James Michael Clark, The 2008 PCX-ST “Touring Version” And More – Hot News
In Memory Of
The Godfather of gasket technology, James Michael Clark, passed away on September 7, 2007. The founder and owner of James Gaskets, Inc. was 56 years old. He is survived by his wife, Gere, and three sons, James Jr., David, and Ryan Clark. James was a loving and devoted husband and father.
James’ unmistakable orange and black logo could be found in the earliest chopper shops and dealers, right alongside the likes of AEE Choppers, Paughco, Gary Bang,Jammer, and other industry icons.
James had a passion for motorcycles from a very young age. In 1968, he sold a Lincoln Continental and purchased a junkyard full of motorcycle parts and began his first business, Chino’s, building and repairing choppers in his family’s garage in Fremont, CA. He later sold Chino’s and began James Motorcycle Company.
At one time he worked for a Harley-Davidson dealership and saw that “occasionally” the motorcycles leaked oil and realized there was a need to develop products to seal the “beasts” from Milwaukee. Thus, Genuine James Gaskets was born. In 1980, James moved to Modesto, CA, where his business continued to grow. James Gaskets, Inc., as it is known today, is located in Dayton, Nevada, and is a world-renowned industry.
Today, although extremely saddened by the loss of James, the company remains strong and his family and staff are dedicated to the industry and fulfilling James’ vision. James touched many lives and had many friends. He will be sorely missed.
It’s not the years in your life that count…it’s the life in your years!
PCX-ST Paramount Custom Cycles “Touring Version”For 2008 the PCX-ST from Paramount Custom Cycles is hitting the roads hard with the “touring version,” the most agile, aggressivehandling production V-Twin in the industry. This bike can do anything the hot rod model PCX-ST can do, but does so with multiple touring upgrades!
The PCX-ST takes advantage of the PCX frame design, but has been pumped up to include many added conveniences such as Quick Release Hard Case Detachable Saddle Bags. While these saddlebags are large enough to safely store your belongings, once you arrive at your destination, you can easily take them off and enjoy the freedom of riding without the bags. The Worx’s Performance shocks have also been upgraded on the ST model to handle the additional payload, while the gas tank design has been widened to keep you pushing on with an extra 4 gallons of capacity. The PCX-ST also takes advantage of a sleekly designed fairing to allow for aerodynamics and better handling. Aaron Greene and the PCC crew have designed a carbon fiber primary cover, which cuts approximately 11 lbs off this lightweight, high-powered touring bike. With an S&S; 107-inch engine, mid-controls, and external side mounted shocks, there is no question that the PCX-ST is the perfect fusion of a touring and sport bike.
The PCX-ST retails for $26,995 MSRP, with a one-year, 12,000-mile limited warranty and a lifetime warranty on the frame. For more info visit the website at http://www.paramountcycles.com or call (775) 324-2400
Bike Builders To Compete At S&S; Anniversary Celebration
On June 26-29, 2008 motorcycle industry history will be made as 50 of the best-known custom bike builders in the world come together in La Crosse Wisconsin, to support the S&S; 50th Anniversary celebration. And while they will be there to support S&S;, every builder has plans to win the $50,000 Grand Prize by taking first place in the bike show.
Each engine category winner will receive the cost of their engine back and the People’s Choice winner gets a brand new X-Wedge engine. The engines used in this historic event will be serial numbers from 1958 to 2008 as a tribute to the 50 years of S&S;, and represent the only anniversary engines built for the S&S; 50th. The 51st engine, serial number 2008, will be used in a special project to be revealed later. The builders and future owners of these engines/motorcycles will receive a certificate and medallion commemorating the historic pedigree of their specific serial number. This year’s project will involve major commitments from 50 different builders from around the world.
The builders will come from Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, Holland, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand Sweden and the United States. This commitment from builders all over the world is truly a testament to the impact S&S; has made on the custom motorcycle industry.
The official dates for the celebration are from Friday, June 27th, 2008 through Sunday, June 29th, 2008, but some preliminary events will take place on Thursday, June 26th as well. The official location will be at the Oktoberfest grounds adjacent to the Mississippi River in downtown La Crosse, WI, but several other venues will be offered throughout the Seven Rivers Region in Onalaska, West Salem, and Holmen.
Several motorcycle-related and general interest events are already planned such as S&S; facility tours beginning on Thursday and running through Saturday, the 50 builder/ 50 bike build-off for $50,000, dyno shootouts and street drags at the La Crosse Speedway, historical rides, a La Crosse area Harley-Davidson sponsored ride to and from the J&P; Open House, La Crosse City Brewery tours, riverboat tours and cruises, concerts,baseball games, fireworks, and much more.
For information and a list of the builders check out .
Best Western International Announces New Guest Program
Best Western International announced the launch of Gold Crown Club International Ride Rewards, an exciting, free, specially themed frequent guest program for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. The rewards program is part of a multi-year agreement between Best Western and Harley-Davidson Motor Company to bring enhanced travel benefits to Harley enthusiasts.
Any Harley-Davidson owner or enthusiast can register for the program by going to . Once registered online as Gold Crown Club Ride Rewards members, any Harley-Davidson enthusiast will earn 10 points for every U.S. dollar (or Canadian equivalent) spent on qualified room rates, or 250 airline miles per qualified stay, at any of the 4,200 Best Western hotels worldwide. Ride Rewards members can redeem points toward an extensive offering of product and service awards, including Global Free Room Nights, merchandise, as well as dining, shopping and entertainment gift certificates.In addition, Ride Rewards members will be eligiblefor special promotions and bonuses throughout the year.
As a complement to Ride Rewards, Best Western will also serve as a preferred hotel chain for Harley-Davidson’s “Great Roads” interactive Web application, found at www.harley-davidson. com/experience. Using Microsoft Virtual Earth technology, the application maps out a variety of picturesque U.S. “Great Roads” and shows Best Western hotels and Harley- Davidson dealerships along the way. A 10 percent savings is available to customers who book their Best Western reservations through this Web site, or by calling 1-888-224-BIKE.
By joining Best Western’s Gold Crown Club International Ride Rewards loyalty program online, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts will automatically receive Gold Elite status, which includes 10 percent bonus points on every Best Western stay and the ability to purchase points for award redemption, along with other signature benefits.
For more information on Ride Rewards and other features of the Best Western/Harley-Davidson partnership, visit or .