You already know that Jesse James loves firearms and maybe saw him on TV firing on the range. Some of you also know that through the website Jesse James Firearms Unlimited (JJFU) he is already selling some of his high-end ($4000 to $5000), hand-crafted (the Nomad Rifle and the Cisco 1911 handgun) and customized guns. He will tell you that from motorcycles to firearms there is no big stretch because his skills at working metal transfer very well to guns. So, Jesse may very well end up doing a Guns TV Show. At the condition that it is not done around “fake reality” but based on firearms information and education. We may know soon…
Archive Page 110
Jesse James. From Custom Motorcycles To Custom Firearms. A Guns Educational TV Show?
Published by February 13th, 2015 in Controls and Editorial.75th Sturgis Rally. Buffalo Chip Announces First 4 Bands Of Music Festival.
Published by February 13th, 2015 in Events.Hard Rock. Five Finger Death Punch. A hard-hitting band with crushing metallic grooves and defiant, searing melodies. August 1st. Country Rock. Brantley Gilbert. Outlaw country rock Sunday August 2nd. Classic Rock. Lynrd Skynyrd. The quintessential biker band on Tuesday August 4th. Rock N’ Roll. Hard Rock. Def Leppard. The quintet of rock icons on Friday, Aug. 7th.
Special prices for reservation before today February 13m 2015 before 7 pm EST. at Buffalo Chip.
RC Components TRUFLO Air Cleaners. Filter Exposed. Breather Ports Hidden.
Published by February 12th, 2015 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.Difficult to beat these High velocity air cleaners to maximize the required air flow for your engine to breath deeply and be performant. The almost fully exposed K&N filter means business, becomes a major design element and is encased in a billet aluminum housing. The low profile TRUFLO air cleaners are designed to stay close to the motor to avoid leg interference. Hidden breather ports are machined into the backing plate, eliminating the need for unsightly brackets and hoses. All 4 designs available in chrome or black. At RC Components.
Custom Show Emirates. March 26-28, 2015.
Published by February 12th, 2015 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.From March 26th to 28th, custom car and motorcycle builders (mostly from Europe) will travel to Abu Dhabi, the capital and the second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, to show their work during the 3rd edition of the “Custom Show Emirates” The weekend event includes a “Middle East Biker Build-Off” and an important bike show competition organized by renowned German “show master” Frank sander. And because the Middle East is “hot” on US cars and car tuning, the show collaborates with the Las Vegas SEMA show to bring to Abu Dhabi VIP’s from the racing and tuning scenes and a Drift Show competition. Custom Show Emirates. Exhibitors and custom builders contact Frank Sander, Bikes transportation logistic at Motorcycles.de@dhl.com.
This very short post just to honor those who rebuild vintage motorcycles and never give up on their dream trip on old iron. Also, a good pretext to publish a very nice Vincent… Recently, an Englishman named Harvey Bowden took his rare Vincent Rapide HRD over to Chicago to drive Route 66. He bought it at auction two years ago and has been restoring it ever since to get it back on the road for this journey. He made the trip with 2 other HRD owners from Canada, one having spent 14 hours a day for two years rebuilding a Vincent from the ground up, carburetor included. Continue reading ‘Dedication To The Vincent’
Paughco Low-Cost Springer Front End Alternative. Only $695.00.
Published by February 11th, 2015 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.Looking for a cheaper Springer front end with a no frills handcrafted appearance? These Special Springers feature sandblasted steel components and welded-only finish. No polishing and solid half round rear. Result is a lower cost that matters to many. Lengths offered include standard 27” and plus 3” for 30” overall. You also have your choice of narrow and wide widths. (All those featured here are wide versions) Continue reading ‘Paughco Low-Cost Springer Front End Alternative. Only $695.00.’
Somebody Will Win This 2015 Brand New Victory Magnum Motorcycle. 3 Days Left. Did You Enter?
