Category: Random

1. Custom Indian Chief ‘GRIND Machine’ Revealed at Wheels and Waves Artride

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 6th Jul 2022

   Public debut of the custom Indian Chief by Tank Machine x Rise Designs

   Awarded to the lucky winner of the prize draw on the main event stage

   Indian Motorcycle, in collaboration with Wheels & Waves, commissioned four European builders in December 2021 to design their vision of an Indian Chief for the resurgent Wheels and Waves festival. More than 35 000 people voted for their favourite design and, in combination with a panel of Super-Voters, ‘GRIND Machine’ by Tank Machine x Rise Designs was announced as the top-ranked entry. Completed in just three months, ‘GRIND Machine’ made its public debut at the opening of the Artride exhibition during Wheels and Waves on Thursday June 30 and was awarded to prize draw winner, Fabien Orquin, on the festival’s main stage on Saturday July 2.

   Clément Molina founded Tank Machine in 2015 with a focus on motorcycle design, customisation and the development of Plug & Play Kits. Already well known for his many outstanding customisations of Indian Motorcycle models, his submission for the Indian Chief Design beat strong competition to become the winning concept that would be turned into reality.

   “I was honoured to be chosen as one of four custom builders to submit designs for the Indian Chief,” said Molina. “As a specialist that loves working on bikes from Indian Motorcycle, I was really enthusiastic about the opportunity, only heightened by the partnership with Wheels and Waves, an event that I enjoy so much.”

   Working from the brief to create a vision of an Indian Chief inspired from the past, anchored in the present, and looking towards the future, Molina teamed up Antonin Bazin from Rise Designs to merge their “Board Culture” into the project and reflect the skate element of Wheels & Waves.

   “We were really happy to win and have the opportunity to realise the design, even though it was a big challenge to complete the project in just three months for the Artride exhibition,” Molina continued. “But the process was so enjoyable, thinking about the bike, the details, working with different materials like skateboard decks, fabricating new parts and then fine tuning everything. It’s a pleasure to reveal the completed bike at Wheels and Waves and to then hand it over to Fabien. It’s great to know he truly understands and appreciates the time and effort that has gone into the build. He is the perfect new owner for me – an engineer, an engine technician, and a really good guy.”

   Randomly selected from the thousands of public voters, Fabien Orquin, an automotive engineer from the French city of Rouen, won a VIP trip to the 2022 Wheels & Waves festival to enjoy the event and be presented with his customised Indian Chief.

   “When I was told I had won, I just couldn’t believe it, it was incredible,” said Orquin. “I am so happy to know that this amazing motorcycle is going to be mine, especially because it is the design I voted for. It was also great to meet Clément and hear about the design and build process. Everything about the bike is amazing, every time I look there is another detail to discover.”

   The Design and Engineering teams at Indian Motorcycle always had customisers in mind when bringing the Indian Chief to life. A key tagline being ‘Keep it simple so you can easily work on it and customise it’ and a feature of the Chief that Tank Machine took advantage of.

   “There are so many nice pieces of the stock bike, especially the central and most beautiful piece, the engine,” said Molina. “The Indian Chief is really easy to strip back to a great base and the idea was to remove a lot of things, keep only the essentials and then build back up with a different balance, adding details that really change up the look of the final machine.”

   GRIND Machine’s unique look begins with the big block Continental TKC enduro tyres wrapped around black Excel spoked rims that work with new bars, new rear suspension, and one-off seat unit to change the stance and overall lines of the bike. 

   Tank Machine created new wider handlebars and lower risers for a vintage style that is echoed by the gaiters applied to the forks and rolled up poncho attached to a custom bracket by webbing straps. At the rear, Öhlins piggyback shocks with longer top mounts lift the bike slightly and add a colour accent as well as providing a high-quality ride. 

   The one-off seat unit, all designed in house, features the names of the project’s partners discretely machined into the base and the seat pad enhances the retro bobber look with a brown leather top with waxed material sides. A bottle opener hanging from the right of the seat is a nod to the after-ride party atmosphere of Wheels & Waves and a detail that really connected with the new owner. “My hobby is brewing my own beer, and when I saw the bottle opener, it really made me smile,” said Orquin. 

   Keeping the stripped back bobber look clean are hand-fabricated minimalist fenders, mini-indicators on the forks and seat unit, mini taillight and a LED headlight with ring running light. A secondary guarded PIAA yellow light adds a cool retro touch.

   The ‘Board Culture’ of Ride Designs is reflected in the use of skateboard deck wood and grip tape adorning the centre of the fuel tank and either side of the seat unit which are mounted with metal brackets inspired by skateboard trucks. The influences of Wheels and Waves are further heightened with Vans waffle handlebar grips and custom-made foot pegs that take inspiration from BMX grind pegs.

