Pete's Cycle Company, Inc

Huge savings on motorcycles and motorcycle accessories at Pete’s Cycle in Maryland! Get high quality gtx, ATV, helmets, hand gloves etc.

number one dealer of Baltimore

We are Baltimore's number one dealer for all types of motorcycles, watercraft, ATVs, and generators.We have 3 stores stocked full of accessories and repair technicians all trained and ready to help you.

Silver Dealer Award

In addition to the most knowledgeable sales reps, we have been the recipient of the Maryland Kawasaki Top Silver Dealer Award for the past 8 years.

Showing posts with label motorcycles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motorcycles. Show all posts

A Tour Of Pete's Cycle Bel Air, MD

A Tour Of Pete's Cycle Severna Park

Niccolo Canepa returns to Althea Racing

Photo from ItalianWheels.net.

On Wednesday, June 10, a press release announced that Italian rider Niccolo Canepa has returned to Althea Racing. Canepa was chosen to take over the seat vacated by Nico Terol, the Spanish rider who exited the team after seven rounds of disappointing performance. Canepa will be joining Althea for the remainder of the 2015 World Superbike Championship, and will be riding the Ducati Panigale R.

Canepa’s revived relationship with Althea marks his third team of the season: he began with the now-defunct Erik Buell Racing manufacturer aboard their EBR1190RX, then switched to the Grillini Kawasaki outfit on their Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R for the two most recent rounds.

The team has expressed excitement over Canepa’s return, referencing the significant success he had riding with Althea in 2014. Team owner Genesio Bevilacqua stated that Canepa’s “motivation, athletic freshness, and great experience can surely make the difference.” He went on to say that, although there is less than half of the championship left to run, Team Althea wants to do their very best “and make the most of the great potential that the Ducati Panigale R has already show in the field.”

“I’m very pleased to return to the great family that is Althea,” Canepa said in the press release. “After last year’s fantastic season in which we finished second in the EVO world championship, being able to get back on Team Althea’s Ducati and return to my team gives me great motivation. The bike has improved a lot from that of last year and so I’m sure that after some laps to get back into things I’ll be able to be competitive right away. I thank Genesio for giving me this opportunity and I’m sure that he and the fans will not be disappointed. I’ll see you at Misano.”

We're Happy To See More Female Riders!

While most people envision the roar of a motorcycle and expect to see a male rider on the saddle, more female riders are disproving the gender stereotype. According to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, several riders gather in front of Dues Ex Machina in Venice, California, with their modified and custom-built vintage Hondas, BMWs, Ducatis and choppers.

Some of the clubs that hang out in this big motorcycle gathering include the Seven Skulls, Vagos Motorcycle Club and the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club. These clubs all make a presence with their tough bikes and rough and tumble biker image. However, new clubs such as the East Side Moto Babes, the Venice Vixens and the Velvets M.C. are all made up of female riders.

They all bond together in their groups and have the same thing in common: They love to ride motorcycles.

“I love the thrill of riding – the places you can go, the things you can see, the thrill of going fast,” said Jessie Gentry, co-president of the Velvets, according to the Long Beach Press-Telegram. “And I’ve met really awesome people, especially some really awesome women (through riding).”

Growing Number Of Female Riders Noticed

Woman with cruisers

All of the female riders are starting to get recognized in the scene as more female motorcyclists join. These women ride the same custom vintage motorcycles that the mostly all-male biker groups have too, the source stated. Several women are riding vintage Hondas, BMWs, Triumphs and custom café racer motorcycles.

“There’s a huge movement of women getting interested in riding, and it’s awesome,” said Gentry, according to the source. “For us, it’s really exciting, and that’s part of why we want to have our club. We want to be an awesome face for that and be able to be an example what you can do.”

Harley-Davidson Addressing More Female Riders

2015 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

According to The Los Angeles Times, Harley-Davidson has been trying its best to get more female motorcyclists. Women own roughly 10 percent of the Harley-Davidson dealerships across the nation. Claudia Garber, director of women’s outreach marketing at Harley-Davidson, explained the new Ultra Low street cruisers are attracting more female riders because the motorcyclists can sit lower to the ground. They also have narrower grips, which are ideal for those with smaller hands.

