American Motorcycle Co. 1902 Introduces Six New ModelsAmerican Motorcycle Co. 1902 introduced its six new bike models to the American Motorcycle Dealer network at this year’s Cincinnati V-Twin show. Celebrity and company partner Branscombe Richmond introduced the exciting new models.

The Renegade SE is a limited-edition (50 units worldwide) custom Pro Street. This bike has all the passion and customization a consumer could ever desire. This unique custom motorcycle, numbered and signed with certificate of authenticity, features an S&S; 124ci motor and electronic engine-management system. This is the first in a series of limited-edition motorcycles planned for the coming years. The Ol’ School Bobber is American Motorcycle 1902’s homage to its long history. The bike is a retro-style rigid bobber built to the latest standards of the market with a 96ci S&S; motor that pumps out 104 hp. The Six Killer Pro Street 300 comes with S&S;’s 111ci mill to put down the power while providing comfort with the latest air suspension. The Pro Street 300 is also loaded with billet, chrome, and custom features. The Choctaw 240 and 300 Choppers come in two levels of performance and two levels of customization to set these bikes apart. The 240 is a left-side drive utilizing a 96ci S&S; mill, while the 300 has a six-speed right-side drive and moves up to 111ci with inverted front forks. The new Apache Bagger (a joint development project of American Motorcycle Co. 1902 and Corbin USA) features a custom Pro Street frame built for the long haul with the attributes of a high-end custom motorcycle. The Choctaw and Apache models are built under license from the Choctaw/Apache nation, supporting the tribe’s business opportunities. Check out all the bikes at www.amc1902.com.

Harley-Davidson Announces New Motorcycle Shipping ServiceHarley-Davidson Motor Company has announced a new motorcycle shipping service designed specifically with riders in mind. Harley-Davidson Shipping expands riding opportunities for motorcyclists who want to ride in locations throughout North America but face the challenges of insufficient vacation time or inclement weather constraints.

Owners of all brands can take advantage of the flexibility to ship motorcycles to various locations at a competitive price and with unparalleled customer service. Harley-Davidson Shipping offers convenient locations for shipping, including door-to-door pickup and delivery from a business or personal residence. Harley-Davidson Shipping is open for any enthusiast to use while offering additional discounts on shipments to all full Harley Owners Group (HOG) and Buell Riders Adventure Group (BRAG) members. The service is available throughout the United States and Canada, including Hawaii and Alaska.

“Harley-Davidson Shipping is a way for us to reach out to our customers with another high-quality service that enhances their riding experiences,” said Lara Lee, vice president of Enthusiast Services. “Through Harley-Davidson Shipping, we provide customers more opportunities to experience riding in new locations while simplifying the transactions and offering flexible options.”

For more information about Harley-Davidson Shipping rates, locations, transit schedules, and other services available, call (888) 575-BIKE. Shipping quotes and vehicle tracking can be done online at www.harley-davidson.com/shipping.

Biker Build-Off Master Builders Matt Hotch and Eddie Trotta Build Giveaway BikeMatt Hotch of Matt Hotch Designs is uniting with Eddie Trotta of Thunder Cycle Design to customize a Big Dog Softail that they will give away at the River Palms Resort and Casino during this year’s Laughlin River Run, which takes place in Laughlin, NV, April 26-30, 2006.

The bike will be tricked out with an Eddie Trotta paint job, Matt Hotch and Eddie Trotta parts, and whatever else these two masterminds can produce. El Pitts from Vegas City Choppers will donate a custom hand-tooled leather seat to the project. “Last year was off the hook. The casino had some impressive events for us. This year’s plan is to outdo last year’s event,” says Hotch, ’04 and ’05 Biker Build-Off world champion. “This year I am bringing my good friends to join in the party. We will be out all weekend signing autographs and meeting people. Stop by and say hi.”

Thousands of biker enthusiasts will attend the West’s largest motorcycle event, which features nonstop casino action, top-name entertainment, motorcycle displays, factory demo rides, trade show exhibits featuring name-brand manufacturers and distributors, custom bike shows, and much more. Don’t miss the opportunity to party with Matt Hotch, Eddie Trotta, and the Vegas City Chopper crew and win their one-of-a-kind custom creation.

For more on Eddie Trotta, log on to www.thundercycle.com; for Matt Hotch, check out www.matthotchdesigns.com; and to get more information about the Laughlin River Run, go to www.laughlinriverrun.com.

Sucker Punch Sally’s Buys Out Don’s Custom CycleDonny Loos and Jeff Cochran, partners in Sucker Punch Sally’s old-school choppers (located in Cincinnati, OH), have announced that they have bought out Don’s Custom Cycle shop and renamed it Sucker Punch Cycle. Don’s Custom Cycle was founded in 1986 by Don Loos Jr. and produced several award-winning custom motorcycles and hot rods.

“This is just another way for Sucker Punch Sally’s to forge ahead in the custom motorcycle industry. We will now have a retail outlet where people can buy parts and accessories for American V-Twins from old to new. Jeff and I wanted to eliminate any confusion about what Sucker Punch is and who is involved in it, so we bought out my Dad’s part and renamed it Sucker Punch Cycle,” said Loos.

All Sucker Punch models begin with a proprietary frame built specifically for Sucker Punch Sally’s. The powerplant is typically a Harley Davidson 80-inch Evo engine coupled to a five-speed transmission. The motorcycles are meant to be ridden and exhibit exceptional handling characteristics due to their reduced weight and conventional geometry. Sucker Punch offers choppers that are unique and well-made at an exceptionally low price. Their base Sucker Punch model starts at just $15,995. To find out more, visit Sucker Punch Sally’s on the Web at www.suckerpunchsallys.com.

Florida Drops Helmet ProposalFlorida highway-safety officials have dropped a proposal that would have made it harder for motorcyclists to thunder down the road without wearing helmets. The proposal, which surfaced in September after a federal report showed increasing motorcycle deaths in Florida, would have required bikers to carry $50,000 in health insurance if they wanted to leave their lids at home. Current law requires $10,000 in insurance coverage, but hospitals argue that’s not enough coverage to treat motorcycle injuries.

After learning that the higher-coverage insurance policies could be hard to find and costly-and after getting a cool reception from Governor Jeb Bush and the state Cabinet-the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles scrapped the idea…for now.

Even if you’re not from Florida, these issues are important for all riders in all states. Contact your local representatives or www.mrf.org to find out how to get involved.