   Also designed in conjunction with Rise Design is the aluminium engine protection plate behind the front wheel in a brushed metal finish that is also applied to the exhaust heat shield, CNC machined fuel cap and engine parts to give an old bike look on a modern machine. Textured and matte finishes have also been applied to various covers and particularly the frame where the matte finish reveals the beauty of the shape and welds of the classic-style steel frame. Adding to the retro race look, the standard headers were wrapped and mated to shorter SuperTrapp silencers.

   With a paint scheme from Rise Designs that features a brushed metal base, weathered green stripes with red accents, the finishing touches to any custom are the interesting details that are only noticed on a second or third close look. For GRIND Machine, these include the decorated red throttle valve inside the custom bell housing, the cut back primary drive cover, and the creator’s logos machined into the black pulley cover and engine covers.

   Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2. Indian Motorcycle officially launches London Store

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 1st Jul 2022

   Following the news of Indian Motorcycle UK’s intention to open its first dedicated Brand Experience Centre in West London earlier this year, the centre has now enjoyed its official launch, welcoming customers, friends of the brand and VIPs.

   Coinciding with the recent BikeShed event at Tobacco Dock, the Indian Motorcycle UK team welcomed more than 70 guests to the event, showcasing the UK’s first Brand Centre, located on the prestigious Kensington High Street in West London. 

   Situated on the landmark site that was once the home of the Bristol Car Company. The iconic corner showroom, part of the Hilton Olympia Hotel, was fully refurbished over two floors for the new Brand Centre, doubling the display space and allowing for a complete range of Indian Motorcycles, accessories, clothing and heritage to be displayed in the best experience possible.

   Indian Motorcycle UK’s Andy Simpson, commented, “We’re extremely proud to be able to officially launch a Brand Experience Centre here in the UK, especially in such an iconic location. Thanks to fantastic support from the team at Krazy Horse, we’ve been able to make this project not just a reality, but a place that our customers the world over will choose as a destination to visit when in London. If the enthusiasm from our guests at this launch event is anything to go by, this will be a very much must visit destination.”

   Joining the Indian Motorcycle UK team and senior management from the U.S on the night were a host of friends of the brand, including ex-grand prix racer Steve Parish, Indian Motorcycle Flat Track racer, Leah Tokelove, Dimitri Costa, as well as customers and fans of the brand. 

   The Indian Motorcycle London Brand Experience Centre can be found at 368 – 370 Kensington High Street, London, W14 8NL, Tel: 0203 007 1666 Web: www.indianmotorcycle-london.co.uk

3. 5 Protective Clothing to Wear When Riding a Motorcycle

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 1st Jul 2022

   There is no greater feeling than riding a motorcycle and feeling the wind on your face. The thrill that a motorcycle gives is something that other forms of transportation can not. However, riding a motorcycle is an activity that can turn very dangerous. Problems with the motorcycle or the road can lead to serious injuries. A lot of people get involved in fatal motorcycle accidents yearly. Still, this doesn't mean that you should stop riding your motorcycle. Protective clothing can help to minimize the risk associated with riding a motorcycle. By protecting different parts of the body, they help the rider to feel safe and secure.  
   
   Some of the most essential protective clothing for riding your motorcycle is:

   1. Helmets

   This is by far the most important protective clothing there is. It protects the skull from harm, which makes it very important. The human head is something that can easily be affected by external forces. By riding your motorcycle, you are exposing your head to these external forces. A sudden impact on the head can cause minor issues like concussions or major issues like fractured skulls.

   Therefore, your head must be well protected when you are riding your motorcycle. Helmets are designed to crumple and take most of the impact in case anything happens.

   2. Jackets

   When you think about it, the cooling sensation that comes from riding a motorcycle isn't all that good. It can cause different health issues that can affect the lungs. If this is mixed with the cold that comes from riding in the rain, the results could be disastrous. Jackets are therefore the perfect protective clothing to take care of this. They are comfortable and warm, making the rider feel hot when traveling in cold weather. Also, most jackets are waterproof, so you can ride your motorcycle even when it is raining.

   3. Boots

   Even though it is worn on the leg, this helps to make the rider feel safe. A boot helps to protect the ankle of the rider. Accidents can cause a lot of damage to the legs and ankles. They can crush the legs and ankles of riders. Boots with solid soles help to reduce the impact of such accidents. Also, some boots come with shin protection, which protects the shin whenever it hits the brakes.

   4. Gloves

   Gloves are useful protective clothing for any motorcycle rider. They help to give a good grip on the motorcycle when the rider is riding. Also, the gloves help to keep the hands warm and toasty.