The company even has a section on its website dedicated to women riders, hoping to reduce the barriers for prospective new female motorcyclists.

“Our job is to get more women into the sport of motorcycling,” said Garber. “And it’s working. We are selling more motorcycles to women than all our competitors combined.”

A More Welcoming Environment

2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S Group

The bands of female riders are gathering together because riding a motorcycle is no easy task. Ana Llorente, a motorcyclist and No. 2 of East Side Moto Babes, said riding was great, but when she did so around men, she felt intimidated, the Times reported.

Now, Llorente said she is around a more comfortable environment and worries a lot less if she’s going to drop her bike.

“It’s a group without any benchmark for brand or displacement,” said James Pluta, a veteran rider in the scene, according to the source. “It’s about the joy of riding – not cornering skill or how far can you wheelie on the 101.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, motorcycle manufacturers are trying to attract more Generation X riders with 70s-style motorcycles. Many riders are getting their first taste of riding while in their mid-30s and early 40s, but female riders are continuing to grow with the culture surrounding motorcycles.

With motorcycle manufacturers trying to come back after the economic downturn a few years back, more companies are opening their doors to whomever wants to ride. Visit Pete's Cycle today and get your ride today!

Rat Pack Meeting Reminder


Triumph riders listen up!

"RAT Pack Meeting" reminder

Come out and meet fellow Triumph owners and riders. Pete's Baltimore RAT Pack is the Mid-Atlantic's most active Triumph riding group with 2 rides a month, both local and long-distance. Riders of every style and age are members of this great group. Come on out and have a great time with some great people. Meetings are the first MONDAY of every month at Pete's Cycle Baltimore store located at 7511 Belair Road. We enter from the side of the building at the Service center doors.

When

Monday, 05 January 2015
07:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Where

7511 Belair Road, Baltimore, Md. 21234


New 2015 Yamaha Models at Pete’s Cycle





Yamaha has released four exciting new models to their lineup. Made for the streets or off the road, these are some great new additions to Yamaha’s arsenal. Pete’s Cycle is proud to be carrying these new models! We hope you can come to our floor and see what we have to offer. We are excited to expand our selection to include this new group of Yamaha products. Pete’s Cycle has three convenient locations in and around Baltimore where you can come see these new models.

All-New 2015 YZF-R3


Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is proud to announce the newest member to join the acclaimed R-Series, the all-new YZF-R3.
Bred from the ground up using Yamaha R Series DNA the YZF-R3 features a 320cc, liquid-cooled, in-line two-cylinder, DOHC, fuel injected engine tuned to deliver excellent power and performance throughout the powerband.
Legendary R-Series styling with a full fairing gives the YZF-R3 that destined for the racetrack look and the low seat height of 30.7” make it available to a wide variety of riders looking for their first motorcycle or just prefer a lightweight, nimble machine.
The YZF-R3 features top notch components like KYB front suspension, lightweight aluminum 10-spoke wheels and a newly designed compact LCD instrument panel that displays all the important data at a glance.
The YZF-R3 will be available in three color options — Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, Rapid Red and Raven — and will retail for just $4,990, with bikes available in dealerships beginning in March 2015.

All-New 2015 SMAX Sport Scooter

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is excited to introduce the all-new 2015 SMAX Sport Scooter.
Engineered around an all-new powerful 155cc, liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC fuel-injected engine that is highly fuel efficient while producing excellent acceleration and power, the SMAX is equally adept at commuting around town on city streets and jumping on the highway for longer distance riding. With an ultra reliable continuously variable transmission and a very linear power character, there is no need for a clutch or shifting gears, making riding the SMAX even easier.
An all-new frame design improves overall balance and helps deliver a sporty well handling machine, while also providing enough room for comfortable two up riding and 32-liters of underseat storage space for a full face helmet or groceries.
Available accessories provide additional storage capacity with a rear top case trunk and a center console bag.
Traction is handled by 13-inch wide high-grip front and rear tires, while front and rear disc brakes maintain constant stopping power.
The SMAX will be available in two color options — Ultramarine Blue and Matte Titan — and will retail for just $3,690, with bikes available in dealerships by November.

