The interstate highway system is a brilliant network of roads that make traveling in the United States convenient and efficient. As wonderful as interstates are, the long stretches of road, high speed limits, and high number of drivers makes interstate traveling quite dangerous. According to accident data collected from the National Highway Safety Administration, these are the 10 deadliest interstates in the U.S.

1. I-95

   I-95 is the major interstate highway on the East Coast, running from Maine to Florida. It is also one of the most dangerous roads in the country. From 2004 to 2008, Florida’s stretch of I-95 had 662 fatal accidents, resulting in about one fatal accident for every 1.73 miles.

2. I-10

   I-10 is a massive interstate highway that stretches from Santa Monica, Calif., to Jacksonville, Fla. Since it’s the fourth-longest interstate in the country, I-10 sees a great deal of fatal accidents. The deadliest stretch of I-10 is in California. From 2004 to 2008, there were 341 fatal accidents on the California stretch of I-10. This equates to one fatal accident for every 1.41 miles.

3. I-15

   I-15 is the fourth-longest interstate highway that runs through six states from San Diego to the Canadian border. The interstate is 1,433.52 miles long and the deadliest stretch of roads is in California. From 2004 to 2008, there were 437 fatal accidents, which equates to one fatal accident per 1.52 miles.

4. I-45

   I-45 is an intrastate interstate highway that connects Dallas to Houston and Houston to Galveston. This 284.91-mile stretch of road sees thousands of travelers each day, increasing the risk for deadly accidents. From 2004 to 2008, there were 325 fatal accidents on I-45, which equals to one death for every 1.14 miles.

5. I-76

   I-76 is a 434.87-mile interstate highway that stretches from Akron, Ohio, to Camden, N.J. Surprisingly, the short 3.04 miles that go through New Jersey are the deadliest. In fact, there were five fatal accidents from 2004 to 2008, which equates to one fatal accident for every 1.64 miles.

6. I-80

   I-80 is the second-longest interstate highway in America. This major road runs from downtown San Francisco to Teaneck, N.J. The deadliest part of I-80 is in California. From 2004 to 2008, there were 220 fatal accidents, which equates to one fatal accident for every 1.10 miles.

7. I-4

   The Sunshine State’s second most treacherous road is I-4, which stretches from Tampa to Daytona Beach. The 132-mile route had 209 fatal accidents from 2004 to 2008. This equates to one fatal accident for every 1.58 miles.

8. I-94

   I-94 is a vast interstate that runs from Billings, Mont., to Port Huron, Mich. Out of the 1,585.20 miles that make up I-94, the deadliest stretch is in Illinois. There were approximately 85 fatal accidents from 2004 to 2008, which equates to one fatal accident for every 1.38 miles.

9. I-59

   I-59 is a major interstate highway that stretches from Slidell, La., to Wildwood, Ga. The majority of I-59 goes through Mississippi and Alabama, but the short 11.48 miles in Louisiana are by far the deadliest. From 2004 to 2008, this small stretch of road had 16 fatal accidents, which equates to one death for every 1.40 miles.

10. I-35

    I-35 is a major highway that stretches from Laredo, Texas, to Duluth, Minn. Out of the 1,568.38 miles that make up I-35, the 504.15 mile-stretch in Texas is the deadliest. In fact, there were 579 fatal accidents on I-35 from 2004 to 2008. This equates to one fatal accident for every 1.15 miles.

Related posts:

1. Look Twice, Save A Life – We Need This Kind of Effort Nationwide to Protect Bikers On American Roads
2. Hells Angel Intentionally Rammed, Killed By Transit Bus in California
3. More Dangerous Than Drunks – Texting While Driving Doubles Reaction Times

Leroy Taylor of Battle Creek was pronounced dead some time around 6 a.m. Sunday at the Iron Coffin Motorcycle Club and Police say a 32-year-old man,  who himself suffered a stab wound, is in custody and could be charged with murder. The injured man, Mathew Thomas Starkweather, was treated at an area hospital. Starkweather was arrested on charges of open murder on Sunday following the fight at the Iron Coffins Motorcycle Club.

Starkweather was charged in the death of Leroy Taylor, 45, of Battle Creek, who was killed in an altercation early Sunday morning at the Iron Coffin Motorcycle  Club location at 15 Gilbert St.

Detective Sgt. Austin Simons of the Battle Creek Police Department said the cause of Taylor’s death has yet to be determined.

“The medical examiner hasn’t been there yet,” Simons said.  “We can tell he’s (Taylor) got some trauma to the face.”

Witnesses say Taylor’s wife was present during the altercation.

Authorities say Starkweather was transported to Bronson Battle Creek, where he was treated for a stab wound and released. After conducting their initial investigation, police filed the charges against Starkweather and booked him into the Calhoun County Jail.

The incident marks the first  homicide of 2012 in Battle Creek.

The Iron Coffins aren’t generally associated with criminal activity in the area and members say the group has worked to help eradicate the motorcycle gang stereotype through charitable acts and sponsorships.

“We originated out of (Toledo) Ohio, and we branched out to have chapters all over the place,” said the President of the Washtenaw County Iron Coffins chapter. “Out here, we like to do a lot for kids – years ago, we used to do a toy run out to Mott Children’s Hospital. This year, we’re going to adopt families for Christmas, and stuff like that.”

The club closed down five years ago when dwindling membership and high rent on the club’s Michigan Avenue clubhouse forced them to disband, but the motorcycle recently reformed and found new digs in Ypsilanti.

According to their website, The Iron Coffins MotorCycle Club was formed in 1966 in the north end of Toledo, as the Chosen Few. They then moved to Point Place and changed the group’s name to theIron Coffins M/C.  The design of the club’s center patch was created by bike and car customizer “Big Daddy” Roth.

