Legends of Racing

“The Indian Wrecking Crew”

Indian Motorcycle’s famous racing team that was dubbed the “Indian Wrecking Crew”, a group of top racers in the late 1940s and early ’50s that included Bobby Hill, Ernie Beckman and Bill Tuman. (Learn More…)

 

Legends A-Z

 

A

J.C. Agajanian: One of America’s top motorcycle race promoters

Giacomo Agostini: World Road Racing Champion and 1974 Daytona 200 Winner

David Aldana: Winner of four AMA Grand Nationals Winner of 1981 Suzuka eight-hour endurance race  

Johnny Allen: 1950s World Speed Record Holder

C.E. Altman: Promoted the Houston Astrodome dirt track races that for many years were the kickoff for the AMA racing season. Pioneer of AMA Supercross events including Houston Astrodome and Pontiac Silverdome.

Hap Alzina: Western states distributor for Indian and BSA. Sponsored many top AMA professional racers.

Brad Andres: 1955 AMA Grand National Champion 1955, ‘59, ‘60 Daytona 200 Winner

Leonard Andres: AMA National Racer, Tuner, Dealer, Sponsor

Leo Anthony, Sr.: 1940s AMA National Dirt Track Racing Champion

Sam Arena Sr.: AMA National Hillclimb Champion 1947-1950 Winner of 1938 AMA Pacific Coast Championship

Bob Armstrong: 1920s Indian Hillclimb Racer

Erle Armstrong: Indian Race Department Manager

Roy Artley: Pioneering motorcycle racer City-to-city run record holder

C.R. Axtell: Dirt Track Tuner, Engine Developer

Walt Axthelm: Third American to ride the International Six Days Trial, Southern California off-road racer of the 1950s and 1960s Many-time winner of off-road events on Catalina Island.

B

Speedy Babbs: Motorcycle stuntman of the 1930s-1960s “Globe of Death” Rider

Frank Baer: Race announcer Promoter Club organizer

Bill Bagnall: AMA Board of Trustees Chairman Publisher

David Bailey: 1980s AMA Motocross & Supercross Champion 1983 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year

Gary Bailey: Pioneering U.S. motocrosser Designer of Supercross tracks

Bill Baird: Winner of seven consecutive U.S. enduro championships. Helped found Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.

Erwin ‘Cannonball’ Baker: Pioneering racer Cross-country record holder

Steve Baker: First American to win a road racing world championship. Winner of 1977 Daytona 200

Mike Baldwin: Five-time AMA Formula One Champion and all-time series wins leader. 27 AMA National wins (F1 & Superbike), a top contender in 1980s AMA Superbike racing and first three-time Suzuka 8 Hour winner. 16 AMA National wins and a top contender in 1980s AMA Superbike racing.

Mark Barnett: Factory Suzuki rider and off-road star of the 1980s. 1980-’82 AMA 125cc and 1981 AMA Supercross champion. Member of 1983 winning Motocross des Nations team.

Dave Barr: A double amputee who rode a Harley-Davidson around the world.

Mike Bast: Seven-time U.S. speedway champion

Jean Michel Bayle: 1991 250cc & 500cc motocross national champion 1991 Supercross champion Two-time motocross world champion Road racer

Vaughn Beals: Part of the team of executives who helped to resurrect the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in the 1980s

Rex Beauchamp: AMA Grand National racer for Harley-Davidson in the 1970s

Ernie Beckman: Member of the famed “Indian Wrecking Crew” Last rider to win an AMA Grand National race on an Indian

Mike Bell: Son of famous race tuner Bill Bell and top off-road star in his own right. Won the 1980 Supercross title

Wells Bennett: 1920s board-track racer, Hillclimber, 24-hour world-record holder, Three-Flags Run record holder, Cross-country competitor with Baker and Remaley

Ralph Berndt: Legendary builder and tuner for four-time Grand National Champion Carroll Resweber and other racers

Dick Bettencourt: Dealer, racer, enthusiast

Doug Bingham: Longtime ambassador for motorcycling Won inaugural AMA Sidecar Road Racing Championship Developed and sold Bingham sidecars Known as “Mr. Sidecar”

Ron Bishop: This Baja legend has ridden all 33 Baja 1000s, 27 Baja 500s, 17 Tecate 500 Enduros, and two ISDTs. Dealer in Escondido still prepping race bikes.

Mark Blackwell: Winner of America’s first 500cc national championship motocross race in 1972 Motocross school instructor

Joe Bolger: Five-time New England Scrambles Champion, mid 1960s and 1970s. Designer and manufacturer of motorcycle tools. Long-time contributing editor for Cycle World, Cycle Sport; engineer and designer.

Ted Boody, Jr.: Winner of 8 dirt-track nationals Top-10 ranking 1981-1986 1985 Grand National Championship runnerup

Cliff Boswell: Founder of the International Brotherhood of Motorcycle Campers. Author of articles and books about traveling and camping by motorcycle.

Earl Bowlby: Winner of 10 AMA national hillclimb titles

Jerry Branch: Famed tuner whose work in air flow improved numerous racing engines

Everett Brashear: Winner of 15 AMA nationals from 1952 to 1960

Bob Braverman: Land-speed record holder and journalist

Mark Brelsford: 1972 AMA Grand National Champion

Eddie Brinck: 1920s Class A Racing Champion

Bill Brokaw: Trials competitor for 50 years. Three-time Southern California champion Enduro, hare and hound, ice-racing competitor.

Becky Brown: Founder of Women in the Wind: uniting, educating and promoting the positive image of women in motorcycling.

Bruce Brown: Creator of Classic Motorcycle Film, “On Any Sunday”

Don Brown: Former Cycle magazine editor, later executive for Johnson Motors Triumph, BSA Inc., Suzuki. Now a respected industry consultant.

Willard “Red” Bryan: Eight-time National Hillclimb Champion, 1938 through 1951. Built his own engines, made heads, cast cylinders, designed and built frames.

Max Bubeck: Greenhorn Enduro Winner, Land Speed Record Holder

Earl Buck: 1940s, ’50s Hillclimb Champion

Erik Buell: Sportbike designer and engineer, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company.

Al Burke: “Old #91” dominated Midwest short-track from 1949 to 1963, winning eight consecutive state dirt track championships.

Edmund Burke: Division Manager, Research and Design for Yamaha Motors Corp. U.S.A. Developed and introduced 36 models to the world market.

Roy Burke: 1947 Class A National Hillclimb Champion, 1952 Open Class C Hillclimb Champion, 1955 Big Bear Grand Prix winner. Motorcycle dealer.

Dick Burleson: Winner of eight consecutive AMA National Enduro Championships Winner of eight consecutive ISDT Gold Medals

Albert “Shrimp” Burns: 1910s, ’20s Class A Racing Champion

C

Ben Campanale: 1938, ‘39 Daytona 200 winner

Ben Nighthorse Campbell: U.S. Senator fighting for motorcyclist rights on the national level.

Chris Carr: Seven-time AMA AMA Grand National Flat Track Champion, 2003 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year, 1985 AMA Rookie of the Year, motorcycle land speed record holder.

Kel Carruthers: Grand Prix Tuner 1969 250cc World Road Racing Champion

Woody Carson: Motorcycle restorer, promoter and former board member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America.

Allen Carter: Engineer at the Indian Motocycle Company in the 1930s and 1940s. Played a key role in the design of many new models.

Woodsie Castonguay: Two-time AMA Class C Champion in the 1930s; first-ever AMA National Class C Champion; amateur hillclimb champion

Tom Cates: Flat-track racer in the 1950s; helped establish Honda’s U.S. dealer network; executive at BSA and later K&N

Danny Chandler: Top motocross racer of the 1980s

Doug Chandler: Three-time AMA Superbike Champion; one of four riders to win the AMA Grand Slam by winning a national on mile, half-mile, short-track, TT and road race courses

Jimmy Chann: 1947-’49 AMA Grand National Champion

Alfred Rich Child: International representative for Harley-Davidson who expanded the company’s sales in Japan and elsewhere around the world

T.C. Christenson: Dominant motorcycle drag racer of the 1970s, inventor of the famous Norton “Hogslayer”

Bill Church: 1910s, ’20s Class A Racing Champion

Charles Clayton: With wife, Sharon, he turned a small West Coast publication into the weekly Cycle News, which serves the sport to this day.

