Warr's Harley-Davidson

100 Years of Warr’s

In 1924, television was unheard of, the 'wireless' was for the privileged few, and, in Britain, Winston Churchill was Chancellor, Queen Elizabeth had yet to be born and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had been in the motorcycle business for a mere 21 years.

In that same year, Londoner and army veteran Captain Frederick James Warr opened a motorcycle and bicycle repair shop on London's Kings Road. Later that year he became an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.

Fast forward 100 years to 2024, and Warr's Harley-Davidson, Europe's oldest Harley dealership and the world's oldest that is still owned and operated by the founding family, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

On Saturday July 6th this year, pretty much on the same spot where Capt. F. J. first opened his shop doors, thousands of Harley enthusiasts and well-wishers converged on 611 Kings Road in Chelsea, London - truly the birthplace and spiritual home of H-D in the UK - to celebrate the Warr family's achievement.

Harley enthusiasts from all over, including the USA, Canada, Europe and even the Middle East, were there to visit a famous showroom that is full of H-D history, curios and, of course, Harleys. 

On show inside were historic machines from as far back as 1912, mixed in with 1920s J Models, 1940s Knuckleheads, Flatheads, Panheads, Evos and, of course, the Warr collection of legendary Harley racers from across the decades.

VIP guest and global Harley ambassador Bill Davidson, who had come over especially for the 100th, presented Warr's boss John Warr with a beautifully handcrafted one-off award made from Rose Gold, recognizing the dealership's 100 years. 

MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers

Laguna Seca KOTB - Wyman Scoops Win and Second for H-D

Back where it all started at the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca at Salinas, California (Rounds 11 and 12 of the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers - July 12-14), H-D Factory Racing rider Kyle Wyman took the series points lead with a dominating Double Header win on the Saturday and a second place finish the following day.

Aboard a race-prepared 2024 Road Glide motorcycle, Wyman also broke his own track record in qualifying and won the Mission King Of The Baggers Challenge. RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson rider Hayden Gillim won on Sunday as Harley-Davidson riders locked out the King Of The Baggers race podiums all weekend.

Wyman led all King Of The Baggers qualifiers with a time of 1:28.182, breaking the lap record he set in 2023. Wyman also won the three-lap Mission King Of The Baggers Challenge on Saturday. Starting from pole position on Saturday, Wyman led every lap of the nine-lap Mission King Of The Baggers feature race. In the opening laps, Wyman led a group that included Harley-Davidson Factory Racing rider James Rispoli, RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson riders Hayden Gillim and Rocco Landers, Factory Indian rider Troy Herfoss and SDI/Roland Sands Racing Indian rider Bobby Fong. 

Wyman gradually opened a gap of about 1 second on Gillim, with Landers and Herfoss trailing. Herfoss ran off the track on lap 8, and later that same lap Landers got by Gillim to take second place. Wyman crossed the finish line 2.666 seconds clear of Landers with Gillim in third place, followed by Fong and Rispoli. Herfoss finished 11th.

The following day, Wyman again led the King Of The Baggers off the start with Gillim and Fong in pursuit. Gillim executed a daring pass for the lead at the top of the infamous Corkscrew turn on lap 3, but Wyman took the lead back with a pass in turn 2 on lap 6. On lap 8, Gillim got past Wyman again in the Corkscrew, and Fong dropped out with a mechanical problem. Gillim crossed the finish line 0.188 seconds ahead of Wyman. Landers made a last lap pass of Herfoss to grab third place. Rispoli finished fifth.

Next Up: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio, August 16-18; Circuit Of The Americas, Austin, Texas, September 13-15; New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 27-29.

www.motoamerica.com

Race One

1. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Harley-Davidson Factory Racing

2. Rocco Landers (H-D) RevZilla/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

3. Hayden Gillim (H-D) RevZilla/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

4. Bobby Fong (Ind) SDI/Roland Sands Racing/Indian Motorcycle

5. James Rispoli (H-D) Harley-Davidson Factory Racing

6. Max Flinders (Ind) Mad Monkey Motorsports

7. Tyler O’Hara (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

8. Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson

9. Travis Wyman (H-D) Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson

10. Ruben Xaus (H-D) Feuling Parts

11. Troy Herfoss (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

12. Danny Spina (H-D) Ruthless Road Racing

Race Two

1. Hayden Gillim (H-D) RevZilla/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

2. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Harley-Davidson Factory Racing

