It’s Pin-up Friday! -
Clara Gordon Bow (July 29, 1905 – September 27, 1965) was an American actress who rose to stardom in the silent film era of the 1920s. It was her appearance as a spunky shopgirl in the film It that brought her global fame and the nickname “The It Girl.” Bow came to personify the roaring twenties[1] and is described as its leading sex symbol.[2] She appeared in 46 silent films and 11 talkies, including hits such as Mantrap (1926), It (1927) and Wings (1927). She was named first box-office draw in 1928 and 1929 and second box-office draw in 1927 and 1930.[3][4] Her presence in a motion picture was said to have ensured investors, by odds of almost 2-to-1, a “safe return”.[5] In January 1929, at the apex of her stardom, she received more than 45,000 fan letters.[6] After marrying actor Rex Bell in 1931, Bow ended her career in 1933 with the film Hoop-La, becoming a rancher in Nevada.

It’s Pin-up Friday! -

Clara Gordon Bow (July 29, 1905 – September 27, 1965) was an American actress who rose to stardom in the silent film era of the 1920s. It was her appearance as a spunky shopgirl in the film It that brought her global fame and the nickname “The It Girl.” Bow came to personify the roaring twenties[1] and is described as its leading sex symbol.[2] She appeared in 46 silent films and 11 talkies, including hits such as Mantrap (1926), It (1927) and Wings (1927). She was named first box-office draw in 1928 and 1929 and second box-office draw in 1927 and 1930.[3][4] Her presence in a motion picture was said to have ensured investors, by odds of almost 2-to-1, a “safe return”.[5] In January 1929, at the apex of her stardom, she received more than 45,000 fan letters.[6] After marrying actor Rex Bell in 1931, Bow ended her career in 1933 with the film Hoop-La, becoming a rancher in Nevada.

Introducing the new “Studinator” The most aggressive, badass studded tire available today! We start with the the long lasting, stiff side wall, extremely deep tread Maxxis IT model tire as the platform for this unique studded tire. Each of the 352 Carbide Tipped studs are gluded in with special Winter adsesive to maximize durability and stud life. You can choose from the most popular Rocky Trail studs or the wicked aggressive Deep Snow Spikes. Available in four sizes - 110/100x18, 120/100x18 or 110/90x19, 120/90x19. We are the only major studded tire builders offering 120 size tires for the biggest foot print available!  Check out this AWESOME studded tire @ www.kevinscycleracing.com Kevin’s Cycle 187 W. Main St (Rt123) Norton, MA 02766 Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm

Introducing the new “Studinator” The most aggressive, badass studded tire available today! We start with the the long lasting, stiff side wall, extremely deep tread Maxxis IT model tire as the platform for this unique studded tire. Each of the 352 Carbide Tipped studs are gluded in with special Winter adsesive to maximize durability and stud life. You can choose from the most popular Rocky Trail studs or the wicked aggressive Deep Snow Spikes. Available in four sizes - 110/100x18, 120/100x18 or 110/90x19, 120/90x19. We are the only major studded tire builders offering 120 size tires for the biggest foot print available!  Check out this AWESOME studded tire @ www.kevinscycleracing.com Kevin’s Cycle 187 W. Main St (Rt123) Norton, MA 02766 Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm

It’s Pin-Up Friday!  -
Sherry Britton (July 28, 1918 – April 1, 2008) was a burlesque performer of the 1930’s and early 1940’s. The 5’3” (160 cm) Britton had an 18” (46cm) waist, and was once said to have a “figure to die for”. She was born Edith Zack, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
When burlesque went by the wayside due to the NYC ban in 1940, Britton turned to plays, eventually appearing in almost 40 of them. Britton also spent much time during WWII entertaining troops, for which she was made an honorary Brigadier General by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

It’s Pin-Up Friday!  -

Sherry Britton (July 28, 1918 – April 1, 2008) was a burlesque performer of the 1930’s and early 1940’s. The 5’3” (160 cm) Britton had an 18” (46cm) waist, and was once said to have a “figure to die for”. She was born Edith Zack, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

