Greetings Riders,

 

Well, I have to admit, it has been pretty tough looking at all of the photo’s on Facebook of people who have gone to Sturgis. Seeing all of the familiar pictures of places we have been is really bringing back some good memories. For those of you that have been there, the Black Hills offers some of the most entertaining riding that there is. The unique roads, the animals that you encounter and the raw beauty of the area, really reaches deep in your soul and plants the seed to come back. We will do that soon, but not this year.

 

There are many memories from our last trip there, but the hundreds of buffalo in the middle of the road and walking past us was at the top of the adrenaline meter for sure. Click Here to see the view from my seat as we were stopped for 30 minutes to wait them out. This big boy decided to stop next to me and voice his displeasure of us being there. If you want to experience what it was like in real life to be in the middle of this, complete with the grunting of these guys, which is pretty creepy, Click Here to see 1:44 Video. (Go Full Screen in lower right) Near the end of this, you will see what the one was doing in the previous picture.

 

Going through my photos of the Sturgis trip a couple of years ago, has really stoked me to get out on the road. The pig tail bridges, the tunnels with Mt. Rushmore in the background, the buffalo, and of course, Mt. Rushmore, which should be on everyone’s bucket list to see, is enough to get you pumped up to ride. Not to mention all of the beautiful scenery between here and there through Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Utah is tremendous. If you would like to see the story and photos of the Sturgis area, Click Here and Click Here.

 

One of the big news stories from Sturgis this year was the unveiling of the new Indian Motorcycles. The Indian brand is now owned by Polaris Industries, the $3.2 billion-a-year maker of snowmobiles and ATV’s. It looks like they have come out with three models that include the Indian Chief Classic starting at $18,995, the Indian Chief Vintage at $20,999 and the Indian Chieftain at $22,999. As you can see, the pricing is pointed directly at competing with the Harley Davidson touring models. Sure beats the $37k price tag on the last Indians.

 

The bikes feature the Thunderstroke 111 cubic inch air cooled V-Twin motors that produce 115 lb-ft of torque with a 6 speed transmission and overdrive. Interesting that they came out with one more cubic inch and report 3 more lb-ft of torque than the Harley engine. Again, aimed right at the HD market. All bikes feature standard ABS brakes, keyless start, and cruise control.

 

Even with the $100 million dollar investment from Polaris, and the nostalgia of the old Indian styling combined with the ultra modern creature comforts, will that be enough to unseat Harley-Davison as king of American motorcycles? That is yet to be seen, but it looks like they are going to give it a shot. Polaris claims they will have 125-140 North American dealers, and 70 international dealers by year end. That would indeed be a great start, but with HD expecting to produce over 260,000 motorcycles this year, Indian has a very big hill to climb for sure. But if anyone could give Harley a challenge, I would think Polaris would have the financial muscle to at least chip away at their market share a bit.

 

I have looked at all of the media photographs of the bikes and they appear to look very well constructed with modern design and the nostalgic look. I’m sure they pulled from their years of making Victory motorcycles and the technologies from that to jump start the Indian project. At a closer look, some might even call them a “Vicdian”. I do like what I have seen from these photographs and think they have done a great job of combining the old and new. My only real issue in styling would be the fairing on the Chieftain. I am not a fan of that styling at all. Doesn’t look nostalgic to me and seems like it was definitely pulled from a Victory. But other than that, I like the lineup and am anxious to give them a test ride. Click Here for all of the photo’s.

 

 

 

Thursday, August 1st

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is keeping Thursday Bike Night alive on the West side with a rotating bike night for the next 2 weeks. This week, August 8th will be at Cucina Tagliani, 6:00 – 9 PM, located just West of 83rd ave. and Bell Rd. at 8349 W. Bell Rd. in Peoria, just 2 blocks North of the Arrowhead HD dealership.

 

 

Saturday, August 17th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson’s “Hot Summer Nights” Car, Bike & Bikini Show. This is the annual HUGE Car and Bike show at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson that brings in hundreds of spectators. And this year we are throwing in a Bikini Contest to add to the eye candy of the Cars and Bikes. Lots to see and do. All takes place from 4:30 – 9:00 PM.

 

Saturday, August 17th

Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson Hogs & Dogs. Join Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson on Saturday, August 17th from 11am – 2pm, where the competition for top salsa recipe will be heating up! Mix up a batch of your best salsa and come prepared to taste the competition. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers based on majority vote! Not a salsa connoisseur? Don’t fret, enjoy FREE hot dogs and sodas, as well as a bikini bike wash. For more information, or to sign up for the salsa contest, contact marketing@buddystubbs.com. Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson is located at 41715 N. 41st Drive, Anthem AZ. Check them out online at www.anthemhd.com.

 

 

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 4300 FANS!Take a look at all the new photos posted on the wall. If you are not on Facebook, you can still view the page, but you will not be able to post. There will be a link there for you to sign up for Facebook if you are inclined. Click the LIKE button!