Seven months after the re-launch of the Indian brand and a few weeks after the introduction of a new 2015 Victory model (the Gunner), while in Daytona for Bike Week. I sat down with Steve Menneto for an interview. As a fast introduction, let me mention that Menetto is a former Polaris dealer who became […]
Archive for the 'Editorial' Category
Exclusive. Interview With Steve Menneto, Polaris Industries’ Vice President Of Indian And Victory Motorcycles.
Published by March 24th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.Turning Your 1982-2003 Sportster Into A Hardtail
Published by March 23rd, 2014 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.Going the hardtail route on a Sportster is a very popular conversion. To do the job, TC Bros is offering this weld-on hartail kit for all Sportsters years 1982 to 2003 (883, 1200 and 82-85 Ironhead models.)Itis designed using the latest 3D CAD Software and is built right here in the USA using a precision […]
It’s always a pleasure to watch a talented Pinstriper swing his sword and see him accomplish beautiful, improvised artwork pieces. Because it’s Sunday and to relax, let’s all admire Master Striper Skratch (under contract with Bell for several motorcycle and bicycle helmets) pinstriping a helmet in just a few minutes (this one in less than […]
2014 Daytona Rat’s Hole Bike Show. Views.
Published by March 22nd, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.The Rat’s Hole Show has the merit to be located in the best location – the Daytona Lagoon- for this type of events. And as always, when you think you have seen everything, you still get surprised by the unexpected and the amount of work involved in these custom machines. The sublime and the weird […]
New Screamin’ Eagle Chain Adjuster To Increase Primary Drive Durability
Published by March 22nd, 2014 in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.It Permits the Manual Adjustment of the Primary Chain Tension and Locks it in Place. Ideal for bikes equipped with big-displacement, high-performance (100-plus horsepower) engines. This anodized billet aluminum tension adjuster is a direct replacement for the Original Equipment automatic adjuster. It permits fine-tuning of the primary chain freeplay and locks the chain tension in […]
Custom Chrome Europe Just Moved To Brand New Largest V-Twin Parts Only Facility And Warehouse In Europe
Published by March 21st, 2014 in Editorial and Events.Construction started on July 23rd, 2013 and Custom Chrome Europe was able to complete and move into its new 161,500 square feet (15,000 square meters) facility and warehouse in only 6 months. The new location features 15.000 square meters storage space and 1.200 square meters of offices in a separate 3-floor building. Thanks to high […]
Gunning The 2015 Victory Gunner In Daytona
Published by March 21st, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.At the Daytona airport warehouse where the media fleet of Victory and Indian motorcycles was kept and maintained during Bike Week, I was offered the choice to ride either the stock or the factory customized version of the new Victory Gunner model. I leaned towards the accessorized option knowing that improvements were only cosmetics and […]
Breather Bolts For Sportster And Evo
Published by March 21st, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.These bolts are the cleanest way (no more ugly hoses) to solve the potential crankcase venting issues you may encounter when installing an aftermarket air cleaner. They are fully CNC machined 6061 aluminum that is polished for a super clean look. The set includes stainless steel vent screens, stainless washers, circlips and foam filter elements. For […]
No English dictionary has been able to adequately explain the clear difference between these two words “COMPLETE” versus “FINISHED” In a recently held linguistic competition held in London and attended by supposedly the best in the world, Samdar Balgobin, a Guyanese man, was the clear winner with a standing ovation. The final question was: “How […]
Call it the baby Cafe Racer. A 250 cc OHC single stroke 4 stroke air cooled engine coupled to a 5-speed tranny to help you zoom through traffic. Short (1255 mm wheelbase for 1910 mm overall length), low and very light, featuring both electric and kick start, it may seduce those living in big cities […]
Lawsuits Against BMW And Corbin Seats Dismissed In A Case Of Permanent Erection…
Published by March 20th, 2014 in Editorial and Legal.On May 2, 2012 I published the story of a California biker named Henry Wolf suing BMW and seat maker Corbin-Pacific Inc. for “Non-Stop Erection.” (medically called “Priapism.) Wolf alleged that during 20 months he could not stop an erection following a 4-hour ride on a 1993 BMW K100Rs motorcycle equipped with an after-market Corbin […]
Paughco 3” Touring Slip On Mufflers
Published by March 20th, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.In addition to those offered by the mother factory, how many “awesome sounding”, “high-performance” mufflers are available for your touring bikes? Many, many. But since I featured others, I upload a few lines about this offering from Paughco. They will fit your 1995 and up touring machine, are 20” long with 2” ID mufflers with […]
Harley-Davidson And Polaris Opposite Seasonal Revenue Surges
Published by March 19th, 2014 in Builders and Editorial.In the US, like in most countries, the revenue of motorcycle/ATV/snowmobile manufacturers is closely related with the riding season. As this chart demonstrates revenue of the 2 US manufacturers surge at different seasons. Harley-Davidson revenues shoot up in spring and summer. But because Polaris produces off-road vehicles and snowmobiles in addition to heavyweight motorcycles, the […]
Harley-Davidson New Men’s Essex Functional Jacket. No Frills. Just Great Features.
