Nothing wrong with custom bikes using only bolt-on parts. When these parts are the right ones… Except a small modification of the factory 2.1 gallon fuel tank, it follows the look that nods to chopper custom motorcycles of the 70’s with a touch of Japanese influence (ape hangers from Easyriders Japan, solid chrome wheels, trumpet mufflers, Firestone ribbed tires) Built by Comete Motorcycles it is a promo motorcycle to feature their most recents proprietary parts. Continue reading ‘Custom Harley Sportster Seventy Two’
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“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” Marcel Proust
In the comments section, on different features I published, some of you have mentioned the Iron Butt riders. But I realize that most of you don’t know what is The Iron Butt Association (IBA). First, let me mention that the Iron Butt Association is a very loose knit group of about 50,000 members around the world without yearly dues or formal meetings. Just irregular email updates with long distance riding tips (To get on the list, e-mail your request to ibanews@ironbutt.com mentioning that you want to subscribe to Iron Butt News.)
Supporters are all endurance-motorcycling enthusiasts riding long distance, a few thousand miles at a time, simply for the challenge of doing it, some wanting to see a lot of the country in a shortest amount of time, and doing it safely…Their slogan is “The World Is Our Playground.” Continue reading ‘Iron Butt Association. Did You Know?’
Did You Step Up Your Bike Performance With S&S Cycle Products? Show How On Facebook And Win Prizes.
Published by July 3rd, 2014 in Customs, Editorial, Engines and Events.
S&S Cycle just started The “Step Up Contest And Giveaway.” All bikers in the v-twin community are invited to send to pictures and details of the S&S performance upgrades that they have performed to their motorcycles.
How did you step up to the performance game may be illustrated by pictures showing your bike with S&S engines, headers, etc, or you riding on the drag strip, performing a wheelie, a burn out, or showing your dyno charts, time slips and whatever it takes to prove that you’ve got performance to the max and what your bike is made of. Your pictures will be posted on S&S Cycle Facebook Page, then voted by readers by means of “Likes” & “Shares”. More pictures you send and higher are your chances to win. Continue reading ‘Did You Step Up Your Bike Performance With S&S Cycle Products? Show How On Facebook And Win Prizes.’
A Cowboy sitting in a saloon one Saturday night, he recognized an elderly man standing at the bar, who in his day, had the reputation of being the fastest gun in the West. The young cowboy took a place next to the old-timer, bought him a drink and told him the story of his great ambition. ‘Do you think you could give me some tips?’ he asked.
The old man looked him up and down and said, ‘Well, for one thing, you’re wearing your gun too high. Tie the holster a little lower down on your leg.’ ‘Will that make me a better gunfighter?’ asked the young man. ‘Sure will,’ replied the old-timer.
The young man did as he was told, stood up, whipped out his 44 and shot the bow tie off the piano player. ‘That’s terrific!’ said the hot shot. ‘Got any more tips for me?’ ‘Yep,’ said the old man. ‘Cut a notch out of your holster where the hammer hits it. That’ll give you a smoother draw’ ‘Will that make me a better gunfighter?’ asked the younger man. ‘You bet it will,’ said the old-timer. Continue reading ‘Joke Of The week’
An Introduction To Harley-Davidson Electric Motorcycle Project By President And COO Matt Levatich
Published by July 2nd, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.In New York City, an introduction to the LiveWire electric motorcycle project by Matt Levatich, President & Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company
4 New Custom Seats From Drag Specialties For Harley, Victory, Custom Models
Published by July 2nd, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
Solo Seat For Custom Applications. Bring true originality to the road while riding in comfort with this Low Rider Solo Seat. Designed for custom Hardtail frame applications, in particular for Shovelhead and Panhead models or projects. The Low Rider Solo Seat is made from high-quality black leather and features a custom scorpion stitch design. Te Low Rider Solo Seat base is built from top quality aluminum for a perfect fit and is padded with carpet to prevent any unwanted rubbing or scratching of the paint. Pillion pad sold separately. Made in U.S.A. Sug. Retail: $199.95
Seat Spoon-Style For Harley Touring/Dresser Models. Specifically designed to fit all Harley Davidson® 08-14 Touring: FLHT, FLHR, FLTR and FLHX models. Featuring patented solar-reflective leather in the seating area, which keeps the rider extra-cool on those hot summer days. This patented technology reduces surface temperature by as much as 25 degrees Fahrenheit providing increased durability, longer life and a more comfortable ride over conventional leather or vinyl. Interworking of the seat consists of ultra-plush and flexible urethane foam. The seats perfectly attaches to the bike with a 3/16” ABS thermoformed seat base that has a carpeted bottom and rubber bumpers to protect the paint. This seat will also lower the rider 1” from conventional stock seats. Seat comes in smooth, mild stitch, classic stitch or red flame stitch design. Made in the U.S.A. Sug. Retail From: $299.95 Continue reading ‘4 New Custom Seats From Drag Specialties For Harley, Victory, Custom Models’
Actor Peter Fonda Wants To Recreate Easy Rider Trip On Electric Harley Motorcycle
Published by July 2nd, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Peter Fonda, whose Wyatt character in the 1969 movie Easy Rider travelled across America from California to Louisiana. says he is a fan of the new electric Harley and wants to take it on a road trip across the USA.
