Editor’s Note: Last month we introduced you to our most recent project of updating four bikes: a 2012 Sportster® XL1200V (72), a 2013 Softail® FLS (Slim), a 2012 FLHTCUTG Tri-Glide® and a 2012 Goldwing GL1800P, here. We have been busy in the last month! Here is a low down on the work done.

To characterize the work surrounding the projects as hectic would be like referring to LeBron James as a forward for the Miami Heat.  While true, it just doesn’t tell the whole story.

Progress has been incredible, especially when you consider there are four bikes in the process at the same time.  Not … Continue Reading

Editor’s Note: Mike McGuire is a tech chatter in the Destination Daytona SuperStore. He’s been with J&P since December 2010, where he started as a phone tech. A Harley-Davidson tech, Mike has a master of chassis certification from Harley-Davidson. Originally from Michigan, he graduated cum laude from Walsh College in Michigan, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is also a graduate of the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. Before joining the motorcycle industry, Mike worked in design and building of tooling and fixtures for the automotive industry.

Married to Kelly, the two like to travel to the Caribbean and take road trips on their 2009 Harley-Davidson Electra … Continue Reading

When you think about motorcycle road racing, Harley-Davidsons generally aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But the folks at Vance & Hines — along with their XR1200 Series — have done an incredible job of changing that thought process over the past couple of years.

Rewind to 2008, when Harley introduced the XR1200 Sportster in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Magazines were quick to cover what are most likely the sportiest bikes ever produced by the motor company.

Small racing leagues began popping up in Spain and Italy with “fun” being they key word whenever someone found a need to explain the XR1200 series. The powers that … Continue Reading

Editor’s Note: The Vance & Hines XR1200 series continues this weekend, and Joe Kopp and Michael Beck will be carrying the J&P banner for the entire series. Joe put together a blow-by-blow account of his last race and we thought it would be nice to post it here so you can see how a racer of his caliber processes the race experience. Joe had a nasty high-side during practice and we pick up the story the day following his get-off. Here is Joe’s account of the first event.

Road racing is a way different sport than dirt track as far as the appearance from the outside goes. The media is … Continue Reading

The Vance and Hines/Harley Davidson XR1200 series kicked off its second season with a bang in Daytona with lots of new faces on the grid. Five time Daytona 200 winner Scott Russel, 2007 Daytona 200 winner Steve Rapp were among those to join the exiting class in 2011 along with J&P riders former dirt track superstar Joe Kopp and young gun Michael Beck. We had a chance to catch up with some of the riders during qualifying, here’s how the race unfolded.

So you finally went out and pulled the trigger on a new fly-by-wire bagger. And after a few miles you added some stuff just to get it how you like it. Maybe you put on a comfy seat, some extra lights here and there and just the right amount of chrome.

Then you got down to business and put on a free-flowing air cleaner, a performance motorcycle exhaust and a fuel-injection controller. Now you’ve got a sharp ride — and a runner to boot! But if you’re looking for a few inexpensive ways to dial in that new-found power and set yourself apart from your buddies, you … Continue Reading

You probably already know that J&P Cycles is sponsoring Joe Kopp and Michael Beck in the Vance and Hines XR1200 Series for the 2011 race season — and we’re proud to be doing so. When an opportunity arose to chat with Joe about his upcoming race in Daytona, we took full advantage of it, and here’s what Smokin Joe had to say:

J&P: So Joe, your first race is right around the corner. What are you doing to prepare for the upcoming season?

Joe: Well, I’ve been getting in shape and riding as much as I can. Unfortunately, I live in Spokane, Washington, so I haven’t had great weather here … Continue Reading

In 2009 Harley-Davison debuted the XR1200 in the United States after originally planning to sell the bike overseas. But a public protest from this side of the pond prompted H-D to bring the bike stateside — a decision that delighted hooligans (including myself) everywhere. The XR is a mix of old school flat track and modern super-moto, wrapped up into a package that begs to wheelie, stoppie and otherwise be flogged.

With all the excitement that the bike was stirring, V&H and Harley decided to put together a five-race series in 2010 with the emphasis on rider ability and having fun at the racetrack. It was definitely not about creating … Continue Reading