Ray Price Harley-Davidson Blog

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (March 1, 2009) -

Hal’s H-D/Buell/Hal’s Speed Shop rider Dan Bilansky rode a Buell XB12R to win the Thunderbike National at the first round of the 2009 ASRA Michelin Pro Series at Daytona International Speedway. Bilansky executed a perfect last-lap drafting pass of the defending Thunderbike champion, BMW of Atlanta rider Nate Kern, to take the win.

In Motosport.com Championship Cup Series sprint racing on Saturday at Daytona, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing Buell rider Danny Eslick scored a convincing victory in Expert SuperTwins, the first Daytona victory for a rider aboard a Buell 1125R. On Sunday, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing Buell rider Michael Barnes, testing his injured hand in preparation for the March 6 Daytona 200, rode a Buell 1125R to second place in Expert Unlimited SuperSport.

The Thunderbike win confirmed Bilansky’s last-minute decision to make the trip from Wisconsin to race at Daytona, despite a tight budget.

“It was like déjà vu out there, because that was exactly the same pass I made on Kern to win the Thunderbike championship at Daytona in 2006,” said Bilansky. “And I think it was just as close, maybe half a bike length. My Hal’s Buell had the power to get the job done.”

Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell rider David Estok posted the fastest lap in Thunderbike qualifying with a time of 1:57.801, but was penalized three positions when his Buell XB12R was 0.7 horsepower over the class formula in post-event testing. That moved Kern to the pole with a lap of 1:58.026.

A sudden weather change on Sunday morning produced rain, dropping temperatures and high winds before the start of the nine-lap Thunderbike National. The track was mostly dry, and Estok took the lead for the first lap before retiring with a mechanical problem. Kern and Bilansky then opened a wide lead on the rest of the field.

“Nobody wants to be leading on the last lap at Daytona, and at about the mid-point of the race Kern ran way wide at the chicane to let me know it was my turn at the front,” said Bilansky. “I let him through later, but then on lap seven I made a legitimate mistake and he got about 25 bike lengths on me and I was afraid I would lose the draft. On the last lap I had to go really deep on the brakes at turn one and at the chicane, and got back to about 10 lengths behind, which was the perfect set-up for the last lap. It was really blowing hard so he was making a big hole in the wind.”

Bilansky used that draft to accelerate past Kern and was leading by only 0.001 seconds as the pair crossed the finish line. Third place went to Hal’s H-D/Buell/Hal’s Speed Shop rider Joel Spaulding, making his Expert debut on a Buell XB12R. Spaulding ran alone in third place for most of the race. Fernando Ferreyra was fourth on a Bimota, followed by Soundwaves.com rider Sam Rozynski on a Buell, Eric Helmbach on a Honda, and Joe Rozynski on a second Soundwaves.com Buell. Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Jordan Richardson finished eighth on a Buell.

After one ASRA Michelin Pro Series Thunderbike race, Bilansky leads the series with 35 points, followed by Kern with 31 points and Spaulding with 26 points.

The next event on the 10-race ASRA Michelin Pro Series schedule is April 25-26 at Heartland Park Topeka, in Topeka, Kan.

Buell Riders Win Motorsports.com CCS Sprint Races
Other Buell winners in Motorsports.com CCS sprint competition at Daytona include Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell rider Jordan Richardson in Amateur SuperTwins and Amateur GTO on a Buell 1125R, and Bilansky in Expert GT Lights on a Buell XB12R. Kegel H-D/Buell rider Jay Smith rode a Buell XB12R to win in Amateur Lightweight Super Sport and Amateur Lightweight GT.

MILWAUKEE (December 23, 2008) - Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell Inc.