Sharon Clayton: With husband, Chuck, she turned a small West Coast publication into the weekly Cycle News, which serves the sport to this day.

Floyd Clymer: Cycle Magazine Publisher; dealer and racer in the 1920s Class A Racer Promoter

Rod Coates: Engineer, motorcycle dealer, racer and industry executive

A.B. Coffman: First Secretary of AMA, 1924

Russ Collins: Drag-Racing Champion Engine Developer

Pete Colman: Speedway champion, racebike tuner, industry executive Tuner Triumph factory mechanic Vice president of Birmingham Small Arms in ’60s and ’70s

Arthur Constantine: Engineer, Designer for Indian Motocycle Co. and Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles

Wes Cooley: 1979 and 1980 AMA Superbike Champion. Eight AMA Superbike race wins. Member of two winning Suzuka Eight-Hour endurance race teams.

Dave Coombs: Founder of High Point Raceway, Steel City Raceway and Loretta Lynn Nationals Considered founder of arenacross

Mike Corbin: Inventor and founder of Corbin, the top motorcycle seat manufacturer in the world.

Carl Cranke: Penton rider in the 1960s & ’70s; helped develop the Penton motorcycle; 10-time ISDE team member

Al Crocker: Founder of Crocker Motorcycles

Wayne T. Curtin: Motorcycle rights activist, lobbyist for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, former AMA Board member.

Glenn Curtiss: Motorcycle Builder, Aviation Pioneer

Mary Shephard Cutright: Motor Maids President for 12 years, Motor Maids officer since 1952. Dedicated ambassador of the sport.

D

Wally Dallenbach, Sr.: Race car driver and official who founded the Colorado 500 off-road motorcycle event that supports charities and preserves off-road riding areas

Russ Darnell: U.S. motocross pioneer in late 1960s

Arthur Davidson: Co-founder, Harley-Davidson Motor Co., 1903

Walter Davidson: Co-founder, Harley-Davidson Motor Co., 1903

William A. Davidson: Co-founder, Harley-Davidson Motor Co., 1903

William G. Davidson: Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Designer

William H. Davidson: President, Harley-Davidson Motor Co.

Jim Davis: Winner of the first AMA-sanctioned race

Will Davis: Thirty-two career AMA Grand National victories Five-time champion of MARS Racing Series Philanthropist working with Racing for Kids.

Paul Dean: AMA and Paradama Board member, ‘Cycle World’ Vice President and Editorial Director. National Director of racing and manufacturing for Yankee and Ossa.

Roger DeCoster: Five-Time Motocross World Champion Trans-AMA Champion Motocross des Nations Champion

Trevor Deeley: Racer, Harley-Davidson Dealer, Distributor

Babe DeMay: Successful dirt-track racer in the 1950s and ’60s, current team owner. Tuned for Mark Brelsford and many other top riders. Current team owner.

Ralph DePalma: 1900s Board Track Champion 1915 Indianapolis 500 Winner

Jacob DeRosier: 1900s Board Track Champion

John DeSoto: AMA Motocross Pioneer

Dave Despain: Race announcer and television host

Marty Dickerson: Set world speed records in 1953 and 1955. Vincent dealer and road racer in the 1950s.

Tony DiStefano: 1975-’77 AMA National Motocross Champion 1977 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year

Doug Domokos: “The Wheelie King” best known stunt motorcyclist in the 1980s & 1990s. His world record for the longest continuous wheelie of 145 miles stood for over 8 years.

Dick Dorresteyn: 1950s-’60s AMA Dirt Track Racer

Floyd Dreyer: Early sidecar racing champion Founder of the first Honda dealership east of the Mississippi

Linda Dugeau: Pioneer and Founder of the Motor Maids of America, the oldest motorcycling organization for women in North America. Motorcycle rider and enthusiast throughout her life.

Yvon Duhamel: 1970s AMA Road Racer

E. Paul DuPont: Major investor and former President of the Indian Motocycle Company in the post-Depression years from 1929 through 1945. Saved the company from financial ruin.

Edison Dye: Pioneer U.S. Motocross Promoter

Chet Dykgraaf: 1946 AMA National Champion

E

Al Eames: Organized 1973 International Six Day Trial in USA

Ted Edwards: 1940s AMA Dirt Track Racing Champion

Kenny Eggers: 1950s AMA Grand National Racer

Bud Ekins: Motocross Pioneer, dealer, Hollywood stunt rider International Six Day Trials Gold Medalist Movie Stuntman

Dave Ekins: Won numerous off-road events, including Baja, Catalina and Greenhorn Enduro. 1964 and ‘66 ISDT Gold Medal winner. Later, a motorcycle journalist.

Steve Eklund: 1979 AMA Grand National Champion

Sprouts Elder: 1920s Speedway Racing Champion

Don Emde: 1972 Daytona 200 Winner, Publisher

Floyd Emde: 1948 Daytona 200 Winner

Jeff Emig: Three AMA Motocross Championships, one AMA Supercross Championship. 1999 US Open of Supercross winner, 37 National victories, member of six Motocross des Nations teams 1992 through 1997.

Debbie Evans: First woman to compete in FIM World Championship Trials event. Top rider in Women’s World Cup Trials competition. Motorcycle stunt rider in over 200 movies and television programs.

George Everett: 1957 & ‘58 Peoria TT National winner, ranked in top six in points 1956-’57.

F

Michael Farabaugh: Motorcycle rights activist for four decades. Executive Director of ABATE of Indiana, founder of Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and Movin’ on Motorcycle School.

Jimmy Filice: Three-time AMA 250cc Grand Prix road-race national champion and winner of 29 AMA nationals

Ed Fisher: Racer, tuner, dealer and life-long motorcycle enthusiast. Winner of the 1953 Laconia 100-mile National Championship road race.

Earl Flanders: Off-road racer, Land Speed Record Steward, Manufacturer, Distributor

Peter Fonda: Motorcycling ambassador providing positive exposure for the sport. Made the road trip famous in “Easy Rider.”

Malcolm Forbes: International Motorcycling Ambassador

Bill France Jr.: Continues with his father’s work of making Daytona one of the most prestigious tracks in the world.

Bill France Sr.: Promoted post-World War II Daytona 200, turned it into one of the world’s most prestigious motorcycle events

Jeff Fredette: “Mr. ISDT/ISDE” multi gold medal winner, national Enduro winner and motorcycle performance product developer.

Curly Fredricks: 1920s Class A Racing Champion

Rollie Free: 1940s land speed record holder

Walt Fulton, Jr.: 1950s AMA Pro Racer, Race Official

G

Joe Gee: 1951 Jack Pine Enduro Champion, Race Official

Johnny Gibson: Winner of 1956 Daytona 200 and over 100 dirt-track, road-race and TT races. Helped organize speedway-racing revival in U.S.

Dick Gilmore: Developer of Two Wheel Trauma and Accident Scene Management classes providing emergency medical training to responders to motorcycle accidents.

Linda Giovannoni: Co-founder of ‘Harley Women’ Magazine.

