The 2010 FLTRX

The Road Glide Custom® is a tougher, lower vision of the shark-nose Harley-Davidson® classic, with a big 18-inch front wheel, a 2-into-1 exhaust, and a smooth tail light assembly. This bagger rolls with new swagger. The innovative Harley-Davidson Touring chassis is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a stout swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today's more-powerful engines.

Features:

* New 2-1 Exhaust
* Integrated Fairing Storage – Two compartments for
* storage integrated into the fairing.
* Floorboards – Rider floorboards with Street Glide® style as well as passenger pegs.
* One-piece, Two-up Seat – One-piece Road King® classic seat for long-haul comfort for rider and passenger alike.
* Color-Matched Saddlebags – Hard, roomy, color-matched saddlebags with color-matched latches.
* New Rear Taillight – new custom rear taillight and fascia blend with the shorty windshield and low suspension to enhance the overall slammed design.
* New Helical Cut 5th Gear – 6-speed Cruise Drivetm transmission with a helical-cut 5th gear for improved transmission sound.
* Shorty Wind Deflector – Dark Shorty wind deflector with an all new angle.

“I recently replaced my 2003 FLTR with a 2010 FLTRX. Holy *#%$! This is without a doubt the finest Harley I have EVER ridden. The new frame is incredibly stable and responsive and has no hint of the "Bagger Wobble" which has sometimes afflicted earlier Touring bikes when used "in anger". The new frame has holds its line even when encountering nasty, mid-turn bumps and the ABS brakes allow me ride with the confidence that I can get maximum stopping power without losing control. The new 18" front wheel and styling cues taken from the Street Glide make it as beautiful to look at as it is to ride. All this helps when chasing Sean because he's already on the "new frame" and hasn't seemed to figure out that the throttle goes both ways. I'd strongly encourage everyone to come test ride the new FLTRX®; it is one BAD ASS motorcyle. But be ready to buy one. They are in stock and you won't be able to resist.”

- Brett Gundle Assistant sales manager Reno Harley-Davidson/Buell

Dead Corn

I was riding a favorite backroad of mine a while ago when I noticed the dead corn.  Something said stop and take a picture.  I wasn't in a hurry, so I did.  I guess you could say I was in one of my "fall moods" that day, enjoying my ride, yet thinking there won't be too many more before the snow comes.

There was something about that dead corn that made me think of winter's onset even more than all the falling leaves.  I rode by this corn row many times in the spring and summer, watching it grow tall and green.  Seems like a long time ago.

I noticed much on this solo ride.  It's amazing how different it is when you're alone on the road, especially since I'm used to riding in a pack most of the time.

I go by these spots almost every day, but for some reason they were more worthy of my attention this time.  An old barbed wire fence, once probably important to keep people out and maybe animals in.  Now it's food for rust, and maybe in this case, a little food for thought.

This old tree's been guarding that fence line since before I was even thought of, and it will likely still be there long after I'm dust.  Is it a maple or an oak maybe?  I'm not much for Dendrology.

Of all the things that made me pull over that day, this is probably my favorite.  An old cornerstone by a crumbling rock wall.  Makes me think of the Frost poem Mending Wall.  Was it the cornerstone for an old barn, long since fallen and rotted?  Or, does it simply mark the end of the wall and maybe the corner of the property?  There was nobody around to ask...but I bet that old tree knows.

This is a beautiful spot in the early dawn, or on a clear night at dusk, and I've seen deer out by the tree line.  On a spring day under a bright sun this place appears vibrant, full of promise, but on the day I recently stood here it seemed very lonely.  Who built the wall I wondered?  What was here so long ago, and why isn''t the land used now?  Lots of questions.  No answers.  Much left to the imagination.

I rode away and cherished every minute of the rest of my fall day's journey.  You have to once the corn is dead. 

Christmas is For Kids Ride

Blackstone's 16th Annual Ride to Benefit the Attleboro Area Council For Children's "Christmas is For Kids."  Gary O. and Jackson:  Road Captains

I got to the North Attleboro Elks at a little after 9 yesterday morning to help set up tables and chairs for the meal after the ride.  Looking at my bike against the fall backdrop was another reminder that there won't be too many more rides after this one.  As much as I love doing this ride, it's bittersweet because it is always our last "big" ride of the season.

After getting set up at the Elks, we rode down to our sponsoring dealership, Precision Harley-Davidson, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to line up.

Santa arrives and greets members near the registration table.  To his right are Ed Blair, Krazy Karl, and his wife, Amy.

Krazy Karl is Wendy's "little" brother, and this is his ride, the 1950 Pan that belonged to their father. Karl has since changed a few things of course. It's hard to get a picture of this bike because every time he shows up on it, people just circle around it checking it out. I'm sure Big D will get some drool going over this!

                           
Funny story about this bike. A few years back Karl was up in Laconia, and of course it was raining like it almost always does every year up there. He had different pipes that had bigger, wider tips and still swept up the way you see them now. Some guy stops and stands behind the bike watching Karl trying to kick her over and Karl says, "I wouldn't stand there if I were you."
 

