The popular CDC-1-90 chain drive primary kit for 1990-2006 Softail models by Belt Drives Ltd. is now sold with BDL’s Competitor Clutch. Developed for street and high performance applications the Competitor provides instantaneous and absolute transfer of power to the rear wheel with a smooth, comfortable lever.
A patented 7-plate Kevlar clutch provides at least 60% more clutch surface than stock and the 9-spring pressure plate provides varying spring pressure needed for use with both stock and highly modified engines. This unique plate allows you to simply add or subtract springs to achieve the tension that is appropriate for your bike and riding style. Continue reading ‘BDL Chain Drive Primary Kit For Softail Models Now Includes Competitor Clutch Mechanism’
The line between what is legally a Motorcycle or a Car is getting blurry with the expansion of a new category of vehicles now called AutoCycles. The difference between a car and a motorcycle seemed to be clear. You sit in a car with 4 wheels and a steering wheel. You sit on a motorcycle with 2 or 3 wheels (2 wheels front or 2 wheels rear), steering with handlebars. What about 3-wheelers with steering wheel. Does a cockpit make a difference in terms of classification? Do you need or not to wear a helmet? What type of license or endorsement do you need to ride/drive? What are the standards relating to headlights, rear view mirrors, tires, braking, etc. Currently, some motorcycle standards are applied to the motorcycle part of the vehicle, with car safety standards applied to the car related parts… Continue reading ‘Government Trying To Establish New Regulations To Determine What Is A Motorcycle Versus A Car.’
You all know that this year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This summer, an estimated 1,000,000 riders will be making the journey to the Black Hills of South Dakota for this anniversary rally celebration. If ever there was a time to make an epic documentary about this great motorcycle gathering, it is now…
Production Company “Why We Ride Films” (Bryan H. Carroll and producer James Walker) the team that brought you the most award winning motorcycle film of all time “Why We Ride, just kicked off a 60-day Crowd Funding Campaign on Kickstarter for their new motorcycle documentary “I am Sturgis.” You can all help them make this very important movie in becoming one of their backers with a financial pledge with amazing rewards as listed on their Kickstarter Page.
Your pledge will allow them to raise the funds needed to start making this movie and continue their mission (started with “Why We Ride”) of promoting to audiences internationally what is good about motorcycling. You can also support the production by posting in social medias Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Be a part of history by joining Bryan H. Carroll and James Walker as they embark on their next cinematographic journey, making the ultimate film about the legendary history, amazing rides and inspiring people of Sturgis!
Fans of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® can now rest at ease knowing the shocking news delivered early this morning that Justin Bieber would be joining the venue’s 2015 festival lineup was merely an April Fools’ joke. The Buffalo Chip, with my complicity, let the public’s imagination run wild for hours and is now letting the cat out of the bag with the true announcement. John Fogerty, Godsmack and Styx have joined the growing list of superstars slated to entertain music lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts during the upcoming event.
“We just couldn’t let April Fools’ Day slip by without having a little fun with everyone,” said Buffalo Chip president Rod Woodruff. “Now that we’ve come clean and announced that some true biker favorites will be performing this year, our fans should see we’re prepared to make their 2015 party the best yet. The anticipation for this event has never been more intense, and these three incredible bands only add to the growing excitement.”
Fans attending this year’s 75th motorcycle rally anniversary party at the Chip will get to see lead singer and guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival and successful solo artist John Fogerty rock the Buffalo Chip’s Wolfman Jack Main Stage Wednesday, Aug. 5. Fogerty’s work has earned him a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as the distinction of being named a BMI Icon. The timelessness of Fogerty’s bluesy Southern-fried rock has captivated generations of fans who can look forward to potential live renditions of songs such as “Fortunate Son,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Proud Mary” and “Centerfield” during his Buffalo Chip performance. Continue reading ‘Not Justin Bieber. Sturgis Buffalo Chip® Reveals Real Bands Following April Fools Prank.’
A new set of 2.5” Slip-On Mufflers from Crusher™, the Performance Division of Küryakyn™, to intensify that classic Harley-Davidson® rumble and upgrade the styling of your Sportster® Dyna® or Softail®.
Unlike many slip-ons for cruisers, the latest addition to Crusher’s flagship Maverick series of performance exhaust products preserves a lean, smooth-flowing appearance from headers through the mufflers for a clean transition that enhances the traditional staggered-dual exhaust look.
The Maverick 2.5˝ Slip-Ons are 100% crafted in the U.S.A. Available in premium high-temp matte black ceramic-coated or chrome-plated steel, these mufflers and heat shields will not succumb to discoloration or bluing. Maintenance-free, high-flow louvered core baffles help generate a unique, full-bodied exhaust note at wide-open throttle, while offering lower decibel levels at cruising speeds. The cutting-edge styling, potent growl and noticeable jump in performance without intake or header upgrades create an unbeatable package at a reasonable price.
