Thanks to its big 16” black wheels wrapped with balloon tires, under bar mounted mirrors, its slammed speedometer and low profile seat, the factory Harley Sportster XL 1200 Forty-Eight is already dripping a lot of attitude. So, customizing it can be done in only one direction. Making it the baddest looking urban brawler riding your city streets. Shaw Speed & Custom, the custom wing of UK Shaw Harley-Davidson is very familiar and quite successful at customizing all the Sportster pedigrees, several landing in my website as headliners. As a matter of fact, the custom Harley crew is already a World Champion in the modified Harley-Davidson Class.
The “Clubman” featured here was born from a competition between 29 UK Harley-Davidson dealers to demonstrate the Sportster chassis versatility. Each Dealer worked with a quite small budget of British £5000 (US $7600), including parts, labor and paint. Competitors had the flexibility to swap oem parts or to use unique parts that were already laying around their workshops. All completed creations were entered in a website for viewing and vote both by the public and a special panel of judges who are currently members of the motorcycle industry. By the way, I think that this type of internal contest is a good way to incite and push the creativity of Harley dealers regarding what they can offer to their clientele. Continue reading ‘Urban Brawler Sportster’
Corbin introduced a Classic Style Solo seat with a wide range of custom options for the the 2015 Indian Scout. It accepts a Corbin removable backrest for a total of 12 inches of vertical back support. The sculpted seating position gives maximized body contact and provides touring quality comfort.
This neutralized seat platform offers an easier reach to the ground and a more ergonomic position on the bike. the narrow nose provides ground reach similar to Indian’s reduced reach model while the neutralized seating area allows taller riders to scoot back for leg room
Corbin’s removable rider backrest is simple to install and adjusts easily to your posture. Just slide the backrest shaft into the internal hardware of the Classic Solo and lock it in place with a single bolt. You can then set the backrest where you want it and lock it in place with the easily accessible adjustment screw… no need to remove the saddle.
A wide range of leather styles and colors is offered. Optional chrome studs provide an added nostalgic touch (included at no charge, just specify). At Corbin 800-538-7035. During Daytona Bike Week, at Corbin Florida 1433 US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.
Victory Midway Display – Check out 2015 line-up including the Victory Gunner, Magnum, and Cross Country Tour. Enter to win the 2015 Ness Custom Buffalo Chip Bike at Sturgis, and see other custom Victory bikes within the display.
Victory Owners – Don’t forget to pick up your commemorative Daytona pin while you’re there.
Victory Demo Area – Throw a leg over one of our 2015 cruisers, baggers, or touring models and feel the rush of the Freedom 106 out on the road. Victory is the #1 performance brand in the American V-Twin market and you’ll see why after a demo.
Magnum X-1 Launch – Victory is breaking the sound barrier by announcing the newest addition to the Magnum family at an exclusive Full Moon Saloon Launch Party on Main Street Saturday March 7th. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to launch. Victory is offering limited VIP access to owners. To attend the launch and get VIP access, register Here.
Owner’s Ride & Party – To celebrate all our loyal Victory owners we will be hosting a light kickoff breakfast on Thursday morning and then a self-guided ride to St. Augustine followed by a celebration lunch. Registration Required. Click Here to register. Full schedule after the jump. Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycles At Daytona Bike Week 2015. You Are Invited…’
Douglas was a British motorcycles manufacturer from 1907–1957 based in Kingswood, Bristol, owned by the Douglas family. The company also built a range of cars between 1913 and 1922.
The company is remembered for its 350 cc horizontally opposed twin cylinder engined bikes
In the 1920s Douglas built the first disc brakes and their motorcycles became popular in dirt track racing (photography @ Doug Mitchell for Cyril Huze)
Until we all ride electric motorcycles…the shifter peg is – with exhaust – your left shoe’s worst enemy. Although some riding boots include a special top shoe protection to avoid scuffing, others may be interested by this boot protector. A simple solution to an age old problem. Made from leather with an elasticized strap to fit over nearly any size shoe. Only $7.95 at Town Moto.
The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce announced that for the 27th year in a row, Harley-Davidson is the official motorcycle brand sponsor of the upcoming 74th Daytona Bike Week to be held March 6 through 15, 2015.
