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Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Passenger, Injures Driver

Cincinnati Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Passenger, Injures Driver

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A motorcycle passenger was tragically killed in a collision in East Westwood early Monday, according to Cincinnati police.

Police reported that officers arrived around 12:31 a.m. to examine the accident at the 2300 block of Westwood Northern Boulevard.

A 24-year-old man, riding a 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle, was traveling westbound near McHenry Avenue when he lost control, hit the curb, and left the roadway, as stated by police.

Both the motorcycle operator and his passenger, 30-year-old Catherine Reid Duffy, were thrown off the bike. According to police and the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, Duffy succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

The driver, whose name has not yet been disclosed, was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with injuries that are not deemed life-threatening.

Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding the crash to reach out to the Cincinnati Police Department’s traffic division at 513-352-2514.

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Harley Davidson News

Rider Embarks on 12,000-Mile Journey with New Harley Davidson Model: Thrilled by ‘Brute Force’ Engine but Frustrated by ‘Gear Issue’

A MOTORCYCLE enthusiast who embarked on a 12,000-mile journey on a Harley Davidson praised its robust engine but pointed out a notable inconvenience.

The motorcycle’s engine delivered impressive power, ensuring seamless acceleration accompanied by an exhilarating roar.

A red and black Harley-Davidson Pan America motorcycle with luggage.

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The Pan America commanded attention with its striking appearance. Its bold fairing and posture evoked a vibe more akin to 60s muscle cars than the heftier adventure bikes of the 70s.Credit: Youtube/ MCN – Motorcyclenews.com
A motorcyclist riding a sport motorcycle on a mountain road.

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The motorcycle’s suspension excelled, managing diverse terrains from gravel trails in the Alps to sandy pathways in Suffolk, as well as a daily commute of 100 miles.Credit: Getty
Close-up of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle's engine and fuel tank.

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The 1250cc Revolution Max V-twin engine offered robust performance, allowing for smooth acceleration and a thrilling auditory experience.Credit: Youtube/ MCN – Motorcyclenews.com
Harley-Davidson CVO panniers.

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The omission of a standard 12V accessory point frustrated the rider, necessitating the use of an adapter or direct wiring to the battery for accessories.Credit: Youtube/ MCN – Motorcyclenews.com

The Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America exhibited rapid acceleration across the speed spectrum.

Additionally, its capacity to decelerate quickly made it easier to handle on uneven surfaces, as noted by Motor Cycle News.

The suspension was effective across various terrains, from rocky Alpine paths to sandy trails in Suffolk, and even for daily 100-mile rides, according to the rider.

Its seat provided remarkable comfort, facilitating long-distance journeys, including a 1,025-mile trip in under 24 hours.

The adjustable windscreen shielded the rider from the elements, though it fell short of the comfort offered by competitors like the BMW GS.

In terms of aesthetics, the Pan America is eye-catching, sporting an aggressive fairing and stance reminiscent of 1960s muscle cars rather than the bulkier adventure bikes of the 1970s.

However, the motorcycle was not devoid of its shortcomings.

The absence of a standard 12V accessory point was a source of annoyance for the rider, who found it necessary to employ an adapter or directly wire accessories to the battery.

Engaging the kickstand proved to be more challenging than anticipated, presenting a minor but irritating inconvenience.

Most concerning was the occasional dropout of the fourth gear during rapid acceleration.

Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Lineup: 7 New Bikes Unveiled

Although infrequent, this issue was enough to undermine the riders’ confidence.

Despite its flaws, the rider regarded the CVO Pan America as a dependable and exhilarating companion over an extensive journey.

Its formidable power, comfortable suspension, and all-day comfort solidified its reputation as an excellent option for both spontaneous weekend rides and grand adventures.

According to the rider, while occasional gear troubles were noted, the overall experience left a lasting positive impression.

Though the Pan America has its quirks, its commanding power and distinctive presence establish it as a notable vehicle in Harley’s offerings.

