Biker Lifestyle Articles

Electric Motorcycles: The Future is Here

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Electric Motorcycles: The Green Way to Ride Bikes Like the Zero are Changing the Future of Riding In the last few years, electric motorcycles like the Zero have improved in many ways, and have also become more affordable. Harley-Davidson’s Livewire nationwide tour gave motorcycle enthusiasts a chance to see and comment on bikes that might be available in the future. Some machines that had been available for pre-order are now in their owners hands—these are expensive, high-performance motorcycles. But, since the distance you can ride between charges is just upwards of 100 miles for most bikes, and charging stations are more apt to be found in urban than in rural areas, let’s see if there’s an affordable motorcycle that a rider can use to commute, or run errands, or enjoy on short rides. Probable the best known brand of such bikes is the Zero, which had significant upgrades in 2015. Riders had not been impressed with its suspension system, but the new Showa system is earning applause. (Showa is the OEM supplier of Honda suspensions.) Couple that with Advanced Bosch ABS and Pirelli tires (the type of tire depends on the model of the bike) and you have a machine that handles well on the curves as well as the straightaway. Zero has continued to increase the power and range of its bikes. The SR is a racing bike with a base range between charges of 131 miles and it goes from zero to sixty in 3.3 seconds. But the Zero S is a serviceable bike that will go 185 miles between charges in city driving, but also does seventy miles an hour on the freeway with a range of 94 miles. The Zero DS is a sport bike with a seventy mile range in the city. The S and the DS both cost less than $14,000. The company uses the same frame, so you can swap out a power tank, for example. And it has a software app that gives riders info about remaining charge, speed, and energy use and allow them to customize settings for regenerative breaks and power. The 1.3kW onboard charger completely recharges the bike in six to eight hours. In 2015, Zero added about ten miles to the range of each model by improving the battery pack. That trend will continue as engineers continue to tweak electric motorcycle design. Keep tuned to the Eagle Leather blog for news of other electric motorcycles.

Indian Motorcycle: A Legend Reborn

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Indian Motorcycle: A Legend Reborn The Scout Project Is Indian Motorcycle's First Custom Bike Design Competition You can help an Indian® Motorcycle dealer win a trip for two to the Daytona Bike Week, all expenses paid, thanks to the brand’s worldwide success. A hundred years ago, Indian brand motorcycles competed head-to-head with Harley Davidsons. If you watch American Pickers, you know how excited Mike Wolfe can get when he finds an Indian frame in a barn. After a rough fifty years or so, in 2011 Polaris Industries (the Medina, Minnesota, company best known for snowmobiles) bought the brand, set up a plant in Iowa, and is repositioning the brand to compete with Harley again. The distinctive Indian style is back! Indian motorcycles are sold around the world. For instance, this year in India, Indian expects to grow by fifty percent, double its sales network, and garner fifteen percent of the 1200 cc-plus market. To celebrate that world-wide growth, Indian Motorcycle launched The Scout Project. Indian Motorcycle dealers around the world were eligible to compete in designing a custom bike. They had to start with an Indian 2016 Scout® and add at least three Indian Scout accessories. A November article in Yahoo Autos quotes Steve Menneto, President of Motorcycles for Polaris Industries: “The Indian Scout has been a stunningly successful introduction for us, with balance, performance and maneuverability that appeals to a broad swath of riders here in America and around the globe." The Scout and the Scout Sixty are midsize motorcycles. Nimble, lightweight, and inexpensive, they are attractive to entry-level motorcycle enthusiasts. More powerful Cruisers include the Chief Dark Horse® with its Thunder Stroke V-Twin engine and the retro-styled Chief Classic. The Chief Vintage, which combines traditional style with modern technology, and the Chieftain, with its distinctive modern style with just a hint of tradition, are Baggers; the Roadmaster is a Touring motorcycle that mates ergonomics with luxury for comfortable, long rides. With all Indian motorcycles, you design your ride by adding various accessories. What those dealers did with the Scout is truly amazing. You’ll find all the entries here. There are 35 finalists from around the globe: the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Austria and from cities large (such as Tucson, Arizona, and Bordeaux, France) and small (such as Sioux Falls, South Dakota). But every entry shows the pride, artistry, and expertise of the participating dealers and their crews. Whether you’re a fan of Indian motorcycles or of one of its many competitors, the resurgence of the Indian brand is good news for the world of motorcycles. Join the celebration and see some spectacular bike designs. Then pick your favorite and vote. Let us know on the Eagle Leather Facebook page which one you like and why.

