The Sprocket Brake Kit system is probably the most frequently seen brake combo system equipping the driveline of retro bikes. Originally created by Tolle in Sweden, it was refined by Exile Cycles who was the 1st one to re-introduce it in the US (many other brand versions are now available). The rear brake and final […]
Archive for January, 2008
We all know that the iPhone is the smartest of the smart phones. And if you own one you already know that to unlock (open) it you need to slide your finger at the bottom. Must have given some idea to the guy who created the iPhone panties, Enough playing games on your iPhone (the […]
How to protest, being there without being there. Very practical and the signs can be used and reused as many times as you have to say something very nice to your politicians. Better to have some road signs removed by police than to be arrested for blocking the streets and screaming too loud what you are thinking. […]
New Open Belt System For Baggers
Published by January 19th, 2008 in Driveline, Editorial and Engines.As you already know, right now touring bikes are attracting the attention and interest of custom builders and parts manufacturers. Very radical baggers are being built in many shops around the country. Starting with the bike shows of Daytona Bike Week, expect to see very inflated Bagger Classes. Better and fancier custom parts are going […]
Seems very interesting to me. As you can imagine, I have hooked and unhooked trailers thousand of times, and in all possible and perilous situations: trailer full, empty, on a slope, on sand, on snow with different vehicles with hitch and receiver at different levels. A real pain and a safety issue for the trailer, […]
Motorcycle parts. What and who will be the award winners in 2008. Watch my reports on these 2 trade shows: the. V-Twin Expo February 2/4, in Cincinnati, and Dealers Expo February 15/18 in Indianapolis. Just as primaries and caucuses define this year’s political landscape, these two motorcycle trade shows compete to introduce trends that will […]
Battistinis New Foot Shifter Components
Published by January 17th, 2008 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.When you have a best seller design, there is no reason not to continue declining the theme all over the bike. Rikki Battistini does it again by releasing his new “hole design” foot shifter components: separate heel and toe shift levers for floorboard-equipped bikes, shift lever pegs, shift rods and shift linkage. You can fit […]
Sterling Silver Dog Tag To Keep Your Secret Computer Files
Published by January 16th, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.Finally, you can have a good justification for wearing some man jewelry. These sterling silver dog tags in different styles hold an included 2 GB USB memory stick. Now you know where are your secret compter files, whatever they can contain. They come on a 24-inch chain and feature a secure lock technology. All dog tags […]
Exhaust Tips. Are You Rocket or Spade?
Published by January 16th, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial and Exhaust.A1 Cycles just released new exhaust tips to fit all true dual exhaust systems. They come in three different designs: Rocket 1 Rocket 2 and the Spade (which will complement very well my Spade Velocity Stack). Looking even better in contrast to black pipes. They attach in 2 minutes with stainless button heads (don’t forget to loctite). […]
Motorhead Extraordinaire At A Discount
Published by January 16th, 2008 in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.You can save a lot of money on your garage or shop workspace equipment (and put the difference in more parts) by going to the website of Motorhead Extraordinaire. They sell brand new stuff but also have a page called “junk yard Specials” where you can find at heavely discount prices demo units, slightly blemished […]
Learn How To Work On an S&S X-Wedge Engine
Published by January 15th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.Since the release of the X-Wedge engine during the fall of 2007, demand for training has been high, and the company offered Dealers a four-day class. In summer, a consumer technical training program will also be available. Two days of the class is spent working with the engine from a mechanical standpoint, learning the belt-drive […]
Today at 9 AM PST Steve Jobs is going to make his annual keynote address at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. Some of you, Apple fans (you are supposed to represent 8% of the computing population, so 8% of my readers!) are getting very excited and will enclose themselves in their office watching live on internet […]
Motorcycling Memories From Stars Of screen, Sports, Music
Published by January 15th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and history, will spotlight over a hundred of the world’s most recognizable enthusiasts in its new exhibit, "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles." Scheduled to open in late March 2008, the 8,000-square-foot exhibit will feature many priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities’ […]
Anita Kohler Builds A Chopper. Tiki Pretty.
