finch, Billy Lane and Indian Larry leave Ron’s Studio in Pontiac to ride for 10 or so miles together with dozens of their friends and a film crew to Boomer’s Bike Night in Waterford a suburb of Detroit, Rock City – 1,000 bikes! The three famous bike builders are signing autographs with felt markers across tank tops worn by big-breasted young women. The place is packed to the rafters. Everyone loves them! Billy and Larry have just finished a couple of Biker Build-Off reality TV episodes and Ron is next up in 2005.
Here's Ron at home in Michigan with his Biker Build-Off bike, "Double Cross."
And here's the Boomer's Bike Night video - produced in Detroit City by Brad Bloch & Lyle Brous - Music by KISS
Fast forward to 2006 – Ron is rolling down the highway (at age 67) from Kansas City to Vegas in the cold rain with bike builder, Paul Yaffe and John Green after the Easy Rider Show. “You’ve gotta be tough,” says Ron. “I can put up with cold, but cold and wet is too much. I don’t have anything to prove anymore, so when our friend Bean’re had a bike breakdown, I rode with him in the truck for a hundred miles or so.”
Ron Finch launched his career back in the ‘60s about the same time that Arlen Ness and Dave Perewitz were starting to customize motorcycles.
“I was just doing my own thing,” said Ron. “I learned to pin stripe when I was a boy, living at home but spending a lot of time hanging out at Paul Hatton’s paint shop. I used to come home and pin stripe the refrigerator. I had a piece of glass that I used to pin stripe and then wipe off and pin stripe again. Later, I started striping for customers and working on their motorcycles. Until now, today, I can do anything with a bike – except, I don’t modify engines. That’s something Indian Larry did. On the other hand, I always encouraged Larry, and he was inspired to do a lot of metal work fabrication and metal sculptures by what he saw me doing.”
In 1969 - Ron built “Odin’s Axle,” which introduced the concept of asymmetrical motorcycle design. One side of the bike is completely different from the other side, including the front forks. Covering the bike’s sheet metal, he also introduced the 3-dimensional metal “rod work” patterns that have become his signature.
In 1970 - Odin’s Axle debuted at the Detroit Autorama in January 1970. Later that year by request, Odin’s Axle was exhibited at the Michigan Artists Exhibition in the Detroit Institute of Arts, the first motorcycle ever in a museum!
In 1971 - Motorcycle World Magazine named Odin’s Axle “Best U.S. Custom of the Year.” Restored in 2005, for Donna and Darryl Smith of Rochester, New York, Odin has recently traveled to shows and museums, including the Clinton Presidential Library in 2009.
Ron was a Rat’s Hole judge in the 70’s and 80’s. - Click bike images to enlarge.
In 1982 – Ron built “Aorta,” a custom 1970 Ironhead Sportster. The rods that make up the frame of “Aorta” were designed to flow towards the motor, the heart of the motorcycle like the main artery of the human heart. Ron also refers to this bike as his “suitcase motorcycle” because the frame is actually two-parts held together by the engine. It can be disassembled in three parts and literally be carried away in a suitcase. The rear fender houses the gas tank and is molded with flame tips and a “Frenched” license plate. The oil tank is a 1950’s aluminum cylindrical tank, modified to clear the one-off custom straight pipe exhaust. The front end is an old Harley JD Springer. The handlebars are custom made to eliminate the risers and stimulate a tiny windshield. The headlight is an unknown, purchased by Ron at an antique auction. The 1000 Cu. In. engine has polished cases, a Joe Hunt Magneto, S & S carb and Sifton cam. The air cleaner was hand formed in the shape of a heart with arteries made of metal rods. Leatherman of Flint, Michigan molded the leather seat in the shape of a human heart. The battery is incased in leather that has been dyed and molded to match the seat and the grips are braided in leather.
One Year After Serious Injury - Aorta was finished in the spring of 1982, one year after a serious motorcycle accident. The motorcycle Ron was riding was rear-ended by a drunk driver traveling 50 MPH. Ron suffered a crushed pelvis and a broken hip socket and doctors predicted that he would never walk again. Ron was walking and riding within three months!
In 1987 - Ron built “Loophole,” sourced from a 1973 Shovelhead – Evo Custom 96ci HD bagger. But after a long ride to Sturgis in 1989, Ron decided that he needed more power so he replaced the motor and added an S&S car and a Morris magneto. It features an exhaust system that loops through the cylinder chambers in the frame above the motor, a gas tank in the rear fender, and custom rod work over the front fender and floorboards. Like a loophole in the law, this custom motorcycle stretches the legal limits of imagination and creativity! Loophole’s frame was machined with a milling machine in the neck and seat area for a layered look. Rod work forms the struts and wraps around the leather saddlebags. Chromed rods were used to create the headlight shroud and the front fender that is accented by blue stained glass facets. The seat mount, six-pack carrier, bag tops and footboards are chromed rod work for balance and contrast. Blue anodizing was done on the headlight; derby cover and shock mount covers. The blue theme was carried to the primary cover with the use of blue flexi-glass. The gas tank was built “Finch Style” into the rear fender. The oil tank was built like an old-style chrome cylinder with concave and convex ends. Finch finished off Loophole with a candy blue paint job with multi-colored blends on the rod work, with black to accent the layered frame.
