A few months ago I suggested a couple of US fellow builders looking for new ideas to think about a Café racer Rolling chassis or Kit. And here we go. A French company called “Jewel Racer” (I didn’t know them until now) just released a Café Racer Kit to turn a Harley XR1200 into a […]
Archive for March, 2009
New And Interesting. Cafe Racer Kit.
Published by March 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.Surprisingly, the number of 2008 USA motorcycle sales released by the MIC (Motorcycle Industry Council) is pretty good. Yes, the total retail sales declined from 2007 (minus 3.3%), but with more than 1,087,000 motorcycles and scooters sold, 2008 is the sixth year in a row that sales pass the benchmark of 1 million. And of […]
This info was provided to me courtesy of Sukoshi Fahey at Avon Tyres Sizing is confusing as there are 5 methods in use. There are three technical organizations that all manufacturers adhere to. The organizations that set the parameters/ranges for permissible ranges for all sizes are the European Tire & Rim Technical Organization, the Japanese […]
Harley-Davidson And MV Agusta/Cagiva. What’s Going On?
Published by March 21st, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.On June 5th, 2008 I posted on the acquisition of all Italian MV Agusta Group shares by Harley-Davidson for a total consideration of approximately 70 million Euros (about $110 million). At the time, all speculations were made about the way Harley-Davidson was going to exploit this acquisition. Officially, we only knew that Harley-Davidson, Inc. intended […]
Roland Sands New Moto Foot Pegs
Published by March 21st, 2009 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.An aggressive, yet clean look for these new “Moto Foot Pegs” born from Roland’s love for dirt track bikes. “Mud inspired”, they are designed for strength and durability. Made out of billet aluminum alloy with a machined featherweight ventilated body for performance and grip. And in case you hit those corners a little bit to […]
Is it because none of the factory Harley-Davidson models fits in the bed of a Signature Harley Ford F-150, or simply because the Harley logo would sell almost anything? Here comes the International LoneStar Harley-Davidson Special Editiion Semi Truck. This heavy hauler monster truck was just unveiled at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentuckyy. […]
Over a quarter million XS650s in about 40 different variations were produced by Yamaha between 1970 and 1985. The XS650 Big Twin has a worldwide cult following due to its almost indestructible parallel engine. Durability in a classic look and abundance of cheap parts make the XS650 the […]
Lifesaver TCB Braking Control System
Published by March 19th, 2009 in Brakes, Customs and Editorial.I didn’t use/test it, but because it’s all about braking safety it’s worth publishing a post to let you know about it. What is it? A hydraulic brake control valve that helps prevent premature wheel lock up and that you can easily install by replacing the brake or master cylinder banjo bolt. Why? A sudden […]
Fulfilling Your Dream Of Owning A Vintage Motorcycle
Published by March 19th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.Vintage motorcycles are very expensive to buy, and our recession didn’t change anything about their historic values. If you are a Classic Motorcycle enthusiast, a Timeless Vintage Motorcycle may be the right solution for you to fulfill your dream without visiting your banker (who doesn’t want to see you, anyway) or putting your personal relation […]
Announcing the “Wicked Biggest Loser Contest”. During Daytona Bike Week, Chris Callen of Cycle Source Magazine and Roadside Marty, Bike Show judge at Willies Tropical Tattoo Show were on the topic of the need to lose the winter(s) pounds. Well, as normally happens, one thing lead to another and they started a contest to see who […]
“As most of you know I was fortunate to be involved with the 50th Anniversary of S&S Cycle this past year. While attending the Awards Ceremony, where thousands came together to celebrate the company contribution and success in the Motorcycle Industry, a young man, the great grandson of S&S founder, climbed on the revived ‘’Infamous Tramp” […]
Custom Chrome Europe® Partners with Performance Machine® & Cycle Visions
Published by March 18th, 2009 in Editorial and Events.Performance Machine has partnered with Custom Chrome Europe to bring their premiere line of motorcycle products to an expanded European customer base. “A distributor like Custom Chrome Europe is an ideal fit for our plans to continue our success in the motorcycle industry,” said Mark Finnie, President of Performance Machine. “The reputation of Performance Machine […]
Monster Oval Slip-Ons For Touring Harleys
Published by March 18th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.These new Vance & Hines Monster Ovals Slip-Ons are twice the internal volume of standard mufflers, providing more power without the consequence of more exhaust noise. Deep rich sound that most will like to hear, especially on long roaring trips. To prevent your mufflers to turn blue, they are encased in thick heat shields. Billet […]
Legend Of The Motorcycle 2009 Is Canceled
Published by March 18th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.Industry insiders consider this “Concours D’Elegance” as one of the best events of the year, and I agree with them. Sadly, I learn that because of the effect of the world economy, which you can translate by “due to difficulty getting sponsors”, this event is postponed to 2010. This show taking place at the gorgeous Ritz […]
Mike Garrison Named Midwest Vice-President of Manufacturing.
