Give it to a youngster to explain to him he must start saving now for retirement and he will not care. Give it to an over 50 years old and he will be offended. This clock has been slowed down by 61,320 percent so each minute now represents approximately a year. The clock, of course, […]
Archive for the 'Editorial' Category
Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Will Kick Off the Inaugural New Orleans Bike Week.
Published by March 31st, 2009 in Editorial.The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse will be featured at the Easyriders V-Twin Bike Show to help kick off the first annual New Orleans Bike Week from May 6-10, 2009. In addition to showcasing some of the best bikes from the industry’s biggest names, the Roadhouse will feature some new additions, including a collection of customized […]
Open Letter From Tom Zimberoff To California Senator Fran Pavley
Published by March 31st, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.On March 23rd, I reported on a new bill introduced by California State Senator Fran Paveley (D) intendig to require all motorcycles (beginning with model year 2000) to be tested by July 1, 2011 under the California State’s vehicle “smog check” program. Below is a letter from best seller author Tom zimberoff (Art Of The […]
In Memory Of Craig Betz And To Benefit Children Of South Dakota
Published by March 31st, 2009 in Editorial.Craig Betz of California was a longtime motorcyclist and a new member of the motorcycle group “Hamsters USA”. Last fall, shortly after being inducted into the group at the 2008 Sturgis Rally, Betz lost his battle with cancer. His most beloved possession was arguably his custom Arlen Ness Speed Liner motorcycle, As part of Craig’s legacy, […]
Via your comments I know too well that Indian is a brand every biker is passionate about. In this Blog I read all kind of comments (especially after I reported on my Kings Mountain factory visit and expressed positive feelings regarding the new venture), everything from skeptical comments to unconditional encouragement and support. Now is the time […]
On March 21, 09 In the New York Times, Susanna Hamner published an interesting article under the title “Harley, You’re Not Getting Any Younger”. Mostly factual, this article is listing the difficulties of Harley dealing with its bad subprime loans and aging clientele (average age is now 49). Jim Ziemer, Harley-Davidson & CEO (who will […]
(Sent by Stephen Budge)
The recession has made 2009 a terror for most print media owners. Higher distribution costs, declining subscription and newsstand sales, reduced advertising budgets and successful competition from the Web 2 medias (Blogs and Interactive Social Networks), has put many of these magazines in the position where owners are unable or unwilling to continue to fund […]
It’s getting very confusing. Official statements and releases by the company and published during these last 2 weeks are contradicted, corrected or amended in the following days. So, we know that Crane Cams founded in 1953 was acquired at the end of 2006 by Mikronite Technologies Group in New Jersey. That Crane Cams of Daytona […]
Chuck Palumbo Building And Riding For Our Soldiers
Published by March 27th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Chuck Palumbo is a former WWE Super Star Pro-Wrestler and the owner of CP Kustoms. After visiting Walter Reed Hospital in D.C. and learning of Lt. Christopher Palumbo’s (Chuck’s younger brother) heroic efforts in Iraq, in which he was awarded the Silver Star, Chuck was inspired to do something special to thank our troops. From […]
A Very Wild Trike Out Of A Comic Book
Published by March 26th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.In a rally like Daytona it’s quite unusual to see a trike attracting as many people as your typical 2-wheel new “show bike of the year”. Well, I had to check out this one and met with Canadian Fred Vaillancourt (a.k.a.The Rat) from the Rat Shop who explained to me that he loves to build […]
Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley Davidson Million Dollar Markdown
Published by March 26th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.Daytona Harley-Davidson is the number 1 volume dealer of new Harleys in the world. So, logically, the dealership has a lot of trade-ins. Some of these bikes have only a couple of thousand miles and carry the balance of the factory warranty. So, from Friday March 27th to Sunday March 29th, hundreds of Harleys will […]
Custom Chrome® Announces New Dyna Models Legend Air Suspensions®
Published by March 26th, 2009 in Customs and Editorial.Legend Air Suspension’s exclusive Gates Kevlar Air Spring technology, deflective disc dampening, and twin tube construction is now available for Harley Davidson Dyna models. Standard in the complete package are two Legend Air shocks available in either black or chrome finish installs as a direct bolt on application in the stock location. On board air […]
I told you several times that Café Racers are back. And the best in the seat business begin to receive orders to fit the new ones built around the country. For example seat master Duane Ballard got a request early this month from Bill Dodge at Blings Cycles to form a seat for his new […]
