At the Javits Center in New York City, Indian displayed a version of its Chief Classic customized largely with Indian Motorcycle accessories. The stunning bike features, among many other details, a 23? front wheel held by a billet aluminum girder front end custom built by an Indian team. Here is the full press release from Indian on the “Big Chief Custom”.

Indian Motorcycle®, America’s first motorcycle company, today revealed a fully customized, Indian Chief Classic at the Indian Motorcycle display inside the International Motorcycle Show at the Javits Center in New York City. Conceptualized and designed by Indian Motorcycle’s Industrial Design team, the “Big Chief Custom” is the first custom Indian Chief created around the 2014 models introduced with great fanfare at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this past August.

Spearheaded by the head of Polaris Industries’ Industrial Design team, Greg Brew, a small and dedicated team undertook the task of customizing a stock 2014 Indian Chief Classic.  It features an array of Genuine Indian Motorcycle aftermarket accessories along with a custom paint scheme and billet girder front fork. This Big Chief Custom was designed to spark owners imagination on how to customize, enhance and personalize the 2014 Indian Chiefs.

One special highlight of the custom build is the billet aluminum girder front end that recalls the early Indian models. Designed, machined and built in-house, the girder fork features fully machined uprights and sand-blasted billet cross members with a custom 23-inch front wheel. The custom front valance fender maintains the classic look of the Indian Chief. A custom shock and headlight complete the front end package. Custom paint was applied in-house by team member Steve Leszinski with a multicolored theme from prior generations of Indian Motorcycles.

Another nod to the long history of Indian Motorcycle is the springer style seat, though updated through a cantilevered design. Combined with the standard  single rear shock, the Big Chief Custom promises to be a smooth ride.

The “Pinnacle Series” of Indian Motorcycle accessories on the Big Chief Custom includes the Cam Cover, Primary Cover, Chrome Grips and Beach Bars.  The robust sounding Stage 1 exhaust sports Fish Tail Tips. Other custom accessories include War Bonnet Floorboard Pads, a Heel Shifter and chrome Rear Fender Bumper.

The “Big Chief Custom” will be on display in the Indian Motorcycle exhibit as part of the 2014 International Motorcycle Shows tour. Remaining tour stops include Novi, Michigan; Washington, DC; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; and Seattle, Washington. The Display features the 2014 line of Indian Chief motorcycles including the Chief Classic, Chief Vintage and the Chieftain — Indians’ first-ever bagger. The display also includes the Spirit of Munro, a custom tribute to the legendary Burt Munro, and a display of vintage Indian motorcycles dubbed “Springfield Row” that will change from show to show. Additional features include an accessory and apparel display, a cut-away Thunder Stroke 111 engine and a rolling chassis that showcases the advanced technology underpinning all Indian Motorcycle models.

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We fell in love with the original Suzuki V-Strom 1000. It was introduced long before the adventure tourer category took off in terms of popularity. It was strange looking, but a blast to ride … comfortable, fast and versatile. It also featured a great 90° v-twin engine.

The original big bore V-Strom became long in the tooth, and some of its thunder was stolen by its little brother, the V-Strom 650. It was affectionately referred to as the “Stomboli” around here, and one of our test riders even bought one. Lighter and more nimble, it had an overachieving mid-bore power unit, and received a recent update in styling and function.

So what about the V-Strom 1000? Loyalists were losing faith, but Suzuki finally delivered with a significant redesign that we have now had the opportunity to test in Almeria, Spain. We gave you all the technical details in an earlier article. The highlights of the ground-up redesign include a larger displacement, 1037cc v-twin, Tokico four-piston monoblock front brake calipers on 310mm discs, and rider-selectable three-mode traction control system (including Mode 1 that allows limited wheel spin, Mode 2 that vitually eliminates wheel spin, and an Off position).

The new frame is 13% lighter, yet stiffer. A new single-muffler layout also contributes to weight reduction, and new upside down 43mm KYB forks are fully adjustable, while the rear shock continues to have a simple, remote preload adjustment knob.  A longer wheelbase than the old model sits on 17? rear and 19? front wheels.

Sitting behind the 9-way adjustable windscreen, you are greeted with entirely new instrumentation with analog tach, LCD speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, gear position indicator, and several other functions, including fuel consumption information.  Redesigned ergonomics include an even more upright seating position with closer bars and foot pegs slightly rearward from their prior position.  Reaching the ground is a bit easier as the bike is a bit narrower between the rider’s legs.