“Having an American icon like Harley-Davidson associated with our event is ideal. Their dedication to Bike Week year after year is greatly appreciated, and we also thank their loyal base of motorcycle enthusiasts.”said Phil Maroney, co-chair of the Bike Week Festival Task Force.
The Street 750 was introduced by Harley-Davidson with the objective to attract a new segment of urban riders. Its “Dark Custom” aesthetics, speed screen, black front fork gaiters, all-black exhaust system and aggressive slash on the tail section predispose the bike to a Cafe Racer makeover.
Surprisingly, Jimmy Goode from Kustom Kommune in Australia went another direction, turning the Street 750 into a Dirt Tracker paying tribute to the old XR750. And to succeed, except for the factory frame and Revolution X™ engine, he didn’t hesitate to toss all factory parts! To move from Street to Dirt, main mods include: a new swingarm with Burley shocks, a new custom tank crafted in Japan by VM Production, a modified tail section borrowed from another tracker, a new inverted front end to which are now attached new 9-spoke cast wheels with a pair of discs and radial-mount brake calipers. Paint by KDS Designs. A dirt tracker for the youngsters.
Worth mentioning. 100% made in the USA great performance spark plug wires a working man can afford at only $19.99 for a set. Developed by Sumax with Taylor, the Streethunder Wires feature a low resistance conductor that is wrapped in durable silicone double layer jacketing for heat protection, strength and durability. Continue reading ‘Only $19.99 For A Set Of Performance Spark Plug Wires Made In The USA.’
Harley-Davidson entered the India market in 2010 and since then has sold 8000 motorcycles. With a footprint of 17 dealerships in 14 cities, Harley-Davidson is convincing consumers that a motorcycle is not only a mileage friendly mean of commuting – reason why most Indians traditionally ride a motorcycle – but also a way fulfill dreams of personal freedom… For its 5th anniversary in India, Harley-Davidson has organized a build-off between its dealers based on the Street 750, with the winner to be announced this weekend (Feb 20-21) at India Bike Week. in Goa. Jaipur-based custom builder Rajputana Customs will also display its Cafe Racer interpretation of the Street 750. Anoop Prakash is the Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India
They are made for large wheels – minimum 17” or 19” depending of your Harley model, and use their big diameter – 14” or 15” also depending of your bike, to increase your stopping power by at least 30%.
They work with your Harley factory legs, brakes and brakes hose (will not work with some Ness and aftermarket front ends) Retail Price $299.95.
Big Brake Kits are available for: 00-up Dyna & Softail Hub Mounted, for 06-14 Dyna Spoke Mounted,for 2006-Up Sportster, for 08-13 FLHR, FLHX, FLT for 2014-Up FLHR, FLHX, FLT. At Arlen Ness.
If you really love motorcycles, you love metal. And if you have the crazy passion of cutting things apart to make your bike more beautiful and performant, you need to know how to make them safely stick back together… Hobbyist motorcycle builders working in their garage or professionals working in a shop, if you ever thought about welding or improving your skills, read only one book.
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced it has signed an agreement to acquire HH Investment Limited (”Hammerhead”). Hammerhead manufactures gasoline powered go-karts, light utility vehicles, and electric utility vehicles in Shanghai, China. The Company markets its products globally under the Hammerhead Offroad® brand, along with maintaining key private label relationships with other OEMs. The transaction is expected to close within the next 90 days. The terms of the pending transaction were not disclosed.
“Hammerhead provides Polaris with a unique opportunity to expand both our international manufacturing footprint and our armada of off-road products,” said Scott Wine, Polaris Chairman and CEO. “We are impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation of the Hammerhead team, and look forward to pursuing new customers in new markets with their high-quality and low-cost off-road vehicles. We are excited to establish Polaris’ operational footprint in China and believe the opportunities for further international growth are significant.” Continue reading ‘Polaris Acquires Hammerhead Off-Road Vehicles Business’
Ready to get the low profile of stretched saddlebags? At a fraction of the cost you can opt for these Küryakyn extensions with the benefit of wraparound auxiliary Run-Turn-Brake L.E.D. lighting for increased visibility.
