Shot by Joey Rocket, a.k.a. Adrian Laboy, a collaborator of Indian/Victory of Daytona Beach, a few shots of the event and some interesting aerial views (yes, from a Drone) giving you a different perspective…
Archive Page 104
Brass Balls Bobber (BBB) brought back to life an original 1974 Honda CB 750 now in excellent condition so that Pros 4 Vets can raffle it to fulfill their mission of supporting our US troops. To win this bike, each ticket is only $10.00 and only 2000 tickets will be sold. So you chance of winning is 1 in 2000, or of course more if you buy more than 1 ticket. Winner will be picked randomly. Brass Ball Bobbers will ship this CB750 anywhere in the world (winner pay shipping). To participate to this raffle and donate to Military Servicemen, go to Pro 4 Vets.
Öhlins Racing AB Safety Recall Notice For TTX 36 Shocks
Published by April 14th, 2015 in Editorial, Events and Suspension.
Öhlins has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain batches and part numbers of aftermarket TTX36 (TTX GP, TTX RT & TTX36 MKII) MC shock absorbers produced between 11-06-2013 and 02-19-2015.
Therefore you are strongly urged to stop using the motorcycle until the shock absorber has been removed or corrected. It can be a safety issue to use the bike with the faulty shock absorber on the bike
Öhlins Racing AB is conducting a campaign to recall all the affected aftermarket TTX36 shock absorbers of the models and batches rectify the issue. To determine if your shock is affected by the recall, and the steps to take if so, go to Öhlins Recall Notice.
When Harley-Davidson introduced its 2 Street models (750 & 500), the maker described them as “coming from the street, born out of the custom tradition of tearing down a motorcycle to its raw, minimal essence and letting the pure rebellion inherent in the lines of the machine come screaming through”…
Corporate narrative aside, it’s true that the Harley Street is designed mainly for city quick moves and tight turns and for such purpose features a lean and narrow chassis, tires for easy handling, a super low seat (women welcome) and a suspension tuned for the roughest urban roads. So, you could suppose like me, that the customized versions of the Harley Street would emphasize its vocation of being a street bike for youngsters. This feature to prove you that the Street can have a different personality.
The story of this makeover going in the off-road direction is the involuntarily result of a competition currently organized by Harley-Davidson among all its european official dealers. Each of them must customize a Street (no constraints imposed by H-D), with each european country winner selected for a final competition where the Street “Custom King” champion will be announced during the “Wheels and Waves“ weekend June 11-13, 2015 in Biarritz, France. Continue reading ‘A Harley Street 750 Goes Off-Road’
Gain Rider Leg Clearance With New Harley Passenger Mini Footboard Mounts
Published by April 12th, 2015 in Accessories, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Gain leg room with the new Passenger Mini Footboard Mount Kit (P/N 50500403 $99.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories. This mount kit replaces the Original Equipment passenger footboards of 1993-later Harley-Davidson Touring models with more-compact footpegs or mini footboards.
The passenger’s feet are moved rearward and inward to create more space between the rider footboard and the passenger foot support, extra leg room that may make it easier to walk the bike in and out of parking spaces. When folded, the pegs are tighter to the bike which makes it easier for many owners to reach and push the bike in a garage. Original Equipment on the Electra Glide® Ultra Classic® Low and Ultra Limited Low models, this kit is an ideal solution for short-limbed riders. It includes a left and right mount and required installation hardware. The mounts accept several styles of Mini Footboards or male-mount style passenger footpegs, which are sold separately. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson.
In 1932, 23-year-old Englishman Robert Fulton Jr set off on a 40,000-mile solo motorcycle trek from London to Japan. His incredible footage of the journey is one of a selection of films being shown in England at The Adventure Travel Film Festival (17-20 Aug). It captures a Middle East still under British rule, India under the Raj and pre-communist China, all before the days of telephones, proper infrastructure or mass tourism – and when some parts of his map were still marked “unknown”. This is an edited extract from the film.
