American motorcycles

Since Indian revived the iconic, 100-year old “Chief” moniker two years ago, the reimagined line has grown in model offerings as well as sales. Mike Dougherty, President of Indian Motorcycle, recently stated, “Since launching in 2021, the reimagined Indian Chief has garnered incredible feedback from riders all around the world. With the introduction of Sport Chief, the 2023 Indian Chief lineup is more diverse than ever– offering a wide range of performance and styling options to meet each rider’s unique personality and riding preferences.”

ARCH Motorcycle Launches the 1s Sport Cruiser

by Road Dirt Crew | Oct 19, 2022 | Bikes & Gear | 7 |

Keanu Reeves had a dream- the acclaimed actor has always loved motorcycles, and he envisioned what for him would be the perfect American-made motorcycle, combining classic American cruiser lines with aggressive sport styling and handling. With the help of friend and eventual partner Gard Hollinger, the two set to work on building a motorcycle and custom company that would create and bring to market a motorcycle built to the customer’s specifications and tastes. In 2011, ARCH Motorcycle was born. From their debut ARCH KRGT-1, the now-unveiled ARCH 1s, and the limited-production ARCH Method 143, Keanu, Gard and their team of designers and builders pride themselves on challenging the perception of what an American motorcycle can be, and how they can be built.

Handling a Heritage

by Rob Brooks | Jun 21, 2021 | Bikes & Gear | 7 |

Some 20 years ago a riding buddy asked me, “If you could own any one road bike for trips, around town, day riding, whatever, what would it be?” I gave that some thought, then replied, “I think I’d choose the Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. I just love the American tradition meets modern in that bike.” I found myself on a 1998 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Classic for many years, that brand’s answer to the Heritage, and loved it, but the H-D Heritage was always the original to me. My father later bought one, a 2003 100-Year Anniversary edition in silver/black, and he rode it with my mom all over the Southeast USA until his age and health forced the sale of the bike. I had a garage full at the time, but regretted not buying it from him. Such a beautiful, smooth, cool machine. Motorcycle Americana at its best.

Harley-Davidson Debuts The Icons Collection

by Road Dirt Crew | Apr 26, 2021 | Bikes & Gear, Legendary Bikes | 0 |

Harley-Davidson announced its new Icons Collection, an annual program offering very limited-edition motorcycle models designed to elevate traditional forms and celebrate Americana, either by revisiting classic Harley-Davidson design themes or by exploring ideas that represent the future of motorcycle style.

Goodbye Dale, And Thank You

by Rob Brooks | Feb 4, 2021 | Ride Life | 25 |

I got word that Dale Walksler, the founder and president of the wonderful Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, Tennessee, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Dale was 69 years old. The news struck me hard, as several of us Road Dirt guys were just up there back in September, touring this famous museum of American motorcycling. I’ve visited the museum 5-6 times since they first opened in 2002, and have always marveled at not only the vast collection of American motorcycle history they have amassed, but how every bike in the collection actually runs. Yet best of all was Dale’s personal touch. Until his health prevented it, Dale was often out on the floor, meeting patrons and discussing bikes, history, great rides and fond memories, a precedent the rest of their staff continues to practice. Wheels Through Time truly is, “The Museum That Runs.”