What are the new and refreshed Harley-Davidson motorcycles for 2025?

The all-new 2025 model lineup includes:

The Street Glide Ultra designed for extensive touring and the Pan America 1250 ST adventure sport motorcycle.

Additionally, Harley-Davidson has refreshed six iconic Cruiser models for 2025: the Low Rider S; Low Rider ST; Breakout; Heritage Classic; Fat Boy; and Street Bob.

The Sportster S has also received updates.

A collection of limited-edition Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) motorcycles features four models: CVO Street Glide; CVO Road Glide; CVO Road Glide ST; and CVO Pan America.

The manufacturer states that these innovations complete the 2025 Harley-Davidson line-up of Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Sport, Adventure Touring, and Trike motorcycles.

Ultimately, the CVO Pan America fulfilled its promise of adventure, even if it was not immaculate.

2025 LINEUP

Harley-Davidson, headquartered in Milwaukee, recently introduced its all-new and refreshed motorcycles for the 2025 model lineup.

This lineup features the new Street Glide Ultra long-distance touring model and the Pan America 1250 ST adventure sport motorcycle, alongside six revitalized Cruiser models for 2025.

This year’s updates also include the powerful Sportster S model with improved suspension, as well as four limited-edition Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) bikes.

Harley is set to launch six updated Cruiser models, combining modern advancements with the brand’s traditional aesthetic.

Additional enhancements comprise improved suspension for the Sportster S, along with four unique Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) models featuring exclusive finishes and premium attributes.

Pan America motorcycle in a desert landscape.

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Harley-Davidson, headquartered in Milwaukee, recently introduced its all-new and refreshed motorcycles for the 2025 model lineup.Credit: 2020 Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Usage: Unlimited Worldwide
Motorcyclist riding a motorcycle on a road.

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Harley is also set to launch six updated 2025 Cruiser models, blending current technology with the classic look of the brand.Credit: Getty
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Harley Davidson News

The Most Dependable Used Harley-Davidson Cruiser Available for Purchase

The Sportster has been Harley-Davidson’s interpretation of sport-bike evolution for around 75 years in various forms. Currently, it stands out in the competitive landscape more than ever. Characterized by relatively small-displacement engines, the Sportster lineup has utilized a total of four consecutive powerplants in a post-unit configuration, which means that the transmission housing is cast as a single unit with the flywheel cases.

Constructed around H-D’s slimmest frames and narrowest front ends, the entire family presents a lightweight profile aligned with its sporty ethos. The test of time has proven the Evo Sportster’s dependability, effectively ushering Harley-Davidson out of the

dark AMF period
and back into prominence. Therefore, it’s no surprise that we consider it the most reliable used Harley available today.

To ensure you receive the most accurate and current information, the data for this article was gathered from each model’s manufacturer, Harley-Davidson Marketplace, Kelly Blue Book, and my professional experience as a certified Harley-Davidson mechanic.

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The Origins Of The Sportster: From K Model To Evolution

How Harley’s iconic lineage evolved from Flatheads to the legendary Evo

The initial Sportster was not actually a Sportster yet—at least not officially—but it did set the groundwork for future designs. We refer to the Harley-Davidson K Model, which was introduced in 1952. It featured a post-unit engine with an integrated transmission, allowing for easier installation and reduced setup time, as the engine and transmission didn’t need alignment before connecting through the primary chaincase. It was remarkably straightforward to assemble.

From 1952 to 1956, it operated with a flathead/sidevalve engine, providing 45 cubic inches of displacement and a modest 30 horsepower. However, many elements were designed early on, including the narrow frame, the now-iconic peanut fuel tank, and a compact general appearance, traits that continue to define the Sportster lineage. The Sportster would eventually receive upgrades with the Ironhead engine (not to be mistaken for the later “Iron” models), which was influenced by the

Shovelhead
Big-Twin engine, particularly in its top-end architecture.

