Join Urban Cowgirls MC Apparel as we celebrate Intl Female Ride Day @ Standard Food & Spirits!!!! Drink & Food specials for FEMALE riders….. International Female Ride Day created by MOTORESS occurs every year on the first Friday of May. Its a day for women motorcyclists, worldwide, inviting women to join together on their motorcycles, no matter the type, size or style and –JUST RIDE! This day each year expands country by country, rider by rider each year in hopes of a synchronized,celebrated day just for female riders–WORLDWIDE!  for more info call 678-410-5614

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Press Release Issued By American Motorcyclist Association (April 21, 2009)

What do the Crimean War, the manufacturing of rifles, and the building of bicycles have in common?

They’re all events that led up to the British Birmingham Small Arms Co. — better known to the world as BSA — producing motorcycles that ultimately became among the most iconic in the world. The legendary brand will be honored this year as the Marque of the Year at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, set for July 24-26 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

“Despite its rather unorthodox beginning, BSA endured and carved out an impressive place in motorcycling history,” said Tigra Tsujikawa, marketing and special events manager for the AMA. “BSA Gold Stars, Shooting Stars and other models rightfully earned a reputation for performance on the track, and played a large role in the brand remaining popular long after the factory shuttered its doors in the 1970s. I’m personally looking forward to showcasing the marque at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, and highlighting the machines and people who made BSA famous.”

The Birmingham Small Arms Co. was formed in 1861 by a group of gun makers to supply weapons to the British government during the Crimean War. As the war declined, the company branched out into making bicycles, and by 1903 produced its first experimental motorcycle, along with automobiles. Its first in-house motorcycle appeared in 1910, and a subsidiary, BSA Motorcycles Ltd., was created after the first World War saw the company move back into arms manufacturing for the duration.

Between wars, the company focused on refining its motorcycles into well-regarded, reliable transportation that sold well in England, where BSA boasted that one in four motorcycles on the road was made by their company. From the beginning and throughout its history, BSA made a splash with the evocative names it chose for its motorcycles: Blue Star, Empire Star, Golden Flash, Road Rocket, Spitfire, Thunderbolt and Lightning are among the most well known.

Perhaps its most famous model was the Gold Star, “born” in 1938 but refined after WWII. It was named after the Gold Star pins awarded to motorcycles that lapped the famed Brooklands track at more than 100 mph, and would ultimately become the bike of choice among England’s young rockers, who stripped them of unnecessary parts and hot-rodded them into café racers.

During the 1950s the company turned to racing, fielding teams in the Junior Clubman class at the Isle of Man TT. By 1956, BSAs made up 53 of 55 entries in the class.

Looking to replicate its sales success with racing in the United States, the factory entered a team of racers in 1954 in the Daytona 200, which, at the time, was held on the beach course. Aboard a mixture of single-cylinder Gold Stars and twin-cylinder Shooting Stars, BSA riders swept the top five places in the race, cementing the brand’s image in the U.S. as a performance machine.

However, small, reliable, oil-tight Japanese machines were starting to gain momentum in the United States. BSA continued to have mild success with the three-cylinder Rocket 3, but by the 1970s, performance Japanese motorcycles had displaced BSAs in the minds of many motorcyclists.

Following a merger with the Norton Villiers Triumph Group, the combined company stopped producing BSA-branded machines in 1973.

Still, BSAs endure today as both competitive vintage racers and, along with other British brands such as Triumph, staples of the modern café racer culture.

To learn more about BSA history, see numerous machines in person — both on display and on the track — and maybe even add one to your own collection, there’s no better place than the country’s largest celebration of motorcycling heritage: 2009 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

The weekend will include highlights such as vintage racing and North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet. Also on tap are demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, stunt shows, the new product Manufacturers’ Midway, club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs, and guided rides through the rolling Ohio countryside. The Classic Clubs this year will be the Sandcast Only Owner’s Club (SOOC), and the International CBX Owners Association.

This year will be particularly special because it commemorates the 85th anniversary of the AMA, and will feature a parade of classic motorcycles representing each year of the AMA’s 85 years. Museum staff has compiled a list of significant models produced since 1924 for the parade. Volunteers with bikes on that list are encouraged to contact the Museum for information about participating. Information is at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefits the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. The goal of the Museum, located on the campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling.

For more information about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, visit www.AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com. Tickets can be purchased at the website for the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: www.midohio.com.

Source: www.amadirectlink.com

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on April 29th a Giant Motorcycle Swap Meet will be held at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, MI. 11a.m. – 4p.m. $10 for adults and $3 for children. THE LARGEST SWAP MEET IN THE MIDWEST is now at the ROCK FINANCIAL SHOWPLACE in NOVI !!! Over 150,000 s.f. in brand new facility packed with everything for the biker . Buy and sell: new & used bikes (all brands welcome), painters, parts, accessories, apparel, leather, and more. 3 convenient exits off of I-96 – Exits 159, 160 or 162. Call 1-800-968-4242 for more information and to book vendor space. Check out this website for more info.