Related posts:

1. Police Officer and Alleged Bike Gang Member Resigns Over Dustup With the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Ohio
2. No Way to Treat a Brother – Forbidden MC Member Convicted Of Killing Club President
3. This Means War – Hell’s Angels vs Vagos Shootout in Nevada May Spark Biker Gang Battle

It’s also a safe bet that Gerald A. Doering and his son, Ted, have a couple of those bikes in their collection.

The proof is spread across the 85,000 square feet of the Doering’s Motorcyclepedia, a museum with the senior Doering, now 84, opened this year with his son, Ted. Their extensive and wide-ranging collection was assembled over more than a few decades and now includes more than 400 motorcycles. The museum fills up an entire  two floors of a former lumber warehouse set 65 miles north of Manhattan.

It all began with a humble 1929 Indian Scout that Doering Sr. bought back in 1947. That moment became the start of something special. Doering loved his Scout so much that he hit the open road on the way to Miami in search of a gig at a mechanic at a motorcycle dealership there. Like many a great adventure before it, this one ended in a way Doering didn’t forsee. The Miami gig didn’t happen, so he rode back to upstate New York and opened his own electrical contracting business a few years later.

But always, there were the Indians and motorcycles. Doering bought  several more over the years as his financial fortunes improved. He kept adding to his collection and now owns Indians from every production year but the company’s first,  1901.

The younger Doering’s love of motorcycles began in the 1960s when he began building custom chopper bikes.

“I tried racing,” Doering said, “But I thought building the bikes was more interesting.”

But the collection is hardly limited to customs and Indians and includes a 4-cylinder Pierce from 1910, a Cleveland adapted for the military and excellent examples of less well-known marques like Monarch, Pope,Thor and Ace. If those aren’t obscure enough for you, the father and son collection also includes a De Dion Bouton 3-wheeler which some say is the oldest running motorcycle in the United States. The Doering team purchased that bike of motorcycle ephemera ten years ago in France for the heady sum of $40,000.

So, you say, they’re just a bunch of bikes. Well, my friend the museum’s collection of motorcycle-related items also includes a little Americana even those unmoved by classic bikes might find interesting.

What might that be, you ask?

A complete Wall of Death, an enormous carnival attraction which featured a steeply banked, near vertical track on which daring riders plied their trade and thrilled crowds back in days of yore . The museum also sports an example of an Inferno der Motoren, a variety of scaled-down, German Wall of Death the Doerings brought home from Europe and lovingly reassembled on the museum’s lower level.

Visit the Motorcyclepedia Museum on Facebook

Are You a Motorcycle Collector? Contact us here to let us know about your collection…

Insuring your collectible or vintage motorcycle

As for insurance for your collectible motorcycle? You should be able to get Agreed Value coverage on a classic 1959 BSA Gold Star Catalina valued at $15,000 for somewhere around $25 a month, and that gives you the whole shooting match of coverage.

You can spend a lot less, but if you plan to ride the bikes in your collection, the above pricing is a reasonable approximation of what you can expect to pay.

Related posts:

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2. The Top Vintage Motorcycle Collectors in the World
3. Bad Economy Forces Halt to Harley-Davidson Office Development Plans Near Museum

There are a lot of facts associated with motorcycling, and you should know all the straight skinny before you head out on the road.

Who knows? All this knowledge might come in handy. As well all well know, knowledge is power…

The National Insurance Crime Bureau said that motorcycle thefts fell 24 percent in 2010 from a year earlier, based on data from the National Crime Information Center of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Motorcycle thefts have declined each year from 2006 to 2010 with the largest decrease occurring between 2008 and 2009. The top five makes stolen and the top five states in thefts for 2010 are shown below:

Top Five Makes Stolen, 2010    Top Five States in Motorcycle Thefts, 2010

1. Honda 12,260                               1. California 5,662

2. Yamaha 9,853                              2. Texas 4,394

3. Suzuki 8,969                                 3. Florida 4,148

4. Kawasaki 5,470                          4. North Carolina 2,649

5. Unknown make 3,420             5. Indiana 1,925

FATALITIES AND INJURIES

Overall: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov), tthe following new terms are used to define motorcycle occupants: a motorcycle rider is the operator only; a passenger is any person seated on the motorcycle but not in control of the motorcycle; and any combined reference to the motorcycle rider (operator) as well as the passenger will be referred to as motorcyclists.

NHTSA says that in 2009, 4,462 motorcyclists died in crashes, down 16.0 percent from 5,312 in 2008, ending an 11- year increase in motorcycle deaths. Motorcycle fatalities in 2008 were at the highest level since NHTSA began collecting data in 1975. In 2009, 90,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents, down 6.3 percent from 2008. In 2009 motorcyclists accounted for 13 percent of all traffic fatalities, 16 percent of all occupant fatalities and 4 percent of all occupants injured.

By Age: Older motorcyclists account for half of all motorcyclist fatalities. NHTSA data show that in 2008, 51 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes were age 40 or over, compared with 33 percent 10 years earlier. In contrast, fatalities among young motorcyclists have declined in the past 10 years, relative to other age groups. In 2008 fatalities in the under 30-year-old group dropped to 31 percent of total motorcyclists killed in crashes from 40 percent in 1998. Fatalities among motorcyclists in the 30-to 39-year-old group fell to 19 percent in 2008 from 27 percent ten years earlier.

By Driver Behavior: Alcohol use: NHTSA says that in 2009, 29 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08 percent (the national definition of drunk driving), compared with 23 percent of drivers of passenger cars, 23 percent of light truck drivers and 2 percent of large truck drivers in fatal crashes.

In 2008, 30 percent of all fatally injured motorcycle riders had BACs of 0.08 percent or higher. Another 7 percent had lower alcohol levels (0.01 to 0.07 percent BAC.). Fatally injured motorcycle riders between the ages of 40 to 49 had the highest percentage of BACs 0.08 percent and above (41 percent), compared with 36 percent for those ages 35 to 39. Forty-three percent of the 2,291 fatally injured motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2008 (for example, those in which the motorcycle crashed into a stationary object) had BACs of 0.08 percent or higher. On weekend nights, the proportion was higher: 64 percent of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes had BACs of 0.08 percent or higher.