This weekend in Austin, Texas, Brian Case, the Co-founder, Design Director of MOTUS Motorcycles, is presenting at the “Handbuilt Show” a very special supercharged Motus. A short 4-week project, it started with a stock Motus MSTR Sport Tourer stripped away as much as Brian could. Then a supercharger from Procharger was added and the engine was fitted with a 4-2-1 Tri-Y stainless exhaust with a titanium Akrapovic GP slip-on. The blower required a custom designed bracket and pulley drive system mounted to the left side of the Motus MV4 engine, and driven off of to the Motus alternator pulley. The stock Motus ECU also made an easy job of tuning the system, which already has PC-based programming features to recognize supercharging. Continue reading ‘Custom Built Supercharged Motus MSTR’
A 65 year old woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience.. Seeing God, she asked “Is my time up?” God said, “No, you have another 33 years, 2 months and 8 days to live.”
Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction, breast implants and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair color and brighten her teeth! Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it.
After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing The street on her way home, she was killed by an ambulance. Arriving in front of God, she demanded, “I thought you said I had another 33 years? Why didn’t you pull me from out of the path of the Ambulance?”
God replied: “Shit, I didn’t recognize you!”
Post Apocalyptic Motorcycle
Published by April 10th, 2015 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
Some of you are familiar with AMC’s “The Walking Dead” tv series with all episodes describing a post apocalyptic in which a band of survivors find themselves on the road, surviving day to day and trying to hold on to their shredded humanity and dwindling hope. Stripped of security and without a direction for the future, some of the group near their breaking point, some find themselves hardened and cold and some just try to grasp on to what little they have left.
Classified Moto a small custom shop located in Richmond, Virginia was commissioned by the show to build a pair of identical post-apocalyptic motorcycles to replace tv character Daryl Dixon’s lost chopper. The survivor bike is based on the 1992 Honda CB750 Nighthawk. It features front end from a Yamaha YZF-R6, including the wheel and brakes, a stock Nighthawk rear wheel, smooth-riding Progressive Suspension 970 piggyback shocks, Kenda Big Block tires, a custom leather seat and a distressed finish befitting a ride from a post-apocalyptic world. Continue reading ‘Post Apocalyptic Motorcycle’
Zipper’s Performance MaxFlow and HighFlow Premium Air Cleaner Kits Now Available And Ready to Ship
Published by April 10th, 2015 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Zipper’s Premium Air Cleaner Kits for Twin Cam® Engines
Here’s a nice power increase that’s easy to install! These USA-Made Premium Air Cleaner Kits feature internal-breather backing plates CNC-machined from solid billet for strength, performance and beauty. The included cleanable/oil-able, pleated gauze element is available in standard 2-1/4″ width or Zipper’s 5/8″ wider MaxFlow unit to really let that engine breathe. Available with satin billet, texture black or chrome plated breather ports. Bolt it on and you will feel the difference.
Zipper’s Rushmore Air Cleaner Kit. 47% Air Flow Increase.
The Rushmore Air Cleaner kits for 2014-2015 Touring models allow 47% airflow increase over the stock Rushmore air cleaner. The CNC billet backplate is constructed with full radius inlets. Includes a 100% washable, re-usable oiled gauze HighFlow Air Cleaner element. Supports Rushmore cover 360° for durability. These kits are available with a black backing plate for a sleek look.
Zipper’s Stage I Max Flow Air Cleaner Upgrade Kits. 60% More Surface Area.
Already have the factory Stage I air cleaner kit and want to improve the performance of it? This Upgrade Kit includes a specially designed MaxFlow filter element and mounting hardware that is 5/8” deeper (60% more surface area!) than the un-serviceable factory Stage I filter. Washable, high flow oiled-gauze element traps the smallest dirt particles while providing dramatic flow increases. Simple 5 minute installation. Notice an immediate difference. Zipper’s has also high quality, USA-made, washable oiled-gauze replacement filters in stock widths for both cable and TBW air cleaners to replace the non-serviceable factory Stage I elements. Continue reading ‘Zipper’s Performance MaxFlow and HighFlow Premium Air Cleaner Kits Now Available And Ready to Ship’
RSD Custom Gauge Mount And Top Triple Set Up
Published by April 9th, 2015 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Roland Sands Design (RSD) is Introducing the RSD Gauge Mount and Top Triple Set Up for Softail, Dyna, Sportster & 48 models. The idea is to move any stock Harley-Davidson 3-1/4” gauge from the gas tank or risers to the front of the forks. The RSD Top Triple Clamps also allow for use of standard risers instead of the standard HD built-in riser mounts, allowing for unlimited bar and riser options. All Top Triples include mounting holes for Gauge Relocation.