Available for ’91-’15 Dynas (except FLD and FXDL), most ’07-’15 Softails*, and all ’04-’15 Sportster models. MSRP: Chrome – $399.99, Black – $449.99. Fiberglass-wrapped steel louvered Sound Reduction Baffles are also available (sold separately, $79.99). More info and full line-up at Crusher.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® is shocking fans by bringing one of the music industry’s newest and brightest rock stars to the world’s largest music festival in motorcycling in 2015. Grammy-nominated worldwide singing sensation Justin Bieber will take the Chip’s main stage by storm to convert bikers to beliebers with his collection of new alternative rock songs on Aug. 9.
This powerhouse performer’s expanded stage show matches his rockstar reinvention as motorcycle culture bad boy and includes prolific use of pyro-technics, onstage trick burnouts performed on his Ducati and a bevy of beautiful dancers sure to entertain the Chip’s biker audience. Bieber joins the likes of Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Five Finger Death Punch on the main stage roster.
Bieber’s meteoric rise through the pop charts attests to his musical genius, and hits including “Baby,” “Boyfriend” and “Love Me” have earned him millions of fans. He is now using the power of his global brand to bolster his maturing image and the evolution of his music. Bieber’s love of motorcycle culture has greatly influenced not only his look, but also the creation of his new catalog, which fits the hard-rocking image of the Chip and its fans. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. Justin Bieber To Rock Sturgis Buffalo Chip 2015 Motorcycle and Music Festival.’
Dream job, adventure of a lifetime. Being paid 25,000 euros ($26,500) to travel through more than 20 countries on some of Europe’s most exciting routes and breathtaking landscapes. The lucky winnerwill ride a 2015 Street Glide that he (she) will keep at the end of the trip.
A professional film crew will accompany the rider on his trip and all together will share their experiences on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as via a dedicated website.
Convinced you could be the winner? Problem is that Harley-Davidson already received more than 10,000 applications for this “Discover More” contest and acknowledges that now they are already taking some time to be able to select a winner at the promised date of April 20th.
A modern take on the Café racer seat for the Harley Sportster, but comfortable enough for two. The new Caballero 2-Up seat is offered in Classic (shown here) or Diamond stitch patterns or Faux Carbon Fiber. Classic and Diamond models feature Solar Reflective Leather in the seating area, helping keep your seat up to 25°F cooler with higher durability. A 3/16” ABS thermoformed seat base makes for a comfortable ride complete with carpeted bottom to protect your ride paint. Available for all 04-15 XL models, suggested retail price is $309.95 for Classic and Diamond stitch, $259.95 for Faux Carbon Fiber. At your Drag Specialties dealer.
A new Germany based logistics, distribution (probably the largest warehouse in Europe) and educetion center based in Grolsheim, Germany dedicated exclusively to the needs of servicing and customizing American-made V-Twin motorcycles was the pretext for a huge weekend party to which all Custom Chrome Europe dealers were invited. The event included the introduction by CCE’s General Manager Andreas Scholz of the new 2015 “Bolt On and Ride“ motorcycles, of a new 2015 catalog and the launch of a new designed CCE website.
The CCE Open House will be soon followed by a sophisticated seminar program to educate CCE dealers on the challenges presented by the latest HD model changes. CCE‘s objective is not just to sell custom v-twin parts but to take on the challenges presented by an ever-more complicated combination of motorcycle models to which are added installation/homologation issues that request the need for dealers to be constantly informed and trained. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome Europe 2015 Open House’
Being a “young” (?) baby-boomer, I fell in love at first glance with this Jeep Chief Concept inspired by the full-size, 1970’s era Cherokee. This post to illustrate that the vintage, classic, Old School, Neo-Retro trend (and whatever name you give it) is far from over. From motorcycles to clothing to furniture and to everything. And if you want to know more on this new vintage styled ocean blue Jeep, it features a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with six-speed manual transmission, a two-inch lift kit with Fox shocks, cropped doors and windshield, a custom razor grille taken from the original Wagoneer, removable sides, chromes front and rear bumpers, and 17-inch slotted mag wheels. But when will it be available?
