Jon Shipley’s “Whiskey Bent,” which sports a copper oil tank fed by some hilland-holler country copper tubing, an antique brass headlight and a wooden bar stool for a seat, took the FreeStyle Class Ultimate Builder winner prize.

“Whiskey Bent,” created by Hoosier Daddy Customs out of Louisville, KY, moves down the road courtesy of a 1000cc 1977 Ironhead V-Twin engine. With a jockey shifter and a wooden handle topped by a shot glass, “Whiskey Bent” is built around a custom frame and the swingarm was stretched to match the lines of the frame, all details which cap off the vintage look.

Shipley put it all together and his stylish effort earned him the three-grand top prize.

Now it’s off to Minneapolis as The Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Shows move north this weekend.

Think your bike has what it takes to compete with the masters of motorcycle customs? You’ve got time to enter your bike in the next round of the show, and you can do it by signing on at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show website here…

Photos by Sam Kanish of Iron Works

Tips for Buying Custom Motorcycle Insurance

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. Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Are Heading Your Way And Bringing the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show
2. The Teutels Vs Jesse James – Bike Builder Cultures Clash
3. Celebrity Chopper Builder Shows Have Officially Jumped the Shark

And for a motorcyclist, speed, the alluring curvature of a winding road, a killer bike, and some choice leather are likely more important than all the money in the world. For those with the fire of the road within them, taking a long lusted after road trip brings about a certain, specific liberation and the wind in their hair.

Whether you’ve surrendered your life to the call of the pavement, or you’re just a newbie trying to be a badass, these 10 road trips will help you decide where to grip the road on those ever-enticing steel-cut death machines.

1. Rocky Ramblers Ride
   Best for novice riders, or for those in pursuit of an unparalleled view, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is the true highlight of this road trip. Begin your journey in Estes Park, Colorado. Stop for breakfast in Steamboat Springs, and make your way through Durango and Aspen, soaking in the beauty of a mountain pass. If you’re there for more than the mountains, be sure to take in some of the local culture in Denver, one of the cooler (and colder!) cities in America.
2. Rocky Ramblers Ride Redux
   If you have a penchant for cold weather and wide open spaces, try the Rocky Ride Redux. This road trip builds on the previous, but extends through the Northwestern United States and into Canada, and then on to Alaska. Although you’ll probably be freezing this spring, you’ll experience the engrossing solitude of riding through primarily undeveloped areas, as well as some travel outside of the lower 48. Be honest: you know you’re planning to spook some professional sled dogs while popping a wheelie on a glacier. Better hurry before they melt! Just make sure that when in Alaska, you avoid the Bridge to Nowhere. You might find yourself in Narnia or something — and they don’t have the right gas stations.
3. The Motorcycle Diaries
   Here’s how this one works: Buy a beret that’s too small for your head to be considered in any way French. Start in Buenos Aires. Spout Marxist revolutionary epithets. Take a friend. Write a book. Change the world. Become a hipster T-shirt icon of the future.
4. Dessert Sessions
   Avoid the summer’s Burning Man crowd, and speed your Bonneville elsewhere than Black Rock City in the spring. While flowers are budding everywhere else in the U.S., find yourself in the desert of the American West. New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada all have great expanses for avid bikers, and the heart of the motorcyclist’s spirit rests in the playa dust. A great road trip for the beatnik biker, have your own Fear and Loathing moment when you pack up a saddlebag full of your drugs of choice (legal ones, of course). Make sure to bring a journal, so you seem a teensy bit more legit.
5. Davvero, Ducati?
   Challenge yourself to new heights! Well, maybe not heights, but you will have to deal with a different language, crazy road signs, and an unfamiliar set of laws. For a medium difficulty road trip, hop on a Ducati and bid Italy a bawdy buongiorno. Whether a speed demon or a languid traveler, Italy has it all. For a weekend (or longer) stop-off, enjoy the astounding arts scene in Florence. Tour through the rest of Tuscany in the spring for the beginning of the sunflower season. Ride in Lake Como (a little-known stop for avid motorcyclists) and elect to skip Rome. Because all roads lead to there, it’s a bit difficult to ride on ‘em.
6. Botswana by BMW
   A great place to take a BMW bike, start out your African tour in Botswana. Africa has long been a haven for bikers on a pilgrimage, wanting to see big game and big sights. You won’t want to miss Victoria Falls (best accessed on the Zimbabwe side), one of the seven wonders of the world and arguably the most beautiful place on the planet. Try a tour along the entire South Coast of Africa, and be sure to log some time in Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and Zambia — all historically life-changing destinations for big, bad bikers.
7. The Lewis and Clark
   It’s totally possible to recreate the Lewis and Clark Expedition in its entirety. And it’s even cooler to do it with motorcycles instead of coon-skin caps and a secret order from Thomas Jefferson to explore the American West. (OK, maybe not.) More for the history buff than the buff biker, this is a great road trip for either a beginning motorcyclist or beginning professor.
8. Moto Guzzi Euro Sex Tour 5000
   If you’re a true bike fan, you love the Italian cafe cycles. The Moto Guzzi is first of these in design, handling, and structural efficiency. When taking a road trip on this little number, you’ll definitely want to dress really metro and enjoy some spring fever in Europe. Your best bet here is a tour through anywhere in Western Europe, as long as it involves some little cities and a lot of romance.
9. Royal Enfield Asia
   You’ve got to be careful about motorcycle laws in China, India, Bhutan, and Nepal — but if you do your homework, you’ll be in for the time of your life. The best bike to ride around these countries is the Royal Enfield Classic, and, while tours are fairly common, you’d be better off learning how to get along and navigate these countries on your own. Not only will you have a sweet bike to glide through exotic and beautiful places both urban and rural, but you’re also in for the treat of your life when mingling with the amazing locals and learning to gratefully (and gracefully) inhale other cultures.
10. The Lizard of Oz
    It’s a land of barbecues, bushpeople, and bikers. A favorite destination of traveling Westerners, Australia and New Zealand are also a magnet for the advanced motorcyclist. Kilometers upon kilometers of sharp turns and motorcycle-specific warnings, there’s nothing more dangerous and electrifying than the thought of a few days in the outback, then a relaxed few days on the coast. Where else can you see whales while you wheel? With a genuinely sweet populace, and an even sweeter pub scene, there’s really no place like Oz.