Broc Glover: 1977-79 125cc motocross national champion 1981, ‘83, ‘85 500cc motocross national champion 50 motocross national wins

Paul Goldsmith: Winner of five AMA Nationals from 1952-1955 Winner of 1953 Daytona 200

Randy Goss: 1980, ‘83 AMA Grand National Champion

Bill Goudy: 1910s Class A Racing Champion

Carl Goudy: 1910s Class A Racing Champion

Ricky Graham: Three-time AMA Grand National Champion 1993 AMA Athlete of the Year

Morty Graves: 1910s Board Track Champion

Bob Greene: Former editor at Cycle and Motorcyclist, author, organizer of Greenhorn Enduro

Al Gunter: 1950s, ’60s AMA Dirt Track Racing Champion

H

Mike Hailwood: 1964 500cc American Grand Prix winner at Daytona.

Torsten Hallman: Multi-time 250cc motocross world champion. Helped introduce motocross to American riders

Fred Ham: Broke Wells Bennett’s 24-hour endurance record in the late 1930s Three-Flags Run record setter

Dick Hammer: Versatile racer who excelled at road race, TT, and flat track First winner of Daytona 250cc class

Bob Hannah: 1976, ‘78, ‘79 AMA Motocross Champion 1977-’79 AMA Supercross Champion 1978 Pro Athlete of the Year

Bob Hansen: Racer, Team Manager, Tuner

Scot Harden: Three-time ISDE medalist, two overall wins at the prestigious Baja 1000.

William S. Harley: Co-founder, Harley-Davidson Motor Co., 1903

T.K. Hastings: First American to compete and medal in ISDE at 1913 event on the Isle of Man

Larry Headrick: 1950 AMA Grand National Champion

Oscar Hedstrom: Co-founder and Chief Engineer of the Indian Motocycle Co.

Tom Heininger: Co-Founder of Webco performance equipment company. Promoter of motorcycling sport and business in 1950s, ’60s, ’70s. President of Motorcycle Industry Council in 1972.

George Hendee: Co-Founder of the Indian Motocycle Company Championship bicycle racer

Thomas Henderson: Co-founder, Henderson Motorcycle Co.

William Henderson: Co-founder, Henderson Motorcycle Co., 1911

Pat Hennen: First American to win a 500cc World Grand Prix road race; was battling with Kenny Roberts for the world championship when a crash prematurely ended his career

Doug Henry: Three-time AMA motocross champion, first to win the title on a four-stroke in the modern era; top racer in the AMA Supermoto Championship

Ralph Hepburn: 1910s, ’20s Class A Racing Champion

Barry Higgins: First American factory-sponsored motocross rider

Bobby Hill: Member of the famed “Indian Wrecking Crew” Winner of the first AMA Grand National Championship

Jimmy Hill: Indian Race Department Manager

Pete Hill: Accomplished Harley-Davidson drag racer. IDBA third place 1979, second place 1980, first place 1981.

Lester Hillbish: 1937 Springfield Mile Champion

Ted Hodgdon: Co-founder, Antique Motorcycle Club of America

J.C. Hoel: Founder of the Sturgis Black Hills Classic

Pearl Hoel: The first lady of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Soichiro Honda: Co-founder of Honda Motor Company

Jules Horky: AMA Competition Director, 1946–’74

Kent Howerton: Three-time AMA Motocross champion, winner of 32 nationals.

Billy Huber: 1940s, ’50s AMA Dirt Track Racing Champion

Larry Huffman: Longtime race announcer Radio and television host The original “Voice of Supercross” Co-writer and co-producer of “On any Sunday II”

Roger Hull: Co-founder of ‘Road Rider’ magazine, AMA Trustee, and one of the first Americans to ride a motorcycle into Russia.

Hugh H. Hurt: Award-winning author and leader of the groundbreaking “Hurt Report” study of motorcycle crashes

J

JackPine Gypsies Motorcycle Club: This historic motorcycle club began in 1936 and has been an AMA chartered club since 1937.

Don Johns: 1910s Dirt Track and Board Track Racing Champion

Bill Johnson: Triumph importer largely responsible for the company’s success in the United States; brought innovative business practices to the industry

Rick Johnson: 1984, ‘86, ‘87, ‘88 AMA motocross champion, 1986, ‘88 Supercross champion 1986, ‘88 AMA Supercross Champion 1986, ‘87 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year

Gary Jones: 1972-74 motocross national champion

Hap Jones: 1920s, ’30s racer; successful dealer, parts distributor Aftermarket Parts Distributor

Maldwyn Jones: Class A Racing Champion

K

Erv Kanemoto: Tuner for many top road-racers. With Freddie Spencer aboard, his machines won the 1985 250cc and 500cc World Road Racing Championships.

Buzz Kanter: Publisher of many magazines such as, ‘American Iron,’ ‘Thunder Alley,’ ‘Motorcycle Tour & Cruiser’ ‘Hottest Custom Iron,’ ‘90 Years of Harley-Davidson.’

Benny Kaufman: 1937 National Speedway Champion

Neil Keen: 1960s and ’70s dirt-track racer; contributed to advances in chassis and engine design as a tuner Part of the original “BSA Wrecking Crew”

Harry Kelley, Jr.: AMA Board of Trustees Chairman, Distributor, Racer

Mike Kidd: 1981 AMA Grand National Champion, Promoter

Mike Kiedrowski: Four-time AMA National Motocross champion

Dick Klamfoth: Three-time Daytona 200 winner AMA National Motocross promoter

Evel Knievel: Motorcycle Stuntman

Hazel Kolb: Motorcycle Ambassador, “Motorcyclin’ Grandma,” First Woman AMA Trustee

Ed Kretz: Winner of the first Daytona 200

Ed Kretz Jr.: Ambassador for motorcycle racing; successful TT and road racer in the 1950s.

Linton Kuchler: Executive Secretary of the AMA in the 1950s and 1960s. Following a stint with NASCAR, he was brought back to lead the AMA in the mid-1970s. Helped launch the creation of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation.

Del Kuhn: 1950 AMA National Enduro Champion. Three-time winner of the Greenhorn Enduro. Class A Enduro Pacific Coast Championship winner in 1948, ‘50, ‘51, ‘52.

L

Allen La Fortune: Ambassador for road riding, “Million Mile Al” was the quintessential motorcycle rider who lived to ride and rode to live.

Brad Lackey: 1972 AMA National Motocross Champion First American to win the 500cc World MX Championship

Wilbur Lamoreaux: Speedway Racing Champion

Danny LaPorte: 1979 500cc motocross national champion Member of first U.S. winning Motocross des Nations team 250cc motocross world champion

Lars Larsson: Motocross and ISDT/ISDE gold medal winner. Among the first Swedish motocrossers to make his mark in the U.S. First Husqvarna factory rider in America.

Eddie Lawson: 1984, ‘86, ‘88, ‘89 500cc World Road Racing Champion 1981, ‘82 AMA Superbike Champion 1984 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year

Mert Lawwill: 1969 AMA Grand National Champion

Aub LeBard: Three-Time Big Bear Enduro Winner, Dealer, Sponsor

Jay Leno: Television star Motorcycling ambassador Enthusiast Collector

Oscar Lenz: Six-Time Jack Pine Enduro Winner

Joe Leonard: 1954, ‘56, ‘57 AMA Grand National Champion

Woody Leone: Triumph Tuner, Dealer

Clifford “Windy” Lindstrom: 1930s-’40s AMA Hillclimb Champion

Gunnar Lindstrom: Racer, engineer

Carey Loftin: Ex-speedway racer who found great success in movie stunt work in the 1930s and ’40s. Member of traveling stunt show.

Fred Ludlow: 1920s Class A Racing Champion

M

Ken Maely: Dirt Track’s Steel Shoe Maker

Walt Mahony: Motorcycle race photographer for 39 years. Took over 435,000 photos and printed over 1 million pictures for racers, fans and publications.

Larry Maiers: Worked at Penton Imports and announced races in the 1970s and ’80s. Later moved onto television with “MotoWorld” and Speedvision

Randy Mamola: 1978 AMA 250cc Grand Prix champion, finished in top 10 in 11 of his 13 seasons in Grand Prix World Championship Three-time winner of Monterey national road race, 13 500cc world championship road-race victories

David Mann: Fine art painter whose work portrays the essence of the motorcycle lifestyle for a generation of riders.