The injection-molded ABS housings measure approximately 24” long x 5” high and feature stainless steel heat shielding for protection from high muffler temperatures. The inward curved-bottom design enhances styling and reduces cornering interference encountered with some other saddlebag extensions.
Saddlebag Extensions are available in Chrome with Red Lenses or Gloss Black with Smoked Lenses, come with all hardware for secure mounting and connect via plug-&-play wiring to help simplify installation. Fitment includes 2014-later Electra Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings (except FLHRSE) and Street Glides. All units come with a 1-year warranty from date of purchase. At Küryakyn. (P/N 7292 – Chrome L.E.D. Saddlebag Extensions: $359.99. P/N 7293 – Gloss Black L.E.D. Saddlebag Extensions: $359.99)
The (P)ART showcases 29 carefully staged and artistic photographs dating as early as 1912 that highlight the style of legendary Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts. At Harley-Davidson Museum January 16- May 17, 2015
Top Picture. This is it! – when you speak of motorcycle bumpers. It has everything; appearance, utility, class, and value.” – Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories Catalog. Big Twin Fender, 1955. Harley-Davidson Archives.
Bottom Picture.
Do not pry the muffler slots further open because doing so only increases the exhaust noise and attracts undesirable attention, without better motor performance.” – Harley-Davidson Rider’s Hand Book. Four-tube Muffler for DL Model, 1929. Harley-Davidson Archives.
As kids, many of us had fun with Airfix scale plastic model kits. And now a British firm is offering full-size plastic motorcycle kits. Yes. the actual size of a real motorcycle.
Peter Manning, the man behind the idea, claims that his kit can be assembled at home by 2 persons in 20 to 30 hours.
“Father” he confessed, “it has been one month since my last confession. I had sex with Fanny Green twice last month.” The priest told the sinner “You are forgiven. Go out and say three Hail Mary’s.”
Soon thereafter, another man entered the confessional. “Father, it has been two months since my last confession. I’ve had sex with Fanny Green twice a week for the past two months.” This time, the priest questioned, “Who is this Fanny Green?” “A new woman in the neighborhood” the sinner replied. “Very well” sighed the priest… “Go and say ten Hail Mary’s.” Continue reading ‘Joke Of The week’
Mecum Auctions will preside over the sale of the ex-McQueen 1915 Cyclone (serial number 1010A) in Las Vegas March 20-21. Collectors continue to be fascinated with the Cyclone, one of just six known to exist, and may set a new world record of over 1 million dollars. Produced only from 1913 to 1916 by The Joems Motor Manufacturing Company in St Paul, Minnesota, the extremely beautiful, brakeless 996cc, 45 degree V-Twin with bevel-driven overhead camshafts was timed in 1914 at 111.1 mph (178.6 km/h) at the Omaha, Nebraska board track, 20 mph faster than a record held by Indian at 93.48 mph, and 11.1 mph faster than another record by Excelsior at 100 mph. The Cyclone to be auctioned was previously owned by Steve McQueen and was restored by foremost early American motorcycles authority Stephen Wright
Indian Motorcycle www.indianmotorcycle.com, America’s first motorcycle company, today announced its new “Switch Your Gear” t-shirt trade-in offer. From February 15 – March 31, riders are encouraged to visit their nearest Indian Motorcycle dealer and donate a new or gently used t-shirt from a competing motorcycle brand. In exchange, the t-shirt donor will receive a brand new t-shirt from Indian Motorcycle. Indian Motorcycle dealers will donate unwanted shirts to a local charity of their choice. This program is available free of charge to riders across the U.S. and Canada as Indian Motorcycle’s way of welcoming riders to the Indian Motorcycle family, and helping them gear up for spring with fresh, new apparel.
In addition, Indian Motorcycle dealers are hosting the “Ride the American Original” event through February 28. Riders who currently own Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycles will receive a $1,000 bonus off the sale of a 2015 Indian Chief Classic, Vintage, Chieftain or Roadmaster with proof of Harley-Davidson ownership.