Published by February 11th, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.The official entry period to win this 2015 Victory Magnum Bagger valued at $22,499 starts ends this coming Saturday February 14, at midnight, EST time. Somebody will win it. And 2015 may be your year! I will give the keys and ride with the winner during the upcoming Daytona Bike Week (March 6-15) Register or register again daily to increase your chance to win. You must be over 21, have a valid Motorcycle License and be a legal resident of the USA or Canada. Just 3 days left. ENTER NOW.
Features: FREEDOM 106/6 V-Twin (106 ft-lb of torque), a 6-speed transmission, a 21’ custom front wheel, a sleek bodywork with a slammed rear end, the highest performance sound system (6 speakers that serve up 100 watts of premium sound), cruise control and ABS, a 23.6” seat height (the lowest in its class) and of course a custom factory paint (Red Over Super Steel Gray) with color-matched painted parts.
Roadsmith Trikes Unveiled Auxiliary Fuel Tank Option For Harley-Davidson Based Trikes
Published by February 11th, 2015 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.Roadsmith Trikes unveiled an all new auxiliary fuel tank option at the V-Twin Dealer Expo in Cincinnati, and at the Minneapolis Progressive International Motorcycle Show this past weekend. Roadsmith’s new option will be of upmost importance to the touring trike rider, featuring a full 3-gallon fuel capacity and separate filler neck allowing for long distance range and rapid fill. The system also features an “on-the-fly” transfer system, with the push of a button, all 3-gallon can transfer to the main tank in a matter of minutes. Continue reading ‘Roadsmith Trikes Unveiled Auxiliary Fuel Tank Option For Harley-Davidson Based Trikes’
Triumph Motorcycles Is Top Selling European Brand In North American For January 2015. The distinctive British Triumph retro styling mixed with modern technology attracts more and more bikers in North America, outselling all other European brands. During January 2015, Triumph says retail sales in the USA were up 66 percent over the same month in 2014, and up 379 percent in Canada. “Triumph achieved a combined 82 percent increase in year-over-year retail sales in North America in January 2015” said Matt Sheahan, COO of Triumph Motorcycles America.
Harley-Davidson CEO Keith E. Wandell Sold 69,545 Shares Of The Stock (HOG) in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.06, for a total value of $4,385,507.70. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 11,723 shares in the company, valued at approximately $739,252.38. Keith E. Wandell will retire May 1. 2015. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Black Rapture Line For Your Harley-Davidson Bagger.
Published by February 10th, 2015 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.More options to customize your Harley Bagger. These parts are very classy as expected from Carl Brouhard Designs. All the Rapture parts are made of 6061 Billet Aluminum and are now offered in black anodize finish. This high quality line features the Elite Edge front and rear floorboards, foot controls and pegs, brake & shifter arms and pedals, Elite bag Latches and fork slider covers. Available Exclusively through any Drag Specialties Dealer. All of Carl Brouhard Designs products are Made in the U.S.A.!!
French Bikers Protest Over New Laws Aimed At Lowering Air Pollution In Paris
Published by February 10th, 2015 in Editorial and Events.To reduce pollution in the French Capital, a planned law to be effective in 2016 would forbid two-wheeled motorized vehicles registered before 2000 to enter the city of Paris. Yesterday, Sunday February 8, 2015 thousand of bikers swarmed the city streets to protest against this plan to show government officials that are failing to take into account and understand the unique properties of their vehicles: low fuel consumption, reduced size, mobility and shorter journey times, making motorcycles and scooters a solution to the traffic congestion and of value in the fight against pollution. Continue reading ‘French Bikers Protest Over New Laws Aimed At Lowering Air Pollution In Paris’
The Backseat That Will Make Your Lady Companion Want To Ride More Miles.
Published by February 10th, 2015 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.The Tourrest is a passenger wraparound backrest designed to give her the comfort and secure feeling of a Tour-Pak for a much lower prrice. Easy mounting on standard Harley Davidson with two mounting heights (except square bar medallion style)
The TR Tourrest is for 1994-1996 FLHR and 1997-2014 touring models with standard height or tall Harley Davidson® Sissy Bars. The SDS Tourrest fits all Sportster, Dyna, and Softail models with the Square Bar, Low, Medallion Style upright. MSRP $199.95 (models also available for Triumph) At Tourrest.
