Cyclerides.com Weekly Update

10/9/13

Greetings Riders,

Thanks to all of the almost 700 bikes who came out to enjoy the great riding weather last Thursday night at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports. Since we were in the center area, the patio at the new Buffalo Wild Wings and Mama Gia’s were certainly popular places to be. This week we will be back in the event plaza area where we normally are with Live Music by “The Visitors”. The weather is supposed to be a balmy 75 degrees which will be perfect for riding.

The New Indian Motorcycle Demo Ride

I’m sure most of you have heard about the new Indian Motorcycles that were recently unveiled to thousands of riders in Sturgis this year. This is by far the biggest introduction and the most hype for a new motorcycle since the V-Rod in 2001. The iconic Indian motorcycle was manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company in 1928. During the 1910's Indian became the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world. Indian's most popular models were the Scout, made from 1920 to 1946, and the Chief, made from 1922 to 1953.

The Indian motorcycle was very much a force in the motorcycle world throughout the early 1900’s and into the teens while winning many motorcycle races and even setting the world motorcycle speed record at 56 mph in 1903. In 1904 the company introduced the deep red color that would become Indian's trademark. Production of Indian motorcycles then exceeded 500 bikes annually, rising to a peak of 32,000 in 1913.

As the U.S. entered World War I, Indian unnecessarily sold most of its Powerplus line in 1917 and 1918 to the United States government, starving its network of dealers. This blow to domestic availability of the motorcycles led to a loss of dealers from which Indian never quite recovered. While Indian shared in the business boom of the 1920s, it had lost its Number One position in the US market to Harley-Davidson. In 1940, Indian sold nearly as many motorcycles as its major rival, Harley-Davidson, but that would not last. At the time, Indian represented the only true American-made heavyweight cruiser alternative to Harley-Davidson.

By the mid 1940’s, Harley-Davidson was gaining market share by offering more lightweight and faster models with more styling choices all while building loyalty to the HD brand. In 1949, a new Indian owner came in to try and catch up with the times, but it was just too late, Harley was too far ahead. In 1953 all models of the Indian were halted. After 5 failed startups between 1953 and 2011, Polaris Industries bought the brand.

In March of 2013 Polaris unveiled their new 111 cubic inch “Thunder Stroke” engine and Indian motorcycle madness was beginning all over again as the conventional wisdom in the industry was that if anyone could make it happen, it would be Polaris with their deep pockets and manufacturing expertise. With the marketing machine in high gear for the last 6 months, 3 Indian motorcycle models were introduced in Sturgis to thousands of anxious fans. They are the Indian Chief Classic, Indian Chief Vintage and the Indian Chieftain. These bikes finally hit the dealerships this past Thursday for the general public to see.

Bill Nash, COO of Ridenow Powersports called me last week and asked if I would be interested in riding a demo Indian Chieftain and do a review on it. I jumped at the chance and went to the Indian of Peoria dealership to pick it up yesterday to put it through the paces. At first glance, the Chieftain is very attractive with phenomenal fit and finish throughout. With a reported $200 million spent in R&D by Polaris, you can tell that there was no stone left unturned when it came to designing and assembling a well thought out and constructed motorcycle. With my phone blue-toothed to the bike to listen to my music, I was anxious to get started on my 140 mile ride.

My focus on this ride was to really get a good feel for this motorcycle in all ways, not just riding it down the 101 and back. I wanted to experience the highway speeds, twisties, handling, comfort and endurance of the hottest motorcycle to be introduced in the last dozen years. Immediately upon sitting on the bike, I noticed how soft the seat was and how easy it was pull up off of the kick stand. One thing that felt strange to me was how far forward I seemed sit in the saddle. But I assumed that it was probably just me as I am used to a more stretched out bike. So I headed East on the 101 to Cave Creek road for some good highway testing at high speeds and sure enough after 20 minutes I was completely comfortable and had forgotten all about my position on the bike.

I intentionally turned North on Cave Creek Rd. aka, the roughest road in Phoenix, to test the suspension of this single shock with air adjust to see how it would handle these violent manhole covers and recessed asphalt on this road. I went out of my way to hit all of the bumps that I could, and it glided right over them and did not bottom out one time.