The Sunday Business Section of the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper asked readers for ideas on “How Would You Fix the Economy?”. And the best idea is… Dear Mr. President, There are about 40 million people over 50 in the workforce. Give each of them $1 million as severance package with the following stipulations: 1- They must […]
Michael Lichter Sturgis Exhibit At The Legendary Buffalo Chip
Published by March 25th, 2009 in Editorial and Events.This year’s exhibition will be held at the Legendary Buffalo Chip, located four miles east of Sturgis on Highway 34, and will explore motorcycle culture through a thematic presentation of motorcycles and graphic arts. World famous motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter has chronicled the Sturgis Rally through his photography since 1979, and has served as curator […]
Legendary motorcycle advocate Bob Illingworth left us this morning at 9.30 am. Bob began his love affair with motorcycling in the late 60’s. While he achieved some recognition as a racer and motorcycle shop owner, his charismatic presence and passion for justice would take him down a path that he had never predicted. In 1970 when the […]
Storz Performance Accessories for Harley-Davidson XR1200
Published by March 24th, 2009 in Controls, Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.A new line of accessory upgrades has been developed specifically for Harley-Davidson new XR1200 model (2008-09). The list starts with a new 2:2 high pipe dirt track style exhaust system by BUB. Available in chrome or black ceramic finish with wrap-around heat shields covering the head pipes. Other items include a Storz billet aluminum Rearset Footpeg […]
Free To Wander. A Chopper Documentary Movie.
Published by March 24th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.A group of friends hitting the road on their old school chops to ride around Lake Michigan.But it’s about much more than that. A simple poetic film about the chopper life with very good riding footage. Featuring Paul Cox (Paul Cox Industries). Keino Sasaki (Keino Cycles). Paul Wideman (Bare Knuckle Choppers). Watch the trailer. The DVD is 60 minutes, […]
All Harley-Davidson Raffles In One Place
Published by March 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.Having a lot of time available, temporarily jobless, or simply feeling lucky? Now there is a way to know of and participate in all Harley-Davidson raffles around the country. The site is called Harley Davidson Raffles. And if you win because I told you, you owe me to send me your Harley for customization.
Crane Cams To Restructure And Reopen
Published by March 23rd, 2009 in Editorial, Engines and Events.Due to the global economic recession, the 56-year old Crane Cams shut down its doors Feb. 24 after laying off 280 employees but keeping 25 workers to work on military contracts. Vice president Steve Leva states that the famous Camshafts/Valve Train/Electric Ignition Components company will reopen soon after restructuration. Crane was acquired at the end […]
New Senate Bill Threatening Again California Bikers
Published by March 23rd, 2009 in Editorial and Events.California already has the strictest CARB emission standard in the nation, and a new bill by California State Senator Fran Paveley (D) intends to require all motorcycles (beginning with model year 2000) to be tested in 2012 under the California State’s vehicle “smog check” program. According to standing state California state law, the “smog check” […]
New And Interesting. Cafe Racer Kit.
Published by March 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.A few months ago I suggested a couple of US fellow builders looking for new ideas to think about a Café racer Rolling chassis or Kit. And here we go. A French company called “Jewel Racer” (I didn’t know them until now) just released a Café Racer Kit to turn a Harley XR1200 into a […]
Surprisingly, the number of 2008 USA motorcycle sales released by the MIC (Motorcycle Industry Council) is pretty good. Yes, the total retail sales declined from 2007 (minus 3.3%), but with more than 1,087,000 motorcycles and scooters sold, 2008 is the sixth year in a row that sales pass the benchmark of 1 million. And of […]
Harley-Davidson And MV Agusta/Cagiva. What’s Going On?
Published by March 21st, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.On June 5th, 2008 I posted on the acquisition of all Italian MV Agusta Group shares by Harley-Davidson for a total consideration of approximately 70 million Euros (about $110 million). At the time, all speculations were made about the way Harley-Davidson was going to exploit this acquisition. Officially, we only knew that Harley-Davidson, Inc. intended […]
Roland Sands New Moto Foot Pegs
Published by March 21st, 2009 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.An aggressive, yet clean look for these new “Moto Foot Pegs” born from Roland’s love for dirt track bikes. “Mud inspired”, they are designed for strength and durability. Made out of billet aluminum alloy with a machined featherweight ventilated body for performance and grip. And in case you hit those corners a little bit to […]
