An era ended quietly with the conclusion of the Moto2 race in Valencia. Dunlop was out of Grand Prix racing. And the next day a new era opened, with the first official test for the Moto2 and Moto3 teams on spec Pirelli tires.

        Already the control tire in World Superbike, World Supersport, and several National-level series, (as well as in Formula One car racing), Pirelli made a positive first impression in the smaller-displacement classes, beating the best-ever Moto2 lap times at Valencia and crushing the Moto3 lap record…

            “Pirelli Takes Over,” by Michael Gougis

            Giorgio Barbier, Racing Manager for Pirelli, was on hand in Valencia to give an overview of the first official test for Pirelli tires in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes, and he was quite pleased. Setting lap records will do that. Read his impressions in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.

Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)

PREVIEW  January 2024 Issue of Roadracing World

Click to SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

—Read the January2024 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE

Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.

Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world

The post Moto 2 & Moto3 Spec Tires: Pirelli Takes Over, In The January Issue appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

The deeper dive into 75 years of racing starts with some of the biggest names in the sport: the Champions

Thursday, 25 January 2024

As we celebrate the 75 years of competition that have brought us to 2024, we’re taking a deeper dive into some of the facts and stats – starting with some of the biggest names in the sport! Check them out, and head to our all-new 75th anniversary page to enjoy some of the best content from then and now, with plenty more to be added throughout the season.

ALL CLASSES

126 Champions

126 riders have won Championships. 56 have more than one, leaving 70 riders with one Grand Prix motorcycle racing Championship to their name – in some cases, so far, as they include a number of familiar names from the current grid.

Champions with the most titles

Giacomo Agostini leads with 15: 8 in the premier class and 7 in the 350cc category. Next up it’s Angel Nieto with 12+1 titles – 7x125cc and 6x50cc – before 3 riders who have 9 titles each: Carlo Ubbiali (6x125cc, 3x250cc), Mike Hailwood (4x500cc, 2x350cc, 3x250cc) and Valentino Rossi (7x500cc/MotoGP, 1x250cc, 1x125cc).

The only current rider able to join that club soon is Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), who has 8: 6xMotoGP, 1xMoto2 and 1x125cc. After all the former riders who have 7, 6, 5 or 4 titles each, the next current competitor with most titles overall is reigning MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who has 3: 2xMotoGP and 1xMoto2
.
Championship Streaks

One rider holds the overall record: Giacomo Agostini, with 7 titles in a row in the 500cc class from 1966 to 1972, and 7 in a row in the 350cc class from 1968 to 1974.

PREMIER CLASS

Champions with the most premier class titles 

Looking at the premier class only, the rider with the most doesn’t change – it’s Giacomo Agostini (8). Then it’s Valentino Rossi with 7, ahead of Marc Marquez on 6 – putting the number 93 in reach of another piece of history.

The only rider with 5 premier class crowns is Mick Doohan, and 4 have 4: Mike Hailwood, John Surtees, Geoff Duke and Eddie Lawson.

Some riders have only won titles in the premier class. Those with the most are Mick Doohan (5), Eddie Lawson (4), Wayne Rainey (3) and Kenny Roberts (3).

Championship Streaks: premier class

Pecco Bagnaia became only the third rider in the MotoGP era to defend the crown when he did so in 2023. The others are Valentino Rossi, who won from 2002 to 2005 (adding to his maiden premier class 500cc crown in 2001), and then again in 2008 and 2009, and Marc Marquez – he reigned 2013 and 2014, and then from 2016 to 2019.

Over 75 years of premier class history, Giacomo Agostini leads the way with the longest winning streak: those 7 premier class titles we mentioned above.

There are two riders in second on the list of most premier class crowns in a row, with 5 each: Valentino Rossi from 2001 to 2005, and Mick Doohan from 1994 to 1998. Completing the top five, there are two riders who have four in a row: Marc Marquez (2016 to 2019) and Mike Hailwood (1962 to 1965).

HISTORY ON THE LINE

As the most decorated rider on the grid as it stands, there’s history on the line for Marc Marquez this year. He could:

– Join Carlo Ubbiali, Mike Hailwood and Valentino Rossi as a nine-time Champion

– Equal Valentino Rossi in second on the list of riders with most premier class titles

– Become the first rider with an Independent Team to win the crown in the MotoGP era

– Join only Valentino Rossi (Honda – Yamaha) and Casey Stoner (Ducati – Honda) as riders who have won Championships in the MotoGP era with more than one manufacturer

Join us for the Sepang Shakedown to see our first glimpse of 2024 before we see Marc Marquez start his new adventure, in new colours, at the Sepang Test from the 6th to the 8th of February. And then it’s one more test before we start a record-breaking 2024 calendar!