An “A+” for suspension with that test.

I moved on through Cave Creek with a quick stop at the Hideaway for an Arnold Palmer before heading out to Seven Springs Rd., just 4 miles past the Lake turnoff, to really give it a test on some severe twisties before coming back and taking the 14 mile ride to Bartlett Lake. After going through the severe twists of Seven Springs Rd. and the beautiful sweepers of the road to Bartlett, one thing that really stood out to me is that the Indian is so nimble. I almost forgot I was riding an 840 pound motorcycle. The suspension is set up so good on this bike that it is effortless going into corners with plenty of power to bring you out. I was continually amazed at how easy it was to handle. It is a joy to ride.

An “A” for handling with this test.

My next test is what all of us that ride baggers want to know, “Will it accelerate and get me around a line of slow moving cars on a 2 lane road”? The answer to that is a resounding YES, and then some. With the Thunder Stroke 111 Cubic Inch V-Twin engine featuring 119 FT-LBS of torque, it will get you just about anywhere you want to go and in a hurry, pulling you all the way. How good? Let’s just say, you were in Utah, where the speed limit is 80. You are traveling along in 6th gear at 65 mph and need to get around a car. If you gave it full throttle, you could be to 80 in 3 seconds at a cruising RPM of 3000. If you were in 5th gear, you could do the same in less than 2.5 seconds. Not bad acceleration, especially when you need it badly.

An “A” for acceleration with this test.

Another performance test that stuck out to me was when I was on the road to Bartlett Lake. You know how when you are going through these kinds of roads that are up, down and around, you sometimes lose track of what gear you are in? With this motor, it didn’t seem to matter what gear I was in, at any give time there was always power there for me without any chugging at all.

Coming back from the lake I started imagining how easy it would be to ride this bike all day. The endurance with the silky smooth floating ride and cushiony seat must be endless. You could easily go as far as the 5.5 gallon tank would take you. The gear box is like butter. You can hardly feel it shifting from first to second gear. You rarely feel the clunking sound while shifting that we have become used to. The gear drive wet clutch was also a big surprise. I’m not sure if it was the clutch function or all of the torque the motor has, but when you let out on the clutch you should be prepared to go, because there is no jumping or chugging at all. It is just a smooth release that would be hard to kill.

The amenities on the dash board are many including digital radio, cell phone attachments, bluetooth, etc. One nice feature is that the digital display will always tell you what gear you are in. A nice touch. The stock stereo speakers are outstanding. You can hear the music crystal clear at any speed, and the automatic leveler is great. A nice safety feature is that the bike will start with the kick stand down, but the motor will die if you try to let out the clutch. I always thought movable windshields were kind of gimmicky, or maybe even worthless. But after riding this, I could see how they could come in handy.

There are many other features on this bike that you can explore on your own, I was most interested in how viable of a motorcycle it was for what I want to do, and that is ride it. Most of you know I ride a Harley and probably always will. I like the culture, I like the camaraderie, and I like the family that H.O.G. has cultivated over the years. I know if I am on the road, I will always have help if there is another HD rider around. It is a loyalty and affinity that has developed over the years. Other brands have it too, and they are great, but HD happens to build over 250,000 bikes per year, so there are more of us.

To bring this review to a close, aside from a minor styling issue with the blinkers on the fairing of the Chieftain, I love the new Indian motorcycle in every way. Polaris has done an exceptional job in every single aspect including performance and mechanical and function. They have brought Indian motorcycles into the new millennium to make this a formidable brand that will definitely be nipping at Harley-Davidson’s heels over the next several years, if not decades to come. It has the fit and finish, comfort, bells and whistles, functionality, engineering and most of all the performance that we are all looking for.

Will it be the HD killer? Will it ever sell as many bikes and HD at over 250,000? I would say not a chance, because this competition is only going to make Harley-Davidson better in the long run. But if anyone could do it, I would say it would be Polaris with the historic and iconic Indian brand leading the way. It is the one brand that I feel could build the affinity and loyalty of an American motorcycle that HD has accomplished over the last 110 years.

