KC Harley-Davidson Assembly Plant Donates 2005 V-Rod to MDA

The Harley-Davidson partnership with MDA initially started in 1980 through a program called “Bikers Fight MD.” The first check presented to MDA that year was for $185,000. During 2004 the motor company announced at the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon that fundraising efforts had raised $4 million, bringing the total contributions from the company to over $51 million during this long partnership. 'Harley-Davidson's family of dealers, suppliers, riders and employees were hard at work planning open houses, rides and other special events to raise money for MDA,' said COO Jim McCaslin during that 2004 telethon broadcast. 'Their hard work helps make life brighter for people with neuromuscular disease and helps make headway in finding a cure.'

In addition to the above-mentioned activities, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company donates a new motorcycle from each assembly plant that is built with volunteer time by employees. The highly customized bikes are then showcased throughout the riding seasons at various venues and events. Raffle tickets are sold and a drawing is held to give away these highly cherished machines. This year’s bike from the Kansas City facility will be given away at the annual Harley-Davidson Assembly Plant Open House on Saturday, September 10.

The Kansas City staff has crafted an incredibly beautiful and one–of-a-kind bike for MDA this year. They started with a 2006 V-Rod, with the only requirement being that all custom parts are chosen from the company’s parts and accessory line. Fabrication engineer Rod Schultz and facility maintenance scheduler Robin Hahn met with Cycle Connections editor Mike Schweder and me to show off the machine.

This 2006 VRSC-B begins with the 69 cubic inch, (1130 cc) fuel injected, water-cooled twin cam, Revolution engine that produces 115 hp. Its black frame with vivid black and custom white pearl and yellow pearl with chrome accessories is striking! P and A Catalogue parts include: Chrome engine kit, CVO Reactor wheels, foot pegs, handle bar controls, custom seat, louver covers and gas tank cover, chrome brake caliper inserts, custom black painted gearbox cover, instrument cover and headlight bracket. All in all, this bike looks like 100 mph sitting still!

Twenty employees volunteered time to build the bike and two people gleefully shared it with us. If you would like a chance to purchase a raffle ticket, you better hurry, as the give-away date is September 10! Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the Assembly plant through the morning of September 10, or by calling (816) 270-8029.

Story by Nic

Photos by Nic and Mike Schweder