2015 Bolt C-Spec and Stryker and Raider Bullet Cowl editions



With the release of the original Bolt and Bolt R-Spec, Star Motorcycles attracted a new breed of riders who wanted this authentically styled modern day “performance bobber”. That’s about to happen again. Introducing the new Bolt C-Spec.
Epitomizing the cool “Café” style that has been popular across the globe since the 1960s, the Bolt C-Spec features café styling with original Star Motorcycles V-Twin performance. Features include clip-on handlebars, traditional fork boots, a removable passenger seat cowl and sport café paint and graphics that tie it all together.
Powered by a fuel-injected, 58-cubic-inch (950cc), air-cooled, V-Twin engine, mounted in a double-cradle frame, the Bolt C-Spec uses modern technology to create a riding experience superior to other similarly sized machines. Fuel injection and ignition timing maps have been set to deliver class-leading performance with strong low- and mid-range torque that is sure to bring a smile to every rider’s face.
With authentic features like belt drive and steel fenders, the Bolt C-Spec provides the perfect platform for personalization.
Along with the Bolt C-Spec, Star Motorcycles is excited to add the Raider and Stryker Bullet Cowl editions to its already full line of Star Motorcycles. The Bullet Cowl adds additional wind protection on both models and makes for an even bolder statement.
The Bolt C-Spec will be available in two color options — Liquid Silver and Envy Green — and will retail for $8,690, with bikes available in dealerships starting in January. The Raider Bullet Cowl is available in Raven–and will retail for $15,390, with bikes available in dealerships starting in October. The Stryker Bullet Cowl is available in Camo Green–and will retail for $12,090, with bikes available in dealerships starting in October.
2015 Raptor 700R


Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., today introduced the new 2015 Raptor 700R and Raptor 700 boasting increased power and suspension performance. The “king of sport ATVs” continues its reign as the best-selling big bore sport ATVs.
Yamaha, the best-selling sport ATV brand in the U.S., continues to push the limits of performance in the sport category with the 2015 Raptor 700R pulling approximately 10 percent more power this year from its fuel-injected 686cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine.
To reach the increased output along with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Yamaha gave the Raptor’s 700-class power plant a new cylinder head, increased compression ratio (10.0:1), a new exhaust system, updated valve timing and fuel injection mapping. For 2015, Yamaha has also incorporated a D.I.D. X-ring drive chain with added durability.
Power makes the Raptor the top big bore, but it is the addition of superior handling and comfort that makes it one of the best sport ATVs of all time. Yamaha improved these aspects on the 2015 model as well with new front and rear suspension settings and new construction Maxxis 22-inch front tires providing increased comfort and superior handling. The Raptor 700 (non-R) receives many of the same performance updates for 2015 – offering superior performance at an extreme value — $500 less (MSRP).
“Yamaha, year-over-year, has committed to furthering the sport ATV market and as such has dominated by bringing new and improved models like the Raptor 700R,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV and SxS group marketing manager.
The 2015 Raptor 700R will come in a new Yamaha Blue/White color scheme with and an MSRP of $8,199 – no price increase over the 2014 models. A Special Edition model with unique black-white plastics and red painted frame plus GYTR heel guards and front grab bar will also be available for $8,799 MSRP. A standard (non-R) version Raptor 700 in Yamaha Blue/White has an MSRP of $7,699.
The new Raptors will be available this fall and are being assembled at the U.S. factory in Newnan, Georgia.
Come out to any of Pete’s Cycle’s three locations and check out one of these new 2015 Yamaha models. We are happy to be doing business with Yamaha and with our customers to offer the best deals in town on motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs. We hope you can come by and see what we have new to offer.
For more information or to come see these models, visit our website at www.Petescycle.com or call us at  our Baltimore location at 410-663-8556. Our other locations include Bel Air and Saverna Park.

AMSOIL Arenacross Series in Maryland

The AMSOIL Arenacross Series moved to Maryland for round two of the 2014 season and took over the Baltimore Arena for a weekend of racing action. The hardpack soil was a massive change from what racers encountered in the opening weekend at Worcester, and the crew constructed an innovative layout on the stadium floor. Five lanes were packed onto the floor and presented riders with a much-needed change from the standard AX layout.



Mike McDade had his starts on point all weekend in Baltimore. He was first through the first turn in three of the 4 main events.

