Harley-Davidson is introducing Premium Ride Emulsion Shocks and a Premium Ride Single Cartridge Fork Kit for the Dyna model. They were developed to work together, engineered and track-tested at the Harley-Davidson Arizona Proving Grounds
Premium Ride Emulsion Shocks (P/N 54000066, $599.95) are nitrogen gas-charged to resist oil aeration and work with the internal valve stack to provide superior compression and rebound damping control. The 36mm pistons and low-viscosity high-performance oil allow these shocks to react quickly to small bumps and keep the tires in contact with the road surface for confident, controlled handling. A wider pre-load range offers more load capacity than Original Equipment shocks.
Use the locking threaded adjustment to fine-tune spring preload to the riding situation – from a solo back-road blitz to a fully-loaded two-up freeway tour. Urethane bumpers cushion bottoming under load. These shocks are finished with black-anodized billet top caps and black progressively-wound springs. The kit includes a left and right shock and a preload adjustment spanner. It fits 2006-later Dyna models (except Switchback™ and 2007-‘08 CVO™ Fat Bob® models). Continue reading ‘Sharpening The Ride, Handling And Comfort Of A Harley Dyna’
The 2015 Harley-Davidson Euro Festival was held May 7th to 10th in the city of Grimaud (it’s very close to St Tropez) on the French Riviera. Motojournalist Horst Rosler rode a Victory Magnum from Frankfurt, Germany to the event. And to torture me (because he knows I would have liked to ride with him on these south of France roads that I love and know so well) he sent me a few pictures that I share with you. Legends below.
From top to bottom, left to right.
1-2-3-4- After crossing the alps, riding south to reach the sleepy century-old villages of Provence lost among extremely scenic landscapes. 5- On the mountain road to the Principaulty Of Monaco. 6- The Victory Margum is parked front of the Plaque commemorating the death of Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco (1929-1982), after a stroke caused her to crash her car in a turn of this very narrow road just above Monte Carlo. 7- The 2015 Formula One Grand Prix Of Monaco is Sunday May 24. Horst rode the city streets race track while it is being prepped for the event (will be there for the 2016 edition…). Did a pit stop but nobody was there to refuel and change the Victory Magnum tires… 8- Arriving in Nice and overlooking the “Bay of Angels” and the deep-blue Mediterranean Sea. 9-In Nice, cruising the famous “English Promenade” 10- In Nice, front of the “Palais De La Mediterranee”, one of the world’s most well known hotels.
Following a successful first year involvement, the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) and Zero Motorcycles, currently the world’s leading manufacturer of electric motorcycles, have announced that the pioneering OEM will return for its second year of exhibiting this October 15-18 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).
Highlighting the product lineup from Zero will be its high-performance Zero SR motorcycle. The company’s marquee model boasts the longest battery range of any production electric motorcycle and also has performance capabilities that exceed many of its gas-powered counterparts. For the first time the Zero SR model, as well as the entire lineup of Zero Motorcycles, will be available for demo rides at AIMExpo Outdoors!
“AIMExpo played a huge role in getting us off to a great start in 2015,” said Scot Harden, VP Global Marketing at Zero Motorcycles. “In just two short years, AIMExpo has become a major player on motorcycling’s global event calendar and clearly established itself as the most important show to attend in North America.
Two very special custom motorcycles were created as part of a BMW Motorrad “Ignite Straight Six” contest between 2 Japanese builders, Keiji Kawakita from Hot-Dock Custom-Cycles and Ken Nagai from Ken’s Factory. Although both customs have a lot of merit, the one created by Ken’s Factory that I feature here has my preference. The reason? The BMW K 1600 GTL with its 1,649cc straight-six cylinder engine is a quite complicated machine and Ken Nagai succeeds in making his makeover as good as a naked motorcycle built from the ground up.