Our ride through Almeria proved that Suzuki has successfully improved upon the older model with more responsive handling and engine performance. The new bike is positioned between the smaller displacement adventure machines and the new mega-trail bikes displacing 1200cc.

We found the added engine performance (compared to the smaller bikes) and the added agility (compared to the larger competition) a nice balance.

Despite the displacement increase from 996cc to 1037cc, the new pistons are lighter, and thinner rings reduce friction in the cylinders. Redesigned heads feature two spark plugs per cylinder for more power and greater efficiency. New fuel injectors improve atomization, and the bike now features a slipper clutch.

The beefy new brakes have a Bosch ABS system that controls the deceleration of the attractive 10-spoke aluminum rims.

Suzuki focused on making the new V-Strom 1000 comfortable over long distances, because it is now clear that this category of motorcycle is often frequently used for touring on the highways. In addition to the ergonomic changes we have already described, the windshield can be adjusted without tools into 1 of 3 height positions and 1 of 3 tilt positions. The old dual, side-by-side headlights are gone in favor of a stacked system reminiscent of the Hayabusa layout.

We had over 300 miles to assess the performance of the new V-Strom, and the weather cooperated with a beautiful blue sky. I found the new seating position comfortable, and the new instrumentation legible and useful.

The engine is very smooth, and the bike immediately felt well balanced and easy to control. The engine pulls strongly from low revs, and transitions through the mid-range in a linear fashion. Power is strong, but never abrupt.

Vibration is well controlled, and wind protection is quite good, although I did experience some turbulence along a particular stretch of highway. The transmission shifted easily, and the gear ratios are well spread with 6th gear providing relaxed rpm levels at highway speeds.

Where the new V-Strom 1000 really excels is in the corners. This is where you can really feel the lighter weight compared to the larger displacement competition. Direction changes are easy and fluid feeling. The engine is flexible enough that you do not have to shift very often, as I frequently exited corners in 4th gear all the way down at 2500 rpm.

All-in-all, the V-Strom is a very enjoyable bike to ride on a twisty road with its relaxed, comfortable seating position, flexible power delivery and relatively light weight.

We look forward to doing a more thorough test on the new V-Strom, but we can already tell that Suzuki’s efforts to redesign the bike have paid great dividends.

At a U.S. MSRP of $12,699, the 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS may be all the adventure tourer you ever need.  There are several color combinations (see our earlier article), and Suzuki intends to have plenty of accessories, including luggage. Take a look at Suzuki’s web site for additional details and specifications.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area in California won’t be taken over by the military after all, thanks to language included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 that was approved by a U.S. House-Senate conference committee on Dec. 11, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.

The AMA, together with a coalition of off-highway recreation partners, congratulates U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.) for his leadership in protecting the interests of the OHV community — many of whom are motorcyclists — by getting the language inserted into the bill. Cook’s language ensures the safety of the residents in the Johnson Valley area, which is just east of the San Bernardino Mountains near Los Angeles, and provides an adequate training area for the U.S. Marines stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms.

Specifically, Cook’s language designates the Johnson Valley OHV area as the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, which will be managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The area is designated specifically for recreational uses including, but not limited to, OHV use, camping and hiking. Marine Corps activities would be allowed in a shared use area twice a year for a maximum of 60 days and would require use of non-dud producing ordnance.

The Cook amendment was inserted in the NDAA in June by the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, of which Rep. Cook is a member. The measure then went to a House-Senate conference committee, where conferees worked out House and Senate differences in the bill. The final conference committee bill released on Dec. 11 contains the Cook amendment. The bill now goes to the House and Senate floors for approval before going to the president to be signed into law.

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, praised Cook, who is a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, for his efforts to protect the local economies and provide for the safety of the residents surrounding the Twentynine Palms Marine Base. The base wanted to expand its live fire training into Johnson Valley.

“It was the strong leadership and exceptional ability of Paul to work with the Natural Resources Committee and Armed Services Committees in the U.S. House and Senate that protected the popular off-highway area in Johnson Valley,” Allard said. The Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area is the first federal land-use designation for off-highway use and becomes a precedent for future motorized recreation.”

The AMA joined with the California Motorized Recreation Council, a non-profit 501(c)3 represented in Washington, D.C., by The Livingston Group, to work with Cook to develop the amendment that preserves access to the Johnson Valley OHV riding area.