Published by March 19th, 2014 in Editorial and Merchandise.The new men’s Essex Functional Jacket (P/N: 97402-14VM, starting at $175) from Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® bypasses the frills to deliver key riding features at a great value. With 600 denier polyester construction, the jacket features a mesh lining with padding on the shoulders and elbows. Underarm zipper vents offer custom control of airflow, while pockets at […]
Seen In Daytona. Vintage Indian Motorcycles.
Published by March 18th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.During the 1st annual Indian Motorcycle Bike Show held last week during Daytona Bike Week, I had the opportunity to admire these antique motorcycles. On top, a rare unrestored 1915 Hendee Indian (During the 1910s Indian became the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world.) Then below 2 Indian Scout racers from the 1920’s that raced […]
Drag Specialties® rocker boxes are a good fit for dressing up or replacing an old or damaged rocker box. Fits 92-99 Evolution Big Twin models. Made of die-cast aluminum and sold with gaskets. Quality construction with exact dimensions to ensure a perfect, leakproof fit. Available with a satin black powdercoat finish and sold individually (two […]
Donnie Smith Bike Show. March 29-30, 2014.
Published by March 18th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.More than 17,000 biking enthusiasts are expected at the 27th Annual Donnie Smith Bike & Car Show, the premier custom bike show in the Midwest, at Saint Paul RiverCentre on Saturday – Sunday, March 29 – 30. Over 200,000 square feet will showcase more than 200 of the best custom choppers, retro bobbers and unique […]
A Visit To Bling Cycles. Birthing Wicked Mean Bikes. From Choppers To Bobbers To Baggers.
Published by March 17th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.My first Daytona pit stop at the beginning of Bike Week was at Blings Cycles, 726 North Beach Street. Don’t look for a bold typo sign around this 6000 sq. ft warehouse. There is none, by choice… But those in the know will find the door leading to Bill Dodge very large and quite cool […]
At Daytona Bike Week Hawg Halters Introduced A Complete Big Wheel Touring Bike Front End Kit
Published by March 16th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.Hawg Halters wants to help you build correctly a big wheel Bagger. During this week 2014 Daytona Bike Week, Hawg Halters introduced the latest component of their expanding Touring Bike Product Line. This new Complete Front End Program delivers a fully assembled bolt on package to HHI’s dealers and custom builders alike. This new assembly […]
Indian Larry Motorcycles About The Metzeler ME888 Tire
Published by March 16th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Wheels.Bob Seeger Jr, from Indian Larry did this testimonial for the ME888 Metzeler tire.
Reader Stevie, from South Dakota, emailed me this picture of a crazy Harley 4-wheeler, asking if I knew anything about it. I don’t. Do you know?
British Customs New Low Profile Seat for Triumph Cruisers
Published by March 15th, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.British Customs is giving Triumph America and Speedmaster riders a new solo seat option with the addition of a distressed brown leather cover for their Low Profile Seat. Distressed brown leather joins three other available covers: black leatherette, black leather and black leather with flame embroidery. The Low Profile seat was designed to be smaller […]
Building A Bike With A Retro Vibe? Girder Style Front End.
Published by March 14th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.This narrow glide Girder style front end will work well with any classic or new built Chopper or Bobber. It will fit most Harley Big Twins from 1949 to present with 1” neck bearings. Total length is 23” but you can custom order other lengths. Suspension is via a single 350 psi per inch rebound […]
Postcards From Daytona Bike Week (Part 2)
Published by March 14th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.(photography Manfred Graf & Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)
Yesterday Thursday evening March 13, Director Bryan Carroll and film producers received VIP’s of the industry for the Daytona Bike Week premiere of “Why We Ride” presented by the American Motorcyclist Association. This impressive documentary shows today’s motorcycling in a very positive and inspiring light. It’s a celebration of the motorcycling community, demonstrating the passion […]
A couple drove their car to Wal-Mart only to have their car break down in the parking lot. The man told his wife to carry on with the shopping while he fixed the car in the lot. The wife returned later to see a small group of people near the car. On closer inspection, she […]
