press release:

Two-Wheeled passion seminar successfully reignites enthusiasm for V-Twin Industry

Despite having to make their annual voyage through wintery conditions that nearly shut down the entire East coast, a barrage of V-Twin dealers and exhibitors trekked their way to the 10th Annual V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati the weekend of February 6-8. The industry’s premier trade show, the V-Twin Expo is an opportunity for dealers and manufacturers to strike a deal and ascertain the overall state of the industry from veterans and colleagues. In addition to browsing an impressive array of V-Twin parts and accessories, this year’s expo also featured the “Eternal Combustion-Opportunity in the Wind” seminar.

Sponsored by the Legendary Buffalo Chip and Hot Leathers, this round table gave audience members the chance to converse, listen and learn from an impressive selection of successful and established bike builders and discuss the current climate of the V-Twin industry.

Turn out for the seminar was remarkable as an impressive assortment of industry giants discussed how they have managed to capitalize on their passion within the current climate and how they have successfully turned difficulty into opportunity. The seminar was moderated by celebrated motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter and the panel consisted of industry notables Kevin Baas, Bryan Fuller, Brian Klock, Gary Mauer, Dave Perewitz, Matt Olsen, Kirk Taylor and Paul Yaffe. An overwhelming sense of passion for the industry permeated the room while journalists, industry insiders, dealers, manufacturers and builders discussed the industry; how it has changed since starting out, how to adapt to these changes and refocus business as well as how to pass this passion down to the next generation of bike builders.

At the conclusion of the seminar celebrity moderator, Michael Lichter also revealed the theme, participants and the logo, designed by Hot Leathers, for the 10th annual Motorcycle as Art exhibit to be displayed at the Legendary Buffalo Chip August 7-13. Titled “Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind” this year’s exhibit will focus on the explosion of interest and passion for custom motorcycles seen over the last thirty years. The display will include 30 custom motorcycles from 15 pairs of custom builders and will feature the photography and limited edition prints of the renowned photographer. This internationally renowned and highly anticipated yearly exhibit will be on display at the Lichter Exhibition Hall on the grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip August 7-13. An opportunity to peruse, mingle, discuss and learn this year’s V-Twin Expo and highly anticipated “Eternal Combustion-Opportunity in the Wind” seminar was the perfect opportunity for those involved in the V-Twin industry to rekindle their passion for the business and introduce this years Motorcycles as Art exhibition.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip Presents 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit: Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind

More information on the free Motorcycles as Art 2010 Exhibition, “Eternal Combustion-30 in the Wind” is available at motorcyclesasart.com and buffalochip.com.

Related post:
Sturgis Buffalo Chip Announces Motorcycles as Art Exhibit for 2010

It’s been a while since I’ve done this, but I got a new batch of stickers made up recently.

If you’d like some stickers for your helmet, or whatever else you like to stick stickers to, just email me or direct message me through Twitter with your mailing address and I’ll send some out to you (U.S. requests only plz)!

Here’s what I’ve got:

1"x3" is perfect for your helmet

4.25″x1.37″ size sticker

3 1/2" diameter sticker

For many of us, one of the first things we try to do when we get our own bikes is to customize it to our liking. We may switch out the exhaust pipes, get a new lighting system or screw on lots of chrome doo-hickies to make our bikes unique. So how about some custom glass accents?

Dichrome is a company specializing in glass shifters for motorcycles and cars, creating accents that help make your ride stand out from the crowd. Isn’t that just what we’re looking for?

The company’s purveyor, Lunchbox, reached out to me recently letting me know about some of the more “girly” knobs that they’ve created.

Here are some shift knobs we have made with women in mind some are foot shifters and some will be “jockey or a regular shift knob”. Our knobs come with a thread system so they will fit almost anything threaded or otherwise.

Our foot shifters are brand new for 09′ and are still one off. We are working out our production line of solid color foot shifters in green, purple, pink, amber, cobalt blue and black.”

If you’re looking for more big-boy, manly designs head on over to their site since there are literally hundreds of photos to look through. While they might be a bit pricey to the Average Joe, these unique glass shifters will definitely add that sparkle to the right kind of bike.

Harley unveiled a new Dark Custom motorcycle, the Iron 883 (starting at $7,899).

Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 brings the beat of an 883 Evolution engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plateholder.

The black powder-coated 883 cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a flat torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive American V-Twin sound.

The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls.

A classic Sportster solo seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories.

Check out more on the Iron 883 and Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles at: http://www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom.

And, as many of you are aware, Daytona Bike Week is coming up on us fast, which will include the 2nd annual MDA ride. Last year was a huge success as I’m sure this year will be as well. Ladies, if you’re interested in being part of the ride this year, you’d better shake your tail.

Sign-up is only open through Feb. 18th and over half of the spots are already full  The ride will obviously take place during Daytona Bike Week on Tuesday, March 3rd. If you’re looking for more info on the MDA Ride and how to sign up, check out: http://www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders

Hey everyone,
This certainly has been a crazy, exciting, stressful, fun, roller-coaster ride of a year! I just want to thank everyone for the continued support of Rippin-Kitten.com. Without all of you this site would never have come this far. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

I just want to thank everyone for such kind advice and thoughts at the passing of my uncle. As you can imagine the suddenness and finality of the accident been tough on my family and it’s heartbreaking to see everyone so down-trodden.

I will get back to posting next week. You all be safe.

My evening was a blast! Costume was a success (even though I threw it together at the last minute!). I think I managed to be extra creepy this year!

Vampy kitten

How was your night?

Here’s a not so terribly spooky wallpaper to dress up your desktop!

It’s an all-new, fun 2008 Halloween inspired Rippin-Kitten wallpaper! Celebrate Halloween festivities with me and show some love for one of your favorite motorcycle blogs!

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Sorry things have been quiet. I caught my first cold of the season. Sore throat, achy, chills. Tea with honey, orange juice, cough drops, my favorite blankie while watching bad tv. Catch up with you all later!

I’m implementing a new feature today called “Fashion Friday” where I will highlight…well, fashion. Whether it’s a random item that I want to pass along or whether it’s a particular store or clothing company that I think I should highlight.

What better way to kick off “Fashion Fridays” than to announce that Rippin-Kitten t-shirts are FINALLY here!

These are not Cafe Press shirts done up from generic clip art. These shirts were completely designed by me, screen printed using two color inks and I have them in my hot lil hands right now. When they are shipped out, they’ll be sent by me personally.

“FASTER PUSSYCAT” $15.00
Short-sleeved black t-shirt with white printed skull & wing design, featuring the original “skully cat” Rippin-Kitten logo! Available in unisex sizes SM, MED, LG and XL.

All orders will be shipped USPS Priority mail ($4.95 for shipping) and arrive in 3-5 business days from the day it was shipped (US residents only).

Get ‘em now while they last!