In 2008, motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were nearly 4 times more likely to have BAC levels at or over 0.08 percent (48 percent) than those killed during the day (13 percent).

The reported helmet use rate for motorcycle riders with BACs at or over 0.08 percent who were killed in traffic crashes was 46 percent in 2008, compared with 66 percent for those who did not have any measurable blood alcohol.

Speeding: In 2008, 35 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared with 23 percent for drivers of passenger cars, 19 percent for light truck drivers and 8 percent for large truck drivers, according to NHTSA.

Licensing: One out of four motorcycle riders (25 percent) who were involved in fatal crashes were riding without a valid license in 2008, compared with 12 percent of passenger vehicle drivers. NHTSA says that motorcycle operators were also 1.4 times more likely than passenger vehicle drivers to have a prior license suspension or revocation (18 percent compared with 13 percent).

By Type of Motorcycle: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), riders of “supersports” motorcycles have driver death rates per 10,000 registered vehicles nearly four times higher than for drivers of other types of motorcycles. Supersports have more horsepower than conventional motorcycles and can reach speeds of up to 190 mph. They are built on racing platforms and are modified for street use. The bikes are popular with riders under the age of 30. The bikes are light-weight and aerodynamically styled. In 2005, these bikes registered 22.5 driver deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles compared with 10.7 deaths for other sport models (related to supersports but do not have the acceleration, stability and handling of supersports). Standards and cruisers and touring bikes, with upright handlebars, have rates of 5.7 and 6.5 per 10,000 vehicles. In 2005, supersports accounted for 9 percent of registrations, and standards and cruisers made up 51 percent of registrations. Among fatally injured drivers, the IIHS says that drivers of supersports were the youngest—with an average age of 27. Touring motorcycle drivers were the oldest, 51 years old. Fatally injured drivers of other sports models were 34, on average; standard and cruiser drivers were 44 years old. Speeding and driver error were bigger factors in supersport and sport fatal crashes. Speed was cited in 57 percent of supersport riders’ fatal crashes in 2005 and in 46 percent for sport model riders. Speed was a factor in 27 of fatal crashes of riders of cruisers and standards, and for 22 percent of riders of touring models.

INSURANCE LOSSES

Collision Losses by Type: The IIHS says that supersports have the overall highest insurance losses under collision coverage among the motorcycle classes, almost four times higher than for touring models and more than six times higher than for cruisers. Nine of the ten motorcycles with the highest losses were supersports. Claim frequency is driving the high losses for supersports, meaning that they are involved in more collisions than other types of motorcycles—there were 9 claims per 100 insured vehicle years for supersports models, compared with 2.3 for all models. The models surveyed were all 2002-2006 models. Touring motorcycles had the most expensive claims because they are the most expensive to purchase. Supersport models are the most popular with thieves—with average loss payments for theft losses per insured vehicle years of $246 for 2002-2006 models, seven times higher than the average for all motorcycles. Supersport models had the highest frequency of thefts—31.8 per insured vehicle year, compared with cruisers and touring models which had the lowest at 1.1 claims per insured vehicle year. However, touring models had the highest average loss payments—$15,696, reflecting their high purchase price and upgrades.

SAFETY ISSUES

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF, http://www.msf-usa.org), sponsored by motorcycle manufacturers and distributors, works with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), state governments and other organizations to improve motorcycle safety through education, training and licensing. Since 1973 about 3.2 million motorcyclists have taken MSF training courses. The organization also works with the states to integrate rider safety and skills in licensing tests. It also promotes safety by recommending motorcycle operators wear protective gear, especially helmets, ride sober and ride within their skill limits.

Antilock Brakes: Stopping a motorcycle is more complex than stopping a car. Motorcycles have separate brakes for the front and rear wheels, and braking hard can lock the wheels and cause the bike to overturn. Not braking hard enough can put the rider into harm’s way. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said in March 2010 that motorcycles with antilocks versus those without are 37 percent less likely to be in fatal crashes. In addition, the IIHS’s affiliate, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), found that bikes with antilocks have 22 percent fewer claims for damage per insured vehicle year than the same model bikes without antilocks. HLDI also studied medical claims and found that under medical payment coverage, bikes with antilocks had 30 percent lower claim frequencies than bikes that did not have antilocks. (Claims frequencies represent the number of claims.) Claim frequencies were 33 percent lower under bodily injury liability coverage.

Airbags:Honda Motorcycle Company is the first company to offer the option of an airbag, which is available on one of the most expensive models. The option became available in 2006. A handful of companies have recently developed wearable airbags, which are worn either inside a jacket or strapped on outside. No data on the effectiveness of these new items has been published. 

Motorcycle Helmets: In 2009 motorcycle helmets saved 1,483 lives. NHTSA says that if all motorcyclists had worn helmets, 732 more lives would have been saved. Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries for motorcycle riders (operators) and 41 percent effective for motorcycle passengers.

Motorcycle Helmet Use Laws: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 20 states and the District of Columbia had laws on the books requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets as of June 2011 (See chart below). In another 27 states only people under a specific age (mostly between 17 and 20 years of age) were required to wear helmets. Three states (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire) had no helmet use laws. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study covering 10 states found that when universal helmet laws, which pertain to all riders, were repealed, helmet use rates dropped from 99 percent to 50 percent. In states where the universal law was reinstated, helmet use rates rose to above 95 percent.