In 1988 - Ron made his first trip to Europe with “Big Daddy” Karl Smith of Rat’s Hole Bike Shows to exhibit his bizarre 3-wheeler, “Trilogy” at bike shows in Essen, Germany and Paris, France. Trilogy is sourced from a 1971 Triumph Trident – 836cc and features triple gas tanks, triple rear fenders, triple exhaust, suspended handle bars, and a rare 5-speed transmission.
In 1993 – Ron created “Outspoken,” one of the first bikes in the US with 80-spoke wheels from Sweden. This would be Ron’s personal ride for the next six years. It features a 96ci S&S engine, chrome moly frame, gas tanks in the floor boards, and rod work fenders with stainless inserts painted in multi-colored candy paint by Finch.
The gas tank is in the floorboards are made from after-market Corvette exhaust covers! The filler cap is at the front of the frame. The covers also serve as exhaust guards toward the rear. The extended swingarm matches the frame with rod work between the tubes. It requires a 178 tooth belt, which gives the motorcycle an extra long wheel base. The shocks are early FLH mounted under the seat, providing a comfortable cushioned ride. The custom stitched leather seat and braided grips and cable covers were made by Leatherman of Flint, Michigan. The front fork is a stock H.D., with hand-made triple trees that are billet aluminum, machined at a 38 degree angle, making them parallel to the ground. These were made by Finchman, Chuck Kehoe. The headlight is hand-rolled into a cone shape and mounted on rod work between the trees. Finch used extruded aluminum to cover the oil tank and air cleaner. The bike has an overall “industrial look” with the black paint, stainless steel and aluminum. A special effect was achieved with tiny brass hands that hold the cables, made by jeweler, “Shamey” from Pennsylvania.
“This was the first motorcycle in the U.S. to have the large rear tire and the 80 spoke wheels,” said Ron. “Riding Outspoken is a whole different experience!”
In 1990 & 1993 – Ron made two more trips to Europe with Karl of the Rat’s Hole to exhibit bikes at the Essen Show. They also brought the bikes to Sweden and the Netherlands. The bikes chosen for the shows were “Aorta,” “Loophole” and “Outspoken.”
“I’ll never forget those trips,” said Ron. “We traveled all over Europe and drank beer in three different countries one day. It was before the Euro, which made it a mess trying to sort out the money – mostly coins. Me and Big Daddy went up in the Eiffel Tower in Paris together and we took the El train out into the countryside and had dinner. Another time, we were traveling for some reason with a guy named “Jumpin’ Jessie” who would literally blow himself up with dynamite. He was kind of a cool nut.
"We traveled up to Sweden, where they called him Yumpin’ Yessy. The first place we stopped was at the best clubhouse I have ever seen in my life. It was in Sofia and the club was Sofia Hogs. I still have the T-shirt they gave me. It was a place converted from an old horse farm with all of the stalls converted for use as custom bike building stalls. They had a party room, a fully equipped machine shop that all of the members could use, and a super-modern spray booth. They already had all of the emission laws over there that we are getting hit with now. I was almost ready to go over there to pursue a dream, because they were getting top money for their work over there.”
2005 - Competing with the top builders of today at the Biker Build-Off Finale in Las Vegas, Ron was awarded the “Biker Blacksmith” Award for extreme metal fabrication. 2006 - He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the V-Twin Biker’s Ball in Daytona Beach. He gratefully accepted the award, but assured the crowd that he has not finished building bikes. 2008 - He received the House of Kolor Prestigious Painter Award for the paint on his creation, “Finicky.” 2008 – Invited to display 12 of his best custom bikes in the in the Milwaukee Art Museum during the celebration of Harley Davidson’s 105th Anniversary and his METALife sculptures were sold in the Harley Museum store.
2008 to 2009 - Ron’s historic 1969 Panhead chopper, “Odin’s Axle” was exhibited in the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas as part of a show that included many of the bikes that Tom Zimberoff wrote about in his books, “Art of the Chopper I” and “Art of the Chopper II.” His work has been featured in hundreds of magazines and has inspired such headlines as “Michigan’s Mysterious Motorcycle Madman” (Ed Roth 1968), “The Fabulous Finch” (Cycle Guide 1969), “The King of French” (Custom Chopper 1973),”Finch Effect”(Bike Bible 1976), “King of Custom” (American Iron 1991), “Mad About Metal” (Supercycle 1995), “Michigan Magician” (Easyriders, Japan 1998), and “ Ron Finch is Nuts” (Easyriders 2004), “Finch Fest” (Easyriders 2007), “Got Finch?” (Tailgate 2008) and “Ron Finch Gets Finicky” (Barnett’s Magazine Oct. 2008).
