Are you copper or brass? Don’t forget to pimp your oil and fuel hoses.
They are, like the classic silver braided lines (also offered by the same company), reinforced rubber hoses available in the most popular sizes.
Add matching clamps in size 1.4”, 3/8” and 5/16” sold in packs of 6.
Blind man doesn’t know he walks on the road. Biker (scooterist, but who cares) stops to help him. Kudos to this good man.
You can get a bolt-on performance boost for Harley-Davidson Touring models with the new Screamin’ Eagle® High-Flow Exhaust system (P/N 64800022, $1,299.95) from Harley-Davidson®. Optimized for Custom Vehicle Operation™ 110 and Screamin’ Eagle Stage Kit engine configurations producing 80 to 100+ horsepower, the kit replaces the original-equipment exhaust with large-diameter, free-flowing head pipes and matching Nightstick mufflers with 2.25-inch inlet diameter to enhance exhaust scavenging.
Harley claims that this system can produce gains of 5 to 7 horsepower on a 110-cid engine when compared to the original-equipment exhaust system. Extra oxygen sensor bungs permit the attachment of tuning equipment. This kit includes the head pipe, Nightstick mufflers with catalysts and a collector and crossover tube heat shield, and is 50-state legal. It fits 2010-2014 Touring models (except Trike) equipped with a Twin Cam 103 or Twin Cam 110 engine. More information at Harley-Davidson’s Website.
In 2015, all the roads to the Sturgis Rally may end at the Buffalo Chip where the organization plans the party of the century from July 31st to August 9, 2015. The 2014 Motorcycle and Music Festival is still over 60 days out from seeing its first partier, yet the Buffalo Chip phones have been ringing for months with requests from guests eager to reserve 2015 Rally Passes. Today May 14, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip is opening the sales of passes for the 2015 Black Hills rally.
Those who attended the 50th anniversary celebration in 1990 will remember that attendance broke all records and the party broke the sound barrier. Even today, 24 years later, the success of each year’s Rally is measured against the 50th. Those who were fortunate enough to have attended the 50th better plan to be at the 75th, because chances are they won’t make it to the 100th.
Much like Haley’s Comet, milestone moments like the 75th anniversary only happen once in a lifetime. Coveted RV spots, VIP passes, private toilets, camper rentals, Top Shelf reservations and other exclusive amenities are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Those wishing to reserve Sturgis Buffalo Chip passes for the 75th Anniversary Rally should call 605-347-9000 or visit Buffalo Chip.
Tonight May 14, Velocity is airing a special episode of “Dallas Car Sharks” where a very rare 1950 Vincent Comet Motorcycle is auctioned off and restored. The show “Dallas Car Sharks” is on air on Wednesdays at 10 pm ET. You may want to watch.
Lifted may be the new lowered. For a variety of reasons, including a plusher ride, you may want to ride higher in these sexy 13” Stiletto coil sprung shocks. They are offered by Burly in a 13” length for most 1986 thru current Harley XL models.
Their high performance damper is wrapped in a spring combination designed specifically to deal with subtle road noise and imperfections, while the main coil handles the big hits and controls bottoming. The result is a plush ride that’s not afraid to play rough. Check out the Burly Brand Website or contact your local dealer to get a set.
Yesterday evening, many of you watched the 1st episode of #BikerLive, the new Discovery build-off competition opposing 3 builders with viewers using the power of Twitter to determine the winner. The 40Cal Customs Father/Son team (Matt & Edd Harris) helped by Andrew “Carp” Carpenter and Chase Anderson won this first competition, beating Shop 102 and Harlot Cycles. So, what do you think about this new reality TV show, its format to show 3 bikes in process in 1 only hour (minus intermissions, commercials, talk…), the quality of the custom produced by each shop, etc? Does this show benefit the industry? Will TV help these builders roar from the shadows to finally get the attention they deserve? Will you watch #BikerLive again? Share your thoughts with other readers.