According to NHTSA’s National Occupant Protection Use Survey, motorcycle helmet use plummeted to 54 percent in June 2010 from 67 percent in June 2009. Helmet use reached a high of 71 percent in October 2000. Usage rates are higher in states that have universal laws that require all riders to use helmets. In June 2010, 76 percent of motorcyclists in universal law states wore them, 10 percentage points less than in 2009. In states without universal laws, usage was down 15 percentage points, dropping from 55 percent in 2009 to 40 percent in 2010. Motorcycle helmet use in 2010 was highest in the West, at 75 percent, down from 83 percent in the previous year, and lowest in the Midwest, at 43 percent, down from 67 percent in 2009. Helmet use was 54 percent in both the Northeast and the South, down by 7 percentage points and 11 percentage points, respectively from 2009. The survey only counts helmets that comply with Department of Transportation standards.

View Archived Tables:
MOTORCYCLE HELMET USE, 1994-2009 (1)

View Archived Tables:
MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES AND FATALITY RATES, 1998-2008

View Archived Tables:
OCCUPANT FATALITY RATES BY VEHICLE TYPE, 1997 AND 2007

View Archived Tables:
MOTORCYCLE RIDERS KILLED OR INJURED BY TIME OF DAY AND DAY OF WEEK, 2008

View Archived Tables:
VEHICLES INVOLVED IN CRASHES BY VEHICLE TYPE AND CRASH SEVERITY, 2008

View Archived Tables:
PERSONS KILLED IN TOTAL AND ALCOHOL-IMPAIRED CRASHES BY PERSON TYPE, 2008

View Archived Tables:
DRIVERS IN FATAL CRASHES BY BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION (BAC) AND VEHICLE TYPE, 1998-2008 (1)

Related posts:

1. The Comprehensive And Utterly Huge Guide to Motorcycle Helmet Laws
2. Motorcycle Helmet Law Debate Rages On – How Would You Fix The Issue?
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In 1958, Benelli decided to officially return to racing, and the company’s efforts were then focused on a single-cylinder entry, but by that point the formerly formidable Benelli single-cylinder was showing its age in a technological sense and was retired.

Bonhams, the world’s leading auctioneer of motorcycles, is proud to announce that it has been entrusted to represent two significant Benelli racing motorcycles – a 1958 250cc Grand Prix Factory Racer and a 1998 Four 350cc Racer – at its second annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Sale in January.

This announcement follows the news of the world record-making sale of the 1954 AJS E-95 ‘Porcupine’ Factory Racer offered earlier by Bonhams at its summer Quail Lodge Sale in Carmel. The British Porcupine carried a pre-sale estimate of $750,000-950,000 – a sum spiritedly discussed in motoring publications and forums around world – and sold to a private collector near estimate soon after the sale, creating a new world record for any motorcycle offered by an auction house.

The venerable brand is Italy’s oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer (founded in 1911), Benelli’s relative obscurity despite its illustrious racing history has helped fuel its legendary status among enthusiasts. Ridden to success by such champions as Mike Hailwood, Renzo Pasolini and Geoff Duke, the lightweight factory racers were marvels of engineering and performance, providing formidable competition to the roster of international motorcycle manufacturers.

The 1958 Benelli single-cylinder, 250cc Grand Prix Factory racer is one of only four made and one of just three surviving. Formerly the property of famed Italian motorcycle manufacturer, race team owner, restorer and collector Giancarlo Morbidelli, this extremely rare competition machine is the epitome of period Italian racing prowess and ingenuity.

The 1998 Benelli 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 7-speed, 350cc racer is a replica of the fabled 1969 GP model meticulously made by that maestro of builders George Beale. It was sold to renowned collector Jack Silverman who campaigned it at prestigious events at Daytona, Willow Springs and Laguna Seca.

These two exotic racing machines will join a very impressive group of more than 120 motorcycles – including the ‘time capsule’ collection of nearly 50 original condition bikes from the eminent du Pont family – in January. The second annual Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Sale takes place on Thursday, January 12th, inside the Auto Collections museum at the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino on The Strip. Buyers interested in registering to bid, in person or remotely, may visit www.bonhams.com/vegas for more information.

In 1962 Benelli went back into racing again with a new 250, a four-cylinder model this time, thus passing from the traditional to the avant-garde in a single step. The four-cylinder formula had been advocated by Gilera and MV Agusta since the beginning of the world championship and was followed by Honda when the Japanese company went to Europe.

The Benelli 250 four-cylinder was ridden by Silvio Grassetti in its racing debut. He won his second race in 1962, at the Cesenatico International Circuit. But the old single-cylinder Morini kept the Benelli in check. Until the end of 1963 the Benelli and the Morini fought it out in Italian 250-class racing. The Benelli four-cylinder was continually improved, but it never succeeded in overcoming the opposition of the Morini.

Benelli got Morini’s racing ace, Tarquinio Pro-vini, but even that was not enough. In 1964 the improvements made on the vehicle bore fruit. Provini won the Barcelona Grand Prix and turned in fine placings in the world championship. But again the championship went to a Morini, which was driven by Giacomo Agostini.

In 1965 the Benelli 250 four-cylinder became the Italian champion, aided by Morini’s retirement from racing. The motorcycle drove a modest world championship, but it won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza under a torrential rain, coming in ahead of the Yamaha four-cylinder two-stroke driven in its debut by Phil Read. Meanwhile Benelli had also prepared a 350 four-cylinder model. At first it was simply an enlarged 250. Later a new engine was built. Tarquinio Pro-vini began riding the new 350 in mid-1966. His high hopes for the motorcycle were dashed when he had a bad fall at the Tourist Trophy trials, resulting in his retirement from racing.

Then Benelli hired Renzo Pasolini as its new official driver. Pasolini had made his debut in the 500 class by winning at Vallelunga with an enlarged Benelli 350 sixteen-valve model. He introduced the new vehicle, which had 491-cc. displacement, at Modena in the opening race of the 1967 season. Pasolini won, beating out Agostini’s MV by a nose.
Thus began one of motorcycle racing’s most interesting rivalries—Benelli versus MV Agusta and Pasolini versus Agostini. In the races held along the Adriatic coast, Pasolini often beat his rival, especially in the 350 class, where Benelli’s engine was better tuned. But in the world championship it was Agostini who led the way.