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US – This year’s 18th commuting demonstration event, to be held on Monday June 15, is expected to double the number of riders on the road, according to Ride to Work, a non-profit advocacy organization.

According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over 80 million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride To Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a larger number of America’s 8 million cycles and scooters are ridden to work.

“Riding to work on this day shows the positive value of motorcycles and scooters for transportation. For several hundred thousand commuters, riding is an economical, efficient and socially responsible form of mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits,” states Andy Goldfine, the event organizer. Motorcycle and scooter clubs and organizations in many countries encourage their members to ride to work on this day.

Ride to Work Day shows how riding makes parking easier and help traffic flow better. Motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and they take up less space in parking areas and on roads. Riders seek employer support for this form of transportation, and increased government and public awareness about riding’s many benefits.

More information about Ride to Work Day can be found here.

Source: www.powersportsnetwork.com

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Friday April 17, 2009

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The Mid Ohio Classic Scooter Club is holding an event in the Columbus Ohio area from the 30th of April to  the 2nd of May.  This event is dedicated to scooters and bikes with small displacement engines. The show is a mixture of meet and greet and also a swap meet for anyone looking for that rare part they might be missing to rebuild that old scooter that has been in the barn for 30 years. If you think you have seen everyhting you need to come down and see these vintage enthusiasts. The event will be held at Past Time Park in Plain City,Ohio 43064.  Camping also available for anyone interested. For more information you can check out this website.  www.classicjapanesemotorcycles.com

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The product isn’t new, and isn’t necessarily fancy, but is one everyone will need at least once and usually the item overlooked on ones checklist.

For those that haven’t been down that ugly road and stranded with a flat… you have something to look forward to and for those that have had the misfortune you know just how important it is to plan ahead for such a situation!

Here is an item we recommend, and use (when we ourselves dont overlook the checklist!)

From Innovations In Cycling; featuring Monster Air Chuck and two 45g threaded Co2 cartridges. Kit comes complete with a selection of tire plugs, tube patches, glue, tire reamer and plug installation tool. Packed in a convenient zippered nylon bag

More info on this item:

> Tire Repair and Inflation Premium Repair Kit @ OldBikeBarn.com

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A spike in motorcycle deaths among service members is prompting a call to arms from the military.

US Nationwide – In 2008, more service members died in motorcycle crashes than ever before — 126 from all four services. The Army saw a 24 percent increase in fatalities, and both the Marines and the Navy report significant increases as well. Top safety chiefs across the military have identified motorcycles as the No. 1 safety concern off the battlefield.
(more…)

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IRVINE, Calif., April 6, 2009- The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a resolution April 2, supporting the goal of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, encouraging riders to get trained and licensed, always wear protective gear, never drink and ride, and ride within their limits. Another key message of the month is aimed at motorists, who need to be aware of two-wheel traffic and look out for riders.

The resolution, H. Res. 269, introduced by Reps. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and Michael Burgess, R-Texas, is similar to one unanimously passed by the full House last year.

“The resolution presents a valuable opportunity for Congress to recognize the importance of focusing on motorcyclists’ safety,” said Duane Taylor, MIC Director of Federal Affairs. “We’re calling on riders everywhere to contact their representatives to urge them to cosponsor the resolution.”

Advertisement Among many safety related organizations, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, May has long been designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The messages for all road users are especially timely as motorcyclists nationwide gear up for the upcoming riding season. In approximately two thirds of fatal car/motorcycle crashes, the driver of the car is at fault.

“We applaud the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for passing this resolution and we look forward to continuing to work with Representatives Burgess and Giffords and other members of Congress as this resolution moves to the full House for consideration,” said MIC’s Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Kathy Van Kleeck.

Motorcycles are fuel-efficient and decrease congestion while having little impact on our nation’s transportation infrastructure, making them a valuable component of the transportation mix. With more than 7 million motorcyclists benefiting from the advantages of riding, it is important to remember their safety and to encourage safe and responsible behavior.

Provided by the Motorcycle Industry Council.

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Bear here, President, Founder, and Grand Booba of Old Bike Barn. I’m proud to announce that OBB has finally launched it’s own apparel line, with classic items such as real Dickies work shirts and jackets in both men’s and women’s sizes and an assortment of over 30 different unique obb branded items including beer mugs, coffee cups, warm up jackets, tank tops and even g-strings with our trade mark paw on them.

Here are a few samples below… stay tuned for a new section on our site and promotions in upcoming email newsletters.

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The electric motorcycle is certainly not a new concept. Mission One has already taken the wraps off its own electron-powered sports bike, while Honda and newcomer Xenophya have each revealed their own plans for an electric motorcycle.

Zero Motorcycles is a little different though. Its road-legal Zero S supermoto is actually available for order, and, with US deliveries commencing in May, it’s not far away either.