When burlesque went by the wayside due to the NYC ban in 1940, Britton turned to plays, eventually appearing in almost 40 of them. Britton also spent much time during WWII entertaining troops, for which she was made an honorary Brigadier General by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

It’s Pin-Up Friday !
Gloria Swanson (March 27, 1899 – April 4, 1983) was an American actress, singer and producer. She was one of the most prominent stars during the silent film era as both an actress and a fashion icon, especially under the direction of Cecil B. DeMille, made dozens of silents and was nominated for the first Academy Award in the Best Actress category. She had also produced her own films such as the controversial Sadie Thompson and The Love of Sunya. In 1929, Swanson successfully transitioned to talkies with The Trespasser.
However, personal problems and changing tastes saw her popularity wane during the 1930s when she moved into theater and television. Today she is best known for her role as Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star, in the critically acclaimed film Sunset Boulevard (1950).

It’s Pin-Up Friday !

Gloria Swanson (March 27, 1899 – April 4, 1983) was an American actress, singer and producer. She was one of the most prominent stars during the silent film era as both an actress and a fashion icon, especially under the direction of Cecil B. DeMille, made dozens of silents and was nominated for the first Academy Award in the Best Actress category. She had also produced her own films such as the controversial Sadie Thompson and The Love of Sunya. In 1929, Swanson successfully transitioned to talkies with The Trespasser.

However, personal problems and changing tastes saw her popularity wane during the 1930s when she moved into theater and television. Today she is best known for her role as Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star, in the critically acclaimed film Sunset Boulevard (1950).

Pin-Up Friday - Greta Garbo (18 September 1905 – 15 April 1990), born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson, was a Swedish film actress. Garbo was an international star and icon during Hollywood’s silent and classic periods.

Pin-Up Friday - Greta Garbo (18 September 1905 – 15 April 1990), born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson, was a Swedish film actress. Garbo was an international star and icon during Hollywood’s silent and classic periods.

DiY Winter Tire-

Winter Studded Motorcycle Tires are expensive. If you want to go fast, you will need real carbide tipped studded tires. However, if you want to get out there and get a feel for how much fun Winter riding can be, here is a way to do it for less then $40 bucks per wheel.

#1 Order yourself 2 bags of “Kold Kutter Kanadian” ice racing screws. These are 1” long screws with a 1/4” tall screw head. The are the most aggressive screws available today. You can’t buy these at Home Depot! Yes, you will need a tire liner, but its alot easier then you think. Kold Kutter Kanadians will run you $39.95 per bag from www.kevinscycleracing.com

#2 While your waiting for the screws to arrive, dig through that pile of old tires and find yourself a tire you will be putting the screws into AND a tire you can cut the bead off of and use as a liner. A NEW blade in a box knife works great for this. CAUTION Don’t cut your fingers off! Yeah i know but i have to say it anyways.

#3 Keep in mind that after you cut the beads off of a tire it is MUCH easier to work with. You may have to cut it thinner to fit easily within the outter tire. Also dont be afraid to cut out a section and splice it back together with duct tape. It’s not rocket science folks. It might take a few test fittings, but once it slips in the outter tire its time to start putting in the screws.

#4 Its much easier to install the screws with the tires OFF of your wheels. This way you can check and make sure the 1” long screws do not penitrate through your inner linner. Kold Kutter Kanadian screws don’t come shorter then 1” so if they penitrate through the inner liner you need to find a thicker tire to make your liner out of.

#5 using a variable speed drill with a 1/4” magnetic bit driver pick up one screw at a time and dip the tip in some type of rubber to metal glue like 3M weather Stripping cement. SLOWLY screw in the Kold Kutter Screw into the outer knobby and into the inner liner. STOP just as the head of the screw bottoms out against the knob. Over tightening the screw in the rubber causes the screws to put out easier. Check and make sure the point of the screw has not penetrated through the liner. If not, then your good to go and start installing one screw per knob. Yes you can use more screws per knob (depending on the tire you choose) but that will increase the cost of building your tires. Remember this is an inexpensive way to get out on the trails and enjoy Winter riding.

