With domestic shipments down about 62% since 2006, International shipments now make up a larger percentage of sales. In fact, international shipments accounted over 37% of sales in 2010, which is nearly double the 2006 percentage of 21.8%. See chart below for annual breakdown.

The event is open to the general public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

When: Saturday April 3rd, 2010
Where: M/C Ride: House of Blues 4640 Highway 17S, North Myrtle Beach, SC -
The Event is at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center 109 Bee St. Charleston, SC
Time: M/C Ride leaves promptly at 11:30 am -
The event starts at 2:15pm at the VA Medical Center

For more information contact Kevin at 843-390-1722, click this link, or visit the websites below:

Thank a Service Member.org

House of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

House of Blues – Facebook Page

Use the links in the right of this page (above) or click here: Events

Nitrogen is already abundant in the air we breathe (about 78%) with Oxygen making up most of the rest (about 21%). However, there are several other components including Argon (1%) and Carbon Dioxide (.03%) and trace amounts (measured in parts per million) of others including Neon, Methane, Helium, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Ozone, and Xenon.

Nitrogen reduces permeation

Oxygen permeates through the rubber walls of tires 3-4 times faster than Nitrogen. The water vapor contained in air migrates through the tire wall at a rate of up to 250 times faster than Nitrogen resulting in pressure losses that can be up to 1 pound or more per month. Over time these losses add up and can cause handling and steering difficulty and can lead to premature wear and catastrophic tire failure – which can result in injury or death. In fact, it’s reported that the number one reason for tire blowouts is underinflated tires.

As a side note: Regular visual checks of tires for cracks and other damage is a terrific practice. However, using visual checks to evaluate pressure is a dangerous and worthless practice. Motorcycle tires can be up to 50% underinflated and still appear to be normal. The only proper way to check for proper pressure is to use a quality gauge.

Nitrogen provides a safer alternative and improves fuel economy.

The average vehicle will see a 4% mile per gallon improvement when inflated with Nitrogen and Nitrogen extends tire life by helping to maintain proper tire pressure thus insuring optimum tire wear. While Nitrogen will help maintain proper tire pressure, you still need to check your tires on a regular basis.

78% Nitrogen (which is already in the air in your tires) – is not enough.

Actually, the important part is getting the moisture and Oxygen out. The air in your tires is full of moisture, which along with oxygen can accelerate the damaging effects of corrosion and oxidation. Because Nitrogen is inert and dry, it helps prevent oxidation of rubber, rims, TPMS sensors and valve stems.

Switching to Nitrogen is easier and cheaper than you might think.

Many dealers will fill your tires with Nitrogen for free (including free refills) if you buy the tires from them. Otherwise the cost can range from $3 to $20 depending on location.

Related Link  GetNitrogen.org

Photo courtesy of BruceRossMeyer.com

Renown Harley Dealer Bruce Rossmeyer died in a motorcycling accident in Wyoming on July 30, 2009. He and a group of friends were enroute to Sturgis, South Dakota to attend the annual rally. According to reports, Rossmeyer collided with a truck that was pulling a camping trailer as it turned left while Rossmeyer was attempting to pass.

Rossmeyer is survived by his wife, Sandy, five children and nine grandchildren. Visit http://www.brucerossmeyer.com for more details.

New Promotion Lets Riders Test Ride New Motorcycles at Local Dealerships

MILWAUKEE (April 3, 2009) – Harley-Davidson and its dealers are giving riders a unique opportunity to demo the motorcycle of their dreams with the new Super Ride promotion. Harley-Davidson is working with its U.S. dealer network to enable customers to ride any 2009 motorcycle between April 1 and June 30. Customers can then provide a written evaluation of the ride and post it online to qualify for rewards.

“Riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a unique and powerful experience,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. “We want to give every rider the chance to experience the genuine feel of riding a Harley, the freedom of the open road and everything that goes with it.”

The Super Ride promotion is only valid at participating Harley-Davidson dealers and riders must present a valid motorcycle license, among other requirements.

For additional information on Super Ride, visit a participating Harley-Davidson dealer or go to www.harley-davidson.com/superride.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

The Motorcycle Association Of New York State (MANYS) previously ran the program from 1998 to December of 2008. The current program was started in 1997, when the New York State Legislature established the Motorcycle Safety Fund to finance a statewide motorcycle operator and instructor training program. Over the last 5 years nearly 70,000 motorcyclists have received training.

Visit the NYS DMV Website or the  Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Website

Related Link: NYS Audit Report 2007-R-3

The Missouri Senate recently approved legislation that, if signed into law, could allow people 21 and over to ride motorcycles without helmets. Current state law requires motorcyclists to wear helmets. The proposed change, SB27, would be in effect until August of 2014. Read the entire Senate Bill.

Related Link: WV DOT Dept. of Motor Vehicles

The 24/7 Motorcycle Network also publishes comprehensive Internet based motorcycling sites such as MotorcycleCruiserLinks.com™, MotorcycleDOT.com™, and MotorcycleBookmarks.com™.

Visit the Trike Chat site.