The post MotoGP: The Best Of The Best Over The Last 75 Years appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The world of motorcycling has many milestones in 2024, with the American Motorcyclist Association commemorating 100 years of promoting the motorcycling lifestyle, and Kawasaki celebrating the 40th birthday of the legendary Kawasaki Ninja.

To honor both anniversaries, the AMA is raffling a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR 40th Anniversary Edition in 2024. The Ninja joins a 1975 BMW R90S and 1997 KTM 200 EXC Jackpiner as the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame raffle bikes for 2024.

“The Kawasaki Ninja is an icon of a motorcycle, a model that is synonymous with the sportbike category like no other,” said AMA Chief Operating Officer James Holter. “We are honored and appreciative that Kawasaki approached the AMA with this opportunity to commemorate both of our historic milestones with this anniversary raffle. Even better, every dollar raised will go to fund the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving American motorcycling history for future generations through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

The original Kawasaki Ninja 900 of 1984 is a historic piece of motorcycling history, melding open-class power — from an all-new liquid-cooled engine — with near-middleweight handling, a combination other open-class sportbikes simply could not match.

The new ZX-4RR Anniversary Edition mixes world-class sportbike handling characteristics with a screaming, 16,000-rpm engine that must be experienced to believe.

And now it’s up for grabs as one of the AMA’s latest raffle bikes.

“Kawasaki has supported the AMA’s mission for over 50 years as a Business Member helping to promote and preserve the motorcycling lifestyle,” said Kawasaki Regional Sales Director and AMA Board of Directors Member, Mark Hosbach. “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the AMA as well as the 40th anniversary of the legendary Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle. We are proud to partner with the AMA to offer a limited 40th anniversary model of our new Ninja ZX-4RR motorcycle to be raffled off in 2024 to help further support the AMA’s cause.”

To enter, donate to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. A $5 donation will receive one ticket, or a $20 donation gets five entries. Participants must be 18 years or older and a resident of the United States to win.

Donate today to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and be entered into the raffle for the 2024 Ninja ZX-4RR 40th Anniversary Edition.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

The post Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR Being Raffled To Benefit AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Museum appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

This podcast is “Hail to the King, Baby – Interviewing Kenny Roberts.”

The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.

From the Oxley Bom Podcast:

This week we give a royal welcome to our guest, the legendary Kenny Roberts. “King Kenny” not only won the world title three times, but he also changed the face of MotoGP forever through his legendary battle with the FIM over riders’ rights, than started his own world titles-winning race team and even became a racebike manufacturer. And that’s not even getting in to some of his other (in)famous exploits…

So join Mat and Peter as Kenny takes them on a wild ride through history, from heated battles on the track to the case of a missing testicle, and discover that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Let’s go!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music! 

The post Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: “Hail To The King, Baby – Interviewing Kenny Roberts” appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

July 25-28 Event Will Celebrate H-D Icon Willie G. Davidson

MILWAUKEE (January 16, 2024) – Harley-Davidson fans, get ready to rock and ride in Milwaukee this summer. The annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival will be headlined by musical acts Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jelly Roll and HARDY, each performing with other top acts at Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront. Advanced ticket sales for the July 25-28 celebration of music, moto-culture, and the H-D hometown of Milwaukee start on January 18 at HDHomecoming.com/tickets.

Experience Veterans Park with 2-Day and 1-Day General Admission (GA), new for 2024 GA+, or VIP ticket options offering new and enhanced experiences to enjoy the biggest names in music, entertainment, local food, beverages, and more for enthusiasts of all ages. Advanced ticket sales for the July 25-28 celebration of music, moto-culture, and the H-D hometown of Milwaukee start on January 18 at HDHomecoming.com. Sign up for SMS alerts and first opportunities to purchase tickets at the lowest possible prices before they sell out. A public on-sale will follow if tickets remain.