During last weekend the High school students who participated in the Buffalo Chip Challenge were participating in the Donnie Smith Bike Show in St Paul. Minnesota. They came back home with 2 new trophies.The student-built custom 2014 Indian Chieftain received 1st place in the “The Full Custom/other bagger” class, and the 2014 Harley- Davidson Road King took 2nd place in the “Harley Road King Full Custom”” category. Continue reading ‘High School Students From The Black Hills Win Big in Donnie Smith Bike Show’
On Wednesday May 14, 2014 I had to report on the passing of John Green, the producer of all Easyriders Events, the famous winter V-Twin Bike Shows and summer Rodeo Tours. A very gentle and courageous man that I knew well, he was relentless in promoting the talent and business of all builders. Many of today’s household names, because of his encouragements, owe him to have been able to start a career in the custom motorcycle industry. Among his many friends, a special one named Bill Dodge. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Green asked his wife Jene’s to give his personal 1952 Harley Panhead to Dodge when he would be gone. An assurance for Green that Dodge would give his beloved bike a new beautiful life.
The job of a Custom Builder is to build your bike like he would do it for himself, with the same passion and professionalism. In this case, even more. During every minute of the build, Bill Dodge wondered if Egret would be what John Greene would have wanted and cherished. Knowing both men, I am pretty sure that they “talked” to each other during all the steps of this build, exchanging ideas, discussing the most intricate details. A complicity and same passion for the chopper culture that death can not destroy when friends are real friends… Continue reading ‘Egret. A Tribute Chopper Built By Bill Dodge In Memory Of Close Friend John Green.’
On March 24th, Steve McQueen would have celebrated his 85th birthday. Was he an actor who races or a racer who acts?
To honor one of the most brilliant actors and racers of our time, Dwight Jon Zimmerman, a best-selling and award-winning author, and Greg Scott, a comic book artist, tell the life story of this American Icon in their new book Steve McQueen. Full-Throttle Cool.
This book is very different in its form, in the sense that Full-Throttle Cool presents McQueen’s life story in an artistic, graphic-novel format with 87 illustrations. It covers his entire life, from his earliest years growing up in a suburb of Indianapolis to his death from mesothelioma.
Learn all about his stunning movie career, in which he defined the antihero archetype. The cool panache he brought to the screen was perhaps only matched by his adrenaline-pumping racing exploits. McQueen was a diehard gear head and was into both cars and motorcycles. he owned over 60 cars and motorcycles in his collection that he used to drive/ride with his friends most often in the desert. You will get the full measure of both from this book. Paperback 96 pages 6 x 9” $17.99. You can reserve it now for delivery June 19th. Order at Steve McQueen. Full Throttle Cool.
Vern works hard at the Phone Company but spends two nights each week bowling, and plays golf every Saturday. His wife thinks he’s pushing himself too hard, so for his birthday she takes him to a local strip club. The doorman at the club greets them and says, “Hey, Vern! How ya doing?” His wife is puzzled and asks if he’s been to this club before. “Oh no,” says Vern. “He’s in my bowling league .”
When they are seated, a waitress asks Vern if he’d like his usual and brings over a Budweiser. His wife is becoming increasingly uncomfortable and says, “How did she know that you drink Budweiser?” “I recognize her, she’s the waitress from the golf club. I always have a Bud at the end of the 1st nine, honey.” Continue reading ‘Joke Of the Week’
Most custom bikes are equipped with an internal throttle to eliminate the throttle housing and hide the cable inside the bars for that super-clean look. Exile Cycles now offers the Internal Throttle with a choice of TWO twist-sleeve diameters.
The standard diameter matches that of the stock Harley Davidson plastic throttle sleeve, and works with any grip that fits over the stock throttle sleeve. The smaller diameter twist-sleeve has been developed for use with the popular after-market billet grips that typically replace the stock throttle sleeve instead of working with it. Continue reading ‘Exile Cycles Internal Throttle Assembly And Twist Clutch Now Offered In 2 Sizes’
7-time land speed record holder and Texas Mile 200 MPH Club member Valerie Thompson hoping to set new personal best top speed when she returns to Beeville, Texas Match 27-28 for the Texas Mile in an attempt to break her personal best record of 217.7 MPH, and strengthen female racing worldwide. Now with new sponsor Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants supporting her efforts, Thompson looks to inspire women and girls everywhere to set personal goals and achieve them. Having earned the 2011, “American Women Riders Community Hero Award” from HopeKids.org, she hopes this year’s attempt at Texas Mile will inspire young female motorcycle riders to break records of their own. Continue reading ‘America’s Queen Of speed Valerie Thompson To Attempt To Break Her Personal Best Record Of 217.7 MPH At Texas Mile’
My 1st encounter with the recently launched 2016 model-year Indian Chief Dark Horse was during Daytona Bike Week. It is built upon the successful Indian® Chief® platform and features the same Chief’s powerful 111-cubic-inch Thunder Stroke engine, electronic cruise control, keyless ignition, and ABS braking but it loses the oil cooler, analogue fuel gauge and driving lights of the Chief® Classic. The Dark Horse, with its matte black paint all over with very few touches of chrome and a swap to cast wheels, exudes the dark, no frills, pure thrills that many bikers are looking for when choosing a new ride.