Dick Mann: Two-time AMA Grand National Champion Winner, 1970 Daytona 200 Competed at a national level in dirt track, motocross and road racing 1995 AMA Dud Perkins Award Winner

Denis Manning: Builder of innovative streamliners that have set motorcycle land speed world records

Bart Markel: Three-time AMA Grand National Champion

Freddie Marsh: Lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, racer, Indian and Moto Guzzi dealer. Hillclimber from 1924 to 1988. Continues to ride into his 100’s.

Billy Mathews: 1941, ‘50 Daytona 200 Winner

Robert McClean: President of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, AMHF Board Member, dedicated to collecting, restoring, riding and preserving antique motorcycles.

Jim and Phyllis McClure: Achieved 19 National Drag Bike Championships. Global manufacturer and distributor of the Overkill Engine and parts for nitromethane-powered Harley drag bikes.

Tom McDermott: First American gold medalist in 1949 ISDE Scrambles competitor in England Road-racer Dealer

Jeremy McGrath: Brought to AMA Supercross a previously unseen level of showmanship. Seven AMA Supercross Championships, Two World Supercross Championships, One AMA Motocross Championship.

Victor McLaglen: Motorcycle Drill Team Pioneer

John McLaughlin: Winner of Catalina Grand Prix Open and 250cc classes the same year. Greenhorn Enduro winner. AFM #1 500cc three years.

Steve McLaughlin: Successful road racer in the 1960s and 1970s. Winner of the first AMA Superbike race at Daytona, member of the Transatlantic Match Races team, originated the World Superbike Championship in Europe.

Steve McQueen: Actor, Motorcycle Enthusiast, Off-Road Racer

Fred Merkel: 1984-86 AMA Superbike Champion, 1988-89 World Superbike Champion 1988-’89 World Superbike Champion 20 career AMA Superbike National wins.

Joseph Merkel: Founder of Merkel Motorcycles, engineer

Heikki Mikkola: Four-time World Grand Prix motocross champion

Bill Miller: 1940s, ’50s AMA TT Champion

Herby Miller: Class A Racer

Sammy Miller: Nine-time ISDT gold medal winner; British trials champion 11 consecutive years; designer of trials motorcycles; founder of Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

Cordy Milne: 1930s U.S. Speedway Racing Champion

Jack Milne: 1937 World Speedway Racing Champion, America’s First World Champion

Chuck Minert: BSA Off-Road & Motocross Racer

Howard Mitzel: Eight-time AMA Hillclimb Champion during his 40-year racing career

Emmett Moore: Advertising Director, BSA Motorcycle Co. Co-founder, Antique Motorcycle Club of America

Steve Morehead: Career spanning three decades; dirt-track racer from 1972 to 1999. Upon retirement he was ranked tenth on the all-time AMA Grand National win list, and fourth-ranked in half-mile victories. Currently operations manager for AMA Flat Track.

Putt Mossman: World-famous motorcycle stunt pioneer

Eddie Mulder: 1960s AMA TT Racer, Hollywood and TV stunt rider

Dave Mungenast Sr.: ISDE medalist Enduro rider Dealer

Burt Munro: Set land-speed records on his home-built Indian Scout; his story was the basis of the movie “The World’s Fastest Indian”

Clem Murdaugh: 1940s AMA Hillclimb Champion

N

Cook Neilson: Set new standards in motorcycle journalism as editor of Cycle magazine; helped popularize the new Superbike class in the 70s with his famous Ducati, “Old Blue”

Arlen Ness: Master custom bike builder and a pioneer in the motorcycle customizing industry.

Ed Netterberg: Motorcyclist rights activist, leader and lobbyist for ABATE of South Dakota.

Jody Nicholas: 1960s AMA Road Racer

Nick Nicholson: Versatile racer of the 1940s and 1950s, competing in off-road, trials, road racing and flat-track; motorcycle dealer

Freddie Nix: 1960s AMA Grand National Racer

Gary Nixon: 1967 and 1968 AMA Grand National Champion

O

Dick O’Brien: Harley-Davidson racing team manager in the 1960s

Johnny O’Mara: 1983 AMA 125cc motocross national champion, member of four U.S. Motocross des Nations-winning teams 1984 250cc AMA Supercross champion Member of four winning Motocross des Nations teams 1981, ‘82, ‘84, ‘86

P

Tom Paradise: 1930s, ’40s Hillclimb Champion

Scott Parker: Nine-time AMA Grand National Champion, all-time record 94 Grand National Championship race wins, including 55 AMA National Mile wins, 35 AMA Half-Mile wins. Three-time winner of AMA Pro Athlete of the Year.

Trampas Parker: First American to win two Motocross GP world titles; multi-time Italian national MX champ

Joe Parkhurst: Founder/publisher of Cycle World magazine. He changed the way motorcycle magazines covered the sport. Co-founded Saddleback Park in Southern California.

Leslie “Red” Parkhurst: 1910s, ’20s Class A Racing Champion

Mike Parti: Successful sidecar racer in scrambles and Bonneville speed trials. Today, he is one of the most respected restorers of antique motorcycles.

Leo Payne: Famous drag racer and top-speed competitor aboard his Harley-Davidson Sportsters, including the famous “Turnip Eater” First non-streamliner to go over 200 mph at Bonneville.

Bruce Penhall: 1980s Speedway World Champion, Actor

Duke Pennell: Five-time AMA “Flagman of the Year,” worked for nearly five decades as a race track official starter.

Jack Penton: Twelve-Time International Six Day Trials Competitor

John Penton: Founder of Penton Motorcycles and Hi-Point

Tom Penton: Winning ISDE rider with several medals Penton development pioneer Performance product designer

Dave Perewitz: Custom motorcycle builder, developer of Perewitz Signature Series custom parts and accessories.

Dudley Perkins: Hillclimb champion, race team manager, dealer, sponsor

Bob Perry: 1910s Class A Racing Champion

Joe Petrali: Class A Racing Champion, Land Speed Record Holder, Hillclimb Champion

Preston Petty: Desert and Off-Road Racer, Motocross Pioneer

Jimmy Phillips: 1950s AMA TT Racer

Reggie Pink: 1920s, ’30s hillclimb and endurance racer; dealer, promoter Early Importer of European Motorcycles

Jim Pomeroy: International motocross champion

Terry Poovey: Eleven AMA Grand National wins on mile, half-mile and short track courses.

Ray Price: Drag racing’s Father of the Funnybike, designer of the wheelie bar and developer of the 2-speed automatic transmission for drag racers.

Reg Pridmore: AMA Superbike National Champion in 1976, 1977 and 1978. Founder of CLASS motorcycle schools.

R

Wayne Rainey: 1990-’92 500cc World Road Racing Champion 1983, ‘87 AMA Superbike Champion

Ronnie Rall: Top 1960s and ’70s Midwest dirt-track racer. Ranked third in AMA Grand National points in 1964. Winner of five AMA Nationals.

Cal Rayborn II: 1968, ‘69 Daytona 200 Winner Land Speed Record Holder

John Reed: Legendary custom motorcycle designer, owner of Uncle Bunt’s Chop Shop and in-house designer for Custom Chrome.

Herb Reiber: 1930s AMA Hillclimb Champion

Roger Reiman: Three-time Daytona 200 winner First to win at Daytona International Speedway Winner of the only Daytona 200 run in the rain

Carroll Resweber: Four-time AMA Grand National Champion

Gene Rhyne: 1930s AMA National Hillclimb Champion

Jim Rice: Versatile 1960s and ’70s dirt-track star. Won six AMA Nationals during the 1970 season alone.