If you ask me, I will tell you that among the best custom motorcycle builders, the greatest are the ones with an artistic approach and exceptional attention to details that don’t alter the primary function of a bike. Being ridden… Nate Jacobs of Harlot Cycles belongs to this category and with his new creation named “The Harlot Starlette” is proving my point. I told Jacobs that I would have wished more close-up pictures to show you his obsession, from front to rear, with making each square inch of his bike as pretty as it can be possible.
Not counting the time to receive the basic parts to start his project (motor and drivetrain), it took only 10 weeks to Jacobs and crew to go from the ground up to this retro styled very pretty machine. For foundation, the “Starlette” was built on a Harlot Cycles Stainless Steel Single Loop Double Slip Joint frame with a rake of 30 degrees and a minus 2.5” stretch. A great choice for any reliable vintage build that you want to ride daily, a motor kit Shovelhead style 93” (compression ratio of 8.2:1) was ordered at S&S Cycle with a Morris Magneto and assembled at the shop by Kevin Blane. It was coupled to a one-off 4-speed Baker Drivetrain, N1 Shift Drum, with hand shifting and a narrow 1 5/8” Open Belt System for Shovelhead from Belt Drives LTD. High running exhaust pipes were bent at the shop, wrapped in black clothing with holed heat shields for a racing hot rod look. Continue reading ‘The Harlot Starlette Shovelhead’
The Art Of The Racing Motorcycle. 100 Years Of Designing For Speed.
Published by February 8th, 2015 in Books and Editorial.By lack of free time, I am running very late at reviewing for you some books I like very much. This one because many of you, although not necessarily into motorcycle racing, love vintage motorcycles with a racing stance. A look that many pro and garage builders try to re-create on their custom projects.
This lavishly illustrated book will please both those who want to see how racing motorcycles have evolved and those looking for design inspiration for their street custom machines. In it you will find beautiful photography and close ups of over 50 bikes representing the evolution of the racing motorcycle from the earliest French racers to the 30’s British machines to the very exotic 50’s and 60’s Italian sport bikes.
With most brands represented, especially those who contributed the most to the sport for their innovative designs and performance solutions: Harleys, Ducatis, Peugeot, Guzzis, Hondas, BMWs, Kawasakis, etc. Among those features,some of the most famous: the 1902 Manon, the 1922 Harley Davidson 8-valve, the 1935 Terrot 500, the 1948 AJS Porcupine, the 1954 Moto Guzzi V8, the 1965 Honda GP 250, The 1976 Suzuki RK67, the 1986 Cagiva GP, and the 1990 Ducati Supermono. Author Phillip Tooth has been a journalist for over 25 years, an editor of several UK magazines and free-lancing as a writer for many classic and vintage motorcycle magazines around the world. Hardcover 240 pages. $35.84 Order at: The Art of the Racing Motorcycle. 100 Years of Designing for Speed
An Excellent Short Film Shot Behind The Walls Of Moto Borgotaro
Published by February 8th, 2015 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.Thanks God. In this excellent film you will not see again any sparks with shallow depth of field. No shots of riding gloves going on. This film is very different, just like the builder and the bike. This seven-minute short follows the build-out of what Peter Boggia (Moto Borgotaro) calls his finest work, a recently released Moto Guzzi LeMans dubbed “Apollonia”. A unique film about a bike build, a veteran mechanic and his deep-seated love for 70s era motorcycles…and trashy Italian cinema. A builder whose salty and sincere personality shines through…A must watch. Directed by Roberto Serrini.