Related posts:

1. Music for Motorcycle Road Trips – The MP3 Player Edition
2. The Top Fifteen Motorcycle Riding Trips in the USA – And Our List of Hidden Gems
3. Women Hit the Road In the Harley-Davidson My Time To Ride Video Series

January 22, 2012.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Muskegon Motorcycle Club is one of  the oldest continuously operating clubs in the United States, and every year they sponsor a hillclimb event which has gained national renown. The first event, held at Mt. Garfield way back in 1921, drew only a handful of participants and spectators, but by 1951, thanks to local legend Dan Raymond (Muskegon Motorcycle Club founder and president) the event went over the top in more ways than one.

At that event Pete Uebelacker, a vet of National Championship Hill Climbs at Mt. Garfield, took the National Championship. Riding out of Rochester, N.Y., the 39-year-old Uebelacker edged out the field to take the championship trophy.

The hillclimb event ultimately grew to the point where crowds reached an estimated 30,000 spectators during the Golden Era of hillclimbing back in the 1950′s and early 1960′s but was nearly derailed when outlaw biker gangs from Chicago and Milwaukee stormed the area back in 1966. Since then, the National Championship has alternated between Muskegon and York, Pa. and is set to return to Muskegon in 2012.

Since those early days, the MMC has branched out to sponsor a full list of motorcycle events throughout the course of the year, and the lineup now includes a number of ice races.