Constraints imposed by BMW Motored were to keep the factory frame (could be modified) and of course the engine. Doesn’t make the customization process as simple as it may sounds. Turning the high-class BMW K1600 GTL touring bike with ergonomics designed for long trips into a Digger required a lot of studying and planning. Not doubt that the K1600 in-line 6-cylinder engine is the most efficient and compact motor ever installed in a production motorcycle series. So, why not make it serve a machine with a completely different personality, one more in phase with what the Ken’s Factory likes to build when dealing with a V-Twin motor. Continue reading ‘Ken’s Factory Very Special BMW K1600 GTL’
How much do you know or want to know about Triumph Motorcycles? From the humble beginnings of Triumph Engineering Co Ltd , a defunct British motorcycle manufacturer, to the times of Norton Villiers Triumph, also defunct, to the current Triumph Motorcycles Ltd, the current British motorcycle manufacturer. This new book “The Complete Book Of Classic And Modern Triumph Motorcycles” takes an authoritative, thorough and heavily illustrated look at Triumph motorcycles, from beloved classics to popular new models!
The company began in 1885 when Siegfried Bettmann emigrated from Nuremberg, part of the German Empire, to Coventry in England. The company began producing the first Triumph-branded bicycles in 1889. In 1896 Triumph initiated a factory in Nuremberg for bicycle production in Bettman’s native city. In 1898, Triumph decided to extend its own production to include motorcycles and by 1902, the company had produced its first motorcycle, a bicycle fitted with a Belgian Minerva engine. Continue reading ‘The Complete Book Of Classic And Modern Triumph Motorcycles. 1936-Today.’
A fusion of yesterday’s craftsmanship and of modern precision, this universal brake fluid cylinder by LC Fabrications illustrates how a nice detail can bring your motorcycle to the next level of customization. Made of brass brass and aluminum, viewing pleasure included. At Lowbro Customs. $74.95.
Throughout 2015 Indian Motorcycle will unveil a series of custom Indian Scouts designed and crafted by some of America’s leading custom bike builders — each designed to celebrate an important Indian Scout milestone or achievement since its debut in 1920. Each of the custom Scouts will be accompanied by vignettes to share the legacy of the Indian Scout. To kick-off the series, Indian Motorcycle today launched the Custom Military Scout in a vignette narrated by Mark Wahlberg. The Custom Military Scout is a tribute to the company’s nearly 100-year history of supporting the U.S. Military and to celebrate Indian Motorcycle’s partnership with USO. Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Announces Its Scout Inspired Custom Series. First A Custom Military.’
Motus Motorcycles Now Street Legal In 50 US States. The Air Resources Board has certified the 2015 Motus motorcycle models MST and MSTR as compliant with California’s strict emissions standards, Motus motorcycles are now street legal in all 50 states. The Alabama company just started a Demo Rides Tour at select US dealers.
Voters Approve Buffalo Chip Campground Becoming South Dakota’s Newest Town.Still Some Obstacles. Voters unanimously decided to make the Buffalo Chip into South Dakota’s newest and USA most motorcycle-friendly town. The city of Sturgis and some neighbors of the Chip oppose the Buffalo Chip being incorporated. A group of 56 land owners and the city of Sturgis have appealed the Meade County Commission’s approval of the petition to hold Thursday’s incorporation election. Both the city and the land owners cite residency inconsistencies as one of the reasons for the appeal, questioning voters not living at the Buffalo Chip but listed as voters in the proposed incorporated area. Owner of the Buffalo Chip Rod Woodruff said “I’m bonded to the Sturgis area. We are part of this whole thing together. I want to work with the city of Sturgis to keep the rally here and not at Exit 55” in reference to the I90 exit 55 in Rapid City where the Harley-Davidson Official Dealer has attracted many rally vendors formely setup in or around Sturgis. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
With this new Sportster Clubman Handlebar (P/N 55800341 Chrome, P/N 55800342 Satin Black; $199.95) from Harley-Davidson you give your Sportster some classic cafe racer style. Going to race or not, you will lie low like a ton-up rider. Designed to replicate a classic café racer handlebar, this one-inch diameter Clubman Handlebar is 30.75 inches wide and positions the hands three inches lower than the stock handlebar. Continue reading ‘Hands Down On Your Sportster For Some Classic Café Racer Attitude’
Victory Racing and Roland Sands Design take on the challenge of building a 100% hand-built road racing bike with a prototype Victory engine. Together they plan to race the bike at Pikes Peak (Race to the Clouds), America’s most challenging road race with 156 corners up a 14,000ft (4,267m) mountain.