Breaking News. S&S Cycle Launching Today The Power Tune™ Line Of Performance Exhaust Systems
Published by February 7th, 2015 in Customs, Events and Exhaust.This morning February 7, 2015 S&S Cycle introduces at the 15th Annual V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio its Power Tune Performance Systems. They include several performance products and systems to improve the overall riding experience for late model Harley-Davidson® motorcycles
“Power Tune Exhausts give you the quality, power and sound riders are looking for.” said Paul Devine, Vice President of Sales at S&S Cycle. “From slip-on mufflers to complete exhaust systems, S&S Power Tune exhaust will add substantial improvement across the power band. Pair these exhaust systems with our proven intakes and you will HEAR & FEEL the difference right away. That’s the Power Tune advantage!” (see the launch video after the jump) Continue reading ‘Breaking News. S&S Cycle Launching Today The Power Tune™ Line Of Performance Exhaust Systems’
Two bowling teams, one of all blondes and one of all brunettes, charter a double-decker bus for a weekend trip to Louisiana. The brunette team rode on the bottom of the bus and the blonde team rode on the top level.
The brunette team down below really whooped it up, having a great time, when one of them realized she hadn’t heard anything from the blondes upstairs. She decided to go up and investigate.
When the brunette reached the top, she found all the blondes in fear, staring straight ahead at the road, clutching the seats in front of them with white knuckles …
The brunette asked, ‘What the heck’s going on up here? We’re having a great time downstairs!’ One of the blondes looked up at her, swallowed hard and whispered…..’YEAH SURE, YOU’VE GOT A DRIVER’!!!
The Verona, Italy Motor Bike Expo Was Motorcycle Madness
Published by February 6th, 2015 in Builders, Customs and Events.The 2015 edition (January 23-24) was motorcycle madness in and out with a new attendance record from visitors (thank you the weather), from vendors from all other Europe and a larger than ever representation of the American motorcycle industry, and of course more than 200 custom bikes representing all styles from Cafe Racers to Scramblers to Choppers to baggers, to styles and themes that can’t be defined in one word or two… In addition to those featured here last week., a few more to keep you in touch with what European builders are doing across the Atlantic ocean. (with the help and photography @ Horst Roesler)
Although published last week, a couple more pictures of the work of Winston Yeh, the new shooting star of the custom building scene. “Graphite Speedster” is getting him a lot of international attention. A “fake rigid frame” (mono shock under the seat). Built in his “Rough Crafts” shop in Taiwan and touring the world for recognition and trophies.
An all aluminum Buell by “Garage 65” (Marco Cinquini & team) Although impossible to see on these pictures, the tank is part of the frame and holds the engine. Incredible!
The best of Old School style. Lots of handmade parts went under the knife for beautiful engraving. A rigid frame, rounded Shovelhead covers, narrow bars, hand shift, a minimum of parts and a lot of style for a very ready to ride chopper. “Sucker Punch” was built by “Radikal Chopper Milano”
A superb old style racer style Knucklehead with superb craftsmanship and detailing by the “Pinto Di Fuga, Motociclette” team, the new shop from born from Abnormal Cycles. And if you need entertainers to animate a party all night long, invite these guys and your guests will remember it…
“Nickel & Dime” is a beautifully restored Harley Flathead engine with polished heads, cradled in a very clean lines frame. Dum front brake, disc rear brake. A rider built by a shop whose cool name is “Mom’s Worry Speed Shop”…
A Triumph (very) Lowrider with 100% handmade front end, frame, and almost everything else. Swiss quality precision crafted hand controls. Built by the wild man from Spain Pedro Sabiote.
The long and high neck chopper is alive! Here is the Italian version with very clean Latin influence lines and details. Built by a shop called Only Machine.
4 more bikes after the jump. Continue reading ‘The Verona, Italy Motor Bike Expo Was Motorcycle Madness’
AIMExpo Championship Of The Americas Custom Bike Show Announced For October 15-18, 2015
Published by February 6th, 2015 in Builders, Customs and Events.As pre-announced last December during an interview with AIMExpo V-Twin Director Bob Kay, the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), the powersports industry’s largest combined trade and consumer show, will host the AIMExpo Championship of the Americas at the 2015 event, October 15-18 in Orlando, Florida. As an officially affiliated show to the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, this dynamic new feature showcasing top custom motorcycles and their builders will appeal to trade, media and consumer attendees alike.