#6 Install your tires on your wheels. Some people use smaller tubes if available, but even that is not necessary. If you have them available, go for it, but your stock tubes will work for this poor mans approach. Keep in mind you want your tires to be a little harder then normal so run a MINIMUM of 15-18 psi.

That’s about all there is to building a set of inexpensive Winter tires for trail riding. No, screws will not last as long as carbide studs, but on the plus side if they shear off or pull out you can reinstall a few after each ride. After you get yourself familiar with Winter riding you will want to step up to the plate and invest in real Studded tires. But for some inexpensive fun you can’t beat building yourself a set of these screwed tires.

Log on to www.kevinscycleracing.com or give us a call at 800-654-4998 and we’ll be happy to help you advise you might need.

Studded Motorcycle Tires 101



Deep snow spikes
Today i want to talk about the proper riding technique needed to get the most out of your studded tires.  The first consideration is what is the best type of studded tire for your bike, and riding conditions. If your riding is done mostly on rocky trails like we have here in New England. Or the average snow depth in your area is between 6” to 8”, then your best choice is the slightly shorter “Rocky Trail Studs”. They provide excellent traction on ice and snow, but will hold up much better over time. On the other hand, if your average snow depth is in excess of 8”, then the “Deep Snow Spikes” will provide the most traction and because of the deep snow cover they will not be as adversely effected by rocky conditions. Most racers use the slightly shorty studs because they prefer the better handling characteristics they provide. 

 Rocky Trail StudsAfter choosing which studs will best suite your riding conditions now you need to properly choose the right size for your bike. Keep in mind that the studs will add to the over all height and width of your tire. This is especially true of the Deep Snow Spikes. On most stock motorcycles the extra size won’t effect fitment as long as you do not go up in size from the OEM stock tire size. In most cases, if your bike came with a 110/100x18 tire, then that is the proper size studded tire to choose. Installing a larger then stock studded tire may cause problems with the studs rubbing your air box mudflap or silencer/muffler. Mounting studded tires is straight forward.  Wearing leather gloves while mounting studded tires will help protect your hands from those carbide studs. The proper air pressure is also critical. In most instances set your air pressure at 15psi. This will allow the studs to bite in better.  Keep in mind the lower the outside air temperature is, the softer your tires feel.  It is recommended you check the air pressure often in the Winter. 
Studded tires are a big investment. But with a few changes in your riding technique, you can help extend the life of your studded tires and get the best performance out of your motorcycle in Winter conditions. Getting 3 or 4 years out of a rear tire and as much as 4 or 5 years out of a front tire is possible. The single most beneficial thing you can do, to extend the life of off-road studded tires, is to use them only when you have to. If the snow cover melts away and the trails turn to mud, take them off and save them until it freeze up again.  Don’t get lazy in the Spring and leave them on for one more ride. Changing your riding technique can also help your studded tires last longer. Avoid as much wheel spin as possible. Use the torque of your motor and ride with as much momentum as possible. Think “smooth” and adopt a smooth riding style. Any expert or old timer will tell you, that a smooth rider is a fast rider.  Avoid bare ground and bare rocks. Seek out snow and ice patches on the trail and let the studs do their job. Studs dont bite into rocks. Don’t brake slide in corners. Sliding the studded tires will rip studs out if you hit exposed rocks deep in ruts. Use engine braking and the bikes brakes efficiently to control your speed. Ride with a more up-right style. Try to avoid “railing” the corners. Squaring off the corners and keeping the bike upright helps keep more of the studs biting into the frozen ground, snow or ice. By adapting your riding style to the conditions and the studded tires on your bike, you will get many years of use out of them. 

