Win This BobberDon’t miss your chance to win the J&P; Cycles and HOT BIKE magazine Panhead Bobber. Built by J&P; Cycles and painted by Underground Studios, the motorcycle was donated to the National Motorcycle Museum to be used as its 2006 raffle bike. Tickets sold will benefit the museum, which is located in Anamosa, IA. The museum currently has more than 180 motorcycles from around the world on display. Cruise into the museum to experience the extensive collection of vintage motorcycles (dating back to 1903), as well as thousands of photographs, posters, postcards, and pieces of motorcycling memorabilia. The museum is a not-for-profit corporation that relies on fundraisers like this to continue the preservation of motorcycling’s past history.

The drawing will be held December 29, 2006. Winner need not be present. Visit, call, fax, or go online for your chance to win this awesome motorcycle. The National Motorcycle Museum, 200 E. Main St., Anamosa, IA 52205. Phone: (319) 462-3925; fax: (319) 462-3982; website: www.nationalmcmuseum.org, or www.jpcycles.com.

More Than 30,000 Turn Out for Big Dog Motorcycles’ Second Annual Tornado RallyBig Dog Motorcycles, the number-two American V-Twin motorcycle manufacturer and the largest manufacturer of custom motorcycles in the world, attracted more than 30,000 riders and enthusiasts to the streets of downtown Wichita, KS, for its second Tornado Rally, held June 10-11. The first Tornado Rally, held in June 2005, brought 15,000 to the company’s factory. The dramatic increase in attendance was complemented by an equally substantial increase in exhibitors and vendors.

While many riders and enthusiasts were from Kansas and the surrounding regions, enthusiasts also came from states hundreds-and even thousands-of miles away: Oregon, Florida, Michigan, California, New Jersey, and more. According to the Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau, the estimated economic impact was over $1,000,000.

The two-day rally required a full nine months to plan, a staff of nearly 150 Big Dog Motorcycles employees, and took place on a 20-square-block site in downtown Wichita. The rally atmosphere was amplified by 100 vendors and exhibitors displaying their motorcycles and selling their wares, as well as plenty of live music, including six regional bands; company founder and CEO Sheldon Coleman’s band, Dewy & The Big Dogs; and rock legend Eddie Money.

In addition, hundreds met custom motorcycle builders Rick Fairless and Kim Suter, participated in charity poker runs, cheered for their favorite calendar girl in a bikini contest, and entered a custom/special motorcycle show. One winner of the motorcycle show was the Big Dog motorcycle with the most miles on its odometer: a ’95 Vintage Classic with 189,100 miles.

ESPN2 was on-site to capture the event for a national television segment to air in late summer 2006. The Tornado Rally was presented and hosted by Big Dog Motorcycles with the help of the following sponsors: Dodge, Budweiser, Jack Daniel’s, Coca-Cola, Castrol Motor Oil, and PPG.

In addition, rally photos and more information about the Tornado Rally can be found at www.tornadorally.com. The third annual Tornado Rally is set for June 9-10, 2007.

Samson Motorcycle Products Relocates To New FacilitiesSamson has moved to Brea, CA. “This is the fourth time I have moved the company, and each time it has brought about dramatic improvements,” said Kenny, the company’s founder. “Our new location will allow us to increase production by utilizing modern production techniques because of the open floor plan.” Kenny adds that the new facility is better suited for manufacturing and will improve employee working conditions.

“Samson has always been known for great sound, superior styling, and outstanding quality,” said Nick Trumbo, sales and marketing manager. “Kenny found a building that will really let us shine (no pun intended).”

“Production that meets demand and high quality standards is what this move is all about,” reports Kenny.

Samson designs, markets, and manufactures premium-quality motorcycle exhausts at its state-of-the-art facilities. Every product has been thoroughly tested to improve performance, enhance appearance, and give the sound customers are looking for. Samson markets products under the Samson, Caliber, and Shogun brand names. All Samson products are made in America with American steel. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.samsonusa.com. Samson’s new address is 655 Tamarack Ave, Brea, CA.

American Biker Series to Feature RB CustomsPTGTV is currently in production on a special half-hour reality TV program within its American Bikers series, featuring the work of Texas-based Roman Blum and his team at RB Customs. They were called upon to create and build a one-off-themed chopper for PTGTV. The bike will be displayed in the company’s lobby to promote educational TV as well as being featured at major Florida sporting events. Insurance giant GEICO has signed on as the commercial sponsor for the show.

The show will be a real-life experience showing how a custom bike goes from concept to creation. Viewers will see day-to-day details as well as one-on-one interviews that take them behind the scenes to view production from the eyes of the builder. The challenge is that it must be done in 30 days.

The airing schedule includes ESPN2, FOX Sports Net, and the Speed Channel, as well as additional syndication.

Harley-Davidson Kicks Off Museum ConstructionHarley-Davidson officially launched construction of the much-anticipated Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI, with a ground-breaking ceremony that kicked up more than just a little dirt. Held on the future museum grounds at 6th and Canal Streets, the ground-breaking was accomplished in truly unique Harley-Davidson style: by setting aside the traditional golden shovel and instead literally “breaking the ground” with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. At the designated moment, legendary Harley-Davidson dirt track racer Scott Parker worked the clutch of a Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster, performing a burnout and sending the dirt flying off the spinning rear tire.

“With over one hundred years and millions of motorcycles behind us, Harley-Davidson has a rich history, an exciting present, and a vibrant future,” said Jim Ziemer, CEO of Harley-Davidson Inc. “In the years to come, the Harley-Davidson Museum will be a centerpiece of the Harley-Davidson experience. Today’s ground-breaking ceremony was a unique way for us to kick off the museum’s construction.”

“The Harley-Davidson Museum will showcase the unforgettable collection of motorcycles and historical items from our company’s vast archives,” said Stacey Watson, Harley-Davidson Museum director. “But even more importantly, it will celebrate the history of the company; the passion of the riders; and the stories of the employees, dealers, and suppliers. These varied and fascinating stories are woven into the fabric of Harley-Davidson, shaping the legend and setting the stage for a bright future.”

Anticipated to open in 2008, the 130,000-square-foot museum development will feature exhibit space as well as a restaurant, caf, retail shop, meeting space, special events facilities, and the company’s archives.

“The Harley-Davidson Museum will offer an experience that will appeal to all visitors, including both motorcycle enthusiasts and non-riders alike,” said Watson. For more information, please visit the Harley-Davidson Museum website at www.h-dmuseum.com.

Correction: In our “Tires Buyer’s Guide” (Vol. 38, Issue 7), we inadvertently listed Continental’s Conti Milestone tire as being manufactured by a different company. We apologize for any confusion. Visit your local dealer or www.conti-moto.com to see Continental’s entire lineup.