Keep up the good work, now I have something to look forward to in this ugly place, too bad it’s not a monthly issue that would be awesome. I’m happy to have a great mag to read while I’m over here. Thanks again.

Spc Linan, Homer

Steve Johnson, President and C.O.O. of Tucker Rocky Distributing, Fort Worth, Texas, is pleased to announce the release of the Spring 2012 Speed and Strength brand. Speed and Strength takes street sport apparel to a whole new level with the rollout of the “Hard Knock Life” collection. Featuring helmets, vests and boots that reflect the reality of modern motorcycle culture in America, the “Hard Knock Life” collection expands Speed and Strength’s product range and continues to build our brand momentum.

“Our growth in helmets has been phenomenal,” said Bruce Parker, President of Parker Synergies. “This weekend we’re launching new helmet models like the ‘Top Dead Center’ full face and the ‘Go For Broke’ half helmet at new price points with tremendous value positions, and great graphics that will continue that growth.”

In addition to the launch of the Spring 2012 collection, Speed and Strength athletes will be on hand to sign autographs: 9 time World Champion Rickey Gadson;

3 time XDL Champion Bill Dixon; Red Bull® Stunt Rider Aaron Colton and 19 year old drag racing phenom Dystany Spurlock.

The weekend also marks the premiere of the much anticipated Graves Motorsports high-powered drift video featuring Speed and Strength rider Bill Dixon.

Look for the entire Speed and Strength apparel collection in the Tucker Rocky booth (#107) Friday, February 17th – Sunday, February 19th at the Indy Dealer Expo.

View the Spring 2012 Look Book

Kelli’s promotion comes just in time for all the all the craziness of a new catalog (the biggest in PM history), not to mention the trade shows, the recent expansion of RSD hard parts and the acquisition of Xtreme Machine Wheels. “Be careful what you ask for,” she jokes. “Seriously, I love what I do and I am fortunate to work with an organization packed with people who do too!” In nearly two decades since starting as the receptionist with Performance Machine, Murrow has seen the highs… and the lows of the powersports industry.

“I have been fortunate enough to experience growth and the recession of our industry and I can tell you that it is true  — that which doesn’t break you really does make you stronger,’ says Kelli. “PM has worked diligently during the tough times and I am very, very lucky to have worked through the lows and happy to be in this position as we see growth once again.”

To get a copy of the 2012 Performance Machine catalog and to learn the latest of what is being rolled out, be sure to stop by Booth #401 during the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati or Booth #1627 at the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo in Indianapolis.

If you can’t wait until show time click on www.performancemachine.com, follow the blog at http://www.custommotorcyclepartsblog.com/ or like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PerformanceMachine

“Rickey Gadson is in a league of his own when it comes to the quarter mile, he is the definition of a living legend,” said Johnson. “Rickey is a true ambassador for the sport of motorcycle drag racing and we’re very proud to have him associated with Speed and Strength”.

“Rickey and I have enjoyed a long friendship and have worked together throughout his many World Championships,” said Bruce Parker, President of Parker Synergies. “His track record and popularity in motorcycling make him a true champion. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to once again be working alongside Rickey and having him on board with Speed and Strength”.

Watch this video of Rickey in action on his 2012 Kawasaki ZX14, wearing his Speed and Strength Twist of Fate race suit.

Santa leave you a little short this holiday season? Forget the 12 days of Christmas, the crew from Scorpion is really in a giving mood and will be giving gifts for the next 12 months! From now through December of 2012, a fan can potentially win a Scorpion helmet just by “Liking” them on Facebook.

Each monthly sweepstakes runs from the 15^th until the end of the month.  Absolutely no purchase is necessary, but you must also sign up for the latest news from The Nest by getting the Scorpion Newsletter. “The sweepstakes is aimed at those who have not ‘Liked’ us on Facebook yet, or signed up for our newsletter,” explains Scorpion’s creative mastermind, Scott Wilkinson.  “If you ‘Like’ Scorpion, you will really like a chance to win a free lid!”

So what’s the catch? “Nothing really, we just want to engage the Scorpion supporters on the social media side.” Click here to enter and follow the instructions on Scorpion’s Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/SCORPION-USA/47655653978?sk=app_121121694568521

MSRP for the monthly helmet winner: FREE!

The MIC Tire Guide also helps riders better understand and utilize sidewall information, and includes color photos, technical diagrams and charts outlining speed and load ratings. Also included are tire-mounting suggestions, a primer detailing the differences between how motorcycle tires and car tires work, and tips for dealing with a tire failure. Finally, a Tire Replacement Log and a Load Limit Calculator are added for convenience.

“At the MIC, we believe that motorcyclists should have a thorough understanding of how their tires work,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche, “including how they differ from car tires, and how the available traction can change from moment to moment. This sort of awareness can prompt riders to be more diligent in inspecting and maintaining their tires, and also in replacing their tires at the right time. Overall, the MIC’s goal with this manual is to provide a guide that helps motorcyclists avoid premature tire wear, damage and ultimately, crashes.”

Individuals can download and print single copies of the MIC Tire Guide for free by visiting mic.org. Packs of 25 can be ordered for an introductory price of $19 plus tax and shipping. For larger quantities, contact MIC for special pricing. Additionally, the MIC is working with tire distributors and retailers on establishing further, more widespread distribution channels for the MIC Tire Guide.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

Following are a summary of the technologies incorporated into the new Commander II tire:

Silica Rain Technology (SRT) – Featured on MICHELIN Commander II radial tires, SRT integrates silica into the tire’s tread compound to improve grip in cooler temperatures and on wet pavement, without compromising tread life.  Michelin was a pioneer in introducing silica into passenger car tires and continues that trend in the motorcycle realm.

