News and Events that define the Summer of 2006
Fast Carr in a Fast Cigar
Seven-time Grand National Champion Chris Carr will run Denis Manning’s motorcycle streamliner at the Bonneville Salt Flats this summer in an attempt to set a new world speed record for motorcycles. “I know Carr will have no trouble adapting to the streamliner,” said Manning, owner of BUB Enterprises and BUB Racing. Although this is a new venture for Carr, he is a true motorcycle racer.
The streamliner is a 24-foot-long aerodynamic tube that stands waist high. Powered by a specially engineered and handmade 3,000cc V-4 engine, it contains technology that, although unconventional by motorcycle standards, is considered state-of-the-art for streamliners. Rather than straddling it like a motorcycle, the rider lies on his back and steers with a yoke similar to an airplane’s control. Manning, who has been involved in land speed racing for more than 35 years, held the record with a Harley-Davidson–powered streamliner run by Cal Rayborn in 1970 (December 1995 issue). Dave Campos holds the current record of 332.150 mph. Carr and Manning will begin testing at Bonneville in June and again in July to prepare for an assault on the record during the FIM-sanctioned International Motorcycle Speed Trials by BUB in September.
Buell Production Racer
Buell Motorcycles is producing a limited number of 2007 XBRR production racers for closed-circuit road racing. The 380-pound machines are powered by a modified XB Thunderstorm engine of 81.7 cubic inches (1339cc) that produces 150 peak horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 100-pounds-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine has the short 3.125-inch stroke combined with a bore of 4.080 inches (the stock 1200cc stroke is 3.6125 inches); the compression ratio is 12.5:1. The engine is fed by a dual-throat 62mm downdraft throttle body fuel injection system.
The bike has many of the characteristic Buell features, carrying the fuel in the frame and oil in the swingarm, as well as Buell’s zero-torsional load, single-disc front brake with an eight-piston caliper. Suspension is by Öhlins, with 43mm tubes in front and a remote reservoir at the rear, and the bike rolls on 17-inch wheels. The full carbon-fiber fairing that shrouds the little 400-pound machine has been wind-tunnel developed and incorporates cooling ducts to help reduce drag. Top speed approaches 200 mph. The MSRP is $30,995, but don’t expect to ride away from your local Harley dealer on one of these jewels; needless to say, this is your Classic “off-road-use-only” motorcycle.
Eco-Eccosse
Eccosse Moto Works, the maker of innovative sport bikes powered by large-displacement 100-cubic-inch (1639cc) V-twins, announced an “economy” version of limited-production luxury Heretic, the Heretic C. “We get lots of calls from people who love the machine but can’t afford it,” said Don Atchison, Founder and Designer. “This new version has a similar appearance and bite (as the Original Heretic) but features alternate components and less personalization/adjustability than the original.” The new model’s chassis is available in only one color, does not have modular foot controls, and has only limited options. This helps to bring the price to a “reasonable” $49,800. Eccosse’s high-end model, the very rare serial-numbered Ti Series Heretic, incorporates a titanium chassis and fasteners. The titanium material is a special alloy created for use as a chassis, and according to Atchison no other manufacturer has created an entire chassis from titanium. The chassis is supplied in its natural state unless the brushed option is specified. The Ti weighs only 460 pounds, has a 120-inch engine and six-speed gearbox, and sells for $139,800. Now you know why the economy version is such a steal.
All Things Women and Motorcycling
The number of women buying new motorcycles increased a whopping 36 percent since 1998, making women the fastest growing segment of motorcyclists. Women now account for 10 percent of buyers of new motorcycles according to a Motorcycle Industry Council survey, double what it was 10 years ago. A new online magazine, WomenRidersNow.com, capitalizes on this growth and interest in the women’s motorcycling market. “It’s not just a site for women riders, it’s a site about women riders so anyone interested in learning more about the growth, power and influence of women motorcyclists will want to spend time on WomenRidersNow.com,” says Genevieve Schmitt, founder and editor of this new online tool. The goal for this new site is to raise awareness of motorcycling and attract new riders to the sport.
Spur Your Soul
You can transform your bike into a two-wheeled expression of yourself with
the updated “Customize Your Harley” section on Harley’s Web site. Use the “Pick a
Direction” link to get started, or check out the unique custom masterpieces of years past in “Inspiration Gallery” and then “Spark Your Imagination.” Go to www.harley-davidson.com. When your travels take you beyond the commonplace, it helps to have a rugged, capable sidekick. The Wells Cargo cycleWagon® ME (MotorTrac® Edition) is the perfect companion for conquering the badlands or cruising the strip. The ME Series offers a sleek, low-slung profile. The cast aluminum corner caps and stainless steel nose standout in any crowd. So if you prefer blazing a trail rather than following the herd, the striking ME Series is the bold way to go. And remember, “With a Wells Cargo Behind . . . You Never Look Back!”
