Author Archives: Ray Seidel

Ray Seidel has had a varied background, ranging from archaeologist to film critic & radio personality. He has been a rider since 1970, on single, twin, four cylinder; metric, Harley-Davidson, Indian. He was Vice-President of the Indian Riders Group – Corona, CA, and a motojournalist for Quick Throttle Magazine since 2005, initially specializing on Indian motorcycles, past, present, and future. At the present time his stable consists of a garlic scented 2002 Indian Spirit, and a well traveled Indian red 2015 Indian Scout. He has ridden to Sturgis, Laughlin, among other destinations, all chronicled in the pages of QT. Ray has specialized in stories for QT on motorcycle themed movies and television shows, including all seven seasons of “Sons of Anarchy.”

Motorcycles of the Stars, part 2

By Ray Seidel Click here to visit the Motorcycles of the Stars photo gallery. Celebrities, be it cinema, TV or music, are often thought of as keeping a wide distance from the rest of us mere mortals, secluded in exclusive estates in Beverly Hills and the like, with staff to do the driving to keep the mansion stocked with wine ...

Minimalist Bike, Maximum Fun! By Ray Seidel* With the end of WWII, servicemen came home with an eye for some fun & thrills, and sought out pre-war cars and/or cheap war surplus motorcycles; two different approaches to the same goal. Strip ‘em down, remove the chrome, bob or outright remove the fenders, and have a hot little number to tool around ...

By Ray Seidel We all know the Indian Chieftain line-up of motorcycles is state-of-the-art under the vintage styling, but for those who favor a more contemporary look, the 2018 Chieftain Limited might be just your ticket. Add the Stage 3 Performance 116 ci. Big Bore Kit to the engine, and “The Joneses” will have to keep up with YOU. These ...

Story by Ray Seidel. Skid lids. Love ‘em or hate, in nanny states like California, ya gotta wear ‘em. Now, I PERSONALLY think helmets ought to be optional, as there ARE occasions when it makes no sense AT ALL. Having said that, I am less likely (in the day of the cell phone) to ride without one if given the ...

By Ray Seidel The world’s oldest motorcycle – Royal Enfield, and America’s oldest motorcycle, Indian Motocycle, both beginning in 1901, were little more than bicycles with motors attached. (And yes, Indian left the ”R” off the name.) After about a decade, many new manufacturers sprang up with actual, albeit rudimentary, motorcycles, and a host of innovative features. This necessitated advertising ...

Story by Ray Seidel Click here to see the full article in our digital magazine I have to admit, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Royal Enfield Bullet. The Bullet is actually the longest lived motorcycle design in history, and the company itself is tied with Indian as the oldest, circa 1901. Though of course, Harley-Davidson has been ...

The perfect marriage of beauty and function Story by Ray Seidel Last year we tested Indian’s cruiser bike, the Springfield; this year we’ve moved up to their touring bike, the Roadmaster Classic. Both Indian Chiefs are very much alike, but if you’re into the longer trips, the Classic may be more to your liking. Both bikes have 1940’s styling, but ...

Story by Ray Seidel Sept 10-25, 2016. 3,133 miles from Atlantic City NJ to Carlsbad CA on 93 100+ year old motorcycles ridden by riders from 8 countries. Now after three successful events, the Cannonball has become an American institution, bringing in riders, and collectors from all over the world. Restorations have taken on a new meaning as skilled engine ...

Story by Ray Seidel, Photos courtesy of Discovery Channel “Living by your own rules” 1903. We all know that date – the year Harley-Davidson was born, and the year this story begins in this three two-hour miniseries. Keeping in mind this is a docudrama, NOT a documentary, this is an exciting ride through the first three decades of American motorcycling. ...

More Than Bikers, Babes and Beer Story by Ray Seidel, photos by Ray Seidel and courtesy of the Buffalo Chip INTRODUCTION Well, I’ve never been to Sturgis and wanted to find out what it’s all about, so this year I made the trip. Of course I’ve seen bits here and there on TV, but I was in for a big ...