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 […]
Archive for the 'Customs' Category
Ridley New Automatic Auto-Glide Trike
Published by April 4th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.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 […]
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 […]
A 250 MM Wide Tire Bagger Done Right
Published by March 31st, 2008 in Chassis, Customs, Driveline, Editorial and Frames.When 2 of the best of our industry work together, you get innovative solutions opening new avenues for the customization of our bikes. The objective that Rolling Thunder Frames and Baker Drivetrain wanted to reach was to offer an easy process to build a radical good looking, well balanced and comfortable 250 mm rear tire […]
New Forge-Tec Midnight Series Wheels.
Published by March 31st, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.I wish these wheels existed when I built a custom bike called “Midnight Runner”. I find them extremely pretty with their jewels spokes dressed in black anodized contrast aluminum They are also available in full black powder coating, show polished and luxurious chrome with 13 different possible variations.. Good news for such fancy custom wheels, […]
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 […]
New Wire Plus Round Digital Instrument Panels
Published by March 30th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.Wire Plus Powersports Electronics just introduced their new, state-of-the-art Round Digital Instrument Panels. These digital instruments provide speedometer, tachometer, trip, odometer and all indicator light functions and new flat panel construction that measures 2.5” round with all electronics onboard. (No external brain box) The unit features super bright display technology for true daylight readability with […]
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 […]
Greg’s Custom Cycles Very Wicked Apes.
Published by March 28th, 2008 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.His line of accessories is named “Deep Sickness”. So, to complete it Custom Builder Greg Rice could not do less than manufacture very wicked handlebars. Aggressive styling? You bet. Personally I have a weakness for ape hangers that I find comfortable if not too high.These ones are shaped out of top quality 1½” DOM American […]
See-Through Oil Tank For Your Wild Custom Motorcycle
Published by March 27th, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.Fellow builders Steve Broyles Sr. and Jr. don’t market many of their one-off parts, but when they do, it’s always good and unusual. Like the release of their new Porthole Glass Oil Tank letting you see your engine oil in full motion. Father and son had been thinking of making a Porthole Glass oil tank for […]
A Master Link To Sell US Parts Abroad
Published by March 27th, 2008 in Customs, Editorial and Events.This post directed to professionals, dealers, manufacturers, custom builders who wish to sell their unique custom motorcycle parts abroad. The idea comes from Colleen Swartz that a lot of us know from her career as a professional motorcycle photographer and writer. She created "MasterLink International", a business model to create an international market for custom […]
New Belt Drive For Harley-Davidson Touring Motorcycles
Published by March 26th, 2008 in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.Open belt drives look very cool on a bagger. But installation of some belt drive units will create a problem of interference with the floorboards. During the V-Twin Expo, Bandit Machine Works just released a new belt drive specifically conceived to fit HD touring models. The Bandit Bagger Drive bolts on to 1990 – 2006 […]
The First Custom Bike Of Love Hate Choppers
Published by March 26th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Just before Daytona Bike Week I introduced you to "Love Hate Choppers", the new South Beach Miami custom shop created by Marlowe Buelvas and Ami James, the renowned tattoo artist featured in the "Miami Ink" TV show. At the time, they told me that their new bike […]
Stick A Race Car Between Your Legs
Published by March 25th, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.It’s the slogan of TriRod’s Workshop. They want to convince you that Tikes will never be the same after they conceived and built the F3 Adrenaline to perform like a Race Car. For this, they chose a configuration of 2 wheels in the front/1 in the rear, lowered the body as much as possible (4” […]
Official 2008 Sturgis Rally Raffle Custom Bike.
Published by March 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Sabers Specialties Custom Motorcycles from Mitchell, SD unveiled the Official 2008 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Raffle Bike on Jan. 26th in Sturgis. Sabers Specialties was chosen again this year to build the one of a kind motorcycle, nicknamed “The Sturgin’”. Many top industry companies contributed to the build including Independent Cycle/ Legend Air, Jims USA, Renegade […]
Lewis Custom Cycles Destroyed By Fire. Can You Help?
Published by March 23rd, 2008 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.I know Ron Lewis from Lewis Custom Cycles. On March 9, 2008, his motorcycle shop and a family owned business next to his, Lewis Market, located in Southeastern Kentucky were both totally destroyed by fire. Unfortunately, neither business was covered by fire insurance. He asked me if I could help without requesting to have his […]