The RSD billet Top Triple Tree increases the rigidity of your fork, somewhat improving suspension and decreasing front fork flex. They also look great while eliminating the built-in riser on some Sportster and Dyna models and allowing the use of standard risers. Also available without riser holes for a clean look on cafe bikes using clip-on bars. All triple-trees are drilled and tapped for Top Triple Gauge Mount and Adapter Plate. MSRP $209.95 to $219.95.
The RDS Cafe Gauge & Headlight Re-Locator For Sportsters lowers your headlight and gauge to a from the top handlebar clamp down to the front of the top triple clamp. This allows for the use of any aftermarket risers or complete elimination of risers for use of the RSD Clip-Ons. MSRP $259.95
This 1948 James Comet belongs to the Art Busman Collection. It will be featured in the 2016 edition of the Paul Oxman Publishing Motorcycle Classics Calendar. Photography @ Doug Mitchel
S&S Variable Pressure Clutch To Upgrade Your Harley Stock Clutch Without Any Modifications
Published by April 9th, 2015 in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
S&S has a long history of making a lot of power, and a lot of stock clutches have been sacrificed to the “Gods Of Speed”. S&S has come up with a couple of economical ways to beef up your stock clutch so it can handle the power an S&S engine can throw at it.
This Variable Pressure Clutch gives you up to 40% more additional pressure for clutch engagement. Fits behind a stock derby cover and primary cover with NO modification required. The upgrade is a 10 minute installation…
For 1998-up Big Twins with 6 Stud Clutch Hub (Does not fit: ‘13 and later CVO™ and Tri-Glide™, ‘15 and later Ultra Limited Low and Electra Glide Classic Low Models with New H-D® Assist and Slipper Clutch: 3 Stud Clutch Hub) Only $284.95. Continue reading ‘S&S Variable Pressure Clutch To Upgrade Your Harley Stock Clutch Without Any Modifications’
Motorcycle Reliability And Owner Satisfaction. A Survey By “Consumer Reports”
Published by April 8th, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Faithful to its mission to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to make better and more informed choices, Consumer Reports just published the results of a new study on to find out two things: how reliable top-selling brands are in terms of frequency of repair and how happy those brands make their owners.
Let’s not forget that reliability and satisfaction are not necessarily tied together. Breaking down on the open road is an unpleasant experience that all bikers prefer to avoid, so choosing a brand more reliable than most will tilt the odds of buying this brand. But there are many other factors contributing to a motorcycle owner happiness. The survey was conducted on Consumer Reports subscribers who reported on more than 12,300 motorcycles from model years 2008 to 2014. For repairs, mileage driven was adjusted over a 12-month period with repair rates estimated for 4-year-old models without a service contract.
The most important results are this survey are: Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Reliability And Owner Satisfaction. A Survey By “Consumer Reports”’
Progressive Suspension “Spring Into Spring” Promotion. Buy A Set Of 444 or 944 Series Shocks. Get A Free Set Of Progressive Rate Fork Springs (stock Or Lowered)
Published by April 8th, 2015 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
If you purchase a set of Progressive Suspension 444 or 944 Series Shocks between April 1st to April 30th, 2015, you will score a FREE se of their progressive rate fork springs (stock length or lowered). Click HERE for more info and fill out the redemption form to receive your FREE Set Of Fork Springs.
The 944 SERIES is for ultra touring and ultra low shocks. 944 ULTRA TOURING: Specifically designed to deliver a comfortable ride at a 1″ lowered stance. Built around our latest FST technology, The Ultra Touring shocks utilize all the suspension travel provided by the full length units, but in a 1″ lowered ride height. The unique Ultra Touring spring combination not only delivers a lowered ride height while its being ridden, but also while it’s on the side stand. The 944 ULTRA LOW: Just like the name implies, this is the lowest version of our 944 Series shocks. Designed to sit 2” lower than a stock HD Touring model and provide the best ride a short shock can!
The 444 SERIES SHOCKS feature the Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) for its unique ability to dynamically adjust damping as you ride. The result is superior performance no matter the road conditions. A top mount threaded preload adjuster allows for fine tuning with a simple twist of the cap.
The Progressive Rate Springs have been chosen to reduce front end “dive” during braking, yet still provide excellent ride comfort. They offer the advantage of a rising rate resistance to compression. The benefit of this is that the spring can be soft enough at the start of the travel to offer a “plush” ride, yet be firm enough at the end of the travel to soak up the big bumps. Some applications are offered in Heavy Duty and Standard Versions.