The Baltimore round brought a number of young riders into the mix, with Star Racing Yamaha’s Aaron Plessinger and Team Green Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei competing in their first Arenacross races with the Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross program, a necessity in acquiring their Monster Energy Supercross licenses. This was the first time that Plessinger had competed in the professional classes of AX, but he quickly found his place in the running order. He claimed both the AX Lites division and the first main event in the AX premier class, but could only climb to fifth in in the second main event. This allowed MotoSport.com/Spinechillers/Kawasaki’s Mike McDade to take the second main event, overall, and points lead heading into Saturday night. Monster Energy/Babbit’s/Kawasaki teammates Tyler Bowers and Zach Ames each put in top-five finishes in both main events, with Bowers finishing second overall and Ames fourth. Tuf Racing Honda’s Kyle Regal rounded out the top-five, with a pair of sixth place finishes and the overall win in the bracketed head to head motos.

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Aaron Plessinger was the next new kid on the block in AMSOIL Arenacross as he took home three main event win in two classes and the overall win on Saturday night.

Saturday night’s main event was a complete shake-up from the previous night’s action. Jacob Hayes rebounded from a subpar finish on Friday night to take the first main event in the AX class over Bowers, Ames, Plessinger, and Regal in this order. A massive first-turn pileup in the second main event collected the biggest contenders. Bowers, Ames, Hayes, and McDade were caught in the melee, which allowed Plessinger to take the main event win and his overall. Ames managed to regroup from the crash to finish fourth in the moto and second overall, which put the point standings in his control over McDade. MotoSport.com/Spinechillers/KTM’s Willy Browning was quietly consistent throughout the weekend, and despite rough practice sessions finished third overall on Saturday night and kept his place in the points standings.



Tyler Bowers hasn’t had the Saturday night’s the defending champion would hope for. A strong second overall finish Friday night in Balitmore was followed by a seventh overall (2-14) finish on Saturday. Bowers is currently fourth in the standings, and 20 points behind current leader Zach Ames.

After Plessinger took Friday night’s main event, Saturday night was anyone’s to win. Keith Tucker was determined to duplicate his success in Worcester and he held off Steven Mages and Maxx Malatia to take the victory. Hometown hero Tony Archer put in fourth and sixth place finishes during the weekend, which let the Traders Racing Kawasaki rider keep control of the Lites East Regional championship.

The AMSOIL Arenacross series moves south to Louisville, Kentucky, for the third weekend of the series. After the excitement of the first two weekends and the success of new talent in the Ricky Carmichael Road to Supercross program, what will happen is anyone’s guess.

Finding the Right Gloves



A bad pair of gloves can ruin your ride. If you’ve ever worn a pair of gloves that just doesn't fit your hand you know what I am talking about. Riding without a pair of gloves can be equally painful, especially in some circumstances. If a glove is too big you can develop blisters. If it is too small then you will not have as much dexterity in your hands, which will make just about everything more difficult, such as pulling the brake in an emergency. These are all good reasons to buy the right pair.

Here are some things to look for in good gloves, all of which you can find at Pete’s Cycles:

·         Fit: There should be no excess material at the tips of your fingers or thumb. It is also advised to get a pair that extends past your wrist, if only slightly. This comes in handy if you hit the pavement. In case you are tempted, fingerless gloves have little benefit, so don’t bother. Also be sure that your jacket and gloves work together. Take your jacket with you when you are glove shopping, presumably at Pete’s Cycles.
·         Pairs: Have a few pairs. Have a pair for riding on the trails, one for cold weather and one for warm weather. Obviously, insulated gloves are best for colder weather, and gloves with ventilation holes for the warmer weather. Trail gloves will need to protect the tops of your hands in a way road gloves do not.
·         Materials: One rider said it best when he said to imagine putting your hand on a belt sander, and that is what hitting the pavement is like. Make sure that whatever type of materials your glove is made out of—cow, kangaroo, nylon—it will suit your riding needs and you feel safe in. If you foresee riding in the rain, getting a rain proof pair will do you good.
·         Flexibility: This is close to the fit category, but not exactly. Not only make sure that your gloves fit your hand snugly, but that the material is flexible enough. If the material is too tight, it can cause numbness and give you a lack of dexterity.

Find some of the gloves we carry here.