Discussion with Mike Kennedy, President of Vances and Hines

In this edition of Behind the Bars Podcast, John and Mark talk with Mike Kennedy- President of Vance and Hines.  V&H has helped Harley riders achieve better sound, performance and looks for years and is now venturing out into new categories like Side by Sides and even pickup trucks.  They are truly the state of the art when in comes helping a motor breath efficiently.  John and Mark cover all sorts of topics including Right to Repair laws.

A big thank you to Wilkins Harley-Davidson for sponsoring this podcast. 

Ep 3, S5, Trevor Blouin, 2022 Hoka Hey Rider 

John and Mark have an emotional interview with Harley-Davidson Master Technician, Trevor Blouin, and the 2022 Hoka Hey Rider.  Trevor discusses his mental and physical preparations for serious Hoka Hey Endurance Challenge. Riding 10,000 miles in 12 days, Trevor, thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  

Sponsored by Wilkins Harley-Davidson. 

Ep 2, S5, Harley-Davidson's new Sportster Nightster, interview with James McClanahan, from the famous Myers-Duren Harley-Davidson 

Mark and John interrogate James McClanahan from Myers-Duren Harley-Davidson in Tulsa, Oklahoma to get some information on the new 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster RH975 which was just released today.  

Myers-Duren Harley-Davidson

www.h-d.com/

Special thank you to Wilkins Harley-Davidson, South Barre, VT for sponsoring the Behind the Bars Podcast.  

Ep 1, S5, How did Harley-Davidson clean BMW's clock?  Interview with ExecutiveEditor of Cycle World Magazine, Justin Dawes

Cycle World Magazine made some serious waves last month when they released anArticle Entitled 2021 Big Bore Adventure Shootoutand declared theHarley-Davidson Pan Americaas the top Adventure Bike, displacing the BMW R1250 GS. In this episode of Behind the Bars, Mark and John interview Executive Editor on the reasons why the magazine chose the Pan America.  

So much so that the Editor himself has received some hate mail because of the article.  How could the new kid on the block show up on year one and knock BMW out of the top spot?  Read the article.

Thank you to our sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson

Link to the Article:  https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/big-bore-adventure-shootout-comparison/

#HarleyDavidson #CycleWorld #BMWGS #BMWGS1250 #PanAmerica #BigBoreShootout #Harley #HD #PanAmericaSpecial

In this edition of Behind the Bars, John and Mark chat with Kelly Quinn, a.k.a Throttle Girl, about her experiences on the Pan America.  “Like riding a dragon” was her description of how she feels on it.  Kelly was an early adopter having first experienced the Pan America when it was just a prototype.  Tune in to learn more about adventure riding! 

Throttle Girl

Throttle Girl Facebook

Thanks again to our sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson

In this episode, Behind the Bars Podcast welcomes Mike (The Wolf) as guest host with Mark.  

Mike and Mark chat with Spenser and Eric of MotoVermont, a tour company that leads adventure riders on journeys in Vermont, Quebec, and New Mexico.  They discuss adventure riding and the arrival of the much anticipated Harley-Davidson Pan America. 

Without John’s usual babbling, you will actually get to hear some fresh perspectives!

MotoVermont 

Harley-Davidson Pan America 

Special thanks to Wilkins Harley-Davidson for sponsoring the Behind the Bars Podcast.  

Ep 11, S4, Interview with Serial 1 Cycle Company, Aaron Frank and Rich Bunzel

John and Mark interview Aaron Frank, Brand Director of Serial 1 Cycle Company, along with Rich Bunzel, Dealer Relations.  

We discuss what is an EBike, and how Serial 1's bike differs from Giant and Specialized Ebikes.  The differences, the history and how Harley-Davidson spun this company off so it can be nimble and flourish on its own.  The media has been busy with Serial 1 and the reviews are fantastic.  Tune in for a fun interview with Mark and John and Serial 1 Cycle Company.  

Check out their page:Serial 1 Cycle Company 

As always, a big thank you to Wilkins Harley-Davidson for sponsoring us.  

Ep 10, S4, Jake Bright, Tech Crunch/Revzilla Writer, on his creation, the KTM, Triple Threat.  TX3

Regular guest Jake Bright, Award winning author, Contributing Writer to Tech Crunch and Common Tread, visits with John and Mark to talk about a new project he is developing called the Triple Threat or Tx3.  