My prediction is, that this time Indian is here to stay, and will be a factor when riders make their next decision for a new motorcycle cruiser. I’m not ready to trade in my Road Glide for one, but I wouldn’t hesitate for one minute to buy one for a second bike. There are currently 3 Indian dealerships in Phoenix. Indian of Peoria, Indian of Chandler and Indian of Scottsdale. You can see the new Indian motorcycles at the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night this Thursday night from 5-9 PM. Come check them out.

Tune in or DVR Good Morning Arizona on TV 3 Thursday morning, 10/10/13. I will be on live at 8:20 AM with Scott Pasmore showing the Indian Chieftain and Vintage live on the air.

See many pics of the bike and photos from the ride to Bartlett Lake. Click Here.

For more information go to http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us

Tidbits and Updates:

**Catch me Thursday morning on TV 3’s Good Morning Arizona to show the new Indian Motorcycles with Scott Pasmore.

**Please come out and join Paul Yaffe and myself as we lead the 1-Stop Poker Run to Bartlett Lake benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Kickstands up at 8:30 AM from Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale. $10 per hand. $500 Gift Card for winner. See details below or click link.

Bike Nights

New Fall Season!

Every Thursday, Sept. 12th – Nov. 14th –

Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night this Fall being presented by Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports. Bike Night began Thursday night, September 12th with a HUGE crowd and will continue for a total of 10 nights ending on November 14th from 5 pm – 9 pm. This Thursday, you will once again be able to enjoy a party every Thursday night with Live Music, Vendors, Restaurants, parking on Coyote Blvd. next to the fountains and Hundreds of motorcycles to look at as they cruise by. This is the place to be on Thursday nights for sure.

Attractions this week:

Live Music this week with “The Visitors” 6-9 PM.

Grab your riding buddies and stop by to enjoy Live Music, Restaurant specials and other special events along the way. Click Here for Photos from the first night. For excellent photos from Rusty Childress of the Firefighter Appreciation night Click Here.

Here are the details for the Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night presented by Arrowhead HD and Ridenow Powersports:

Where: Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave. SE Corner. Next to Jobing.com Arena.

When: Thursday nights beginning September 12th – Nov. 14th

Time: 5 PM – 9 PM

What: Bike Night. Live Music, Food, Fun, Vendors, Motorcycles and Sturgis Style Cruising down Coyote Blvd.

Click Here for Flyer.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Ridenow Powersports:

Arrowhead HD

Your local Harley-Davidson dealership and proud sponsor of the Cyclerides.com/Westgate Bike Night. Stop by and see the latest in what Harley-Davidson has to offer. Speak to one of our trained sales staff about what Harley-Davidson motorcycle would be right for you. We are located just South of 83rd Ave. and Bell Rd. 623-247-5542.

Ridenow Powersports

Stop by and talk to our staff at bike night or at one of our many valley locations. We feature many brands including Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Can-Am, BMW, Victory, KTM, Spyder, and Ski-doo. Click Here for a list of our locations.

And to our Associate Sponsor Curly’s Customs

Curly's Customs. Curly's Customs is a full service Custom Paint & Body Shop for the motorcycle enthusiast. 623- 977-0339. Stop by and see them at Bike Night.

Scottsdale Victory and Indian Motorcycles. Scottsdale, Arizona NOW has it's own INDIAN & VICTORY Motorcycle Dealership! The New 2014 Indian Motorcycles revealed at Sturgis on August 3rd are NOW AVAILABLE for PRE-ORDERING! Be the First to OWN a NEW INDIAN MOTORCYCLE that will revolutionize the Motorcycle Industry! Stop by and See us at Bike Night.

Bike Night Restaurant Specials.

I have worked very hard to get the restaurants to come up with some consistent bike night specials. I think they have stepped up very well this year to offer some good deals. There will be restaurant specials all season long that include offers from:

McFadden’s - 10% discount on your bill when you show your M-class license on Bike Night. Plus, bikers can enjoy regular happy hour specials, including $2 domestic Drafts, $3 Wells and $5 Appetizers from 4-7pm.