Training Tips for Motorcycle-Riding Dogs

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Take Your Furry Companion For a Ride Training Tips for Motorcycle-Riding Dogs Internet videos like those of Ollie are irresistibly cute. There’s even a website for motorcycle-riding dogs. Every dog-owning motorcycle enthusiast must wonder, “I wonder if we could do that?” Check out the safety tip for some preliminary investigation and then give it a try. Dogs, like people, are not born knowing how to ride a motorcycle. You’ll have to train your dog to ride. But even before that, check the laws on your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website. A few states regulate this practice, but if nothing is said about it, then it’s legal—provided it doesn’t cause you to violate some other rule, such as riding while distracted. Some dogs might never enjoy riding with you. For example, if your dog is bothered by the noise of a car ride, it won’t take kindly to the added noise of traveling by motorcycle. Start by being sure your dog associates his gear, the carrier and restraint system you’ll use with security and good times using your favorite reward system. Doggles (doggie goggles) can be a problem. The tinted lenses make it so dark inside that the dog can’t see and becomes frightened. But the lenses are removable, so using rewards, let your dog get used to the doggles without lenses indoors. Then get your dog into the gear and put him on the bike for a short time. If you use a backpack or front-type carrier, you’ll want to leave a few inches open so your dog can stick its head out to catch the breeze. In a lashed-on carrier, be sure to have a blanket or two, for comfort and because the familiar scent will be soothing. You should also have the dog attached to the bike with a leash, so it won’t run away in case of a spill. Once your pet is comfortable in helmet and goggles and using the carrier on the motorcycle, go for a short, slow ride on the straightaway. Keep practicing, using rewards as needed. Eventually, your dog will sway into the corners like any passenger. Once your dog is comfortable riding, you might want to take her on a long ride. If you’re going a long way, bring enough food and water for the journey. You don’t want intestinal problems to interfere with the trip and new food and strange water can certainly cause them. Pack any medicines your dog needs, along with grooming tools you use regularly. Take the supplies you need to clean up when he does his business and a towel or too for emergency dry-offs and clean-ups. Think, too, about extras, like an extra leash. Be sure your dog’s vaccinations are current and take a copy of the vaccination certificates. And, if your dog isn’t microchipped, this might be the time to handle that. We’d be happy to post a picture of you and your pet on your motorcycle on Eagle Leather’s Facebook page. Just email your picture to Mike at eagleleather@eagleleather.com.

Superstitions for Good Luck

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Superstitions for Good Luck Famous Superstitions From Around the World The Irish are known for their superstitions—one more odd than the next. For instance, never wear new clothes to a funeral or put new shoes on a table. It’s lucky to pick up a penny, but it’s unlucky to pick up a comb. If you see a magpie, greet it pleasantly or you’ll have bad luck. And the list goes on, and on, and on. But the Irish aren’t the only superstitious people in the world. In China, the number four is unlucky because it sounds like the word for “death.” (Four is unlucky in other Asian countries, too.) Never leave scissors open in Egypt, and, to keep your luck, always cut something with them once you’ve opened them. Leaving scissors open might invite an accident, so maybe that superstition makes some sense. But few superstitions arise from any logic we would recognize. In France, stepping in dog poo with your left foot is lucky, with your right is unlucky. In Lithuania, whistling indoors can summon tiny, pesky devils. Rwandan women shouldn’t eat goat meat, lest they grow beards. We think of superstitions as arising when the world was full of things that science could not explain. But not all superstitions date back to more ignorant times. Swedish drivers swerve to cross manhole covers labeled “K” (for fresh water and, coincidentally, for love) and to avoid the covers labeled “A” (for sewage and for broken love.) Vietnamese students avoid bananas at exam time because they are slippery and the word for “slip” sounds the same as the word for “fail.” Superstitions tend to cluster around important life events, like weddings. For instance, in Russia, single folks should not sit at the corner of the table. If they do, they will have trouble finding a partner and may never marry. In Vietnam, wedding gifts are always given in pairs. To give one of an item, such as one blanket, would bring trouble to the marriage. Some things tend to attract superstitions—like black cats, or salt. Once a household is set up in Brazil, a little dish of salt in a corner of the house will bring good luck. And in Japan, if a beggar knocks, always scatter salt where he stood, or bad luck will come upon your household. Many superstitions are meant to ward off bad luck. But superstitions can benefit you, too. In Wales, for instance, making and wearing a hat made of hazel twigs and leaves entitles you to one wish. Carry acorns like the ancient Brits and you’ll stay forever young. The Spanish eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve to guarantee twelve months of good luck. Russians believe that if a bird poops on you or your property, you’ll have good luck and riches, but it’s bad luck to carry a bucket or even see someone else carry one. Do you have any superstitions? Were they passed down in your family? Let us know on Facebook!