Custom 1975 Honda CB750. Jay Leno Rode It And Loved It.
Published by April 8th, 2015 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
Rebuilt by Gasser Customs in the spirit of the Hot Rods & Gassers of the 1950’s & 60’s but with some modern technology.Hheavy frame mods for added strength and functionality.
The engine has been bored up to an 836cc with a twin carb set-up and has various other Go Fast mods giving the ability to don the ton and then some. Front end comes from a 1984 VF750F, GC triple tree.
One-off Brat style seat and custom battery box & electronics re-located under the new 3″ extended aluminum swing arm. A very cool 40-year old bike.
And if you are interested it’s for sale. Call: 213-437-6316. See it in action in this video.
Ural Sidecar Motorcycle Company. Did You Know?
Published by April 7th, 2015 in Builders and Editorial.
You know that Ural sidecars are made for rocks, mud, snow and rivers. They will not take you fast to your destination, but they will take you to impossible places.
Ural sidecar motorcycles are built since 1941 in Siberia, Russia. Originally they were destined to be used as battle bikes for the Soviet Red Army. They are still built, in very limited quantity (about 1000 units) by Irbit MotorWorks Factory (IMZ) in Irbit, Russia. At one time, the factory was manufacturing more than 132,000 sidecars a year.
Ural sidecars are modeled after a late-model 1930s BMW R71 sidecar motorcycle although no one seems to know for sure the story of how the Russians got the engineering. One story is that Nazi Germany provided the Soviet Union an R71 after the countries signed a nonaggression pact in 1939. Another story is that the Soviets bought several R71s through another country and Soviet engineers took the bikes apart and reverse engineered them for production in Russia.
IMZ was privatized in the early 1990s, so has no relation with the Russian government. In 2000, a group of Russian entrepreneurs led by Ilya Khait bought the brand, keeping the manufacturing in Irbit, Russia, but moved the headquarters in Redmond, near Seattle. Irbit MotorWorks of America, Inc, or Ural IMWA for short, imports and distributes the Ural sidecars in the United States. Continue reading ‘Ural Sidecar Motorcycle Company. Did You Know?’
Sudco Keihin FCR39/41 Carburetor Kits For Ducati 750/900 SuperSport, Monsters.
Published by April 7th, 2015 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Keihin FCR Carburetors are acknowledged as some of the leading carburetors in 4-stroke motorcycle road racing. Sudco International offers Keihin FCR 39mm and 41mm Performance Carburetor Kits for Ducati’s popular 1992 to 2002 air-cooled L-twin Desmodromic valve engines found in the 750/900 Super Sport and 900 Monster models.
The Kits include a pair of Keihin FCR carburetors with tuned velocity stacks for track use, or a K&N High-Flow Street Filter, and all necessary installation components including dual throttle cables, a twist throttle assembly if needed, and fuel line for an easy bolt-on installation. The carburetors come pre-jetted for your particular application and ready to run. Sudco can also provide optional jetting if needed to match other engine modifications. Complete Kits are retail priced from $892.50 to $1,002.75.
For additional information and to order, contact your local motorcycle parts dealer or Sudco International 310-637-8330
The Sportster line, the Harley-Davidson XL family, is produced continuously since 1957. The 1957-1986 Ironhead model (so named because of the cast iron cylinder heads) is a favorite of many builders into retro bikes restoration or customization. But truth is that it is not often an easy bike to work on. And if you are an amateur builder, it may take you a lot of time, a few headaches and most of your spare coins.
Did you say pain in the butt clutch & transmission? Cut the tumor. Keep the damn good engine. Divorce the blown out tranny and replace it by a Big Twin model! It’s the solution for a healthy and reliable Ironhead Sportster as proposed by the duo of Russ Peterson and Eric “Woody” Sage. The bike that I feature here is the number 1 of a kit they call the “Shortsters” (not a typo) for professional customizers who want to combine the best of both worlds. The beauty of an Ironhead engine with the reliability of a Big Twin gearbox. Continue reading ‘The Ironhead Sportster With A Divorced Tranny’
Arlen Ness Front Brake Calipers For Indian Models
Published by April 5th, 2015 in Controls, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
These replacement brake housings will fit 2014-up Indian models (except Scouts) and all 2010 & up Victory models (except Vision) Only front applications, available for right and left side. Available in chrome or black. Includes seals and instructions (replacement seals must be purchased separately. Made in the USA. MSRP $249.95. At Arlen Ness.
