Let Threedom Ring

Trikes have never been a huge segment of the motorcycling population, but it looks like we can expect to see some growth from that segment, because a company well known for its savvy business practices is putting their money on it, and getting into the trike business---and that company would be Harley-Davidson.
The Motor Company has made an agreement with Lehman Trikes to develop bonafide Harley-pedigree trikes, built around a Harley platform and sold as O"EM Harley-Davidson vehicles at Harley dealers. The deal represents a boon for Lehman, and an acknowledgement from Harley-Davidson that they expect to find good business in the trike market. It has been observed that trikes are a popular phenomenon, and Harley really expects that these are going to appeal to a variety of customers who either prefer the styling or the experience of three-wheelers. In recent years, Harley-Davidson had increased their focus on broadening their customer base and they think that trikes are another way to do that, to reach new market segments. Lehman Trikes, which operates from its home base in Alberta, Canada, and has a second plant in spearfish, South Dakota, has been building three-wheeled motorcycle conversion kits and accessories for 20 years, but major motorcycle manufacturers have stayed out of the market. Harley's excursion into this arena changes the picture considerably.
The Motor Company has not yet announced when the trikes will roll into the showroom floors, or what volume they intend to produce, but stock in both Lehman and Harley rose recently after the news of the agreement was announced. Stay tuned.
http://tjmarshall.blogspot.com/

Dodging A Bullet

S & S Commends EPA Certification Program. August 3, S & S is pleased to announce that the EPA has recently released the "Certification Procedure for Highway Motorcycle Engines."
Following a year of successful efforts between the EPA and the MIC American V-Twin Committee, document CISD-06-15 (MC) was released by the EPA on July 25, 2006. Drafted to allow the certification and sale of highway motorcycle engines to individuals, dealers, and small-volume motorcycle manufacturers, the Certification Procedure permits certified engines installed in new highway motorcycle chassis to be operated or resold without restriction (provided the requirements of the procedure, as well as the federal Clean Air Act anti-tampering requirements are met). With the original provision allowing only one noncompliant custom bike to be built in an individuals lifetime, the EPA, with help from the MIC, S&S Cycle, and other industry leaders, has done a fantastic job of looking out for the best interest of the individual customers, dealers, and small-volume manufacturers that make up our industry. Customers can now buy or build numerous emissions-compliant motorcycles, without having the worries of certifying or submitting paperwork to the EPA.
Referring to an exemption documented in the EPA's adoption of new emission standards for highway motorcycles in December 2003, the Certification Procedure will no longer limit individuals to building only one highway motorcycle over their lifetime. Nor will the EPA's 2003 emission standards exemptions limit the elaborate custom motorcycles that are created for display by collectors to 24 units per model year per builder. Said builders will now be able to purchase and install certified engine packages without the previous quantity limitation.
http://tjmarshall.blogspot.com/

Motorcyclists Don't Bite

First of all, you'll notice you still have your hand. That's right, motorcyclists don't bite. Most of us are friendly folks, very few fit the 'outlaw biker' stereotype. In fact, I'd like to answer some questions and clear up some misconceptions that you may have about motorcyclists.
Why do some motorcyclists wear leather?
Well, besides looking good, leather holds up a lot better than my skin would if I fell off at 55 mph. Leather chaps/pants, gloves and jacket offer good protection from the wind, rain, sand or...a possible fall.
What do you do if it rains?
The laws of physics apply to motorcyclists too. If it rains, we get wet! If we're on the road and get caught in the rain, most of us carry rain suits to wear. We may ride a little more cautiously or may stop until it passes, but as a rule, we don't choose to go riding in torrential down pours.
Aren't you afraid of falling?
The thought occasionally enters our minds, but for the most part, no! On a properly maintained motorcycle, a responsible rider is quite safe. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers courses to make motorcyclists better, safer riders. If you ever decide to ride, I'd encourage you to take the course.
http://tjmarshall.blogspot.com/

Pearl

Pearl is the name of our 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle. Hence.......the gas tank and fenders are pearl white in color and everything else is chrome! She, (motorcycles, boats and RV's are usually referred to as a 'she' or a 'her') is a beauty ! When my husband bought her :-), he added another $2000 worth of extras so she wouldn't look so 'stock'. He also put blue lights underneath to dress her up and they look really cool at nightime. We have been on some great rides and we use her whenever possible to save on fuel also. Of course, we do not ride in the rain. We go on rides for Toys for Tots, ministry rides, fund raisers and of course just for fun. We ride as often as we can. We are retired and are full time travelers. So we do have the time to ride and we love it! http://tjmarshall.blogspot.com