Ray and Jean’s 50^th

 A little over two years ago Jean Price said to me, “Kris, if you’re still here in a couple of years, I want you to renew our wedding vows for Ray and me”.  I had just started working at Ray Price Harley-Davidson and the conversation between Jean and me landed on the topic of me being a licensed minister.  I have preached in my church, done a lot of weddings, and even a few funerals.  But at that Point I don’t know if I had ever done a vow renewal, let alone one for a couple that had been married for 50 years.  I have been looking forward to this day.  I’ve done a handful of weddings at the dealership in the past two years.  We’ve fondly referred to it as the Ray Price Wedding Chapel; a full service business institution for sure. Well, the day finally came and the planning for such an event fell to Jean’s lovely sister Judy.  I think Judy has always wanted to be a wedding coordinator.  With the help of many other people in the dealership, the winners circle was transformed into…well…a wedding chapel.  We had the traditional white arch at the end of the isle.  Flowers and ferns adorned the temporary structure to soften the surroundings of rubber, metal and chrome.  The most beautiful wedding cake that I have ever seen (and tasted) was prepared by Kristi Wagner, our sales manager’s wonderful wife.  A few minutes before the ceremony was to take place, Ray and Jean mingled through the crowd and exchanged pleasantries with their many dear friends that they have made through the years.  Ray was wearing a tux with tails and blue jeans while Jean was dressed modestly holding a big homemade bouquet of orange flowers.  As the clock struck two and the music began to play, Ray and Jean sashayed slowly down the race track through a swelling crowd of cheering friends and fans who were clapping and waving as they made their way to the prepared altar in the Winner’s Circle.  That was one of the most touching moments of the day for me to witness.  I started to get caught up in the emotion of it all realizing that the day had finally arrived where I got to be a part of such a beautiful and historic moment.  I knew that I would have to fight back the emotion and tears of joy if I was ever going to make it through the ceremony.  When Ray and Jean arrived at the altar, with their grandchildren Rebecca and Jordan on either side of them, I began to pay homage to a couple that has come to mean so much to me and many, many others.  The ceremony consisted of some meaningful thoughts and expressions sprinkled with some spontaneous prayer and fitting scripture.  The look that was in Ray and Jean’s eyes made me believe this was there very first time at the altar.  The gifts that they exchanged really got the crowd’s attention.  Ray presented Jean with a gorgeous diamond ring that had a shine that competed with the chrome around the show room and Jean gave Ray a 50^th anniversary Ruger 44 magnum revolver.  It wasn’t loaded.  He proudly waved it in the air to the roar of the cheering crowd. 

          At last I was able to pronounce them married…again…and they made their way back down the track to the tune of Unchained Melody.  After the cake was cut they sped off in a stretch Hummer Limo for a night away.

With Tropical Storm Hanna threatening to affect us in the next few days, I have to consider cancelling our Rider’s Edge New Rider Course that is scheduled for this weekend. As an avid, almost all weather rider, I have ridden hundreds, if not thousands of miles in the rain. I have also safely taught classes in the rain. There are several keys to riding safely in the rain. First is to watch out for the first part of a rain shower. When it first starts raining, the gunk on the road starts floating on the water and is extremely slick. Once the gunk gets washed off the road, you have around 80% of the traction you have when the road is clean and dry. If leaving for a ride, give yourself a few minutes before heading out. If you are riding and get caught, use the first part of the rain to stop and put on the second key to riding safely in the rain, a highly visible rainsuit. When it is raining, it is even more important that you work at making yourself more visible. Talk with our motorclothes ladies to see the various rainsuits we offer and the features and benefits of each. You can also talk to them about other gear that makes riding in the rain more tolerable, like full face helmets, waterproof gloves and boots, and no fog face shields or goggles. A third key to safe riding in the rain is having your Harley or Buell in the proper running order. While motorcycle tires are more resistant to hydroplaning than car tires, that is only true if they aren’t worn out. Check your tires often for proper pressure and to make sure you can’t see the wear bars. Once you see the wear bars, schedule a visit to our Service department to have them swapped. Our parts department stocks a wide variety of tires, both stock and aftermarket. Ask Carl in Parts what he thinks of the tires he has on his bike. One of the final keys is know your and your motorcycles limits. Due to the reduced traction available in the wet, you can’t push your bike as hard. Slow down, be smooth with the controls especially the brakes and throttle, give yourself more following distance, scan further ahead, avoid excessive lean angles, and know when to call it a day. High winds and lightning are extremely dangerous on a bike. If caught while riding seek shelter immediately. If just about to leave for a ride, you might want to just stay home and surf Rayprice.com.

