I hadnt even finished unpacking my bags from my Tibetan journey when it was time to switch gears and start loading my fringed leathers for my favorite month of every yearAugust. Is there a place out there as fun as Sturgis? If there is, I havent found it. And I do go looking!
Backroads With Betsy: An Evolution of an Experience
The Dyna model family, which goes by the designation FXD, consists of six motorcycles all built around the same chassis. The Twin Cam engine is rubber mounted to the frame thereby reducing vibration versus the counterbalanced engine on the Softails. The rear spring loaded shocks are also visible versus the hidden rear shocks on the Softails. The Dyna models offer a very smooth ride and boast the lightest clutch lever effort of any of the other platforms. Shown is the Dyna Street Bob.
Seven models make up Harley-Davidsons touring family. At a minimum each bike has sidebags and a windshield and/or fairing for riders who like to tour. All touring models are equipped with a new six-gallon fuel tank, and an electronic throttle so wires are hidden inside the handlebars and can accomodate the optional cruise control system. Shown is the Ultra Classic Electra Glide.
To some people life in the fast lane equals jet-setting jaunts, late nights, and hard-partying ways. Karen Stoffer defines “fast lane” differently. To her it runs at dizzying speeds and higher rpms than Paris Hilton could ever imagine. Try nearly 200 miles per hour. Or a blazing fast quarter-mile lasting just over six seconds.
The Softail model family consists of eight models each with its own custom appeal from the very popular low slung Fat Boy to the new-for-2008 raked-out Rocker. The heart of the Softails is the Twin Cam 96B; B standing for counterbalanced, meaning the rigid mounted engine is counterbalanced to offset vibration. Shown here is the Heritage Softail Classic.
The Teutels of Orange County Choppers unveiled their new limited edition bike line recently before industry executives and then later at Sturgis before a large crowd.
OCC Production Bike Launches a Success
Getting lost is never fun. Having to stop and pull out a map or ask for directions can be frustrating and slow down a good days ride. Global Positioning System (GPS) devices have been around since the 1980s when they were used mostly for outdoor recreation. Only recently have they become very popular accessories in automobiles, and standard equipment on many boats. Now, the Garmin Zumo 550 makes its debut specifically for motorcycles. Diane Ortiz navigates the use of the new gadget.
In its continuing effort to reduce the number of crashes of motorcyclists with other vehicles, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is releasing its latest public education and awareness program for car drivers and other motorists.
MSF Introduces New Traffic Safety Program
Suzuki and Honda are the latest manufacturers to join the Femmoto event, a womens track and demo ride day now in its sixth year. The event takes place October 5-7, 2007 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
This years Sturgis rally was all about the women. While attendance numbers were down Sturgis Rally Director Pepper Massey said unofficial estimates were around 350,000 (versus the 500,000 its been the last few years) the presence of women riding their own motorcycles was more powerful than ever.