Published by January 14th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Frames.Anita Kohler and Peter Penz are life and business partners at Penz Custombikes in Austria. They specialize in fancy & rock solid frames that I have used on my customs and also sold with success in the United States. One year ago they sent me the 1st pictures of their Tiki […]
Dale Needleman Launches A New And Improved 360 Brake
Published by January 13th, 2008 in Brakes, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.You remember that when it was launched the revolutionary 360 Brake was unanimously acclaimed by the motorcycle industry and got the original inventor, the Baldwin Wilson Development Corporation, quite a few professional awards. Then, some controversy started when the company had difficulties to assume its success by filling orders on time, then when it was […]
V-Force Customs To Unveil First Custom Bike During Daytona Bike Week
Published by January 12th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Vinnie DiMartino and Cody Connelly, founders of V-Force Customs, will introduce their first custom bike since leaving the popular television series “American Chopper” when they appear at Daytona bike week February 29, 2008. DiMartino and Connelly will begin a year-long 12-rally tour when they join Rob Hassay’s ProTour on February 2nd in Cincinnati, Ohio at […]
Republican Carlos Lopez-Cantera, from Miami, has proposed a measure that could lead to the forfeiture of motorcycles if riders exceed the speed limit by 50 mph or more, or are charged with reckless driving. The measure also could lead to them losing their licenses to ride motorcycles for 10 years, if convicted. The proposal is designed […]
Last September I stated that the US was already in a recession (our economists disagreeing on the definition of a recession, they always announce it a minimum of 6 months after it was started). Look at the Harley-Davidson stock. On Friday, the stock closed at a 52-week low of $39.84. The 52-week high was $74.03 in January 2007. […]
Bonneville World’s Fastest Motorcycles
Published by January 11th, 2008 in Books, Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Based in Germany, chief editor for High Performance, contributor of many US magazines, book author, crossing the Atlantic many times a year to document all 2-wheel events, Horst Roesler is a very hardworking famous photographer “motographer” that I count among my good friends of the industry (he is also the only one to be able […]
Hulster 8-Valve Voted Bike Of The Year By MCM Magazine
Published by January 11th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.I In addition to bringing news to its readers and featuring new motorcycle parts, the mission of a magazine is to support custom builders. Without them, no motorcycle magazine is viable. So, MCM Scandinavia, the leading custom bike magazine since 23 years in this part of the world has decided […]
Is it possible? Ask the engineers and designers of BMW. They filed for a patent with series of sketches showing a motorcycle supposed to “correct “ itself in case of imminent crash. How? Apparently, first by building a chassis with a system of multiple pivots where each part can be moved independently. Even the handlebars […]
From a custom motorcycle wheels manufacturer called Sinuous Inc., a new wheel with no sinuous lines at all. It’s called Summer and is a new interpretation of the spoke wheel with a pattern reminiscent of sunrays (huh). It is available, like their other designs, in 18", 21" and 23" diameter. For the rear they go up […]
My Chopper called "Peacemaker" is featured in the current issue of Easyriders Magazine (dated February). I am not going to tell you here the full story of this custom bike and list the tech sheet. Just read Easyriders! The only thing I want you to know is that this bike was built for charity in the memory of Mattie Stepanek the child poet, friend of […]
Old Ford Inspired Air Cleaner
Published by January 9th, 2008 in Accessories, Customs, Editorial and Engines.If you didn’t know, Hank Young was born and raised in a Rodder family. Hank has worked on (and still do) and owned (and still do) quite a few Hot Rods. So, no surprise that his proprietary parts have all this old cars feel. Like this air cleaner which incorporates a vintage Ford style horn […]
S&S Announces Emissions Certification Lab
Published by January 9th, 2008 in Editorial, Engines and Exhaust.S&S® Cycle announces its new in-house emissions certification laboratory located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With this lab, S&S has the capability to complete motorcycle exhaust and evaporative emissions testing in accordance with requirements set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board). S&S will use this lab to help expand the number of […]
From Stock Harley To Harley Bobber
Published by January 8th, 2008 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.Conversion kits where you know exactly what to buy to go from stock to where you want to go, are quite popular. This one to transform your factory Harley Twin-Cam in a machine with design clues from the past but keeping its modern technology and reliability. Yes, it looks like a Bobber but with a 250 mm […]