Dual sport Studs
Dual sport studded tires are designed much like studded auto tires. They are only to be used in States that allow studded tires on public roads during Winter months. They are less aggressive then off-road studs. They are designed as a traction aid. Most of the tires traction still comes from the rubber contact with the road. As with off road tires, use them only when road conditions allow. Using them all year will shorten the tires usable life. You should take the time to familiarize yourself with the handling characteristics of your motorcycle when you are using studded tires. Find a parking lot and do some experimenting with accelerating and braking. Spending a little time BEFORE you head out on public roads will make riding much safer.

Well there you have it. That’s most likely more then you ever wanted to know about studded motorcycle tires. I have over 25 years of experience building and riding with studded tires so i have learned a trick or two in my day. I hope this information can help you choose the right studded tires for your bike and to get the most out of your investment in them. Feel free to call our toll-free number 800-654-4998 if you would like to talk about studded tires for your specific motorcycle. Or visit our website anytime. www.kevinscycleracing.com 

The fine print, disclamer, and I told you so part:

WARNING!!  STUDDED OR SPIKED TIRES WILL NOT KEEP YOU FROM FALLING OR CRASHING WHILE RIDING IN SNOW OR ON ICE. THEY WILL NOT KEEP YOU FROM BEING INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A FALL ON SNOW AND ICE. IF YOU ARE UNSURE AS TO HOW TO INSTALL STUDDED TIRES, TAKE THEM TO A QUALIFIED MECHANIC. INSTALLING STUDDED AND SPIKED TIRES IS DANGEROUS AND SPECIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID INJURY.

RIDE WITHIN YOUR CAPABILITIES……. BECAUSE STUPID HURTS.

Studded Motorcycle Tires 101

Deep snow spikes
Today i want to talk about the proper riding technique needed to get the most out of your studded tires.  The first consideration is what is the best type of studded tire for your bike, and riding conditions. If your riding is done mostly on rocky trails like we have here in New England. Or the average snow depth in your area is between 6” to 8”, then your best choice is the slightly shorter “Rocky Trail Studs”. They provide excellent traction on ice and snow, but will hold up much better over time. On the other hand, if your average snow depth is in excess of 8”, then the “Deep Snow Spikes” will provide the most traction and because of the deep snow cover they will not be as adversely effected by rocky conditions. Most racers use the slightly shorty studs because they prefer the better handling characteristics they provide.

Rocky Trail StudsAfter choosing which studs will best suite your riding conditions now you need to properly choose the right size for your bike. Keep in mind that the studs will add to the over all height and width of your tire. This is especially true of the Deep Snow Spikes. On most stock motorcycles the extra size won’t effect fitment as long as you do not go up in size from the OEM stock tire size. In most cases, if your bike came with a 110/100x18 tire, then that is the proper size studded tire to choose. Installing a larger then stock studded tire may cause problems with the studs rubbing your air box mudflap or silencer/muffler. Mounting studded tires is straight forward.  Wearing leather gloves while mounting studded tires will help protect your hands from those carbide studs. The proper air pressure is also critical. In most instances set your air pressure at 15psi. This will allow the studs to bite in better.  Keep in mind the lower the outside air temperature is, the softer your tires feel.  It is recommended you check the air pressure often in the Winter.
Studded tires are a big investment. But with a few changes in your riding technique, you can help extend the life of your studded tires and get the best performance out of your motorcycle in Winter conditions. Getting 3 or 4 years out of a rear tire and as much as 4 or 5 years out of a front tire is possible. The single most beneficial thing you can do, to extend the life of off-road studded tires, is to use them only when you have to. If the snow cover melts away and the trails turn to mud, take them off and save them until it freeze up again.  Don’t get lazy in the Spring and leave them on for one more ride. Changing your riding technique can also help your studded tires last longer. Avoid as much wheel spin as possible. Use the torque of your motor and ride with as much momentum as possible. Think “smooth” and adopt a smooth riding style. Any expert or old timer will tell you, that a smooth rider is a fast rider.  Avoid bare ground and bare rocks. Seek out snow and ice patches on the trail and let the studs do their job. Studs dont bite into rocks. Don’t brake slide in corners. Sliding the studded tires will rip studs out if you hit exposed rocks deep in ruts. Use engine braking and the bikes brakes efficiently to control your speed. Ride with a more up-right style. Try to avoid “railing” the corners. Squaring off the corners and keeping the bike upright helps keep more of the studs biting into the frozen ground, snow or ice. By adapting your riding style to the conditions and the studded tires on your bike, you will get many years of use out of them.
Dual sport Studs
Dual sport studded tires are designed much like studded auto tires. They are only to be used in States that allow studded tires on public roads during Winter months. They are less aggressive then off-road studs. They are designed as a traction aid. Most of the tires traction still comes from the rubber contact with the road. As with off road tires, use them only when road conditions allow. Using them all year will shorten the tires usable life. You should take the time to familiarize yourself with the handling characteristics of your motorcycle when you are using studded tires. Find a parking lot and do some experimenting with accelerating and braking. Spending a little time BEFORE you head out on public roads will make riding much safer.
Well there you have it. That’s most likely more then you ever wanted to know about studded motorcycle tires. I have over 25 years of experience building and riding with studded tires so i have learned a trick or two in my day. I hope this information can help you choose the right studded tires for your bike and to get the most out of your investment in them. Feel free to call our toll-free number 800-654-4998 if you would like to talk about studded tires for your specific motorcycle. Or visit our website anytime. www.kevinscycleracing.com