A reasonable $9950 USD  is the price of entry, which may be a little on the expensive side for a supermoto, but not a bad price considering it will cost you peanuts to run. Zero Motorcycles says that less than one cent will take you a mile.

Maximum range is stated to be 60 miles (97 kilometres), which should be plenty for the average urban commuter. Batteries run low while away from home? Less than four hours on the integrated charger should see you back on your way.

Don’t think it’s some asthmatic electro-scooter either. With 31hp (23kW) and 62.5lb.ft on tap from its electric motor, the Zero S has more than enough pep to hustle its 102.1kg mass along. It should also be a doddle to operate too, thanks to its clutchless one-speed gearbox.

Given the somewhat ‘new’ nature of the technology, you may also want to consult with your local road authority before importing one of these things.

Sound like your cup of tea? Head over to Zero Motorcycles‘ site and place your order

Motorcycle Parts

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for anyone in the Atlanta, Georgia area on the 9th of May be sure  to Mark your calendars for the 7th Annual WOW Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet. This is the largest show of its kind in Georgia and it will go on rain or shine. Show entries are open to bikes 15 years and older and the entry fee is only $15. There will be 20+ awards and trophies. All proceeds from entry fees go to curing childhood cancer. For more information, including directions/location and hours, either call 770-424-8804 or check out the following website.  www.wowmotorcycles.com.

 

 

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The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization that promotes safe riding, by distributing tutorials and courses. Their website features a wide variety of cool free videos and literature for both beginer and more seasoned riders. They also post publications aimed to educate non-motorcylists to help increase safety on the road, such as the “Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles”

The MSF lists their mission statement on their website, saying their intention is “To make motorcycling safer and more enjoyable by ensuring access to lifelong quality education and training for current and prospective riders, and by advocating a safer riding environment.”

Check out they have to offer, and link any newer riders you know to their site.

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April 1,2009

Sioux Falls, SD – Craig Betz of California was a longtime motorcyclist and a new member of the international motorcycle group Hamsters, USA. Last fall, shortly after being inducted into the group at the 2008 Sturgis Rally, Betz lost his battle with cancer. His most beloved possession was arguably his custom Arlen Ness Speed Liner motorcycle, built by world-famous bike builder Arlen Ness.

As part of Craig’s legacy, his sister Cecily Betz donated his motorcycle as a fundraiser for the non-profit organization Children’s Care Hospital & School, which serves children with special healthcare and educational needs. Children’s Care of Rapid City is located in the foothills of the Black Hills, just 30 miles from Sturgis.

Raffle tickets are available now for $25 at www.biketickets.com. The drawing will be held at the Hamsters, USA annual banquet during the Sturgis Rally on August 3, 2009. The winner will be notified by phone, and the bike will be signed for the winner by Arlen Ness and his son, Cory, and his grandson, Zack, both of who are also custom bike builders. The 2006 Arlen Ness Speed Liner has a 124 cubic inch S&S motor and Baker 6-speed transmission.

Hamsters, USA spokesman Grady Pfeiffer says the group is known for their big hearts when it comes to children. “We are really pleased that Craig and Cecily chose to remember special kids through the Hamsters, USA organization and Children’s Care. This is a really nice testament to who Craig was.”

Children’s Care of Rapid City served over 1,200 children last year. It is affiliated with Children’s Care Hospital & School, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Children’s Care is a private, independent, non-profit organization with a mission to help children with special needs reach their best-possible potential. Funds raised through the raffle will provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies, plus special educational and psychological services. The organization as a whole served over 2,600 children last year.

Reprinted with permission from Rider Report

Source:www.powersportsnetwork.com

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GRAND BASSA CO.,LIBERIA

And now for something completely different: Tragedy occurred in Liberia on March 25, when two motorcycles, one with two baboons at the steering, collided head-on, killing one operator and a pedestrian, the Liberian Daily Observer reports. The newspaper says the accident in Grand Bassa County worried many, who are becoming increasingly concerned about the frequency of motorcycle tragedies in the county. Those who met their untimely deaths were a 20-year-old man named Michael Weah, and a pedestrian believed to be in his 50s identified as Albert Logan.

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Todays post is to pay homage to one of the most heaven like motorcycle places in the world, the AMA motorcycle museum. This is a venue where not only motorcycle enthusiasts but anyone can appreciate. From turn of the century vintage bikes to modern racers this place has it all. As you walk through this place you will see a little bit of everything.  including those who have excelled in motorcycle business, history, design and engineering, in addition to those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of motorcycle racing

The Museum is located about 15 miles east of Columbus Ohio on 13515 Yarmouth Dr Pickerington, OH 43147.

admission is as follows:

AMA Members: $5

Members of national motorcycle organizations: $9

Adults: $10

Students: (ages 12 to 17) $3

Seniors: $8

Family Rate: (parents and all single children under 18) $25

Children 11 and under: Free

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

 

 

 

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