3. Rocco Landers (H-D) RevZilla/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson

4. Troy Herfoss (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

5. James Rispoli (H-D) Harley-Davidson Factory Racing

6. Tyler O’Hara (Ind) S&S/Indian Motorcycle

7. Travis Wyman (H-D) Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson

8. Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen/Harley-Davidson

9. Danny Spina (H-D) Ruthless Road Racing

S&S Cycle

Charlie Hadayia Returns Home

After going on a 'career walkabout', Charlie Hadayia Jr. has returned to Viola, Wisconsin based S&S Cycle after a 14-year sabbatical, most recently at APG, where he was Senior Vice President of Supply Chain.

Charlie returns as Director of Business Development after an interregnum that had included a stint at Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice. Charlie was first with S&S from 1998 - 2010, where he worked his way from a tech position to Senior Manager of Racing and Customer Service, before finally becoming Director of Product Line.

"Charlie brings with him a proven track record of driving growth and expansion, a quality that will undoubtedly contribute to S&S Cycle's future success. During his tenure at Tucker/Biker’s Choice, Hadayia spearheaded numerous initiatives that significantly bolstered the company's market presence and profitability. 

"During his time at Tucker, Charlie was widely respected in the industry for his prior work at S&S and also for the job he did at Tucker under the most difficult of circumstances. He managed to expand the product lines at its 'Biker’s Choice' branded V-twin division, to improve customer satisfaction, and, remarkably, achieve growth - despite the corporate issues and debt headwinds that afflicted Tucker at the time.

"We are excited to welcome Charlie back to S&S Cycle," said President & CEO Paul Skarie. "His exceptional leadership and industry expertise are exactly what we need as we embark on the next chapter of our growth. Charlie's track record speaks for itself, and we are confident that his return will bring new opportunities and innovations to our company."

Hadayia is quoted as saying: "I am delighted to be able to rejoin S&S Cycle at this time and contribute to its future success. The motorcycle industry is evolving rapidly, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive growth and innovation at S&S. Together with the talented team here, we will explore new opportunities and build on the company's strong foundation."

www.sscycle.com

Indian Motorcycle

Rider Tyler O’Hara Takes S&S Indian FTR to Victory at Laguna Seca

Two-time defending SuperHooligan Champion Tyler O’Hara secured first and third place in the Mission SuperHooligan National Championship (SHNC) Double Header at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Salinas, California, July 12-14, 2024.   

Featuring two race winners, multiple lap leaders and "bar-to-bar" action, the third stop of the SHNC proved nothing short of exhilarating. In the front of the pack was two-time defending SuperHooligan Champion Tyler O’Hara, who earned his first win of the 2024 season and maintained the series points lead following the weekend's action. 

"Race 1 featured fierce competition among multiple riders from start to finish. In a shortened six-lap race, O’Hara piloted his S&S Indian FTR to victory. In the final lap, O’Hara fell one spot as the pack of five riders made their way through the iconic Corkscrew, but he stayed on the gas and retook the lead, making one final pass through turn 11, racing his FTR down the final stretch and past the checkered flag." 

Through six races, O’Hara has 110 points and an eight-point lead in the championship standings. MotoAmerica’s SHNC will continue at Mid-Ohio on August 16-18 and conclude at Circuit of the Americas on September 13-15. 

Harley-Davidson

Pan America 1250 Riders Notch Two Super Hooligan Wins

KWR/Harley-Davidson rider Cody Wyman and Team Saddlemen/ Harley-Davidson rider Jake Lewis each rode race-prepared Pan America 1250 Specials to race victories in a Mission Super Hooligan Double Header weekend at Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington (June 28-30).

The Mission Super Hooligan road racing championship, held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series, features 750 cc and up high-bar, race-prepared street bikes from the world’s premier motorcycle manufacturers.

Pouring rain created challenging race conditions on the Saturday of the Ridge Motorsports Park Double Header, causing the race distance to be shortened from eight to six laps of the 2.47-mile, 16-turn Ridge course. On the first lap, Wyman jumped from eighth position on the starting grid to second and took the lead on lap two with a pass of Team Saddlemen/ Harley-Davidson rider Cory West. 