Miles Ahead. No Match Behind. www.wellscargo.com
Partnership With Perks
Harley will be the title sponsor of the NHRA Sportsman Motorcycle Series and designated the
official motorcycle of the association, giving Harley an opportunity to use the NHRA logo in its advertising and to promote discount themed ticket packages for motorcycle enthusiasts. NHRA will execute a unique promotion where a Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be given away at 15 different NHRA POWERade Drag Series events, and a grand-prize motorcycle will be presented to a lucky fan in a national drawing. For more information go to www.nhra.com.
Ship-N-Ride
Harley-Davidson has a new motorcycle shipping service designed specifically with riders in mind. This service even offers door-to-door pick-up and delivery with real-time quotes and multibike group discounts for all customers. For more information contact 888-575-BIKE; shipping quotes and vehicle tracking can be done online at www.harleydavidson. com/shipping.
My Way on the Byways
Riders can now expand their motorcycle experiences with the aid of the Harley-Davidson’s Great Roads interactive Web tool, by finding new routes and reading personal reviews from fellow enthusiasts who have ridden and rated the areas. Maps of the Great Roads can be customized for a rider’s individual needs using a convenient link to the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner. This tool encourages riders to explore the country on their motorcycles, and it enables enthusiasts to rate and review 20 of the nation’s most scenic byways. The Great Roads link is in the Experience section on the Web at www.harleydavidson.com.
At Ease, Fat Boy
In honor of those who serve in the U.S. military, Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories has designed a series of Commemorative Edition Military Paint and Accessory Kits for the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy otorcycle and will use the proceeds to fund a $100,000 donation to the USO. Five different kits will be produced—limited to a total of 1,000—each to commemorate a branch of the armed services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Harley-Davidson will also offer new Military Collection accessories, themed to each service branch, which include a special seat, medallion and engine covers. See your local Harley-Davidson dealer.
Short Strokes
Newbits from the AMA and other sources...Changes in the AMA structure will create new, independent rulesmaking committees to work with the AMA Pro Racing staff on developing equipment standards and on-track rules for professional racing, while the AMA Board Racing Committee will focus on long-term strategic planning for the association’s racing series.... Harleys aren’t the only vehicles with noise issues. The Off-Road Business Association is down on loud exhausts. The association invited aftermarket suppliers to the “Turn Down
the Volume Summit.” ORBA organized the summit series in an attempt to stem closures and restrictions on off highway vehicle riding due to sound issues.... Dreamcraft Studios of Ontario, California, and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas entered into an agreement that will appoint Caesars Palace as the exclusive U.S. dealership for Dreamcraft custom commissioned motorcycles.
The Exotic Cars showroom at Caesars Palace will now feature and sell Dreamcraft’s exotic high-end custom bikes and new line of apparel.... Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Museum is featuring a “SuperMann” exhibit to honor the legendary career of Dick Mann, one of motorcycling’s most versatile and successful competitors. Mann, who was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998, will return as a guest of honor on July 27 to personally cut the ribbon during the dedication ceremony....Big Dog Motorcycles and Dodge have entered into a strategic marketing alliance, focusing on shared events and cross-promotional opportunities. Dealers of both companies will have combined vehicle displays and other marketing efforts at national and regional motorcycle rallies, auto shows, and dealership open houses.... In Santa Ana, California, a trade dress and trademark infringement lawsuit between Carlini Enterprises and three East Coast companies ended Feb. 1 with a victory for Carlini and the destruction of nearly 300 steel handlebars manufactured by V-twin, Tedd Cycle and Zoom Cycle that were lesser-quality imitations of Carlini products. Tony Carlini, Jr., president and owner of Carlini Enterprises, with helpers alongside, personally destroyed the imitations—using hammers to permanently degrade the products.... BUB speed trials are to begin September 3 to 7. For those planning on making an attempt for a world record, you can access the 2006 FIM rules at www.speedtrialsbybub. com.
The Viper Strikes
In January Viper Motorcycle Company struck out and acquired a new manufacturing facility, and at the same time announced its second model, the Diablo Power Cruiser. The 32,000-square-foot plant is located in Monticello, Minnesota. “We are introducing the Diablo PC with our own line of proprietary engines,” company President Terry Nesbit said, “Viper joins Harley-Davidson and Victory as the only true OEMs in the cruiser market.” Viper’s big-bore, short-stroke engines range from 115 to 152 cubic inches. A third model will join the Viper lineup later this year, according to Nesbit. For information go to
www.vipermotorcycle.com.
This article reprinted with permission from American Rider Magazine. Go to www.americanrider.com for more information on your two-wheel lifestyle.
