Specialty Motorcycle Insurance: Superbikes Vs. Street Racers

Motorbike sports are one of the oldest vehicles racing competition in history. Over a century of motorbike and motorcycle racing has created a thriving and dynamic culture of sports fans, enthusiasts, aficionados and collectors devoted to the perpetuation of newer, stronger, faster and better motorcycle technology. Out of the early days of broad track racing came dozens of motorsports categories and specialties over the years, from speed racing to off-road competition designed to push the limits of engineering and innovation.

Two of the most popular racing categories are Street Racing and Superbike Racing. While they may seem similar at first glance, the differences lay in the nuances not unlike auto racing and its various factions.

So what is the difference between Street Racers and Superbikes? Here is a quick breakdown:

Street Racers are specially-built racing motorcycles that are neither available for purchase by the general public and despite their name, they are generally not permitted to be legally ridden on public roads. These bikers are currently divided into three classes: MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3. All three classes are currently based on four-stroke engine platforms with strict weight limit and fuel capacities. Street Racers

Contrarily, Superbikes are derived from standard production models which are then modified after their initial production as consumer bikes. Rules vary from series to series, but generally these motorcycles must maintain the same profile as their road going counterparts and the same general appearance from all sides. Additionally, the frames of these bikes cannot be modified. Racers are permitted to modify some elements of the bike, including the suspensions, brakes, swingarm, and the diameter and size of the wheels, however the general performance and motor capabilities must be model standard. Superbikes must have four-stroke engines of between 850 cc and 1200 cc for twins, and between 750 cc and 1000 cc for four cylinder models.

When it comes to collecting and keeping specialty motorcycles, whether they are antiques, racers or sports bikes, having the proper insurance is vital. At Condon Skelly, we specialize in helping collectors and enthusiasts protect their classic, antique, exotic and collectable vehicles with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. To learn more about our operation and our Specialty Motorcycle Insurance, contact us at 800.257.9496.

Vintage Motorcycle Insurance: History of Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is one of the oldest and most renowned American motorcycle manufacturers in the world. The brand has notoriety among collectors and motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy the craftsmanship, majesty and power of these bikes. Over the years, Harley-Davidson has become a household name and symbol of American ingenuity and spirit.

Ever wonder how the legend got its start? It all started in 1903 in a 10×15 foot wooden shed, where founders William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson built their first motorcycle to sell to the public. While production was small and sales were slow at first, business began to improve in 1908 when their Endurance performance model gain notoriety at the 7th Annual Federation of American Motorcyclists Endurance and Reliability Contest. Ridden by Walter Davidson, brother of company founder William, the Harley-Davidson scored a perfect 1,000 points when ranked by the contest, and later set the fuel economy record at 188.234 miles per gallon. Word quickly spread about the durability and strength of Harley-Davidson’s motorcycle and demand rapidly increased.

Harley-Davidson also has an extensive military history which began when they were asked by the U.S. military to supply motorcycles for an expedition a few years prior to World War I. During the First World War, Harley provided about 15,000 machines to the military forces during. By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with dealers in over 67 countries. By this time the small 10×15 shed had long been discarded in exchange for a full production operation which had cranked out nearly 30 thousand machines. Harley-Davidson struggled to survive during the Great Depression but was able to diversify their services enough to get by. During this time Harley manufactured industrial powerplants based on their motorcycle engines, and three-wheeled delivery vehicles called Servi-Cars, which could remain in production into the 1970’s.

Through the years, Harley continued supplying the American military and police forces with motorcycle vehicles. The WLA line was the most common military-specific model designed and produced by Harley Davidson during World War II and again for the Korean War. The XA model was originally commissioned for the U.S. military to compete with the foreign motorcycles being produced at the time, however the model was eclipsed by the emerging Jeep four-wheeled military vehicle and was never set into full production. There were only 1,000 Harley XA models ever produced, making them rare and prized treasures for collectors.

Over the years, Harley has dabbled in the production of small, two-stroke engine models, however they found their niche and prominence by producing both racing bikes and commercial durable and powerful motorcycles with great capacity for customization.

At Condon Skelly we love classic or vintage motorcycles as much as you do and are passionate about keeping them safe. We specialize in insuring classic, antique and vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles, because we understand their true value to their owners. We invite you to contact us today for more information or give us a call at (866) 291-5694.

Classic Ducati Insurance: A Brief History of the Brand

Similarly to many other classic motorcycle brands, Ducati did not start out as a motorcycle company. In fact, Antonio Cavalieri Ducati and his three sons, Adriano, Marcello, and Bruno Cavalieri Ducati founded the company in 1926 and started producing radio components in addition to vacuum tubes, and condensors. During the war years, they started creating electronic military equipment, and it wasn’t until 1950 that they launched their first motorcycle, that was based off of the already well-established Cucciolo engine.

The first Ducati bike was a 48 cc motorcycle weighting 98 lb., with a top speed of 40 mph and a 15 mm carburetor giving just under 200 mpg. The success of the Ducati brand can be attributed to their ability to keep up with the ongoing trends in motorcycle production. During the 1950’s the market moved toward larger motorcycles, and Ducati management appropriately responded, introducing their 65Ts cycle and Cruiser at an early-1952 Milan show.

Ducati management split the company in 1953 to be two separate entities; Ducati Meccanica SpA and Ducati Elettronica. Ducati Elettronica would go on to become Ducati Energia SpA in the eighties, while Ducati Meccania SpA, which was led by Dr. Guiseppe Montano, became the motorcycle manufacturing company that we know today. By 1954, Ducati Meccanica SpA was turning out 120 units per day as the factory was modernized with government aid.

Montano was a genuine motorcycle lover and realized the potential of racing to induce customers to buy these bikes. As a result, by 1956 the Desmo Ducati 125 won its first race in Sweden. Unfortunately, the man who achieved one of Ducati’s greatest feats; lapping every other motorcycle at the Grand Prix at Hedemora, died during practice for the following race. The death of Gianni Degli Antoni hit the Ducati brand hard, and it wasn’t until 1958 that they could once again race.

The Ducati brand had its up and downs in the following years, but today Ducati riders are some of the most loyal when it comes to brand allegiance. The company is reported to have achieved success and its great reputation from its racing roots.

No matter what type of antique or classic motorcycle you own, it’s important to protect it financially with the right type of Classic Motorcycle Insurance Coverage. At Condon Skelly, we know how exciting it can be to start a classic car collection. We’ve been helping our customers protect their classics with affordable, industry-leading insurance coverage since 1967. We’re a group of collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals who specialize in insuring all types of collector vehicles. For more information, please contact us today at (866) 291-5694.