Music and Much More

Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival events will be held at a mixture of free and ticketed venues across the Milwaukee area, including Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum, the new Davidson Park on Juneau Ave., Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations in Menomonee Falls , and at local Harley-Davidson dealerships. Admission to Veterans Park for performances and other activities on July 26 and 27 requires a ticket. In addition to headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers (July 27), and Jelly Roll and HARDY (July 26), artists scheduled to appear include: Warren Zeiders, Priscilla Block, Hueston, and Shaylen on Friday, July 26th; and The Offspring, Cypress Hill, Destroy Boys, Otoboke Beaver, and Irontom on Saturday, July 27th. The full performance schedule will be announced at a later date. All events are designed to be family friendly and open to all fans.

Celebrating Willie G.

A special feature of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival will be a celebration of the contributions of Willie G. Davidson to Harley-Davidson and motorcycling. As the son of former Harley-Davidson president William H. Davidson and the grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson, Willie G. Davidson grew up among Harley-Davidson motorcycles and worked for the company for 49 years before retiring as Chief Styling Officer in 2012. He is also a legendary biker and a respected custom motorcycle builder, artist and author who has travelled the world as an ambassador of motorcycling and the Harley-Davidson brand.

More Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival details will be announced as those plans are finalized. Complete details on ticketing options, venues, entertainment, scheduled events,  Harley-Davidson factory tours, and lodging will be available at HDHomecoming.com, where visitors can also sign up for Homecoming updates. Follow the new @hdhomecoming festival social media handle and @harleydavidson for updates.

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.

The post Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jelly Roll Headlining Harley-Davidson Homecoming appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Velasco was a key player in the formative years of AMA Superbike with Yoshimura  R&D and later with American Honda and worked with riders such as Wes Cooley (R.I.P.), David Emde, Gary Fisher (R.I.P.), Steve McLaughlin, Fred Merkel, Ron Pierce, Roberto Pietri, Larry Pegram, Bubba Shobert, Freddie Spencer, and Steve Wise, among others.

Here are a few tributes to Velasco:

Mike Baldwin: “Mike had that ‘Go get ‘em let’s win this thing’ attitude and style of prepping his race bikes. He loved winning as much as the riders did. RIP Mike.”

John Glover: “So sad, hell of a good guy, racer and mechanic, always smiling and happy. RIP, my friend.”

Terry Hampton: “Sad. Mike was always nice and helpful to me. He and Merlyn Plumlee would leave used Fred gifts (parts) for me in rags in my pit, like elves!”

Steve Lang: “So sorry to hear he’s gone. We are all so lucky to have known someone like Mike and shared so many great memories. What a great guy and what a great run. Thanks, Mike.”

If you have a memory of Mike Velasco that you would like to share, please send it to letters@roadracingworld.com.

Update:

Brad “The Bullet” Baker: “The world has unfortunately lost a great man, a legend, my dear friend, Mike Velasco. Mike has been one of my biggest supporters ever since I was only 12 years old when he started building my brother and I’s race engines. I’ll always remember showing up to @brothers_powersports for the first time to meet him and have him show us around. He made us feel right at home, like we were apart of the family from the very beginning. He was always so positive and happy, it was like nothing ever phased him, no matter how many difficult projects he had in front of him. He had a way of always putting a smile on my face, especially when he would let out his infectious laugh when talking about some of the crazy things he would do to make horsepower back in the early days of Superbikes. I owe so much to him, he contributed to so much to my success. Every engine he ever built for me was fast, I hardly ever had a mechanical and he never ever charged me a dime. I’ll admit, back then I feel like I took him for granted. I wish i could go back and do more for him to let him know just how much i appreciated him. But I mainly need to thank him for just being a great friend. After my accident he would always check in on me to see how I was doing and he never stopped helping me even though I wasn’t racing anymore and he was retired. I’m really glad that he was able to be apart of building the supermini that I just recently finished. We had a lot of fun talking back and forth during that project. I’ll always cherish the memories we had together. Mike will deeply missed by the many people he helped and touched over the years and he will definitely never be forgotten. My heart and thoughts go out to his awesome family during this very difficult time. Race in Peace Mike, see you on the other side my friend.”

The post Mike Velasco, R.I.P.: Tributes To A Legendary Tuner (Updated) appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

AMA to commemorate its 100-year anniversary throughout 2024

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is gearing up for a year-long, historic celebration as it proudly commemorates its 100th anniversary in 2024. For a century the AMA has been at the forefront of promoting and protecting the interests of motorcyclists, creating a vibrant community of enthusiasts dedicated to the joy of riding.

AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman expressed excitement about the organization’s milestone, stating, “Reaching 100 years is a testament to the enduring spirit of motorcycling and the passionate community that has supported the AMA throughout its history. We invite the entire motorcycling community to join us in celebrating this incredible journey as we look forward to shaping the future of motorcycling over the next 100 years.”

Since its inception in 1924, the AMA has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of motorcycling in the United States. With a rich history rooted in passion, advocacy and the freedom of the open road, the AMA has become a driving force for riders across the nation.

As one of the largest motorcycling organizations in the world, the AMA has consistently championed the rights of motorcyclists from all walks of life, evolving to embrace a diverse and growing community of riders.

To mark this momentous occasion, the AMA has planned special events and initiatives throughout the year, including:

• Centennial Celebrations: Join the AMA as it commemorates its 100-year anniversary at its Spring Bike Night (May 18), at AMA Hall of Fame Days (Oct. 10-13), and at its biggest event — AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 25-28) — which will be the organization’s ultimate anniversary celebration, complete with an all-points ride from across the U.S. to the event. The AMA will also have anniversary displays at various AMA-sanctioned events throughout the year, including Daytona Bike Week, select AMA Supercross events, the Buckeye Motorcycle & Music Rally, and more.
   
• Historical Exhibits: Explore a fascinating journey through the history of motorcycling and the AMA at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame with special curated exhibits showcasing iconic motorcycles, memorable AMA moments, and the individuals who have shaped the association.
   
• Commemorative Merchandise: Exclusive 100-year anniversary merchandise, including limited-edition apparel and accessories, are now available for enthusiasts who want to own a piece of AMA history at https://AMAGear.com.
   
• Advocacy Initiatives: The AMA will continue its commitment to advocating for the rights of motorcyclists, addressing key issues affecting the community, promoting a positive image of motorcycling, and encouraging government recognition — at the local, state and federal levels — of the organization’s centennial.

As the American Motorcyclist Association enters its second century, it remains dedicated to its mission — promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling — ensuring that the legacy of the organization and the freedom of the open road is preserved for generations to come.

In celebration of its 100th Anniversary, the organization released a video commemorating a century of the AMA.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

The post Video: AMA Celebrating 100th Anniversary Throughout 2024 appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Become a tourist in your hometown when Milwaukee Museum Days returns this month.

MILWAUKEE, USA (Jan. 11, 2024) – Resolve to explore more in 2024! Jan. 18 marks the return of Milwaukee Museum Days. The H-D Museum is proud to be among the 30 area attractions looking to highlight the meaningful impact museums have on our residents, tourism in Wisconsin and the local economy. Get tickets to the Harley-Davidson Museum for just $10*! Score admission from free up to $15 to explore your favorite museum or discover a hidden gem you’ve been wanting to explore from Jan. 18 – 28 (excluding Jan. 23 & 24 at the H-D Museum).

And with the thought in mind that too much of a good thing is just enough, MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant has already kicked off Carnival season! See below for mouthwatering Mardi Gras specials that are available now through Fat Tuesday and laissez les bons temps rouler! MOTOR is also excited to partner with Third Space Brewery for a Beer Social on February 16. Enjoy five beers and food pairings as well as a take-away gift bag that includes a $5 MOTOR gift card, a limited-edition Harley-Davidson® 120th Anniversary pint glass and Third Space swag! Purchase tickets now.

Hoop heads, there’s still time to hop on the Marquette Golden Eagles bandwagon before the madness. There are nine more chances to hear directly from the head coach of the No. 11 men’s basketball team in the nation as Marquette Thursdays at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant return in January. 

Also this month, get ready for the dawn of a new era. Join us for the premiere of Harley‑Davidson’s all-new 2024 motorcycle model lineup on Jan. 24.

Please also note that aside from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant (which will remain open seven days a week, Sun – Wed, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thu – Sat, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and private events hosted by 1903® Events, the H-D Museum campus will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January and February of 2024. Additionally, the H-D® Shop will be closed Jan. 30 – Feb. 2 for inventory.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS

Milwaukee Museum Days, Jan. 18 – 22 & 24 – 28

One more reason to love Milwaukee. During its 10-day run, 30 museums will offer discounted admission, special programming and more during Milwaukee Museum Days. Running Jan. 18 – 28, immerse yourself in some of Milwaukee’s incredible museums, experiencing everything from the innovative hands-on exhibits at Discovery World to the whimsical National Bobblehead Museum and Hall of Fame, the roaring fun of the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum to the wide-open spaces of the Lynden Sculpture Garden. With admission discounts at up to 30 museums, you’ll soon discover that there’s always more to explore in the 414. Score tickets to the Harley-Davidson Museum for just $10* from Jan. 18 – 28 (excluding Jan. 23 & 24).