In its last production year as a true Ironhead, the factory claimed it delivered 55 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 51.5 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 RPM, rendering it a potent engine for its size. The ’84 and ’85 Sportster engines retained the Ironhead/Shovelhead top end while beginning to incorporate elements of the forthcoming Evolution bottom end, most notably the transition from an external generator to an internal alternator setup (which was trouble-prone initially). The Ironhead engine had a commendable lifespan of 29 years. Then, in 1986, the first fully Evolutionized Sportster engine, the Evo 883, rolled off the assembly line, leading us to this discussion.

Ironhead Vs Evolution: The Generational Shift in Harley-Davidson Engine Tech

How Harley’s Evolution engine revolutionized durability, performance, and precision

2006 Harley-Davidson XL 883L Sportster static profile shot
Harley-Davidson

The shift from Ironhead to

Evolution
signifies a generational change and marks a significant technological leap from the 1950s to the 1980s. The traditional iron heads and jugs were replaced with lighter, easier-to-handle aluminum castings. Tolerances were reduced from mere thousandths of an inch to even ten-thousandths, creating a tighter engine that reduced wear as parts could move less.

Interestingly, when untightened by the head bolts, the cylinders take on a slight banana shape, while the pistons appear drum-like from the side and cam-shaped from above, featuring full-length skirts to minimize piston slap. However, once torqued and warmed up, the cylinders straighten out and the pistons achieve the tight tolerances that the Evo is renowned for. The geometry of the pushrods also underwent refinement.

The four-cam architecture utilizes an individual cam for each of the four valves, as before, but the cam-to-lifter alignment was corrected. This prevents the fourth tappet block from wearing out prematurely compared to the others. A personal observation from an instructor at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (M.M.I.) in Orlando relates to his Evo engine, on which he logged 100,000 miles, diligently adhering to routine maintenance yet leaving everything else untouched. When he disassembled it for educational purposes and measured wear points with a micrometer, he found negligible wear—it essentially measured as if it was newly broken in, not one that had covered many states.

Evolution Engine And Performance Specifications

Engine

Evolution 883

Evolution 1200

Displacement

883 cc

1,202 cc

Power

49 HP

60 HP

Torque

54 LB-FT

73 LB-FT

Transmission

5-Speed Constant Mesh

5-Speed Constant Mesh

Top Speed

~110 MPH

~110 MPH

Related


10 Best Harley-Davidson Sportster Models Ever

These motorcycles exemplify why the Sportster is Harley-Davidson’s longest-running model.

How the Evo era shaped Harley-Davidson’s pricing and resale value

2006 Harley-Davidson XL 1200 R Sportster 1200 Roadster static rear quarter shot
Harley-Davidson

During the Evo era, Vivid Black was the standard color for most of the H-D lineup. Therefore, the initial MSRP reflected that base color, with any alternative colors considered upgrades incurring additional costs. The

Evolutions Sportster
concluded its run in 2021 with the Iron 883 and Iron 1200 still available. The starting price for the 883 in Vivid Black was $9,749 new, while the 1200 version was priced at $10,249. For used models in excellent to very good condition, expect around $9,000 for the 2021 1200 and $7,000 for the 883, irrespective of mileage, as condition holds more weight than mileage in the end.

Revolution Max Vs Evo Sportster: A Bold New Era For Harley

How the modern Sportster outperforms its predecessor in power, tech, and design

Rider mounting a 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
Harley-Davidson

The new Sportsters outshine the now-obsolete Evo models in both technology and power. It remains to be seen whether they will match the reliability and longevity of the old Evo Sporties. The overall design is distinctly modern, aggressive, and robust—perfect for the contemporary market. Power comes from an entirely new engine, the

Revolution Max
1250T, which replaces all the traditional cooling fins with a more stable liquid-cooled system.

The factory also moved away from its traditional under-square/long-stroke configuration to a more oversquare design. Consequently, horsepower takes precedence over torque, with 121 ponies and 93 pound-feet available, leaving the Evo Sporty trailing in terms of acceleration and maximum speed. There’s also a 975cc version of the Revolution Max used in the Nightster, following a similar principle as the 1,252cc engine.

