Cyclerides.com Weekly Update 7/11/07

Greetings Riders,

It appears that the triple digits have set in and plan to stay for a while. This is also that time of year when taking along a rain suit might be a good idea. With the monsoons upon us, you never know when you might ride into one of these thunderstorms around the State, and certainly around the valley. I can't count the amount of times I have ridden from one side of the Valley to the other and ran into rain when there was sunshine when I left home. These storms come up fast. I still had a few email glitches last week when changing servers. But all is back to working order now. If you emailed something important and I didn't respond, please resend.

Thanks to everyone who responded with comments on the last 2 newsletters. Check the Archives if you missed them. It is obvious by the replies that there is some passion when it comes to what is perceived as "right" and "wrong" when the subject of motorcycle riding safety is debated. Another passionate area of debate is that of motorcycle brands, and the largest United States motorcycle maker, Harley-Davidson, has just released their new 2008 models this past Monday. Celebrating 105 years in the motorcycle business, Harley announced their biggest line up ever with 34 models. Among them was the new and radical Rocker and Rocker C models. These sport a whole new rear end design called the rocker tail and will appeal to those wanting a more aggressive look with a racked front end and a low, long look with attitude. Check out the new seat design on the Rocker C with the new hidden passenger pillion. Watch the Rocker C video demonstrating the seat. I doubt that I would personally buy one of these models, but I do really like them and bet it will be a big seller for HD.

The FXDF Dyna Fat Bob was another new entry in the HD stable of surprises. A unique feature of the Fat Bob is the dual headlamps mounted between the triple trees and the 130 front tire to give it a beefy look. Swing around to the side and you will find the Tommy Gun 2-1-2 exhaust. Drag bars and forward controls round out this new entry in the Dyna family. The Vrod Family was the next to make some major changes as all Vrods will now come with the 1250 CC Revolution engine that was originally designed for the CVO Screamin' Eagle Vrod. This engine is tuned to put out as much as 125hp. The Vrod will also be equipped with the optional ABS braking system and the new Slipper Clutch.

To commemorate 105 years in the motorcycle business, Harley will have at least one 105th Year Anniversary bikes in each family for a total of 14 that will feature the 105th Medallion on the tank and the recognizable copper and black paint job. The biggest technological advancements that I could find this year is the New Brembo Brakes with available Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). The new high performance brakes and factory installed ABS option are available on all 2008 touring and Vrod models. The components are virtually invisible to maintain styling and will be controlled by the rider as to how much braking is applied. Another big improvement to the touring bikes is the addition of a 6 gallon tank that will increase capacity by 20%. The electronic cruise control and Isolated drive system are also nice additions to the touring models. The CVO Group is also coming back with 4 new models this year featuring the 110 inch motors. These will include the SE Road King, Dyna, Softail Springer and the Ultra Classic.

Everything considered, it looked like a good new model year for Harley-Davidson. Some nice upgrades to existing models and a couple of innovative new styles that will keep people talking and wanting to get into the dealership to take a look. But I don't think it is the much anticipated year that 2007 was with the introduction of the 96 inch motor and 6 speed transmissions. Not only are the new motorcycles out, but also the new motorclothes have made their debut. I've seen a few of the new jackets, etc. and HD is really getting progressive with some of their new looks. Even though I am firmly a fan of the bagger, some of my old custom genes are still in my blood, so I am anxious to see the new Rocker. I'll let you know when they hit the dealerships.

Here are some good links for you to see the new lineup in more detail:
This is good! The New Harley-Davidson Video with the new models: Click Here.
A great detailed review of each model complete with pictures: Click Here.
A list of Press Releases from HD: Click Here.
Want to know more about the new Harley ABS braking? Click Here for 5 videos.
Want a look inside the Summer Dealer Meeting including Willie G. on the Rocker? Click Here.

REQUEST FROM YOU:

Since this is riding season for longer trips, I am going to start Volume 2 of the Readers Rides Pictorial section. There are so many in the last one that it is too big to handle. So, if you take a trip this summer and photograph yourself next to a landmark, send it in and I will display it like this. Click Here. Also, if you would like to write a little story about your adventure and where you traveled, I am starting a Readers Rides Editorial section so that everyone can share their rides and give others ideas of where to go. Just email your pictures or your articles to info@cyclerides.com . Please note where the picture was taken.

I have collected several and will be putting up the new page tomorrow. If you have new pics to add please send.

This Week's Bike Night Events

Tuesday Nights

Chester’s Harley Davidson Biker Night at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe! If you are looking for some fun on a Tuesday night, With 2 outdoor patios and plenty of excitement, This place is a good time! The Tilted Kilt is home to the best Scotch-Irish experience in Arizona, with an award-winning menu, classic pub fare, and signature Kilt items sure to please any palate, not to mention twenty four globe-spanning beers on tap! Biker Night Tuesdays also mean $3 Jack Daniels and half-price appetizers. And, with a Tilted Kilt Biker Night Card, you receive 15% OFF your total bill. So what are you waiting for? Come on down and have a craic with Chester’s Harley-Davidson! The Tilted Kilt is located at 660 W. Warner Rd. in Tempe, AZ. Just 1.5 miles East of I-10 on Warner Rd. 480-592-0102. Click Here for Map.