Hello again it’s me Jennifer from Ray Price Harley-Davidson Parts Department. I have another new and exciting product to keep all new and old riders on the safe roads of freedom. I know a lot of people out there say “well if I’m on the bike then why in the world do I want a GPS on it? I am trying to get lost and find new routes. That’s what makes it so exciting!” Well I understand. However, there are lots of great uses for this feature. The new Zumo GPS system for Harley-Davidson allows access to satelite radio and the use of listening to MP3s if you want to listen to music. It also helps on long trips if you have a set place in mind or even as a guide for ride leaders. I know the HOG club always has new rides and adventures that it might be helpful to have the GPS as a back up. The product retails for $799.95 and can also be adapted to work in your car. If you or anyone you know is interested feel free to give me a call and I can answer any questions you may have. Just call into the dealership and ask for Jennifer in the parts department where you can find answers for all of your harley parts needs. See ya next time.

When I began doing weddings about 6 years ago (and I’ve done well over 100) I never thought I would be doing a wedding at a Harley-Davidson dealership.  Visions of a “Vegas” style wedding would fill my head just thinking about it.  Having done several weddings here at Ray Price Harley-Davidson it seems to have become just one more service that we provide here at the dealership.  Our General Manager always stresses the importance of multi-tasking and being able to fill more than one job title.  But am I getting carried away with his decree?  No.  Doing weddings is one of my favorite events to be a part of.  Since I enjoy seeing a happy couple enter into marital bliss it hardly seems like work.  No matter what the venue, God knows and can bless the true intentions of the heart.

The last wedding at Ray Price was between our very own web manager, Rodney, and his lovely lady Michelle.  The planning seemed to blossom from just a quick, quiet, private vow exchange into a full blown wedding with lots of guests, family, and a beautiful wedding cake made by our sales manager’s wife.  People flooded the dragstrip and with all eyes on the Winner’s Circle where the couple stood, facing each other with a little bit of nervousness for good measure.  All the tension was broken when Rodney realized he had forgot Michelle’s ring on his desk upstairs and had to ask a co-worker to retrieve it. 

After stalling just a little bit with stories of the significance of the 08/08/08 wedding date we got back on track with the vows.  After just a few minutes of the entire store being on recess, we gave the new married couple a hearty hand clap and a holler and got back to selling bikes.

RAY PRICE RIDES AGAIN!

Raleigh, NC, August 12, 2008 – After a drag racing accident five years ago that left him with limited use of his left arm, Ray Price is making an historic journey to Harley-Davidson headquarters on a specially designed and equipped motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson is celebrating its 105^th birthday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a “Harley-sized” party that will prove to be a destination for thousands of motorcycles from around the world.  This event will feature the Grand Opening of the new Harley-Davidson Museum and in attendance, one of Harley-Davidson’s iconic racing innovators, Ray Price.

As one of the official 25 starting points for the “Ride Home”, Ray Price Harley-Davidson will be hosting a “Ride Home” party on Saturday, August 23^rd from 8am-4pm that will include a special guest from the motor company.  Benny Suggs, an alumnus from North Carolina State University and retired Navy Admiral is the senior director for the National H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) and will be joining hundreds of other area riders making the journey. Festivities at Ray Price Harley-Davidson will include a free Pig Pickin’, live music, D.J., door prizes, and fun for everyone. 

About Ray Price:

Ray grew up on a tobacco farm in Johnston County.  After college, he enlisted in the Air Force where he spent four years as a radar specialist specializing in aircraft armament control. In 1963, he bought his first motorcycle. By 1967, at the age of 30, he started his motorcycle drag racing career with a 1966 Harley-Davidson Sportster. His first professional race in Atco, NJ began a legendary racing career that stretched beyond his 65^th birthday — when he still raced a 900 horsepower nitro-fueled Harley. To date, Ray has won 46 national events and set 51 national records. 

Ray Price’s accomplishments include holding a number of U.S. patents for inventions such as the two-speed racing transmission and the wheelie bar. His development of the street bike look-a-like, nitro-fueled Harley earned him the nickname, “Father of the Funny Bike.” Ray is a two-time National Champion and has been inducted into 4 Halls of Fame, including the National Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, and the North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame. 

For more information contact:

Kris Weiss

Director of Marketing & Promotions

Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc.

919-832-2261

www.rayprice.com

WELL IT HAS BEEN A LONG YEAR WAITING FOR THE NEW MODELS TO BE RELEASED AND HERE AY RAY PRICE HARLEY DAVIDSON WE ARE VERY EXCITED. THE HIGH PERFORMANCE DEPT. IS ALREADY WORKING ON EXHAUST FITMENTS FOR SCREAMIN EAGLE AND AFTER MARKET SLIP ON MUFFLERS. FULL TRUE DUEL SYSTEMS MIGHT TAKE A LITTLE LONGER DUE TO THE FRAME AND SWINGARM CHANGES MADE FOR THE 2009 FLHT MODELS.

