Phil Gauthier

A Walk Through Harley History

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Jul 17, 2020 | Industry & Racing |

As an unapologetic Harley-Davidson owner and brand “Fan Boy” I was, dare I say, exuberant when the opportunity to tour the Harley-Davidson Museum recently presented itself. When I decided it was time to get back on a street bike there was no question it would be a model from the Milwaukee based icon. Since purchasing my first Harley in 2017 I’ve found myself enamored with the lore of the brand and its roots in American manufacturing and motorcycle history. Yes, the company has expanded globally in both manufacturing and distribution, but the impact that the Harley-Davidson Motor Company had in the U.S. during their early years is undeniable. I was excited to take this two-wheeled trip through time and the museum did not disappoint.

The Sense of Speed

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Apr 16, 2020 | Ride Life |

I was 11 years old the first time I rode a motorized two wheeled vehicle. A buddy rolled up on his Tecumseh powered mini-bike. Nothing but an engine, seat, throttle, brake lever and a pipe welded to the down tubes for pegs – no clutch or tranny.

Shocked By The LiveWire

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Mar 23, 2020 | Bikes & Gear |

I wish I had a full coverage helmet. It would have been handy during my Daytona Bike Week test ride of the Harley-Davidson® LiveWire™. Even after reading about how fast this electric two wheeled slot car was, I wasn’t prepared for the acceleration and speed of this sleek new technological wonder from the home of Milwaukee Iron.

Challenger Accepted

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Mar 14, 2020 | Bikes & Gear, Rides & Roads |

Ah, the wonder of Daytona Beach Bike Week… The first major event on the motorcycle industry calendar when all the manufactures come together to present their new models to the riding public. It is also a great time for moto-journalists to test ride bikes launched for the upcoming riding season, and this year we had not one but two opportunities to test some of the hottest new bikes launched. Little did I know I would be riding one of the newest baggers that – surprisingly – makes you feel like popping a wheelie as soon as you roll on the throttle in pretty much any gear.

More Fun Riding with REVER

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Dec 23, 2019 | Bikes & Gear |

It’s that time of year – when we sit back and reflect on the rides we’ve taken, rallys we’ve attended, the new friends we’ve made and the biking experiences enjoyed over the past year. This is also a great time to start planning our upcoming trips in the new year and thanks to mobile technology, motorcyclists have access to some great tools to review their past routes and rides as well as plan upcoming trips.

Toss the Plan – Ride The Ride

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Sep 21, 2019 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

The plan was for the four of us to meet northeast of Atlanta for breakfast and then head to the Blueridge Parkway to go end-to-end in four days. We had talked about and planned this trip over the last three months and it was finally happening.

Record Your Ride Right

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Aug 4, 2019 | Bikes & Gear, Nuts & Bolts |

One of the few things (almost) as good as riding a motorcycle is the ability to share the roads, sights and experiences with others through video and with today’s tiny high-resolution cameras the options for riders are many and the sharing of content through the web is fast and simple. But just because you can simply strap on a GoPro or mount a Smart phone on your bars doesn’t mean you should be sharing any and every video in your social media channels. There are a few basic production elements you should consider prior to uploading or posting your video so viewers enjoy your recorded ride as opposed to blowing their beer nuts while watching a jumpy, poorly produced video.

Racing in Rinehart’s Blood

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Jun 17, 2019 | Bikes & Gear, Industry & Racing |

A few of my H.O.G. buddies and I were recently hosted at the very first group tour of the Rinehart Racing motorcycle exhaust manufacturing facility in North Carolina and I must say, it was a ride and day very well spent.

Starting the Riding Season With ProRider Atlanta

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Apr 2, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts |

Anyone can ride a motorcycle fast, ProRider Atlanta teaches you how to be safe and navigate while going slow – which can save your life, or at least your ankles.