Road Tests
By Koz Mraz, Photos by Ron Sinoy I have become a real fan of Kawasaki. It all started in 2010 when I test rode the Kawasaki Vaquero. Based on the same platform as its famous Touring motorcycle, the Voyager and Nomad, I was immediately impressed; this motorcycle has it all. A 1,700cc, SOHC, 52-degree, V-Twin engine transfers power through a tall- geared, Six-speed overdrive transmission. And power it does have: a claimed 108 lb-ft of torque; perfect for a Trike. The motor utilizes a single-pin crankshaft, like its American cousins, for a classic exhaust note. The aerodynamics of the frame-mounted,...
Story: Gary Mraz and Mike Dalgaard Photos: Ron Sinoy Styles come and go but some designs are just clas- sic, frozen in time and defy fashion fads. Passing a 2012 Indian Chief on the freeway one could easily assume its a 1940’s skirted fender predeces- sor. For many including myself the 1948-1953 fully “dressed” Indian Chief defined the word “motorcycle” and that timeless, iconic design is forever etched into our collective memories. No other motorcycle in history is more recognizable or more “drooled” over then the Chief. How many pictures have you seen of a young, hip, rocker type straddling...
Low In Calories, High In Octane: 2012 Harley-Davidson Slim Story: Gary Koz Mraz, Photos: Ron Sinoy Jenny Craig put Softail on a diet and called it “Slim”. With a scaled down narrow rear tire, chopped fender and simple combination stop/turn/tail lights and a side-mounted license plate, Slim deserves its name. From its trimmed front fender to its narrow rear end, Slim is a no-nonsense, back-to-basics motorcycle that recalls classic custom bobbers of the 1950’s. We saw this bike unveiled along with the Sporty 72 (see last month’s issue of Quick Throttle). Paul James, Director of Consumer Influence and Product Communication...
Harley-Davidson 72 By Gary Koz Mrax, Photos by Ron Sindy We gathered at Cook’s Corner in Orange County for the reveal of Harley-Davidson’s two new motorcycles, The Sportster 72 and the Softail Slim (we’ll fill ya in next month on the Slim). The Seventy-Two is a respectful nod to an era when the cool kids rode a Sting-Ray and the big boys parked choppers in a row on the curb. Those motorcycles were long and lean; candy-apple color and gleaming chrome shimmering in hazy summer sunlight, from its Hard Candy Big Red Flake paint and ape bars to its narrow...
By Gary Koz Mraz In the orchestral arrangement of Harley Davidson motorcycles the Ultra Classic Electra Glide Limited crescendos as the finely tuned instrument of touring enthusiasts. A deep exhaust note resonates providing a melody that sets the standard for long distance touring comfort and convenience. A four speaker, 80-watt Harmon/Kardon Advanced audio system is loud and clear even at freeway speeds. Amenities abound with a one-piece, two-up Electra Glide Classic comfort stitch seat with passenger backrest, adjustable fairing-mounted air deflectors, vented removable fairing lowers with integral glove boxes and spacious Tour-Pak carrier and injection-molded hard saddlebags. This Ultra limited...
We all know it’s either a recession or the entire demise of the free world economy. In either case, cautious motorcycle manufacturers have been recycling their existing lines for 2009. Adding fancy paint jobs, 2-up passenger seating or 3 wheels, its all just sheep in wolf’s clothing. We haven’t seen a truly new design by any major motorcycle manufacturer…except one. Even though they too have felt an economic bite, Big DogMotorcycles is bold enough to release entirely new motorcycle designs for ‘09. Another bold Big Dog stance is opening a brand new 12,000...
This is a story about riding a chopper, but also about riding THIS chopper. I had to have a torn rotator cuff tendon repair the next day. Why not go out with a bang? And ride a big 10-foot long chopper, for the very first time ever. Chris and Lisa met me at Left Coast Kustoms, where I was sitting on the Paradox, ready to head out of the parking lot. Chris came over to give me some props, since I guess I looked like I was about to puke. I mean the bike is a friggin’ 10 feet long....
By Koz Mraz, Pics by Koz and Art Hall Big Bear Chopper is still standing on all fours. Despite the economic wash out that’s devastated the custom motorcycle industry, Kevin and Mona Alsop have taken advantage of a slow market to improve operational efficiency. They have always built their business from the ground up. Since the inception of their “build your own bike in a box” their business model was Build to Order. In other words they have always built for the demand. Implementing lean manufacturing last year and reconstituting the organization, BBC has cut lead times in half in...
By Koz Mraz My first set of wheels was a trike and I remember that Christmas morning well. The smell of pine, piles of packages and there she was, my metal flake blue road to freedom. I took her down a flight of stairs within an hour. Once I out grew 3 wheels I never looked back, until now. Pacific blue pearl with a 1584 cc twin cam 96 V-Twin, 80 watt Harmon Kardon stereo, front and rear disc brakes and reverse gear, I am calling this baby Big Blue. Perhaps the old riddle makes more sense now – what...
By CD OK, I promise that’s the last cheesy canine reference I’ll make. Well I’ll try at least. You see I’m pretty darn happy with my 2005 Big Dog Chopper, and throwing a leg over that one and firing it up, still makes me wanna growl a little, or make guttural, primal Tim-the-Tool Man sounds when running it through the gears. I’ve ridden lots of bikes, most of them Harleys, and I swear there’s just something so cool about a chopper. I’ll take a Road King or Street Glide for 300 miles plus, but for having fun the minute you...
This Month’s Editions