How To Prep Your Bike For Riding Season

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Get Ready for Your First Ride of Spring! Five Tips for Getting Your Ride Prepped for Riding Season It can easily take a couple of hours to get your motorcycle ready to ride after the winter, and you might find that you need a new battery or something, so plan ahead. Don’t wait until the morning of that long-anticipated first ride. We can give you general tips to get your motorcycle ready to ride after the winter hiatus, but you should always check your maintenance manual for information about your machine in particular. Start with the fuel system. Gasoline is a volatile chemical that deteriorates quickly, losing the components that give it “oomph.” Stale gas can cause your motorcycle to run rough, and even worse problems for high compression engines. Evaporated gas leaves “varnish,” which can clog lines, filters, and the carburetor jets or injectors. Further, especially if you didn’t have a full tank when you stored your bike, condensation can form inside your gas tank, so that water is added to the gas—and that’s not good. Did you drain the gasoline or add a fuel stabilizer last fall? If so, just check inside for any rust, gunk, or condensation and get rid of it. Then add fresh gas and you’re set. If not, drop the float bowls on the carbs, dump any remaining gasoline, and use carb cleaner to remove any residue. Unscrew the jets and clean them, too. Now you can add fresh fuel. Now consider the battery. Probably your motorcycle came with a lead-acid battery. If you have a lithium battery, you’ll see that you treat it a bit differently. Did you put your battery on a trickle-charger last fall? (Preferably one that prevents overcharging by shutting off automatically when the battery is fully charged—and remember that lithium batteries need special chargers.) If not, use a trickle-charger to re-charge your batteries. Check lead-acid battery cells for fluid level and top them off with distilled water if need be. (The cells in lithium batteries don’t need water.) If your battery doesn’t charge, you need a new one. Tires in good condition and properly inflated are crucial to safe riding. Many people put their motorcycles up on blocks for the winter to help prevent tire damage. But whether your bike stood next to the garage wall or was “put up,” now is the time to be sure your tires will see you through the riding season. Check for tread depth, worn areas, and flat spots (where the tires have born the weight of the motorcycle all winter long). If you see problems, it’s time to buy new tires. Winter temperatures will cause most tires to lose some air pressure. Now’s the time to check and add air as needed. Fluids and filters are next. When you check your brake fluid, remember that you should not mix different DOT brake fluids. Unless you changed them while winterizing, using the instructions in your maintenance manual, change your oil and filter. At a minimum, top off the brake fluid in the master cylinder. Better yet, flush the brake system and add new fluid—again, refer to your owner’s manual. Be sure the coolant is at the proper level. It’s a good idea to flush the coolant, rinse out any remaining coolant with distilled water and white vinegar, and refill. Check that your brake fluid is at the correct level and that your brakes work smoothly. If your air filter isn’t clean, replace it. Be sure your chain is properly oiled. And now—the beauty part! Scrub down your motorcycle. Get rid of the dust and dirt and spider webs. Wax your baby to protect it from sun and dirt while you ride. Now you are ready to enjoy the first ride of spring!

Start Your Ride at Eagle Leather

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Planning New Rides for 2016? Here's Why You Should Start Your Ride at Eagle Leather We know you check the Eagle Leather Ride Guide to see what rides are coming up. But many groups have chosen to start their rides at Eagle Leather. Here are seven reasons why: Eagle Leather has a convenient location. We have a huge parking lot to accommodate all the riders in your group. Eagle Leather is a neutral location: all riders are welcome! Eagle Leather is a family-friendly place to begin your ride. Your ride is more likely to be “spotlighted” in the Eagle Leather Newsletter that goes out to more than 23,000 motorcycle enthusiasts. Your ride will also be featured on The Ride Guide! You can shop at the Eagle Leather Store for any piece of gear that looks shabby or that you might have forgotten. And, best of all, we serve coffee and cookies every weekend morning and have barbecues on special weekends—and all your riders are welcome. Contact us today to get started on planning your next group ride!