   5. Pants

   Pants are an underrated, yet fairly useful protective clothing. They help to protect the upper legs by keeping them warm and protecting the skin from harm. Some pants are padded at the hips and knees, to protect those parts from excessive impact. Good pants are light and comfortable, yet stable and secure to make the rider stable on the motorcycle.

   Conclusion

   The thrill of riding a motorcycle should not make you forget to be safe on it. It is best to wear light and comfortable protective clothing to protect you from unexpected occurrences.
   
   Finally, click here to get the best motorcycle gear on BMW Motorrad.

   

    

    

   article supplied

4. Tips for successfully growing your motorcycle repair shop

   Posted on 10:00am Thursday 30th Jun 2022

   So long as people choose to ride motorbikes, there will be a need for professionals offering repairs.
   If you own a repair shop, it can be a lucrative business when run correctly. Yet, there is always room for improvement, and if you would like your business to grow, you should consider some of the many options that can help you to expand. This article will cover some top tips for how you can grow your customer base and improve the efficiency of your workshop.

   Tip 1: Ensure your repair shop is organised  
   The more efficient you are, the more profitable your business will be as you can service more motorcycles in a smaller amount of time. Being organised will help to keep tools accessible and easy to find, helping to cut out those aggravating moments when you need to stop working and search for something. One way to keep things tidy and mobile is by using a tool chest on wheels so that you can always have the items you need close by and easily moved around.  

   Tip 2: Update your skills and offer new services
   As new bike models are continuously released onto the market, you will need to keep up to scratch with improved technologies and changes to mechanics. For instance, if you are not trained in sports bikes repairs, you could be losing out on customers that could secure more income for your business. You can improve your skills by regularly attending workshops and training sessions and learning from industry professionals.

   Tip 3: Hire some help
   It might be a good idea to consider expanding your team and hiring someone else to help you out in the repair shop - especially if you have had to turn away potential customers due to not having enough time or resources to do the work. Perhaps an apprentice would be the right fit for your budget? Or you may want to take on someone more experienced? Whatever option you choose, consider the workload you currently have and how quickly you can grow with the resources that are available to you.

   Tip 4: Plan your year
   Motorcycles are seasonal vehicles for many owners, meaning demand for your services, and therefore income, may slow down during certain times of the year - especially winter. Many more people get their bikes out during spring, summer and early autumn. During these warmer months, when there is more business for your shop you should consider extending your opening hours or taking on temporary staff to manage the workload. In the colder months, it may be more worthwhile working on longer-term projects for a select few clients. Another good way to stay ahead of the game is to try and secure work in your pipeline moving into the off-seasons while you are seeing clients regularly.

   Tip 5: Digital presence and marketing for your business
   We live in a digital age where competition is fierce, and many professionals will share content online to increase awareness of their brand. Sharing videos online or creating tailored content aimed at your target audience via a website or social media can be a great way to make a name for yourself and reach a large audience online. Your site and social media channels are also a good place to include customer testimonials that pay tribute to your hard work.

   Owning a business is no easy feat and growing one is even more challenging. If you want to become a well-known name, it’s crucial that you adopt a proactive approach to work and try to improve the quality and range of your services. These five simple tricks should help you to move towards becoming a top player in the industry.
   
   Have fun and good luck!
   
   
   

   article supplied

5. Indian Motorcycle Rally initiative launched to UK & Eire owners

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 28th Jun 2022

   Indian Motorcycle has launched an initiative aimed at incentivising owners to get out and ride more this summer, with the introduction of the Indian Motorcycle Rally programme.

   With entry available to any existing Indian Motorcycle owner, and as part of the brand’s Indian Motorcycle Riders Group, owners who participate are challenged to visit all 20 UK and Eire dealerships up until Nov 30, gaining stamps on their unique Indian Motorcycle Rally Passport, recording their journey mileage with a national ranking to reward the highest number of stages and miles completed.

   Claire D’auria of Indian Motorcycle UK announced the UK’s inclusion in the programme, commenting, “The Indian Motorcycle Rally programme is running right across Europe, and so we are delighted to offer our UK and Eire customers the chance to participate.

   “Ultimately, it’s an excuse to get out and ride, but it’s a great way for the IMR community to come together and visit different parts of the country. Riders can even get in touch with the local IMRG before their ride to find out about places of interest and great roads along the way.”

   Indian Motorcycle owners interested in participating can register for free on https://indianmotorcyclerally.eu/UK/discover.php, then log each of their journeys after receiving their Indian Motorcycle Rally passport (provided by the local Indian Motorcycle dealer) via a stamp at each dealership visit.

   The Rally is open to owners of all Indian Motorcycle models who are also registered with Indian Motorcycle Riders (IMR) and runs until the 30th November 2022.