Discovery Channel Unveils A New Series About Harley-Davidson
Published by April 5th, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Rich Ross, the new Chief of the Discovery Channel, unveiled new programming for season 2015-2016. Among the new tv shows, a scripted series about the history of Harley-Davidson. Based on a true story, the series will tell how Milwaukee schoolyard pals William S. Harley (left) and Arthur Davidson (right) built and rode the machines, then the company. Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, at the shores of Lake Michigan, this mini-series charts the birth of Harley-Davidson during a time of great social and technological change. Full of spectacular crashes, family feuds, inspired engineering and strokes of genius, this epic story is about how two 19-year-old kids from Milwaukee started a company in their backyard that would go on to become an American legend.
Allstate Motorcycle Chopper Story Presented By J&P Cycles Exhibit
Published by April 4th, 2015 in Customs and Events.
The exhibition will be opening June 20 at National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa.The National Motorcycle Museum is assembling the first-ever exhibit comprehensively documenting the evolution of the American Custom Motorcycle; the cut-downs, bob-jobs, show bikes and choppers, from the late 1920s to the mid-’70s. Opening in June 2015, the Allstate Motorcycle Chopper Story presented by J&P Cycles exhibit will include only period-built bikes, plus related artwork, memorabilia, film posters and photos, plus contemporary artwork commissioned for the show.
The long history of choppers is a uniquely American story, akin to Rock ‘n Roll in its cultural impact and global influence. The National Motorcycle Museum has located over 20 great but typical period custom motorcycles for the show.
“We put the word out to try and locate period builds, and the results have been good. Many original paint machines, some pretty outrageous, built in the 60’s and 70’s, were saved “as-is” and are still out there. They will be part of the show,” says Paul d’Orleans, guest curator for the exhibit. Continue reading ‘Allstate Motorcycle Chopper Story Presented By J&P Cycles Exhibit’
A Tesla Motorcycle? Last Monday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted mysterious news. He revealed in his tweet that Tesla is working on a new product, which isn’t a car and will be made public on Thursday 8pm, April 30 in Hawthorne Design Studio. Analysts were quick to share their perspectives regarding the announcement. They guessed it will be a new home battery but some suggested that Musk is talking about motorcycle. Tesla would easily buy a company of electric motorcycles (Zero?) or build one. So, we will know on April 30th.
Indian Motorcycle® Announced Partnership With the United Service Organizations (USO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs, services and live entertainment to the U.S. troops and their families worldwide. Indian Motorcycle joins the USO as an Official Partner, which will help the USO support our nation’s men and women in uniform, throughout every step of their military journey. “Indian Motorcycle has a proud track record of supporting U.S. troops dating back to WWI and WWII,” said Steve Menneto, vice president of motorcycles for Polaris Industries. “Our year-long partnership is a celebration of those who currently serve and those who have served our country. We look forward to engaging our dealers, Indian Motorcycle Riders’ Group and celebrity partners of the brand in our work with the USO.” In celebration of this new partnership, Indian Motorcycle will donate $100,000 to the USO in connection with its newly released, limited edition Mark Wahlberg Collection of apparel to the USO in April and May. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
April is “Check Your Helmet” Month. Guidelines From Harley-Davidson
Published by April 3rd, 2015 in Accessories and Editorial.
A research by Harley-Davidson shows that nearly 80 percent of all Harley and competitive motorcycle owners and passengers wear a helmet every time they ride. April is “Check Your Helmet” month and a great time to ensure your helmet delivers the protection that you expect. The company reminds you the industry guidelines to maximize your margin of safety. The suggestions include:
1- Helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years, according to DOT and Snell Foundation guidelines. Over time, exposure to UV rays combined with the aging of adhesives and components damage a helmet’s protective qualities.
2- helmet is designed for only one impact and should be replaced even if you can’t see any external damage. Dropping a helmet counts as an impact.
3- Proper fit is vital to a helmet’s effectiveness. A well-fitting helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. See your local dealer for assistance with helmet fit and care. Continue reading ‘April is “Check Your Helmet” Month. Guidelines From Harley-Davidson’
Photo @ Antonio Esposito