And on Jan. 19, join Lubar Center Director Derek Mosley for a conversation about Milwaukee Museum Days and the state of funding for museums and the arts in Wisconsin at Marquette University’s On the Issues forum.

*Mention Milwaukee Museum days and receive one (1) Harley-Davidson Museum Adult General Admission pass per adult for $10 and one (1) Harley-Davidson Museum Child General Admission pass per child under the age of 18 for $5 (kids under 5 are free). Valid from January 18, 2024, through 28, 2024 for in-person use at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Not valid for online purchases or previous H-D Museum purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. Offer can be changed at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

“The Marquette Basketball Hour” with Shaka Smart, select Thursdays, 6 – 7 p.m., Nov. 30 – March 7 

MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant at the Harley-Davidson Museum is the place to be for all Marquette fans this season. Join us on select Thursdays at 6 p.m. when men’s basketballs Head Coach Shaka Smart, Jen Lada and players will break down all the Marquette action. Don’t miss Marquette Thursdays at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant on the Harley-Davidson Museum® campus to support the defending Big East Champions.

Annual Pass

Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.

Annual Pass Level for Community Partners

Coming in 2024: Public Libraries, community centers and youth organizations will be able to purchase a Harley-Davidson Museum Annual Pass for check-out and use by the community members they serve. For additional information about this Annual Pass (Community Partner Level), please call 414-287-2789.

Guided Tours

Get closer to the artifacts, exhibits and stories with a guided tour of the H-D Museum! There are three specially designed tours in our experience portfolio:
The VIP Tour is ideal for special guests and special occasions
Our Beyond the Gate Tour takes guests into the motorcycle vault
Everyone will love the Spotlight Tour, which is a perfect intro to the story of Harley-Davidson

Group bookings are available for 2-50 guests. Call 414-287-2799 or email groups@h-dmuseum.com for reservations. Check out the tour calendar for public tour availability, too.

Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. and Sundays at 2:15 p.m.)

All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be launched by our merit badge counselor. Then, scouts will explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date.

Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, welcome and orientation by program facilitator, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum patch.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)

This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS

“Mama Tried: Bringing it Together” (on display now)

The Mama Tried® Motorcycle Show and adjoining Flat Out Friday races are a bright spot in the dead of cold, Wisconsin winters. The show has amassed an army of followers and fans that give the weekend its signature style: People are the heart of the show; the bikes are the social lubrication. The Harley-Davidson Museum’s special exhibit, “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together,” focuses on the builders, the racers and the fans that gather over a bike or a brew.

A riot of bikes awaits you: outrageous custom bikes, lovingly restored vintage machines and one as rare as hen’s teeth – 1929 FHAC with FLXI Sidecar Factory Racer. Don’t come alone; bring your crew. That’s what Mama Tried is about, after all. Check out the exhibit before Mama Tried and Flat Out Friday make their triumphant returns in February, then make plans to kick off the weekend at the Official Mama Tried Pre-Party on Feb 22 at the H-D Museum. And hear directly from David Kreidler, curator of the exhibit, on the Mama Tried podcast.

1972 Custom Sprint 350 Single (on display now)

J. Shia’s unconventional 1972 350cc Sprint custom just went on display at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet “Swan Lake,” Shia designed a dual bike project to reflect both the contrast and parallels of the black and white swans. The “white swan” can now be found at the H-D Museum. Shia’s build style for this project is unique in both function and materials, which she designed and fabricated all out of her Boston-based shop, Madhouse Motors. Shia incorporated unexpected parts from other products to create the bike: The headlight is the projector from a microscope and the taillight is a pencil sharpener. The carburetor intake is a modified juicer, and the foot-pegs are stove handles, while the turbocharger’s exhaust is a soprano saxophone bell. This amazing build is a symbol of ingenuity in moto customization and needs to be seen to be believed.

“My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto” (on display now)

From award-winning children and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine. With brilliant, colorful art from Peña paired with heart-warming stories from Southern Californian riding families, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” will draw smiles from kids of all ages. It’s an exhibit that focuses not only on where you can take a motorcycle, but where a two-up motorcycle ride with a loved one can take you. 