Wyman was leading by 1.3 seconds when the race was red-flagged, and though West led briefly from the restart, he slid off in turn three and Wyman, managing the conditions expertly, sped away from the field. KWR/Harley-Davidson rider Hayden Schultz moved into second place. Wyman crossed the finish line 7.99 seconds clear of Schultz for a 1-2 finish for the KWR/Harley-Davidson team. S&S/Indian rider Tyler O’Hara finished in third place, more than 13 seconds behind Wyman.

On a dry track the following day, West, Lewis and O’Hara broke away from the field on lap 2, with Lewis passing West for the lead on lap 3 and, pulling away, had opened a gap of more than 4 seconds by lap 6 of the 8 - eventually taking the win 2.00 seconds ahead of O’Hara, second, with West third.

Race One

Cody Wyman (H-D) KWR/H-D

Hayden Schultz (H-D) KWR/H-D

Tyler O'Hara (Ind) S&S/Indian Mc

Hawk Mazzotta (IND) RSD

Travis Wyman (H-D) Saddlemen/H-D

Race Two

Jake Lewis (H-D) Saddlemen/H-D

Tyler O'Hara (Ind) S&S/Indian Mc

Cory West (H-D) Saddlemen/H-D

Troy Herfoss (IND) S&S/Indian Mc

Hayden Schultz (H-D) KWR/H-D

Italian motorcycle registrations

Italian Motorcycle and PTW Registrations at Record Highs

The latest available data from the Italian motorcycle industry association (ANCMA) show new motorcycle registrations in Italy for the first six months of 2024 up by a very healthy +7.75% at 96,411 units, having been positive for four out of the six months so far, and all three months of Q2.

This has meant another post 2013 record for the Italian market for the first half of the year. Total PTW registrations were +6.21% YTD at an unprecedented 203,874 units - also a post dawn of creation record for the first half of the year in Italy!

The top-selling motorcycle YTD was the Benelli TRK 702/X (4,344 units sold in H1). This was followed by the BMW 1300 GS with 3,394 units sold. Unusually, in a sea of scooters, this placed the leading two larger displacement motorcycles in 7th and 10th spot respectively in terms of all PTW sales in Italy YTD. Indeed, the Honda Africa Twin was in 16th spot with 2,677 units sold YTD.

Honda's SH 125, 150 and 350 were the top-sellers overall, followed by the KYMCO Agility 125 R16 in fourth, Piaggio Liberty 125 ABS and Honda X-ADV 750 in fifth and sixth spots. Maxi and ADV style scooters remain strong sellers in Italy - Honda's ADV 350 and 750, Yamaha's XMAX 300 and TMAX, Piaggio's Beverly 300, the BMW R 1300 GS and Honda Africa Twin among them. 

Total Scooter sales were 107,463 units (+4.87%) in Italy in the first half year.

For the record: 2023 motorcycle sales were 145,405 units in 2023 (+14.88%), with all months in positive territory - the best Italian annual market numbers since before the 2007/2008 financial crisis and the resulting Great Recession. In total PTW terms, the Italian market was +17.94% in 2023, with a massive 318,948 units registered. Scooters were up by +20.64% at 173,543 units. The top selling motorcycle was the Benelli TRK 502/X (4,075 units), followed by the Honda Africa Twin (3,880) in a market where Maxi Scooters and ADV/Enduro style machines continue to gain share. 

Baker Drivetrain

Baker F6R - Factory 6-Speed Reverse

Industry legend Bert Baker, the 'Gearhead' behind Michigan based Baker Drivetrain, says "designed, manufactured, tested, proven and beloved - the industry's leading reverse drive for Harley-Davidson is the easiest to use and most worry-free system available.

"Our non-invasive reverse gear system was designed to be out of the driveline picture when going forward. We did not want superfluous reverse gear mechanisms at play spinning, jarring and/or adding additional rotational weight where 99.9% of the riding direction is spent - namely going forwards. We did not want to compromise safety, performance and horsepower for the tiny moments when going backward is needed."

The Baker F6R kit includes the door, side cover, countershaft, reverse gears and shift system and related hardware and adds a reverse gear to any existing 2006-later factory Big Twin Cruise Drive 6-speed transmission. 