If you’ve never been to an ice race, you owe yourself the pleasure. It might be cold, but it’s one way to keep the bikes from gathering dust during the long cold winter up north…

Muskegon Motorcycle Club 2012 Event Schedule

• JAN 22 DIRT CC ICE SCRAMBLE – JIM ENGLUND
• JAN 29 DIRT CC ICE FUN DAY – NO PTS
• FEB 19 DIRT CC SNOW SCRAMBLE
• APR 29 DIRT CC MX
• MAY 6 ROAD OPEN SPRING RUN – CARL MURAT
• MAY 12 DIRT CC POKER RUN – JERRYME ENGLUND
• MAY 20 ROAD CC BLESSING OF BIKES – RANDY BUTER
• JUN 2 ROAD CC MYSTERY MILEAGE
• JUN 22 DIRT OPEN DIRT DRAGS
• JUN 23 DIRT OPEN FIELD MEET
• JUN 23 DIRT OPEN NIGHT HILL CLIMB – JERRYME ENGLUND
• JUN 24 DIRT OPEN HILL CLIMB
• JUL 13 DIRT OPEN DIRT DRAGS
• JUL 14 DIRT OPEN TT
• JUL 14 DIRT OPEN DIRT DRAGS
• JUL 15 DIRT OPEN HILL CLIMB
• JUL 20-22 ALL OPEN BIKE TIME BOOTH
• JUL 20-22 ROAD CC BRIDGE RUN-DOUG INGERSOLL
• AUG 5 DIRT OPEN PRO HILL CLIMB-BRIAN DOANE
• AUG 12 DIRT CC MT G. HILL CLIMB & CLOSING
• AUG 18 DIRT CC TT
• AUG 19 DIRT CC DIRT DRAGS
• AUG 25 ROAD CC HOBO RUN
• SEP 14 DIRT OPEN DIRT DRAGS
• SEP 15 DIRT OPEN HILL CLIMB
• SEP 15 DIRT OPEN DIRT DRAGS
• SEP 16 DIRT OPEN STATE CHAMP HILL CLIMB
• SEP 22 DIRT CC HARE ’N’ HOUND
• OCT 6 ROAD CC COLOR TOUR-NO PTS-RICK PERREAULT
• OCT 6 DIRT CC FIELD MEET – JERRYME ENGLUND
• OCT 7 DIRT CC TRIALS
• OCT 18 OPEN EVENTS MEETING
• OCT 25 CLUB ELECTIONS
• NOV 3 WORKERS PARTY & AWARDS BNQT
• NOV 8 CLUB EVENTS AND RULES MEETING

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. Antique Motorcycle Racing Video
2. When Board Track Racers Were the Kings of Hollywood – Motorcycle Racing Video
3. Skinny Tires and Whackin Cool Handlebars – Japanese Motorcycle Racing Video

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

This 1910 Flying Merkel sold at auction for nearly $90K

Cash-heavy bidders spent some serious American Cash Money – to the tune of some $4.1 million – snapping up rare collector motorcycles at the inaugural Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction by Auctions America.

The auction was held Jan. 12-14 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and featured 490 motorcycles and other motorcycle memorabilia. Bidders from around the nation and 10 foreign countries took part, either at the site  or via telephone and Internet, to land their dream machines during the auction.

The top seller?

A 1910 Flying Merkel, which went out the door for $86,800. This belt-driven 1000cc motorcycle was a barn find which received a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration back in 2011. The Flying Merkel, found nearly 80% complete, was spiffed up with new wheel rims and spokes, fenders and handlebars.

The other big-ticket movers included a 1964 Ducati 250 F3 Corsa which is believed to have been ridden by four-time Grand Prix World Champion, Walter Villa. The Ducati sold for $81,200.

A 1926 Cleveland Fowler Four, believed to have been owned by Steve McQueen and stuntman Bud Ekins, the man responsible for the the jump in the movie The Great Escape, sold for $76,160.

1926 Cleveland Fowler Four

A custom chopper from the collection of magician Criss Angel, the 2007 custom BeLIEve/MINDFREAK chopper, sold for $19,040 and the proceeds  (including the auctioneer’s commission) went to Angel’s BeLIEve Anything Is Possible foundation dedicated to helping underprivileged children.

So what didn’t sell?

The 1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle which received a high bid of  $425,000 and was summarily withdrawn, a 1928 Bough Superior SS 100 which reached a high bid of $190,000, and a 1984 Honda RS500 race bike one ridden by Ron Haslam, Reinhold Roth and Karl Truchsess.