USA First Quarter Sales Of Motorcycles Are Down 0.2%. Blaming The Weather. The Motorcycle Industry Council states that 1st quarter sales are unchanged versus same period of 2013. A very harsh winter seems to have affected the motorcycle industry as it has affected other businesses. The market segments who have progressed dual sport (+3.9%), highway motorcycles (+0.9%), ATV (+0.5%) Those declining the lost are Scooters (-10.7%), off-highway (-2.7%)
US Motorcycle Deaths Declined In 2013. Year 2013 is the second year since 1997 that fatal bike crashes have declined. The final fatality total to be published soon by the GHSA (The Governors Highway Safety Association) is expected to be 4,610, down from 4,957 in 2012 and nearly identical to the 2011 figure of 4,612. The GHSA collects statistics directly from the state safety officers who make up its membership. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said motorcycle deaths accounted for 15 percent of highway fatalities in 2011, though motorcycles amount to just 3 percent of vehicle registrations. NHTSA said injuries from motorcycle crashes increased to 93,000 in 2012 from 81,000 in 2011. Motorcyclists are more than 26 times as likely to die in a crash as occupants of cars, and five times as likely to be injured, NHTSA said. Alcohol is a bigger factor in motorcycle crashes than it is for cars, with 27 percent of riders intoxicated, compared with 23 percent of drivers. Motorcyclists killed at night are three times as likely than other drivers to have been drunk, NHTSA said. The use of helmets dropped to 60 percent in 2012 from 66 percent in 2011. The District of Columbia and 19 states require helmets for all riders. Thirty-one states have repealed such laws, though some require helmets for younger riders. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
All new TV motorcycle shows I have announced produce a lot of passionate comments, before it airs, while airing and days if not weeks after. Each of you, bikers, custom builders, part vendors and distributors, motorcycle industry journalists, etc have very precise ideas about what is good or not for our sport and our industry.
It is my point of view that if these motorcycles shows are so controversial with many of you it’s because reality television 1- is focusing on ordinary people, not necessary on people in the know of the subject 2- is attempting to simulate real life but needs scripted scenes imagined by the producer to keep viewers’ interest 3- is requiring, one way or the other, some audience participation, for example a voting component with results that some will always challenge because not coming from a professional point of view. But it’s also because of these characteristics that reality television remains so popular with the public at large. And nobody can deny that some of these TV shows have brought some added credibility and respect to the profession of bike building, have revealed some true talents, have made some new people join motorcycling…and have helped many motorcycle part vendors increase their sales…
This evening Monday, May 12, 10/9C the Discovery Channel will air the first episode of its new reality TV series named #Bikerlive. I remind you what is the new format of this Biker Build-Off. In each US region, 3 motorcycle shops are given 5 weeks and a $15,000 budget to build a custom bike, any type of their choice. Viewers have 1 hour to tweet their preferred one. One shop wins, per region, per week.
A few hours before the show airs, I had an interview with Discovery executive producer Christo Doyle who will also host the live portion of each episode. He is known for producing some of the most successful reality TV shows: Monster Garage (2002-2007), Diet Doctor (2005), American Chopper, The Series (2009-2010), Dirty Jobs (2010-2011), Gold Rush Alaska (2011-2014), Overhaulin’ (2012-today), etc. I asked the main questions to which you wanted an answer.
Cyril. Please, explain the rationale of launching a new motorcycle reality TV show. Are motorcycles such a subject of interest and passion for the public at large?
Christo. Motorcycles have always been core programming for us at Discovery. I have worked on a ton of gear head programming over the years – Overhaulin’, Monster Garage, American Hot Rod and American Chopper. We have always done cars and bikes but since we moved on from Chopper, I have been on the hunt for the next great bike show. Bikes are a space that we own and need to continue to own. I have had a lot of guys from crazy talented guys in backyard bike shops reach out. I wanted to come up with a show that shined a light on the works of art that they never get the attention they deserve. I liked the idea of these small town builders competing but not in a cheesy network format. These guys are gritty and cool and #BikerLive became that.
Cyril. The premise of the original Biker Build-Off series (2002-2007) was 2 reputed custom motorcycle builders, usually with very different styles of building, pitting their teams and expertise against each other, then making a lengthy ride to a bike show with a winner bike/builder decided by an audience ballot. This format was successful and contrary to other “biker shows” even succeeded in pleasing the very fussy folks of the motorcycle industry. Why didn’t you keep it?
Christo. All shows run their course. I worked on Biker Build Off towards the end of its run and while it was just as entertaining as ever, the audience slowly lost interest. All of these shows eventually show decline and BBO was no different. The audience gets wowed by something fresh and exciting but eventually that wanes. That’s TV. Continue reading ‘#BikerLive. Tonight May 12 At 10/9C. Exclusive Interview With Discovery Executive Producer Christo Doyle.’