The fine print, disclamer, and I told you so part:
WARNING!!  STUDDED OR SPIKED TIRES WILL NOT KEEP YOU FROM FALLING OR CRASHING WHILE RIDING IN SNOW OR ON ICE. THEY WILL NOT KEEP YOU FROM BEING INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A FALL ON SNOW AND ICE. IF YOU ARE UNSURE AS TO HOW TO INSTALL STUDDED TIRES, TAKE THEM TO A QUALIFIED MECHANIC. INSTALLING STUDDED AND SPIKED TIRES IS DANGEROUS AND SPECIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID INJURY.
RIDE WITHIN YOUR CAPABILITIES……. BECAUSE STUPID HURTS.

It’s Pin Up Friday!
Greta Thyssen (born Greta Thysegen on March 30, 1933) is a Danish-born American film actress and former model. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, she appeared in films and television shows between 1956 and 1967

It’s Pin Up Friday!

Greta Thyssen (born Greta Thysegen on March 30, 1933) is a Danish-born American film actress and former model. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, she appeared in films and television shows between 1956 and 1967

Don’t miss the www.Jdayoffroad.com Snow Day GP February 4, 2012 in Greenfield, MA. Come out for the Best off-road series in the country. 50% XC - 25% Moto - 25% Xtreme  FAST & FUN!  Two 30 minute motos. First moto starts at 8am. Start arrowed from Rts 5/10. Kevin’s Cycle is the Official Winter Studded Tire Supplier to the JDay Off-Road Winter Series. We will be GIVING AWAY a FREE set of studded tires to the top amateur finisher of the Triple Crown Series! Log on to www.kevinscycleracing.com for the best deals on Winter Studded Tires. Free Shipping available (see details on how to qualify).

Don’t miss the www.Jdayoffroad.com Snow Day GP February 4, 2012 in Greenfield, MA. Come out for the Best off-road series in the country. 50% XC - 25% Moto - 25% Xtreme  FAST & FUN!  Two 30 minute motos. First moto starts at 8am. Start arrowed from Rts 5/10. Kevin’s Cycle is the Official Winter Studded Tire Supplier to the JDay Off-Road Winter Series. We will be GIVING AWAY a FREE set of studded tires to the top amateur finisher of the Triple Crown Series! Log on to www.kevinscycleracing.com for the best deals on Winter Studded Tires. Free Shipping available (see details on how to qualify).