HD goes Urban!

The Harley Davidson Motor Company generated a lot of buzz at the EICMA and online with the release of two new bikes, the HD Street 500 and 750.

HD is going after new markets with the Street models; the younger urban generation and new motorcycle riders. The blackened out Street will be cheaper than the Sportster and should be attractive to the younger generation.  In addition, it should be attractive as an urban commuter, small and light, yet enough power to get you around.

There is no doubt that the Harley Davidson brand is recognized world wide and this might be a move that will secure the brand even further.  Sure, there will be critics and the die hard HD riders might look down on this, but simply put, this is a marketing move...one that should increase the HD brand across the globe and generate new HD owners.

If HD plays this right, this might just be a sign of marketing genius! Time will tell!

Ready for Winter!

The leaves have fallen from the hardwood trees, the temperature is getting colder and the end of our motorcycle season is here! Yesterday, it was a cool 5 degrees Celsius and I spent a good part of the day detailing my Street Glide and getting it ready for hibernation!

I still need to prep the Buell 1125R for the winter, but I am going to wait for the last possible minute as I am hoping for the one last ride!  Last season, we had an unusually warm day on Nov. 12th and I got out for a 300km ride...I am hoping for the same this year!

EBR Introduces the 1190RX Street Bike

Check it out, the new EBR 1190RX!  At first glance, I like it!  I am looking forward to reviews and first ride articles!  Motorcyclist magazine provides a good overview of the 1190RX from the 2013 American International Motorcycle Expo.

Photo: EBR.Com

 

Fall Ride Part II

Another sunny day and I just had to take advantage!  Early this morning, my friend Luc sent me a text message and asked if I wanted to go for a short ride.  I did not see the message until late morning and I figured what the heck!  I finished my household chores, mowed the lawn and by 1:30, we were on the road...this time with the rockets!

Buell 1125R

CBR100RR

Bikes at Nackawic Bridge

Awesome ride!

Great weekend of riding!

Fall Ride

Yesterday, I went for 350+km fall ride with a few friends; it was great to get out!  Our season is soon coming to an end, so I am taking advantage of every opportunity I can!

St. Andrews, NB

St. Andrews, NB

Dipper Harbour, NB

Dipper Harbour, NB

Dipper Harbour Wharf

I suspect that this will be one of the last long rides of the season, hopefully not!  Ride safe!

Video Trailer - Why We Ride!

This video trailer starts to explain it!  I am looking forward to the release of "Why We Ride"! Maybe when people watch, they will understand!



WHY WE RIDE - The Official Theatrical Trailer
from WHY WE RIDE FILM on Vimeo.

1125R Upgrade (Part IV)

This morning my good friend Luc came over and provided the second set of hands that were needed for the muffler install.  After a coffee and a quick chat, we put the stock exhaust back on the bike.  It's amazing how easy the stock can went back on with a little help!

Stock exhaust installed!

Next, we pulled the 1125R out into the yard to see if the EBR rotor and new stator install would work.  I was pretty confident as I really took my time on this job!

Getting ready for startup!

The 1125R started right up and mechanically, the engine sounds normal (very noisy).  Luc thought he could hear air sucking somewhere, so we removed the airbox cover and listened, it was hard to tell from that perspective.  One of the exhaust gaskets is just about shot, I am not sure if that is creating air noise or not?  The only thing I can think of re: air noise would be with the airbox baseplate and everything there seemed to install well. Maybe I am just chasing a ghost, not sure?

The positive, the stator and EBR rotor seem to be working as they should.  Voltage readings are within acceptable range.

Voltage reading - 14.4V

Finished product!

I took the 1125R for a short ride with Luc following behind in his truck (just in case).  Bike worked fine and voltage reading was consistently between 13.9V and 14.4V, exactly what it should be reading.  I will check the Bad Weather Bikers 1125R Superbike Forum to see if anyone else has experienced the air noise issue.  Other than that, I am very pleased!  Next up, a longer test ride!