From John Grant, the “Heavyweight Champ Of Hardtail Frame Casting”, a new “loop tail” style axle plate with double axle adjusters.
It is cast from mild steel, will fit 1” size tubes on frames using a 3/4” rear axle.
Available only from Hardtail Choppers.
Email John Grant on my behalf John@hardtailchoppers.com or call 360-750-6780
Did you notice? The American Chippewa top quality rugged boots and shoes are back in force and adopted again by those riding not only vintage and classic motorcycles, but also by those riding retro mod bikes. Good for Chippewa, an American company – one of the oldest outdoor footwear brand in the world – who since 1901 has succeeded in keeping open its US factories. Chippewa boots aren’t just made, they are built with the guts and determination that have made this country what it is today…Chippewa Original Engineer Boots.
It was 6 years ago that I reported on the the original LegUp™ LandinGear System introduced by Orlando based Chopper Design. for all those riders needing help in stabilizing their bikes at slow speeds and when stopping. Yes, many aging baby boomers and others, for whatever reasons, are concerned of being unable to hold up their 850 lbs big bikes when preparing to a stop. Today, the company is introducing ‘GENERATION II of their system, with a wider offering to cover more brands and models.
The LegUp™ Generation II system deploys wheels mounted under the rear floorboards. These wheels tuck up neatly just in front of the bags when not deployed, allowing the bike to be leaned and handle exactly as it always has. The system works via an on-board compressor and a captive air tank installed in the saddlebag. Power is pneumatic rather than electrical, making it significantly stronger than the 1st generation system. Wheels action is independent to handle tricky, uneven terrains. Handlebar switch housing with LEDS allows the rider to communicate with the system and allows the system to talk back!
It is available for all Harley Touring bikes, Harley Dyna Switchbacks, Honda GL1800 and GL1500 Gold Wings, as well as Kawasaki 1700 Voyagers with new models to be soon introduced. And if you wonder if there is a market for this system, let’s just say that there is now a 3-month waiting list. More info at LegUp LandinGear Generation II or call Pete on my behalf at 407-834-5007
RC Components released the Patriot Series to commemorate the services of our military men and women. In their honor RC Components has made a commitment to contribute up to $25,000 to select Veterans Service Organizations within the next 12 months.
The Patriot Series wheel lineup now features 5 clean and unique wheel designs for a custom look at a price that fits most biker budgets. The Patriot Series is competitively priced at $995.00 for standard 16”-21” wheel sizes and available in your choice of show quality chrome or an Eclipse black finish. Matching brake rotors, air cleaners and drive pulleys are also available to help transform your bike into the ultimate custom ride. On top, Gunner Chrome and Gunner Eclipse. Below, Ranger Chrome and Ranger Eclipse. Visit RC Components or call 800-360-0915 to speak to a sales associate. Made in USA.
It’s called skijoring. A winter sport where a person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog or a motor vehicle. Who has more fun? This time, I say the skier.
Harley Davidson Exports From India To Europe To Be Scaled Up In 2015. Harley Davidson India, produces Street 750 and Street 500 at their manufacturing facelift in Bawal, Haryana. Of the 2 Street models, only the Street 750 is sold in India, while the Street 500 is not yet launched in India. As of now, Harley Davidson will continue to produce Street 500 in India strictly for exports, as according to the company
Harley Davidson commenced initial exports of Street 500 and 750 models to Europe in 2014. This year, the company will increase volumes, and by year-end, plans are to make the bikes available in all the markets HD is operating in.
Skully, Which Has Developed A Motorcycle Helmet With A Built-In Heads-Up Display, Raised $11 million. The Skully helmet, called the AR-1, has a heads-up display, which appears to float in front of the rider, showing a rear-view camera feed along with GPS navigation and other functions. The helmet sells for about $1,500, according the company’s website. The San Francisco-based startup joins Apple, Google and other Silicon Valley companies seeking to create products that merge technologies for vehicles, wearables and mobile computing. “There is more of a confluence of consumer electronics and automotive,” Marcus Weller, Skully’s founder and chief executive officer, said in an interview. “These next five years are going to be defined by these two worlds coming together and bringing a level of value to the customer that they’ve never seen before.” Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
S&S Cycle Inc. welcomes a new company President, Paul Langley. Paul’s sterling qualifications include a wealth of leadership experience in the power sports industry, having held executive positions with industry mainstays, Dynojet, SuperTrapp, and Vance & Hines. He comes to S&S directly from the Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG), where he served as the Vice President of International Strategy and OEM Relations.
