Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Show was my 1st pit stop in Daytona. Thousands of others had the same idea. Seems that it is the 1st place to stop by not only to look at bikes but also to take the pulse of the industry and of Biketoberfest. I announced to many the unfortunate news about Buell […]
Archive for the 'Editorial' Category
Willie’s Biketoberfest Chopper Time
Published by October 16th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.As you already know, a very emotional and visibly exhausted Erik Buell confirmed this morning Harley-Davidson decision to end Buell Motorcycles (see video). And today I feel a lot for somebody that I admire for pursuing his dream during 26 years. In business, for good or bad reasons, commercial and/or economical, some dreams have to […]
Harley-Davidson Art Of Rebellion Exhibition
Published by October 15th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Want to manage and positively enrich the content of the rebellious image of the Harley-Davidson biker? All marketing people will tell you. It’s easy. Organize an art exhibition tour mixing a display of your gas tanks wildly painted by rock poster artists with some of your “rebel” motorcycles.
Motorcycle Sidecar. Litterarely.
Published by October 15th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Nowadays, a motorcycle sidecar might not arouse the same ecstasy as it used to, but the latest vehicle by Francois Knorreck is a sidecar with a difference that gives an entirely new definition to sidecars. Dubbed “Snaefell,” the 1000cc Laverda motorcycle has 3 exhausts, and offers a luxury ride in comparison to regular sidecars. The […]
New Ducati Hypermotard 796. Under $10,000?
Published by October 14th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.The latest Ducati street machine will be in dealerships in November. And it seems that it will be priced under $10,000 USD. Not bad for a model of Italian engineering able to keep up with the rest of the pack thanks to a 82 horsepower engine producing 55.7 ft-pounds of torque to move a lightweight […]
The New California Scooter Co.
Published by October 14th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.As introduced to you in my Blog articles on October 8th, 09, a short video about the new California Scooters of Steve Seidner. Seems like he has a lot of fun playing with his new scoots.
Easy Conversion Kits From Belt To Chain
Published by October 13th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Driveline and Editorial.You may want to convert your bike, stock or custom, from a belt drive to a chain drive for many good reasons. Without any order, because you want added driveline strength, because you made your engine “bigger” or installed a new one, because you are looking for a different final drive ratio, because you need […]
While talking to Don Baumunk, President of Fat Katz, I learned that he was holding tight to a quite interesting collection of Von Dutch memorabilia. Lucky him! I thought you would like to see some of his samples among many, with a short description. 1- Top left: the sign that hung in the 70’s in […]
Belgium Custom Builder Fred Krugger, a familiar face on the US show tour, built “Overmile” for the 2009 AMD World Championship of Bike Building where he got a 3rd place trophy in the Freestyle Class. You can read again about the main features of this racing inspired custom motorcycle by going HERE. Returning from Sturgis, […]
Lightning Rod Retro Racer Winner
Published by October 12th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.It Happened on September 27-28 in Panama City, Florida during the 9th Annual Thunder Beach Rally, whose reputation is being “The Most Biker Friendly Free Rally In the US”. The 2 Boys of Lightning Rod Motorcycles, Steve Carr and Rick Bonin, brought 4 custom bikes with hope to go back home with maybe one trophy. […]
World’s Fastest Production Electric Motorcycle. 150 MPH.
Published by October 11th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.San Francisco. In July 2007,The 3 founders of Mission Motors set up offices in a private garage, blocks from the historic Mission Street. They buy the company’s first motorcycle, a 1994 Ducati 900, then began the task of stripping out the engine and converting it to electric drive. Two months later, the 3 founders had turned […]
Celebrating 15 Years Of Rick & Roll!
