Red Bagger on Vacation

Mrs. Bagger and I are off to Curacao. Here's what we hope to be doing in the sun!

American Bagger

Americanbagger.com offers useful information, from service videos to event calendars. It's all about customized baggers. Check it out.

BMW R1150RT vs. U.S. 60

Wow...what a ride!!!

Brett Favre

Today's hat tip goes to Brett Favre, who went over the 60,000 career passing yardage mark today. The Pack defeated Minnesota 34-0.

Peruvian Motorcycle Adventure

One of the best videos I've seen of a motorcycle adventure through Peru. If you have dreams, there's always a journey. Scenes include riding through Peru, Machu Pichu, Cuzco, and along the Panamerican Highway. Check it out.

Triumph Challenges Harley in America

Motorcycle News reports that Triumph is hoping to take on Harley on its home ground with the new Rocket III Touring. You can see the bike in action in the link below.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1119137831/bctid1299161347

Suggested base price: $15,999

Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, two intake, two exhaust valves per cylinder

Displacement: 2294cc

HP: 132 at 6250 rpm

Wet weight: 802 lbs.

GVWR: 1287 lbs.

The Secretary of Transporation and Motorcycle Safety

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters describes herself as one of the many “baby-boomers” who returned to riding after years of parking their bikes while pursuing other interests. In August 2005, she suffered injuries after a crash on a two-lane highway just north of Tucson, Arizona. As Mrs.Peters explained:

"My husband and I were riding our bikes back home to Phoenix after visiting friends in Tucson. Now there is something of a disagreement in the Peters household about who was at fault. Let’s just say we miscommunicated. I ended up clipping his front tire, and went down.

I remember the moment I knew it was going to happen. But God is merciful, and the next memory I have, I was off the bike and lying on the pavement with a broken collar-bone. So as you can imagine, motorcycle safety is a subject that I take very personally and very seriously."

She returned to the scene of her accident to film a public service announcment that you can see by clicking below.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/multimedia/TV/mc_safety_CC.wmv

Germany's Münch Mammut

Here is a 1967 Münch Mammut, at the time the largest and fastest motorcycle in the world. Designed by Friedel Münch of Münch Motorrad, its standard engine was a "massive" NSU automobile 1200 cc, 4-cyl mill. It offered three engine options, including a supercharged version. The company also offered a varied combination of seats and tanks. It was best known for its comfort and speed. The original company declared bankruptcy in 1971, then again in 1973. Today, with Friedel back in control, Mammut 2000 pushes 260 bhp and runs a limited top speed of 159 mph - and sells for more than $80,000.

Name This Famous Motorcycle Personage...

This fellow is the founder of a great European manufacturer. The first bike was produced in 1919, but the factory wasn't inaugurated until 1921. It's trademark is an eagle commemorating the death of a close frthe rider iend who was to be the first to test the prototype machine. Who is he?

Another Rare Harley XLT "Discovered"

The '77 Harley XLT is the most rare of Sportster series bikes. Only 1099 were ever built, mostly for police work and export. Few remain in their original bagger configuration - we've only found four. Galen Bliss of Bellingham, WA, has a beautiful example which he has owned since 1984. For more information about this unique Harley touring model, go to:

http://www.geocities.com/rocketman753/Home.html

Motorcycle Touring For Beginners

"Motorcycle Touring For Beginners" is a touring primer posted by Dale Borgeson. He started back in the early '70s aboard a Honda 350 with a run from San Diego to Yuma. He still prefers smaller displacement bikes. 218,000+ visitors have checked him out. If you're thinking of touring, Borgeson offers his many years of experience and wisdom at his site: http://www.visi.com/~dalebor/

Photo: Dale Borgeson

Classics Under a Grand...

Looking for some classics under a grand? Here are three from the 2007 Daytona Auction:

$200 '84 Honda V-30 Magna

$500 '83 Honda CX-650


$1000 '82 CB-900C w/ shaft drive, Shoei bags and Vetter fairing

For more info visit: http://www.jwoodandcompany.com/

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The List

Gary Sosnick has left all interested in touring a great gift: The List. The list is broken into four divisions: clothes, gear, cookware, and tools. As Gary explains, "After 15 years of motorbike touring and camping--my first trip was a humorous packing experience--my current list is perfect: I take what I will most likely need, and remove from the list those items that were never needed in the past." There is a printable version of The List. You can find it at: www.garysosnick.com/EasyReaderTG/thelist.html

Thanks, Gary.

105th Anniversary Ride to Milwaukee

I'm looking forward to a leisurely ride home to Milwaukee next Labor Day weekend - The Harley Davidson 105th Anniversary weekend.

If you attended the 100th, you know what a blow out it was - with events all around the state and the city. My hope is Milwaukee declares itself an "Elton John Free Zone" for the duration. I wonder when the rumor of a Rolling Stones appearance will start making the rounds!

(The logo is used for entertainment purposes only. This blog is not associated with the Motor Company.)

Peter and Kay's Excellent World Tour

Peter and Kay Forwood are an Aussie couple out to see every country on earth astride their black '94 Electraglide Classic . See a complete report at
www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/mytrip.shtml.
It's a can't-stop-reading adventure of this modern world - for many, a chance to live the vicarious dream of following the sun. (Photo credit Peter Forwood)

Peter started the journey solo in February 1996, when he left home, Townsville, Australia. He crossed the Outback to Darwin, which stands on Australia's northen tip. There both the Glide and Peter boarded a plane to Bali, the exotic beginning of an exciting Asian tour which lasted five months.

Peter explains his reasons for undertaking the trip: "Whilst the family was travelling Sumatra in 1992 we developed a disliking for being sardines on buses but found motor car hire expensive or difficult to obtain or fish-bowl-like. That is where you are watching but not a part of the events taking place. It was discussed and thought that motorbike travel would be the answer to all of our future travel problems. It would be easy to transport, cheap to operate, versatile, and you would certainly be part of the environment with all of the smells, dirt and danger that go with the Asian experience."

This world trip has taken thirteen segments, with Oceania and Fiji the next destination planned for September '07. My hat's off to Peter, Kay and their family for making this inspirational journey. And for the travelogue they left for all of us to enjoy!

Presidential Candidates Who Ride

Tommy Thompson, who was running for President as a Republican, rides Harleys - and has since his days as Wisconsin's governor. Used to cruise the state stumping for re-election. Since he dropped out, I wonder, do any of the remaining candidates ride? Has any President been a biker?

Easy Ridin'

Classic motorcycles are more than Harley-Davidsons. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha, as well as Triumph, BMW and Moto Guzzi - and others - built some notable machines over the years. This blog is to celebrate all those bikes, riders, and the many miles they've ridden.

The Red Bagger, an '83 FLHC Electra Glide Classic.

I personally love old Harley-Davidsons…the ones with engines called Ironhead or Shovelhead. I like to ride them, to wrench on them, and to keep the old iron on the road. I appreciate bobbers, choppers, and customs - - and I love “survivors” of the Motor Company’s stock designs. But I've owned and enjoyed Honda and Kawasaki machines, too.

This is a new blog talking about riding, adventures, wrenching, and restoring, and whatever comes to mind about classic motorcycles. If you're looking for the latest chrome, black leather and nekkid girls, you need to click elsewhere. Otherwise, I hope you come along for the ride.

I am looking to post interviews with classic motorcycle people - historians, celebrity riders, adventurers, and other interesting folks. And, if you've got something to contribute, you're welcome to send it to the e-mail above.

It’s a fact: Only a motorcyclist knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

Above: Mrs. Bagger and me

with my '77 XLT "Baby Dresser".