Rocky Mountain
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...
The Year in Pictures They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but they probably should have said that about a GOOD picture. When its good there’s little need for explanation or description. The work featured here, by Quick Throttle’s finest Motojournalists and Photographers like Randy Twells, Art Hall and George Childress, should hopefully speak for itself. That said, we did add a bit of context below each shot so you’ll know where it came from, and be able to find more pics and info in the Biker Galleries and in past issues online. Click HERE to see more! To...
Story and photos by Ray Seidel In what is intended to be the largest gathering of Indian motorcycles west of the Mississippi, the 3rd Biennial Indian Day West was recently held in Pomona, CA. celebrating the 110th anniversary of Indian Motorcycles. Pre-1980 classic motorcycles got free entry, and on hand was The World’s Fastest Indian (which was fired up a number of times throughout the day) plus a screening of the movie. In conjunction with all this was the Flat Track World Finals. A sampling of Indians from an early camelback to the Gilroy era Chiefs was on display, including...
View the Sturgis Photo Gallery here! Sturgis Rally is into its eight decade, with the 71st running this year. Just the name “Sturgis”, sounds bigger than life. Imagine any other town name, it just doesn’t work. What the name Sturgis evokes— black & white memories of old panheads, shovels & knuckles, camping in the city park… races, mud, old school… a legend still happening. With that, we give you… Rolling into Sturgis with several days on the road behind you, is something to remember. I feel like I’m taking a victory lap. No wait, it’s like breaking the tape in...
Story and Photos by Darlene Ferris Motorcycles have been in Bob Cleary’s blood for nearly 50 years. When Bob wasn’t up to his elbows in grime working on bikes, he could be found riding, drag racing (gas and top fuel), custom building, selling, or just talking motorcycles. The love of motorcycles became a way of life for Bob when he went into business for himself, specializing in Harley Davidson motorcycles. Thirty-five years ago, Mid-State Cycles was born. Bob Cleary opened the first shop in Paxton, IL and became a registered Illinois motorcycle dealer in 1976. After nearly four years, he...
This Month’s Editions