"The system is unlike any other on the market," says Bert. "It works off the stock shift lever - with a simple safety switch lever and a kick of the shift lever, you’re in reverse. It’s that simple. No reaching near hot pipes to put your bike in reverse by hand. With the Baker reverse system, you’ll be able to safely shift from first to reverse and back with no risk of engaging both gears at once. You’ll also find it’s much easier to find neutral than on a stock bike." 

Baker reverse gears are fully heat-treated, with diamond-ground tooth profiles and cut from gear grade 8620 steel. The gear ratios were chosen to make it easy to maneuver the bike in reverse. The overall 4.98:1 reverse gear ratio is essentially a creeper gear, which is 45% shorter than the stock 3.34:1 first gear; a redundant spring system on the safety lever assembly make it "the safest reverse system on the market today," and the included shift drum improves shift quality and the ability to find neutral.

Backed by a two-year limited warranty, it features a true ‘plug and play’ wiring harness - no need to use the starter motor for reverse maneuvers. No case modifications are necessary and there is no accidental shifting into reverse due to the safety lever mechanism that locks out reverse when it is not energized. It does not fit 2023 and later CVO models.

BAKER DRIVETRAIN 

www.bakerdrivetrain.com

Bikers Crown

TRILOBITE Parado Monolayer/AAA Jeans

Described as "the next generation of riding comfort and style," TRILOBITE Parado Monolayer/AAA jeans "represent a significant advancement in motorcycle apparel technology - representing a new generation of an already legendary riding jeans program."

Made from EN 17092 AAA certified Tri-Stretcher Pro 5.0 denim, they are a lightweight, breathable, single layer construction for men and women in blue and black editions.

For men

A brand owned by leading Czech motorcycle industry retailer and distributor Bikers Crown, CEO and Lead Designer Martin Solar told AMD: "Over the last two years, TRILOBITE invested a lot of time, energy and financial resources in textile engineering and development.

"We designed and developed many fabrics with our partners, some of them are being used in mass production, others ended up in a dead end - after all, you have to fail in order to learn how to succeed, right? We tested many different fabrics in different laboratories from different countries. 

"We are continuously looking for the uncompromising quality, affordable price and the highest level of safety in denim fabric in the world. We believe that the Parado Monolayer/ AAA jeans will be a 'game changer' for motorcycle enthusiasts, providing them with a level of comfort and protection they've never experienced before. 

For women

"With the 2024 collection, we aim to cater to the evolving needs of the riding community, and the Parado Monolayer/AAA jeans exemplify our dedication to innovation and excellence."

Safety and ergonomic features include CE level 2 protectors at the hips and knees, five pockets, stretch panels at the knees, back, waist and crotch, adjustable height of knee protectors, double belt loops in front and raised waist belt at the back.

One of the few riding jeans concept brands to additionally have paid attention to the needs for ventilation, with air vent pockets at the thighs and a breathable crotch panel.

BIKERS CROWN LTD

www.trilobitemoto.com 

Dold Industries

Ventura Luggage System for Indian and Harley Models - Including X350

Manufactured in New Zealand by Dold Industries, Ventura luggage is a versatile, inventory-friendly, system-based range of model-specific and universal mount luggage options. 

The range includes hard top boxes and soft top luggage packs, panniers/side bags, tank bags and more - available for a huge range of makes and models.

With roots going back to the mid-1970s, the company now makes systems for over 2,500 models. The range is an ergonomic, modular and robust, easy-mount system that is secure and safe, versatile and durable.

The Ventura Bike-Pack system features a rack, packs and model-specific bracket designs - it really is that simple, and it really is that good. Ventura packs are made with Kodra fabric, a heavy-duty ballistic nylon material, and lined with a laminated, waterproof PVC backed material.

They are available as single components or bundled kits. Simple, robust, versatile and durable are the keywords here. The central mounting component is the company's Lbracket, and, as with all the racks, they are made in mild steel tube and satin black powder-coat finished (or polished silver/chrome for Cruisers).

In addition to the applications for a wide range of Indian models that we featured in AMD last year, including the Indian Bobber and derivatives such as the Twenty, Sixty and Rogue, there are Ventura mounting kit options available for several H-D platforms, plus Triumph, BMW and Honda models.

Seen here are Ventura options for the X350 that is made for Harley in China by Benelli owner QJMotor - this is the first aftermarket accessory item that AMD has shown for one of Harley's Chinese or Indian made models.