When asked about opposition to an electric engine powered motorcycle from traditional hard-core bikers, his reply is, “To hell with them.” Looks to me like Fonda just made a spokesperson job or sponsorship request to Harley-Davidson…
Sturgis Bike Belles® Event. David Uhl’s “Jessi” Painting To Be Auctioned For Charities.
Published by July 2nd, 2014 in Editorial and Events.
The annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s® Biker Belles presented by Harley Davidson®, will be bolstered this year by a generous auction donation from famed artist, David Uhl. Uhl’s painting, “Jessi” is one of the most popular of his “Women of Harley” series and is valued at $4850. In addition to the auction, the Biker Belles symposium. “Ride On,” will feature a lineup of industry panelists including filmmaker, Michelle Carpenter, who will open the symposium with a clip from her new documentary about women riders, “Driven to Ride.” Andie Gaskins, Cat Hammes, Audrey Nesbitt, Diva Amy Skaling, Kathy Tolleson and others.
Biker Belles participants will be riding high as they take to the road on their sixth annual ride, Tues., Aug. 5. The signature Buffalo Chip event was created to raise funds for South Dakota charities, and it does so by bringing together women, their families and friends to celebrate the role women play in shaping the culture, sport, art and history of motorcycling.
The Lodge at Deadwood will roll out the red carpet for the Biker Belles kick-off. Riders will register, pick up their t-shirt and get ready for a special luncheon and symposium beginning at 11 a.m. Guests of the ride will gain inspiration and have the opportunity to meet such honorary guests as Gloria Struck and Cookie Crum. Participants may also visit The Comfort Zone by Team Diva to discover and experience new beauty care, fashion ware and ride gear made specifically for women riders. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Bike Belles® Event. David Uhl’s “Jessi” Painting To Be Auctioned For Charities.’
Biker Battleground Phoenix. Sneak Peek Video. Tonight On History At 10E/9C
Published by July 1st, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Videos.Tonight. New “Biker Battleground Phoenix” TV Series To Debut On History Channel.
Published by July 1st, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The 9-episode new TV reality series aims to take viewers inside the world of custom bike building with 5 shops in the Valley Of The Sun (Phoenix) in a build-off competition for the most radical/badass Bagger.
The 5 builders are: John Shope (Dirty Birds Concepts), Len Edmonson who moved from Canada to Phoenix to be in the show (Azzkikr Customs), Paul Yaffe (Baggers Nation), Kody McNew (Voodoo Customs) and Brian Jenkins (Hatred Customs)
With this new series, the History Channel expects to grab the market on the genre with the production encouraging each builder to show a big ego, to brag about his own creative talent and to bash the work of his competitors. As you already know, TV will do whatever it takes to build a large audience, in this case bikers and non-bikers… The 1st episode of ”Biker Battleground Phoenix” is tonight Tuesday July 1st at 10ET/9C. In parallel to the show, you can enter for a chance to win a custom bagger from John Shope’s Dirty Bird Concepts. Register at Biker Battleground Phoenix Sweepstakes. If you watch the show, tell me tomorrow morning what you think of it. (all photography @ History Channel courtesy to Cyril Huze)
Victory Motorcycles to Contribute To Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Of America for Every New Motorcycle Sold Until July 6th
Published by July 1st, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Victory Motorcycles is celebrating the Fourth of July, a special date in Victory brand’s history, and honoring the men and women of the armed forces by making a donation to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) for every new Victory motorcycle sold between June 30-July 6, 2014.
Victory will contribute $50 for each new Victory sold during that period to the IAVA, which is dedicated to empowering and assisting the military veterans who have served in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. “It’s an honor to celebrate our nation’s birthday by supporting the men and women who protect our freedom.” said Steve Menneto, VP Motorcycles for Polaris. “We admire their contributions and sacrifices, and appreciate the work done on their behalf by the IAVA.”