CMRC members and partners include the Off-Road Business Association, California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, California Off-Road Vehicle Association, American Sand Association, California-Nevada Snowmobile Association, AMA District 36 (Northern California, Northwestern Nevada), AMA District 37 Off-Road (Southern California), The Partnership for Johnson Valley and countless individuals and businesses. The Specialty Equipment Market Association, the Motorcycle Industry Council and Americans for Responsible Recreational Access also provided valuable support.

A map of the compromise plan for Johnson Valley can be found at the link: http://cook.house.gov/johnson-valley-map.

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Murrieta, CA – KTM North America, Inc. wants to remind applicants that registration for the 2014 KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) program is now open.

The popular intermission show of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, has expanded its line-up to include ten total Supercross venues. The schedule and application deadlines are below:

Event Date: Application Deadline:
1. Phoenix Supercross – January 11, 2014 December 13, 2013
2. Anaheim II Supercross – January 18, 2014 December 20, 2013
3. Anaheim III Supercross – February 1, 2014 January 3, 2014
4. Arlington Supercross – February 15, 2014 January 17, 2014
5. Atlanta Supercross – February 22, 2014 January 24, 2014
6. Indianapolis Supercross – March 1, 2014 January 31, 2014
7. Toronto Supercross – March 22, 2014 February 21, 2014
8. St. Louis Supercross – March 29, 2014 February 28, 2014
9. Houston Supercross – April 5, 2014 March 7, 2014
10. Las Vegas Supercross- May 3, 2014 April 4, 2014

The KJSC is an intermission program where 15 randomly selected riders race aboard identically prepared KTM 50 SXS motorcycles. Throughout the day, riders get to go on a track walk, participate in two practice sessions, sign autographs for their fans, be introduced during opening ceremonies and race a three-lap exhibition race during the Supercross night program.

Interested applicants must be 7-8 years old and meet the full requirements listed in the official rules. All rules and online entry forms can be found at the KJSC event website www.ktmjrsx.com. Entry is now open. Any additional inquiries about the KJSC should be directed to local KTM dealerships or through the ‘contact us’ section of the website.

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After our ride at the press launch of the Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom and 1400 Touring, we brought you a fairly comprehensive report detailing the features and specifications of this impressive new Italian brute. To say we were impressed would be an understatement.

After the press event, we got a California 1400 Custom for a more thorough test, put more than 1,000 miles on it, and are preparing our long-term evaluation report that we will present to you shortly. There is no doubt in our mind that the California 1400 Custom deserves to be MD’s Bike of the Year. For all the reasons stated in our report from the press launch, and reinforced in our longer term relationship with the machine, this bike represents something very special.

If you are fond of Moto Guzzi motorcycles (and we are), you have accepted their quirky, frequently unrefined nature as forming a significant part of the riding experience. More recently, Moto Guzzi has found a way to retain all of its lovable characteristics and combine them with more refined, modern performance. We first noted this in our review of the 2011 Norge GT 8V sport tourer, but the California 1400 takes things to a whole new level.

In our opinion, the Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom defies categorization. It looks like a big muscle cruiser, but its handling and engine performance set it apart. Frankly, we can’t think of another engine we enjoyed more this past year in terms of its character (feel) and performance. Twisting the throttle for the first time on this bike is shocking, because the engine responds in a far livelier fashion than expected of a big v-twin. We also think the bike just looks Bad Ass.

Stay tuned for our long-term evaluation.

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We want your thoughts below in the comments section about 2014 trends. The United States market has so much variety now, from big cruisers and exotic sport bikes costing more than $20,000 to the rapid emergence of small-displacement, inexpensive commuter bikes and beginner bikes. Some of the traditional categories like sport bikes have softened, while dual sport and adventure touring motorcycles have become more popular. Naked bikes used to be parts-bin specials, but now they are getting top drawer components and engine performance. Customizers used to focus on cruisers almost exclusively, but cafe racers and standards now command the attention of many enthusiasts looking to add their personal touch to their ride.

Yamaha has embraced three-cylinder engines beginning with its FZ-09, and Honda is making good on its promise to develop more production bikes with V-4 power. What engine designs and layouts are trending upward?

When it comes to accessories, the only limit is our imagination. From cosmetic to functional, accessories serve many needs. LED accessory lighting, in some cases more powerful than the stock lighting on your motorcycle, is one emerging trend.

