From Leno to Paris...all in one blog!

I wanted to talk about my trip to the metal statue of a Harley erected in honor of William S. Harley's father during my recent trip to England, but there's so much other stuff going on it can wait......

For instance.....

Leno's Harley raises $505,100!
Mentioned in Biker Diaries back on September 10th, Jay Leno's celebrity-autographed motorcycle has raised nearly a half-million dollars for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

For the past four weeks "Tonight Show" guests and surprise arrivals have been autographing the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The final signers on Thursday were guests Matthew McConaughey and Angie Harmon and surprise walk-ons Jimmy Smits and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Previous signers have included Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Billy Crystal, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, Denzel Washington, Ben Affleck, Cameron Diaz, Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson, Geena Davis, William Shatner, Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Charlie Sheen, Joaquin Phoenix, Jessica Alba, Bill Cosby, Adrien Brody, Matt LeBlanc, James Caan, Heather Locklear, Clay Aiken, Aaron Neville, Nicole Richie, Shaggy, Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman and Dr. Phil.

With the bidding closing on eBay at 5pm on Thursday, the winning bid was $505,100.


But will he be able to auction off Betty Young's Harley?
Prompted by cracks Jay Leno has made on his Tonight Show earlier this year about community colleges, Betty Young, president of Northwest State Community College in Archbold decided to set the record straight with a marathon road trip to NBC's Burbank studios in California. She and others in her entourage dubbed their adventure the "Lessons for Leno Tour."

After a show taping, the college president was escorted on stage to meet Leno, who posed with her for pictures and said he was unaware that his comments had offended community colleges. He also acknowledged that his jokes frequently offend, so take a number. Badda bing.

Read the entire article at the Toledo Blade.


Honda's New European Line
Maybe it's because I was just there, but for some reason I have this urge to blog this.

Honda Europe Motorcycle S.R.L. today announced the new 2006 motorcycle models for the European Market. Honda will exhibit the models at the 'Mondial du Deux Roues 2005', thats the Paris Motorcycle Show to you and me, which begins October 1, 2005.

The models they're rolling out are;

CBF1000 ABS
This all-new touring sports model features a water-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line, 4-cylinder, 1000cc engine based on CBR1000RR engine technology. Including both Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and an air injection system, the CBF1000 offers exceptionally smooth riding from low to high rpm ranges. In addition, its adjustable seat matches the rider for extra riding comfort.



Deauville ABS
This stylish touring model features a water-cooled, 4-stroke, 680cc, V2 engine. Increased engine displacement gives the Deauville ABS extra pep for fun, versatile riding in the city or on the freeway, while the model's many amenities include large fairing-integrated panniers for ample storage space, an adjustable windscreen for superb protection, and dual multi-reflector headlights for improved visibility.


CBR1000RR
The 2006 CBR1000RR features advanced technology from the RC211V, the bike famous for competition in the world's premier motorcycle road race, MotoGP. An on-road super sports model, the CBR100RR is powered by a water-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line, 4-cylinder, 1000cc engine. Lighter this model year by 3.0kg, the CBR1000RR offers both improved performance and updated styling

Silver Wing 400
With a water-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 2-cylinder engine, this large scooter combines cruising performance and convenience to support both daily driving and extended touring. Related to the Silver Wing 600 (sold in North American and European markets) and previously available only in Japan, the Silver Wing 400 expands Honda's motorcycle lineup for Europe.



Not to be outdone

BMW has finally announced what has long been rumored: a completely new mid-range sports bike. Note the 'S' designation on these motorcycles, which intimates that the motorcycle will have strong performance and good handling.

The F800S is an 800-cc twin which offers lots of character, an excellent suspension and typical BMW properties. The athletic F 800 S sports bike has a dry weight of under 419 lbs. (approx. 441 lbs. ready-to-ride) and is the first model of the new and separate model series.

You can read an article and BMW's entire press release at Web Bike World.


Ending on a somber note
Swedish police displayed the results of a crash where a motorcycle going 155 mph hit a car and killed both occupants.

The Swedish Police and Road Safety Department displayed the wreckage of this car-motorcycle collision at the Stockholm Motorcycle Fair. The rider, who had recently obtained his license, was estimated to be going 155 mph (250 km) when he hit the car, which was moving slowly through an intersection.

The rider never had time to react at all at that speed. The impact flipped the car and threw it 10 feet from the point of impact. The rider and both occupants of the car, all dead, were found in the car.

Here are pictures to help that throttle in check next time you find yourself on a seemingly open road.

































Until Next time....Ride Hard, Ride Free but most of all......Ride Safe!