Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The 69th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally took place in Sturgis, South Dakota in the United States between the 3rd and 9th of August. The first rally was held on 14 August 1938, by the Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle club, who still operate who still own and operate the tracks, hillclimb, and field areas where the rally is centered. The Sturgis Rally has been held every year, with exceptions during the 2nd World War. In 1942, the event was not held because gasoline was rationed. The Sturgis Rally is not for the weak at heart or young children. Drinking in public and public nudity are an occasional problem for the Sturgis Police Department. Official figures may be released later in this week for this year's rally. In 2008 over 400,000 people attended the rally. It was down from the 2000 (60th) record rally attendance of +/- 633,000. Only 3 rally related deaths were reported in 2008. Over 500 tons of garbage was hauled in Sturgis for the duration of the rally in 2008. 437 offenders were jailed for criminal offenses during the duration of the rally in 2008. 188 parking tickets were issued in 2008 as well. Sounds like a very rough place but I'm sure that there are bikers in the United States that look for "hogs" or bikes in the classifieds in order to make it to the rally. I must admit that just be too much people in one place for me.

Related Link
Sturgis Rally - Official Website

World's Most Expensive Motorcycle

The Ecosse Moto Works Limited Edition Titanium is the world's most expensive motorcycle. This bike is handmade of titanium with a clear coated carbon fiber bodywork and hand painted. The bike is equipped with a fuel injected, supercharged and intercooled 2,150cc billet motor capable of generating 200 hp. Production has been limited to 10 units. This price for this motorcycle is a whopping wallet-crunching $275,000. This bike is sold with a free watch. The Ecosse Moto Works’ Limited Edition Titanium has an adjustable riding position and also comes with a gel seat. This bike is the brainchild of Donald Atchison from Colorado in the United States. This bike is way out of my price range. Guess I'll have to look around in the classifieds for a 2nd hand bike instead. In my opinion the Ecosse Moto Works Limited Edition Titanium is way too expensive, although it's a very nice bike to look at.

Related Link
Ecosse Moto Works website.

Motorcycles in the Movies: Ducati 996

Some of you might wonder which motorcycle Trinity was riding the 2003 movie, The Matrix: Reloaded in the infamous highway chase scene. I was doing some research the other day and I found out that this was the Ducati 996, an Italian manufactured motorcycle. The Ducati 996 was the successor to the Ducati 916. It was produced by Ducati between 1999 and 2002. 3 different models of the motorcycle were released in this period. The bike has a top speed of 259 km/h (161 mph). The bike is just over 2 metres (75 inches) long and weighs 198 kg (437 lbs). It might not be as fast as some of the other motorcycles in the market, but it's still fast. Ducati is a well-established company and one can find their motorcycles in classifieds publications around the world. Just a warning, superbikes / fast motorcycles are not for the faint at heart or first time motorcyclists.

Related Link:
Ducati - Official Website

Honda Goldwing

This motorcycle was first released in 1975. This is the motorcycle which started the whole touring bike trend around the world, although it was initially intended to be a roadbike. The Honda Goldwing was the first motorcycle ever to introduce a airbag system. Over the years there have been various models produced by the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer.

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  The Honda Goldwing GL 1000 was produced between 1975 and 1979. Between 1975 and 1977 this model remained virtually unchanged. In 1978 the Goldwing underwent major changes. The kickstart system was removed, the exhaust system was updated, a faux tank shape was introduced and instruments were added on the top of the faux tank. The seats, camshafts and carburetors were updated as well. When the last model was introduced in 1979 Honda included their own saddlebags and trunk, but no fairing.


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  Honda introduced the Goldwing GL 1100 in 1979, but the bike was marked as a 1980 model. This version was fitted a slightly bigger engine (1085 cc). The bike's suspension was changed to air adjustable system (a production motorcycle first). Many parts were still interchangable between the GL 1000 and GL 1100. Honda also introduced the Honda Goldwing Interstate, the 2nd bike in the motorcycle industry that was standardly sold with touring accessories. From 1981, Honda Goldwing production was moved to Ohio in the US, making it possible for the Japanese motorcycle maker to market the bike as being made in America.
  


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  The Honda GL 1200 Goldwing was introduced in 1984 sporting a brand new 1182cc engine. The bike's frame was enlarged and stiffened, making the riding experience smoother. In 1985 Honda introduced the GL 1200 LTD which came standard with computerised fuel injection, 4-channel stereo radio with speakers, cruise control and onboard travel computer. The alternator capacity on the motorcycle was also increased to make it possible to add more electronics to the bike. 2 new model updates were done to the Honda GL 1200 before it was discontinued at the end of 1987.
  


• In 1988, the Honda GL 1500 Goldwing was introduced. The engine was upgraded to flat-6 1562cc engine. The Goldwing was completely redesigned. A reverse gear was added to the design. The bike also featured ultra-sleek styling. Solid state digital ignition was introduced. Power was increased and noise was reduced because of this feature. The motorcycle was entirely enclosed in plastic, giving it a seamless appearance. Various other models of this bike were introduced up to the year 2000


• In 2001, Honda released the GL 1800 Goldwing, the first new Goldwing model in 13 years. This bike featured a massive & new 1832cc flat-6 engine and lightweight aluminum frame, making this new-generation giant as powerful as it is agile. Anti-Lock Brakes(ABS)were also introduced as an optional extra. The 2006 model was introduced as the first motorcycle with an airbag. An optional in-dash GPS with audio information provided through speakers and headset cables was also introduced. Honda made a rider comfort package available which included seat heaters, heated handlebar grips and engine-air vents.

The Honda Goldwing seems to be the dominant product in the touring bike market. Since the bike has been around more than 30 years one could definately find classifieds adverts for this motorcycle in publications or on websites around the globe. This bike has always been ahead of its competition. I look forward to seeing a new model of this motorcycle introduced in the future.