This revolutionary concept is really three motorcycles in one.  Tune in to learn more about this unique project. Bonus content… Mark has an epiphany about the future of the HD LiveWire while barbecuing a giant steak on his gas grill! True story.

Article on Triple Threat CLICK HERE

Short Youtube Video on Project

Special thanks to Wilkins Harley-Davidson, who sponsors Behind the Bars.

Ep 9, S4, Interview with Long Way Up, Charley Boorman, Harley-Davidson LiveWire Adventure Rider

In this episode, John and Mark revisit with Charley Boorman- LiveWire adventure motorcycle rider and co-star along with Ewan McGregor in the new Apple series Long Way Up.  

This fascinating series chronicles their journey riding Harley-Davidson LiveWires from Argentina to Los Angeles. 

Charley tells stories about the various countries they rode through, the challenges of the road, and his special relationship with Ewan.

Big thanks to Wilkins Harley-Davidson, Sponsor of the Behind the Bars Podcast

Ep 8, S4, Vera Bloom, Motorcycle Rider, Alternative Rock Artist out of Nashville

In this episode, John and Mark visit with Vera Bloom- an Alt Rock performance artist out of Nashville. Vera talks about her new six song EP that is coming out in October. Having grown up in the Seattle area in a family of Harley Riders, Vera talks about how riding her Harley is part of how she finds musical inspiration.

Check out Vera's Instagram Account.  CLICK 

As always, thank you toWilkins Harley-Davidsonfor sponsoring the Behind the Bar's Podcast.

Ep 7, S4, Grading Harley-Davidson's Electric Motorcycle, TechCrunch Contributing Writer, Jake Bright talks about how he grades LiveWire

In this podcast, John and Mark revisit with Jake Bright, Contributing Writer to Tech Crunch and electric motorcycle enthusiast.  

Jake offers his grading policy for the new Harley-Davidson LiveWire.  This is a provocative conversation that calls into question the early success of Harley’s EV program.  

Jake Bright's Article, Missing Links to Grading Harley-Davidson's EV Pivot

Jake Bright

A big thanks to our sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson

#HarleyDavidson #HarleyDavidsonPodcast #MotorcyclePodcast #BehindtheBarsPodcast #MotorcylingPodcast #HDPodcast #LiveWireMotorcycle

Ep 6, S4, Interview with Diego Cardenas, Creator of Influential LiveWire Group

Curious about the how the Livewire is faring out in the wild?  

Tune into this podcast to get the lowdown. John and Mark chat with Diego Cardenas, an early adopter of the LiveWire, about his experiences, motorcycle culture shifts, and how the LiveWire is fairing with 5000 miles under his belt.  Diego gets into discussion on what happens when the motorcycle gets to 0 percent battery, how his range almost reached 200 miles on one battery, and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company's White Glove Approach.  

Check out his online forum as well dedicated to all things Livewire.  Good stuff here folks!

LIVEWIRE GROUP

As always, thanks for listing and supporting our sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson. 

Ep 5, S4, Interview with Harley-Davidson Go to Market Manager, Michael Spaeth

We received special permission for this interview.  Super cool discussion here on Behind the Bars with Michael Spaeth of the Harley-Davidson.  His title is mysterious but make no mistake he is a Harley insider who contributes significantly to all aspects of the Harley brand.  Discussion focused on all sorts of things, like, sleeping in ditches, product hygiene, therapeutics, and Batwing v. Sharknose fairings.

Tune in to hear about the process employed to develop the next generation of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. 

Thanks again to Harley-Davidson Motor Company for allowing Behind the Bars to interview Michael.  He is a great guy and very passionate and upbeat about the brand.

Also, thanks to our sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson.  www.WilkinsHarley.Com

Ep 4, S4, Interview with Author, Debi Tolbert Duggar, Author of Riding Soul-O

In this edition of Behind the Bars, John and Mark chat with Debi Tolbert Duggar- rider and author of the book Riding Soul-O.  

Debbie is an awesome story teller with many fascinating experiences on a motorcycle that have led to her discovering her true self.  

Tune in to hear how riding helped transform her from being “soul sick” to someone very at ease in her own skin.

Debi's Website with more info on her book.  CLICK HERE

A big thank you to Wilkins Harley-Davidson in Barre Vermont for sponsoring our podcast.