Experience Gallery (on display now)

With inspiring stories from riders who have turned their dream of learning to ride into reality, a look at the epic journeys you can only experience behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, plus the chance to throw a leg over a new 2023 Harley-Davidson #FreedomMachine, the reinstalled and all-new Experience Gallery shows the world how United We Ride! And now you can hop in the saddle of the newest, CVO Road Glide®, Breakout®, Road Glide® Trike, Pan America® Special and Nightster® motorcycles – the perfect photo op to commemorate your visit.

The H-D Museum @ 15 (on display now)

The Harley-Davidson Museum opened its doors for the first time in 2008. With 130,000 square-feet of factory-like buildings that honor Milwaukee’s industrial heritage and 20 acres of park-like space to gather, the H-D Museum was over 100 years in the making. Explore more about the construction and grand opening in a new display at the H-D Museum entrance.

Long-Time Riders: Lee & Pearl (on display now)

At the H-D Museum entrance, a new case featuring two long-time Wisconsin riders is on display. Lee and Pearl Christopherson have been together since meeting on a motorcycle in 1958. Lee was a member of the Blue Knights, a group of active or retired law enforcement officers. While Lee can’t begin to guess how many miles he’s ridden over 76 years, Pearl has kept track of her time in the saddle and surpassed 175,000 miles in the summer of 2023. The display features Pearl’s Motor Maids shirt and vest along with a Blue Knights Club vest from Lee, and the couple’s H.O.G.® patch and pin collection.

Clubs & Competition (on display now)

In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.

The display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)

In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared. This exhibition will close in March, so make tracks to see “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” before it hits the road.

Harley-Davidson® Shop + H-D® Factory Outlet

New year … new looks for you! And both the H-D® shop and the Factory Outlet got the goods for your wardrobe in 2024. Bundle up against the cold with flannels, hats, coats and more!

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT

We’re starting off 2024 with inspiration from New Orleans! In anticipation of Mardi Gras, we’re offering a slate of Big Easy bites and cocktails. We’ll have these on offer though Fat Tuesday, February 13.

Feisty Crawdad Dip

Spicy Cajun crawfish and andouille sausage dip served warm with Empress Baking paprika and polenta crackers and grilled garlic bread.

Smoked Kickin’ Chicken Wings  

One pound smoked jumbo chicken wings, tossed in a house blackening rub and fried. Served with blue cheese remoulade, celery & carrot sticks.

Muffuletta Salad 

Salami, Black Forest ham, Mortadella, Provolone with marinated olive, carrot, red bell pepper and red onion, crispy olive oil bread croutons on a bed of romaine lettuce drizzled with remoulade.

Cajun Shrimp Po’boy

Grilled blackened shrimp, fried oysters and fried jalapeno with shredded romaine, sliced tomato and roasted red pepper remoulade on grilled garlic baguette. Served with french fries.

“Laissez les bons temps rouler” Beignets 

A NOLA classic, fried choux pastry dusted with powdered sugar and served with warm chocolate sauce for drizzling or dipping … or slurping … we don’t judge.

Cocktail specials include a MOTOR Cup (a twist on the Pimm’s cup), a Cherrycane (a play on a Hurricane) and a Dark and Snowy (our version of the Dark & Stormy).

Tunemaster Bingo, Fridays, 6 p.m. 

Compete for awesome prizes as Tunemaster Bingo takes over MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant on Friday nights. Enjoy beer and food specials – including the AYCE Fish Fry – as you listen to 30-second clips of iconic, popular songs and simply match them to the ones on your BINGO card they have.

1903® Events

Recently engaged? 1903® Events will host an intimate showcase on Sunday, Feb. 4, featuring a curated selection of vendors to showcase their services to newly engaged couples. We’ll be showing off our newest event space, The Garage as well as our second-floor wedding space, Rumble. Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1903-events-wedding-showcase-tickets-772407269937

The post What’s Happening At The Harley-Davidson Museum In January? appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

75 years: MotoGP celebrates throughout 2024!

The celebrations begin as our 75th anniversary season gets ready to make more history

Wednesday, 10 January 2024

The chequered flag at the 2023 finale saw MotoGP complete 75 full seasons of competition since the world’s most exciting sport was born in 1949. To mark the occasion in Valencia, we revealed the logo for the 75th anniversary that will now take centre stage as we celebrate throughout the 2024 season – which is now just around the corner.