DOLD INDUSTRIES

www.ventura-bike.com

Dynojet

Power Commander 6 for Touring CVO 121" VVT

North Las Vegas based Dynojet now has an updated Power Commander 6 available for the 2023/2024 Touring models and CVOs with the 121" VVT stock exhaust and stock intake.

Allowing riders to optimize the fuel and timing curve, with fine-tune adjustability and multiple inputs, PC6 is a 'plug-and-play' setup that can install discreetly underneath the seat, cowl, dash or other location.

A permanent modification-free install, simply removing the device reverts the vehicle completely back to stock. Features include the ability to store and switch between two maps on-the-fly (via the map switch accessory) and connect to various Power Commander accessories such as the Autotune, Quickshifter or POD-300.

All PC6 models have an end-user adjustment of +/-15 in the FUEL table and +/- 8 in the timing table (if applicable). This adjustment is on top of the values that are in the BASE map loaded to the device. This BASE map can be any of the available maps from the Dynojet website, or those from a third party.

"Owners can easily change and upgrade tunes as they upgrade parts. PC6 comes with Power Core software that connects dyno runs with our EFI tuning devices; analog input allows the installation of any 0–5-volt sensor and building of an adjustment table based on its input - such as boost or temperature."

PC6 easily connects to a computer via USB; each cylinder can be mapped individually and for each gear, giving riders more granular control; backed by a one-year warranty. Fitments - FLHX Street Glide 2024; FLHXSE CVO Street Glide 2023, 2024; FLHXST Street Glide ST 2024; FLTRX; Road Glide 2024; FLTRXSE CVO Road Glide 2023, 2024; FLTRXST Road Glide ST 2024.

DYNOJET RESEARCH

www.dynojet.com

Bagger Racing League (BRL) 'Battle of the Baggers'

BRL Drag Specialties 2024

Battle of the Baggers

Rounds 3 & 4 - South Haven, Michigan, Jun 28-30

The third and fourth rounds of the Drag Specialties Bagger Racing League (BRL) 'Battle of the Baggers' drew the crowds and created much excitement on a first visit to the Gingerman Raceway at South Haven, Michigan, at the end of June 2024. 

With attendances growing in 2024, BRL Race Director Rob Buydos said: "Saturday and Sunday featured superb racing, with Superbikes and American V-twins battling it out on the track. 

"The highlight of the weekend was the Andrew's Products Bagger GP class, with the Feuling Parts team and Ruben Xaus dominating. Samuel Guerin secured second place, and Jesse Janisch rounded out the top three. In the Barnett Clutches and Cables Super-Street Bagger class, Australia's Jake Masters took the win."

The air-cooled twins and Zipper's Performance American Twins Unlimited were dominated by Anthony Bangma on his Buell motorcycle, with Arch York claiming top spot in the Open Next Generation Superbike.

"In the DP Brakes Unlimited Superbike and Lightweight Superbike, Brett Folkerts emerged victorious in both categories, showcasing exceptional skill and speed, with Jamie Hanson triumphant in the Middleweight Superbike and Cody Gilmore standing atop the podium in the Pirelli Pro-Stock.

Next Up: The series will be making its first international appearance when it visits the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ontario, on August 9-11, showcasing Bagger Racing in front of huge crowds at the Canadian Superbikes Double Header. From there it will be on to the 2024 Series Finals on November 16 and 17 at the iconic Willow Springs International Raceway, Rosamond, California.

www.baggerracingleague.com

In Other News

In partnership with Bagger Racing League, and on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, the AMA had added an Amateur National Bagger championship class to its packed vintage road racing schedule at the Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 26-28.

"Mid-Ohio's 2.4-mile road course, with its legendary Keyhole and Carousel sections, has a fresh coat of asphalt and is ready to welcome a full slate of vintage road racing during VMD," said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. 

"This year, for the first time, the program will shake the ground in a new way with the addition of big V-twin engines and the visual spectacle of full-faired bagger motorcycles at speed. AMA-chartered promoter Bagger Racing League (BRL) is partnering with the AMA and WERA to promote and operate the amateur championship class."

"Baggers were built to tour, but in the right hands and with the right modifications, they become some of the wildest racing machines on the planet," said BRL founder Rob Buydos. "The roar they make, how they move around and attack the corners is amazing to watch, and race fans are in for a serious thrill."