What's an Autocycle?

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

What The Heck Is an Autocycle? This Carlike Three-Wheeler Could Be The Future of Transportation Simply put, an autocycle is sort of a motorcycle and sort of a car and sort of something else altogether. It’s got two wheels in front and one in the back, unlike motorcycle “trikes,” but it can have an open “cockpit,” so it seems like a motorcycle. The Polaris Slingshot, which Polaris calls a “three-wheeled motorcycle” is typical. Polaris also cautions that it doesn’t have airbags and doesn’t meet automotive safety standards. It has a steering wheel, not handlebars and the seats are like those in cars rather than straddling seats like a motorcycle. The Slingshot is sexy, low to the ground, and fast. Its open cockpit gives drivers 360 views and the feel of the wind in their hair (unless their state requires helmets). Drivers describe it like “surfing the asphalt.” Models start at just over $21,000.00. The Elio, from Elio Motors, takes an entirely different tack. It’s enclosed, it gets 84 miles per gallon (!), and it costs under $7,000.00. It also has more safety features, with three airbags, a reinforced roll-cage frame, and anti-lock brakes. So far, the tallest person to enjoy the ride as 6-foot 8, and the heaviest weighed 365 pounds. Though it has two seats in front and a rear seat that will hold a child seat, it’s meant as a single-person commuting vehicle. Elio is a startup, so service might be a problem. However, it’s so simple that a lot of buyers will be able to make their own repairs, and they have a service agreement with Pep Boys. Enclosed autocycles protect drivers from weather and wind, but use a lightweight construction so they can employ motorcycle-type engines. However, Elio has developed its own engine, the first American car company since the 1950s to do that, which has 95 horsepower and goes zero to sixty miles per hour in ten seconds. Don’t hold your breath until you can buy an Elio, though. It needs a lot more investment money before vehicles start rolling off the assembly line. You can join over 40,000 others who’ve reserved one. Toyota offers the electric three-wheeled i-Road, but it has just a 31 mile range. Other autocycles that are about the thrill of the ride rather than economy, that is, autocycles like the Slingshot, include the Campagna T-Rex, the Morgan 3 Wheeler, and the Tanom Invader. States are each making their own rules to cover these hybrid vehicles. Vehicle licensing varies from state to state. Some states require drivers to have a motorcycle endorsement, others don’t. Helmets may or may not be required, but eye protection is usually needed for open cage vehicles, and seatbelts are usually required for all autocycles. Louisiana Senator David Vitter recently introduced legislation that would make autocycle a federal vehicle classification. Now, the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classes them as motorcycles. (Elio plans to build its autocycles in a former GM plant in Shreveport, Louisiana.) And some states, like Minnesota, where Polaris is headquartered, have already set up a separate class for them, and don’t require a motorcycle endorsement to drive them. Let us know on Facebook what you think about autocycles. Should driving one require a motorcycle license?

Good Communications Tips - Eagle Leather

Good Communications Are an Important Safety Factor

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Good communications are essential for motorcycle safety. Whether you're coordinating with a passenger or staying in touch with fellow riders, a reliable intercom system can make all the difference. This guide explores the pros and cons of different intercom systems, including simple, wired, wireless, and the latest mesh technology. Learn how to choose the best intercom system to enhance your riding experience and ensure your safety on the road.