For the first time in motorcycling history there will be a world class bike show focused on builders from all of the Americas that will serve as a path to compete in the world championships. Recent World Champions have been crowned from both Canada and the United States with world-class entries emerging from Mexico, Columbia and Argentina. When custom bike builders from all over the Americas meet in Orlando in October they will be competing for a coveted entry, plus expenses, to represent the Americas in the 2016 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building. The Championship takes place at the Intermot International Motorcycle Fair in Cologne, Germany in the fall of 2016.
“The AIMExpo Championship of the Americas will be a showcase of design, engineering and creativity by custom bike builders from as far north as Greenland stretching to the tip of South America,” said Bob Kay, V-Twin Director of the Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group. “The show will feature four classes based on different platforms as opposed to catering to the style de jour. Customizing your motorcycle as an expansion of your personal identity has been the essence of two-wheel differentiation and satisfaction since the GI’s returned home in the 40’s. The opportunity for enthusiasts to see these rolling masterpieces of art and meet their creators will be an experience to remember for everyone, no matter what your particular brand preference is.” Continue reading ‘AIMExpo Championship Of The Americas Custom Bike Show Announced For October 15-18, 2015’
Chief Executive Officer and President of Harley-Davidson Keith E. Wandell To Retire May 1. 2015. Wendell, 65, has been CEO and President since May 1, 2009. Harley-Davidson, Inc. has named Matthew S. (Matt) Levatich, currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, to succeed Keith Wandell as President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. upon Wandell’s retirement. Levatich has also been elected, through Board action, to the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors. Levatich, 50, joined Harley-Davidson in 1994. Prior to becoming President and COO of Harley-Davidson Motor Company in May 2009, he held wide-ranging roles in the U.S. and Europe. Past leadership roles include Vice President and General Manager of Harley-Davidson’s Parts and Accessories business, Vice President of Materials Management, and President and Managing Director of the Company’s former MV Agusta business.
Polaris Industries Filed For A “Victory Charger” Trademark On January 27, 2015. Of course, this trademark is about “Electric Motorcycles And Their Components.” Can we expect very soon (this year? In 2016?) a production electric motorcycle assembled in Spirit Lake, Iowa using the Brammo technology? Will it be a competitor to the LiveWire electric motorcycle that Harley-Davidson wants to mass produce as fast as possible?
Progressive Insurance. Motorcyclists Are Their Own Worst Enemy On The Road. Insurer Progressive states that single-vehicle mishaps accounted for more motorcycle-related claims last year than any other event, the company said Thursday. The insurer processed 3.5 times more of such claims than for rear-end crashes, the next-most common motorcycle incident. Excess speed is the most common rider-related factor in fatal motorcycle accidents. Riding while intoxicated on alcohol or controlled substances is another leading cause of motorcycle accident where another vehicle is not involved.
in 2013, motorcyclists made up 14 percent of all vehicle-related fatalities, up from about 9 percent in 2004, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Küryakyn L.E.D. Inserts for Saddlebag Supports
Published by February 5th, 2015 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.A very popular modification on Harley-Davidson Touring Models is to fill the gap between the rear fender and saddlebags. Küryakyn now carries all-new L.E.D. Inserts for Saddlebag Supports available through dealers and distributors worldwide.
