I didn’t know very much about builder Ludovic Lazareth except that he was building outrageous one-off motorcycles and cars for the advertising and movie industry. Then, “Sarco”, daily reader and frequent commentator of this Blog, sent me this picture of an amazing bike that Ludovic built using a Buell as canvas. Although he kept the […]
Archive for the 'Builders' Category
Indian Motorcycle Pre-Launch Press Tour
Published by April 10th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.So, when you will read this, I will be in Kings Mountain, NC ready to meet with the Executive Team of Indian Motorcycle. Thank you for all the comments you made and questions you asked (although some went way off topic) and I will relay your concerns and interrogations. As an introduction to the post(s) I […]
A Few Thoughts About The State Of The Custom Motorcycle Industry
Published by April 10th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.There are few consumer purchases more discretionary than a Harley-Davidson and of course than a full-blown custom motorcycle built from the ground up. Harley US retail sales have hit the skids and fell 14%. So, can I say that sales of motorcycles or the lack of it is a good barometer of our economy. Yes, […]
New S&S Engine/Horse Magazine Chopper Show.
Published by April 9th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Up to 200 bikes will compete in this new bike show on June 28 in the middle o the S&S 50th Anniversary Celebration held at the Oktoberfest Grounds in La Crosse, Wisconsin June 27-29. The show will be held at the La Crosse Speedway and unusually, but logically in this case, there will be no […]
Artistry In Iron Master Builders Championship
Published by April 9th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.One of the highlights of Las Vegas Bike Fest (October 2-5th), is a bike show called “Artistry In Iron”. This show is not like the other shows you know because it’s one of the very few competitions in the world where 25 “Master Builders” are selected and invited to show only one custom bike, then […]
Like all Custom Builders (and Bloggers), I receive a ton of emails from all over the world. Some are quite long and unusual like this one from Kenya that I received this morning and that I publish as is. "Dear Cyril Huze. I couldn’t let the opportunity pass without sending you this e-mail. You see […]
Hip-Hop Rap Artist Will.I.Am. Custom Trike
Published by April 8th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.There is a band that I like very much called “The Black Eyed Peas”. I you don’t know yet (how come?) listen to “where Is The Love”, “Don’t Phunk with My Heart”, “Shut Up”, etc. The front man and producer behind the multi-platinum group is Will.I.Am (you saw his “Yes I Can” video to support […]
Hot-Rodding Or Street-Rodding Your Bike?
Published by April 8th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.This post is not to explain to you the difference between hot-rodding and street-rodding a car or motorcycle because you are supposed to know (Google Hot-Rod or go to Wikipedia). Anyway, whatever your mood and school of thought, this new front end from MeanStreet has the Hot-Rod look and the Street-Rod requirement. Hope you follow me… It […]
On My Way To The New Indian Motorcycle Factory
Published by April 7th, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.This Thursday April 10, I am flying to Charlotte then will be picked up at the airport and travel 30 minutes away to Kings Mountain, the home of the new Indian Motorcycle Company. There, I will meet with Chairman Stephen Julius and all his team, listen to their business […]
The chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson Inc. received compensation last year that the motorcycle maker valued at almost $4.1 million, a drop of nearly 4 percent from the previous year, according to a regulatory filing last Tuesday. James L. Ziemer, 58, who has been president and CEO since 2005, received no money under a non […]
Ridley New Automatic Auto-Glide Trike
Published by April 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.The first Auto-Glide model was introduced by Ridley in 2002. It evolved into a family of models with 3 common factors; low seat height, light weight, and an automatic transmission. New for 2008 Ridley brings to its riders the very first Ridley automatic with three wheels. It’s quite stylish and functional. The design of the […]
Meet With The Next Master Builders Of Motorcycles
Published by April 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Last weekend was the Donnie Smith Bike Show in St-Paul, Minnesota. A great show by itself, but during this event there was another competition called the Chopper Class Challenge: high school students from 6 different schools were competing with custom bikes that they designed, fabricated and built during […]
Spy Picture Of An S&S 50th Anniversary Custom Bike Project
Published by April 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.On June 26-29, 2008 motorcycle industry history will be made as 50 custom bike builders in the world come together in La Crosse Wisconsin, to support the S&S 50th Anniversary celebration. They will compete in a bike show and judging will be done by the builders themselves, key media members, S&S personnel, show attendees and […]
What Did You Think About The Pinks TV Show?