“It is truly an honor to be welcomed into the S&S family, and it is my pledge to work each day to live up to the responsibility I have been entrusted with. S&S stands as one of the great icons of the v-twin industry. Among all of its tremendous resources, it’s the passion of the S&S team that is the company’s single greatest resource, and I look forward to working with this incredible group of people to develop exciting new products and partnerships for the future.” Continue reading ‘Paul Langley Named S&S Cycle New President’
From personalization to full customization, European official Harley-Davidson dealers seem more inclined than their USA counterparts to satisfy their clientele with one-off or limited edition modified brand new Harleys. Is the reason the fact that the USA is more prone to litigation with dealers scared away by the weight of liability when modifying the models they distribute? Don’t know for sure the answer (tell me what you think), but a new European Harley is entering the custom scene with this custom Sportster now available exclusively from Harley-Davidson Capital Brussels. A new venture that will benefit the image of this important Belgium dealer and that probably will stimulate the creativity of other Harley dealers of the Benelux economic region (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)
Taking possession of a new factory motorcycle and immediately making it your own for self-expression is the wish of most if not of all. But reality is that few have the desire and/or time to do it. So, why not rely on the dealer who made the sale. For a 1st custom offering out of the showroom, owner of Harley-Davidson Brussels Mario Van Den Broeck and manager son Kim decided to go the Sportster route and for a 1st try consulted with a friend, Spanish pro builder Ali Manen from Lord Drake Kustom (LDK). Because Mario began to ride enduro bikes at age 10 and developed a taste for the forgotten Bultaco – a model from the Spanish brand that dominated the World Trials Championship in the 1970s, winning the title eight times – briefing was to turn the new Sportster into a machine reminiscent of the Scrambler style of his youth. Continue reading ‘The Bultracker Harley Sportster’
Cyril Huze will announce the name of the winner of the Cyril Huze Post-Victory Magnum Sweepstakes and will hand him (her) over the keys at the Daytona Indian Motorcycle Dealership 290 North Beach Street, Monday March 9 at 3.30 p.m.
Photo opportunity and autograph signing afterwards. Live music at the dealership by “Beau & The Burners” from Noon to 5:00 pm
Then stick around with Cyril and the winner for the Victory Stunt Team to tear up the dealership back parking lot, followed by a Police Demo showcasing incredible precision driving. It all starts at 4:30pm, and again at 6:00pm. .
Harley-Davidson will transition to a model of direct distribution to independently owned dealers in Canada by July 31, 2017, when the company’s current agreement ends with Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, the exclusive distributor of Harley-Davidson products in Canada since 1973. The two companies are also in discussions about a possible agreement to move up the transition in Canadian operations to as early as the third quarter of 2015.
As part of its global growth strategy, Harley-Davidson has largely migrated to a globally consistent model of direct distribution to independently owned dealers and, in recent years, has established direct distribution and operations in a number of its major markets including Brazil, Australia, Italy and the Scandinavian countries. Under direct distribution, the company manages sales to dealers, marketing, dealer recruitment and retail capabilities, consumer events and other aspects of its in-market activities, often through wholly-owned subsidiaries. Canada remains among the only markets operating through a third-party distributor arrangement. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Ends Agreement With Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada. Will Distribute Directly To Independently Owned Canadian Dealers.’
Roland Sands Design (RSD) has taken the best of brake caliper technology, high quality precision machining and trademark RSD styling to create the next step up in braking power for your V-Twin. With GP racing architecture and weight distribution, the extra rigidity maximizes your effort at the brake lever, stopping you faster with more feel. RSD brake calipers coupled with RSD Radial master cylinder create excellent V-twin braking systems with great feel and power. Continue reading ‘Brake Calipers By Roland Sands Design’
The Buffalo Chip is one step closer to becoming the newest municipality in South Dakota. The Meade County Commission today accepted the petition presented by registered voters for incorporation. The registered voters and founding members of Buffalo Chip, SD will vote in an election to make the incorporation official on May 7, 2015. Buffalo Chip, SD may well be operating as a municipality before the 75th Anniversary of the rally this August. Continue reading ‘Buffalo Chip To Become A New South Dakota Municipality On May 7, 2015?’