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. A Day In the Sun – Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction Features Bikes Worth Millions
2. What Is A Man’s Life Work Worth? Lee Roy Hartung Motorcycle Collection Racks Up $4 Million
3. Most Expensive Motorcycle in History at Las Vegas Collector Motorcycle Auction in January

The launch for a new reality-based game show called HOT LAP launched this week at the North American International Motorcycle Supershow which ran through Jan 6,7,8 2012 in Toronto Canada.

The show format features a team of riders – coached by CSBK champion Jordan Szoke – as they take on local challengers in a fastest lap shoot-out on super-sport bikes.

The upcoming reality TV series will be filming through 2012 at famous race tracks all over North America, and just as a bit of a warning, there could be some ‘PG-13′ sort of content, a little violence and maybe some coarse language. All that makes it sound like ideal fare for the adult motorcycle enthusiast.

If you want to check it out in more detail, you can get the whole skinny here  http://hotlaptv.com…

Season One Track Schedule

• Episode 1 Season One Opener
• Episode 2 Calabogie Motorsports Park
• Episode 3 Shannonville Motorsports Park
• Episode 4 Mosport International Raceway
• Episode 5 Circuit Mont-Tremblant
• Episode 6 New Jersey Motorsports Park
• Episode 7 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
• Episode 8 Beaverun Motorsports Complex
• Episode 9 Chuckwalla Valley Raceway
• Episode 10 Auto Club Raceway
• Episode 11 Mazda Laguna Seca Grand Finale
• Episode 12 Special Feature Episode TBA
• Episode 13 Season One Highlights

Season Two Track Schedule

• Episode 14 Season Two Opener
• Episode 15 Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Episode 16 Jennings GP
• Episode 17 Nelson Ledges Road Course
• Episode 18 Homestead Miami Speedway
• Episode 19 Summit Point Raceway
• Episode 20 Snetterton Circuit
• Episode 21 Cadwell Park Circuit
• Episode 22 Nürburgring
• Episode 23 Isle of Man TT
• Episode 24 Brands Hatch Circuit Grand Finale
• Episode 25 Special Feature Episode TBA
• Episode 26 Season One & Two Highlights

Got a Custom or Race-Tuned Motorcycle?

Custom and racing motorcycles require a totally different insurance coverage package from your basic road bike.  To protect your significant investment in your bike, you need to know what kind of motorcycle insurance you’ll need.

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance for your custom or race bike, and our advice is free and unbiased…

Tips for buying motorcycle insurance for your custom or race bike:

• 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. Flat Track Motorcycle Racing Series Adds Events
2. When You Just Can’t Put Them Up – Ice Racing On Track In Escanaba
3. Antique Motorcycle Racing Video

If you like them, I thought it might be a good idea to provide you with a little compendium of collections and museums you can visit to feed your jones for antique iron.

Here then is the motorcycleinsurance.com motorcycle museum and collections list:

Are You A Vintage and Antique Motorcycle Collector?

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. The Ultimate List of Vintage Motorcycle Links
2. The Hartung Collection Trip Is Coming Together
3. The Top Vintage Motorcycle Collectors in the World

I’m not an electrical engineer so I have no idea why OEM horns on older bikes tend to fail with an alarming (pardon the pun) regularity – they just do.

This guy, however, is an electrical engineer and he says he’s got a solution to the problem.

His name is Peter Olt and he’s been riding bikes for 30 years. He sent me a link to his proposal for a new motorcycle safety system, and it really got me thinking about what would make a motorcycle safer.

The whole “loud pipes save lives” thing is a complete misnomer. By the time someone hears you coming – due to a little piece of physics called the Doppler Effect – loud pipes or not, you’re already toast when a cager pulls out in front of you.

I ride a lot out on country roads in the boondocks of Michigan, and this would sure be nice for those times when I see a whole gang of vicious deer intent on causing mayhem massing by the side of the rural route.

I leave it to you to decide if you need one of these, but I must admit to liking the idea…

Here’s a video The Banshee Horn in Action:

If you like the idea, why not kick in a few bucks to his Kickstarter project and see where the adventure leads you?