Branscombe Richmond: National spokesman and V.P. of the Office of Public Affairs for the now-defunct Indian Motorcycle Company

Derek and Don Rickman: British motocross racers who later built a successful business building custom frames for motocross, street, and road race bikes

Joel Robert: Six-time motocross world champion Trans-AMA competitor

J.N. Roberts: Desert and Off-Road Racer

Kenny Roberts: First American to win a World 500 Grand Prix title Three time Daytona 200 winner

Dot Robinson: AMA Enduro Champion, co-founder of Motor Maids, pioneer among women riders Motor Maids Co-Founder

Earl Robinson: Jack Pine Enduro Winner, Class C Racer, Sponsor, Dealer

Roxy Rockwood: Race Announcer, Journalist

George Roeder: 1960s Grand National Racer Land Speed Record Holder

Larry Roeseler: 1980s Enduro and Off-Road Racer

Gene Romero: 1970 AMA Grand National Champion 1975 Daytona 200 Winner

Sylvester Roper: American inventor and transportation pioneer who built a steam-powered motorcycle in 1869.

Rip Rose: Roving Editor for ‘Easyriders’ magazine for 27 years, monthly column “Rips Run.” Founder of Rip’s B.A.D. Ride charity run in support of finding a cure for diabetes.

Scott Russell: Five-time Daytona 200 winner known as “Mr. Daytona;” 1992 AMA Superbike champion; 1993 World Superbike champion; Suzuka Eight Hour endurance winner

S

Perry Sands: Founder/Owner of Performance Machine, designer of Performance Machine disk brakes and innovator of custom and racing wheels.

Robert Schanz: Owner of Domi Racer distributor of vintage British and European motorcycle parts. Created an ordering system that became an industry standard.

Donny Schmit: Two-Time World Motocross Champion 1986 125cc Western Supercross Champion

Bernie Schreiber: First American world trials champion in 1979 Instructor and world-wide ambassador of trials 1978 national trials champion

Dave Schultz: Six-time NHRA National Pro Stock Champion 45 NHRA National event wins in 23-year racing career

Kevin Schwantz: 1993 500cc World Road Racing Champion 1988 Daytona 200 Winner

Ignaz Schwinn: Founder, Schwinn Bicycle Co. Owner of Excelsior and Henderson Brands

Gary Scott: 1975 AMA Grand National Champion

Hank Scott: Winner of 17 dirt-track Nationals Factory Honda rider Top-10 ranking 1974-81, ’84

Bubba Shobert: 1985-’87 AMA Grand National Champion 1988 AMA Superbike Champion 1986, ‘87 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year

Tom Sifton: 1930s-’50s Engine Builder, Sponsor

Dale Singleton: The “Flying Pig Farmer” won the Daytona 200 in 1979 and 1981 as a privateer racing against factory teams.

Dal Smilie: Passionate advocate for motorcyclist rights throughout his 35-year industry career. Longest-serving AMA Director, first American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation chairman. Recipient of Motorcycle Safety Foundation Award of Excellence for national safety leadership.

Donnie Smith: Custom motorcycle builder focusing on making beautiful and functional custom bikes.

E.C. Smith: AMA Secretary, 1928-’58

Erwin Smith: Motorcycle dealer since 1940, race sponsor and past president of the Chief Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club.

Jeff Smith: 1964-65 500cc world motocross champion Former executive director of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA)

Malcolm Smith: Off-Road Racing Champion Star of “On Any Sunday”

Marty Smith: 1974-75 125cc motocross national champion 1977 500cc motocross national champion Motocross grand prix and Trans-AMA competitor

George J. Smith Sr.: Founder S&S Cycle, leader in the development and production of high-performance V-Twin engines and aftermarket motorcycle parts.

Roger Soderstrom: Flat-track racer with five national wins at Peoria; long-time dealer in Illinois

Cristine Sommer-Simmons: Co-founder of ‘Harley Women’ magazine, author of many magazine articles, columns and a children’s book on motorcycling

Freddie Spencer: 1983, ‘85 500cc World Road Racing Champion 1985 250cc World Road Racing Champion 1985 Daytona 200 Winner 1983, ‘85 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year

Johnny Spiegelhoff: 1947 Daytona 200 Winner

Jay Springsteen: Three-time AMA Grand National Champion with over 40 National Championship flat track race wins.

Jeff Stanton: Six-time AMA motocross and Supercross champion, leader of winning U.S. Motocross des Nations teams.

Orie Steele, Sr.: Five-time national hillclimb champion in the 1920s, at the height of hillclimb’s popularity

Gary L. Stevens: Founder of Fort Wayne Motorcycle Safety School. Headed Police One Motorcycle Training school.

Bessie Stringfield: In the 1940s, “The Motorcycle Queen of Miami” broke down barriers for women and African American motorcyclists at the same time, completing eight solo cross-country tours and serving as a U.S. Army motorcycle dispatch rider.

T

Babe Tancrede: 1940 Daytona 200 Winner

Sammy Tanner: 1960s AMA Dirt Track Racer, Distributor

Lee Taylor: 1910s Class A Racing Champion

Shell Thuet: Legendary race tuner. In the 1960s, his rider, Elliott Schultz, dominated Ascot. Later sponsored Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson.

John Tibben: Long-time successful AMA Flat Track racer and ambassador of the sport.

Rolf Tibblin: 1962 and 1963 500cc World Motocross Champion. Member of Sweden’s championship-winning Motocross of Nations team in 1961 and 1962.

Walter and Lucille Timme: Motorcycle dealers since 1938 and long-standing officers of the Pueblo Motorcycle Club.

Fred Toscani: The last Class A National Champion. Won 9 AMA National titles from 1933 to 1938.

Elmer Trett: Father of modern-day drag racing Eight-time drag-racing champion First rider to top 200, 210, 220 and 230 m.p.h. Still holds record of 6.06 seconds at 235 m.p.h.

Marty Tripes: Won the inaugural Superbowl of Motocross race at age 16 Winner of 11 AMA Nationals

Gavin Trippe: Originator of televised “Superbikers” competition, precursor to Supermoto; promoter of motocross and road race events and co-founder of Motor Cycle Weekly

Bill Tuman: Member of the famed “Indian Wrecking Crew” Winner of the last single-day AMA Grand National Championship in 1953

U

U.S. Trophee and MX des Nations Team, 1981: The team of Donnie Hansen, Danny LaPorte, Johnny O’Mara and Chuck Sun swept the 250cc Trophee des Nations and the 500cc Motocross des Nations, beginning a 13-year period of domination by the United States of America teams. LaPorte and O’Mara are the first “double inductees” having been inducted on their individual performances in 2000, and now as part of these teams.

Joe Uebelacker: 1930s AMA Hillclimb Champion

Pete Uebelacker: 1930s-’50s AMA Hillclimb Champion

Billy Uhl: Five-time ISDT gold medal winner, Motorcyclist magazine All-Star Award recipient, Cycle News columnist

V

Gilles Vaillancourt: Pioneer in development of modern motorcycle suspension

Skip Van Leeuwen: 1960s AMA TT Racer, aftermarket parts businessman

A.F. Van Order: Racer, Historian

Adeline and Augusta VanBuren: These sisters’ 1916 cross-country ride proved to the U.S. military that women were fit to serve as dispatch riders. The Van Burens were the first women to make the transcontinental journey on two solo motorcycles.

Terry Vance: Drag Racing Champion, Manufacturer, Team Owner

Don Vesco: Land Speed Record Holder, Road Racer, Dealer

Craig Vetter: Fairing and Motorcycle Designer, Innovator, Racer

W

Ed Waldheim: President of the California Off-Road Vehicle Association, which he greatly expanded, and a lifelong activist for off-road riders

Gene Walker: 1910s, ’20s Class A Racing Champion

Otto Walker: 1910s, ’20s Class A Racing Champion

Theresa Wallach: Motorcycle adventurer and author who founded Easy Motorcycle Riding Schools, Inc. and published a training manual of same name. First Vice President of Women’s International Motorcycle Association.

