|  |  |  | | | | | Motorcycle News - Reviews | Photos | MotoGP | Superbike | Motocross | Supercross | Motorcycles | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: Joe Rocket Sonic R Motorcycle Boot Test The demands of a sport-touring boot are simple - provide protection, comfort, breathability and waterproofing. But the not-so-simple part is offering these demands at a low price. Enter the Sonic R, Joe Rocket's latest full-leather sport-touring boot. The American apparel company claims the the demands mentioned above, while offering them under $130. In the past few months I've used the Sonic R mostly for sport touring, tackling about 6,000 miles. I also threw in some canyon carving aboard the Ducati 1198, the sport riding adding much more stress for true testing. And except for a few minor issues, Joe Rocket's claims are justified. When slipping on the Sonic R through the wide opening, immediate comfort begins due to the lightness, the boot feeling as light as a sneaker. And tightening the boots is simple due the one main zipper and Velcro closures - no struggles with awkward latches here. But be careful; the zipper can get caught on the inner leather pieces. This is easily fixed, though, by some simple trimming. After closing the main zipper above the inner waterproof gaiter, tighten the Velcro adjuster on the inner calf and the boots are secure. This Velcro adjustment also features multiple stretch panels, allowing for a snug or loose fit around the calf, and a smaller Velcro adjuster on the outside of the boot. I adjusted this smaller piece during the initial fitting, and didn't have to bother it since. Inside, the boot features a DryTech waterproof breathable membrane. I've tested the Sonic R in consistent rain in both hot and cool weather. My feet remained dry, though this dryness only occurred while wearing waterproof pants. If donning jeans without a rain suit, water will sneak through the opening, regardless of how much you tighten the Velcro closures. While being waterproof, they remain breathable in cooler temps, say below 75 or so. But any higher, and the Sonic R boots are not as breathable as other boots, such as ones featuring Gore-Tex. But considering Gore-Tex can easily triple the price of the Sonic R, slight perspiration shouldn't be such a big issue. On the bike, the boots provide plenty of flexible movement. And this flexibility occurs from day one, the Sonic R boots requiring little if any break-in period. Off the bike, the Sonic Rs don't feel like typical motorcycle boots; they provide comfort for normal walking, though the outer sole can get slick on wet pavement. For added protection and durability, the boots feature double stitching in all high-stress areas, a reinforced gear-shift area, and internally reinforced shin, ankle, toe and heel protection. The boots also feature replaceable integrated toe sliders, which seem out of place on a sport-touring boot, and a small but very noticeable reflective stripe on the back of the heel to enhance visualization. The Sonic R boots are offered in sizes 7 through 13, but not in half sizes. I'm typically an 11.5, but went with the smaller 11 over the 12. The 11 fit perfectly, whereas the 12 felt huge. And as for wear, 6,000 miles later and the boots have held up well. The stitches remained intact, though the soles show some wear from heavy amounts of walking. Joe Rocket kept things simple with the Sonic R boots, but were able to provide a waterproof and semi-breathable boot for under $130. The boots might not have the typical touring appearance or breathability of some competitors in the sport-touring market, but when the price is right, these gripes quickly become non-existent. The Joe Rocket Sonic R boots retail for $129.99. For additional information, log onto joerocket.com.  | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: Honda Crosstourer Akrapovic Exhaust The Adventure motorcycle segment moves on in the shape of Honda's 2012 Crosstourer. In the space of five months, the new V4-powered, 1237cc Honda has received excellent reviews for integrating sport-like riding qualities in a comfortable, upright riding position. Designed to thrill on any type of road, or length of journey, the Crosstourer has proven to be a very capable machine. Complementing Honda's renowned motorcycle engineering is difficult, but Akrapovic has managed to do just that with its new Slip-On Line replacement exhaust muffler for the new Crosstourer. This new addition to the wide and ever increasing range of Akrapovic products delivers increased engine performance, reduced power-to-weight ratio and enhances the sport nature of the Crosstourer with its race-like styling. 2012 Honda Crosstourer Akrapovic Slip-On Line Muffler Highlights: - Titanium muffler outer sleeve
- Heat resistant carbon end cap
- EC Type approved
- 6HP peak increase over standard exhaust
- Stainless steel link pipework
- Removable noise reduction insert
- Weight reduction of 2.4kg over standard exhaust muffler
- Carbon composite racing-style mounting bracket