Published by March 18th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial, Engines and Events.Mike Garrison is best known as the former owner & senior designer of “Engenuity Motors” which were known for their flawlessly smooth appearance & top of the line quality. Mike has over 30 years experience in all aspects of high performance motor manufacturing. Utilizing decades of knowledge he will continue to channel his expertise to […]
Indian Motorcycle Expands In France, Monaco, Luxembourg And Belgium
Published by March 17th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.Indian Motorcycle announced the appointment of its first exclusive importer/distributor in Europe. The well known Paul Chedid Automotive Group has formed Indian Motorcycle France to promote the selling of the Indian Chiefs, Indian Motorcycle Accessories and Indian Motorcycle Apparel in France, Monaco, Luxembourg and Belgium. For over twenty years, the Chedid Automotive Group has imported […]
Just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day. Today. read my news with a delicious Irish drink in your hand (such as Irish stout, especially Guiness, Irish Whiskey or Irish Cream). But please drink responsibly. Cyril.
New bikes are inspired by the past, and a lot of new custom parts follow the same path… Retro simplicity for this new velocity stack whose body is spun aluminum (proof it’s a new piece) with machined black anodized base and old school brass wire cover. The complete unit is 5” long and you choose the […]
22nd Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show Is March 28/29th
Published by March 17th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.The Midwest is still freezing. Backyard/garage/pro-builders have been grinding, welding & wrenching all winter. They can’t wait to see how their new creations are going to be received. And the Donnie Smith Bike Show, already in its 22nd edition, is one of the first they can attend to promote their custom sleds. As usual, there […]
Florida motorcyclists interested in the progress of HB-1161 should note the bill received a favorable recommendation by a 17-2 vote in the House Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee on March 11. House Bill 1161, sponsored by Representative Greg Evers (R-Baker), would provide criminal penalties for anyone who commits a moving violation that causes serious bodily […]
Daytona Biker Fusion Raised Over $24,000 for Soldier’s Angels
Published by March 16th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.I guess the only thing missing (maybe not) in my former posts about the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse’s Biker Fusion party during Bike week, was the amount raised. Now you know that more than $24,000 were raised (donated by sponsors, provided by auctions, including a $10,000 donation from Seminole Tribe of Florida leader Max Oceola). The […]
Malcolm Smith Protest To Support Kids Who Love To Ride
Published by March 16th, 2009 in Editorial and Events.As you know by my former post, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is banning the selling of off-road motorcycles and ATV’s to children younger than 12 because the bikes could contain high levels of lead. Consequently, about 13,000 dealers were required to remove dirt bikes from their show floors, an estimated 100 […]
The most efficient (I guess) commercial for a motorcycle awareness campaign. Produced and run in Australia. Can we do better?
Harley-Davidson Rocker Conversion By Heartland USA
Published by March 16th, 2009 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.I remember the day when I published the first authorized pictures of the new Harley FXCW Rocker. Immediate comments were “I adore” or “I hate it” (mostly because of the seat), with no reaction between these 2 extremes. Somebody commented that it was a good base for aftermarket improvement […]
Ace Trike. Romance And Panache Of A Bygone Era.
Published by March 15th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Cycle Car is the name that Europeans used for Trike and they were very popular in England, France, Italy. Germaby & Austria between 1910 and the late 1930’s. As a matter of fact they offered a big tax advantage – reduced registration and annual license versus small cars or “voiturettes” of the time – propelling […]
“Cyril, I just got back from Daytona. Today, it is minus 10 F in South Dakota. It is hard to believe that there can be a 100- degree difference between two spots in our country. It’s too bad that we didn’t get to meet up in Daytona, but there is always next year. Have a […]