This constant challenge resulted In significant improvements in the Benelli 250 and 350. The vehicles were made lighter and more powerful, but not enough to face Grand Prix competition. In 1968 Renzo Pasolini came in second in the 350-class world championship. The following year the Japanese manufacturers withdrew and Benelli concentrated all its efforts in the 250 class, preparing a very competitive four-cylinder vehicle.

The first world championship Grand Prix was won that year by the new single-cylinder two-stroke Ossa ridden by Santiago Herrero. The second race was won by Kent Andersson’s semiofficial Yamaha. The third race went to the surprising Ossa 250. At the Tourist Trophy, the fourth race of the season, the Australian racer Kel Carruthers (replacing the injured Pasolini) rode the Benelli to first place. This was the company’s first major victory since the 1965 Italian Grand Prix.
Pasolini came back after recovering from his injury and won in Holland, East Germany, and Czechoslovakia. In Finland he had another accident. Carruthers won in Ireland and Yugoslavia, and Benelli had its second world title (Ambrosini had won one in 1950).

Benelli 250-350 Four-cylinder

Manufacturer: Moto Benelli, Pesaro

• Type: Racing Years: 1968, 1969
• Engine: Benelli four-cylinder, in-line, transverse, four-stroke, with two-shaft overhead geared distribution, four valves per cylinder. Displacement 246.3 cc. (44 mm. x 40.5 mm.—250); 343.1 cc. (51 mm. X 42 mm.—350)
• Cooling: Air
• Transmission: Eight-speed block (250); seven-speed block (350)
• Power: 50 h.p. at 16,000 r.p.m. (250); 64 h.p. at 14,500 r.p.m. (350)
• Maximum speed: About 150 m.p.h. (250); over 160 m.p.h. (350)
• Chassis: Double cradle, continuous, tubular. Front and rear, telescopic suspension
• Brakes: Front, central drum, four shoes, four-cam; rear, central drum, two-cam.

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My lovely wife and I, confronted with a need to store an enormous amount of tools, furniture we no longer have immediate need for and miscellaneous near-junk items, bought what can only be called a ‘derelict’ old building within a mile of our home. It’s not in a great neighborhood, but it does have the benefit of being in an out of the way location.

The idea was to save the money we’d been spending on spaces in storage buildings and maybe build up a little equity in the bargain over the years. What we actually got was a long list of items the city wanted repaired or upgraded and we were confronted with completing that list on no budget and with only the tools we have on hand. Granted, the tools we have on hand go well beyond what the average family has on the workbench in the garage, but that fact is both part of the solution – and part of the problem.

So there it is…

Getting the building into a usable state has so far required a major overhaul of the electrical system, tearing out and replacing a whole network of frozen pipes, a complete repainting of the flaking paint on the interior, the purchase and installation of a very large (and very heavy) system of racking to store loose items and more than a few heated discussions about how much sense the whole thing made in the first place. There’s still a ton of work to be done, but it’s finally starting to seem manageable if somewhat daunting. The vast majority of the permit and inspection process is over, and what a relief that’s been. At the start, the humble workshop was pored over by a veritable army of city functionaries and other interested parties who all handed my lists that ran to multiple pages of items they wanted addressed – the punchlist from hell.

Among the problems the whole idea was meant to alleviate was the fact that between us, my father in law and I have six motorcycle in various states of repair, a couple that run and ride with Swiss-watch-like precision and a mighty pile of project parts and items collected over the years. Add to that a whole list of very old, very heavy but useful and serviceable shop tools (nearly all of which are duplicates from our separate collections), and what you get is a whole lot of moving of very, very heavy items. Well, the moving is nearly done, and for once in my life, I actually bothered to take photos of the project at various stages.

This will represent the second time I’ve taken on this kind of project and I think the last one, while perhaps not the most beautiful example of the breed, was at least the test bed and prototype for the coming incarnation. Last time around, I had to share my tiny workspace with two cars and a variety of other stuff in an unheated garage which featured poor lighting, low ceilings and a family of persistent aggressive Attack Raccoons.

Over the course of the winter, I plan to post those photos here and to also post photos of the activity the building was made to accomplish – operating as a sort of working shrine to all things motorcycles.

Part of the plan is to spend what little credit I have left on a 70′s-era bike (the budget dictates a Yamaha or a Honda and not the Harley WL I covet) and customize it into what my vision of a motorcycle should be.

Any tips or ideas you may have are more than welcome.

So wish me luck, and here goes…

Insuring your collectible or vintage motorcycle

As for insurance for your collectible motorcycle? You should be able to get Agreed Value coverage on a classic 1959 BSA Gold Star Catalina valued at $15,000 for somewhere around $25 a month, and that gives you the whole shooting match of coverage.

You can spend a lot less, but if you plan to ride the bikes in your collection, the above pricing is a reasonable approximation of what you can expect to pay.

Related posts:

1. Choosing Your Winter Motorcycle Project And The Guys Who Can Help
2. Storing Your Bike – What You Need to Know To Have Your Motorcycle Ready for Winter
3. From The Ad Game To Motorcycles and Lamps – Classified Moto

It’s hard to believe that people spend so much time on their bikes that they develop this kind of perfect balance, throttle and braking control. This rider blitzed the course during the Motor Cycle Gymkhana Games.

