Harley-Davidson Museum reveals best kept secret: Motor and Cafe Racer

The Trucker News Services

9/1/2008

While the Harley-Davidson Museum's exhibits have so far been shrouded in mystery, perhaps the destination's best kept secret has been its two new restaurants, Motor and Cafe Racer.

In July 12, Motor and Cafe Racer opened their doors to treat the hungry to a whole new eating experience. This isn't your typical museum restaurant.

"After a ride, bikers often gather to share stories of the day's journey — the Harley-Davidson experience is made of those moments of connection," said Stacey Schiesl, Harley-Davidson Museum Director. "From the menu selection to the space design, Motor and Cafe Racer offer bold flavors of the open road in a space that fosters the camaraderie Harley-Davidson is known for."

Paying homage to the restaurant's name, Motor boasts a piece of welded artwork featuring actual Harley-Davidson motor parts used to divide the restaurant into separate gathering spaces. The metal piece uses engine parts that came directly from Harley-Davidson's Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility in Milwaukee. Flywheels, gears and other parts inspire the namesake space with Harley-Davidson heritage.

Cafe Racer, designed as the perfect place to quickly refuel, welcomes guests to come and go as they please and is as casual as a Sunday ride on an open road. For those with time to stay and chat, the racing stripe-inspired color palette and the walls lined with Harley-Davidson and Buell racing action shots enhance the colorful conversations to be had inside the cafe. The cafe encourages eating outdoors as well on I-beam benches in the Founder's Plaza and around the Hillclimber statue for those who want to picnic.

Motor is open to the general public for lunch and dinner while Cafe Racer is open for breakfast, lunch and light dinner. A museum ticket is not needed to eat at either Motor or Cafe Racer.

Motor is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cafe Racer is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 8 a.m. to  7 p.m. Visit

www.h-dmuseum.com for more information.

Harley's Heroes Tour helps Veterans across the country

The 2008 Harley Heroes Tour wouldn't be possible without the $1 million dollar pledge from the Harley-Davidson Foundation. The mission of Harley's Heroes is to provide access to benefits for all veterans and show appreciation for their service and sacrifice to our country.

Throughout the tour, the mobile services unit has made many stops across the country. The stop at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City, S.D., earlier this year was one of these successful events, with more than 80 veterans receiving benefits counseling. Tracey Manning Egge, Marketing Manager at Rapid City Harley-Davidson, stated, "Volunteers felt the response was excellent and exceeded expectations."

"Harley's Heroes introduces more veterans to the benefits that they are entitled to receive, and we are proud of our Harley-Davidson dealers for supporting those men and women who have served our country," said Gail Lione, president of the Harley-Davidson Foundation and executive vice president general counsel and secretary, Harley-Davidson Inc.

Million Mile Monday triples mileage goal

On Monday, June 30, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members around the world shattered the goal set for the club’s inaugural Million Mile Monday, logging more than 3 million total riding miles in a 24-hour period.

“It blows me away. What started out as a simple, fun idea turned into something very special. Our members really gave it legs--make that miles. What a blessing to be enjoying this beautiful country on American iron right before the 4th of July. Now that's freedom. Can't wait till next year!” said Benny Suggs, senior director of H.O.G. operations.

To put the accumulated mileage into perspective, the 3,000,960 miles ridden by the more than 18,000 H.O.G. members who participated on June 30 equates to the equivalent of about 120 trips around the equator.

Introducing the new V-ROD Muscle for 2009

With sculpted bodywork stretched taut over a powerful new physique, the 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle rides its way onto the Power Cruiser scene with a broad-shouldered presence. Gaping air scoops, sweeping side-pipe exhaust and a huge rear tire spinning under a clean, clipped fender speak to a contemporary, urban sense of style and performance. The Muscle pushes the Harley-Davidson V-Rod platform into a new turf, where it aims to hold its ground.

VRSC key features

1250cc Revolution V-Twin: Standard on all 2009 VRSC models, the 60-degree Revolution 1250cc V-Twin is liquid-cooled and features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), dual overhead cams, four-valve heads, and a five-speed transmission. The engine is rubber-mounted in a hydroformed steel perimeter frame. A shell covers the large-volume airbox located over the engine. A five-gallon fuel tank is located below the seat on all VRSC models. The engine is tuned to produce up to 125 hp at 8250 rpm and up to 85 ft-lbs. of torque at 7000 rpm.

Each VRSC model is available with optional, factory-installed Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Designed to work in conjunction with high-performance Brembo triple-disc brakes, this is the most advanced braking system offered on any power cruiser. ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.

New V-Rod Muscle

The wide, angular air-box cover and chopped tail section look as solid and smooth as billet and give the new V-Rod Muscle lines that are clean and powerful. The size of the 240 mm rear tire is accentuated by the new broad, clipped and clean rear fender. The combination stop/tail/turn LED light is tucked under the edge of the rear fender, and the side-mount license plate leaves the fender surface smooth and uncluttered. Front-end styling balances the rear, with a trimmed fender that’s blacked out behind satin-finished inverted forks and LED turn signals integrated into the mirror stems. The radiator shrouds are restyled and color-matched to the rest of the bodywork, while the new airbox side covers incorporate air scoop inlets covered with woven wire mesh. The silver five-spoke cast aluminum front and rear wheels are a new design for the V-Rod line.

A new deep seat holds the rider firmly in place against the thrust of the Revolution V-Twin engine. The Muscle features forward foot controls, and a new handlebar with internal wiring. The handlebar is 1.5-inch cast aluminum with tubular steel ends and integrated risers. Bold polished forged aluminum triple clamps secure the inverted forks and frame the distinctive V-Rod teardrop reflector optic headlamp, housed in a satin black bucket.

The long profile of a 34-degree fork rake is stretched visually by new “sidepipe” dual exhausts in satin chrome with fat, turn-out mufflers exiting behind the rear axle. The V-Rod Muscle is available in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver, Dark Blue Denim and Red Hot Sunglo.

VRSCAW V-Rod

The evolution of the original Harley-Davidson power cruiser continues in 2009. The V-Rod rolls on a fat 240 mm rear tire. The sweeping exhaust ends in bright chrome slash-cut mufflers. A scooped seat cradles the rider just 26 inches off the pavement. Welded pull-back handlebar frame the clamshell instrument pod and teardrop reflector optic headlamp. Raked out to 36 degrees, 49 mm forks hold an anodized aluminum Profile laced front wheel. The V-Rod is available in six production color combinations, including new Red Hot Sunglo, Flame Blue Pearl, Vivid Black/Pewter Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl/Pewter Pearl and three new Custom Color combinations: Black Ice/Blue Ice, Light Candy Root Beer/Dark Candy Root Beer, and Big Purple Flake/Brilliant Silver.

VRSCDX Night Rod Special

An all-black Revolution V-Twin engine, fork legs, swing arm and other blacked-out components give the VRSCDX Night Rod Special a raw, street-tough attitude. A nacelle surrounds a round reflector-optic headlight. The brushed aluminum Straight-shot Dual mufflers have black end caps and exhaust shields. Drag bars and forward foot controls put the rider in a stretched-out posture. A contrasting racing stripe paint scheme traces the length of the bike. Black Slotted cast aluminum wheels have a fine orange stripe on the rim. A seat height of just 25.2-inches is the lowest or any VRSC model. Available in Black Denim with a Vivid Black stripe, in Vivid Black with a Pewter Pearl stripe, or in Vivid Black with a Mirage Orange Pearl stripe.

For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harleydavidson.com.