If you have a moment, we would love for you to rate our podcast on whatever platform you listen on.  

Ep 3, S4, Interview with Jamie Elvidge, Motorcycle Journalist, on Ewan Mcgregor and Charley Boorman’s Harley-Davidson LiveWire ride from Argentina to Los Angeles

With the Harley-Davidson Livewire due in showrooms all across the country in the next few weeks, John and Mark chat with motorcycle journalist Jamie Elvidge about Livewire and Pan America.  

Jamie wrote a fascinating article recently about adventure riders Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman who chose to ride Harley-Davidson Livewires on an epic journey from Patagonia to Los Angeles!  

Tune in to learn more.

It's a Wrap: Long Way Up Journey

As always, a big thanks to Wilkins Harley-Davidson for sponsoring us!

Ep 2, S4, Bruce Motta, Harley Owners Group (HOG) Czar

In this edition of Behind the Bars, John and Mark talk with Bruce Motta, Regional Manager for HOG Harley-Davidson Owners Group.  Bruce is a fascinating guy who has gone from designing nuclear subs for the Navy to making connections with motorcycle riders across the globe.  

His harrowing account of his first time on a motorcycle and his run in with the law in Brazil make for very interesting listening.  Bruce “dances with his machine” and it comes across loud and clear why he excels in his role as Regional Manager.

HOG

Thank you to Wilkins Harley-Davidson for sponsoring this Podcast.  

S4, Ep1, Craig Ripley, Living off the Slab, Dual Adventure Motorcyclist, thoughts on Harley-Davidson Pan America

In this episode, John goes solo since Mark is off hugging trees (only for this episode).  

John talks with Craig Ripley who has a popular Youtube Channel and does adventure touring riding all over the country.  While we are still learning many of the specs of the Pan America, Craig offers his insight on what he sees on the bike and compares it to many of the other models on the market.  Craig offers his insight on the only real American Made Dual Sport and the hill Harley-Davidson is going to need to climb in order to compete with BMW GS and KTM Adventure bikes.  

Living off the Slab

Harley-Davidson Pan America

Craig Ripley

www.livingofftheslab.com

craig@craigripley.com

As always, thanks so much to our sponsor,Wilkins Harley-Davidson.

Ep 14, S3, Interview with Joe Pennington, of THE Evel Knievel Museum

Evel Knievel has to be the interesting character to ever sit in the saddle of a motorcycle.  John and Mark were fascinated to learn that there is a museum in Topeka, Kansas dedicated to Evel.  In this podcast Joe Pennington of THE Evel Knievel Museum talks with John and Mark about the museum’s exhibits and attractions.  Evel himself, had left plans for how this museum might be designed.  There are also some interesting stories about Evel’s eccentricities.  Fun stuff all around.

Evel Knievel Museum

Thanks to our sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson

Interview with Alisa Clickenger, Women's Motorcycle Tours

In this Behind the Bars Podcast, John and Mark chat with Alisa Clickenger. Alisa is an inspirational writer, blogger, and global motorcycle tour leader who called motorcycles “the lens through which I view the world”.  Her passion for bikes was inspired by a dream and has allowed her to discover her true self.

She speaks about many interesting elements of motorcycling including the sense of family, the value of solitude, and taming inner self-talk.  While her focus is largely on how motorcycles benefit and build confidence in women, her observations are relevant for all of us.

Tune in for a fascinating discussion that will change the way you look at your motorcycle.

Alisa Clickenger's website

The Centennial Ride in August 2020

As always, thanks to Wilkins Harley-Davidsonin Vermont for sponsoring this show.

Mark and John interview Valerie Thompson, who is the Fastest Woman on 2 Wheels (328 MPH), on her friendship with Jessi Combs who was tragically killed trying to achieve a world record on four wheels today.

Valerie Thompson, is the “World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer” and an eight-time land speed record holder with membership in the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, seven 200 MPH Clubs and one 300 MPH Club. In 2018, she piloted the famed BUB 7 Streamliner to a record speed of 328.467 mph (528.616 km/h) and is the only female rider featured on the “World’s Top 10 Fastest Motorcycle Riders” list. She was recently included on the Dealernews “Top 100 Leaders in Powersports” list.  CLICK HERE

Jessi Combs, Worlds Fastest Female on Four Wheels.  1980-2019.  

Thank you as always to our sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson.  