If you do the full pledge, Olt says he’ll send you the complete package, which includes:

• The patented control unit which will come with all wiring and connections – ready to install.
• A 135 decibel (12 volt) compact air horn in either black or chrome – your choice.
• A universal mounting bracket for the air horn.
• Easy to follow instructions including links to online videos.

For the smaller pledge he’ll supply:

• The patented control unit which will come with all wiring and connections – ready to install.
• Easy to follow instructions including links to online videos.

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…

Related posts:

1. The Fake Celebrity Motorcycle Death Rumor Business Is Booming – Sizzla Kalonji Lives On to Continue Sizzling
2. The Motorcycle Insurance Primer – Ways to Save Cash Money on Your Motorcycle Insurance
3. What Do You Actually Save Riding Your Motorcycle? Lots of Dough and Your Sanity

We keep at it and try to give you a commercial-free motorcycle Twitting panorama…

Edmunds https://twitter.com/#!/@edmunds

Edmunds.com is a leading resource for motorcycle and car reviews, news and pricing, tweeting its deals on wheels. You can also interact with editor-in-chief @karlbrauer – ask him about his 100-mile daily commute!

Top Gear https://twitter.com/#!/@topgear_america

Not enough motorcycles, but too good to pass up anyway for the best motoring photography…in the world.

Ewan McGregor https://twitter.com/#!/@EwanMcGregor

The king of motorcycling actors, McGregor is the real deal.  And if you’re a fan of his riding adventure movie series, The Long Way Round and The Long Way Down, you can keep up with him here.

Charley Boorman https://twitter.com/#!/@charleyboorman

McGregor’s partner in crime on the Long Way trips. Cool and very active on Twitter. You can also check out his adventures on http://www.charleyboorman.com/ to keep up with all things Boorman.

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. Top Ten Motorcycle Dream Passengers – The British Perspective
2. Hunter S. Thompson Hangs With His Hells Angels Pal on Canadian Television
3. Ladies Doin It For Themselves – Standing Up A Heavy Motorcycle

Comar , now 62, has been riding motorcycles almost 50 years, and his last ventures were nothing short of amazing for their audacity and for their concern for his fellow man.

You see, Comar rides no-hands.

He’s been practicing the “no-hands” technique for going on 20 years and he steers the bike with his legs and by leaning to aim the bike.

So why does he do it?

He does it for dad. His father, Robert Comar, was a car buff who, due to his struggle with Parkinsons Disease later in life, could no longer hold wrenches steady to work on his beloved cars. The elder Comar passed on in 2008, and it was that event which led Comar the younger to take on his series of stunts to raise funds to fight the debilitating disease.

Comar made a 500-mile-plus “Bridge to the Border Ride” to begin his quest, and then took on a nonstop ride from the Mackinac Bridge to Covington, Ky. The first ride raised nearly $4,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research last October, and the ride he made earlier this year covered 525 miles, proceeds of which also went to the foundation actor Michael J. Fox, who has Parkinson’s disease, started to develop better treatments for Parkinson’s patients and to find a cure for Parkinson’s.

“My father died from Parkinson’s disease and I wanted to do something personal to further the foundation’s work,” Comar said of his rides.

Though the rides are over for now, you can still help the cause by making your donation at the fundraising page Comar set up at www.teamfox.org. Just click on the “Support a Member” button and type in “Phil Comar.”

You can also check out all the details of his epic journey on Facebook at No Hand Man.

According to Comar, current treatments for Parkinson’s temporarily mask symptoms of the disease, but the negative effects continue to progress.

There is currently no “cure” for Parkinson’s, and some 5 million people worldwide are living with the chronic degenerative neurological disorder. Symptoms typically progress from mild tremors to complete physical incapacitation.

“Even if it’s just the cost of a pack of cigarettes, or a beer or a gallon of milk, if 100 people donate $3, that’s $300 and a good start,” Comar said. “We’re not looking for somebody to stick their whole paycheck in.”

Comar cruising for second world motorcycle record: foxtoledo.com

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. What Kind of Nutsack Rides A Motorcycle In the Winter
2. Would You Buy A New Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight
3. Twin Jet Engine Board Tracker Harley – Bike Find of the Day

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.