Motorcycle/scooter hybrids are always interesting, and there are always new developments in this area. Big engines, big performance coupled with step-through design and CVT transmissions, as well as pure electric alternatives.

In short, what’s your vision for the future of motorcycling? What trends will emerge or strengthen next year?

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Cypress, CA December 12, 2013 – Yamaha Motor Corporation is excited to display our full line of award winning Yamaha and Star Motorcycles for 2014 this weekend at the New York International Motorcycle Show in the Jacob Javits Center from Dec 13-15. We also are delighted to have one of the concept motorcycles featured recently in our Tokyo Motor Show display on hand for consumers to view.

EKIDS Concept model

This concept model is a bike for kids learning to ride and mounts a modularized “EVINO” electric power unit. It features an electric motor with electronic control designed for an easy-to-use and friendly feeling to the ride that is great for kids just learning how to ride. And unlike a gasoline powered engine, this motorcycle can be transported in vehicles or ridden indoors.

Raider SCL Giveaway Winner Announced

Winning a free motorcycle is one thing, winning a limited edition Raider SCL from Star Motorcycles is another. After collecting entries throughout last year’s indoor and outdoor show season the lucky winner will be announced on Dec 13th and get to leave New York with the keys to a new Raider SCL.

Bolt Custom Build-Off

Fresh off of winning the Bolt Custom Build-Off, Doc’s Chops unique DT/XT/TT inspired, brat styled Bolt will be on display along with Bolts from esteemed builders Roland Sands Designs, M&M Customs, Chappell Customs, Jeff Palhegyi Designs, and Rooke Customs.

Complete Line of 2014 Yamaha and Star Motorcycles

Make sure you come and check out the complete line of 2014 Yamaha and Star Motorcycles on display, including the exciting new FZ-09, YZ250F, YZ450F, FJ1300ES with electronically adjustable suspension and the Bolt by Star Motorcycles. Consumers will have the opportunity for an up close and personal experience with every model, and there will be knowledgeable staff throughout the display to answer questions regarding all of our exciting motorcycles.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association announced today its AMA Motorcyclist of the Year: AMA Life Member Larry Little. Little, vice president and general manager of Marketplace Events, created a U.S. motorcycle show that debuted in 2013 and brought buyers and sellers together in a bold new way. 

The AMA Motorcyclist of the Year recognizes the person or persons who had the most profound impact within the motorcycling community in the previous 12 months. It is awarded annually by the AMA Board of Directors.

“While most in motorcycling viewed the cataclysmic changes brought about by the economic crisis as disastrous, Larry Little saw an opportunity to improve the situation while fulfilling a long-held passion to launch a motorcycle show for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, consumers and media in America,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman.

“When we step back and look at the excitement, exposure and interest that the American International Motorcycle Expo brought to the motorcycling industry in the past 12 months, it is fitting that we recognize Larry for his innovation and drive,” Dingman added.

Little, the former publisher of Cycle World magazine, sought to bring the European motorcycle show format to America starting in the early 1990s. However, that format, which combines new motorcycle model year introductions with aftermarket product reveals, media involvement and consumer access, wasn’t acceptable at that time to major U.S. motorcycle distributors, which preferred to introduce new bikes at exclusive dealer meetings.

In the wake of the recent economic slowdown that tightened manufacturers’ marketing and business development budgets, Little revitalized his plan as a cost-effective solution. Companies agreed, and the inaugural AIMExpo was held Oct. 16-20, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

“While history will judge the ultimate success of the AIMExpo, there is no question that the show represents a dramatic departure from what has been done in the past,” Dingman said. “The short-term impact has been significant, however, and if this show format takes hold as anticipated, it will offer tremendous benefit to everyone who loves motorcycling.”

The full story of Little’s development and implementation of the AIMExpo can be found in the January issue of American Motorcyclist, the official journal of the AMA.

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It’s nice to be around at the birth of a new tradition—and even nicer to have actually helped birth that new tradition. The new tradition is an event called the “Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride,” started in Sydney, Australia in 2012 by a local classic-bike enthusiast named Mark Hawwa. Hawwa was inspired by a photo of “Mad Men” actor Jon Hamm astride a vintage Matchless, wearing a predictably beautiful suit and looking quite distinguished—and if you have a vintage motorcycle and a suit and tie in your closet, do you need any more excuse to go for a ride? The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was born.