Victory Motorcycles is also making a donation to the IAVA based on Victory owner participation in the V2V Relay, a relay ride in which riders trace the old Victory Highway from coast to coast. This year’s V2V Relay is running from San Francisco to the Maryland Shore, and it will follow tradition by ending on the Fourth of July, Victory’s birthday. Victory is making a donation to the IAVA based on Victory owner participation in, and their social media tracking of, the 15th annual relay. Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycles to Contribute To Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Of America for Every New Motorcycle Sold Until July 6th’
The Yamaha SR400, launched in 1978 and still produced today, is a legendary classic that never failed to keep its retro 1970’s styling. Today, this timeless big single remains one of the best performing 399 cc air-cooled engines. A great donor bike to celebrate the art of Cafe Racer via a relatively small customization budget.
With “Grievous Angel” Deus Ex Machina succeeds again at turning an humble motorcycle into an expression of applied art able to excite many riders, from youngsters to old timers. A machine that you can buy, as featured, in 3 continents where Deus has a local presence: USA (Los Angeles), Europe (Milan) & Australia (Sydney) Continue reading ‘Deus SR400 Cafe Racer’
Go Lower And Look Over With Harley-Davidson New 10-Inch Tall Sport Windshield
Published by June 29th, 2014 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
At 10-inch tall the new Sport Windshield (P/N 57400213, $159.95) for 2014 Harley-Davidson Touring models is lower than Original Equipment to let you easily look over. It does not create the turbulence usually associated with a short wind deflector. A forward “flip” on the trailing edge deflects the air flow over the rider. The light-smoked shield is formed from hard-coated polycarbonate for strength and scratch resistance. It fits 2014 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide®, Street Glide® and Trike models. For more information, go to Harley-Davidson Sport Windshield.
George Barber Elected To The AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame
Published by June 29th, 2014 in Editorial and Events.
George Barber is the former dairy magnate and real estate developer who built Birmingham’s Barber Motorsports Park and Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Barber was elected in the AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Frame in the Ambassador/Industry category for the Class of 2014.
The museum had been recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest motorcycle museum in the world. The collection numbers more than 1,400 motorcycles. The five-story glass, steel and concrete structure features eye-catching displays of motorcycle towers and machines suspended from walls. It is part of a 830-acre park, which features a 16-turn, 2.38-mile road racing track and draws auto and motorcycle races, conventions and festivals throughout the year.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Oct. 17 in Orlando as part of the AMA National Convention. The remaining 2014 inductees will be announced in random order in the coming weeks.
Postcards From The 13th Edition Of Germany Magic Show In Ruedesheim
Published by June 28th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The time of a long weekend, the Germany Ruedesheim Magic Show in the Rhine Valley looks a lot like our Laconia event. In this city, there are memories of Elvis Presley who was stationed not too far away in Frieberg and who shot several scenes of the “GI Blues movie in Ruedeshelm.” A parade, vendors, stunts, rock n’ roll, lots of beer and of course a bike show to which participated A+ custom builders, organized and photographed by friend of the industry Horst Roesler. Proud winners can see their names after the jump.
Continue reading ‘Postcards From The 13th Edition Of Germany Magic Show In Ruedesheim’
8 Hours To Turn An Ugly Harley FXR Into A Club Style Bike
Published by June 28th, 2014 in Editorial and Videos.A1 Cycles, an independent custom shop in West Palm Palm Beach challenged itself to be able to turn in 8 hours a really ugly (I saw it…) 1989 FXR into a Club style bike. The guys at the shop ride FXR’s and just wanted to prove themselves they could do it. To be truthful, it took an extra hour to complete the full assembly and electrical job due to a bottom fork tube hardened bolt that had to be drilled out. These cats had the time to lunch, except the boss Mike Beland who had to drill out the hardened bolt…8 hours of hard work summarized in 1′ 58″. Enjoy.
Burly Brand Custom Bars For Harley Baggers. Chrome Or Black.
Published by June 27th, 2014 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Long trips can’t be pleasure rides without a comfortable riding position. And you know that both factory seat and bars may be a challenge for many riders. Regarding custom bars, and although there is no “average” rider, looks like the most sought after geometry is height 13”, width 38.25”, pullback 5.5”.
These 1.25” OD, center width 11.5” chrome or black (Fly By Wire available) Burly Bagger Bars are perfect for full fairing touring motorcycles. Slotted and drilled for easy internal wiring. May require longer cables and extension of handlebar wiring. And of course Burly offers cable kits to do it right. At Burly Brand.
The site where land-speed records have been set over the past 100 years received an estimated 2,000 tons of salt at the end of the access road. It is the first step to a much longer project to help preserve a national treasure.
There has been a significant loss of salt in the area since the ’40s. While millions of tons of salt brine have been pumped back in recent years, a supplemental dry salt program will focus on targeted areas of the race tracks. Continue reading ‘Bonneville Salt Flats Getting New Salt’
Las Vegas BikeFest Announces Participants For The 11th Annual Artistry In Iron Master Builders Championship.
