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Happy Thanksgiving

Two Tone — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:36:25 +0000

Just wanted to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers…both my loyal regulars and you new ones as well! Here’s hoping that you have a wonderful day with your friends and family.

I can’t even begin to list the things I have in my life to be thankful for but my family, friends, riding, and good health come immediately to mind.

I know that sometimes life throws us curves and that things may not always seem fair, but in the end remember that God (Jehovah, Allah, Yahweh, etc.) has blessed all of us with so much and I encourage you to reflect on those blessings today.

For those able to ride, ride a mile for me today as I stare at the 4+ inches of snow.

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The XR1200 Comes To The US…WOO HOO!

Two Tone — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:46:54 +0000

Inspired by the legendary XR750, the XR1200 is the newest member of the Sportster family and finally comes to the U.S. following its Europe-only release back in April.

The XR750 was the most dominating American dirt track racing motorcycle of all-time, earning the Number One plate in an unprecedented 26 AMA flat track seasons that set new standards for dirt track racing success over the last 30 years. The XR1200 features technical innovation to provide potent street performance and handling. In fact, Harley-Davidson dirt track racing legends Scott Parker and Rich King participated in the XR1200 development, along with European GP racing champion Adrien Morillas.

The 1200cc Evolution V-Twin cranks out 90 hp with high torque. Rubber mounted to a new frame with a cast aluminum swingarm, the engine delivers exhilarating performance and responsive handling with less vibration. A unique upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight shot exhaust system includes dual mufflers and is finished in satin chrome.

A sport-tuned Showa® suspension with inverted 43mm front forks and twin preload adjustable shocks combines with lightweight black cast three-spoke wheels to make the XR1200 ride and corner with feeling. Specially designed Dunlop® Qualifier D209 tires connect the rider to the road, while Nissin® four-piston calipers and large dual disc front brakes provide stopping power.

As a tribute to the XR750, Harley-Davidson will be having a pre-sale of only 750 XR1200 models from 12/1 – 12/15!

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Thought It’s “Winter” In D.C. I’d Be Riding!

Two Tone — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:04:40 +0000

So I’m back in D.C. again this week and even though it’s “winter” in D.C. (a couple of minutes of really light flurries) I did see a couple of troopers who didn’t care (or maybe it’s determiniation against using the metro) and were riding their bikes in town.

There were a BUNCH of scooter riders, all bundled up and braving D.C. traffic (which I think is more dangerous than the weather) which I admired as they bobbed and weaved in traffic.

So here is the Alaskan Guy in just a shirt and tolerating the hot buildings where the heat is turned up (it is winter here in D.C.) thinking that it would be so cool to have my Road King to ride around in.

Of course, since I had a rental car this time I know it’s a fantasy as driving in this town is about as scary as it gets…especially in Georgetown!

However I will admit that if I had a bike…I’d risk it !

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On this Veterans Day…

Two Tone — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:47:07 +0000

I’d like to thank all past and present military readers of my blog for their service. To those bikers who wear the uniform today I want you to know from a veteran, that I appreciate the service you do, and pray that you all come home safely.

To learn about the historical significance of veteran’s day, visit this site.

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I Guess We Have To Call It Winter Now….

Two Tone — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:02:45 +0000

After more than 100 accidents in the past 72 hours and almost 7″ of accumulated snowfall, I just have to declare that winter is upon us here in Alaska.

It’s not like I was riding anytime soon…I know, but still it was nice to think about riding (hell, I was able to throw a leg over a bike and hold it upright which to me is half the battle to riding).

So this year with all the repairs to my bike I will get free winter storage .

However…for those of you who are going to store their bikes at home (and not in the dining room as a good friend and fellow rider does) remember I have some good tips for winter storage in the riding tips section.

I know, I know…what’s winter storage tips doing under the riding tips section?

Simple…proper winter storage is still a part of riding the motorcycle for those of us who have to deal with a winter (yeah…I’m talkin to you Ross ).

So as I look at the continuing white stuff come down and today watched several cars audition for membership in the Alaska Stunt Driving Association, I had to face up to the fact that winter is her for good.

Hopefully, this means that since it’s early that spring will be early!

Now that would be sweet!

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Claryifying The Point Of My Last Article Regarding Barack Obama….

Two Tone — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:06:24 +0000

It seems based upon e-mail, etc. from the previous article I was not clear enough on my question regarding Barack Obama’s support of motorcyclists and their rights so here is my point in more specific terms:

I would like to know his position regarding motorcycle related legislation and programs.

I would like to know his position on things like HR 6809 - Energy for Schools Act (which includes a provision allowing insurance companies to be able to put limitations on payment without notifying the insured) that passed the House and now rests at the Senate. Will he or Senator Biden allow it to go forward with this provision?

Does Senator Obama and Senator Biden support HR 1076 (the fix for the loophole on law allowing insurance companies to deny coverage based upon the type of injury)?