His custom bikes have been appreciated in museums and art galleries, and in shows throughout the U.S. and in Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Labeled as “too extreme” by some, the work of Ron Finch appropriately proclaims the freedom and individualism that is so often associated with the motorcycle lifestyle.
2011 - Ron's newest build is "Outsider." With all of these adventures behind him, Ron is currently showing off his first-ever side car bike, called “Outsider.”
It is an ultimate expression of his steel 3-dimensional rod work with the gas tank, oil tank, and radio hidden in the trunk. “There is a very good chance it will be at the Daytona Show,” he said… AND IT WAS!
New York, New York! A big reunion is in the works for March 26th when English Don returns to NYC for an Old Crew Reunion Run.
"For anyone wanting to join the run in Brooklyn....We will be stopping off to film with Paul Cox and Bob Seeger Jr. Bob has thrown out the welcome mat at Indian Larry motorcycles to gather there early afternoon. The pack will leave there at 2pm sharp. Those riding from the start, stay tuned for Queens assembly and gathering point," English Don told friends Saturday night, as he prepared to embark on his return trip to America.
A limited edition Old Crew Reunion Run T-shirt will be available only at Buckley's Inn, located at 159 S. Franklin Ave., Valley Stream, NY. Doors open at 1pm with English Don's ETA at 3pm. The NY Chopper Scene in the 1990's - English Don and Indian Larry - The Grease Monkey Tour - Sideshow Promo.
"Live to Ride, Ride to Live ... Live Your Dreams" has never been better expressed, in my estimation, than in this video based on the true story of a group of "Dream Rangers," average age 81!!
These five senior riders in Taiwan prepared for six months and road for 13 days together, night and day, 1,139 kilometers from the North to the South of Taiwan. One has hearing problems, one has cancer, three have heart disease, all have degenerative arthritis. Why did they do it? To keep their dreams alive!!
As one of the more than 1.7 million viewers commented, "my husband has cancer, but when we ride, cancer doesn't ride with us." Here's the video.
Created by Ogilvy Taiwan - Creative Director: Jennifer Hu Copywriter: Jennifer Hu, Justin Chia Art director: Leah Chen Producer: Abby Ku Director: Thanonchai
Bravo! This is an excellent example of sponsorship funding!
DAYTONA BEACH, Fl - March 10, 2011 - After months and months of fabrication and development, a new American sportbike engineered from the ground up was introduced to the public at the 70th Daytona Bike Week.
This comfortable touring machine is powered by the mighty KMV4 "baby block" engine, a gasoline direct injected, 90 degree V4.
Motus Motorcycles, a 2-year old company based in Birmingham, Alabama introduced the Motus MST series to a crowd gathered at 2pm Thursday at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show at the Ocean Center. The Motus MST series focuses squarely on performance, comfort and range.
Along with a team of engineers, co-founders Lee Conn and Brian Case are personally riding the MST's on an "American Sport Tour" around the US to make sure the pre-production machines are of the quality and durability they demand. They intend to be seen at more than 250 events across the USA. "There is just no better way to make sure the MST's meet our standards of durability, comfort, and performance than to personally ride the machines and iterate them as we identify issues. Along the way, we are meeting with friends, supporters and high quality dealers that have inquired about carrying Motus in their area," said Brian Case, vice president and director of design.
"We decided early on that no corners would be cut with the MST series. Motus is about precision, quality and attention to detail rather than speed to production," said Brian Case, vice president and director of design. "We are more focused on building great bikes than rushing to meet artificial deadlines," said Case. "Rather than hype the brand with computer renderings of a bike we hadn't even built yet, we engineered the bikes to be functional and actually work first, and then show the world what we have done so far."
The Motus MST's were developed quietly and revealed privately first at the facility of Motus's partner Pratt & Miller Engineering in New Hudson, Michigan and then at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in the hometown of Motus, Birmingham, Alabama. (Video, Feb. 2011.) "We are so proud to show the world the MST series," said Motus president, Lee Conn. "We poured our hearts and souls into these motorcycles and hope that it shows in terms of the quality and character of the machines. The MST's are exhilarating to ride - a very powerful experience unlike any other motorcycle I've ever ridden. There is usable power everywhere in rev-range, excellent feedback from the road, very responsive to inputs and...the sound of the KMV4 still gives me goose bumps every time one cranks," said Conn. The MST prototypes, including the base model MST and the premium MST-R, are scheduled to go into production in late 2011 after extensive testing and refinement. Conceived and designed in Alabama and engineered in Michigan, the MST prototypes were built using a combination of sophisticated computer aided engineering tools as well as rapid prototyping processes. The transmission, chassis, and bodywork are all purpose built at Pratt & Miller Engineering for high performance, durability, all day comfort, and long range.
