“Keep The Rubber Side Down”

From Triumph

Triumph Upgrades TwinsWith Electronic Fuel InjectionNEWNAN, Georgia – September 8, 2008:  Triumph announced that all new 2009 parallel twin engine platforms will include electronic fuel injection (EFI).  This new technology affects all the Modern Classics: Bonneville, Bonneville T100, Scrambler, and Thruxton. The America and Speedmaster, in the Cruiser range, also receive this upgrade.  Triumph has been able to preserve the classic look of the engine while the technologically advanced internal engine design has been modified to accommodate the EFI update. The fuel injectors have been skillfully hidden by throttle bodies designed to look like carburetors. The fuel injected engine produces a perfect balance of efficiency and performance while maintaining its exceptional fuel economy. The 2009 parallel twin engine maintains its classic look with polished fins and remains true to its heritage. The changeover from carburetors to electronic fuel injection is in direct response to the European emissions legislation.  In 2009 all the Triumph parallel twin powered models in North America receive this update which exceeds Euro 3 as well as EPA and CARB emissions standards. The precise metering of fuel delivers a more environmentally friendly motorcycle.

I think I would like to take advantage of one of the many AMA riding events here’s the schedule 2009 AMA Tour Schedule Released

Although crowd attendance was down slightly I am certain the attendees didn’t care! Sturgis Rally Stats For 2008

Tags: , AMA, Sturgis, Triumph

4:45 a.m.  My wake up call for this Sunday morning.  Some hot coffee, a quick shower, and I am heading out the door.  In 2 hours KTRSD will be track side at the largest celebration of vintage motorcycles on the continent; AMA’s Vintage Motorcycle Days!   A dark, and chilly morning, greets me as I walk to the garage and fire up the bike.  I will be heading North to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Race Track, one of the most challenging courses in the country with it’s 2.4 mile, 15 turn ribbon of asphalt.

By the time I arrive at the track, the paddock area is already buzzing with activity, as the teams are preparing their vintage contraptions to race, on what will be a very hot Sunday in July. 

I spent much of the morning trying to get my bearings, and familiarizing myself with the day’s schedule;  13 races, swap meet, demo rides, and a seminar lead by Clement Salvadori.  All of this plus a bike show, fill the agenda, some editing was certainly in order.

As the day progressed, the racing schedule backed up, due to the fact there was a significant oil spill on the course, and the track crew was having a difficult time cleaning it up.  (I didn’t even realize there was a Harley in that last race!)  Kidding! Here’s a few tid-bits from the day…

1.  Clement Salvadori is a better writer than a speaker.

2.  $6.00 for a soda and wienie.

3.  Fuel $10 per gallon in London.

4.  Triumph was king today.

5.  Vintage bikes are cool, but very unreliable.

6.  Over 60,000 in attendance on Sunday.

By mid-afternoon the sun was baking the track and the participants, sunscreen and water, were the priorities of the day.   Here’s a sample…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bP-nSAcabA

I am hot, sweaty, thirsty, and ready to tear up some road!  Thanks Mid-Ohio, it was a blast!

Tags: , AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Track, Triumph

A current buzz-word throughout today’s business world is “Branding”.  Most define this word something like, “The words, actions, and symbols, used by a company to define itself, and to set itself apart from it’s competitors”. Basically, methods a company uses to build it’s “street creds”

Recently, while looking for some brand items for the particular type of bike I ride, I began to think about motorcycle manufacturers and which ones do the best job at branding their product.  Here’s my list of the top 5.

1.  Harley Davidson

2.  Ducati

3.  Honda

4. BMW

5. Triumph

These may not be the biggest, or the best, in their fields, but they have been successful at creating a strong image to help them sell their products.  How would your list look different from mine?

Tags: BMW, branding, Ducati, harley davidson, Honda, Triumph

Tags: BMW, Triumph

+10 Things New Riders Do Wrong.

+F 800 GS Deliveries Delayed.

+Triumph:  Then and Now.

Tags: , F800GS, Triumph