Wednesday Nights

Bike Night at Buffalo Wild Wings Mesa-Falcon Field. This is a great new stop for riders on the East Side. Enjoy GREAT FOOD and Live Music every Wednesday night with Soul Catcher, featuring acoustic blues and classic rock from 7pm - 10pm every Wednesday Night at Buffalo Wild Wings located at 4425 E. McKellips Rd. in Mesa, AZ, just across from Falcon Field. Special motorcycle parking in front of the patio. Choose from the extensive new menu including Wings, Chicken Tenders, Huge selection of salads, Wraps, Sandwiches, Ribs & Combos, Burgers, Desserts and Beverages. Click Here for complete menu. Bike Night specials are 50 Cent Legs all day, $2.50 Coronas & Pacificos, $2.00 Well Rum and Coke, $2.00 Well Vodka Tonics, $1.75 Bud Light Pints, $1.75 Miller Light Pints. Sit inside and watch your favorite sporting events on over 50 TV's and 5 Giant Screen TV's or sit outside on the huge patio where there are more TV's and enjoy the evening air. Wherever you find to relax, you will be sure to have a good time, good food and good entertainment at the Buffalo Wings Wednesday Bike Night. 480-218-9464. Click Here to take a look at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Thursday Night

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Thursday Bike Night at Gordon Biersch Brewery at Westgate. Live Music on the patio this week 6:30 - 9:30pm!! You can also sign up for the Gordon Biersch Passport card. Get your GB Passport. Pay $20 for the card, and you will get a $20 gift certificate to redeem for food and drink. On Bike Nights you will receive double rewards to build points for free food and drink. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Glendale features the best Beer Garden you will find in this State, an impressive bar area equipped with TVs and speaker system, great food, and a large outdoor patio seating. Bike night specials include: Extended Happy Hour for Riders to 8:00pm

Happy Hour includes:

$1.00 off Gordon Biersch Lagers

$2.00 off all Wines by the Glass

$5.00 Martinis, Margaritas and Mojitos

4.95 Appetizer Specials: Southwest Egg rolls, Tapas, Chicken Wings, Bruschetta, Crispy Artichoke Hearts, Garlic Fries, Mini Pizza's Cheese or Pepperoni.

Try my favorite, the Gordon Biersch "Golden Export" or a sampler of all 5 of their beers brewed on site. Plenty of motorcycle only parking. Gordon Biersch is located at 6915 N. 95th Ave. at Westgate City Center, Loop 101 and Glendale next to the Cardinals Stadium. An easy ride from anywhere in the Valley. 623-877-4300

The Bike Night At The Billet Bar. Voted "BEST BIKER BAR IN PHOENIX" by New Times. There is no better place to watch all the Bikes ride down Scottsdale road than from The Billet Bar Patio. The Billet is ALWAYS packed with bikes Every Day. Stop by and take a look at the New Flamed Booths on the Paradise Patio. The new bars front and rear provide spacious seating, fresh air atmosphere, perfect temperature and courteous staff. The food is amazing and always the latest in cold libations await. You can sit at the back bar and watch your favorite TV on any of the seven big inch televisions. Play pool, listen to the latest music and socialize. The front patio seats over 75 people and is perfect for people watching on Scottsdale Rd. The Billet Bar is located on 3752 N. Scottsdale Rd. Check it out this Thursday night and all weekend long. Info: at 480-941-1876. Click Here for the New Billet Bar Page with pictures.

Every Saturday and Sunday

Harold's Cave Creek Corral Bike Weekends. This is the patio that we have all been waiting for in Cave Creek. The new 4000 Sq. Ft. patio at Harold's is finally finished complete with misters, TV's and an outdoor bar. There is plenty of room to put some tables together and hang out with your riding group for breakfast, lunch or the cold beverage of your choice. Live Music from Noon to 4pm every Saturday with Bob Bouchard, the man who plays at Greasewood every weekend. Enjoy TV's all around the patio with a walk up bar. Ride out on Sunday's and enjoy the All You Can Eat breakfast buffet for $8.99 on Sundays from 8am - Noon. Or grab one of Harold's fantastic hamburgers and watch the bikes roll by on Cave Creek Rd. from the patio. 50% Off Appetizers and $2.00 Bud/Bud Light bottles. You can also choose from their full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu every day of the week. Plenty of new motorcycle parking right in front of the patio. A great destination patio for your weekend rides. Harold's is located at 6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek. 480-488-1906. There are still no tickets being given for DB violations. Just continue to keep the noise down as much as possible when riding through Carefree.