Avon Tyres announced a new Road Hazard Warranty Program offering free replacement of any new tire (excluding non-D.O.T. approved race tires) for accidental, puncture or impact damage. Of course, fortunately it doesn’t happen very often…
But if you are interested, you simply complete the Avon Tyres Road Hazard Warranty form with the dealer at the time of purchase of a new tire, and should a tire become unserviceable as a result of qualified tire damage including punctures during the first 1mm of tread wear, a replacement will be offered at no charge. Offer valid in the U.S. and Canada. For details and to download the warranty brochure, visit Avon Road Hazard Warranty Program.
From the flight deck of the USS Yorktown, Harley-Davidson today announces it is offering all current and former U.S. military free Riding Academy motorcycle training. The new “Learn to Ride” program, open to active-duty, retired, reservists and veterans, begins on Armed Forces Day, May 16 and runs through Sept. 13. Harley-Davidson teamed up with U.S. Army veteran and two-time Paralympian, Heath Calhoun, and six riders who are also in the military, to make today’s announcement by demonstrating fundamental motorcycle riding exercises aboard the USS Yorktown in Charleston, S.C.
“As a veteran, and a rider, I have found that nothing is more therapeutic than getting on my bike and taking a ride,” said Calhoun, Wounded Warrior Project® Alumnus and owner of a 2014 Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide. “I am honored to help Harley-Davidson empower all of us who have served to find comfort on the open road.” All stateside military can take advantage of this offer by visiting a Harley-Davidson dealer or going to Military Learn To Ride. If Riding Academy is not available in a particular area, Harley-Davidson will issue a Harley-Davidson gift card totaling the cost of the certified motorcycle safety program. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Offers Free Riding Academy To Those Who Serve And Have Served Our Country’
For the classic Harley 4 speed transmission with a kickstarter for years 1936 to 1984 and also several aftermarket 4-speed transmissions. The Harley 4-speed transmission has been around a very long time, and it continues to be a reliable unit when you can get them to stop leaking. This cover will help you convert your standard pull cable throttle to an hydraulic clutch. This is not a hydraulic clutch conversion. You will also need a hydraulic master cylinder and hydraulic line to the length you require. Pictured with a 10mm banjo fitting with a AN-3 male adapter (Not Included). You might also need to modify your clutch pushrod along with other mods. $299.95. If you have any questions or concerns call at Speed Dealers at 417-717-4316.
Harley 5 or 6-speed CFL Art style Polished Or Black Hydraulic Clutch Cover
They have similar specifications as the “ART” clutch housing that was used on WCC’S in house bikes and many others. Available polished or black anodized, they are CNC machined T6061 aluminum and provided with all stainless steel bolts. Piston O-rings are chemical resistant Viton O-rings. The fill bolt is also O-Ring sealed to prevent oil seep. Made in the USA. $215.12. At Speed Dealers.
It’s the first Triumph national television campaign in the US since 2013. The “Voices” commercial begins in the streets of Los Angeles, Calif., and closes on an open, expansive salt flats, signifying the historical ties of the Bonneville motorcycle to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah where the bike earned its namesake. Named “Voices” the spot tries to convey that the farther you ride, the softer the everyday voices and noises in your head become, that the more miles logged, the freer you become from the daily grind. What do you think of it?
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip®’s Biker Belles event will celebrate women and the role they play in shaping the culture, sport, art and history of motorcycling on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads VIP Center. Created by the Buffalo Chip seven years ago to raise awareness of the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling and to raise funds for worthy local charities, the event has undergone some big changes for 2015.
The festivities will include a catered brunch, inspiring speakers, a pampering at the Comfort Zone sponsored by Team Diva and servicing options at Easy Eddie’s Tune-Up Tent. Attendees may also enter their ride in the unique bike show where entrants will share stories about their ride. Featured speaker and Motor Maids matriarch, Gloria Struck will give an entertaining presentation and safety expert, Vicki Roberts-Sanfelipo, author of “A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist,” will offer safe riding tips. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Biker Belles Event. Tuesday August 4, 2015 At The Buffalo Chip.’
