Cruiser

Lynn Ashcroft Creation

Of all the reasons that lead to the creation of a custom motorcycle, those behind the birth of the Ashcroft Flyer rank among the most unusual. Its gestation was inspired, in large measure, by Lynn Ashcroft's desire to provide a rolling canvas—if that term may be applied to a creation hewn of various alloys, rubber, and resin—for artist Mitch Kim.

A brave ride from the ashes.

The Boss Hoss BHC-3 502, with its intimidating size and power, is surprisingly easy to handle.

The 2006 Moto Guzzi Griso boasts a precise and exciting ride.

When we set off to behold the beauties of Napa Valley, my companion and I wanted comfort and style. We found both in the new 2006 Honda Gold Wing. After adjusting the suspension preload for our combined weight, dialing some warmth into the seat and handlebar heaters, plugging our helmets into the combined audio system, and setting the iPOD to shuffle mode, we were almost ready to go.

As free time becomes ever-more elusive, we find ourselves drawn to extraordinary experiences that fully exploit that precious luxury. And while piloting the latest motorcycle to roll out of Willie G. Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations, it quickly becomes evident that the 2006 H-D Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic answers this need. As I rumble through New York's picturesque Hudson River Valley, cruising through small towns before powering back onto sinuous back roads, the powerful, luxurious Ultra Classic reveals itself as a head-turning custom built for long-distance touring.

Victory Motorcycles is taking the next logical step in the evolution of production custom motorcycles by marrying the comfort and rideability inherent in an American cruiser with the high-performance aspects of a sportbike. The resulting machine is raising the bar in the emerging power cruiser market. The impressive 2005 Victory Hammer is a stylish, big American V-twin with bold paint schemes and plenty of chrome that is as at home cruising the boulevard as it is navigating twisting roads.                                

Since the reintroduction of Triumph motorcycles in the mid-1980s, the English motorcycle manufacturer has continued to make pragmatic, measured movement forward with its motorcycle model lineup. Its engines have grown gradually larger and more powerful, the styling slowly has become more modern, and sales figures have continued to climb. Triumph built its loyal fan base with reliable, enjoyable motorcycles, but it also established a reputation for having a relatively conservative nature.

Cagiva's unlikely MotoGP success.

Shod with dragstrip-worthy 150mm tires and polished chrome and aluminum air scoops, the V-Max desperately sought attention and earned it in spades.

David Uhl is the name by which we might have known Norman Rockwell, if Rockwell had painted motorcycles. Based in Colorado, Uhl is one of only three painters licensed by Harley-Davidson. He started off creating T-shirt art for the company, but six years ago he created an oil painting that blew away H-D officials and thus, found his new niche. Specializing in vintage scenes, Uhl combs through H-D's archives of old photographs and recreates them in oil on linen canvas (sold as limited edition canvas giclée prints). “I'm drawn to the older stuff, it has more character,” Uhl says.

When is loading and hauling your motor-cycle as much fun as riding it?

Motorcycle Previews

Tis' the season once again, and though a motorcycle electric vest would be nice, or an intercom system might bring you and your partner closer together—let's face it— nothing really says, “I love you” like a full-blown Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Those with a soft spot for Softails will applaud the introduction of two new members to this popular model line for 2005—the Softail Springer Classic and this just

Satisfy your inner child as well as your sophisticated outer adult.