There will be more milestones along the way too, including the 75th anniversary of the very first race that counted towards the world championship classification – the 350cc race on the Isle of Man in 1949 – on the 13th of June. Then it’s the anniversary of the first premier class race, which was on the 17th of June 1949.

So as we get ready for the test ban to lift and engines to roar back into life for 2024, it’s time to start celebrating! Head to our all-new 75th anniversary page to check out some of the best content from then and now, with plenty more to be added throughout the season. First stop: some of the biggest stats from across 75 years of incredible racing, kicking off #MotoGP75 in style!

The Grands Prix

We celebrated GP1000 at Le Mans in 2023, so by the start of 2024, there have been 1015 Grands Prix staged since the start of the World Championship in 1949, comprising 3371 races for solo classes.

The Champions

126 riders have become World Champions – many more than once. The rider with most world titles is Giacomo Agostini with 15, followed by Angel Nieto (12 + 1), Mike Hailwood (9), Valentino Rossi (9) and Carlo Ubbiali (9). Another name could add theirs in 2024: Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) has eight Championships on the way in…

The Winners

399 riders have won Grands Prix in solo classes – so reaching 400 in 2024 seems not only plausible or possible, but likely. The most recent maiden GP winner is Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) after his Moto3 victory at Sepang.

The Manufacturers

Honda is the most successful manufacturer in Grand Prix racing (solo classes) with 821 wins followed by Yamaha (520), Aprilia (297), MV Agusta (275) and Kalex (176).

The Countries

30 nationalities have won solo Grand Prix races. Italy has the most wins, 888, followed by Spain on 722.

30 countries have staged Grands Prix too. The most recent country to debut on the calendar is India, with Buddh International Circuit welcoming MotoGP for the first time in 2023. 2024 sees Kazakhstan set to become country 31!

Throughout pre-season we’ll take a deeper dive into some of those numbers, so stay tuned for more as we look back on an incredible legacy and look forward to a record-breaking 2024 calendar just around the corner!

The post MotoGP: 75th Anniversary Will Be Celebrated Throughout 2024 appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Heininger co-founded Webco and served as president of the Motorcycle Industry Council

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of motorcycle industry titan and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Tom Heininger, who passed away Monday [January 8] at the age of 97.

As the co-founder of Webco, a popular motorcycle aftermarket and accessory company in the 1960s and 1970s, Heininger’s impact on the motorcycle industry was immense. Beyond his duties at Webco, Heininger served as president of the Motorcycle Industry Council in 1972 and played an influential role in the formation of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation during his tenure.

“Tom brought a tremendous amount of spirit, enthusiasm and value to the motorcycle industry as it was evolving in the 1960s and ’70s,” AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer JR Kelley previously said of Heininger. “He added greatly to the business for the benefit of all. Tom loved motorcycling. He made money from it and put a lot of that back into the industry.”

Born in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 1926, Heininger followed a similar path to his father, who worked in the auto parts business throughout his life. After serving aboard a submarine during World War II, Heininger entered the auto industry and worked for Offenhauser, a major automobile racing parts business at the time.

While at Offenhauser, Heininger met Bob Hughes and they became fast friends before forming Webco together in 1954. In the early days of the company, Webco primarily focused on manufacturing high-quality racing engine parts for motorcycles, but the brand later expanded to include all forms of aftermarket accessories and apparel.

A few years after its creation, Webco began sponsoring local racers from Southern California, which helped the brand grow to global markets. Heininger and Hughes also opened a pair of Honda dealerships in Los Angeles during the 1960s. During the decade, Heininger and Hughes also formed a nightly radio show during Daytona Bike Week with AMA announcer Roxy Rockwood.

Concurrently with his business pursuits in the 1960s, Heininger also worked to further the motorcycle industry by serving on the board of the Motorcycle, Scooter and Allied Trades Association (MS&ATA) during the decade — which the AMA formed out of in 1924. Heininger continued to offer his services after the MS&ATA merged with the California Motorcycle Safety Council to form the MIC in 1969, while the organization became an important entity in the federal fight for motorcycle rights.

As president of the MIC in 1972, Heininger used his connections with dealerships across the country to adequately defend their rights. Through these relationships, Heininger helped get the ball rolling on the MSF’s creation, and the organization grew to become a major force for rider education and training.

Heininger was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003 and remained involved in motorcycling for the rest of his life.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

The post AMA Hall Of Famer Tom Heininger, R.I.P. appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.