Related posts:

1. So Cool, So Old School – The Yamaha Moegi
2. Antique Motorcycle Racing Video
3. Awesome V12 Lincoln Motorcycle

This series of traveling shows features a gear and accessory marketplace, hands-on tutorials, demo rides, and custom bike displays.

And the best part of the whole deal? The Progressive’s 2011 International Motorcycle Shows feature new bikes and personalities from the world of motorcycling sure to pique your interest.

The show travels to:

• Novi, MI (January 6-8, 2012)
• Washington, DC (January 13-15, 2012)
• New York, NY (January 20-22, 2012)
• Cleveland, OH (January 27-29, 2012)
• Minneapolis, MN (February 3-5, 2012)
• Chicago, IL (February 10-12, 2012)
• Charlotte, NC (February 24-26, 2012)
• Daytona Beach, FL (March 14-17, 2012)

Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show

If a great bike show isn’t enough to get you out in the snow, then how about a traveling buildoff which features the world’s leading builders of customized bikes – and offers the largest prize purse of any builder competition on earth -  the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.

If you make the scene, you’ll get access to the foremost custom bike building competition on the planet where you can see some incredible designs, precise engineering and painstakingly wrought paint-jobs. You’ll have the chance to meet the artists, maybe get an autographs or a picture (if that’s how you roll), and then take part in the great American biker democracy by voting for your favorite machine.

MotorcycleUSA.com is the official sponsor of the “People’s Choice” voting center in this year’s Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, and they’re giving away – yup, giving away -  a customized 2011 Honda Fury to the lucky person at the end of the 2011-2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show season. If you check out the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and vote for the “People’s Choice” award, you’re automatically entered to win the MotorcycleUSA Honda Fury 

The official rules for the MotorcycleUSA.com Honda Fury Giveaway are right HERE…

If you have the skills and the sack for it, you can compete with the best custom motorcycle builders in the world simply by entering your bike into one of four competition classes – Freestyle, Hot Bike Modified Harley, Super Streetbike Performance Custom or Retro Mod.

Do it here now by submitting your form:

Step 1) Click HERE to Enter

Step 2) Click HERE to Pay Your Entry Fee

Official Rules Page – Click Here

All Competition Details – Click Here

Related posts:

1. Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show Heads North to Minneapolis
2. The Teutels Vs Jesse James – Bike Builder Cultures Clash
3. Celebrity Chopper Builder Shows Have Officially Jumped the Shark

Harley-Davidson Forty Eight

There’s something of a lingering “shame factor” for those of us American males who have never owned a Harley-Davidson. It’s simply one of those things a motorcyclist is expected to do if he or she lives in these United States.

But my problems with the iconic American motorcycle brand extend back to the days of my youth when Harleys were synonymous with leaking oil, poor handling and a woeful lack of power when put up against their enormous weight. The 70′s-era Harley-Davidson was just plain unreliable and difficult to love.

As the Motor Company now makes a push to appeal to a younger and more serious riding audience, they’ll have that hurdle to overcome, and I for one am willing to give them that chance.
To that end, the Sportster “Forty-Eight” is one of Harley’s latest additions to the “Dark Custom” line. For the most part, the bikes feature the black-out motor treatment and, at least as far as their styling cues go, the line attempts to recover some lost ” attitude” and to recapture the glory days. Featuring chopped fenders, a classic side mounted license plate configuration, low profile handlebars (though some of the Dark Customs go with ape hangers) and mirrors mounted below the bars, the Forty-Eight uses a fork brace, slammed rear suspension and an old school Frisco-esque “Peanut Tank” to complete the look. It’s that  woefully tiny 2.1 gallon “Peanut Tank” – first used on a Harley back in, you guessed it 1948, that gives the new bike its moniker.

The Forty-Eight packs the standard 1200 cc, fuel injected, air-cooled Evolution engine into the frame and, at least according to the company, it cranks out 79 ft. lbs. of torque @ 4000 rpm.  It does have a nice bottom end, but it needs to have that kind of torque to make it’s bloated 560+ lbs get away from a stop light before your average Prius covers that feat.