March 6-7-8, 2015. International Swap Meet And Bike Show. At the Eustis, Florida Lake County Fairgrounds and Convention Center 2102 County Road 452, Eustis, Florida. Antique factory bikes with original paint, vintage restorations, antique racing and touring machines, classic bobbers and choppers, military vehicles and daily riders from around the planet. Also some machines that competed in the “2014 Cannonball” endurance run to be on hand. The bike show will take place on March 7th. The definition of vintage motorcycles for this show will be defined as those bikes who are 20 years or older. Judging will be a people’s choice in lieu of a predetermined point based system. Registration 1st bike $25, 2nd bike $15, additional bike $10. Info at events@vjmc.org
Sunday March 8, 2015. “True Grit” A pre-70’s Motorcycles Gathering. At the Destination Daytona Pavilion, 1635 North US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, Florida.The event is the initiative of Warren Lane from Atomic Metalsmith. For the 1st time in Daytona, owners of vintage motorcycles (it means pre-70’s models) will gather at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona for a day of camaraderie between owners, builders, restorers and all the fans of old iron. The event starts at 10 a.m. and will end around 6 p.m. Motographer Horst Roesler is setting up a location at the event to shoot the best bikes for publication here in my website. He will try to photograph as many bikes as possible and will give right away a picture to each owner (bring a USB drive for immediate transfer)
Wednesday March 11, 2015. Ultimate Custom Motorcycle Paint Show. At Destination Daytona Harley Pavilion, Dave and Jody Perewitz will host this new show. The show is open to any custom painted motorcycle or trike with a wide variety of classes based on type and style of paint. A select team of custom painters will judge each paint job (not the motorcycle itself). Best of show gets $500 cash and a one-of-kind Perewitz painted trophy. 2nd place receives $300 cash and a sponsor supplied prize. 3rd place pockets $100. Other prizes with an estimated value in the thousands to be presented randomly throughout the event. Register at 508-697-3595
Thursday March 12, 2015. Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Old Time Chopper Show. Twice a year, during Daytona Biketoberfest and Daytona Bike Week, a “happening” more than a bike show. A gathering of professional and garage builders showing their works, mostly restored and new old school style custom bikes. And the only bike show where you can leave with more tattoos than when you arrived. From 11cam to 4 p.m. 825 South Younge Street, Ormond Beach, FL 386-672-1888.
Thursday March 12. Battle Of The Baggers at Cabbage Patch organized by Radical Randy Promotions. Cash prizes and photo opportunity with the Budweiser Girls. Bands. Info at 386-427-8669. Address: 549 Tomoka Farms Road, Samsula FL 32168. (on the corner of Tomoka Farms Road and Pioneer Trail)
Friday March 13, 2015. The 26th Annual Boardwalk Classic Bike Show With New Classes And New Judges. As always at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk (just north of the Main Street Pier). Show time is noon to 5 pm.
This event is free to the public. Bike registration costs $25 per bike, and is from 8 a.m. to noon. 55 trophies in 21 new classes. A brand new team of international judges (most are former judges who have left the Rat’s Hole Show) Best of Show wins $500. cash. For more information, call Bill at 386-871-0398.
Friday March 13. Baddest Bagger Show at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona. 4 classes. Stock: stock wheel size with bolt on body modifications but no frame mods. Modified: 21″-23″ wheel with mild frame and body mods. Radical” 26″ wheel with moderate frame and body mods. Pro: 26″-32″ wheel with extreme frame and body mods. Entry form is HERE.
Saturday March 14, 2015. The first ever “Baggers on the Boardwalk” Bike Show. At the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, just north of the Main Street Pier. Show times are 1-5 pm. This event is FREE to the public. Bike registration costs $20. and is from 8 am to 1 pm. Same judges as above. Awards will be presented to first, second, and third place winners in six Dresser Classes. Five hundred dollars cash as well as a $600 Rockford Fosgate sound system will be awarded to the Best of Show and Judge’s Choice winners. For more info, call 727-935-4875.
Saturday March 14, 2015. The 43rd Annual Rat’s Hole Bike Show. At a new location, on the parking lot of the new Indian dealership 290 North Beach Street, Daytona. Custom bikes compete in 18 different classes from new to antique bikes, from bobbers, to baggers, to choppers and trikes. Registration at 8 a.m. Trophies around 4.30 pm.
