After introducing you to the shop Rods & Rides and to their “Ol’ 37” custom, another of their bikes that they were showing during Daytona Biketoberfest, Called the “S” bike, S is short for Scwhinn, inspiration for this creation being the famous bicycle company… and, everybody has already noticed, some of the customs produced by […]
Archive for November, 2011
Schwinn Inspired Custom Motorcycle
Published by November 21st, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Federal Judge Rules That New York State Motorcycle Checkpoints Are Not Unconstitutional
Published by November 21st, 2011 in Editorial and Events.In several US states, motorcyclists have claimed and sued their governments, claiming that their constitutional rights are violated during police or troopers highway checkpoints. Their argument is that these checkpoints unfairly and unconstitutionally are systematically targeting bikers under suspicion of wrongdoing. If checkpoints from “a general interest in crime control” without suspicion always amount to […]
The Art Of The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
Published by November 20th, 2011 in Books, Builders, Customs and Editorial.Not just another Harley book. Not only a larger number of bikes (stock and CVO’s), excellent pictures by photographer David Blattel, but even more important a very well written and informative text by Dain Gingerelli whose background includes the job of editor in no less than 6 motorcycle magazines. The colorful evolution of Harley-Davidson, its […]
Icon The Derelicts. What Is Your Fancy?
Published by November 20th, 2011 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.If you dream of a special bespoke motorcycle I am pretty sure you would also love to own a custom car built around the vintage body of your choice car, but updated with a new modern chassis, powertrain, interior, electrical components, etc. This is the specialty of a company created by Jonathan Ward named Icon. […]
Harley-Davidson Compact Air Pump Compressor
Published by November 19th, 2011 in Accessories, Builders and Editorial.Interesting new Harley-Davidson Air Pump Compact Air Compressor with Light that you plug into a motorcycle battery charging harness. It features a built-in, 0-160 psi pressure gauge and bright LED work light. The 11-inch air hose and six-foot, fuse-protected power cord easily reach the front and rear wheels, and are stored in convenient compartments when […]
2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Kicks Off Nationwide Tour On November 18
Published by November 19th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.IMS is the US’s largest and longest-running powersports national show tour and the 12-city it tour will kick off Friday, November 18-20 in San Mateo, California. With nearly 70,000 square feet of exhibit space, visitors will find hundreds of new bikes from leading manufacturers including Harley-Davidson, Erik Buell, Ducati, Norton, Triumph, MV Agusta, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, […]
US Harley-Davidson Dealer Inventories Too Low? The investment firm Robert W. Baird & Co. reports that new Harley-Davidson motorcycles inventory has never been so low in 10 years. Protecting Harley brand value was one of the objectives announced and repeated by Harley-Davidson President. The survey was made among 50 dealers with 86% of them stating […]
Triumph Bonneville T100 Steve McQueen Special Edition Motorcycle
Published by November 18th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Since 1902, Triumph has been producing distinctive motorcycles celebrated for their style and engineering. Through the 50’s and 60’s, names such as Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando cemented the Triumph legend. In 1991, Triumph was reborn remaining true to its heritage. And because the Steve McQueen’s name continues to sell motorcycles, Triumph is releasing a Special […]
Work Hard, Play Well, Cultivate Your Friendships, Eat Well, Protest, Repeat.
Published by November 18th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Some of you email to ask me where I am in Europe, what I do, etc. I will not bore you with all details of my trip, but having a few minutes available, this post from Bordeaux (southwest of France), capital of the best wines in the world (red and white, 14,000 producers, 700 million […]
Breaking News. Holger Mohr Resigns As President And CEO Of Custom Chrome International.
Published by November 17th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.Holger Mohr just resigned as President and CEO of DAE –IL USA, Inc. dba Custom Chrome effective immediately. KC Cho will assume the position of CEO in the interim. Since he was named President of Custom Chrome International Holger Mohr was credited as the man who refreshed the products portfolio, redesigned the catalog, improved customer fill rates and […]
Streamline Patented Internal Throttle, Lines And Fittings
Published by November 17th, 2011 in Brakes, Controls, Customs and Editorial.While in Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest, talked to Austin Weiss from Streamline Designs who explained to me that he is now the sole owner of his company and that after many battles he succeeded to have all knockoffs of his patented internal throttle removed from the market. His system doesn’t require any welding, is fitted […]
Competition Race Sweaters From The 40’s And 50’s. Wear The Original. Not The Copy.
Published by November 17th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.Since 1922 the Dehen family under the name of Gasoline Cowboys has been making motor clothes and racewear. And we all know about their famous woolen sweaters and jackets that race competitors wore during hill climbs, track boarding and recreational events such as the Gypsy tours. Racers were sponsored by either the motorcycle manufacturer or […]
Scooters. Size Doesn’t Always Matter Exhibit.
Published by November 17th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.Sales of Scooters from the major manufacturers (Vespa, Honda, Piaggo and Yamaha) are up close to 30% from last year, an increase the envy of all heavy bikes motorcycle manufacturers. The growing popularity of scooters in America (they have always been extremely popular in Europe since WWII) incited the Petersen Automotive Museum to create an […]
Motorcycling Europe In 1953. The Way It Was.
Published by November 16th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.Told by his son through a family album, this the story of an Englishman, Geoffrey Gander, and of his friends going on a motorcycling holiday around Europe, in France, Germany, Austria, Italy & Switzerland. At the time, it was probably quite an adventurous trip to take. Enjoy all pictures… “We think of old bikes as […]
Indianapolis American V-Twin Show To Host First Ever Ultimate Dealer Bike Show
Published by November 16th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.The Ultimate Dealer Bike Show to showcase the building talent of motorcycle dealers will take place at the inaugural American V-Twin Dealer Show, co-located with the 2012 Dealer Expo at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis February 17-19, 2012. Interested dealers are encouraged to enter to have their prized custom bike displayed prominently at the […]
The Navy found they had too many officers and decided to offer an early retirement bonus. They promised any officer who volunteered for Retirement a bonus of $1,000 for every inch measured in a straight line between any Two points in his body… The officer got to choose what those two points would be. The first […]
Marilyn Stemp Back As Editor Of IronWorks Magazine
Published by November 15th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.Effective immediately, Marilyn Stemp occupies again her post as Editor of IronWorks Magazine that she created in 1989 with her late husband Dennis Stemp. In addition her 22-years old son Vincent is joining the magazine as a Tech & Trends Editor, something his father would be very proud. Marilyn, known as one the hardest working […]
Motorcycle Powered by Sewage. Serious.
Published by November 15th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.When you think you have seen everything, something new is “pooping up.” A Japanese toilet maker named Toto created a trike running on sewage, apparently the cheapest renewable energy. Yes, you can run on household and livestock waste, broken down and fermented, company spokesman Kenji Fujita said. The motorcycle can reach 45 miles per hour […]
Harley-Davidson Limited Time Rebate On Road Tech Zūmo GPS
Published by November 15th, 2011 in Accessories, Builders and Editorial.Harley offers a limited time rebate, a value up to $90, to customers who buy a Road Tech Zūmo models 660 or 665 GPS Navigator between today and December 31, 2011. To claim the rebate, you must go to your Harley dealer to get the necessary form. The zumo 660 and 665 can be used […]
Night Star. A New Harley Sportster Japanese Style.
Published by November 14th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.During the last 10 years the worldwide custom motorcycle industry has observed, learned how to respect, admired and even has began to imitate the Japanese style of custom building. Japanese builders living and working in the US, others traveling to the US and Europe to show their creations and magazine reports on Japanese shops and […]
Kiwi Indian Reproduction Leaf Spring Front Ends By Paughco
Published by November 13th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.These Leaf Spring front ends provide a nostalgic image dating back to the ‘20’s and 30’s. For a restoration or a one-off new project with a very nostalgic touch, these forks with unique styling are compatible with 16”to 21” wheels and accommodate single or dual disc brakes. Custom swaged 1-piece, 1 ¼” heavy wall tubing […]
St. Paul Harley Sues Harley-Davidson Over Prohibition Of Online International Sales
Published by November 12th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.A few months ago, you remember that I reported that Harley-Davidson was informing and reminding its dealers that online sales were forbidden outside their dealership territories. Main targets were those dealers selling parts and accessories through 3rd party independent dealers (brick & mortar and online shops usually reselling Harley genuine parts at a discount) and […]
After landing in fog, weather cleared for a perfect winter weather with blue sky and temperatures in the 65 F. Happy…
American Chopper Live Build-Off Between Jesse James, Paul Senior And Paul Junior. Who Should Win?
Published by November 11th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.In advance of the 2-day TV event (Episode “Chopper Finale” December 5 at 9 pm when the 3 customs will be revealed, Episode “Chopper Live” December 6 at 9 pm to vote and see the winner), the Discovery Channel wants to know who SHOULD win this 3-way build-off. My opinion, and yours that I know […]
Bike Bumper™ For Your Motorcycle Bagger Fairing
Published by November 11th, 2011 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.Cycle Sounds® introduces the Bike Bumper™ Fairing Protector for stock Harley bagger fairings (including soon the Road Glide) and Goldwing family. Whether hauling in a closed or open trailer, you will never have to worry about a fairing being damaged from shifting straps or road debris. The Bike Bumper Fairing Protector covers the entire outer […]
2011 Lone Star Rally. 10 Years and Nearly a Half Million Strong.
Published by November 11th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.In the US where everything is shrinking except the size of our national debt, the November 3-6 Lone Star Rally in Galveston Texas gathered a crowd close to half a million bikers. An outstanding attendance ranking the 4-day event the 3rd largest in the country, almost on par with the Sturgis and Daytona Rallies! At a […]