The one thing Harley seems incapable of doing is getting rid of teeth-chattering vibration. Though the mill is rubber mounted, the whole Sportster line has always rattle the  paint off the tank, and some things never change.

The 5-speed transmission is sort of cool with a solid,  mechanical feel, but the brakes? Not so awesome. I do like the look and the beefy MT90B 16 72H front tire with its blacked out rims is the epitome of cool.

I’m not a small guy, and the 26” seat height from the road might be a good thing for shorter riders but it’s not for me at well over six feet tall. To make the bike that low, the designers only had 2” of suspension travel to work with, and that makes the bike ride like – well – the old school hardtail it was made to emulate. The upright riding position appeals to me and soothes my back, and the foot pegs with their forward positioning don’t let you balance your weight to let your legs dissipate the brutal shocks delivers to the rider.

Okay, I’m done beefing, at least for a second.

The Forty-Eight is beautifully fitted and finished in the Harley tradition.

The bottom line, would I buy one or even ride it a lot if someone took pity on me and handed one over in a fit of insane generosity? I really don’t think I would.

If you do happen to want one, a “Forty-Eight” will set you back somewhere around the list price of $10,499 in black and a few hundred more if you the sort who needs color in their life.  If I had that kind of money to spend on a bike, and I had to fight back the No Harley Shame, I’d look back to the past – the real past and not the faux past the Forty-Eight shoots for – and buy a tricked-out, blacked out Softail.

But that’s just me, and I’d rather have a Triumph anyway to keep the floor of my garage clean. Okay, that was a cheap shot and I’m ashamed of myself. In so many ways…

If you take the plunge and buy a brand new Harley Forty Eight, your insurance needs to be spot on to make sure you protect your investment.

We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance for your brand new Harley-Davidson…

Tips for buying your motorcycle insurance, coverage you need:

• 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.

• 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

Related posts:

1. Can Harley Davidson Hold On To the Youth Market?
2. Is Harley-Davidson Stock A Good Buy For Investors? The Market Says Yes
3. Harley-Davidson Back In the Game, Sales Up 5 Percent in Q1

I’m seriously considering heading out for a short ride today, but as the temperature here in Michigan is currently a tepid 35 degrees, I’ll miss qualifying for the club by a few degrees.

C’est la vie, at least I’ll be riding.

If you’re the kind of maniac who’s into this kind of masochism, then check out the club at the Polar Bear Challenge and post your own entry…

Riding a motorcycle in the snow isn't for the faint of heart

If you’re seriously considering this, you have to play by the rules, so here they are:

Polar Bear Challenge Dates: The Challenge will run from December 1, 2011 to February 15, 2012.

Entries: Entrants must be members in good standing of Polarbearchallenge.ning.com

If you have not done so, change the name of your channel here to match your YouTube channel to avoid any confusion. Upper right of this page you will see “settings” click that and then under “Full Name” type in the name of your YouTube channel.

All videos for entry must be posted on your page here via link or embed from YouTube. The time from the YouTube date stamp will be official. (If you are having a problem doing the embed or link contact an admin here to show you how.)

Qualifying Vehicles: The ride must be made on a two or three wheel motorcycle or scooter/moped 49cc or larger.

Qualifying Temperature: Official rides must be made at a temperature outdoors of 32 degrees Fahrenheit /0 degrees Celcius or lower.  The temperature must be shown at the beginning  of the ride by ambient thermometer (either alcohol/mercury) or digital.  IR (laser) thermometer readings are not accurate for air temperature measurements and will not be accepted for entries.   Temperature of digital thermometers will be rounded using math rounding. (Example 32.4 will be considered 32 and 32.5 will be considered 33.)

Qualifying Ride Duration: The ride part of the video will last a total of three minutes or longer. Intros and end credits don’t count as part of the three minutes. The administration reserves the right to limit video entries to first, 7 minutes, and then if necessary, 5 minutes at its sole discretion. This rule will only be put into effect if watching all the videos becomes too much for one volunteer judge to reasonably complete. It is requested that each entrant make reasonable effort to keep the entries to below the 7 minute mark.

