Among the custom bikes built to celebrate S&S 50th Anniversary, at least 5 that I would have liked to build. One of them is Chopper Dave’s Secret Weapon that I am featuring here. Dave, as all custom builders, leans toward a certain style of bikes. In his case, as many already know, his preference is […]
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The Secret Weapon Of Chopper Dave. Killer.
Published by August 27th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.EPA Approval For Ultima Engines
Published by August 26th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.Ultima Engine Program at Midwest Motorcycle Supply is announcing the availability of EPA compliant engines from the company. They are available in sizes from 80ci up to 127ci and legal in 49 states (Once again, California will have to wait).
The World´s Greatest Motorcycle Rides On A Saxon Motorcycle
Published by August 26th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.Saxon Motorcycles was chosen by the Travel Channel for their new TV Show “The World’s Greatest Rides”. The series is about riding the most scenic routes of the USA and Europe. In the first two episodes Henry Cole makes his rides through the American deserts on a Saxon Firestorm. Saxon Motorcycles presents summaries of the […]
No Excuse. Take Her With You.
Published by August 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Of course you noticed. Most custom motorcycles are conceived for a solo rider. Big Bear Choppers has decided to take 2 of their models, the “Devil’s Advocate” and the “Venom Pro Street” and to configure them with a 2-up design. Evidently strong struts are used to support the rear fender and the seats include a […]
For Dallas Cowboys Fans And For Charity
Published by August 22nd, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Events.Strokers Dallas is organizing a raffle of this Dallas Cowboys themed custom Softail Harley-Davidson. The bike was purchased by Miller Lite and customized by Rick Fairless’ Strokers Dallas.
Custom Frame. You Think It. Rolling Thunder Makes It Right.
Published by August 22nd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Events and Frames.Like me you have seen (hope not experienced) too many beautiful bad/dangerous custom motorcycle frames. Too often, very good ideas turn into disasters because frame integrity is sacrificed for creativity. You don’t improvise yourself motorcycle frame manufacturer. Bring your ideas, but let the pros produce them. A few years ago, when frame expert Rolling Thunder […]
40 customers, including non US clients based in New Zealand, say they paid Mid West Choppers from Illinois and its owner Chip Miyler a total of US $1.2 million for custom bikes but did not receive them before the company went bankrupt in October 2005. The indictment is also about Miyler applying for a bank loan […]
The New 360-Brake To Replace Your Dual Setup
Published by August 21st, 2008 in Brakes, Builders, Customs and Editorial.Wheels should be seen, not hidden. It’s the motto of the 360 Brake Company. After completing rigorous testing the company just released it’s new 6” brake offering a solution for braking big displacement bikes. The objective was to increase braking power by a minimum of 30% while keeping the brake itself at only 1” larger […]
Harley-Davidson is Recalling About 47500 2008 Motorcycles
Published by August 20th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.Harley-Davidson Motor Company is recalling 2008 FLTR. FLHR, FLHP, FLHX. FLHPE, FLHRC, FLHRSE4, FLHT, FLHTC, FLHTCU, FLHTCUSE3, FLHTP models. The recall is due to a problem with the cracking of the fuel filter shell. It may creates a loss of fuel pressure which could make the motorcycle fail to start or to stall in traffic when […]
Update From The New Crocker Motorcycle Company.
Published by August 20th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.“Hi Cyril, Sorry I have not been in touch more but have had my hands full getting Crocker back on track. Crocker Motorcycle Company has now moved past the “shareholders fight” and is in the process of relocating to it’s new home in Los Angeles, about 10 miles from the original factory on Venice Blvd […]
Winners Of Sturgis Metzeler Custom Bike Contest
Published by August 20th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Events.Dozens of radical customs took the stage, showing off new trends and wild designs from coast to coast. The Best of Show prize winner was Todd Silicato of Todds Cycle, Huntington Beach, California. Todd’s win has earned him: inclusion in the Metzeler Master Builder poster series and 2009 Metzeler Ad Campaign, a three-day apprenticeship with […]
Paughco Single Down Tube Frames.
Published by August 18th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Frames.Paughco is one of the oldest manufacturers of custom and replacement frames for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They offer now single down tube configuration for their stock & wide tire rigid frames. Shown here is the Sportster version coming complete with your choice of straight or curved 1 ¾” down tube, 1 ¾” backbone, hidden axles and […]
Sturgis Rally 2008. Record Custom Motorcycle Sales?