These Corbin Sport Bucket Seats are designed to work on the existing Polaris seat frame and slider. Instead of building up complete racing style seats with shoulder bolsters, Corbin opted for a Sport Bucket style with thigh and side bolsters and keeping your shoulders free. Not only does this look more appropriate inside the Slingshot, but it maximizes cabin space but they will not make you feel cramped.
Seat and back panels are conceived to cradle your body ergonomically. This gives a long range support that eliminates hot spots. They also made the thigh bolsters with a softer angle so they add more seating area for more square inches of body contact. This helps hold your body in place yet not “confined” while giving additional comfort value. Continue reading ‘The Polaris Slingshot Got Custom Seats From Corbin’
Ken Nagal, the Japanese Custom Builder with offices both in his native country and in California, is making his “Neo-Fusion” 5 3/4” headlight available to US buyers. You have already seen it on several recent customs built by Nagal that I have featured in this website.
It is designed to be bolt-on on most Harley models. Features are: an aluminum billet body, an aluminum billet, black / brass-plated ring, DOT approved clear-cut headlight lens (H4) included with assembly, a mount block with mounting screw pitch 3/8” UNC, 6 different combinations of color and material and a very bright bulb.
In stock. You can order at Ken’s Factory USA or call Nelson Kanno on my behalf (562) 597-5666.
The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) announced that S&S Cycle will become the newest exhibitor for the 2015 show, scheduled for October 15-18 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). The addition of S&S Cycle further expands the growing contingent of V-Twin exhibitors in the show’s third year.
Established in 1958, the Viola, Wisconsin-based S&S Cycle has grown to become arguably the most recognizable name in V-Twin aftermarket performance. The “Go-Fast” mantra that was founded chasing speed on the Bonneville Salt Flats now defines the brand and its products, which are aimed at maximizing the performance of V-Twin motorcycles.
S&S Cycle’s participation at AIMExpo will be highlighted by its sponsorship of the Freestyle class at the new AIMExpo Championship of the Americas custom bike building competition, alongside Biker’s Choice. The winner of the inaugural contest will advance to the AMD 2016 World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Cologne, Germany at the 2016 Intermot show. S&S Cycle and world-class bike-building events go hand-in-hand as a long time sponsor of the AMD World Championship. With the introduction of the AIMExpo Championship of the Americas, it recognized the opportunity to expand its support of bike builders in its home market. Continue reading ‘V-Twin Leader S&S Cycle Becomes Newest Exhibitor At AIMExpo. Will Sponsor AIMExpo Championship of the Americas Bike Build-Off’
Although the Indian Scout delivery as been delayed to some dealers, some vendors like Aeromach USA were able to get one to work on some aftermarket custom parts.
And because the company has already heard from dealers that buyers of the Scout are looking for floorboards with some asking for an additional heel shifter, they have worked fast and furious to get these products and a few others done on time to satisfy the demands.
Aeromach also offers a floorboard relocation kit, dual-position passenger floorboards and a heel shifter for the Indian Chief. Aeromach USA.
May in Norway. Morten Anderssen is the Publisher and Editor In Chief of Biker Journalen, the only Norwegian language motorcycle magazine. Each year rides 700 km to the the city of Bergen for the “Spring Rally” to report in his magazine…and celebrate Spring! In case you miss the snow of this past winter, a picture of him last weekend riding his Chieftain to the rally.
Take a Harley-Davidson® Touring bike to the wild side of performance with the new Screamin’ Eagle® SE120ST Crate Motor (P/N 19221-15, $5,695.00) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories. Offering the factory-engineered street performance, this 120-cubic-inch engine is designed for bolt-in installation in an Original Equipment-style Harley-Davidson Touring chassis with no required fabrication or engine mount relocation.
Equipped with a Screamin’ Eagle 58mm Throttle Body that’s 18 percent larger than stock, this engine is capable of producing 106 horsepower and 117 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel.