The guy looks at Karl and says, "Fuck you...I'll stand where I please."  Karl just smiles and says, "Ok, whatever," and kicks the bike over again.  When the bike started, a projectile line of black oil and water spew shot out of his pipes and covered the guy who was standing there.  According to Karl his face and shirt were soaked black and the guy was madder than a bobcat caught in a pissfire!  Oh, would I have LOVED to have been there to see that!

Santa at the head of the line up getting ready to go.  The lime green things you see are safety vests for all the Road Captains.  We start at the front of the ride because we have to block, and then we end up in the back.

From the Attleboro Sun-Chronicle.  Santa, aka Howard Bristow, leading the ride down South Main Street in Attleboro.  For the online article, click HERE.

The parking lot at the Elks after the ride.  I know it's hard to tell from the picture, but we had a total of 205 bikes for this run, and decent weather to boot.

Inside the Elks hall where riders enjoyed a hot pasta dinner with bread and salad for a donation of $10 or an unwrapped toy.  We collected 12 big bags full of toys and made a donation in the amount of $1,400.00 for the kids.

Santa greets riders as they head to the bar for a cold one.

Wendy and Jackson enjoying a few beers after lunch.

This guy's shirt says it all.  I know I put a lot up here about us down at the Boneyard horsing around, drinking, etc, but there's more to what we do than that.

I've been part of runs to benefit breast cancer, muscular dystrophy, disabled American veterans, and a host of other worthy causes in the 2+ years I've been riding with Blackstone.  But this ride is the most important one in my opinion because it helps local kids that have very little.  I know there may be a few jackasses out there waiting to fire "Yeah, well what about YOUR OWN kids," at me.  Some people seem to think because things didn't work out between my wife and I that I don't care about my kids, and that's crap.  I provide daycare for them every day so she can keep her job.  I help them with their homework.  I always hug them and remind them I love them and will always be there for them.  They will have a great Christmas this year.

But these kids we helped on this ride have very little or nothing, whether it's a divorce, low income, or who knows what.  The point is that on this day 205 bikers came together and did what they could to make sure that these kids have something to open on Christmas morning.

Susan and I were proud to be two of them.

"Always a Good Time With Blackstone"

The 2009 Holiday Heritage Collection

This is the 3 rd and final year for the Holiday Heritage Collection. This year’s gift set includes five pewter-finished collectible Harley-Davidson’s Great Racing Machines. Engraved plates identify each model.
This gift set is a $75 value that our customers receive FREE when they spend $300 on Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® merchandise, Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts or Official Licensed Products during this promotion.

Biketoberfest 2009 Daytona Beach Florida

Made the Pilgramage to Biketoberfest this year .......... OK so I trucked the scooter to NC then rode from there ....... I am getting older.

Did you know there was a beach there? Guess that's why the call it Daytona Beach.

Corner of Hollywood and Main - Wise Guys, second floor.

Ditto, same as above ...........................

That's about all the shots that I got this trip. Enjoy

Buell Questions and Answers

Reno Harley-Davidson/Buell would like to announce that we will continue to be an authorized Buell service provider and that we will be offering some of the best deals that you've ever seen on these great American sport bikes until our inventory is depleted. We've been proud to carry the Buell line and we still feel that Buell offers a truly quality product.

Below is a list of questions and answers that were posted to the Buell website after the announcement that Harley-Davidson Motor Company has decided to discontinue the line:

Why is Harley-Davidson discontinuing Buell after the recent new product introductions, racing success and new brand efforts?
The Company made the decision to discontinue the Buell product line as part of its strategy to focus on growth through the Harley-Davidson brand.

What will happen to the Buell motorcycles currently in dealer inventory?
Buell dealers will sell remaining motorcycle inventories. There will be no more Buell motorcycles produced.

Why should I buy a new Buell when you are discontinuing production?
The innovative features and overall quality of Buell motorcycles provide an outstanding ownership experience. The Company may be discontinuing the production of Buell motorcycles, but they are extremely exciting motorcycles to ride and own. The Company will continue to provide normal warranties on new motorcycles and provide parts and service support. Buell motorcycles offer an overall value proposition that is very compelling.

How good of a deal can I get on a new Buell?
See your local Buell dealer for his remaining available inventory and prices.


Will I be able to get financing for a new Buell?
HDFS will continue to finance Buell motorcycles. Please see your dealer for details.

How will I get my Buell serviced? Will you honor my warranty?
Authorized Buell Service Providers will provide warranty, service and repair work. And Harley-Davidson expects to be providing replacement parts and service for as many years as required market by market. Of course we will honor all of our warranties.

What about Buell racing and privateer Buell race teams? Will there be contingency programs like they have had in the past?
Buell will continue to supply parts to dealers to support racers who want to go racing next season. However, the racing support program and contingency will be discontinued.

Are any of the brand’s models going to be available as Harley-Davidson models?
Harley-Davidson has no plans to produce Buell motorcycles as Harley-Davidson products.

Will Harley-Davidson be using any Buell designs or incorporating Buell technology into the H-D product line?
Buell has introduced many advancements in motorcycle design and technology over the years. Harley-Davidson will continue to benefit from that knowledge going forward and it’s possible that some of this technology will find its way into a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.