Ep 11, S3, Interview with 5 Time NHRA Champion, Andrew Hines

Ever traveled 200 MPH on a motorcycle?  On this edition of Behind the Bars, John and Mark talk with 5 time NHRA Champion Andrew Hines about what it feels like drag race a motorcycle for Vance and Hines/Harley-Davidson Race Team. Andrew is a classy guy with three (3) little ones at home watching on NHRA.Com as he tears up the track and continues to demolish the competition.  Find out what Andrew sprays on his seat before every race.

NHRA Racing 

Andrew Hines Racing 

Andrew Hines Facebook Page 

As always, thank you to our sponsor and listeners for listening and growing Behind the Bars, Motorcycles, Memories, and Mayhem.

Ep 10, S3, Jake Bright, Contributor to TechCrunch on the 2020 LiveWire and Zero SRF 

In this edition of Behind the Bars, John and Mark talk with Jake Bright for the second time.  Jake is a contributing writer for Tech Crunch. 

All together they dig further into some of the details of the new LiveWire including the haptic experience and future versions of Harley E-Bikes/motorcycles.  Both John and Jake share there impressions having both ridden the Harley-Davidson LiveWire.  Jake does some comparisons on the Zero SRF, but is limited in his assessment until he spends more time on the LiveWire on the open road.  Jake compares riding Emotorcycles to riding the Starwars Millennium Falcon.  Jake believes Harley-Davidson has a lesser expensive emotorcycle to follow up the LiveWire.  

Jake Bright, TechCrunch

As always, we appreciate your constructive reviews on our podcast.  Thank you to our Sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson, South Barre, Vermont.  

Ep 9, S3, Is Harley-Davidson really an American made motorcycle?  

International Business Professor, Frank Dubois, PHD gives insight on this complex issue.

What is American Made mean?  Does it need to be manufactured in the USA?  Can it have products made outside the United States?  What about if the products were made in the US and shipped overseas to be finished? Very few things are 100% American Made.  Seven Criteria are considered, including profit margin, labor, and research and development location, among others.  Mark does his absolute best to set John up on who drives the most American vehicle, when it backfires on Mark.   

Check out the KoGod Index which analyzes products for this very topic.  

As always, a big thank you to our sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson, www.WilkinsHarley.Com

If you are able, we sure would appreciate you rating our podcast.  1 star or 5 stars.  It doesn't matter, just don't be a troll.  

Ep 8, S3, Lorne Banks, Adventure Touring Trainer for Special Forces, Government Agencies.

Lorne ownsAdventure Riders International, a company that trains people in Adventure Touring.  Lorne explains some of the challenges in teaching people to move their bike in challenging environments.  Some of the uses for Adventure Touring Bikes in Special Forces.  

This one wasn't one of our best since the phone quality isn't what we like it to be.  We had to call Lorne in Canada so the quality was lower than we would like.  

As always, thanks for the constructive reviews.  We enjoy reading the positives comments and the constructive ones.  Of course, we get our fair share of trolls.  

Thanks again to our sponsor,Wilkins Harley-Davidson 

Ep 7, S3, Discussion regarding Harley's Partnership with Chinese Motorcycle Manufacturer Qianjiang Motorcycle Group

In this podcast, John and Mark chat with Robert Pandya, (former PR Manager for Aprilia, Motoguzzi, Victory and Indian) about Harley-Davidson’s recent controversial announcement.  HD has partnered with a Chinese motorcycling manufacturer Qianjiang Motorcycle Group to begin producing smaller (338 cc) and more accessible bikes for the Asian Market.  

Robert is perhaps the most energetic ambassador for the motorcycle industry that we know  He is tireless in his determination to build riders.  Tune in to hear why he thinks this is a great move for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.  

Robert's websites:

www.AllKidsBike.Org

www.MotoGiveAShift.Com

As always, we appreciate constructive feedback and reviews.  Big thanks to our sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson www.WilkinsHarley.Com

Ep 6, Season 3, Comparison, Harley-Davidson LiveWire v. Zero Motorcycle SRF, Electric Motorcycles

In this podcast, Jon, John, and Mark compare and contrast the Harley-Davidson LiveWire and the Zero SR/F.  