For the majority of Commander II tires, which are bias-ply, new tread compounds were developed to echo the characteristics of the SRT-infused radial, with emphasis on tire longevity and wet-weather handling.

New Tread Pattern design – Tread pattern on the MICHELIN^® Commander^® II tire was influenced by the style of cruiser motorcycles as well as the popular Pilot Road series of tires with a “flame effect” design.  Longitudinal grooves in the tread pattern evacuate water to enhance grip in wet conditions and the tread pattern has been optimized with computer design to maximize mileage.

Amplified Density Technology (ADT) – ADT is a rigid, high-density carcass architecture which allows for enhanced maneuverability and feedback to the rider, especially during cornering.

The difference between conventional 71-thread ply tires and the MICHELIN^® Commander^® II tire’s 90 thread ply illustrates the increased density of the new tire versus competitors:

Aramid fiber – All MICHELIN^® Commander^® II rear tires, except the narrowest sizes (80/90-21 and 100/90 B19) integrate Aramid fiber into their construction.  Aramid is applied to the crown ply of the tire to allow for low weight and increased casing rigidity while providing stability at high speeds** by resisting growth.

Square-bead sidewall – The unique sidewall of the new MICHELIN^® Commander^® II tire features square bead wires in the tire bead.  These wires improve bead strength and casing rigidity, which enhances handling.

Additionally, the square bead wires provide ease of installation by improving the primary air seal when mounting and inflating.

For specific photos of technology applications, please visit www.michelinmedia.com.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin-us.com) employs 21,400 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.

The Throttle Nation motorcycle event (September 29-30th  2012) is held in conjunction with the normal ECTA event with a few special rules that make this a heads up race that is a bit unique compared to typical motorcycle land speed racing. 2012 will be the 7th annual motorcycle event and prizes (to be announced) are awarded for the fastest speed turned in each for six classes: 650cc all motor; 650cc plus power adder; 1000cc all motor; 1000cc plus power adder; Unlimited cc all motor; and Unlimited cc plus power adder.

Power adder classes may have only one “power adder” nitrous, turbo or supercharger installed.  If you think you are fast how about past winner Charlie Anstaett who went 259.8560 mph on a turbo Hayabusa? Is there anybody out there that has anything for him? Remember these bikes are ridden by their owner not high priced jockeys. There are a very precious few people in the world that have been faster than that in the standing mile aboard a streetbike.

“All motor” classes may not have any power adder installed. The winner in each of the classes earns at least the undeniable bragging rights that go along with owning one of the indisputable fastest bikes in the country. IF you really good and break a true land speed record over 200mph you could be among the first to receive the new 200mph hat from The Ohio Mile.

All entrants must be ECTA eligible and fully registered and tech-inspected for the meet and all bikes must be street registered and ridden by the registered owner. Otherwise, the rules are pretty simple. To encourage the hot-rodding spirit, Shootout rules allow virtually any modifications, as long as they are street legal. The class displacements refer to the engine cases only — so if you can get 800ccs out of a 650cc motor and keep it together, you are eligible for the 650cc class.

If you are tired of hearing your buddy’s claim to go 250mph on the way to work very day (we are tired of it too), then talk them into showing up in Ohio in 2012 and taking a few passes so we can all find out how fast they really are.

You can follow builder/tuner Ronnie Mitchell and riders Yoder, Kavos and Michael Bayes as they race their way through the Manufacturers Cup race in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psVQadyrsXQ

Ronnie thanked Worldwide Bearings http://www.worldwidebearings.com , RCC Turboshttp://www.rccturbos.com , Terry McIntosh http://www.mcintoshmachineandfabrication.com , JRI shockshttp://www.jrishocks.com , Wössner pistons http://www.wossnerpistons.com and Catalyst Compositeshttp://www.catalystracingcomposites.com

Style and function are paramount when it comes to serious sportbike gear and that is exactly where Scorpion’s new Assailant Jacket breaks into the market with an almost criminal balance of sportbike styling and racing specifications.

Roadracing specified features include 1.2mm-1.4mm thick top-grain leather construction, Exo-Stitch™ reinforced safety seams and CE-approved ventilated Exo-Tec™ armor at the elbows and shoulders. As if this were not enough, there is also a built-in back protector compartment, complete with protective P.E. armor.

When riding conditions get a little chilly, the Assailant’s fully sleeved EverHeat™ thermal liner keeps core temperatures comfortable. Conversely, the EverHeat™ liner is easily removed when things warm up. Better still, custom-perforated panels work in conjunction with Scorpion’s trademarked AirVent™ system to keep air flowing throughout the jacket.

Kevlar™ stretch panels incorporated into the sleeves offer maximum flexibility while eliminating material flap from the wind even while at speed. Stretch panels at the sides and two built-in waist cinches enable the jacket to be personally tailored on the fly.

Form follows function so both the black and white versions of the Assailant look as good as they work. Styling cues include a comfort collar, distinctive contrast panels and NightViz™ reflective trim on the back for improved night-time visibility. Built for the track, but stylish enough for the boulevard, Scorpion’s Assailant is ready to take on both worlds.

Although the Assailant shakes up the status quo in a serious way, it won’t assault your wallet. At just $359.95, the Assailant is priced right and fits even better with a full range of sizes from Small-2XL!

MSRP for the Assailant Jacket: $359.95  ($374.95 for 2XL)

Check out ScorpionExo® Helmets and Scorpion Sports, Inc.’s complete ScorpionExoWear® line at www.scorpionusa.com