Gearheads of early 20th century had a passion for the mono wheel supposedly invented by a Swiss engineer named Gerdes. For some it was the coolest way to move around and thought to have a great future replacing the bicycle despite the risk of breaking your ankle or leg (you had to counter the tilt of the wheel with your feet) or much worse…In this video dated 1935, look how cool the rider thinks he is, cigarette smoking included while riding because it was shot in Paris, France (with Italian commentary)
Today, May 11 is the day in the USA when we celebrate and honor mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds , and the influence of mothers in society. So happy Mother’s Day to all mothers reading me.
The 6th annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering is a great opportunity the to spend a day amongst the finer things in life related to motorcycling. The one-day event is set for Saturday May 17, 2014 from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm. at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California and will celebrate the evolution of the motorcycle as well as 100 Years of Speed Trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The event will showcase a collection of more than 200 of the world’s most striking and never-before-seen motorcycles and feature special guest Eddie Lawson, four-time 500cc World Champion and two-time AMA Superbike Championship winner. In addition, The Quail Marketplace offers you to possibility to sell your motorcycle the old fashioned way, directly to true enthusiasts without the hassle of the middle man.
Celebrating 100 Years of Speed Trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats both the 1971 Quicksilver and 1964 Triumph Gyronaut X-1 will join this year’s collection. Custom built by Mike Corbin, Quicksilver set the initial World Land Speed Record for electric motorcycles at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1972, running on standard lead acid batteries. In 1974, equipped with upgraded silver-zinc batteries, Quicksilver returned to Bonneville and increased the Land Speed Record to 165.387 MPH, a record that stood unbroken for more than 30 years. The 1964 Triumph Gyronaut X-1 joins the same category as the Quicksilver and was named the World’s Fastest Motorcycle from 1966-1970, presently holding the title as the World’s Fastest Triumph. Continue reading ‘2014 Quail Motorcycle Gathering To Celebrate Evolution Of The Motorcycle And 100 Years Of Bonneville Speed Trials’
For those who don’t want to buy special gloves to use their digital devices, there is another option. NANOTIPS is a liquid polyamide solution that will transform your favorite gloves into touchscreen gloves. It may be the best and most economical way to go especially if you own and use multiple pairs of gloves depending of the season, of your outdoor activities from motorcycling to snowboarding to mountain biking, or simply working. Just apply NANOTIPS, dry and use. Not forced anymore to remove your gloves to call, text or … to navigate my website. There are 2 different solutions. For thicker materials (leather, rubber, nylon…) the Black version. For fabrics and everything else, the Blue version. Available online exclusively from REIGN23
TV is back at featuring custom bike builders at work. After #BikerLive the new TV reality show from Discovery to premiere this coming Monday, May 12 at 10ET/9C, the History Channel is also announcing a new reality show named “Biker Battleground Phoenix” to debut Tuesday, July 1 at 10 pm ET/PT. The series follow 5 builders in Phoenix competing in a biker build-off to build the most outrageous Bagger. The 5 builders are; Paul Yaffe (Baggers Nation), John Shope (Dirty Birds Concepts), Len Edmonson who moved from Canada to Phoenix to be in the show (Azzkikr Customs), Kody McNew (Voodoo Customs)and Brian Jenkins (Hatred Customs)
Expect ultra-radical baggers with the latest in giant front wheels, spectacular metal fabrication, flashy paint jobs and plenty of digital infotainment. And if you like drama and a fully scripted TV “reality” show with a lot of bragging from all builders, bad boy attitude and made-for-tv insults between competitors, I promise you are going to enjoy… At least some of you. Below a few highlights of the way the History Channel is introducing “Biker Battleground Phoenix”
About Phoenix: “A place where shop owners compete day and night for customers who are willing to pay upwards of $150,000 for a fully personalized Bagger motorcycle. Choppers and Cruisers are out and Baggers are in. In this dog-eat-dog world, design ideas are money…”
“Viewers will witness how the competitive rivalry between these shops are sometimes fueled by respect – and sometimes not –proving that skills and hard work doesn’t always pay off.”
About Paul Yaffe: “While his critics might claim that he is past his prime and no longer lives up to his hype, his business has continued to flourish. A former mentor to John Shope, Yaffe brags that he taught Shope everything he knows.”