Miny Waln: 1930s AMA Class A Racing Champion

Buzz Walneck: Motorcycle enthusiast helping the antique sport thrive and grow through ‘Walneck’s Cycle Trader’ magazine.

Bruce Walters: Midwestern dealer and event promoter who was largely responsible for the success of the AMA-sanctioned Peoria TT.

Jeff Ward: 1984, ‘85, ‘88-’90 AMA Motocross Champion 1985, ‘87 AMA Supercross Champion

Joe Weatherly: 1940s, ’50s Class C Racing Champion

Jimmy Weinert: 1974, ‘75 AMA Motocross Champion 1976 AMA Supercross Champion

Ray Weishaar: 1910s, ’20s Class A Racing Champion

Bill Werner: Legendary Harley-Davidson tuner; 130 wins and 13 Grand National Championships

Ralph White: 1963 Daytona 200 winner Finished 1963 ranked third in AMA Grand National points. 1965 winner of Loudon, Indianapolis and Springfield Nationals.

Earl Widman: Racer, Dealer, Sponsor, AMA Official

Jack Wilson: Dealer, tuner, sponsor in AMA Class C races Epecially well-known for his role in numerous Bonneville speed records

Margaret Wilson: Over 50 years of active involvement, leadership and excellence in motorcycling. Recipient of the AMA Bessie Stringfield award, Golden Life Member of the Motor Maids, AMHF Board Member.

Melbourne Wilson: Former dirt track racer, long-time dealer, supporter of numerous racers and ambassador for the sport

Leroy Winters: Jack Pine Enduro Winner International Six Day Trials Competitor

Steve Wise: Superbikers champion, winner of AMA Motocross Nationals, Supercross and Road Race events 1982 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year Pioneered Christian Ministry for Pros

Charles “Red” Wolverton: Cross-Country Record Holder, Engineer, Hillclimber

George Wyman: The first to cross the United States on a motorcycle in 1903 on a 90cc California

Y

Pops Yoshimura: Tuner, product designer and developer

Ed Youngblood: AMA President, 1981-99

Z

Senator Dave Zien: Wisconsin Senator and motorcycle rights advocate at the state level

 

 

Information collected from the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

 

 

Clothes Make The Rider

Whether you own a Harley or just want to look like you do, the clothes you wear can make or break you. The true Harley Davidson experience requires a little preparation besides the bike. Most dealerships also sell clothes, or purchase them online.

The Black leather jacket is the first clothes item that comes to mind. Harley Davidson has a trademark black leather jacket. This jacket is worn not only for attitude, but to protect the rider from the elements. It is important to get a jacket that fits. Leather sizing is not always the same as regular street clothes sizing. Also remember that leather will stretch a little and mould to your body shape with frequent wearing. This does not mean that you should buy a size smaller as leather only gives in areas that it needs to. If you can’t afford a leather jacket, a vest made of leather or denim with a Harley Davidson logo may be a good substitute.

Black leather pants are also important for the rugged rider clothes look. Buying leather pants at the same time as the jacket will ensure that the color of the dyes matches if that is important to you. There are several different styles available ranging from classic leather pants, to black leather motorcycle chaps that are worn over jeans or other pants.

Black leather boots are classic Harley Davidson attire. They scream the word “tough”. They are available in several styles for both men and women. Women may also choose clogs and sandals, however these are not recommended for serious riding.

Should motorcycle riders wear helmets or not? This is a question that has been left up to the rider to answer. If safety is as important as the clothes you wear a Harley Davidson half helmet may be just what you are looking for. Several other styles are available if you can’t pull off this classic look.

Whether you choose a helmet or not, goggles are valuable eye protection that keeps out dust and bugs, as well as adding to “the look”. No one looks cool with a dead bug in his or her eye.

Gloves are also popular with riders. They are of course made of black leather too, and may be open tipped, full fingers and even heated. Gauntlets with fringe look especially cool.

These are the basic pieces of a Harley Rider’s clothes wardrobe. Other options include t-shirts, jeans, special rain gear, bandanas, watches and sunglasses. Leather saddlebags are also a good investment.

There are several articles of clothes available for your special little rider as well. Everything from diaper covers and micro-sized leather jackets to teeny leather boots. It’s never too early to love a Harley.

Motorcycle leathers represent a significant investment. Proper care should be taken to preserve and protect these articles, especially if the wearer is a dedicated rider who rides in any weather. Waterproofing and cleaning properly will help keep leather clothes supple and looking good, as well as promoting longevity of wear.

Finding The Right Harley Accessory

Finding just the right accessory to give to your favorite Harley Davidson rider is fun and easy. Even if that favorite rider is you! There are three basic categories to know when you are searching.

Items that can be added to your wardrobe, or that can be worn. Any accessory in this category would include black leather jackets, pants, chaps or other items of outerwear. It also includes headgear such as helmets, sunglasses, goggles and masks. Hats, caps and bandanas are also popular. Bandanas can be either for the head or around the neck. Next up are belts, belt buckles, watches and other small items like lighters, jewelry, key chains, money clips, patches, pins and scarves. Purses are also a great gift for the ultimate biker chick and perfume is even an option. T-shirts are also available and don’t forget underwear. Clothing even comes in kids’ sizes for your favorite little biker. It is important to know what size whomever you are buying for is. Better too big than too small, better still that it fits.

The second category is for items that can be added to your motorcycle. Any accessory in this category would include anything that would give you a more comfortable and stylish ride. Luggage racks and saddlebags for example, provide storage on long trips. Radios and navigation equipment are also fun. A more practical accessory might include grips, decorative gas caps, timer covers, license plate frames, medallions, mirrors, covers and cleaning products. Handlebars, gas tanks, floorboards and footpegs, fuel gauges and the most popular items to give your bike a new look-chrome fenders and other chrome accessories are another way to go. Practical or custom, whatever you want is available.

The third category is reserved for any Harley Davidson accessory that can be used in the home. These items are for fun. Books, calendars, computer software, music collections, videos and handheld games are appearing on the market. Other items include dartboards, posters and other pictures, coffee cups, coasters, clocks, piggy banks-especially ones shaped like motorcycles, bottle openers, wine glasses, shot glasses, beer mugs and other dishware. Playing cards are a must. And for the true Harley fan there are table and chair sets, storage units, popcorn machines and even game tables. Don’t forget to check out the pet gear as well. Truly there is something for everyone.

Most Harley Davidson dealerships offer some of these items for sale. The best place to find that special Harley Davidson accessory just may be online. Just open your browser, go to your favorite search engine, type in Harley Davidson accessory and hold on for the ride. Trade magazines are also full of ads. Biker rallies and Harley Davidson sponsored events should also have merchants hawking their wares.

If you are buying online make sure you pay through a secure site, and be aware of any return and refund policies. While you are searching for that perfect accessory, you might even find a good free Harley Davidson screensaver to download on to your computer!

H-D Racing

H-D motorcycles were raced almost from the beginning of the company. In fact the very first appearance of a motorcycle created by William Harley and the Davidson brothers, Arthur, Walter, and William, was in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin motorcycle race.

H-D created an official racing department in 1914, but even before that co-founder Walter Davidson rode a stock single cylinder machine to victory in The Federation of American Motorcyclist endurance and reliability contest of 1908. This race, which had 65 competitors, was a grueling 2-day event that was held on 365 miles of dirt roads in the Catskill Mountains. Davidson earned the only perfect score.

By 1912 H-D had added speed to their successful racing equation by setting a new record at the Bakersfield Road Race. The success of H-D racers, whether on muddy dirt roads, or wooden plank tracks continued despite the interruption of World War I. H-D shattered speed records by 1921, becoming the first motorcycles to reach speeds of 100 miles per hour during a race. H-D racers were known as “the Wrecking Crew, because of this success.