Revolution Max Engine And Performance Specifications

Engine

Revolution Max 1250T

Displacement

1,252 cc

Power

121 HP

Torque

93 LB-FT

Transmission

6-Speed

Top Speed

130 MPH

In terms of aesthetics, the shape of the tank suggests a resemblance to the peanut design if you squint a bit, but beyond that, it bears little similarity to earlier models. Designers from previous Sporty eras could hardly have envisioned such advances in technology, making this model distinct due to its

Cornering-Enhanced ABS
,

Traction Control
, and Drag-Torque Slip Control systems. A slipper clutch enhances safety and control, naturally elevating the price to a $15,999 sticker on the 2025 Sportster S.

Related


10 Pictures That Illustrate The Evolution Of The Harley Davidson Sportster 

Harley-Davidson’s middleweight cruiser has evolved significantly over five decades.

Where We Are Today: A Modern Take On Classic Roots

How the Sportster S and Nightster balance performance, price, and tradition

The latest Sportster lineup also encompasses a few more comparably priced models. Harley-Davidson has crafted a more straightforward and less extravagant model subset within its Nightster pair, which return to the Sportster’s origins as basic, practical motorcycles. The Nightster and

Nightster Special
both utilize the Revolution Max 975T engine, delivering 91 horsepower and 72 pound-feet of torque, making them somewhat less intimidating to ride than the

Sportster S
.

The design remains largely simple and does not seem that far distanced from its ancestors, although the Nightster Special features a bullet cowl and pillion accessories along with a more varied paint selection. Regarding reliability, these engines have a decade of use on which to assess their long-term performance, so it’s too early to draw conclusions. Nonetheless, ABS, Traction Control, and Drag-Torque Slip Control systems come standard, placing them significantly ahead of the earlier Evos regarding technological advancements.

Evo Sportster Alternatives: How The Honda Rebel 1100 And Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Compare

Two modern rivals to Harley’s iconic lineup

Rider on a 2017 Harley-Davidson Iron 883
Harley-Davidson

The Sportster line, due to its popularity, has inspired many imitations and outright duplicates over the years. Among these are two notable modern competitors: the Honda Rebel 1100 and the

Bolt R-Spec
from Yamaha. Here’s how they compare to our cherished Sporties.

Honda Rebel 1100

Rider on a 2025 Honda Rebel 1100
Honda

Honda’s Rebel lineup has enjoyed enduring popularity. While not as long-standing as the Sportster, it remains a well-established platform. Recently, Honda reimagined this model to bring it into the 21st century. Its new aesthetic is contemporary and somewhat reminiscent of the new Nightster duo. Powered by a 1,083 cc parallel twin engine, it delivers 81 horsepower and 67.9 pound-feet of torque, with a top speed capped at approximately 100 MPH.

It even features a unique option in Honda’s Dual-Clutch Transmission, offering twist-and-go convenience for a more straightforward riding experience. The standard six-speed model begins at $9,599 MSRP, while the DCT version is priced at $10,299, making it competitive with H-D’s Evo pricing.

Yamaha Bolt R-Spec

Gray 2023 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec cruising on the road
Yamaha

Yamaha also joins the competition with its Bolt R-Spec, which was once a separate entity under the Star brand before being integrated back into the Yamaha fold. In terms of aesthetics, it bears a striking similarity to the outgoing Evo Sporties in shape, layout, and features. Yamaha even borrowed the classic peanut tank from the Sportster, and the V-twin engine fits the traditional model and matches its American-sports bike profile. This air-cooled V-twin generates 65 horsepower and 59.3 pound-feet of torque, with a max speed of 106 MPH. However, the base model lacks modern electronic features such as ABS. Pricing for the 2025 version starts at $8,999.

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Harley Davidson News

One Dead in Afternoon Crash in Volusia County, Says FHP – WFTV

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is looking into a deadly accident that occurred on Sunday afternoon on State Road 40, east of Cypress Street, resulting in the death of a driver.