Published by October 11th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.Most in the US custom motorcycle industry know and have used Rick’s Wheels, are aware that he is based in Germany, but very few know him by his full legal name.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic socio-political organization governing the Gaza portion of the Palestinian Territories, has banned women from riding motorcycles saying the move was in keeping with “Arab traditions”. Men are no more allowed to carry women behind them as they drive their motorcycles. Hamas police is also regulating women proper clothing attire and controls […]
Wild women and beautiful animals. No, it’s beautiful women and wild animals…No more sure! This intense 26 minutes video (too long to fit here) is a masterpiece production for the 2009 Pirelli Club Calendar. It’s worth watching to the end. My gift to you to put you in a good mood for your weekend. Enjoy. Make […]
Tom Zimberoff About The New Art Of The Chopper Exhibition
Published by October 9th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Today I was in Ocala, FL where I joined Art Of The Chopper books author and museum curator Tom Zimberoff and my friend custom builder Vince Doll from Redneck Engineering, for a press conference to debut the new AOTC Exhibition featuring 30 top of the line custom motorcycles and Tom’s black & white builders’ photography. […]
Love Ride 26, slated for October 25, has been canceled. The announcement was made by Love Ride founder Oliver Shokouh, who cited the weak economy as the reason for the event’s cancellation. In place of the usual event, Glendale Harley, Home of the Love Ride, is sponsoring an autograph session with Peter Fonda and free […]
Very Limited Edition Hoodlum Bobber
Published by October 9th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Born in Alberta in western Canada, this Hoodlum Bobber built by Miles Brown (a.k.a. Smiley) from E’Ville Twin Motorsickle is featuring all ingredients making a Bobber a Bobber. Miles built it as a one-off, but under pressure of his friends will accept to build 7 of them, but hope that each client will add its […]
“Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl. The priest asks, ‘Is that you, little Joey Pagano?” “Yes, Father, it is”. “And who was the girl you were with?”. “I can’t tell you, Father. I don’t want to ruin her reputation”. “Well, Joey, I’m sure to find out her […]
The Mustang Legend Returns. Steve Seidner Launches California Scooter Co.
Published by October 8th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.More than ever, I love to hear about a new venture. Today I announce that Steve Seidner, the founder and President of Pro-One has now started California Scooter Co. With three new models, the Classic, Greaser and Babydoll priced at MSRP $4,995. Steve’s scooters take a vintage look into the 21st century and offer the […]
Steve Seidner’s California Scooters And The Mustang Legacy
Published by October 8th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.For those who are too young to know and for those who forgot, below is the story of the Mustang Scooter Company. Steve Seidner and his new venture California Scooter Co. are honored to continue the legacy of the original Mustang Scooter (see article above) and to offer to a new generation the legend that […]
Fat Katz Gas Tankz And Fenderz Is For Sale
Published by October 7th, 2009 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.I was a little bit in shock when Don Baumunk, Founder and President of Fat Katz sent me this evening the following email. Most of you have a tendency to think that all businesses for sale are the consequence of our economic recession. Not so. A lot of us are close to or reaching retirement age…And like anyone, […]
Sucker Punch Sally’s To Continue Partnership With Progressive Insurance
Published by October 7th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Sucker Punch Sally’s is continuing its partnership with Progressive Insurance, the country’s number-one motorcycle insurer. Highlights of last year’s partnership included building two Progressive Insurance bikes; designing a co-branded giveaway t-shirt; designing a 28-foot trailer featuring both Progressive and SPS; and appearing together at all 11 IMS Cycle World Motorcycle Shows.
Chris Callen, Editor In Chief of Cycle Source, our industry Grass Roots Motorcycle Publication, requests that you participate in the annual survey to nominate those who in 2009 contributed the most to the betterment of our sport. The survey is a short questionaire with open questions to help you name the man and the woman of the year, the best production and custom […]
Harley-Davidson Rolls Out Plans In India
Published by October 7th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.In addition to those originally planned in Punjab, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, Harley-Davidson is now looking to open dealerships in some more India cities. Harley-Davidson India managing director Anoop Prakash said that all cities making business sense will be studied. You have until November 2nd to submit your application. For now, all 15 […]
Canada based MotoXcycle is already well known in the industry for its production or one-off handcrafted oil tanks. But none were offered copper plated. Observing that a lot of custom builders have entered the “copper age”, Fausto Simoes just produced a new limited edition of its famous deep finned oval oil tank. Sides are CNC […]