The silencer's unique design and construction means weight reduction against the stock system and performance increase. As with all Akrapovic systems, service kits are available. Full assembly instructions included. For additional information, log onto akrapovic.com. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: 2013 NHRA Screamin' Eagle Championship NHRA announced today the formation of the NHRA Screamin' Eagle Championship Motorcycle Series, a 10-race series that will compete at NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional events beginning in 2013. The NHRA Screamin' Eagle Championship Motorcycle Series will offer a total purse of $152,800 and will feature five classes: Top Fuel, Pro Gas, Draggin' Bagger, Street Pro, and Hot Street. The classes will run in addition to the Sportsman ET Motorcycle class that currently competes at various NHRA divisional events. The 10-events scheduled for the inaugural NHRA Screamin' Eagle Championship Motorcycle Series will be announced later this year when the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional schedule is released. One NHRA Lucas Oil divisional event in each of the seven NHRA divisions will host a series race, with three additional divisional sites to be determined. Kris Schoonover (Harley-Davidson Racing Manager) says: "Being involved with an NHRA series at the divisional level allows Harley-Davidson to not only reach the broader NHRA fan and participation base, complementing our efforts at the NHRA Full Throttle Series level, but provides more opportunities and a national platform for the competitors in these five classes. "This series strengthens our commitment to sportsman motorcycle drag racers by providing additional events and a national reach to those competitors currently competing in these classes." Gary Darcy (NHRA Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing) says: "We are excited to expand our relationship with Harley-Davidson and bring this exciting racing to the divisional events in the Lucas Oil Series. "This series will be a feature attraction for the NHRA member tracks that will host the series. In addition, it allows Harley-Davidson the opportunity to reach NHRA's grassroots community of fans and racers." Event winners in each category will receive a Wally Trophy and participate in the event winner circle. The program also includes the crowning of a year-end champion in the Top Fuel category. The champion will receive a specially-designed Wally Trophy and year-end bonus. Further details on the program, venues and rules will be announced in the coming months on nhra.com. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: 2012 Ride for Kids Generosity runs deep in the hearts of motorcyclists, none more so than when they're riding for a cause. Ride for Kids events in Wisconsin, New York and Pennsylvania gave them a great opportunity to help kids with brain tumors yesterday. The three events combined to raise $209,548 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). Wisconsin takes the gold August 5 was a perfect riding day in Middleton, Wis., where the ninth local Ride for Kids brought in $83,035 for the PBTF. The loop ride from Firemen's Park honored brain tumor survivors Paul, Anthony, Bailey, Kaitlin, Tyler, Jacob, Fischer, McKenna, Jenna, and Dayna. Many of them led the ride through the countryside before returning for a celebratory program. The crowd of 300 gave star Bailey a gold medalist's ovation when she said she had returned from a trip to the London Olympics just so she could turn in the $1,500 she had raised. The riders also heard from pediatric neurosurgeons Taryn Bragg and Andrew Foy. "We want kids to survive and thrive," said Dr. Foy. "The money you raise goes to critical research to help that happen." The highest-placing fundraisers were: - Individuals: Randy and Pam Gulseth, $11,102
- Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA WI-J, $13,652
- Motorcycle business: Pro Motor Sports, $11,776
- Special organization: Warrior Watch, $2,877
- The donated drawing prizes went to Wayne Baetsen (Honda motorcycle); Gloria Resch (AGV helmet); Shawn McCord (Dunlop tire); Patrick Williams (Tourmaster luggage); and Mary Schwartzlow (Cardo Scala Rider).
Many thanks went to the dedicated volunteers who worked so hard on this year's ride. The task force leaders were Sue Frish, Joe Bentz, Marcella Newell, Randy Gulseth, Mike Witt, Angela Witt and Scott Carviou. Join us next year on Sunday, August 4. Hudson Valley star Amanda is ready to roll The Hudson Valley Ride for Kids roared into its 20th year with $80,716 in donations for the PBTF. Of the more than 600 people in attendance, the six most important were Molly, Ashley, James, Megan, Amanda, and Katie. These brain tumor survivors led the scenic ride from the elementary school in Central Valley on a warm, sunny morning. These young people reminded the motorcyclists that they're riding for a reason. "The research and vision of the foundation has helped doctors ... literally save my daughter's life," said 10-year-old Molly's mom, Patricia. Dr. James Garvin, who treats Molly and several of the other stars, was also on hand to thank the riders for their help. The leading fundraisers in Hudson Valley were: - Individuals: Jon Ford, $11,450
- Motorcycle club/chapter: Empire H.O.G., $14,657
- Motorcycle business: Empire Harley-Davidson, $13,407
- Special organization: Ride for Liam, $9,535
- Winners of the drawing prizes were Desiree Tobin (Honda motorcycle); Paul Priesel (AGV helmet); Jon Ford (Dunlop tire); Rigo Toro (Tourmaster luggage); and Brian Wolfson (Cardo Scala Rider).