Victory Motorcycles will rock Bike Week 2015 in Daytona Beach with the newest member of its Bagger family – the Magnum X-1 – the baddest, loudest Victory Bagger yet during an exclusive party featuring multi-platinum hard rock titans Godsmack. Join Victory Saturday night, March 7 at 9:00 p.m. at The Full Moon Saloon on Daytona’s iconic Main Street for the biggest show at Bike Week. Grammy Award-nominated Godsmack will rock the house as Victory unveils the Magnum X-1, announced as the ultimate Bagger, designed for serious music fans… Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycles To Introduce The Magnum X-1 In Daytona Beach Saturday March 7th. Exclusive Party With Multi-Platinum Hard Rock Band Godsmack.’
The Harley-Davidson Dyna Fat Bob FXDF has a very distinctive look with its Twin-Lamp system. And now you can replace it with a brilliant Fat Bob Daymaker LED Lamps Kit (P/N 67700260 Chrome, P/N 67700261 Black; $799.95) designed expressly for the Fat Bob motorcycle dual headlamp housing. This kit includes separate left and right lamps that plug into the factory wiring for quick-and-easy installation. Each lamp features a single top-mount low-beam projector lens, a matching bottom-mount high-beam projector lens and two “D” shaped fill-light lenses. A choice of brilliant chrome or gloss black background will match any styling direction. Continue reading ‘New Daymaker LED Headlamps For The Harley-Davidson Dyna Fat Bob Model.’
“Build whatever you can imagine and make it a beautiful creation regardless of category.” With a process where he approaches each bike like a painting or sculpture and where each part is the same as a brushstroke, Max Hazan continues to surprise with each of his state-of-the-art custom creations. With for canvas a Ducati 900 here is his latest expression of motorcycle art through functional design. Hazan Motorworks.
Good news for those who are going to attend the 2015 Sturgis 75th Anniversary Rally. No more worry and no more 20-dollar tickets for riding in South Dakota on a motorcycle equipped with ape hangers. On Tuesday February 24, 2015 Governor Dennis Daugaard signed Senate Bill 85, abolishing on July 1, 2015 the South Dakota law that prohibited such type of motorcycle handlebars when they are higher than shoulder height.
At the recent Cincinnati V-Twin Dealer Expo, Renegade Wheels launched two new wheel designs. The Newton wheel is featured here in custom Royal Blue Phantom-Cut Finish. The Newton has a machined rim edge that gives detail to the whole wheel. Custom colors are a new addition and cost an extra $200.00 per wheel and are available on all Renegade designs.
The Logan wheel is shown in their new color finish, Red Phantom-Cut. The Logan wheel is a non-traditional 5-spoke wheel with attitude. Also, available in sizes 16″ thru 30″.
All Renegade Wheels are made in the U.S.A. and CNC Machined from Forged Lightweight Billet Aluminum. All Renegade wheel designs are available in Chrome, Phantom-Cut, Black Powder coat and our new custom color finishes. Diameters available: 16” thru 30”, along with matching Rotors, Sprockets, Pulleys, Derby Covers and Air Cleaners. Retail price starting at just $1,249.00/ea.
Get all the details by calling Renegade direct at 714-998-7241 or email sales@renegadewheels.com or visit Renegade Wheels.
Actor, producer, hamburger franchise owner (Wahlburgers), ex Calvin Klein model and singer (Marky Mark) Mark Wahlberg was with us as brand ambassador during the Indian Scout launch in Sturgis last August. He went to the New York IMS show last January to support the Indian brand. So, it’s no surprise to learn about the launch of an Indian signature-limited apparel collection by Mark Wahlberg. It includes T-shirts and tank tops for men and women. Paying homage to Mark hometown a few of the items are Boston-inspired by incorporating the color kelly green. Mark Wahlberg stars in 3 movies out in theater this year.
A simple design by the UK-based Muharremi brothers working after-hours under the name of Autofabrica. A custom I like to feature because it is the type of simple custom that will please youngsters looking for fun on 2 wheels for a modest budget. I think that this custom Yamaha SR250 looks very cool with its Bugatti blue color, black suede and brown leather seat and hand-bent exhaust fitted with 2-stroke baffles. (photography @ autofabrica)
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the 2015 inductees into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame and the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame. The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals or groups who have made a long term positive impact on the motorcycle community. The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the commitment and sacrifices individuals across the nation and world have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists.