The operator of a 2022 KIA Telluride made a left turn that placed them directly in the path of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Reports indicate that the motorcycle rider swerved to avoid a collision with the vehicle.

As a consequence, the motorcyclist was thrown forward, resulting in a direct crash with the KIA.


https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m17!1m12!1m3!1d4131.773989344415!2d-81.4227709239684!3d29.188004658638715!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m2!1m1!2zMjnCsDExJzE2LjgiTiA4McKwMjUnMTIuNyJX!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1740953632410!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade

The KIA driver did not sustain any injuries and stayed at the scene until troopers arrived.

Unfortunately, the motorcyclist was declared dead at the scene.

The FHP continues its investigation into the incident. No further details have been made available.

Click here to download our free news, weather, and smart TV applications. Additionally, click here to watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.


One Dead in Afternoon Crash in Volusia County, Says FHP – WFTV

Categories
Harley Davidson News

Millionaire Tony Stewart and Wife Leah Pruett Make a Splash at Daytona Bike Week on a Harley Customized by Rusty Wallace’s Southern Country Customs

Leah Pruett took to her Instagram story to share photos alongside her husband, former NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, as they showcased their personalized Harley Davidson. This touring bike was custom-built by Southern Country Customs, a venture owned by fellow ex-NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace and his son, Steve.

Southern Country Customs (SCC) primarily specializes in customizing Harley-Davidson motorcycles, offering bespoke body kits, performance enhancements, and more.

With their mutual passion for speed, derived from their motorsport backgrounds, Pruett and Stewart decided to modify one of their Harleys. Pruett uploaded snapshots of the modified bike on her Instagram stories, capturing Stewart in action. The post reached her 371k followers. It’s noteworthy that Stewart has an estimated net worth of around $90 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Leah Pruett reveals her custom-made Harley Davidson (@leah.pruett on Instagram)Leah Pruett reveals her custom-made Harley Davidson (@leah.pruett on Instagram)
Leah Pruett unveils her custom-built Harley Davidson (@leah.pruett on Instagram)

The duo is gearing up for the annual “Bike Week” event at Daytona Beach, Florida, which takes place every year from February 28 to March 9. This gathering serves as a fantastic opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts to connect and celebrate their shared passion for biking.

Pruett also shared an image of a Bike Week T-shirt boasting a nostalgic 1980s design.

“It’s that time again!” Pruett commented in her story.

Leah Pruett showcases 'Bike Week' T-shirt (@leah.pruett on Instagram)Leah Pruett showcases 'Bike Week' T-shirt (@leah.pruett on Instagram)
Leah Pruett showcases ‘Bike Week’ T-shirt (@leah.pruett on Instagram)

Tony Stewart expresses affection for his wife Leah Pruett

Leah Pruett and Tony Stewart exchanged vows in November 2021 after a few months of engagement and dating.

Years into their marriage, their affection for one another remains as strong as ever. Recently, Stewart highlighted an interesting aspect of their relationship. He mentioned that, unlike many husbands who cherish their work as a break from family life, he eagerly anticipates spending quality time with Pruett.

“There are many men who enjoy going to work because it allows them a little time away from their spouses. They love their lives and their wives, but some guys need that distance. For us, we can be around each other seven days a week, and it functions well at the racetrack since we’re both racers,” Stewart conveyed (via Athlon Sports).

Interestingly, he revealed that their dynamic alters once they return home; despite working closely at the racetrack, they often find themselves in separate rooms at home.

“It’s amusing because it’s quite the opposite when we’re at home,” Tony Stewart elaborated. “We tend to spend a significant amount of time in different rooms, but at the racetrack, we’re in sync, aligned in everything, and I truly appreciate our dynamic.”

Pruett has been competing in the NHRA Top Fuel series but has taken a hiatus recently. Initially, this break was due to her pregnancy and has since extended to allow her to devote more time to her child.