They are specifically designed to fill the rear-facing openings in the cast saddlebag support brackets on 2014-later Harley-Davidson FLHTCU/L, FLHTK/L, FLHR, FLHTKSE and FLTRUSE models (CVO models require removal of factory saddlebag support filler strips). Continue reading ‘Küryakyn L.E.D. Inserts for Saddlebag Supports’
Freestyle Motocross Legend Carey Hart Will Be The Grand Marshall Of 2015 Sturgis Mayor Ride
Published by February 5th, 2015 in Editorial and Events.The City of Sturgis has named Carey Hart as the official Grand Marshall of the 13th Annual Sturgis City of Riders Mayor’s Ride at the 75th Annual Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™. The annual Sturgis City of Riders Mayor’s Ride is on Monday, August 3th, 2015, and is a fundraiser for the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Service and Police Reserves. Continue reading ‘Freestyle Motocross Legend Carey Hart Will Be The Grand Marshall Of 2015 Sturgis Mayor Ride’
Daytona Bike Week. True Grit. For The 1st Time, A Pre-70’s Motorcycles Gathering On March 8, 2015
Published by February 4th, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.On March 8, 2015, a new and very interesting event the first Sunday of the 74th edition of Daytona Bike Week. Under the initiative of Warren Lane and with the participation of vintage motorcycle lovers and well known builders, Billy Lane, Bill Dodge and Dan Carr, 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. And you are invited…
Named “True Grit”, the Sunday Match 8th event starts at 10 a.m. and will end around 6 p.m. See you there…At the Destination Daytona Pavilion, 1635 North US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, Florida. More info at Carrie Repp.
Dixon Wheels By Performance Machine
Published by February 4th, 2015 in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.Performance Machine describes this design as its most luxury. 5 pairs of long legs starting from the hub and bending perfectly to join the rim. JASO and TUV standards to ensure reliability and performance under real world riding conditions. Performance Machine wheels arrive ready to install with hubs mounted and all the appropriate spacers making installation a breeze. Fitments for Harley-Davidson applications for 1984-1999 and 2000 and up models. Available in the following Contrast-Cut Platinum finishes: chrome, gold, gray, blue, red, green, orange, purple. PM Dixon Wheels.
For Those Who Want To Promote The Custom Motorcycle Culture. Not Any Motorcycle Brand In Particular.
Published by February 4th, 2015 in Editorial and Merchandise.Selling tee shirts online is not as easy as many may think.
Because the guy behind “Catalyst Machine” is new in business and because a couple of his tee shirt designs are interesting, just a short post to provide little bit of help to his company launch.
Mark uses a combination of hand drawn sketches, photographs and electronic imagery to create each design. He then creates an electronic file in his studio to produce “mock-ups” before printing samples on high quality tees. Limited quantities to keep an element of exclusivity. At Catalyst Machine.
Indian Motorcycle Is Launching The 2016 Indian Dark Horse With A Challenge To Ride Down Chicago Michigan Avenue On February 13, 2015.
Published by February 3rd, 2015 in Builders, Editorial and Events.Indian Motorcycle is inviting die-hard Chicago area riders to show their true colors, to sign up and suit up for the “Dark Horse Challenge Ride.” The roughly 5-mile ride through the heart of Chicago and down Michigan Avenue will take place on Friday, February 13 beginning at 4 p.m., celebrating the passion and spirit of the area’s rider community. The ride is hosted by Indian Motorcycle for the launch of the Chief “Dark Horse,” the first industry 2016 model year. The Indian Dark Horse will be unveiled the same day. The ride will be led by an armada of the new Indian Motorcycle Dark Horse bikes, giving ride participants a chance to be among the first in the country to see it.
“Dark Horse Challenge Ride” Details.
Riders can register to participate starting today, February 2 at Dark Horse Challenge. The ride is open to all riders (proper riding attire required) 3 p.m., February 13 – Riders meet-up at Cooper Technica, 400 North May St. 4 p.m. – Kickstands up. 4:45 p.m. – Dark Horse Challenge Ride concludes at Kaiser Tiger, 1415 Randolph St. 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Exclusive Dark Horse Launch Party at Kaiser Tiger. Participants receive exclusive patch and swag bag. Non-participants can register for a chance to win an invite to the launch party by visiting Chicagoland’s Indian Motorcycle dealer, Indian Motorcycle of Chicago West. Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Is Launching The 2016 Indian Dark Horse With A Challenge To Ride Down Chicago Michigan Avenue On February 13, 2015.’