About John Shope: “Shope says Yaffe is the Michael Bolton and he is the Motley Crue of the biker world.” Continue reading ‘Biker Battleground Phoenix. A New Bagger Build-Off TV Series To Premiere On History Channel July 1 at 10 PM ET/PT.’
2014 is a great production year for motorcycle documentaries. Another excellent one to premiere on May 17th is “Out Of Nothing”, the inspiring true story of four tenacious men who risk everything to conquer motorcycle land speed records on the Salts of Bonneville, Utah.
The documentary follows brothers Mark & Carl Bjorklund from Bellingham, WA, as they team up with friends Jason Omer & Bill Woods in order to overcome nearly impossible odds. They must work together as they battle a gauntlet of mounting obstacles such as finances, family issues, anxiety disorder, in-team conflict, severe weather, and hundreds of other racers… all while attempting to set records at breakneck speeds on homemade machines.
Their extraordinary journey will remind you how perseverance against all odds can send the most unlikely men roaring into glory. This is not just a film about motorcycles, but rather an incredible underdog story of how perseverance against all odds can send the most unlikely men roaring into glory. The film is currently submitted to film festivals with the hopes of selling it to a distributor for theatrical release. Watch the trailer of this excellent documentary.
Tim decided to tie the knot with his long time girlfriend. One evening, after the honeymoon, he was assembling some loads for an upcoming hunt. His wife was standing there at the bench watching him. After a long period of silence she finally speaks …
“Honey, I’ve been thinking … now that we are married, I think it’s time you quit hunting, shooting, hand loading, motorcycle riding and fishing. Maybe you should sell your guns, boat, motorcycles and airplane.
Tim gets this horrified look on his face. She says, “Darling, what’s wrong?” “There for a minute you were sounding like my ex-wife.” “Ex-wife!”, she screams, “I didn’t know you were married before!” “I wasn’t.”
The dream of many of you riding a modern Harley is to be able to turn its appearance into a more classic style reminiscent of the past. With parts you can easily bolt-on, giving the appearance of a serious custom job without breaking the bank and without voiding a warranty and altering any factory characteristics.
Esteves Motorcycle Design (EMD) now fully present in the US with a distribution center, is offering this kind of custom vintage parts, letting you give a truly vintage appearance to most Twin Cam Dyna, Softail and Tourer. They are cast aluminum and feature CNC-milled gasket surfaces for a perfect fit to your OEM cases and heads. Continue reading ‘Cool Vintage Looking Parts For Your Harley Twin Cam Dyna, Softail and Tourer.’
You all know that you have to flush and change your bike hydraulic fluid for both brake and clutch. A task that many postpone or forget to do when they should. The question is when? Home mechanics and motorcycle shop service departments should all keep some “detection strips” clearly telling you if your bike is due for a fluid change. These strips also determine wether there is DOT 3, 4 or a combination of the two fluids in your bike hydraulic system. The package of 100 test strip costs $122.00 (MSRP) For sale at JIMS USA 805-482-6913.
Introduced in 2001, the Harley V-Rod VRSC (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) was launched to compete against muscle bikes with a Revolution 60-degree v-twin engine jointly developed with Porsche and featuring for the 1st time overhead cams and liquid cooling.
Loosely based on the VR-1000 Superbike, the V-Rod is an excellent platform that I enjoyed riding several times but that failed to attract much attention from US custom builders. It is a slightly different story in Europe because riders and builders are more sport and race oriented. It’s where you will find (especially in Germany/Switzerland/Austria) custom builders specializing in customizing and producing aftermarket parts for this model. Continue reading ‘Bolt-On And Ride Harley-Davidson V-Rod’
Adding a vintage touch to your bike will often lead you to “brass plate” your parts or buy some of the many brass plated ones available from aftermarket vendors. Disadvantage, polishing them will progressively remove the plating.
These 2 new headlights from Paughco are solid brass, meaning deep drawn from a solid sheet of solid brass, not just cheaply plated like many others on the market. That means you can polish them as often as you like or let them age into a vintage unpolished brass finish.
These two 5 ¾” lights come complete with a 12-volt sealed beam, red high beam indicator and bottom stud mount. Depending on your taste you can order the brass lights with either a chrome or black ring. Part #1300BRB features the black ring and #1300BRC comes with a chrome ring. Both versions retail for $184.95. At Paugco 775-246-5738
I must acknowledge that I didn’t know Rewaco Trikes a company born in Germany in 1990. It started producing Volkswagen then Ford engines powered trikes. Rewaco tried several times to break into the American market, did some sales here with a new RF-1 series, and now, via Rewaco USA based in Florida, expect to make some noise and acquire more clients with a RF1 Turbo R-Edition.