"Motus came to Pratt & Miller with some very ambitious engineering and technical challenges and we felt we had the right tools and resources to exceed their expectations in terms of a high level of work in a shortened period of time," said Brandon Widmer, director of business development at Pratt & Miller Engineering. "The MST project has been exciting and challenging allowing us to employ many of our core strengths including complex chassis engineering and optimization, gearbox design and testing, metal and carbon composite fabrication and vehicle validation that is taking place now."
"The MST project has been an absolute blast for us at Pratt & Miller. The work ethic and intensity of the guys at Motus meshes well with our mindset and it has been gratifying to apply some of the skills and technologies we have developed from our endurance racing programs to this new American motorcycle," said Gary Pratt, co-founder of Pratt & Miller.
Motus is strategically located in Birmingham, Alabama, in the heart of the growing southern automotive corridor with Honda, Mercedes, Toyota, Hyundai, and Volkswagen nearby. Birmingham is also home of the Barber Motorsports Park which houses a world class road course and the world's largest motorcycle museum. Founded in 2008, Motus is a privately held company preparing to enter the market with the first V4-powered American sport touring motorcycle. The MST series motorcycles and accessories will be sold internationally through a network of independent dealers and distributors.
The Motus MST series of comfortable American sportbikes have been engineered from the ground up for performance, comfort, and range. The MST concept is a fresh take on what an American motorcycle can be, with optimum rider and passenger comfort for extended, spirited journeys, and quality components for responsive handling. The Motus MST series, including the MST and the premium MST-R, are powered by KMV4 gasoline direct injected V4 engines that feature proven durability and range extending technologies.
For more information about Motus, please visit the website at www.motusmotorcycles.com or email info@motusmotorcycles.com
About Pratt & Miller
Pratt & Miller Engineering is one of the most sophisticated engineering companies in the world and a respected industry leader in the automotive, motorsports, military, and aerospace industries. Pratt & Miller's extensive design, engineering, manufacturing, and vehicle program management capabilities are well established through their numerous championships in the American Le Mans Series, Rolex Grand-Am series, NASCAR and six 24 hours of Le Mans victories in the GT1 category. In addition to motorsports, Pratt & Miller Engineering has played a prominent role developing commercial, aerospace, and defense projects.
For more information about Pratt & Miller Engineering, please visit the website at www.prattmiller.com or contact Brandon Widmer at or bwidmer@prattmiller.com
The 13th Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally in Panama City, Florida is sure to attract more than 200,000 fans to the white sandy beaches of the "Emerald Coast."
The dates are April 27th to May 1st, 2011. Unlike many rallies, this is a FREE rally in The most biker-friendly town in the USA!
The Thunder Beach 10th Fall Rally (Oct. 2010) featured the first MS Thunder Beach Pagent for sexy women 35 and over, along with the popular Miss Thunder Beach Kick-Off Party & Pagent. The Old Shool Roadhouse of "mobile" old school bikes and hot rods rolled in for the rally. There were four big concerts, charity bike rides, stunt rider exhibitins, the "Best of The Beach" bike show, the Thunder Beach Bike Parade, a "Sizzle" fashion show and VIP Party featuring famed blues player, The Sauce Boss. The rally is spread across Panama City at 8 participating venues! Details - http://www.thunderbeachproductions.com/.
I remember when bikers jammed the roads for 3 hours getting to the Sturgis KISS Concet! Music video by Kiss performing Rock & Roll All Nite. (C) 1975 The Island Def Jam Music Group. Now this is some Biker Music! Kiss Rock The Nation Live KISS (DVD)
Last night was opening night of Sturigs 2011 and "Iron Cowgirl Missy" Covill's first night on stage at the Sam Kinison Showcase Stage at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Playing guitar and singing original music on stage in front of a bunch of bikers is what she likes best. I met her last year up in Michigan and I can tell you, she's the real thing: A true biker who rides cross-country on her Harley softtail and will offer you a campsite and share a meal with you. The Sturis 2010 Rally was the fullfillment of a dream to play at the Buffalo Chip. 
(1982) (Audio CD Dec. 2008)
(1985.) It was Seger's opening song on his Face the Promise Tour, 2006-2007 ... and it also closes in 1984 film, 
as Aidan Quinn & Daryl Hannah ride off on Aidan's motorcycle. 
Conceived and designed in Alabama and engineered in Michigan, the MST prototypes were built using a combination of sophisticated computer aided engineering tools as well as rapid prototyping processes. The transmission, chassis, and bodywork are all purpose built at Pratt & Miller Engineering for high performance, durability, all day comfort, and long range.
