Welcome to Keep The Rubber Side Down’s peek inside of “Stealth Rider,” part of Speed Channel’s Wednesday’s Block. In this week’s episode Jason is visiting Las Vegas: Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam, Freemont Street Experience, Las Vegas Boulevard [The Strip]
Be sure and check it out!
A few days ago a friend of mine stopped in to show me the 2006 Victory Kingpin motorcycle he had recently purchased. I was anxious to get a closer look because until then I had only seen the Kingpin from a distance. After spending some time with the motorcycle I would have to say I was really impressed. I liked the overall appearance of the motorcycle and found the riding position to be extremely comfortable. The v-twin delivered plenty of power and the six speed transmission is a real plus. If I am ever in the market for another cruiser I would certainly give Victory a close look. Have any of you had any experience with the Kingpin or Victory motorcycles in general? I would love to hear your opinion.
Specifications
From 1989-1998, Honda produced the ugliest motorcycle ever built; the Pacific Coast. I am a huge fan of Honda, and usually love their motorcycles, but not the PC. During the nine years that the Pacific Coast was produced, over 14,000 units were sold around the world, but today the bike has an iconic following. I have had the opportunity to ride these bikes and have to admit they are comfortable and fun to ride. My only advice is you either ride it under the cover of darkness or in a full faced helmet with a dark shield so your neighbors don’t recognize you.
On Friday, a friend of mine dropped in to see me and he was riding his Pacific Coast. The bike you are about to see was involved in accident sometime back and actually cut a deer in half. My buddy rebuilt the fairing and… well, you just have to see it. (Note; in the video I mistakenly refer to the bike as a 1988, I meant to say 1989.)
I have scoured the names of the nearly 900 Harley Davidson dealerships in the United States and have selected twelve dealerships I think have the coolest names. Here’s my list….
1. Powder Keg H.D.
2. Big Swamp H.D.
3. Pig Tail H.D.
4. Devil Mountain H.D.
5. Stormy Hill H.D.
6. Killer Creek H.D.
7. Rawhide H.D.
8. Big Moose H.D.
9. Battlefield H.D.
10. Deadwood H.D.
11. Wild West H. D.
12. Horny Toad H.D.
What dealerships would you add to the list?
The famous German cartoonist Holger Aue, has captured the feeling many motorcyclist have regardless of the number of bikes in their garage!
In late December I wrote about my friend Greg, and a his newly acquired 1978 Kawasaki KZ 750 (read here).
Here’s an update…
Greg brought the motorcycle back to the shop to evaluate it more closely. Would this bike be a candidate for a full restoration or a dependable everyday commuter? After giving the “old girl” a thorough inspection, the decision was made to go the daily commuter route. Once that issue had been settled Greg laid out his plan of attack.
Greg is making good progress as the Kawasaki has now been disassembled and is awaiting paint. Not long ago Greg’s wife, Teresa, stopped by the shop and asked where his bike was, Greg replied, while pointing in all directions; “Here, there, and everywhere!” They both had a good laugh about that. If you have ever tackled a job like this, you know exactly what he means.
Its exciting to see the progress this project is making and I for one, am looking forward to seeing the end result!
to be continued…
I met Greg several years ago and he has always wanted a motorcycle of his own. In fact he has wanted a bike so much that early this summer he ordered a helmet in preparation for the big day. Well Sunday was the day!
Seems Greg met a fellow who owned a 1978 Kawasaki KZ750, but due to illness hasn’t ridden the bike for a long while. In fact, the bike has been sitting outside under a tarp for the past 10 years. Greg decided to purchase the bike as a project and was undaunted by it’s current condition, to be honest, he seems rather giddy about the whole thing.
I met Greg on a cold and blustery, Sunday afternoon to bring the ole’ girl to her new home. KTRSD will keep a close eye on this restoration and will keep you abreast of the progress.
A magnificent autumn day is in store for residents in my neck of the woods. That means a hearty breakfast, some yard work and a leisurely ride, will fill my schedule.
Earlier this week I had the great pleasure of riding St. Route 56 from Springfield, to Athens, a trek through the lovely Hocking Hills region of Ohio, complete with exciting twisties and gently rolling hills. So today’s ride will be closer to home.
Recently I read of a milestone in Husqvarna’s history. The famed manufacturer of off road motorcycles, rolled it’s 25,000 motorcycle off the assembly line since becoming a member of the BMW name brand. Originally founded in Sweden in 1903, the company became part of BMW in October of 2007. Congratulations to Husqvarna and here’s to 25,000 more motorcycles.