Rheinhessen Rumble Custom Bike Show

Rheinhessen Rumble Custom Bike Show - May 9th - 12th, 2024 

Nahetal Arena at ClassicX Landhaus/Hotel, Gensingen, Germany

Words & Pictures HRF/'Motographer' 

The latest custom bike show to join the AMD Approved program, four days of near perfect weather made the 4th edition of the Rheinhessen Rumble a party for the serious enthusiasts with bands and music, food and entertainments throughout.

Winner of Championship Class 

'Dadak', Jesse Rooke Chassis + RevTech; Aykut Dadak; Dadak Custom

The experienced "Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series" team organized the bike show, which, thanks to the location, integrated the elements of both "Ride-In" and "Indoor" bike show that Custom Chrome Europe had successfully developed for prior events.

Winner of Modified Harley/Indian Class 
'(Viva!) Las Vegas', 2006 Softail DeLuxe; Pierre Schult/P.S. Industries

Since 2023, all the Rheinhessen Rumble classes have been structured to allow a "Harley vs. Indian" battle including the "Modified Harley/Indian" and "Sportster/Scout Engine" classes, with "Championship" and "Jammer Old School" allowing all brands anyway. 

Happy with this year's results, show organizers Christian Denstedt of Maniac MechaniX and his collaborators at the ClassicX Landhaus & Hotel complex have already confirmed May 9-11, 2025 for 'Rumble #5'.

www.Rheinhessenrumble.de

Custom-Chrome-Europe.com

Results Rheinhessen Rumble Bike Show 2024 Powered by Custom Chrome Europe

Championship Class

1. 'Dadak', Jesse Rooke Chassis + RevTech; Aykut Dadak; Dadak Custom

2. 'X-Wedge Aliens', Volkan Göller; Habermann/Dadak Custom

3. 'Osmane' Yamaha Road Star; Hasan Dadak; Dadak Custom

Modified Harley/Indian Class 

1. '(Viva!) Las Vegas', 2006 Softail DeLuxe; Pierre Schult/P.S. Industries

2. 'Chief Bobber Ride', 2023 Indian; Karl Geiger/Geiger Cars Munich

3. 'Blackout', Breakout 2013; Lukas Schneider/Maniac MechaniX

Jammer Old School/Chopper Class 

1. '49 Pan', 1948/49 EL; Marco Werner/Private Project

2. 'Flamingo Chopper', 1992 FXST; Yann Hamacher/Privat/Bike Farm Melle

3. 'Old School Springer'; Dirk Wendemuth, son & father project

Sportster/Scout Engine Class

1.  'Faster than Light', 2023 Indian FTR; Karl Geiger/Geiger Cars Munich

2. 'School of Iron', 1976 XL Sportster; Markus Pluntke 

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Magazine

Scott Jacobs Captures Sturgis History

The history of the Sturgis Rally roars to life on the cover of the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Magazine in a painting by renowned artist Scott Jacobs. This year's cover artwork, a captivating painting titled "Uphill Victory," marks the 14th time that Black Hills resident Jacobs has created the image that captures the spirit and history of the Rally.

The Sturgis Rally Magazine is the annual handbook of the happenings, the businesses and the best places to ride and hang out during the Rally. Published by the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum in partnership with the City of Sturgis, thousands of copies are distributed through tourist information centers and businesses throughout the summer.

"Uphill Victory" isn't just another stunning Scott Jacobs motorcycle portrait, it's a tribute to the legacy of the Sturgis Rally's hill climbs, a thrilling competition that began in 1957 and continues to this day. The painting depicts a 1930 DAH, one of the rarest motorcycles ever created by Harley-Davidson. This legendary machine, built specifically for the challenging hill climb races, embodies the fearlessness of early motorcycle riders and their competitive spirit. 

"I love a subject like the DAH, which is a motorcycle few Harley riders have ever seen," said Jacobs. "The challenge of being visually accurate on the motorcycle and creating a scene that is attractive to the audience is one that I really enjoy."

Jacobs' dedication to detail is evident in every aspect of "Uphill Victory."  He created the painting using images of the meticulously restored DAH model at the Wheels Through Time Museum in North Carolina and verified details of the rare Harley with museum owner and close friend, the late Dale Walksler.