Calico Jack’s Cantina - $19.99 Bike Night Platters with Nacho chips, mini-chimis, onion rings and jalapeno poppers, plus a pitcher of domestic draft beer. Enjoy 10% off your bill when you show your M-class license on Bike Night.

The Shout! House - $9 Natural Black Angus Burger, Fries, and Beer special ($15 value) and a FREE cover for 2 card to come back on the weekend ($10 value) when you show your M-class license on Bike Night.

Kabuki - Take 15% off when you show your motorcycle license during Westgate Bike Night. Valid only during Westgate Bike Night events. Dine-in only. Valid only at Westgate City Center location. One offer per table per party. Not valid during Happy Hour and Reverse Happy Hour. Cannot be combined with any other offers or rewards. Excludes alcohol, tax, gratuity and gift card purchases.

Saddle Ranch - 2 chicken tacos for $5.50*. Classic pints of draft beer for only $3.75 when showing M class on license. Plus, bikers can enjoy regular happy hour specials from 4-6:30pm with 50% off all appetizers and drinks. *Valid from 6:30pm to 10:00pm on all Bike Nights, excluding event days when there are concerts, sporting or other events at the Center, Stadium or Arena.

Mama Gia’s – Enjoy $3 domestic beer and $.50 cent wings with an order of 24 or more when showing M class on license.

Shane’s Rib Shack – Free 10 piece traditional chicken wings with the purchase of 20 traditional chicken wings when you show your M class license. Plus, domestic beer for $2 per bottle.

Whiskey Rose Bar & Grill. Take 10% off your bill when you show your M class on license. Excludes Alcohol.

This Week

October 11th – 13th

BOB’S Biker Blast 2013! This year enjoy 3 Days of Activities at Bob’s Biker Blast taking place at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale. This year Bob’s Biker Blast features SOA “Juice” autograph signing and Headliner’s Grand Funk Railroad and Country Music Star Gary Allan on Saturday night. Free admission for all riders with motorcycle endorsement. Goof for 1 rider and 1 passenger. $20 donation for all others. HD of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. 480-905-1903.

Friday

Featured Events start at 4PM:

Food & Drink, Mechanical Bull, Live Band-Aero Train, Fashion Show.

Saturday

Featured Events start at 10AM:

Vendor Expo, Cardinals Cheerleaders, Burritos & Bloody Marys, Food Trucks,

Twin Peaks Bikini Contest 5:15 PM, Live Music all day starting at 11AM.

SOA “Juice” Autograph Signing 11AM – 1PM.

Bob Parsons welcome and bike giveaway at 9 PM.

Headliner Grand Funk Railroad at 7:30 PM.

Headliner Gary Allan at 9:30 PM.

Sunday

1-Stop Poker Run to benefit PCH. 7AM

Concessions and Beer Garden with Sunday Football 10AM – 4PM

Stunt Riders show every 20 minutes 11AM – 4PM.

Events will take place at HD of Scottsdale, GoAZ Motorcycles and the Demo Track. Click Here for Details and Times.

Saturday & Sunday

October 12th – 13th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson 2014 Demo Rides. Ready to ride the epic new 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycles? Now is your chance. The Harley-Davidson factory demo truck will be on-site at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, fully loaded with 2014 H-D Motorcycles for you to test ride for FREE! Saturday and Sunday from 9AM – 4PM. You can also enjoy a FREE LUNCH from 11am – 1pm, Bikini Bike Wash by the Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Girls and Raffles throughout the day. Plus! The Drag Specialties truck will be on-site both days. Purchase any item from the DRAG Specialties truck (in-stock or order) and receive 10% Off. Have it installed Saturday or Sunday and receive 15% off your purchase. Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542.

Saturday, October 12th

5th Annual B.A.C.A (BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE) Awareness Ride. Please join us in our “5th Annual B.A.C.A (BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE) Awareness Ride at the El Zaribah Shrine Temple - 552 N. 40th St. Phoenix. Sign In: 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. $10 per person Donation. The Shrine will be serving breakfast for $5. For more information email Nytro at az5baca@gmail.com. Ends with a Family Friendly Party at the Arizona Automotive Institute - 6829 N. 46th Ave. Glendale, AZ. Car Show, Vendors, Tattooist, Silent Auction, Blood Mobile, Food, Music, FREE Kids Fingerprinting-Voice Analysis.