Notoriety continued when a H-D sidecar one the first annual Pike’s Peak race in 1916, and another H-D claimed first place in the 1922 Adelaide to Melbourne South Australia race.

Joe Petrali was one of the best H-D racers of the early Twentieth Century. In the six years between 1931 and 1936, Petrali amassed the most National points five times. The year 1935 proved to be his best season with his winning of every race on the 13-stop National schedule. Petrali also set a speed record in 1937 by riding a 1937 Model E 61 cubic inch V-Twin Streamliner at speeds of 136.183 miles per hour, at Daytona Beach. He also won the National Hillclimb Championship 8 years in a row beginning in 1929. What a guy!

Racing was halted for the H-D team and others with the start of World War II. Petrali did not return to the circuit when the war was over but H-D continued to dominate the scene.

The tradition of great H-D racing continues today with both drag racing and flat track racing. Most national championship races are managed by the AMA in the United States. These include the AMA Supercross Series, AMA Superbike Championship, AMA Motorcross Championship, and AMA Flatrack Championship. The National Hot Rod Association is another great racing venue for H-D riders.

The VRSXE Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod Destroyer is H-D’s current pride and joy of drag racing machines. This bike can do a quarter mile run in less than 10 seconds. This machine is not street legal and ill see limited production.

The Buell Motor Company, a subsidiary of Harley Davidson also produce bikes for racing. Buell motorcycles are available at select Harley dealers. Buell racing teams are definitely up and coming, claiming top spots in several recent racing events. This success is propably due to the fact that the founder of the company, Eric Buell was not only a racer himself, but worked as an H-D engineer before forming his own company.

Preventing The Need For Costly Repair

Proper motorcycle maintenance and preparation before riding will prevent the need for costly repair jobs. The Internet abounds with motorcycle repair videos, DVDs, books and magazines. If you prefer not to go to an authorized repair center, it is possible to learn how to do-it-yourself.

A quick pre-ride check of your bike will help prevent the need for repair, especially if you are going on a long road-trip, and even if you are just riding to the store.

First check the oil and the oil filter. Learning how to change your own filter will save time and money. If you do change your own oil make sure to dispose of the old oil properly. It should be sealed in an approved container and taken to a legitimate oil disposal facility. This is a good time to check the other fluid levels as well.

Next check the controls to make sure they all operate properly. Controls include front and rear brakes, throttle, clutch and shifter. Also check to see that the steering mechanism works smoothly. This may be done by turning the handlebars through the full operating range.

You should check your tire pressure often. If you are touring, carry a tire gauge and check it daily. The owner’s manual that comes with your bike will tell you what the correct tire pressure should be. Remember that air pressure can change with air temperature. When you check your tire pressure you should also check the condition of your tires. Replace any tires that have less than 50 percent of the tread left. Also replace tires that have cracks, cuts or signs of wear. You should not try to repair a tire unless there is no other option. Even then it is a short-term solution.

Make sure to check for any fuel, oil, or hydraulic fuel leaks. Check both the cases and the lines for leaks. Running out of oil out in the middle of nowhere will definitely mean costly engine repair or even replacement.

Check your headlights, taillights, and turning signals and brake lights. Get into the habit of doing this every time you ride. This is for your own protection letting other drivers see you as well as letting you see them. Instructions on replacing bulbs should be in your owner’s manual. Oh, by the way, if you bought a used bike and the owner did not give you a manual, try looking on line.

Now check your battery. You may actually double the life of your battery by checking and maintaining water levels regularly. This is as simple as shining a flashlight into the opening and filling to the indicated level. You may also consider installing a battery charger with a convenient disconnect.

Finally before you start out, check the position of the mirrors. Do this while you are sitting on the bike to ensure that they are correctly positioned.
Following this simple maintenance plan can save you time, money and the need for repair. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, find the closest Harley Davidson dealership to help you out.

Famous Harley Davidson Riders

Though it’s not documented the very first woman to ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle was probably Janet Davidson. Janet was an aunt of Arthur, Walter and William Davidson. She helped her nephews out by using her artistic talents to paint pinstriping and lettering on their motorcycles.

Several other women are notable in the just over 100-year history of the Harley Davidson Company. In 1929 Vivian Bale road her 45 Twin D Harley on a trip of almost 5,000 miles. Along the way she stopped to meet with dealers of her favorite ride. After completing this legendary trip she spent many more years riding and performing motorcycle stunts at various racing events in Florida.

Brigitte Bardot was a famous movie star and pinup star in the 1950’s. In the 1960’s she became so enamored by Harley Davidson Motorcycles that she debuted her hit single entitled Harley Davidson. Also popular was a photograph of her astride her favorite motorcycle. She is wearing hot pants and a partially unzipped leather jacket.

Well-known actress Elizabeth Taylor rode a Purple Passion motorcycle that was given to her by her friend Malcolm Forbes. It was said that the bike matched her famous eyes.

Peter Fonda is probably one of the most famous male Harley Davidson Riders thanks to the 1969 movie Easy Rider. Dennis Hopper also appeared in this movie and the photo of a scene showing them both together, each atop his Harley is still sough after today.

Malcolm Forbes, the founder of Forbes magazine and one of the wealthiest men ever, not only loved giving Harley Davidson’s to friends as gifts, he owned more than 50 of them himself. Forbes began riding motorcycles in his late 40’s and enjoyed it so much he began collecting them. His personal endorsement of the Harley made its sales soar to new heights.

Jay Leno is another celebrity who is known for his love of Harley Davidson motorcycles. He loves them so much that not only does he own several, but he also does his own maintenance and repair work.

Several other well-known Harley Davidson riding celebrities include: Elvis Presley, Don Johnson, Jackson Browne, Mickey Rourke and Tina Turner. And who can forget Arnold Schwarznegger and His Terminator role. Former President of the United States, Bill Clinton also posed astride a Harley during his campaign.

Though not famous in a good way, the hard-core motorcycle gang known of as the Hells Angels also favor Harley Davidson bikes. There is no known link to the Harley Davidson Company. This motorcycle club began in 1948 and by the 1960’s was notorious throughout the United States and Canada. Tied to drugs and crime just the site of these bikers was enough to strike fear into an entire town whenever they rode through. Today the Hell’s Angels sponsor several charitable events in the United States and Canada. Unfortunately they still frequently appear in the news for criminally related activities. The motorcycle club has been deemed an established criminal organization by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

What Is A Motorcycle Rally?

A motorcycle rally is a gathering of motorcycle riders. Rallies are usually sponsored by specific motorcycle clubs or organizations, but may be attended by anyone though some are open only to adults. Vendors are usually present offering all sorts of motorcycle accessories and services.

If you go to a motorcycle rally you will find a variety of events and entertainment. It is also a good place to see new, custom and vintage bikes. You may even be able to test-drive the latest offerings with demo rides by top manufacturers.

What else might you find at a rally? Music is big. Some rallies combine with music festivals and over great live entertainment. Remember these are scheduled events not just random gatherings. Most rallies take place every year and get bigger and better each year.

Poker runs are another rally staple. A poker run is an organized motorcycle event where riders travel along a preset course, stopping at designated spots to select a card. At the end of the run, the rider with the best poker hand wins. The rules vary from rally to rally.

If you are actually in charge of planning a poker run at your next rally, here’s what you need to know. The more organized you can be, the smoother it will go. Also if you are running on public roads you need to consider safety, not only for the motorcycle riders, but also for other motorists not on the run. Speed should not be a consideration of the event.

If you have several riders you will probably want to start from the same location and have a staggered start. The easiest method is to subtract three minutes for every rally participant in the poker run from your total time, then set up the course to be this long at average legal driving speeds. If you have 30 participants, 30 x 3 = 90 minutes. Four hours minus 90 minutes equals 2 and half hours of travel time. You will want to have at least 5 checkpoints along the course for riders to pick up cards. Ten or more checkpoints will allow them to discard some of their cards, but it is not necessary.