Anyone know who this guy (or gal) is, because I’d sure like to know…

http://amgrass.com/

If you had the exceptional taste, refinement and pocketbook to buy an MV Agusta, your insurance needs can get complicated. We’re here to help you find the right insurance for your Italian superbike…

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http://carefullyconsidered.com/projects/mac-cycles/

This concept cosmetic design for Mac Motorcycles, a start-up motorcycle company in the UK with a nod to classic cafe bikes, really speaks to me. It’s elemental without looking too geeked-up and impractical. The design team somehow managed to make this bike look both wispy and tough at the same time, and that’s no mean feat.

The bikes are powered by a Buell single, air-cooled, 2-valve, push rod, 492cc, 5-speed taken out of the ‘Blast’models, and that makes them “thumpers” in the classic mode of the old Yamaha SR500, a favorite of cafe racer builders the world over.  Valve adjustment is handled automatically via the use of hydraulic lifters, and the transmission placed low in the frame to aid with handling.  The stock Buell motors produce 34 HP at 6500 RPM, and Mac adds a bolt-on big-bore kit (515 cc), Andrews Cams, a Mikuni HSR 42 carb’, Screamin’ Eagle ignition and a Supertrapp exhaust to crank that output up to near 50 HP at 7200 RPM.

The Mac Motorcycles team has this to say about their concept:

We explored a variety of visual approaches and production techniques. The intention was to create something new in a category that is overwhelmingly garish with logos and neon graphics that also complemented the amazing industrial design by Xenophya.

While keeping the integrity of the classic look, we created eight prototype designs that employ such production techniques as laser etching, anodized finishes, and screen-printed graphics applied to the gas tanks. This, along with simpler color systems, helps bring a more subtle, conceptual approach to the identity.

This project has received incredible recognition not just in the design community, but, more importantly, in the motorcycle-enthusiast community — nearly 100 mentions and spreading including articles and mentions in Fast
Company, Bike EXIF, Asphalt and Rubber, MBF Motorcycle forums, Cyril Huze Blog, Bikes in the Fast Lane and of course right here at Motorcycleinsurance.com.

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This Iron Man motorcycle helmet features a retractable tinted shield, but comes with a bit of a safety disclaimer as well, so maybe “motorcycle helmet” isn’t exactly an accurate description of what this thing actually does:

Safety disclaimer: Please be aware that these helmets do not meet DOT (Department of Transportation) specifications. They are not intended for use on any motorized vehicles. They are not designed to be a safety helmet and will not protect your head on impact. If you are injured, permanently disabled, or receive a ticket while wearing this helmet, tigerpause444 is not liable.

Iron Man motorcycle helmet

If you had the earth-friendly constitution, refinement and pocketbook to buy a Brammo electric bike, your insurance needs can get complicated. We’re here to help you find the right insurance for your brand new electric or hydrogen-powered motorcyle…

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This stunning hybrid is a 1975 CB750F overbored to accept 849cc pistons, which the owner, H Jim Wiley, married to a collection of aftermarket HD parts.

With it’s hardtail frame and an aggressive riding stance, this old school rocket is a true backbreaking barhopper.

According to H Jim, “Doing ‘the Ton’ on this beast puts a grin from ear to ear on your face and makes you keep an eagle eye out for cracks in the pavement…”

Custom motorcycles require the correct insurance coverage package to protect what is, after all, a significant investment on your part .

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance for your custom bike…

Tips for buying motorcycle insurance for your custom:

• Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
• Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
• Towing / Pickup
• Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.
• Additional coverage to replace or repair accessories specific to your bike.

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I did find the time to put together a page of our favorite stuff from the Motorcycling Internet.

You’re in good hands with this bunch of motorcycle fanatics and here are some links to our favorite stuff from their sites.

Enjoy…and give them some link love.

Awesome Moto Guzzi Custom

Here’s another custom build that has been flying under the radar, Raven MotoCycles and yes, this one is on eBay, or rather, the opportunity to own the first production model from the company. The specific bike you see here is the very first prototype of a brand new special, powered, in this case, by a Moto Guzzi 750cc engine from a 1971 Ambassador…

Read more…

The Kneeslider

A Pristine 1974 Norton Commando

By most accounts, owning a vintage Norton Commando can be a quixotic experience. For many, it’s the romantic ideal of a classic motorcycle—but you’re likely to need good spanner skills to keep the bike going. The alternative is to locate a Commando that has been subtly upgraded as well as restored, by someone such as Matt Rambow of Colorado Norton Works…

Bike EXIF

A Custom Harley For Less Than 10 Grand?

If you want to ride a brand new stock Harley under $10,000 the lower-priced Sportsters are an option. But if you want a used Custom Harley for almost the same budget, the one featured here is a good representation of what you could build for yourself. Michael Kamalian from Revolution Manufacturing wanted to show what could be done with some trading and ingenuity for a total of $9890.62 in purchase receipts…
Read more…

Cyril Huze Post

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

MOTORCYCLES will be given permanent access to London’s bus lanes from the 23rd January 2012 following the completion of two successful trials.

The decision to allow motorcycles to ride in bus lanes follows two 18 month trials over the last three years and the permanent access will be introduced to the majority of the capital’s red routes.
Read more…

Visor Down

It’s Time For Bachmann To Throw In the Towel, Buy the Bike, Ride It and Clear Her Head

Candidates to the US Presidential elections can’t escape it! They need to be seen on a motorcycle, even if it’s just posing on one. Has sitting on motorcycles become the 21st century kissing-a-baby

 Read more…

Bikes in the Fast Lane

Buying Your First Bike? The Women’s Guide to Motorcycle Insurance

Whether you ride a sport bike or an American cruiser, your insurance needs can get complicated.

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance, whatever you ride…

Tips for buying your motorcycle insurance, coverage you need:

• Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
• Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
• Towing / Pickup
• Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.

Related posts:

1. Friday Motorcycle Chain Links – The Best Motorcycle Stuff of the Week
2. Friday Motorcycle Chain Links – The Best of the Motorcycling Internet
3. Monday Motorcycle Chain Links – Our Favorite Motorcycle Stories From Around the Internet

Chris Page riding. July 2nd 2011.

