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Whether you're a die hard Harley rider or you wouldn't be caught pushing one around a deserted parking lot, there is no denying that few motorcycle companies have achieved the success that Harley-Davidson has over their 112 year history. But who were the visionaries behind this iconic brand?   Most would guess that it was probably some guy named Harley and his partner Davidson, which would be pretty close to the truth. A more complete version is that Harley-Davidson was founded by William...

Half a decade ago something shifted in the motorcycle word. A movement of people realized they wanted something more then just a purchased experience, they wanted a hands on, get down and dirty real life struggle – A real left experience. It was a movement of people who saw pictures and heard stories of “The Good Ol’ Days” from their Grandparents. Simultaneously the economy in the gutter, and the Old Timers started clearing out their collections of rusty motorcycles, liquidating basement...

After posting record sales results for the month of January, Triumph has started 2015 as the top selling European brand in North America. These results are based on unit sales in the on-road and dual-sport categories for the U.S. and Canada.   Sales in the United States rose 66% in January over the same period last year. A significant gain by any measure, but the 379% sales growth experienced in Canada over this time period is extraordinary. Triumph even claims its dealers outsold a...

For some reason, it's good to know that a couple of Roman Pontiffs are bikers at heart or at least have a soft corner for motorcycles. Recently it was Pope Francis’ turn to be associated with the name of the legendary cruiser motorcycle, as a Harley-Davidson FLSTC 103ci Heritage Softail Classic bearing Pope Benedict XVI’s screen-printed signature went up for auction last Thursday at Bonhams auction house in Paris. The cruiser was sold for €46,000 (US$ 51,865). All proceeds from the auction...

Depending on who you ask, we California riders have it good: We're allowed to split lanes. Being able to do so makes California unique among all 50 states. While lane splitting here is technically legal, it's still very controversial— even California riders can't seem to agree on how, or even if, it should be done. Now another state, Washington, is considering adding a law that would legalize lane splitting (sorta—we'll get to that after the jump, so read on and get your comments...

Wheelies are perhaps one of the most recognized and coolest antics associated with moto-badassery (we make up words here, get with it.) Onlookers drop their jaws at the sight of a bike doing an unbridled horse impersonation. Since the invention (origins unknown) of the one-wheeled hooliganism, riders strive to improvise and demonstrate what more can be done with a bike.   Now we have stoppies, wheelie donuts and so much more. Yet, the thrill and excitement of a well-executed wheelie...

Compass Expeditions, the world’s only motorcycle tour company to be included in National Geographic’s “Top 50 tours of a lifetime” list, has added to its fleet of South American bikes BMW’s F800GS, R1200GS, as well as an F700GS with lowered suspension.   “As one of the only international motorcycle tour companies that own their own motorbikes in South America, we felt that it was important to offer a variety of bike sizes for our clients,” says Mick McDonald, founder of Compass. “For the...

The American International Motorcycle Expo, the powersports industry’s largest combined trade and consumer show will host the AIMExpo Championship of the Americas at the 2015 event, October 15-18 in Orlando, Florida. As an officially affiliated show to the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, this dynamic new feature showcasing top custom motorcycles and their builders will appeal to trade, media and consumer attendees alike. For the first time in motorcycling history there will...

If pottering up and down green lanes isn’t enough to prove the Triumph Tiger’s off-road prowess then how about a gruelling, non-stop 24 hour rally through the Alps? Still not convinced? Well perhaps whacking through the sea at a 100mph on road tyres in 60mph winds ought to do it.   Last week I took my Tiger 800 XC up to rainy Glasgow to meet stunt rider extraordinaire Kevin Carmichael. I wanted to see what a pro could do with my bike and he suggested going sideways on his local beach....

The American Motorcyclist Association expresses its most sincere condolences to the friends and family of Melbourne J. “Mike” Wilson, who passed away Feb. 2. He was 94. Mr. Wilson, an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and longtime patron of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, was preceded in passing by his wife and fellow Hall of Famer Margaret Wilson last July. The couple was awarded the AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. “As American motorcycling’s first couple and two of the...