Jack Jones, Liz Jones and Mark Perillo led this year's Hudson Valley Ride for Kids® task force, with the assistance of many committed volunteers. Get ready to ride with them again in 2013 on Sunday, Aug. 4. Pittsburgh rallies in the rain Determined motorcyclists braved rainstorms to participate in the 12th Pittsburgh Ride for Kids®, which raised $45,797 for the PBTF. They came to support children like Julie and Macy, who have weathered worse storms during the course of their treatment for brain tumors. Starting at the Home Depot in Cranberry Township, the ride took back roads to its destination, Slippery Rock University. There the 125 participants heard from the stars and from Dr. Kim Forester of Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. "Everyone is here so all the kids will be free of this disease," Forester said. "I've pledged my life to make this happen. Thanks to all of you for helping with this effort." Leading the fundraising efforts in Pittsburgh were: - Individual: Laura Ebbert and Anonymous, each $5,000
- Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA PA-D, $11,086
- Motorcycle business: Bob McChesney Motors, $19,347
- Special organization: BCD Travel, $415
- The donated drawing prizes were won by: Lou Adrian (Honda motorcycle); Alan Cowfer (AGV helmet); Amanda Paulson (Dunlop tire); Darlene Ammerman (Tourmaster luggage); and Kenneil Miller (Cardo Scala Rider).
The Pittsburgh Ride for Kids is made possible by countless volunteers and local supporters. This year's team was led by Mike and Darlene Ammerman, Alan and Ellie Cowfer, Gordon Snyder, and Laura Ebbert. Next year's ride will be on Sunday, Aug. 4. About the PBTF Ride for Kids Ride for Kids supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) by funding medical research and family support programs. We thank our presenting sponsor, Honda Riders Club of America, and our national insurance sponsor, GEICO. The next Ride for Kids event is on Saturday, Aug. 11 in Salt Lake City. Learn more at rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: 2012 July BMW Motorcycle Sales Attributing the dire economic situation in Southern Europe, BMW Motorrad reported a 8.3-percent decrease in worldwide sales in July 2012 over July 2011. BMW says during the month of July, 10,140 motorcycles and maxi scooters were sold, compared to 11,054 sold in July 2011. As for year-to-date, including the month of July, BMW says 69,329 motorcycles and maxi scooters were sold, compared to 71,634 in the same period of 2011, showing a 3.2 percent decrease. The top market "by a wide margin" was Germany, the home country of BMW followed by US, Italy, France, Brazil and the UK/Ireland. Heiner Faust (Head of Sales and Marketing BMW Motorrad) says: "The mood in the motorcycle markets worldwide was very varied during the month of July. There were positive developments in Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan, Belgium and South Africa. As anticipated, however, the economic situation dampened purchasing activities among motorcycle customers in Southern Europe. "BMW Motorrad remains on target. We are currently doing slightly better than planned. Sales of our enduro bikes are developing very well, which is very pleasing in view of the expanding competitive field. We have now started supplying the first maxi scooters. Providing the market situation does not deteriorate significantly we are anticipating a very positive impetus from the month of August onwards and are looking forward to sales figures above last year's all-time high." BMW launched the new maxi scooters - the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT - in mid July to customers in Southern Europe and Germany. BMW says "the first BMW Motorrad maxi scooters have met with a very high level of customer demand." BMW says the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycles continue to lead in terms of worldwide popularity. BMW says the other enduro and boxer models are also seeing healthy demand, as are the F and K models. As for BMW Motorrad's subsidary, Husqvarna Motorcycles, the number of factory supplies as of July was 5,729 vehicles (previous year: 4,394 units / +30.4%). In July, 494 vehicles (previous yr: 864 units / -42.8%) were supplied to the Husqvarna dealer network. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: Motor Trike Victory Bortex Running Boards Motor Trike, Inc. has released new accessory for their Victory touring line conversion, the Vortex. To add style and design, Vortex owners now have the option of adding Vortex Trax to their trike. Not only do these one-piece running boards add a custom look and flair to the trike, they are functional as well. They offer a patented "step and walk on" design. Optional auxiliary fog lights are also available which help enhance the rider's vision and safety. The Company is currently taking orders for the Vortex Trax at a price of $925 per set with optional Vortex Trax fog light kit at a price of $199.95. Optional color-match paint is available starting at $375 for one-tone. Headquartered in Troup, TX, Motor Trike, Inc. is one of the nation's leading trike conversion manufacturers. Motor Trike Vortex Trax Features:
- One-piece Trax running boards
- Patented step and walk-on design Motor Trike Vortex Trax Available Options:
- Trax fog light kit
- Trax fender bras