Published by August 18th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Jeff Nicklus, President of Jeff Nicklus Customs (Desperado) gave me his feed back on the 2008 edition of the Sturgis Rally. “Cyril, just bringing you up to speed from my standpoint. Hope all is well with you and yours. The crowds were indeed down from 30-50% over 2 years ago, however, I believe that worked […]
As you already know through my Blog, Roger Goldammer won for the 3rd time the title of AMD World Champion. He will tell you that the reason he won again the 3rd edition is probably because his new awesome custom is ALSO a motorcycle that you can race on the Bonneville Salts. This picture is 1 […]
Russian Suzuki ATX For Super Computing
Published by August 14th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Don’t worry. You will never see this brightly glowing motorcycle coming down the street. But it’s quite an attention-grabbing piece when the objective was to participate in a competition to build the most original super computer case mod. I like the fact that a motorcycle sparks creativity and inspires individuals designing the most advanced technology. […]
S&S® Cycle X-Wedge™. EPA Approved.
Published by August 13th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.The S&S® Cycle X-Wedge™ X117E is the first 49-state certified engine produced by an engine manufacturer that already meets 2010 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II standards. The 49-state X117E is available for use in building a certified motorcycle in any state (except for California) by a home builder, custom shop or small volume […]
John McCain And Barack Obama About American Motorcycles
Published by August 13th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.I am not sure I want to get political in my Blog, but when both presidential candidates start talking motorcycles, I think it’s worth a post. A new Obama radio ad in Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson home state, is attacking McCain over his statement to bikers in Sturgis. McCain stated: “Not long ago a couple of hundred thousand Berliners […]
Ness Launches New Victory Limited Edition Bike
Published by August 12th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.It was in Sturgis in 2005 that Arlen and Cory Ness launched 3 limited production custom motorcycles. They were all built around the Ness Y2K rubber-mount frame. and called Lowliner, Speedliner and Highliner. Due to the close relation between Ness and Victory Motorcycles, it’s no surprise to learn that Ness Motorcycles (the company set up […]
Harley-Davidson Completes Italian MV Agusta Group Acquisition
Published by August 10th, 2008 in Builders and Editorial.Harley-Davidson Inc. announced last Friday the completion of its 100% acquisition of Varese, Italy based MV Agusta Group, a privately-held Italian motorcycle maker for 70 million euros, or $108 million. With this acquisition, all the bank debt of approximately 45 million euros, or $69 million is satisfied.
2009 Garage Girls Calendar. Beautiful Models Hard At Work.
Published by August 9th, 2008 in Books, Builders and Editorial.“All Killer, No Filler” is the only way to describe the exciting 2009 Garage Girls Calendar photographed by Jim Gianatsis which features a close-up look at the beautiful FastDates.com Calendar Kittens without the bikes getting in the way! This year’s sexy Calendar Felines include Playboy model Tiffany Toth playing house with Amber Lancaster. After a […]
Introducing Indian Motorcycle Premium Sporstwear Collection
Published by August 9th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.As anticipated Indian Motorcycle launches his new line of premium sporstwear and gift collection. In addition to being distributed in some department stores, you can buy the new Indian apparel and gift line by going to their Online Store.
Another Success For Sturgis 3rd Annual Builders Breakfast
Published by August 7th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.On August 5th at the Sturgis Broken Spoke Saloon over 20 renowned motorcycle Builders joined forces to raise money for South Dakota Make A Wish Foundation. Because of an anticipated lighter crowd at Sturgis this year, the Builders Breakfast was not sure what to expect from an attendance perspective. But with a “can-do” state of […]
Roger Goldammer Wins 2008 World Championship of Custom Bike Building
Published by August 7th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.The competition was divided into 4 different classes, Metric, Modified Harley-Davidson, Production, and the elite bikes in the Freestyle Class. And the winners are:
Steven Tyler At Sturgis Thunder Road
Published by August 6th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith, will be a special celebrity guest at Thunder Road east of Sturgis during this year’s annual motorcycle rally. Tyler, who is the front man of the popular rock band for more than three decades, will be in the Thunderdome at Thunder Road daily Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 6-8. Tyler […]
What Happened To Today’s Custom Motorcycle Industry
Published by August 6th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Faithful reader and commentator of my Blog, “Nicker” sent me these interesting thoughts and, as illustration, a very cool picture of a 1908 Curtiss. Read. “Cyril, Any sports coach will tell you that a team in trouble needs to “get back to basics.” Focusing on the correct execution of basic skills provides the foundation required by […]
Mike Tomas at Kiwi Indian created the “Chieftain” for the S&S 50th Anniversary and kept a long journal of how he dreamed and fabricated it (including delays, frustrations and joys all along the process). Too long to be reproduced here in my Blog, but you can go to the Chieftain Diaries to live with him […]