Knowing that the OE engine and transmission rubber mounts are the weakest link in the V-Rod® drive train, Energy Suspension offers a more robust, polyurethane engine mounting system for the 2001 to present Harley-Davidson® V-Rod® models. Energy’s Hyper-Flex™ polyurethane mounts are inserted into a brushed, stainless steel housing, designed to maintain excessive drivetrain movement while dampening vibration. Continue reading ‘Engine And Transmission Polyurethane Mounting Kit For Harley V-Rod’
It’s not necessarily an experience I would recommend to other professional custom builders. And anyway, most would refuse to collaborate with a fellow builder, even if he is a personal friend. And for evident reasons. Each builder has his own strong personality and style, his own way to work, to do things, from the most mundane to the most difficult tasks, even his own way to use tools… Of course, each is right in his own kingdom.
On this project, the 2 pro-builders are American builders Chris Richarson from LA Speed Shop in California and Swiss Danny Schneider from HardNine Choppers in Bern, the capital of the Helvetic Federation. Their Chopper is called “Calibernia” the evident contraction of their respective working locations. And I reassure you, project completed, they still do more than talk to each other. They party together like they did all night in Verona , Italy 2 weeks ago after winning the “Jammer Old School” Class at the Motor Bike Expo.
Chris Richardson and Danny Schneider got acquainted for the 1st time in 2010 during The Las Vegas Bikefest whereboth were invited to the builders bike show competition “Artistry In Iron”. Then they met again and again on the show tour, both in the US and Europe where their respective custom creations were taking the gold and silver and alternatively the silver and gold. It was at their favorite event, the 2014 Italy Motor Bike Expo that they decided to try a project together although (they admitted later) they were very nervous at the idea of sharing what is usually a very personal work. Which custom builder would not have feared that the final result would be more a compromise than the best of what could be produced alone. Continue reading ‘Two Professional Build Together A Chopper. It’s A Great One. And They Are Still Friends…’
The new T143 S&S Cycle engine cradled in a stock bagger frame with the addition of only high performance very special parts. The Dragon is 90 lbs lighter that the Harley stock configuration and is getting ready for the drag strip.
Ideals are like stars: You will not succeed in touching them with your hands, but like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them, you reach your destiny.
Every detail counts. Drag Specialties is introducing these Spark Plug/Headbolt covers. These die-cast aluminum covers take away the need to buy individual headbolt and spark plug covers by fitting over the entire headbolt and spark plug base, accenting the head area for a truly custom look.
Sold as a kit to complete two heads. These covers fit 99-15 Twin Cam and 04-15 XL models. They are easy to install and come with all required hardware. Available in finned, wrinkle black. Suggested retail price is $61.95. Contact your Drag Specialties Dealer.
Victory Motorcycles is debuting this weekend the first-ever immersive motorcycle brand virtual ride experience at the Chicago Progressive International Motorcycle Show. Using Oculus Rift, tactile transducers, realistic real-time 3D graphics, custom-recorded motorcycle motor audio, throttle control, and a custom motorcycle stand with range of motion, Victory Motorcycles is the first motorcycle brand to offer fans a virtual ride experience – allowing motorcycle enthusiasts the next best thing to a ride in the middle of winter.
“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.”Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycles First-Ever Motorcycle Brand To Offer A Virtual Ride Experience’
Thanks to its big 16” black wheels wrapped with balloon tires, under bar mounted mirrors, its slammed speedometer and low profile seat, the factory Harley Sportster XL 1200 Forty-Eight is already dripping a lot of attitude. So, customizing it can be done in only one direction. Making it the baddest looking urban brawler riding your city streets. Shaw Speed & Custom, the custom wing of UK Shaw Harley-Davidson is very familiar and quite successful at customizing all the Sportster pedigrees, several landing in my website as headliners. As a matter of fact, the custom Harley crew is already a World Champion in the modified Harley-Davidson Class.
The “Clubman” featured here was born from a competition between 29 UK Harley-Davidson dealers to demonstrate the Sportster chassis versatility. Each Dealer worked with a quite small budget of British £5000 (US $7600), including parts, labor and paint. Competitors had the flexibility to swap oem parts or to use unique parts that were already laying around their workshops. All completed creations were entered in a website for viewing and vote both by the public and a special panel of judges who are currently members of the motorcycle industry. By the way, I think that this type of internal contest is a good way to incite and push the creativity of Harley dealers regarding what they can offer to their clientele. Continue reading ‘Urban Brawler Sportster’