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) Race A Professioanl Race On The World’s Oldest Motorcycle Racing Course The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) Races have been held every year since 1907 (except during World War II) over what is arguably the most challenging course in the world, which is also the world’s oldest motorcycle racing course. This year, two racers were killed in a single day: Dwight Beare was a sidecar-racer from Australia and Paul Shoesmith was an Englishman who died on a practice run. They are the 249th and 250th fatalities on the course. The Isle of Man sits in the sea between England and Ireland. It is not part of the United Kingdom, nor does it belong to the Commonwealth, but is a direct dependency of the crown. Historically, it’s been settled by Irish and Scottish people, and by Norsemen. It’s language, Manx, is related to Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It’s the home of the famous Manx cat, with little or no tail, and the far-less-famous Manx sheep, which can have two, four, or even six, horns. But about the race. The 37-mile course runs over Snaefell Mountain in series of bends and bumps and jumps and hazards like telegraph poles and stone walls. The course has its own mythology with sections of the course bearing names like Sulby Straight, Ramsey Hairpin, or Glen Helen. Racing speeds near two hundred miles an hour over short stretches. Various races are run over a two-week period, one week of practice and one of racing, which this year runs from May 28 to June 10. Winners receive a coveted trophy. The races are time-trials, with participants started at ten-second intervals. Trophies are awarded in Superbike, Supersport, Superstock, Lightweight, Sidecar, Senior, and Zero-Emission classes. If you follow the races on the news or via the Internet, you should know a few of the more prominent racers. This year, Ian Hutchinson won the Supersport trophy after nearly ending up upside-down on one tricky stretch. Peter Hickman is the fastest newcomer, but has yet to win a victory. John McGuinness is out to break the 133 mph average speed over the course. He came close last year. But it’s William Joseph (Joey) Dunlop who is King of the Mountain. He came from Northern Ireland and scored three hat-tricks at the Isle of Man TT—in 1985, 1988, and 2000—and won a total of 26 races there. He almost didn’t make it to the Isle of Man in 1985. He was traveling from Northern Ireland on a former fishing boat, with other races, their bikes and their equipment, when the boat ran aground and sank. Luckily, the passengers were all rescued by the Portaferry Lifeboat. Joey won plenty of other races, including the Ulster Grand Prix (24 times) and, according to Motorcycle News, was voted the fifth greatest motorcycling icon ever. Joey was an unassuming man, a real working-class hero. He was awarded the MBE for services to the sport of motorcycle racing. And he receive the OBE for his work to help Romanian orphans. He died in Talinn, Estonia, on July 2, 2000, leading a race on a wet course, when he lost control and ran into trees. Over fifty thousand people came to his funeral. Nowadays the most successful rider overall at the Isle of Man TT is awarded the Joey Dunlop Cup and a statue of Joey overlooks Bungalow Bend on the Snaefell course. The riders who win Isle of Man TT races are professional, riding in lots of races with sponsored teams. Amateur riders get their chance to star on the course during the Manx Grand Prix in the fall. Anyone ready to go?

The Meaning of Memorial Day: A Day of Honor

Oct 30, 2019 Damien Heenan

Memorial Day: A Day of Honor and Reverence Remembering Those Who Have Made The Ultimate Sacrifice For Us We can’t tell you when and where Memorial Day began. Several cities vie for the honor: Boalsburg, Pennsylvania; Carbondale, Illinois; Columbus, Mississippi; Columbus, Georgia; and Waterloo, New York. Waterloo was decreed to be the site of the first Memorial Day by Congress and by President Johnson in 1966. Wherever it began, it grew out of the ancient custom of decorating the graves of those who died in battle. In fact, it was first called Decoration Day, and the name Memorial Day wasn’t official until 1967. Memorial Day isn’t meant to honor all veterans. It’s dedicated to the men and women who died serving their country in the Armed Forces. The flag flies at half-staff in the morning, then is raised to the top of the pole as a reminder to us, the living, that it’s up to us to stand up and carry on the struggle. Picnics are a Memorial Day tradition. Especially in the South, families would picnic at the gravesites of their veteran dead on Memorial Day. Not long after the Civil War, the day was marked by patriotic speeches and concerts in the local bandstand. Today, the National Memorial Day Concert is held on the Capitol’s west lawn, and countless local concerts echo the theme of honor to our war dead. Veteran organizations sell Memorial Day poppies as a fundraiser and a reminder. When you put that poppy into a buttonhole, remember how the custom began. Poppies grow quickly in disturbed ground and Canadian poet John McCrae wrote during World War I (the war to end all wars): In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row That mark our place; ... … If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. Whether it’s a day with parades, patriotic speeches and band concerts or a family picnic or a quiet meditation in a cemetery, Memorial Day is a holiday for all faiths, all ages, all political parties, in honor of the deceased veterans of all wars. It is a day when the nation comes together in somber remembrance of their sacrifice and vows to honor that sacrifice in the best of all possible ways—by continuing their dedication to the welfare of the country.