The crankcase, cylinders and heads are painted black and feature machined aluminum highlights and chrome covers. For best performance results, Harley-Davidson recommends combining this engine with a Screamin’ Eagle 58mm High-Flow Air Cleaner (P/N 29400222, $159.95) and a Screamin’ Eagle High Flow Exhaust System (P/N 64800022, $1,299.95). Developed and tested in Milwaukee, this motor features the finest Screamin’ Eagle components… Continue reading ‘Screamin’ Eagle® SE120ST Crate Motor As Bolt-In Installation For Your Harley Bagger’
For the second-consecutive year, Ducati tops the rankings of the “Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index U.S. Motorcycle Industry Benchmarking Study.” Ducati took the top ranking with 116 points, which was up 2 points from its 2014 score. Following 4 points back is Harley-Davidson. Together, Ducati and Harley-Davidson have ranked either first, second or third for the past nine-straight years. Fourth in rankings just 2 points behind Harley-Davidson is Victory Motorcycles, which is followed by Triumph (109 points) and BMW (108 points).
The Pied Piper PSI has for objective to measure how effectively U.S. motorcycle dealerships help shoppers become buyers. The study measured “dealership treatment of motorcycle shoppers, with rankings by brand determined by the patent-pending Pied Piper PSI process, which ties ‘mystery shopping’ measurement and scoring to industry sales success.”
Displaying the greatest improvement in the study from 2014 to 2015 were all European brands – Aprilia (+10 points), KTM (+8 points) and BMW (+8 points). Pied Piper reports that in total, 13 of the 17 brands improved their performance, resulting in the highest industry average PSI score of the nine years Pied Piper has been benchmarking the U.S. motorcycle industry. Part of this improvement is due to availability of test riders, dealerships encouraging customers to sit on the motorcycles, and salespeople requesting customer contact info and trade-in information. Continue reading ‘Ducati Dealerships Top Satisfaction Index Of Motorcycle Shoppers In The USA.’
A stunt showdown between two riders from Spain and Italy. In the video below, David Cobos (Spain) and Luca Cotone (Italy) fight it out for the most jumps on trial motorcycles between 2 containers in 2 minutes. Their arms hurt and my head spins. On the set of Italian TV show “Lo Show dei Record”.
The most recent Kodlin’s built radical Bagger was called “Outtalimit”. Three weeks ago, Fred Kodlin launched an invitation to the press for the unveiling of a new radical tourer announced to be much more extreme in terms of design, refinement, body fabrication, power and technology. For this reveal, Kodlin picked, like he loves to do it, an unusual location. A trendy restaurant called Sansibar located on the dunes of the German Sylt island famous for its prominent residents during the summer season. Well, on April 25th the press braved the unexpected at this time of the year cold and fog of Northwest Germany to watch the cover being pulled off from the Kodlin’s F32, the first all steel 32” front wheel European Bagger. A machine that you will hate if you are only into vintage and classic motorcycles, but that all of you should respect for the custom building prowess of its builders.
Builders is plural because F32 is born from the imagination of 2 men, the father and son team of Fred and Len Kodlin. About a year ago Len sketched the F32 with such a radical design that the project could only be credible if the bike was powered by a very special engine. Fortunately, during the 2014 edition of Mallorca Bike Week, Fred had a chance encounter with German V-Twin motor tuner Guenther Sohn to who the F32 drawings were shown. He immediately agreed to build a monster Twin Cam motor fit for such a project.
A former Top-Fuel and AHD Drag Racer Guenther pumped about 170 HP into the engine, “of course a reliable and lasting 170 HP” he underlines with a smile. “I have identified and analyzed all the problems inherent to the high-volume motors based on the Twin Cam configuration… and I cured them. It is great to see one of my engines in a high-profile custom with such stunning design.” Continue reading ‘Extreme Bagger Redefined. The First European 32” All Steel Tourer By Fred And Len Kodlin’
I am almost without words to write. But already hear some crying and screaming coming from each corner of the custom motorcycle scene.
An electric kick? Yes, because the manufacturer will tell you that many bikers want to look root without obssessing at the idea of being genuinely authentic. Especially those with weak knees (many…)
Harley-Davidson is introducing Premium Ride Emulsion Shocks and a Premium Ride Single Cartridge Fork Kit for the Dyna model. They were developed to work together, engineered and track-tested at the Harley-Davidson Arizona Proving Grounds