Both are fantastic electric motorcycles though the Harley is clearly aimed at those looking for a premium EV experience while the Zero is more value oriented.  That said, similarly equipped examples of both are closer in price than you might think.  The discussion focuses on Price, Range, and Components.  A lot still remains to be seen and many specs are simply unavailable at this point in time.   John gives a special shout out to one of our negative reviewers on Itunes.  

Tune in to learn more.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/future-vehicles/livewire.html

https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/

Thank you to our Sponsor, Wilkins Harley-Davidson, www.WilkinsHarley.Com

As always, we would love for you to review our Podcast on whatever platform you listen to.  

Episode 5, Season 3, Genevieve Schmitt, founder of Women Riders Now and long-time motorcycle journalist, inspiration to many

Well before her time, Genevieve Schmitt founded Women Riders Now back in 2006.  Undoubtedly she is a factor in the recent trend which has women entering the Motorcycle World in droves.  

John and Mark chat with Genevieve about how the machine and the culture around riding is changing rapidly. Genevieve is a fascinating speaker with a long history of breaking down barriers between women and motorcycles.  She is truly a delight to engage with.  

Genevieve is also a recent inductee into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame (Yes, the AMA Hall of Fame), with the Bessie Stringfield Award, recognizing efforts to introduce motorcycling to new or underserved markets.

AMA Awards

Women Riders Now 

As always, thank you for taking a moment and subscribing to our growing podcast.  We appreciate it very much and value the positive and constructive comments many of you leave.  You help shape our future podcasts.  Lastly, thanks to Wilkins Harley-Davidson for sponsoring this. www.WilkinsHarley.Com 

In this podcast, John and Mark chat with Robin Bradley, writer for American Motorcycle Dealer Magazine.

Robin shares his candid point of view about the Harley-Davidson legacy. The conversation revolves around an article that Robin wrote recently in a trade publication about HD's More Roads campaign that applauds the new direction the Motor Company is heading in. He maintains it is possible to maintain the core group of customers while attracting a new generation of riders with different needs and expectations.

Robin also discusses how the dealership network is responding to the changes and the overall timing of the More Roads strategy.

As always, we would love it if you subscribed to our Podcast and left a review, positive or negative.  All constructive feedback is appreciated unless you're just a troll about things, then we just quit reading.

Thanks to our sponsor www.WilkinsHarley.Com

John and Mark chat with Sandra Hinksman, VP of the Motor Maids. Te Motor Maids is a women's motorcycle club in North America with over 1,200 members from the United States and Canada. Established in 1940, Motor Maids was one of the first women's motorcycle groups and has been called the oldest existing women's club in the United States. 

This Podcast is particularly special to us as Barbara Wilkins, one of our founders and current teammate, started in motorcycling in the same era as Motor Maids.  Strong, empowered women have always been a part of Wilkins Harley-Davidson. Tune in to learn more about the history of this progressive organization.

The Motor Maids

We would love it if you would rate our podcast with an honest review.  We recently enjoyed one of our first negative reviews of our podcast and we appreciate the listener's insight, of course he unsubscribed so he won't see this.  :)

#MotorMaids #TheMotorMaids  

As more details emerge about the Harley-Davidson Livewire, John and Mark sit down with Jon "The Eagle" Sargent to discuss the latest news.  While John and Jon remain obsessed with power and performance, Mark makes a case for changing the way we look at motorcycles in general.  John and Jon scoff at the idea that bikes could be tools not toys.  

Other  Discussion focuses on Ride Modes, The Revelation Engine, Charging Systems, Cast Aluminum Frame, Traction Control, Overall Mixed Range (110 Miles) and some comparisons to Energica and Zero motorcycles.  

LIVEWIRE MOTORCYCLES

ENERGICA MOTORCYCLES 

ZERO MOTORCYCLES 

As always, we sure would appreciate a rating.  #EV #ElectricVehicles #ElectricMotorcycles

John and Mark host a mysterious caller who goes by the singular name- Lefty. Lefty expounds on how he sees motorcycles as a social good that brings diverse people together and reduces our carbon footprints. He also claims to be able to tell the difference between how Kentucky Horse Manure and Pennsylvania Horse Manure smell. Driving a Car is just about mailing yourself safely from one place to another when you can't ride your motorcycle. Is it okay to ride your motorcycle to church? Muffler Mikes Plea for Quiet Riding.

As always, we appreciate you listening.  We would love it if you rated our Podcast.  While a 5 star is amazing, we view all feedback as a gift.