Sunday, October 13th

1-Stop Poker Run Benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Please join Paul Yaffe and Barry Caraway as they lead the 1-Stop Poker Run to Bartlett Lake benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital. We’ll be serving breakfast burritos, coffee and juice that morning at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale. The ride will conclude at the Go AZ Motorcycles’ demo track and training facility where winners will be announced. Poker cards will be $10 per hand and all proceeds will benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

* 7:00-8:00 AM. Registration at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale.

* 8:30 AM. Kickstands up to Bartlett Lake.

* 12:00 PM. Winners announced at training facility.

$500 Giftcard for best hand, $250 giftcard for worst hand.

Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. 480-905-1903.

Next Week

Saturday, October 19th

Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson at Biketoberfest. Join Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson at the Hideaway Grill’s Cave Creek Biketoberfest! Friday October 18th through Sunday October 20th. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson will be manning our 40’x40’ tent at the Tap Haus with great Harley-Davidson® merchandise and motorcycles. There will be great live music from Metal Kings and CCR’s Johnny Bulldog, as well as many events, activities and rides happening all weekend this is an event you don’t want to miss! For more information go to www.cavecreekbiketoberfest.com or www.buddystubbs.com.

Saturday & Sunday

October 19 – 20

Superstition Harley-Davidson Open House & Demo Days. Come Together at Superstition Harley-Davidson Demo Days and 2014 Model Year Open House! Saturday 10 to 4 - Free In-Store Poker Run, Boom! Audio Workshop, Demo Rides, Jump Start Rider Experience. Sunday 11 to 3 - Demo Days Continue. All riders welcome. Come with a vision, ride off on your dream! Superstition HD is located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, AZ. 480-346-0600.

Saturday, October 19th

2nd Annual 100 Club of AZ Poker Run Ride. Free Registration at The Hideaway Grill - 6746 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. includes entry ticket for our special event drawing. $5 Poker Score Cards - Highest Poker Hand wins a Tactical Shotgun! ***Raffle tickets available at all stops*** Shotguns, handguns, tasers and more big ticket prizes. Buy raffle tickets at Hideaway or Tap Haus by 6PM since you do not need to be present to win. Don't have a bike but still want to participate? Follow along by car and drive over to the Tap Haus by 6:00 P.M. to join in the auction! Free Concert at the Tap Haus - 6900 E Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek, AZ 85331 featuring Johnny Bulldog (Lead Singer of Creedence Clearwater Revisited) Prizes include; shotguns, handguns, tasers, etc. 100% of the proceeds benefit the 100 Club of Arizona. See you at the 2013 Cave Creek Biketoberfest's 2nd Annual 100 Club of AZ Poker Run!

Sunday, October 20th

Biketoberfest Burn Camp Ride. Join Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson and HOG Chapter 93 on Sunday October 20th as we ride from AZ H-D to Biketoberfest raising money for the Wind and Fire Burn Camp! Ride will leave from Buddy Stubbs AZ H-D and stop at Gizmo’s in New River and finally end up at Cave Creek Biketoberfest. Registration opens on 10/20 at 9:30AM with the last bike out by 11AM. Lunch will be included in with the ride and will be at Gizmo’s in New River. Entire pack will leave Gizmo’s at 1:30pm and ride into Biketoberfest as one group. Enjoy raffle prizes, and more! Ride fee: $20 for rider / $15 for passenger. For more information e-mail marketing@buddystubbs.com. All proceeds to will go to Wind & Fire Charity.

Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 4400 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!

Who would have ever thought that bicycle parking in Japan would be so entertaining. Watch this. Click Here to View.

These people went to a lot of work for this spoof, but it is pretty cool. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week. Have you ever mis-heard the words from modern day songs. This comedian clears them up for you. Funny. Click Here to View. Click on the Video of the Week graphic on the page.

If you would like to sign up for the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update Click Here.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com