Biker News - Regularly updated

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Category: Motorcycles

  2. Royal Enfield

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    Spring is sprung and it is six months since we unveiled the all-new fuel-injected Bullet Classic to the British public at the NEC Bike Show. Since then we have taken delivery of the first batch of these machines and launched them to the British press. Road tests have recently appeared in Motor Cycle News, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure and The Classic Motorcycle, to name a few, and all agree that the new Classic combines authentic period styling with an exciting new engine.

     

    “Ten percent extra power might not sound like much but it’s certainly made a difference to the Bullet” writes Peter Henshaw in Motorcycle Sport & Leisure. “It feels more sprightly from take off, more responsive and revvy … it’s now fast enough to keep up with modern traffic, able to cruise at 60mph and even hold an indicated 70 without feeling as if it’s flat out.”

     

    James Robinson of The Classic Motorcycle has a similar impression; “And, for the first time perhaps, the firm now has a machine that while still looking old actually performs how a ‘modern’ motorcycle is expected to and does.”

    Royal Enfield

     

    Our initial batch of black Classics sold out immediately – green and red machines have followed and are now finding their way into the dealer network, so contact your local dealer to see one up close and don’t forget that the new Bullet Classic doesn’t just look good, it sounds good too.

     

    “It’s the sort of noise someone needs to put on YouTube for everyone to appreciate” commented Peter Henshaw. So we did. 

     

    Fourth annual Royal Enfield Open Weekend 20th and 21st June 2009

    Four years ago we decided to host an official Royal Enfield event at our factory in the Cotswolds. We felt that it would be nice to offer existing and potential customers an opportunity to see the complete model range and to take one out for a test ride, but nothing could have prepared us for the crowds that descended on Blockley that first year. Since then the Open Weekend has gone from strength to strength, with many of our dealers and bike clubs organising ride outs to visit.
    Held at the historic Watsonian-Squire sidecar factory close to Stratford-on-Avon, there is plenty to see and do at this relaxed event, with the added attraction of free entry and parking. Awards will be given for the best bike ridden to the Open weekend (one for each day - judged by Real Classic magazine) and all makes and models are welcome to enter. Jim Reynolds will be master of ceremonies over the weekend, providing a running commentary along with technical talks and celebrity interviews. Plus there will be IAM-escorted rides available on the new fuel-injected unit construction Classic and Electra models.

     

    Other attractions include a sidecar factory walkabout, the famous food tent (serving excellent value freshly cooked food), live insurance quotes, spare parts counter and a chance to see the new collection of Royal Enfield branded casual clothing.

    Really important information about test rides

    If you want to take a machine out for a test ride then you will need to bring both parts of your driving licence, a road legal crash helmet and adequate riding gear. Rides will be accompanied by IAM instructors and are allocated on a first come first served basis. Watsonian Squire Ltd reserve the right to refuse test rides to anyone without giving a reason, (which sounds tough but we have to say it).

     

    Dirty Beast gets an Injection

    We will be launching the new Trials bike in May. Powered by the same unit construction fuel injected engine as the Electra, the Trials EFI is designed to capture the sprit of the ‘unstoppable Bullet’ in a package that will be comfortable to ride on today’s roads. In addition to the new engine the Trials gets vintage pattern block tread tyres for 2009, as well as a mini luggage rack to which a pillion pad seat may be attached. Watch out for press tests in May/June and see it up close at the Open Weekend.

  3. Triumph 50th Bonanza at Ace Cafe London

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    Ace Cafe London's annual Triumph Day, Sunday 14th June, not only includes a display of models from the Triumph Factory and demo ride fleet, but will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the renowned West London dealership, Jack Lilley Motorcycles, who will be debuting their special 50th anniversary Triumph Bonneville, together with a replica of Paul Young's British Super Sports 675 race bike.   Subject to availability and commitment, Paul Young hopes to attend the cafe, with his race bike.
     
    Winner of the 'Best Triumph' competition held on this day, with judging taking place at 3pm, will be awarded prizes courtesy of Triumph, Jack Lilley, Flip Video, plus tickets to attend the Triumph Bonneville 50th celebration, organised by the TOMCC, to be held at Gaydon Motor Heritage Centre on the weekend of 22nd-23rd August 2009.
     
    The winning bike will then be invited back to attend the 'Grand Final' for "Best Triumph Of The Year", to be held on the cafe's regular monthly Triumph Night, Wednesday 14th October, when a overall winner will be chosen and presented with a grand prize of Triumph clothing and/or accessories to the value of £250.
     

  4. NEW HARLEY HAMMOCK TOURING SEAT WITH INTERNAL SUSPENSION

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    New Design Delivers 30 Percent More Touring Comfort

    Long-range riders will enjoy unmatched touring comfort with the new Harley Hammock Touring Seat (P/N 53051-09, $499.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. The Harley Hammock seat, which is original equipment on the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide model, features a sling-like fabric suspension system manufactured from a blend of fibers that offer flexibility and durability. The fabric acts like a hammock, providing two inches of suspension above the seat pan, and is topped with an additional two inches of traditional foam cushioning. The internal suspension prevents "bottoming out" and provides a 30 percent improvement in comfort and endurance by isolating the rider from harsh road conditions. The black vinyl surface is easy to clean and maintain, and is finished with a "Harley-Davidson" embossed script logo. The seat can be equipped with a rider backrest (sold separately) on most models. Seat width is 17.5"; passenger pillion width is 15".

    The Harley Hammock Seat fits 2008-later Harley-Davidson Touring models (except Tri-Glide). It does not fit models equipped with Passenger Grab Rail P/N 91583-99.

    For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

  5. The Harley-Davidson experience hits Daytona Bike Week

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    HARLEY-DAVIDSON CELEBRATES HERITAGE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN RIDERS

    On March 6 and 7, Harley-Davidson will show its support of "Bikers on the Boulevard" by hosting several activities during Daytona Bike Week. Scheduled activities include music, prize drawings and an open bike show.

    Riders during Daytona Bike Week have been congregating along Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard in the heart of Daytona's Midtown Black Heritage District during Bike Week for decades. Although it is uncertain exactly when this tradition began, some locals say the gathering goes back to the 1960s or even before. In honor of this rich tradition, Harley-Davidson will be celebrating at the historical intersection of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard (Second Avenue) and Pearl Street.

    "We are looking forward to another successful year and the opportunity to continue to support Harley-Davidson riders and enthusiasts who have always supported us," stated Karina Jaramillo-Saa, manager of market outreach, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "Bikers on the Boulevard celebrates the brotherhood and spirit of riding and we are excited to be a part of it."

    Various 2009 Harley-Davidson models will be on display, including the Screamin' Eagle Fat Bob®, the Road King® Classic, the V-Rod® Muscle and the Screamin' Eagle Road Glide®. Harley-Davidson will ride in style as it cruises the boulevard in Daytona Beach.

    Since schedule information is subject to change, please check the on-site Harley-Davidson activities guide for times and locations of entertainment and other special attractions.

    Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com