Into the Great Wide Open

Staghead Moto is a collaboration between John Christenson and Nick Huber to document the craft and scene of fine vintage motorcycles. We seek to promote the lifestyle around vintage motorcycles through art, blogging, riding and modifying vintage bikes. In 2013 Staghead Moto founded and sponsored the traveling art expo 'Oil&Ink Motorbike Print Expo' with pop up galleries in NYC, Minneapolis, Los Angeles and at the Moto GP in Austin Texas.
Into the Great Wide Open from Staghead Moto on Vimeo.

Long-lost family: Harley-Davidson Aermacchi RR350

Harley-Davidson is synonymous with heavyweight V-twins and burly Hells Angels, while few are aware of the successful road-racing outfit the company ran in the Seventies. This 1974 RR350 is a stunning example from the lesser-known back-catalogue of the legendary American firm…

Around 25 RR350s were built over a three-year period (1974, '5 and '6) at the firm’s Varese factory in Italy, acquired following the full takeover of Aermacchi, the ailing Italian aircraft/motorcycle manufacturer. They were built for one thing and one thing only: road racing, incorporating what were then high-tech features, such as double-disc front brakes and a six-speed transmission. 

On top of the world

In this case, the old adage of ‘if it looks quick, it probably is’ couldn’t have been truer – the RR350 won Harley-Davidson the 1976 350cc Grand Prix World Championship. Walter Villa, the unassuming yet ruthless Italian, won four races that season to seal the title, while also contesting (and winning) the 250cc formula series aboard a similar, if less powerful, Harley. Despite this particular bike’s lack of precise competition history, it’s in fantastic condition, having benefitted from a restoration some years back.

These stunning photos were captured by US-based photographer Nick Keating, whose father incidentally owned and sold the RR350 pictured, among several other classics sold through his business, the Keating Wheel Company. The next time you see a lumbering Harley-Davidson, spare a thought for the dainty Italian thoroughbreds that once ruled the world. 

Photos: Nick Keating

Many classic Harleys can be found in the Classic Driver Market.

Yahya Al Helei spearheads UAE's attempts at Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge glory

UAE hopes in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge next month will again be pinned on Yahya Al Helei, who is seeded tenth and will be looking to add to his impressive list of finishes in the event.

Al Helei’s son, Mansour, drives one of 12 Nissan Patrols entered, as do fellow Emiratis Nabil Al Shamsi, Nooh Buhamid, Matar Al Mansoori and Ali Al Kitbi, Lebanon’s Emil Khneisser, and Saudi’s Ibrahim Al Muhana.

Fresh from his success in the inaugural UAE Desert Championship which saw him clinch the overall cars and buggies class, Emirati Ahmad Al Fahim competes in a Powertec Storm buggy built in Dubai.

Spain’s Nani Roma will defend his drivers’ title as fellow-countryman Marc Coma chases a record eighth bikes victory in the event.

This year’s two Dakar Rally winners are in a line-up of 108 competitors from 32 countries announced today by the rally organisers, the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE.

With the 24th edition of the Desert Challenge also forming the opening round of this year’s FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes, Coma tops the list of 61 seeded riders from 22 countries.

Among his biggest rivals will be new KTM team-mate Sam Sunderland, the talented young Dubai-based rider.

Sunderland was on course for a superb Desert Challenge victory last year before a time penalty collected for a basic technical infringement dropped him to third.

“We’re very happy with the size and quality of entries, and we have all the ingredients of a classic event,” said ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA Vice President.

“Whether it’s their first Desert Challenge or they’ve been here many times before, all competitors face a big test. It doesn’t matter how many times you do this event, you have to prepare thoroughly and have maximum concentration from start to finish.”

Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge begins with a super special spectator stage on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on 5 April.

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