For 2015, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame will honor one Freedom Fighter and induct seven into the Sturgis Hall of Fame. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5 at 9:00 a.m. at The Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, SD. Breakfast tickets are available for a $35.00 donation, tables of eight for $300.00. Tickets can be purchased by calling 605.347.2001 or they can be purchased online at Sturgis Museum Hall Of Fame Breakfast.
Richard Lester – Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame – Since 1982, Richard Lester has founded five nationwide programs – Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM), National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), Confederation of Clubs (COC), Christian Unity, and National Sports Bike Association (NSBA). Each program is free and they are all focused mainly on uniting, educating and informing motorcyclists of their rights. Richard has worked alongside politicians, attorneys, club members and leaders and individuals – bringing together groups where others had failed. Richard has also provided financial support to numerous organizations that are furthering the cause of motorcycling.
Everett Brashear – One of the top AMA dirt track racers in the 1950s, Everett won the first AMA National held in Sturgis in August of 1952. That win – on the all-new at the time KR Model – established a milestone for Harley-Davidson and considerable publicity for the Sturgis Race. He beat five-time National Champion, Paul Albrecht for that win, just one year after earning his expert license. He won four nationals in 1953 before being seriously injured in 1954. He returned to racing that same year, though, and continued to race and win nationals across the country for the next few years. Another bad crash in 1960 led to Brashear’s decision to stop racing. He did race in select events for a few years. After he finished racing Brashear continued to work in the motorcycle industry until his retirement. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Inductees Announced’
2014 and newer Harley-Davidson Baggers’s suspension can be improved with the new True high performance front suspension from Progressive. The suspension experts have combined their road smoothing Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) damper with a progressive rate spring to create a state of the art fork cartridge kit for the late model baggers.
The way it works? An asymmetrical layout places a progressive rate spring in one leg and an aluminum bodied, sealed cartridge damper on the other. The result is superior damping via the internal bypass of the FST valve, increased ride control and a new benchmark for high performance front suspension.
Monotube cartridge style damping improves ride comfort, resistance to front brake dive as well as improving front end stability, cornering and bottoming control. No mods or special tools are required for install. Available in stock or lowered version. MSRP $499.95. Check it out on their website at Progressive Suspension or contact your local dealer for more information.
On its project LiveWire, logically, Harley-Davidson wants feedback from riders around the world . More feedback helps shape the future of its first electric motorcycle in terms of product development, of improvement, feasibility and cost of production. As the company’s “Project LiveWire™ Experience” tour expands globally in 2015 in Asia, Europe and Canada, a large number of riders from abroad will get the chance to add their voices.
“Project LiveWire has reset expectations about what a Harley-Davidson motorcycle can be,” said Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer Mark-Hans Richer. “The first phase of the Project LiveWire Experience tour provided valuable feedback about the features and experience riders expect from an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This year we’re expanding that experience to a global audience to gain even deeper insights from riders to help us shape the future direction of this exciting technology.” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Project Livewire Is Going International.’
You can give your Sportster a touch of custom with this Handlebar Control Kit. The kit is constructed from die-cast aluminum and built to accept OEM switches and wiring, making switching to the new housings easy. Available in chrome for single disc ABS and non-ABS 14-15 XL models. Suggested retail price is $399.95. For more information, go to Drag Specialties or contact your local Drag Specialties dealer.
Victory’s recent virtual ride experience debuted at IMS Chicago last weekend. They are the first motorcycle brand to use the emerging VR technology. In the cold of February in Chicago, Victory gave nearly 300 attendees the next best thing to an actual ride by transporting them to the Badlands/Needles Highway in South Dakota, a popular motorcyclist destination.
“Victory is always in pursuit of enhancing the ride experience,” said Rod Krois, Victory General Manager. “It’s tough to do this during the winter months in a cold climate, but not impossible. By combining VR with the physical elements of a ride, we’re able to transport riders for a few minutes into a sun-filled summer Sturgis ride. It’s unlike anything motorcycle riders have experienced and proves the exhilarating performance of Victory Motorcycles in a different way.”
Here’s a video recapping the experience.