The new Turbo R-Edition model is based on the same platform as the previous RF1 GT & LT models, but this time with a turbo charged 1.6 liter inline 4 cylinder putting out no less than 201 hp! In addition, equipment has been updated with 19” rear wheels, Hi-Spec racing brakes, turbo “air scoops” on the bodywork, race chassis tuning and a sport stabilizer for the rear suspension. Will trike lovers want it to show the world that they still have a wild side? Rewaco USA.
Polaris Industries Inc. Is Expanding And Hiring More Workers At Its Factory In Osceola, Wisconsin. Polaris (NYSE: PII) will invest $1.75 million to expand the plant’s assembly operation. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is offering 234,000 in tax credits to the ATV and motorcycle maker, contingent on Polaris adding 60 jobs over the next three years. Currently the plant has 200 workers. In 2012, the plant had 150 workers. That’s still a big drop from its peak of 500, but in 2010 Polaris seemed to be moving to close the plant outright. The purchase of Indian Motorcycle and stronger sales from its electric-vehicle business since then created new work that was steered to the factory.
BMW Motorrad To Produce By 2016 A Brand New Range Of Motorcycles Under 500cc. BMW, renowned for making larger built models including a line-up of 19 motorcycles and scooters in the 650cc – 1600cc range, have now decided to venture into the smaller capacity motorbike sector. The partnership, in association with Indian motorcycle manufacturer TVS, allows BMW to branch into India, which is the second fastest growing motorcycle market in the world. The first of the new sub-500cc range will be a single-cylinder naked 300, which is likely to compete with the Honda’s CBR300R, and is scheduled to go on sale by 2016.
Barber Named World’s Largest Motorcycle Museum. Guinness World Records just named the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum the “Largest Motorcycle Museum” in the world. The 144,000-square-foot, five-story museum is home to nearly 1400 motorcycles, of which about 700 are on exhibit. The museum opened in its current location at the 830-acre Barber Motorsports Park in 2003. George Barber, Alabama native and third-generation owner of Barber Dairies, began collecting motorcycles 24 years ago. The Barber Museum is a 501(c)(3) Not For Profit Foundation and is considered the largest philanthropic project taken on by an individual in the history of Alabama. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
The Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index (PSI) use a patent-pending mystery shoppers methodology to score sales success of dealers of major motorcycle brands. On different criteria regarding the sales process motorcycle dealer performance vary considerably, but overall they do a better job than in 2013 with 12 of 17 motorcycle brands achieving higher scores. Ducati dealerships takes the top rank, a position it was holding in 2009. Harley-Davidson, number one in satisfaction in 2013, is now ranked second with the same number of points. than last year. Bombardier’s Can-Am, for its first appearance in the index is debuting with a 3rd place ranking.
Offering test rides: It’s a challenge for many dealers to offer them. Dealers mentioned to mystery shoppers immediate or future test rides 52% of the time compared to only 36% of the time three years ago. Ducati, Can-Am, Harley-Davidson and BMW—mentioned test rides to more than 60% of their customers, while dealers selling Moto Guzzi, KTM, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda mentioned test rides to less than 30% of their customers. Continue reading ‘Satisfaction Index. US Dealers Doing A Better Job At Selling Motorcycles.’
For my European readers. Biker Fest International is the largest open-air biker event for motorcycles in Italy and one of one the most famous in Europe. The event will be the 28th edition in the seaside resort of Lignano Sabbiadoro on the North Adriatic Sea (the city can sleep 250,000 people). The 2 most important attractions is the Italian Motorcycle Championship, the only Italian stage of the World Championship AMD, and the USA Car Reunion, oldest US Car meeting in Italy. Also, freestyle motocross, stunt men, off-road, safe drive education, free motorcycle tours in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Demo rides with all the Official Factories latest models, the possibility to rent bikes of different brands, live music and many other activities. A short clip of the 2013 Bike Fest International.
A nice custom touch for your 2009-up Harley touring models. Replaces your stock engine link. Constructed from billet aluminum with spherical bearings machined with a counter bore for clean flush mounted hardware. Available in chrome or black anodize finish in 2 designs “Hole Shot” and “Deep Cut”. At Arlen Ness.