The creation process itself was a labor of love. Over 200 photographs and 300 hours of meticulous work with brushes, airbrushes, acrylics and glazes were poured into this masterpiece. The result is an image that transports viewers back to the golden age of motorcycle racing.

"Creating the cover image for the Sturgis Magazine has become one of the highlights of my year," Jacobs continued. "It keeps me connected to the spirit of this great event and of the Black Hills. Quite frankly, it reaffirms my decision to bring my family here and to make our home in the Black Hills. And I'm always thinking about the subject for next year's cover image. That's always fun."

Jacobs' journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with Harley-Davidson. As the first-ever licensed Harley-Davidson artist, much of his professional career has been dedicated to capturing the beauty of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the rich history of the brand.

The 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Magazine, featuring Scott Jacobs' "Uphill Victory" on the cover, is a must-have for rally attendees and visitors to the Black Hills and will be available at tourist information centers and businesses throughout the region.

www.sturgismuseum.com

PSB V-Twin Industry 'Nifty 50' Awards

PSB V-Twin Industry 'Nifty 50' Award Winners 

Robin Bradley Reports on an Elite Selection of Product Excellence …

Perhaps not one of the best known 'B2B' trade journals (or magazines of any kind) in the H-D and custom V-twin market in the United States, but certainly one of the best written in the wider North American powersports industry, Powersports Business is an information powerhouse.

Though focused primarily on the Snow, PWC, ATV/SxS and broader four- and two-wheel off-road sectors, especially in the OEM sector, those dealers who place value in 'looking over the fence' to see a wider industry perspective, can do a lot worse than dipping into 'PSB' from time to time.

KLOCK WERKS - Kolor Series Flare Windshields

One annual 'PSB' feature of note is its 'NIFTY 50' Awards each spring. Open to PSB readers, manufacturers, distributors and dealers to nominate products for recognition in all sectors and segments of the market - from parts and accessories to apparel, consumables, components and services - 2024 was the 25th anniversary for the program.

It has been noticeable that, very gradually, in the last decade or so, the number of H-D aftermarket and custom V-twin products PSB is selecting for its annual recognition showcase has been on the increase. Earlier this year it was striking to me to see how many, what and who had been included by PSB, and while there is, as it turns out, considerable overlap with our own editorial content selection and our own AMD HOT100 Award choices (which means that both publications must be getting something right!), I am happy to 'Break the Mold' and recognize PSB's recognition of some our sector's finest vendors.

BITUBO RACE SUSPENSION - WMM remote piggyback performance shock absorbers

The publishing industry isn't, historically, known for "honor among thieves," but I like to think that one of the defining characteristics of AMD down the years has been that we have never been sucked into the juvenile corporate mind games that often bring the specialist and general media industry into disrepute. In our humble backwater of global capitalism, pretty much all of the guilty parties have long since been consigned to the dustbin of motorcycle publishing industry history now, but fellow survivors such as PSB, and a select handful of other 'fellow travelers', will always get my respect.

So, my 'compliments to the chefs' at PSB for their broad-based industry knowledge and good judgement, and congratulations to the vendors that were honored with a PSB 'Nifty 50' this year. 

KODLIN USA - Kodlin Fastback risers

PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION - Over fork monotube front fork suspension internals kit with Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) 

CRUZTOOLS - 36 mm axle wrench with extension handle

CIRO CORPORATION - Machete lights for Indian Motorcycle models

PERFORMANCE MACHINE - Drifter adjustable brake/shift levers

TAB Performance - Lightweight 2-into-1 muffler upgrade for Indian Challenger and Pursuit

BAKER DRIVETRAIN - 30-tooth comp sprocket kit

CUSTOM DYNAMICS - Pro-BEAM Low Rider ST headlight kit

VANCE & HINES - Hi-output slip-ons in Dark Chrome

S&S Cycle

Additional Kudos to S&S Cycle. The company was awarded a PSB 'Nifty 50', but not for one of its traditional 'core' V-twin products, but as an example of how successful our sector can be in leveraging its research, design and manufacturing skill-base in other sectors of the market, S&S was  awarded its 'Nifty 50' for an adjustable cam sprocket kit for Polaris RZR XP1000, XP Turbo and Turbo R Side-by-Sides.