- Trax color-match paint For additional information, log onto motortrike.com/mt3Vortex.aspx. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Results Being from the state of Washington, Sammy Halbert (Fredericktown Yamaha) did not disappoint his hometown crowd as he won tonight's AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com and Lucas Oil race at Castle Rock Race Park in a landslide. A large mass of viewers all over the nation, as well as a packed house in Castle Rock, Wash., witnessed Sammy Halbert kick off the second half of the season with a win. Halbert was last year's winner at this very race and is the first rider to win two races this season in AMA Pro Flat Track's premier class. Sammy Halbert says: "This is awesome, I have to give it up to the local crowd for coming out, you guys fired me up and helped me get the win. I just got a good start and stayed focused the whole time. It feels great. We got to keep this thing rolling; I'm fired up and want to carry this momentum to next race." Coming off a solid restart after Brandon Robinson bit the dust, Halbert took the lead and never looked back as he was the clear-cut winner and was barely contested the entire way. With five laps remaining, Jared Mees (Rogers Racing / Montgomeryville Honda) was the only rider in Halbert's vicinity but was never really a threat as Halbert continued his dominance at Castle Rock Race Park and got to enjoy the sweet taste of victory for the second time this season. Mees and Jake Johhson (Zanotti Racing) closed out the podium, respectively. Jethro Halbert, Sammy's brother, claimed the fourth slot of the main event with J.D. Beach closing out the top five. AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles As for the single engines, Jacob Lehmann (Spy Optics) took advantage of several restarts and claimed his first ever career victory. After Wyatt Maguire's crash called out a red flag, Lehmann shot out of the restart like a torpedo and maintained the lead for the entire race. Second place finisher Rodney Spencer (831 Pinnit) was Lehmann's only competition of the night as they both ran away from the pack and were neck and neck for the final three laps. The battle for third also proved to be an intense race as Dominic Collindres (Frankie Morris) edged Jake Shoemaker (Montgomeryville Cycle Center) and Garret Callies (Fun Mart Cycle Center) to close out the podium. Jacob Lehmann says: "I just came out hoping that I can at least come in the top ten and make the main event. I got lucky on the restart and I was just thinking please don't red flag it again. I was just trying to get a gap on the last few laps so I could have room to breathe but Spencer just kept creeping up on me." AMA Pro Live Streaming Coverage Saturday's AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com and Lucas Oil event was the birth of a significant milestone for AMA Pro Flat Track. For the first time ever in the storied history of dirt track racing, cameras planted at three separate vantage points were successful in producing a live video feed directly to amaprolive.com for fans to observe in real time as the action unfolded. Next Up
The stars of AMA Pro Flat Track will return to Peoria, Illinois on August 11, 2012 for another TT event. For tickets and information, please visit peoriatt.net/. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: H-D Fans Invited to Join Rides to Sturgis and Tibetan Plateau through Social Media Two groups of Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders set off today to explore opposite corners of the globe, tracing routes across the American West and the Tibetan Plateau of China. These adventures kick off a year-long celebration of Harley-Davidson's 110th Anniversary, and for the first time the iconic American brand is inviting everyone to ride along through social media. Mark-Hans Richer (Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer) says: "Harley-Davidson's 110th Anniversary year is about celebrating the experiences of riding and inviting all to join in on the good times, in ways and places our founders couldn't have imagined. "It's a powerful way of life that bridges time and cultures. Our 110th Anniversary year starts tomorrow with journeys on two continents. The first with a group of riders who've never before experienced the adventure of Sturgis, and the other is on the opposite side of the world with a group of enthusiasts riding in China across the Tibetan Plateau." One group of riders that includes GoPro-sponsored athletes will ride into the Badlands of South Dakota to experience the thrill of the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the first time. The annual rally, which has been hosted in the Black Hills for 72 years, draws hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Another group of adventurers will head east - way east. Led by Richer and Harley-Davidson Asia Pacific Managing Director Dave Foley, this group of enthusiasts will explore the Tibetan Plateau across western China. They'll begin their adventure in Xining, China, a 2,100-year-old city of history that is home to more than two million people and is 2,000 feet higher than Denver. Participants of both rides will tell their stories of discovery and exploration in real time through social media. Mark-Hans Richer says: "This kick-off marks how Harley-Davidson will celebrate our 110th Anniversary, through our riders and our fans around the world. Everyone is invited to join in on the rides to Sturgis and the Tibetan Plateau on our new 110th Anniversary Web site, h-d.com/110." The Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Experience website will remain live through 2013 and will be powered by content from official Harley-Davidson events, as well as by fans from around the world. Harley-Davidson's official 110th Anniversary events begin at the Harley-Davidson Museum's Bike Night in Milwaukee on Aug. 30, 2012 and continues at European Bike Week in Faaker See, Austria, Sept. 4-9, 2012. The official Harley-Davidson Anniversary Celebrations will be held in Rome, June 13-16, 2013, and in Milwaukee, Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013. More information and additional details will be announced on Aug. 20, 2012. | | | | | | | | | |  | |  | |  |
.jpg "August 5 Ride for Kids Raises $209,548")
.jpg "Harley: 110th Year Begins with Epic Rides")
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