#44

Team Guzzi Nerd…

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Get them something they can use, and the stuff below is just the ticket.

If something like this ends up under the Christmas tree, they look at you through eyes burning with the hot gratitude of one thousand suns.

Trust me on this…

Let’s face it, your motorcycle addicted friends and family like to ride, and chances are, they like to wrench as well. With that in mind, sooner or later, that special someone is going to want to move their motorcycles.This item will give you a leg up on that chore, and it would also make an excellent addition to a shop lift table. The pivoting bracket moves up to secure the motorcycle in an upright position. Easy for one person to strap-down a motorcycle Mounts securely to floor, truck or trailer Fits most motorcycle wheels Formed steel with carbon steel hardware, thermoplastic end caps Motorcycles with super-wide front tires or custom low-profile front fenders may not fit this wheel chock. Wheel chock dimensions: 24-1/2″ L x 9-3/4″ W x 12-7/8″ H Base plate: 15-5/8″ L x 10-1/2″ W Shipping Weight: 15.90 lbs. Price: $39.99 at Harbor Freight

To buy bikes, it’s often necessary to move them from here to there for things like routine maintenance and storing them for the winter. And you never know, you can hardly have too many motorcycles, and this handy-dandy folding trailer will let you bring back all the basket cases you can afford and have room to store. This folding utility trailer only takes up 24″ x 63″ of floor space when folded, so it can be stored just about anywhere, but unfolded, it can handle heavy loads up to 1195 pounds! Add plywood decking for a 48″ x 96″ bed. Hitch this heavy-duty folding utility trailer to a vehicle that has a 1-7/8″ ball hitch to transport securely. Steel trailer frame has built-in slots for stake siding (stake sides not included) DOT-certified tail lights and side running lights, safety wiring harness 3-leaf spring suspension Trailer bed tilts all the way to the ground for easy loading 4.8″ wide, 12″ diameter tires Axle thickness: 5mm Overall dimensions: 110″ L x 61-1/2″ W x 19-1/4″ H Shipping Weight: 159.00 lbs. Price: $299.99 at Harbor Freight

If you haven’t had the pleasure, it’s a royal pain in the ass to work on a motorcycle while it’s leaned over on a kickstand and not very high off the ground.And try changing a tire like that and you’ll discover the meaning of agony.Now you can work on your bike safely and comfortably with this high position motorcycle lift.Supporting an 1100 lb. load capacity, the motorcycle lift provides a lifting height range from 2.6″ to 30″. The lift also features wheels for easy maneuvering and placement. 1100 lb. weight capacity Lifting range from 2.6″ to 30″ Ram travel: 7-3/8″ Distance between base legs: 20-3/8″ Overall dimensions: 44″ L x 24-3/8″ W x 37-3/4″ H Shipping Weight: 131.00 lbs.   Price: $199.99 at Harbor Freight

And speaking of basket cases, sooner or later you’re going to be the proud owner of a dusty, greasy barn-find bike.On that fine day, you’ll be glad you tucked this Cruz Tools motorcycle tool kit behind the seat of your truck.You never know, you might get lucky and ride it home while your buddy drives the truck looking forlorn and plotting a way to get you to let him ride it when you get back to the garage…Price: $79.95 at Sears

Don’t Want to Enourage Bad Habits? Then Consider These Less Awesome Sources of Motorcycling Christmas Gifts

• Cycletrader: A Blog written specific to female motorcycle riders, with gifts that female riders would enjoy. Female riders have different needs than male riders and this article discusses differences.
• Motorbiker: Jewelry for motorcycle lovers, both male and female designs and gifts. Many of the designs have the Harley or Ducati insignia.
• Scooter Diva: Fashionable clothes and accessories for both scooter and motorcycle lovers. Gifts for the fashion-forward motorcycle rider in your life.
• Steel Thunder: A motorcycle company website newsletter discussing great gifts to buy riders of motorcycles. Also, there are gifts for dirt bike riders and enthusiasts.
• Women Riders Now: This is a newsletter discussing what women riders would like for gifts for birthdays, Christmas or Mothers Day. Not all moms want a bouquet of flowers and a greeting card.
• Places2ride: A website listing six gifts that every motorcycle rider should have,  and most of the gifts are both fun and practical.
• Ride My Own: This website has shirts with “I Will Ride My Own” statement, very popular for female motorcyclists. Also, tips on how to purchase gifts for your wife, sister or daughter that is getting into motorcycle riding.
• Bikers Den: A popular clothing, gear, and boot page for motorcycle riders; has great gift ideas for both men and women riders.
• Leather Up: Leather is a popular choice for motorcycle riders, and this site has hundreds of leather items to choose from. Leather is the best protective gear for riders, and the most fun to wear as well.
• Biker-Gifts: A British focusing on gifts for motorcycle riders of all ages.  Even though site is British it offers great tips about purchasing items that cyclists will love.
• Motorcycle Boots for Mom: Discusses buying a mom motorcycle boots for mother day. Also, discusses how to size boots and how they should fit.
• Women’s Automotive Solutions: A website geared towards female riders that discusses the fun of motorcycle riding and the gear that you will want when you start riding. Females may need different seats, helmets and handlebars then there male counterparts.
• Roadcarvin – Christmas Gift Ideas for Bikers: A blog with a fun Christmas list of items to buy bikers.
• Rippin Kitten: A blog written by a female about motorcycle riding, fun gear that you need to ride, and how female motorcyclists can enjoy shopping for bikes. Shopping for motorcycles does not have to be a scary experience.
• Leather Lollipop: Leather, the popular biker choice, is represented on this website, with gifts and accessories for motorcycle enthusiasts. Mostly female apparel is represented, but there are few items for men as well.
• Pit Posse: A website specializing in tires discusses gifts for motorcyclists. Tires may seem boring as a gift, but your rider will appreciate the joy of riding their bike on a new set of tires.
• Bikers Friend: This website sells homemade leather goods for bikes and motorcyclists. Can be monogrammed with initials, quotes, and group names.
• Kyle Designs: A design company makes monogrammed flasks, card cases, money clips etc, with motorcycle designs on them.
• Thrifty Fun:  All Harley brand gear for the Harley lovers
• Harley Coins: Actual minted coins with Harley Davidson logo and insignia. A great gift for the Harley lover in your life.
• Give a Share:Interesting idea for a gift, Harley Davidson stock. Enthusiasts can own a share of the company they love.
• The Bikers Emporium: A blog on Harley Gift website, offers tips for buying gifts for motorcycle lovers.
• Laidlaw: A website discussing cool tools that can be given to Harley lovers. Harley riders love gadgets, and this site has plenty.