 THE DYNO HAS SHOWN NO HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE LOSSES FROM 2008 MODELS. WE HAVE FOUND THAT THE CATILYTIC CONVERTER IS IN THE HEAD PIPES INSTEAD OF THE MUFFLER. THUS MAKING MUFFLER CHANGES EMISSION SAFE.

The dog days of summer are here. Our Rider’s Edge classes (class schedule) face real challenges during these hot and humid days. The things we do in the classes while helping the students learn to ride, can also be used while you are riding. First and foremost is to stay hydrated. If you get thirsty while riding, it is already to late.  I personally use a hydration pack with a water and sports drink mix when I am out for extended rides. You may find that adding a drink holder to your bike works for you. Either way, have plenty of hydrating liquids with you. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol can dehydrate you and we all know alcohol drinks on the bike is stupid and dangerous. The second thing we do during the classes, is to make sure everyone covers up. We wear light colored long sleeve shirts and full finger gloves for safety, but other advantages are that blocking the suns rays can keep you cooler, not to mention reducing the risk of sunburns and skin cancer that follow. Last but not least is to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke symptoms include: fatigue, nausea, headaches, excessive thirst, muscle aches and cramps, weakness, confusion or anxiety, drenching sweats, often accompanied by cold, clammy skin, slowed or weakened heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or agitation. Heat stroke is more severe and can occur after heat exhaustion or by itself. The symptoms of heat stroke include: nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness or vertigo, fatigue, hot, flushed, dry skin, rapid heart rate, decreased sweating, shortness of breath, decreased urination, increased body temperature (104 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit), confusion, delirium or loss of consciousness, or convulsions. A person with these symptoms should seek medical care immeditately. The key to avoiding those extremes is to stay hydrated and to cool off if you see any of those symptoms starting. It is easy to look cool on a your Harley or Buell from Ray Price, but following these suggestions and those posted by parts and the Motorclothes® department will help to ride cool.

I wanted to let you know what an absolutely outstanding and first class operation that Ray Price Harley-Davidson is.  It far exceeded all my expectations and is what I refer to as a “business model” for other business to aspire.  I am a Lexus owner and have been one for well over a decade.  I get a new one every three years.  Lexus is known for it’s quality and care for customers.  A “standard” for the industry.  Well there is a new “standard”(sheriff) in town and it is Ray Price Harley-Davidson.  Yes, I’m going to send a copy of this to Mr. Johnson ( Johnson Lexus).  This says a lot about every single person that works at Ray Price Harley-Davidson.  I purchased a Heritage Softail Classic in April of this year.  I also took the Riders Edge Course of which I highly recommend to everyone now.  I have not met a single person at the dealership that was not friendly and absolutely bend-over -backwards ready to help me.  Every department from bike sales to clothing to parts and service and so on are staffed and run by the best.  Also, the fluid “hand off” from one department to another inspires confidence in the consumer as does the entire operation.  Even the “little things” that you might think goes unnoticed like having all the bikes clean and pointed in the same direction.  The windows, which are quite large, are always clean.  The “lay-out” is very orderly and flowing.  The courtesy calls and thank you letters as well as the Congratulation letter and computer wallpaper are great touches.  I must strongly commend you on your Web-site.  Whom ever does it and runs it should get a Big Star.  It is the Best one online of Any site.  It actually lead me to the dealership.  I thought if they have a Web-site that is this well done I have to check out the actual dealership and thus found out that the dealership was equally outstanding.  I could go on but my typing is slow and time is limited. 

I must commend my sales consultant, Amy.  She listened to what I was interested in and how I was going to use the bike.  We test drove bikes, compared bikes, etc.  She just did not want me to get a bike, she wanted me to get the RIGHT BIKE for me and one that I would be happy with for years.  The one that I thought I wanted and the one that she recommended was not the same and as it turned out, She was Right and I am so glad I listened to her advice.  I am SO HAPPY with my bike.  It’s the greatest!! 

Anyway, next time you are having one of those days when nothing is going right and shipments are all screwed up or you have a customer you just cannot satisfy, nor could anyone, just pull out this letter and say to yourself.  “Yes, I am doing it right.  I think I will jump on my bike and ride”.