So just like it wasn’t the case that everybody in the country was making a mint flipping houses a few years ago, it also isn’t the case that everybody is doing bad in the motorcycle industry. We certainly can’t deny that unemployment is rising and earnings are hurting, but this daily drumbeat of negative […]
Archive for the 'Customs' Category
V-Twin Expo. Business Is Back Belonging To The Pros.
Published by February 9th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.First, “Ride Wright Wheels” is a company building all their wheels in-house. Second, they have a large choice of spoke wheels in any powder coating color combination. Third, their wheels are available to fit all the latest 2009 models and of course all custom sizes from 16” to 23”. Fourth, their prices […]
Late 1930’s Indian Motorcycle Replica
Published by February 9th, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.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, […]
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 […]
Who dared to tell you that a V-Twin engine doesn’t look like a piece of jewelry? Now you can Motor Ring 24/7 with this outstanding handcrafted ring comprised of 19 separate components in 18 K Gold or Platinum. I wish that bike show organizers gave me one like that, instead of 6-foot high gold plastic […]
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 […]
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 […]
Each custom bike builder has is own obsessive theme. For Greg Rice it’s everything aggressive, sharp and pointed. Looking for a new place to decline his warrior at war theme, Greg imagined this new spiked points cover to complete his bad look/bad ride Deepsickness line of parts. CNC machined from 6061 T6 billet aluminum. It’s available […]
Custom Chrome® Partners With Independent Cycle Inc/Legend Air Suspensions
Published by February 3rd, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Events.Custom Chrome and Custom Chrome Europe just announced the addition of the Independent Cycle/Legend Air Suspension line for their 2009 catalog season. Independent Cycle Inc. has been aggressively researching its options to expand its global distribution of Legend Air Suspensions and other fine products throughout the United States and Europe. After intense market Independent chose Custom […]
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 […]
Iron Cross Risers For Harley-Davidson Cross Bones
Published by February 2nd, 2009 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.Newly styled like a post war era Bobber, you know that the Cross is fitted with a Springer front end and ape-hanger handlebars. New York City Choppers just released these replacement risers for all HD Crossbones & Springer front ends. They use all your original Harley mounting studs & bushings. Available in gloss black, in […]
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 […]
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 […]
Harley-Davidson Custom Gauge Face Kits
Published by January 29th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.Until now and to the best of my knowledge, to customize your gauge on a stock Harley-Davidson you had only 2 options: paint the face (I used to do this 15 years ago…) or use a cheap vinyl sticker (yuck!). A company in California offers you a new more noble option, stainless steel Gauge […]
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 […]