Five Father's Day Gifts For Dad

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Five Great Gift Ideas for Dad Happy Father's Day from Eagle Leather! “Not another tie,” Dad’s thinking. Nope. No way. Just no. Shop at Eagle Leather for Father’s Day gifts for the men in your life. Use our list as a starting point and then do some browsing, either online or in one of our stores. We’re featuring new items you might not know you can find at Eagle Leather. What’s more, we’ve found gifts that any man might appreciate—motorcycle enthusiast or not—and in a range of prices to suit any pocketbook. You have to see it to believe how gorgeous it is. This three-dimensional art piece depicts a motorcyclist facing the stairway to heaven. We’ve got several other designs—all 14 inches by 20 inches—just click on the picture below to see more. This 6.25 inch biker wallet with a chain is great for dads on the go. Never lose your wallet on the road, as this handy mini wallet makes travel easy. A vest extender holds a man’s vest together. It can be rather plain, or a real piece of bling like this one, which shows an eagle and an American flag. And yes, the Eagle Leather store has more vest extenders –and more manly bling. Click on the picture below to see more extenders. This acid-washed zip-up hoodie is made of a 52/48 cotton-poly blend. The design on the front is the famous Flying Wheel with the words: The Road Will Set You Free. If you don’t like this design, browse—we have more sweatshirts, hooded or not, and dozens of designs in T-shirts. Yes, it’s called a motorcycle glove, but Dad doesn’t have to ride to wear this luxury, deerskin glove. An elastic wrist helps keep it on tightly, yet comfortably. Gloves are a great gift for any man and especially for Dad on Father’s Day. Look further for a wide variety of styles and prices.

The Light Rider

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

The All-Electric Light Rider The Motorcycle of The Future Is Here! It’s electric. It’s ultra-light. It’ fast. And it’s made on a 3-D printer. Yup. And what’s more, it’s made by Airbus—the airplane company! The Light Rider was made in German-based Airbus APWorks. It goes from zero to thirty in just three seconds and tops out at fifty mph. It weighs a mere 77 pounds. The battery only lasts for forty miles, but it’s still a terrific city bike—if you’ve got $57,000 to spend on it. According to AP Works head Joachim Zettler, "Advances in additive layer manufacturing have allowed us to realize the bionic design we envisioned for the motorcycle without having to make any major change." The bike’s hollow frame is 3-D printed, one 60-micron layer at a time, from a custom material named Scalmalloy, which is an aluminum powder that is almost as strong as titanium when it’s printed. The hollow frame makes it easy to route cables and such safely and still keep the overall design sleek. Now, the Light Rider might not be something you’ll write the check for today, but just imagine a future in which materials like Scalmalloy and 3-D printers are inexpensive and easily accessible. We could all design and print our own bikes! Read more about the Light Rider here. If an airplane manufacturer can create an entry into the electric motorcycle market, what’s America’s iconic maker of cycles doing? You might remember that, two years or so ago, Harley showed the world the LiveWire, its concept electric motorcycle. The LiveWire went from 0 to 60 in less than four seconds and top speed was one hundred miles an hour. Like most electric bikes, the charge was the killer. Once it went just 55 miles, it needed a 3.5 hour recharge. After sending a fleet of LiveWires around the nation for the press and ordinary folks to see and to demo, Harley went quiet. Its bike was not going to compete with bikes like the Zero, with its much longer range and shorter recharge time. The geniuses at Harley-Davidson must have been working successfully on that problem, because Senior Vice-President Sean Cummings recently spilled the beans to the Milwaukee Sentinel. Within five years, Harley will have a production electric motorcycle. Last year CEO Keith Wandell explained that the planned electric motorcycle is about “the willingness to step outside of all of the things that we’ve continued to do over the years and to make a bold statement that says: We’re really focused on the future – that we respect everything that has made our company great over the last 111 years, but our job is to make sure that our company is going to continue to be great for the next 111 years.” The next few years should be exciting ones for motorcycle enthusiasts as many companies—think Tesla, Mercedes, Porsche, and others we’ve already blogged about—are designing eco-friendly bikes. What would it take for you to buy an electric motorcycle? 0 to 60 in ___ seconds? Top speed of ___ mph? Range of ___ miles? Price under ___ dollars? Would it be a second bike used only for city driving? Or … Let us know on Facebook. We look forward to hearing from you what real riders want in an electric motorcycle. And take a look at this week’s Safety Tip, if you haven’t yet, ‘cause that might give you some ideas. Sources: https://www.engadget.com/2016/06/14/harley-davidson-electric-motorcycle-in-5-years/ http://www.thedrive.com/news/3988/harley-davidsons-electric-motorcycle-will-hit-the-road-by-2021 http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/motorcycles/a21347/harley-electric-motorcycle-five-years/

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