Published by June 27th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Annual Artistry In Iron Master Builders Championship is a major highlight of Las Vegas Bike Fest (October 2-5) For the 11th edition of this bike show competition, 22 award winning builders have been selected and were invited to participate. Artistry in Iron participants include builders that have shaped the industry and who are participating in establishing new trends in custom bike and engineering and building. “Each year we invite those on the cutting edge as well as some past favorites. You cannot enter year after year. We’re excited that so many builders have accepted our invitation,” commented event producer Mindi Cherry, CEM. “It solidifies the importance of the championship.” Continue reading ‘Las Vegas BikeFest Announces Participants For The 11th Annual Artistry In Iron Master Builders Championship.’
Harley-Davidson Reinventing Itself With The LiveWire Project.
Published by June 26th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
June 24 in New York, Harley-Davidson started its 30 cities tour to solicit your reactions to its environmentally friendly LiveWire electric concept motorcycle. Depending on the feedback, Harley said that its R&D will improve it with mass production on the horizon or simply trash it. Whatever you think of automotive electric technology, Harley-Davidson, like all other vehicle manufacturers, knows very well that electric cars and motorcycles are in your future, and consequently in theirs. The question is not if, but when the company will be able to offer a product you accept and demand enough to create a profitable mass market to address. For now most studies show that the e-motorcycles market in North America should grow by about 30% a year during the next decade. A market disruption to be prepared to if you are a major motorcycle manufacturer… Nobody can deny that customers are increasingly open to the idea of electric cars and motorcycles. So, I am convinced that even if the LiveWire Project would be temporarily stalled or renamed, just the time necessary for improvements and integration of new technologies, it will never be abandoned. Harley is interested in the long-term potential of e-motorcycles, regardless of immediate demand. 
It’s at reinvention that America has always been the best country in the world. And I think it’s still true. No company can survive, last and remain successful without reinventing itself. With the LiveWire Project, Harley-Davidson is not the first manufacturer exploring the e-bike route. Contrary to others, Harley-Davidson doesn’t ask you if you want their e-bike by trying to sell you one. The company tries to find out which one you would buy in terms of design, performance, range and practicality (plug-in charging stations that can be Harley dealers? Your home or office when a charging standard will eventually be agreed on?) Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Reinventing Itself With The LiveWire Project.’
Prototype Engine Rocker Covers From EMD USA
Published by June 26th, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
During the 6th edition of the Born-Free Vintage Chopper & Classic Motorcycle Show this weekend June 28-29 at the Oak Canyon Ranch, CA EMD will launch some new interesting old school cast aluminum parts. Above is a preview of the prototypes to be unveiled.
WTF Rocker Boxes for Shovel and Sportster displayed here on Sportster engine. The WTF Shovel model is also a bolt-on on all Evolution 1340 cc Big Twin engines, offering a brand new way to customize your Evo motor. Mix and don’t match…EMD Parts USA.
2014 Sturgis. For The 1st Time. Hill Climb, Truck Off Road Championship, Extreme Dirt Racing At Sturgis Buffalo Chip New PowerSports Complex
Published by June 26th, 2014 in Editorial and Events.
Motorsports fans will get more than their fair share of extreme engines, insane speed and colossal crashes at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s newly constructed PowerSports Complex this August. The Sturgis Rally entertainment destination has planned a jam-packed week of high-powered competition for guests including TORC (The Off Road Championship), the Nitro National Pro Hill Climb, AMA Extreme Dirt Track ATV Races and Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pulls.
Guests can look forward to seeing the nation’s top motorsport athletes competing for the title on some unusual and impressive machines including 900-horsepower race trucks, nitro-injected Harleys with steel-bolted paddle tires, and 7,000-horsepower tractors equipped with jet engines.
“Locals and Sturgis Rally attendees at the Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex will be treated to a spectacle so extreme it will floor even the most diehard speed freaks and adrenaline junkies,” says Sturgis Buffalo Chip President, Rod Woodruff. “It’s jaw-dropping entertainment at its finest, and the Chip couldn’t be more proud to make this premium lineup of events available to our guests.” Continue reading ‘2014 Sturgis. For The 1st Time. Hill Climb, Truck Off Road Championship, Extreme Dirt Racing At Sturgis Buffalo Chip New PowerSports Complex’
Black S&S® E & G Carb Kits With ThunderJet® Available From Zipper’s
Published by June 25th, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
You probably know that the S&S Shorty “E” & “G” is the most popular carburetor ever. Not surprisingly, the new black finish version is in very high demand and not so easy to get. FYI, Zipper’s Performance has black-finish S&S® E/G carburetors, with or without a ThunderJet® installed, in stock and ready to ship. You can purchase only the black carb or the complete ThunderJet®-equipped carburetor kit. Continue reading ‘Black S&S® E & G Carb Kits With ThunderJet® Available From Zipper’s’