The Dark Horse is Indian sixth model, the one conceived to fill a void in the Chief line-up. The Scout being the entry level model, the Dark Horse is the transition to the bigger Chief motorcycles, the only one with an almost all black treatment for a raw attitude, sold at a lower price point than its siblings ($17,000) but still offering customization through 40 aftermarket accessories. Among them, the black ape hangers will probably be the most popular for an even edgier riding attitude, Continue reading ‘Indian Chief Dark Horse. The Edgiest Member Of The Indian® Chief® Line-Up.’
S&S Cycle tells about what makes the new TC3 oil pumps for 1999-present Harley-Davidson® big twin engines special. Why you should replace your failed stock oil pump with an S&S TC3 oil pump instead of another one just like the one that failed?
South Dakota Speed Limit Raised To 80 mph On Interstate Highways 90 and 29. An amendment to South Dakota Senate Bill 1 passed Tuesday March 24, 2015 changing the speed limit on the state’s two interstate highways. When the new law takes effect on April 1, you’ll legally be able to travel at 80 mph instead of 75 mph on the I90 and I29. It means that motorists and bikers going to attend the 75th Anniversary Sturgis Rally will arrive a little bit faster. Due to the expected attendance increase for the 75th Anniversary Sturgis celebration, is it a safer or more dangerous decision?
Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) To Release First-Quarter Financial Results Before Market Hours April 21, 2015. The public is invited to attend an audio webcast from 8-9 a.m. CDT with Keith Wandell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and John Olin, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. A downloadable slide presentation will also be available, 30 minutes before the call, at http://investor.harley-davidson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=87981&p=irol-calendar as support to the webcast. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
From Japanese and globe-trotter custom builder Ken Nagai, these hot-rod inspired gas caps for all those who, like him, consider that details create style. It always been his philosophy to offer a fresh perspective on American motorcycle design. For his line of custom parts, focus is always on adding fine details. Sold with weld on bung and offered in Polished or Black/Machined Cut finish. $319.78. Sold by Ken’s Factory USA. Contact Nelson Kanno tel: 562-597-5666.
Building on the 75-year agreement that makes Harley-Davidson the rally’s official motorcycle, Harley-Davidson broke ground to start construction of The Harley-Davidson Rally Point, the city’s new permanent year-round space for riders. The Rally Point, at the corner of Main Street and 2nd Street, (renamed Harley-Davidson Way) will include a stage for events, concerts and weddings.
An elevated area for riders to take pictures on their motorcycles with the iconic Sturgis sign as the backdrop is also part of the plan. The 11,000 sq. ft. plaza, in addition to being a destination for riders to gather during the rally, will also be open to visitors and locals for the remainder of the year. The plaza, with a price tag of about $2.3 million, will be paid with funds raised from sponsors such as Harley-Davidson and vendors adjacent to Second Street during the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally. Continue reading ‘Permanent Harley-Davidson Rally Point To Be Completed For The 2015 Sturgis Rally. Sturgis 2nd Street Renamed Harley-Davidson Way.’
After Daytona Bike week where was shot this video, S&S® Cycle is now in Scottsdale for Arizona Bike week (March 25-28) where the company will exhibit its 143″ machine and provide free installation for any S&S Power Tune Performance Exhaust and custom tips for Harley-Davidson Dyna® and Softail® models.
When I announced on March 13th that Harley-Davidson would be laying-off 169 employees or 21.1% of its workforce at its 400,000 sq. ft Kansas facility, I mentioned that the company didn’t elaborate for the decision. Some of you commented that probably Harley intended to replace full time workers with seasonal employees. A few days after the layoff announcement, Kristen Cunningham, Harley Davidson’s Corporate Reputation And Communication Manager decided to talk to the media, explaining the layoffs. And it’s all about production adjustment and outsourcing. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Layoffs At Kansas Plant. The Reasons.’
A public education video campaign that the TAC (Transport Accident Commission) in running in Australia has provoked negative reactions from a lot of motorcyclists.. If it’s true that a rider can, in some circumstances, avoid a collision thanks to low speed, it remains that in this video, many noticed that the car driver didn’t stop at the intersection, didn’t try to avoid the collision with the motorcyclist. And he is never blamed for it… Tell me what you think. (speed is mentioned in km/h)
The popular CDC-1-90 chain drive primary kit for 1990-2006 Softail models by Belt Drives Ltd. is now sold with BDL’s Competitor Clutch. Developed for street and high performance applications the Competitor provides instantaneous and absolute transfer of power to the rear wheel with a smooth, comfortable lever.