What’s their feeling on NHTSA’s continued anti-motorcycle campaign? Do they support the continued funding for motorcycle awareness campaigns? Do they support funding for motorcycle training programs?

These are the things I am concerned about as a motorcyclist.

I know that in politics, motorcyclists are not seen as a large forum. However with the continuing energy and credit crisis, motorcycles sales are increasing and I feel it is it is prudent for the candidates to recognize this growing group.

John McCain recognized this when he spoke to people in Sturgis. Governor Palin has and does support motorcyclists, training/awareness programs, and our rights.

So, thank you to everyone letting me know that Barack Obama supports Harley-Davidson and buying American.

What else regarding motorcyclists and motorcycle rights does he support?

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Spreading The Word That I’m Black….

Two Tone — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:46:32 +0000

There have been lots of talk about how our Govenor, now the Republican candidate for VP, has not seen blacks or my personal favorite…there are NO Black people in Alaska.

Read my post on my other blog: http://www.leray.us/nukem/2008/09/03/hey-idiotsthere-are-blacks-in-alaska/335

We are here, many of us are even bikers (check out www.dawgsofthenorth.com)!

By the by…Sarah Palin supports Bikers. We have always supported her and she knows us and has ridden with us.

So…what’s Obama’s actual stance on Motorcycle rights? In this time of increased motorcycle and scooter sales will he provide change or be more of the same on Motorcycle rights.

I know how Sarah Palin feels about motorcycle rights, I know what McCain said in Sturgis to bikers.

When I go searching I find site like Bikers 4 Obama which is nothing more than an Obamamania site and has absolutely NOTHING to do with bikers or motorcycle issues.

So if you know his stance….help a Brotha out!

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While I’m Helping At The Jerry Lewis Telethon….

Two Tone — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:33:05 +0000

I figured I’d get on a computer and ask you to help us in our quest to find a cure for the many neuromuscular diseases affecting these children.

In case you’re unaware MDA does not go for grants, get funding from the Govenement, United Way, etc.

MDA’s funding is primarily from individual contributors like you and me.

For more on MDA and the telethon, visit http://www.mda.org. For more on MDA’s activities in Alaska, visit http://www.mdaalaska.com.

For more of my reasons why I support MDA, visit http://www.leray.us/nukem/2008/08/31/ill-be-at-the-jerry-lewis-telethon/330.

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Did you see the hiccup?

Two Tone — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:41:46 +0000

So I am now consolidating all my sites to a new server since I sold my company - http://www.apexalaska.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/press-release-8-08.pdf (since it’s no longer my company I figure I should move the personal sites off the “corporate” servers as I don’t think it would be considered a perk anymore) - to my new super server at http://karlspace.com.

I figured I’d move the server last night….

Then I started watching the Olympics, then the movie “Shoot Em Up” came on, then I went into my evening routine - Spike TV Star Trek Voyager followed by Star Trek - Deep Space 9.

Long story short, I did it over lunch!

I have to say I’m impressed…switchover had the site down for only 1 minute, 6.2 seconds!

So on a new server (actually a pretty ROBUST one too if I say so myself), that I lease from my new company so I can say “I’m not only the senior manager, I’m a client!!”

If you can tell me when it went down there’s something in it for you (a one of a kind item that you can’t get anymore now that the Alaska Rally is over)!

Just so you know our company does site monitoring so I know exactly when the site was offline to the hundredth of a second so you need to be accurate.

Another note: I sometimes take LATE lunches!

Good luck!

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It’s The Economy, Stupid!

Two Tone — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:48:12 +0000

(apologies to James Carville)

There have been lots of talk about why motorcycle sales are plummeting across the board (Harley 2Q profit tumbles on fewer shipments/Victory sales fall in second quarter/), especially in this time of high gas prices. So…here is my $0.02….

Motorcycles, for the most part, are considered luxury toys to the general populace and when the economy is bad, people will not consider getting them.

We of the baby boomer generation were argueably the biggest reason for the sales boom as the surging economy allowed many to be able to purchase “that cool motorcycle I’ve always dreamed of owning” as indicated by the sales surge of cruisers and touring models in 2005, 2006 and 2007 (we also have to remember that the “custom chopper” market exploded in 2005 and 2006 as well). These classes of motorcycle are not practical “go to work” vehicles for most middle class white collar workers (I mean… GAWD…how can you expect me to ride to work and not get my clothes wrinkled) or worse ride in the rain!

So can the powersports industry recover? You bet!

Scooters!

Let’s be honest that’s the real money at the moment.Â Both Honda and Suzuki are looking hard at scooters as the means to keep up sales (while Harley-Davidson is looking at buying Italian Motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta Group to tap into the stable European market).

So…what about hybrids?
All the Japanese manufacturers are already testing hybrid motorcycles and American company eCycle has been making hybrid motorcycles since 1996, but it’s just not mainstream…yet.

Until Amreica rethinks transportation, only a select few will see - and apply - the practical benefits of motorcycling.

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