Buying Your First Bike? The Guide to Motorcycle Insurance

Whether you ride a sport bike or an American cruiser, your insurance needs can get complicated.
We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance, whatever you ride…

Tips for buying your motorcycle insurance, coverage you need:

• Towing / Pickup
• Don’t skimp on buying medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist is critical to protect you when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.

Related posts:

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3. Restoring Dad’s Norton – If This Video Doesn’t Move You, You Have a Heart Of Stone

And so it is with the namesake of the American Chopper dynasty. Paul Teutul, Jr., is taking in the sights out California way and considering a move to the west coast.

Teutul the Younger was spotted recently sizing up the two-story Borreo building in the California wine country as a possible location for a move to the left coast. Teutul Jr., the owner of Paul Jr. Designs and the second-fiddle co-star of the Discovery Channel’s reality show “American Chopper,” has been eyeing the 124-year-old riverfront building at Soscol Avenue and Third Street as a possible site for a new shop where he would build his custom motorcycles and film his portion of the reality show.

“We just started really looking because we figured we’re at a stage in our business where we’re ready for expansion,” Teutul said.  “Ideally we would like to do some of our filming here and building of the motorcycles, like we’ve done for the past decade in New York. We’d probably mix it up between here and New York, so we’d bring the show ‘American Chopper’ to Napa.”

Teutul has enlisted a local artist, Gordon Huether, to help him put together a proposal for using and renovating the building.

“It’s like putting a sculpture studio in here that’s open to the public,” Huether said. “At Borreo, you’d be able to watch artisans crafting these incredible works of art. Art and culture is breaking out all over Napa, so the timing is just beautiful.”

In past incarnations, the ancient two-story building has been used as a grain and feed store, a winery, a yacht club office, a library and perhaps in a move that foreshadowed the future, a motorcycle repair shop. The building was last occupied  in April 2001.

But it won’t come cheap, not that Teutul Jr. is hurting for cash.

At 9,600 square feet, the building was recently appraised at between $400,000 – and you can toss in an traditional $1 million if the buyer wants to take over some  parking in a nearby public lot.

Teutul, Jr’s problem might be the same one his dad is always complaining about – lack of experience.

“We want to work with an experienced developer who has a team assembled with experience in comparable development who has a good track record and would be a good steward of this building,” said a local official.

The building does have other advantages for the younger Teutul, it’s located directly across the street from Napa Valley Classics, a motorcycle repair and service shop. Napa Valley Classics owner Ron Kane is all for the idea.

“I think what it’s going to do is be a shot in the arm to motorcycling in the area,” Kane said. “I think it would create new enthusiasm. If anything, it might help my business.”

If all goes as planned, Teutul said his company build up to five custom bikes at the Borreo building location every year. He also likes the idea of filming segments of the show in the surrounding area.

“If we get our riding shots or just cut away to commercials, they would show the Napa Mill, different locations, some of the vineyards,” he said. “You’d have the local area airing globally.”

Custom motorcycles require the correct insurance coverage package to protect what is, after all, a significant investment on your part .

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance for your custom bike…

Tips for buying motorcycle insurance for your custom:

• Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
• Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
• Towing / Pickup
• Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.
• Additional coverage to replace or repair accessories specific to your bike.

Related posts:

1. Gee Dad, Thanks, Paul Tuetel Sr Picks Jesse James Over Paul Jr To Win American Chopper Buildoff
2. Paul Teutul of Orange County Choppers In Tussle With Bankers
3. Celebrity Chopper Builder Shows Have Officially Jumped the Shark

Stoner began racing bikes from a young age and moved to the UK to give his career a forward shove, and after getting his first taste of international competition in 2002, Stoner took home the MotoGP World Championship title in 2007 for Ducati Corse – and then followed up with a dominant season to take his second world championship title in 2011 riding for Repsol Honda.

Stoner has said in the past that he’d prefer a life outside the limelight in favor of letting his riding do the talking.

In a recent interview with Australian Motorcycle News, said, given his choice, he’d head back to quieter times and racing in the 500cc class.

“Back in those days, it was just racing – Doohan, Rainey, Schwantz, Gardner, Lawson – not half as much bullshit as now,” Stoner said. “That was the life.”

So how does he do it?

If you watch closely as a MotoGP race is run in real time – and you’re a keen observer – you’ll note a wide variety of riding styles and lines the riders choose. Lots of body-english, and the races happen at such lightning speeds that’s it’s nearly impossible to apprehend everything that’s going on.

What happens if you slow all the action down by about 50 times?

You get this, The Art of Speed.

Red Bull  took their cameras out to do these Red Bull Moments, and as part of the shoots, they captured Casey Stoner at 1,000 fps slow-motion during the  Catalan GP, and it’s astonishing to see what’s really going on as the MotoGP rider tears up the track.

Casey Stoner’s MotoGP Career Results

Sport Bike

If you had the exceptional taste, refinement and pocketbook to buy an MV Agusta, your insurance needs can get complicated. We’re here to help you find the right insurance for your Italian superbike…

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