Open Road Cycles

(Press Release)

Ducati is excited to announce that after months of speculation the long wait is almost over, the new Diavel will make its first public appearance at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show this coming November.Announcing the new model’s name ahead of the official presentation, the famous Italian manufacturer is about to turn another dream into reality. This dream comes true via using the local Bolognese dialect for “devil” in naming their new model the Diavel – pronounced Dee-ah-vel.

The idea for the Diavel name was born early in the development process of the bike, when the prototype was assembled and wheeled out in front of a group of Ducati engineers and technicians for the first time. One person looking from the rear of the bike saw its silhouette and exclaimed in Bolognese dialect: “Ignurànt comm’ al diavel!” Meaning: “Evil, like the devil!” (more…)

Lehman Trikes unveiled it’s new trike concept. It’s based on the Kawasaki Vulcan 900.

“The new trike is being explored as Lehman’s next entry-level product for the rapidly expanding three-wheel segment of the motorcycle market.”

Read the full article at dealernews.com

Although we posted a news article citing a rise in NC motorcycle fatalities, the following information states a decrease in national fatalities.

It’s not surprising when accident rates increase in proportion to increased usage and number of miles travelled, but last year motorcyclist fatalities decreased more than any other category of road users despite more motorcycles being ridden more miles! (more…)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking applications from law enforcement agencies across the country to conduct federally-funded motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints.

Now mirrored in other states, “Motorcycle-Only Safety Checkpoints” were initiated in New York last year and are set up during large motorcycle rallies or near large biker gathering spots to check not only license, registration and insurance, but also for DOT-compliant helmets and legal exhaust systems. ABATE of New York is working with NY A.I.M. (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) attorney Mitch Proner on legal actions to halt these discriminatory roadblocks in the Empire State.

But police forces across the country may soon receive public funds to target motorcyclists, though U.S. Reps F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) and Tom Petri (R-WI) along with several colleagues in Congress have written to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asking him to suspend funding of the federal grants for the NHTSA checkpoint program. (more…)

A 29 percent spike in motorcycle fatalities in North Carolina against a backdrop of fewer motorcycle fatalities nationwide has officials scrambling to figure out the reason.

“It’s definitely a concern any time you have a statistical increase like that,” Sgt. Steve Greene of the N.C. Highway Patrol’s state office in Raleigh told the Gaston Gazette. “Now the question to answer is what do we attribute it to?” (more…)

The Open Road Riderz Riding Group is planning on a group ride to The Tail of The Dragon on October 23rd and 24th. The group will leave the Open Road Cycles shop at 7:15 am on October 23rd.

Overnight reservations can be made  at the Two Wheel INN. Call  828-479-4248 for room reservations.

The Second Annual Toys for Tots Toy Run has been scheduled for Sunday, December 5th, 2010. The charity event is organized by the Open Road Riderz Riding Group. The event is still in the planning stages so anyone interested in helping out during the event or being a sponsor can contact us for more information.

Entry Fee: $10 per bike/vehicle plus a new unwrapped toy per person. We are in need of toys for both boys and girls aging from 6 months to 14 years of age.

Donated toys will go to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and will be distributed to needy children within Lincoln County. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

The money proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warriors Fund that will be used to buy supplies needed for wounded Marines while they are in a North Carolina facility recuperating from their injuries.

Info call Andy Alford – 704 902-6471, Angela Whitaker – 828 291-0761, Open Road Cycles – 704 489-1100 or any Open Road Riderz member.

Carolina Harley-Davidson owner Diane Baldwin kept the motor running at her dealership even after the tragic death of her husband Click Baldwin in a motorcycle accident two years ago in Montana.

But on Oct. 15, she will close the business that she and Click started in Gastonia 22 years ago because she’s come to the realization that “without Click, there is no Carolina Harley-Davidson,” said Jodi Sandate, a friend and spokeswoman for the dealership at 2830 E. Franklin Blvd.

Diane Baldwin and Harley-Davidson Motor Co. entered a mutual agreement Tuesday to retire one of the largest dealerships on the East Coast along with the Carolina Harley-Davidson Museum.

Diane Baldwin could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

“Ultimately this was Click’s passion and Click’s dream and Click is no longer with us,” Sandate said. “When she (Diane) walks in that dealership, everything she sees is her late husband. All she sees are memories. This is hard for her.”

Click Baldwin died in July 2008 after his 2009 Harley-Davidson struck a 1999 Honda Civic on U.S. 12 outside Lolo, Mont., and he was thrown from his motorcycle. A tremendous memorial followed his death with hundreds of riders escorting his casket and tributes from celebrities like NASCAR driver Kyle Petty.

The loss of Click Baldwin was a personal and professional loss. In addition to her grief, Diane Baldwin also had to struggle with the collapse of the U.S. economy, Sandate said. A savvy businesswoman, she explored other options for the business, but eventually decided to retire, Sandate said.

“It’s too much for one person,” Sandate said. “Her partner died — in more ways than one.”

The Baldwins first opened the dealership in downtown Gastonia in 1988 with five employees. Over the years, the business grew, moving to a location on Remount Road and then to the 70,000-square-foot building near Franklin Square. During more prosperous economic times, the dealership employed 75. Today, there are 33 employees.

On Saturday, Diane Baldwin met privately with her management and then announced her decision to employees, who comforted her and told her, “We are with you until the end,” Sandate said. Several of the staff members were working there when Click died. They supported Diane through his death and they will continue to support her through this transition also, she said.

Sandate said Diane Baldwin plans to speak with her customers and the community Aug. 27 and 28 at the Eighth Annual Bikes, Boogie & BBQ , which will be the dealership’s final event celebration.

After that, her immediate plans will focus on selling the building and sorting through “Click’s toys.” The dealership is also a museum full of motorcycle memorabilia and vintage motorcycles, including a 1914 Harley-Davidson Model 10-B, known as the “Silent Gray Fellow.”

“[T]hat in itself will be a full-time job” Diane stated in a press release.

After October, Gaston County won’t have a Harley Davidson dealership and the Baldwin’s dealer number will be retired. Representatives of Harley-Davidson Motor Co. were not available Tuesday to discuss the closing.

At one time, Sandate said Carolina Harley-Davidson ranked in the Top 25 of the company’s 600 dealerships nationwide. And over the years, the Baldwins have been generous to the community, hosting charity events and motorcycle rides, she said.

“The community has been very supportive of Diane,” Sandate said. And the two of them have done a lot for the community.”

Originally posted at gastongazette.com

Time to change the oil in your cycle? We use Spectro 20W/50 synthetic oil, the better choice to make sure your engine runs smooth. This month, get your oil changed for $59.95.

If you’re thinking about switching out some new bars on your ride, or want to add some accessories, Open Road Cycles can get you what you’re looking for. We work directly with Vance & Hines, and Drag Specialties. We will also begin to work with Rinehart Pipes so keep your eye on our blog to find out when that happens.

AJ is still detailing so if you need to get that ride looking all shiny and new, give us a call. We use Spectro bike wash which has a 9.3 ph balance.

Call Open Road Cycles at 704.489.1100

We are continuing our Tire Sale and Oil Change motorcycle service specials through the month of April.

Tire Sale – Buy two tires and get the 2nd tire installed for FREE! That’s a $30 Savings!

Oil Change – $49.95. We use Spectro 20W/50 synthetic oil.