Every ride could use a cause, if not a good reason, and Hawwa found one: prostate cancer. Riders would raise money for prostate cancer awareness, with funds going to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and so far the events—held in 110 cities around the globe—have raised $266,952 Australian dollars, which is a lot, even in real money.

Hawwa wanted to see the ride become an event all over the world. I read a post about it on the Pipeburn blog, so I challenged our local rider community to organize a DGR here in San Francisco. Incredibly, someone stepped up, and the ride was well-attended for an inaugural event—about 15 motorcycles and scooters were on the route at any one time, with some leaving early and others joining late.

The original organizer stepped down for 2013, so Wisconsin native Brian Schroeder stepped up. “I had a good time last year in Minneapolis,” he said, and wanted to attend the event in San Francisco. “So I emailed the HQ in Australia to find out who was running it this year and they said, ‘you are!’” Schroeder soon stumbled upon S.F. native Sean Cottrell, and along with the help of local publication CityBike magazine Publisher Kenyon Wills, publicized the event and planned the route.

My plan was to ride my CB350, but we haven’t been seeing eye to eye on things lately. Approaching the Bay Bridge toll plaza on the way to San Francisco from my home in Oakland, the CB decided it didn’t want to go after all, and stopped running at high rpm, even though it knew I had to shell out $60 for a babysitter that day. I limped home at a painful 62 mph. Amazingly, I had an appropriate spare in the garage, a brand-new cafe-style Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, but I was still nervous I would be shunned for having a cheater bike. The rules say suits, cafe racers and vintage machines.

I needn’t have worried. The event was stunningly well-attended, with “modern classic” bikes like the Racer the norm rather than the exception. There were lots of modern motorcycles, as well as ’80s superbikes, custom V-Twins, a trio of BSAs (and two of them even made it to the end!) and about 60 other bikes of all kinds. A thuggy-looking posse on pimped-out Honda Ruckeses was also in attendance. Dress ranged from what you’d find at an 8th-grade dance to a guy scandalously sporting a silk smoking jacket. Before dinner.

The ride was conducted at a gentlemanly pace with few problems or incidents. However, we lacked permits, so a few riders took it on themselves to (illegally, but in a classy fashion) block traffic from side streets so the ride could pass uninterrupted. But San Franciscans, notoriously impatient and inattentive drivers that they are, didn’t mind the intrusion into their busy Sunday, cheering, honking and snapping camera-phone snapshots as we roared and sputtered past.

I was impressed by the variety of folks on the ride. Plenty of usual-suspect Baby Boomers, sure, but there were a lot of younger new faces too. Theo Litto, who was riding on his first bike—a ’73 Honda CL350 Scrambler—said he was there because it “seemed like a fun ride and a good cause.” I talked to several other guys in their 20s, there to meet other riders and show off their new bikes. “I’m here to meet the people,” Hans (the cat with the smoking jacket) told me. “San Francisco’s such an amazing city to ride, so it’s always nice to experience that. It’s a unique twist. It’s different, but I love it.”

Follow the DGR Site to find out about next year’s ride. And if there isn’t one in your town—start one of your own!

Gabe Ets-Hokin is the Editor of City Bike magazine, and a frequent freelance contributor to MotorcycleDaily.com

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We want your thoughts below in the comments section about 2014 trends. The United States market has so much variety now, from big cruisers and exotic sport bikes costing more than $20,000 to the rapid emergence of small-displacement, inexpensive commuter bikes and beginner bikes. Some of the traditional categories like sport bikes have softened, while dual sport and adventure touring motorcycles have become more popular. Naked bikes used to be parts-bin specials, but now they are getting top drawer components and engine performance. Customizers used to focus on cruisers almost exclusively, but cafe racers and standards now command the attention of many enthusiasts looking to add their personal touch to their ride.

Yamaha has embraced three-cylinder engines beginning with its FZ-09, and Honda is making good on its promise to develop more production bikes with V-4 power. What engine designs and layouts are trending upward?

When it comes to accessories, the only limit is our imagination. From cosmetic to functional, accessories serve many needs. LED accessory lighting, in some cases more powerful than the stock lighting on your motorcycle, is one emerging trend.

Motorcycle/scooter hybrids are always interesting, and there are always new developments in this area. Big engines, big performance coupled with step-through design and CVT transmissions, as well as pure electric alternatives.

In short, what’s your vision for the future of motorcycling? What trends will emerge or strengthen next year?

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View the original article here