For the miles category, Starting and ending odometer readings must be shown and spoken.

Enter the motorcycle Polar Bear Challenge here…

You Ride Hard and Fast,
Let’s face it, you like to ride hard and fast and you’re a little bit loony if you’ll ride your motorcycle in the snow, so it’s crucial that you have the right motorcycle insurance protection.

We’re here to help you get enough inexpensive motorcycle insurance to make sure you’re covered if one of your crazy motorcycle adventures goes wrong. Yeah, you’re welcome, and keep the rubber side down, compadre.

Related posts:

1. Doing the Motorcycle Wave – What’s With Bikers Waving At Each Other and Is There Some Kind of Unwritten Rule?
2. Does What Kind of Bike You Ride Determine Your Safety? The Statistics Say Yes
3. Look Ma, No Hands! Phil Comar Rides His Harley For Charity

Lee Hartung’s 1913 Flying Merkel

The Lee Hartung auction saw Lee’s unmolested 1913 Flying Merkel sell for $201,250 at Auctions America’s Hartung Collection auction Nov. 3-5, 2011 in suburban Chicago, and I can tell you from making the trip that it was hardly the only desirable collector bike on the property that day.

A group of the world’s leading experts in collectible motorcycles and two members of the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Hall of Fame will be on hand to share their wisdom at an exclusive market seminar presented by Auctions America by RM its debut Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle event, Jan. 12–14, 2012.

Hosted by well-known motorcycle guru and SPEED commentator Dave Despain, the one-hour seminar will be held in the main auction arena at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 9 a.m. PDT.

The panel discussion will focus on the passion that drives the motorcyclists, including the continuing popularity of motorcycles as collectibles. They’ll also talk about market trends and predictions for the 2012 auction season.

The session will conclude with a Q&A with members of the audience, so you’ll get a chance to speak with the pros.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Dave Despain and our special guest panelists to Vegas as we work to provide an unforgettable event experience for motorcycle enthusiasts,” said Donnie Gould of Auctions America by RM. “Despain and each of our four panelists are among the best in their fields. The seminar promises an interesting and lively discussion, while providing a wealth of information about the collector motorcycle hobby.”

The panel includes:

• Dave Despain, a 40-year broadcaster; Despain has been called the best-known TV personality in the history of motorcycling and is a member of the AMA Hall of Fame;
• Mark Hoyer, lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and editor-in-chief of Cycle World magazine;
• Doug Mitchel, regular Motorcycle Classics contributor and noted motorcycle photographer and author; Mitchel published his first book in 1994 and has since created more than 30 titles;
• Buzz Walneck, founder of Walneck’s Classic Cycle Trader and AMA Hall of Fame member; and
• Joe Bortz, prominent classic car and vintage motorcycle collector; Bortz’s motorcycles have been featured in multiple magazines, including Motorcycle Classics.

“The collector motorcycle hobby continues to evolve,” said Despain. “Auctions America’s panel discussion will allow us to share personal anecdotes and stories about motorcycles that have touched or changed our lives. It’s  a wonderful opportunity for both serious and amateur enthusiasts to learn more about the current state and future outlook for the hobby.”

But the real star of Saturday’s auction program is the the sale of a historic 1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle.  The second of just two steam-powered motorcycles built by Sylvester Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts, the 117-year-old motorcycle is expected to establish a new world record for a motorcycle sold at auction.

If you want to make the scene, it’ll cost you some scratch just to stand around, gawk and dream.

You can attend the three-day auction by purchasing a full-event pass for $50 or a single-day pass for $20. Children under 12 years of age receive free admission when accompanied by an adult.

Collector car expert Donnie Gould, specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, customs, and collectible motorcycles.

Thinking about collecting motorcycles or just want to check out a calendar of events? Then visit www.auctionsamerica.com, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/auctionsamerica, or follow them on Twitter @auctionsamerica.

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. Cooking With Steam – Roper Steam Motorcycle Expected To Bring Huge Money at Auction
2. A Day In the Sun – Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction Features Bikes Worth Millions
3. Collectors Shell Out More Than $4 Million at Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction