Today, stopped by the V-Twin Expo Kiwi Indian (booth # 9) where Big Chief Mike Tomas was very proud (as he should be) to show me this new bike that he designed and built replicating the late 1930’s Indian Motorcycle era, but of course using all new Kiwi components that they manufacture in house: rigid frame, […]
Archive for the 'Builders' Category
Late 1930’s Indian Motorcycle Replica
Published by February 9th, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.Evil Engineering Unveils Its New Kicker/Kickstein Belt Drive
Published by February 8th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Driveline and Editorial.New for 2009 and just unveiled in Cincinnati is this new Open Belt Drive System. Evil Engineering’s HT belt drive technology is now available for your generator/alternator case kicker motorcycle. This 2” all Billet Kicker/Kickstein belt drive utilizes the H.O.T belts giving you three-tooth engagement, as opposed to a standard straight single-tooth engagement belt. Benefit? […]
Good surprise this morning for the V-Twin Expo grand opening. Unusual warm emperature for Ohio in winter. The last displays, bikes & parts were unloaded whithout risking to slip on ice. Nothing more depressing than to see 1 year of labor destroyed in 1 minute, and I have seen it before. Motorcycle dealers from all over the […]
I always loved skinny and narrow gas tanks. A lot of my bikes are equipped with one-offs which we fabricated at the shop because it was impossible to find one pleasing my taste. Until 1 hour ago when I stumbled on this Torpedo steel gas tank showing its lines for the 1st time on the […]
Brass Ball Bobbers Model 1. First Pictures.
Published by February 7th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.As promised last Thursday, here the 1st pictures of the new Brass Balls Bobber Model 1 unveiled this morning on the floor of the V-Twin Expo. Not the best pictures (taken late yesterday evening under unflattering neon lights while the bike was pushed to its display), but you get a pretty good idea of what […]
I hate cold and leaving my South Florida diggs in winter. I am right now the guy at the Fort-Lauderdale airport wearing the largest number of clothing layers ready to fight cold in Cincinnati when I arrive this afternoon. Fortunately my hotel will be a few feet away from the entrance of the Duke Energy center where […]
Billy Lane Trial. Plea Bargain In The Works.
Published by February 5th, 2009 in Builders, Controls, Editorial and Events.I was with Billy last Thursday at a private event. Although we very rarely talked about his legal issues during the last 2 1/2 years, but knowing that his trial was starting on Monday February 9th, I asked him if it was possible for him to get probation. His answer was that he already knew […]
Custom Chrome® Changing The Way Motorcycle Parts Distribution Is Done.
Published by February 5th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.In all industries, including ours, the way business is done is changing. Some of us embrace change. Others fear it. And those who are paralyzed are making a big mistake. Understanding the power of internet, its omnipresence in our personal and professional life, Custom Chrome, one of the largest distributor of after-market motorcycle parts in […]
Very representative of what builders have built during these last 5 years, this “GL Special” built by Steve Broyles Senior. & Junior of Stevenson’s Cycle just won The Canada Cup top Award at the 2009 Motorcycle Supershow held January 2 to 4 in Toronto. Not since 1996 has […]
Billionaire Warren Buffet Buys 300 Million Of Harley-Davidson Debt
Published by February 4th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.As the global credit crunch weakens corporations, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is arranging private deals with some of the most recognizable U.S. brands and taking advantage of rising interest rates. Berkshire agreed to buy $300 million of Harley-Davidson debt, getting a huge 15 percent interest on the senior unsecured note. Davis Selected Advisers LP, […]
Next Generation Of Motorcycle Builders At The V-Twin Expo.
Published by February 3rd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.You know one of the main recurring topics of the motorcycle industry. Attract young bikers. Some are talking, some are acting to insure our industry future. Like this group of next generation builders touring the country under the label “Limpnickie Lot” (because it’s the name of the 1st place […]
Santiago Chopper Trick Trike Chassis Kits
Published by February 3rd, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.Fortunately, you can’t stop love for motorcycles. Unfortunately, you can’t stop aging. So some baby-boomers, with the help of an encouraging wife, are tempted to add a 3rd wheel to feel more comfortable on the open road. Except a dozen of very radical trikes appearing every year on the custom scene (please, stay away from […]
Custom Chrome Letter To All Dealers Going To The V-Twin Expo
Published by February 2nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.“Please find time during the 2009 Cincinnati V-Twin Expo to stop by and visit Custom Chrome during the show. I would like to try and take some time to show you all of the things we are doing for the upcoming year as well as review the new catalog and products with you. If you would like to […]
Warbird. A Freaking Awesome Bike & Engine.
Published by February 2nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.When you are a custom builder you see a lot of bikes that you like very much, but very few that really impress you. Exception, the first of 2009 that I really love is this truly amazing custom called Warbird born out of Ian Douglas combined passion for vintage aircraft & motorcycles. This board track style […]
Heartland Unveiling At The V-twin Expo
Published by January 31st, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.Always exciting to receive so many invitations to openings, unveilings, lecturings (I must add “after show” partying, thank yous guys) flying to my mailbox at 1 week of the V-Twin Expo. All professionals are preparing their pilmigrage to Cincinnati, so I share with them this invitation to the revealing of 2 concept bikes built by Heartland to show their new […]
New Series “Jesse James Is A Dead Man” Premieres May 31.
Published by January 30th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial, Events and Videos.Custom Builder Jesse James takes on the role of a modern-day daredevil in “Jesse James Is A Dead Man,” a new, original weekly series on Spike TV premiering on Sunday, May 31 (10:00 – 11:00 PM, ET/PT). Each episode follows James as he readies himself for a different death-defying (motorcycle only?) challenge he has always […]
I know, not for the majority of bikers. Mostly those of you riding trikes, side cars and also a few riding on 2 wheels. But I would not do my job if I was not telling you about this reverse gear conversion kit for Harleys with 5 or 6-speed transmissions. Installation is not so difficult and […]
Canada Biker TV. Let’s The Season Begin.
Published by January 30th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Bikertv.ca is featuring the best of the V-Twin World and is Canada’s #1 Motorcycle TV Show. The new Season will begin February 1, 2009! (Sunday at 10.30 AM). Join Biker TV Road Queen Heather Ireland as she and crew travel coast to coast to coast, from Yukon and NWT to the Bering Sea. On the Outdoor […]
2009 Iron & Laces Calendar
Published by January 29th, 2009 in Books, Builders, Customs and Editorial.Everybody needs at least one calendar. To boost your moral in 2009, what about a selection some of the best and more recent custom bikes with some of the sexiest models. The new Iron & Laces Calendar published by Photographer & LA Calendar Show Producer Jim Gianatsis is pretty hot. As example I feature here […]
Ol’ Skool Fork Covers
Published by January 28th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.You ride a Harley equipped with a 39 mm tubes front end, don’t have much money, and would like a different look without spending a bunch. Here is a sneak preview of new fork covers to get an immediate radical retro look. Warning: before you order you must get rid of your front fender, Dealers can […]
S&S Cycle Stops The Rumors. Good.
Published by January 27th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.S&S Cycle would like to address recent rumors stemming from the auctioning of several pieces of manufacturing equipment. In a down economy rumors fly, so here are the facts: Like other companies in the manufacturing industry, S&S has conducted layoffs, and is selling excess equipment. “These are appropriate measures that we took in response to […]
Bikers Life International Bike Show Winners
Published by January 27th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.This year the International Bike Show of Bikers Life (an Italian magazine), in partnership with the American Rat’s Hole, had record participation for the 15th Padua Bike Expo (North Italy). The contestants arrived from all over Europe: Finland, Germany, Austria, Spain, The Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, France, Belgium and from every corner of Italy, including the […]
Replacement Frame For Road King
Published by January 27th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Frames.Part of their current series of replacement frames Paughco is now offering this precision fit frame for Road King. It’s a perfect replacement for stock 1998 and up FLT frames. The Paughco FLT chassis comes with 28° rake and accepts Twin Cam 88 and Evolution engines with matching touring model transmissions. It is also designed […]
Harley-Davidson Launches The Dark Sportster Iron 883
Published by January 27th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.The Dark Custom Series is the Harley-Davidson answer to the problem of its aging baby boomers clientele. This blacked out line already proved that it tends to attract youngest riders. It already includes the Cross Bones, the Nightster, the Street Bob, the Fat Bob and the Night Train.
Broken Spoke Saloon Rolling Museum Of Vintage Motorcycles
Published by January 26th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Jay Allen and the Broken Spoke Saloon’s Rolling Museum of vintage bikes and cars are on tour with the 2009 Easyriders V-Twin Shows. “I’m out here with mostly my Old Skool bikes. It’s what I call ‘the working man’s collection’, but the response has been great,” said Allen. “People want to have their pictures taken […]
