Maxair Engineering Blog

 You may or may not know that the Virago is the predecessor to the V Star 1100. The V Star 1100 engine was based on the Virago engine and you’ll find many similar characteristics.

In 2006 Yamaha split the popular “Star” bikes into their own Premium Brand known as the “Star Motorcycles” http://www.starmotorcycles.com/

This “Brand” includes:

• V Star 650
• V Star 1100  
• Road Star
• Royal Star
• Roadliner
• Stratoliner
• Raider
• V MAX –added after being in production since 1985
• And low and behold the legacy (no longer manufactured) Viragos were included into coveted new Brand!

It appears to be homage to the bike that started it all. The Viragos are not listed in the model lineup because they are no long manufactured but are included in the accessory section http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/accessories/accessoryhome/5/star_accessories.aspx . This definitely makes it a “STAR”. From a Marketing/Branding perspective this is very clever on Yamaha’s part, giving the brand some trace back renaissance qualities.

What this means for the Virago owner an increased dollar value as well as future availability of parts and accessories. There is a lot of fond nostalgia for this bike us “Star people”. Legend has it that there is more than one Virago out there with ¼ million miles on the odometer. They are well known for there practical reliability and longevity.

So if you are a Virago owner, your Yamaha Virago is officially now called the Star Virago - Viva la Virago!!

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It’s late and you just finished that last hand of poker and while the gang is polishing off a few remaining beers a debate ensues about a particular motorcycle law. The bet is on and your looking for that definitive guide for State by State motorcycle laws.

As anyone knows it can often be easier to memorize a city Zip Code directory, than try to remember the different laws from State to State regarding motorcycles. Are helmets required? Headlight during the day? etc

Well look no further. The AMA has the definitive guide on there website http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp 

Just click on the State in question and viola you’ll cash in that bet in no time.

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Harley Davidson laid off 440 employees in Wisconsin. The layoffs were a result of a continuing strike in York, PA  Harley had expected to ship 82,000 to 84,000 bikes for the first quarter of 2007. The strike will cause them to miss those projections which is the reason cited for the layoffs.

Harley has not said what the new projections will be for delivery in the first quarter or if this will impact overall sales projections. Approximately 2800 workers have been on strike  since Feb. 2nd at the York, Pa location.

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_{Above: a clipping from Dec. 2003 article about our ride. Left to right Dave Benson, Andy Cherney and me. Click image for larger version.}

The cruiser motorcycle magazine industry has been going through some major changes lately. First Jessica Prokup left her post as Editor of RoadBike Magazine. Then soon after, we learned that the magazine Cruising Rider was to be discontinued as of the November 2006 issue.

The previous two mentions had been met with sadness on my part but the recent appointment of Andy Cherney to the helm of Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine, had me picking up the phone to offer Andy the Maxair Team welcome and all due congratulations.

I had the opportunity to ride with Andy (then Associate Editor) in the summer of 2003. The Maxair crew met him along with other MCM readers at a hotel in Utah. We had ridden over 600 miles the day before from Colorado to meet Andy who was riding in from California. With Andy in the lead, we then proceeded to carve up some of the most fantastic Utah and Colorado scenery I have ever seen, while making our way two days and 550 miles back to Colorado Rockies to attend the Copper Mountain Cyclefest. Read online version (different from the artcle in print)

That first night we met yet another Maxair team member and some more riders at a hotel in Durango, Colorado. Baked from the day’s sun and high on life, we ate our fill and drank mugs of cold beer at the hotel restaurant, until late that evening. The conversation, laughter and goodwill was sublime. My impression of Andy was that he is a salt of the earth Biker and not simply a motorcycle rag pen pusher. He is down to earth, approachable and most of all carries a refreshing humility about his life and work. No air of pretense with Andy, he is just one of the guys. In short, a true biker.

The next day we rose early (too early for most of us, still tired from the fun of the day and night before). Though most of us were dragging our feet, once again Andy was leading the charge. After yet another wonderful day riding through the Colorado Rockies we arrived at Cyclefest. We all hated to see the ride end. For me it was one of the most fantastic and fun rides of my life. Andy rides with a passion and enthusiasm that is nothing short of contagious. Like a hot first date, he’ll leave you wanting more.

Andy has been at the magazine for eight years now, and I have no doubt that he will bring this same passion to the forefront of Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine as he steps up and takes hold of the reins. During our phone conversation, Andy seem excited about the prospect of bringing a new life and character to the Magazine. His main objective is to reconnect with you/us the reader, to find out what we would really like to see in this evolution. With Andy at the helm I expect Motorcycle Cruiser to gain new momentum and readers as Andy steers its course.

Since Motorcycle publications play such an important role in our collective conscience as a Motorcycle culture, I personally feel that we all share a vested interest in the end product. With that said, I urge you all to give Andy your support and ideas in the coming months. If you have not picked up a copy of MCM in a while, do yourself a favor and pick one up in the coming months. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

From all of us a Maxair, we would like to give a big shout out and welcome to you Andy. The best of luck to you in your new role. We know you are going to do awesome things!!

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This an interesting story on CNN, that was emailed to me today. It seems that there is a dedicated group of Harley riders who struggle to keep there cherished rides on the road despite the embargo prohibiting the export of American parts to Cuba.  Click to view story

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MAR-VEL WARFIGHTER CHOPPER STOLEN 

 

Press Release
For Immediate Release
November 6, 2006
Subject: “WARFIGHTER” Custom motorcycle to be raffled to raise money for kids of fallen war heroes has been stolen!
  

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