2023 Biltwell 100

Biltwell are one of our favourite companies. They make stuff: Helmets, grips, bars, luggage, footpegs, merch... But they also create a load of events, from custom shows to build-offs, to long-distance rides into Mexico from California, and also the good vibes desert race, the Biltwell 100. We covered the first 100 in SB45, and loved the message that the race is about good times, not lap times.

Dates and details are out for 2023. You might be too late to enter already, but head out for the party, or even contact Biltwell to see if you can volunteer.

Visit Biltwell 100 for details.

#Biltwell #desertrace #California #Sideburn45 #Biltwell100

Kriega Combo: Save £48

We have pulled out the stops for a pre-season combo. FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY.

Our exclusive Sideburn edition Kriega T18 backpack - on its own £219 + Making Tracks Raceshirt - on its own £59 + Making Tracks graphite grey T-shirt (while stocks last)

For £230 - SAVING £48!

BUY A KRIEGA COMBO

The Kriega T18 is the finest non-paper product we've ever had a hand in. It has the usual Kriega 10-year guarantee but has our special touches of reflective sidepanels, exclusive embroidery and the tyre track Hypalon net.

The race shirt is heavyweight ventilated, sublimated material, with the tyre track sleeves to match the backpack net.

Plus, you receive the exclusive Making Track organic cotton T-shirt that we are offering with the rucksack (while stocks last). BUY A KRIEGA COMBO

#Kriega #Sideburnmerch

Mecum Vegas Auction Preview

Guest post from Gareth Howes of Double Six.

They say everything in America is bigger and better, and the auctions seem no different.

This week will see Las Vegas host the world's biggest motorbike auction over five days .

The Mecum January sale this year has 2000, mostly desirable, motorbikes up for grab, so let’s have a look at some of the more interesting lots.

1962 Harley Davidson KR racer

Lot F177.1

Mike Wolfe of American Pickers fame is bringing over 70 bikes to the sale. This is one (top photo, number 74) of dozens from his collection I’d happily rehome. The bike boasts a proud racing history including Indiana State Champion. Less than a 100 made each year, so you won’t be bumping into another too often.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0123-540290/1962-harley-davidson-kr-racer/

1974 Harley Davidson XR750

Lot S153

With only three XR750 flat track bikes available at this auction I have chosen this one as it appears to be the most honest (all views are my own) and the XR750 I’d like to take home. It’s an early Ali head with Ceriani* forks. The bike looks great and looks ready to be ridden. Will fewer XR750 available at this auction see better results than last years bargains?

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0123-545154/1974-harley-davidson-xr750-racer/

Wood Rotax Harley-Davidson

Lot S265

My pick of the five days. The bike I want, correction, NEED in my life. This painfully rare bike comes from the Estenson collection so it’s not a surprise he is bringing what I regard as the most desirable flat track bike to the auction.

Built by the late, great Ron Wood and commissioned by Harley-Davidson, only a handful were made and raced. The prices of Wood bikes have increased over the last few years so could we see this surpass expectations.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0123-536034/1982-harley-davidson-xr600-rotax-flat-track-racer/

1997 Honda CR500

Lot S162.1

Yes, a widowmaker, arm stretcher and death machine. Remember when these where plentiful and fun? These days sees the CR500 elevated to an almost cult status in the world of off-road bikes. With clean, low-hour examples recently trading for five figures in Europe could we see that repeated in this sale.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0123-545302/1997-honda-cr500/

Staracer Yamaha 360

Lot T330

With paintwork as 70s as a disco ball in flares, you have to notice this bike! Each side of the bike done in a contrasting colour (perhaps the owner couldn’t decide on a single colour). Looks to be a well-put-together bike that I’d like to ride. Will be interesting to see what this goes for as Staracers are seldomly seen for sale let alone at auction. This could be a good buy for a competitive bike to race in Europe.

READ ABOUT Staracer history and a beautiful Staracer XS650 frame in Sideburn 51

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0123-535399/1974-yamaha-track-master-360-star-racer/

1986 Christmas Edition Honda Z50

Lot T148

Imagine waking up to this under the tree on Christmas Day! Somewhat of a cult bike in the world of minis, the Christmas Edition is up there with being the most desirable. The rise in popularity in the last five years in minibikes is almost crazy. Will we see this being bought by someone for a lucky child or their own inner child.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0123-544882/1986-honda-z50-christmas-special/

That’s my six interesting picks for the auction. I know I’ve missed super rare and more prestigious bikes, but I hope this shows the variety of the auction.

This will be the first time I make the pilgrimage to Mecums in Vegas and can’t wait to witness the madness in person. I have my eye on several bikes at the auction, at least some of which I will be hoping to bring back to the UK, but let’s see how the cards are dealt. If you’d like to watch the madness of Mecums you can do so for free live on their website. You need to pay for a paddle to bid and prove your finances so allow time if something has caught your eye!

#HarleyDavidson #XR750 #WoodRotax #Auction #Staracer #doublesix #Honda #minibike