Published by April 3rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Hope that last evening you watched the TV show Pinks on Speed. Adam Chandler from Chandler Originals racing Mike Beland from A1 Cycles. Mike won the bragging rights…and Adam’s bike. But what matters is that they had a great time shooting the show, that they proved that custom builders […]
West Coast Choppers 140 CFL Frame Kit On Sale
Published by April 3rd, 2008 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.Want to save a few (big) bucks on a frame kit? The West Coast Choppers CFL frame kit for a 140 mm rear tire is on sale till 07/31/08. $2,850 instead of retail $3,355.00 a saving of $505.00. The frame is a 0 out, 0 up with a 35-degree rake. The package kit includes a […]
On The Scene First Pictures Of “Open Mind”
Published by April 2nd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.They are not of professional quality, but these first pictures taken during the AMD European Championship in Germany give you an idea of what this bike is all about. Built by Thunderbike Germany. Almost everything is one-off. But I notice (my original pics are much bigger) 2 American parts: a "Rapid" Headlight and Taillight from Crime Scene […]
It has been done before, and I know of a few sites doing it correctly. I am talking about online stores (web stores) of custom motorcycle parts letting potential buyers not only see the parts installed on nice motorcycles, not only letting shoppers shop my models or custom applications, but even more important also giving […]
Klock Werks Bagger 180 MM Rear Tire Make Over
Published by April 2nd, 2008 in Builders, Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.One of the most frequent conversions made by bagger owners is to go for a wider rear tire, up to 300 mm (not my taste). But 180 mm is cool and there is a need for simple kits, easy to install, and not costing you an extra 25% above the price of your bike. Brian […]
Bike Sketch Of 2008 AMD European Championship Winner
Published by April 1st, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.I promise. I will publish as soon as available the picture of “Open Mind”, the custom bike built by Thunderbike Germany (Andreas Bergerforth & crew). So, as a teaser, I show you the initial sketch, a fusion of old and new style, a style being very popular right now. And trust me, it looks very […]
Harley-Davidson Museum Will Open In July
Published by April 1st, 2008 in Builders, Editorial and Events.The Harley-Davidson Museum is set to open in July and announced a new membership program and ticket pricing for the museum. Harley-Davidson Inc. is offering museum membership starting as low as $40 a year and those who join by June 1 will be invited to a pre-grand opening preview of the museum, subject to capacity […]
Big Bear Choppers is recalling a potential of 351 units of MY 004-2005 "Venom" and "Devil’s Advocates" Choppers and MY 2005 "Sled" Choppers. Some motorcycles may have inadequate weld penetration between the neck, backbone and downtubes of the frame. High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces, structural modification made to the frame by […]
Laughlin River Run Set For April 23-27
Published by April 1st, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.The event brings about 60,000 people and nearly as many motorcycles to the Colorado River valley area to enjoy the concerts, events and attractions that have made the Laughlin event the largest ride-in motorcycle rally in the West. This year’s Laughlin River Run will include a custom bike show and competition, a poker run, the […]
TV Show Pinks. Lose The Race. Lose Your Bike.
Published by March 31st, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.You have watched the Pinks TV show on the Speed Channel and you know the gig. Usually 2 hot cars (but now 2 motorcycles), 2 proud owners competing against one another in high stakes drag races. The races are real. Emotions run high. And the loser walks home after giving his drive (ride) to the […]
Belly Up. American IronHorse Saga Continues.
Published by March 30th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.You already know through this Blog that, pressured by its creditors, IronHorse Motorcycle filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It happened last Wednesday in the US Court of Texas. The company listed more than 10 million in debts. CEO Hendrickson stated that “the move helps prospective buyers because all the legacy costs are gone, but […]
Brittown Documentary Just Released
Published by March 29th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.I already introduced you to Scott Di Lalla and Zach Coffman, the directors of the award-winning custom motorcycle documentary Choppertown. And I hope you saw this movie featuring the Sinners Club members building and riding their bikes.. Their new movie called Brittown is an insider’s view of the SoCal Britt bikes culture. It includes rebuilding […]
Something New For The 3rd Sturgis Builders Breakfast.
Published by March 29th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.The 3rd Annual Sturgis Builders Breakfast will take place 10AM Tuesday, August 5th 2008 at the Broken Spoke Saloon on Lazelle Street. The event will include a live auction and will benefit Make A Wish, South Dakota. Tickets are for sale online beginning April 1st at Baker Drivetrain. But […]