Make sure you have a good map of the area you are holding your poker run in. Mark all the checkpoints clearly or make it more of a challenge by giving rally participants clues on where the checkpoints are located. Whichever method you choice, each participant that reaches the checkpoint gets a playing card.

The finally consideration is whether to charge an entry fee and what the prize will be. Poker runs are a great way to earn money for charity. The higher the entry fee and prize the more organized you will have to be.

Motorcycle shows and fun runs are another option. Most shows have several categories including events for women and scooters. Motorcycle rallies have drawn crowds for years and lists can be found online if you want to go see why.

How Choppers Evolved

Choppers came into being in the 1960’s and 1970’s. They were the next step in motorcycle evolution after the “bobber”. The bobber came about after American soldiers returned home from World War II. While they remained loyal to the Harley Davidson company, riders that had served oversees just weren’t quite satisfied with the machines the company was producing. These riders remembered the motorcycles they had seen in Europe that were more lightweight and more exciting. Most hade been trained to work on motorcycles and automobiles in the service. They began to get together and talk about improvements.

To make the bike lighter, riders began removing or shortening the fenders. The front fender was usually removed completely, while the back fender was made short enough to just protect the passenger from mud and water thrown up by the rear tire. This is where the term bobber came from. Riders continued to make changes or customizing their bikes and eventually the “chopper” was born. Their original purpose was for dirt track racing.

The term chopper comes from the process of chopping. Riders began chopping off any part they felt was unnecessary. This included windshields, front fenders, big headlights, crash bars and big seats. The standard large footrests were replaced with forward-mounted foot pegs. The fuel tank was made smaller. This made the bike lighter.

Next, riders began raking the front end of their choppers so that the angle of the fork to the ground decreased allowing for an increase in the wheelbase. They also raised the handlebars and called them ape hangers.

Anything that was thought too big or unnecessary was either made smaller or removed. The front tire was made small; the rear tire was made fat. Each rider created the bike he wanted to ride.

As always, as soon as this rage caught on, enterprising individuals began designing and creating custom bikes to sell to other riders so they didn’t have to do the work themselves. Choppers began to be built, not just chopped. While this trend slowed for a few years, it seems to have made a comeback. Custom built choppers created by top designers are greatly prized and sought after.

The Shovelhead FX Super Glide was one such Harley Davidson model to come out of the chopper evolution. Choppers became especially popular after the film Easy Rider, starring Peter Fonda, was released in 1969.

Should You Buy A New Harley Davidson?

Buying a new motorcycle is easy, right? You just pick a model, go to the nearest dealer and pay for it. Okay maybe not, especially if this will be your first motorcycle.

Owning a Harley Davidson motorcycle is like owning a legend. A new Harley is an investment, not just a purchase. They are also expensive, so knowing what you want, what you need and what you can handle is very important before you fork over the cash.

Before you purchase a new bike, do some research. Not all Harleys are suitable for cruising. Just because a bike looks good doesn’t mean it’s right for you. You want to find one that runs well, is comfortable to ride, and that you can handle. If you are just starting out you may want to start with a smaller bike until your skills improve.

Touring bikes are the heaviest of the Harley machines. A new touring bike ranges from $16, 000 to over $20,000 without customization. Models include the FLHR Road King, the FLHRS Road King Custom, the FLHRC Road King Classic, the FLHX Street Glide, the FLTR Road Glide, The FLHT Electra Glide Standard, the FLHTC Electra Glide Classic, and the FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

Slightly smaller and faster are the VRSC models. They include the VRSCAW V-Rod, the VRSCD Night Rod, the VRSCXD Night Rod Special, the VRSCX, and the VRSCR Street Rod. These sweet rides range from $14,000-$20,000.

The next lightest models are the Softails and start at around $14,000 to just under $18,000. These models include the FXST Softail Standard (a barebones model), FXSTB Night Train, FXSTC Softail Custom, FXSTD Softail Deuce, FLSTF Fat Boy, FLSTN Softail Deluxe, FLSTSC Softail Springer Classic, and the FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic.

Next up are the Dyna models. They sell for between just over $12,000 to just under $17,000. These models include the FXD Dyna Super Glide, the FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom, the FXDB Dyna Street Bob, the FXDL Dyna Low Rider, and the FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide.

The lightest new Harley you could buy, both in weight and price is a Sportster model. These gems are available for between $6,500 to just under $10,000 for a special 50th Anniversary limited addition model. Sportsters include the XL**# Sportster 883, the XL883L Sportster 883 Low, the XL883C Sportster 883 Custom, the XL883R Sportster 883, the XL1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster, the XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom, the XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster and the XL1200l Sportster 1200 Low.

Some riders consider the Sportster the most difficult to ride despite its lightness. This is due to the high placement of the gas tank and the bikes center of gravity. Try it out first; don’t just assume you will like the ride.
Whichever model you choose, you should try it before you buy it. Get on a new bike, start it up, and listen to the engine. Feel the vibrations. Take the bike for a ride. You may need to test-ride several models before you buy a new Harley. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Harley-Davidson “The History of the Bike”

The Harley Davidson Company officially began with the completion of its first bike in 1903. Unofficially it all began in 1901 when 21-year-old William S. Harley drew up plans for a small engine that displaced 7.07 cubic inches and had 4-inch flywheels. He designed this engine for use on a regular pedal-bicycle frame.

By 1903 William Harley had joined with his boyhood friend Arthur Davidson, as well as Arthur’s brother Walter. They used the machine shop of their friend Henry Melk to complete the prototype of their first engine-powered bike. The engine that powered this prototype was not quite powerful enough to propel the motored-bike up Milwaukee’s modest hills without the rider resorting to pedal power.

The first “real” Harley Davidson Motorcycle was finally completed with additional help from another Davidson brother named William. It had a bigger engine of 24.74 cubic inches with 9-3/4 inch flywheels weighing 28 pounds. The new bike was functional by September 08, 1904, and made its first appearance in a Milwaukee motorcycle race.

The company produced three motorcycles in 1903, followed by 3 more in 1904. Production rose to 8 completed cycles in 1905, allowing Walt Davidson to quit his job with the railroad and become the company’s first full-time employee. The Davidson’s aunt, Janice Davidson also began helping out by using her artistic talent to letter and pinstripe the bikes, which were painted black with gold trim.

The first Harley Davidson Motor Company factory was built in 1906 on Chestnut Street. It was a modest 40 by 60 foot single story wooden structure. Chestnut Street was later renamed Juneau Avenue, and though the original structure was replaced, this location remains the Motor Company’s corporate headquarters to this day. A total of 50 motorcycles were produced in 1906.

The following year, 1907 brought about much change for the fledgling company. William S. Harley graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in mechanical engineering. The factory was expanded and the company officially incorporated. Production increased to 150 motorcycles in 1907.

Another monumental change that occurred in 1907 was the completion of a prototype of a 45-degree V-Twin engine. These engines displaced 53.68 cubic inches and produced about 7 horsepower, just about doubling the hill-climbing power of the first singles. Production continued to increase to 450 motorcycles in 1908 followed by 1,149 in 1909.

Success continued in the years that followed. The original factory was demolished and replaced by a new 5-story structure of reinforced concrete and red brick. It soon grew to take up two blocks along Juneau Avenue and around the corner on 38th Street. During this period bikes produced by Harley Davidson began to dominate the motorcycle racing arena and production reached 16,284 in 1914.
World War I saw the demand for motorcycles in the military. Harley Davidson provided over 20,000 motorcycles to military forces during World War I. Improvements and increased production continued after the war. The Harley Davidson Motor Company was in fact one of only 2 American cycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression. The company continued to produce machines for the military throughout World War II and the Korean War. The Jeep then replaced it in popularity.

The Harley Davidson Motor Company is still going strong today, despite bumps and bruises along the way. You will recognize it on the Stock Market under the symbol HOG.

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