Published by Cyril Huze April 17th, 2014
in Editorial.
Brass Balls Cycles (a.k.a. Darwin Motorcycles) is currently accepting applications for a Fabricator / Bike Builder / Welder position.
The person needs to be proficient in welding & fabrication. He needs to know how to run a mil & lathe and have knowledge and experience in bike building. Pay is relative to quality of experience.
If you are not a team player. If you are a “glass half empty” person. If you are not willing to work hard. If you are not open to learning more and stretching yourself, then do not apply. If however, you are a leader, a positive person, are self motivated, have the skills listed above and want to be part of something special, then email your resume to: Evolve@DarwinMotorcycles.com
Published by Cyril Huze April 16th, 2014
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I felt the urge to publish the Johammer Electric Motorcycle because of its very unusual aesthetics and setup, more than for its performance somewhat in the range of many of e-competitors.
It may appear weird to many – looking like (irony?) a snail on wheels – or visually appealing to those with an open mind who reward those builders who dare to be different.
My personal opinion, better, not worse that many other bikes I have seen in bike shows… Continue reading ‘Johammer Electric Motorcycle. Going Green In Pastel Colors.’
Published by Cyril Huze April 16th, 2014
in Editorial and Merchandise.
Published by Cyril Huze April 16th, 2014
in Editorial.
Apple does it again!
Apple announced today that the company has developed a breast implant that can store and play music.
The iTit will cost from $499 to $699, depending on cup and speaker size.
This is considered a major social breakthrough because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.
Published by Cyril Huze April 15th, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Bruce Eide, who is already selling Indian motorcycles in Sioux Falls, is about to open an Indian dealership downtown Sturgis at 2106 Lazelle Street. Indian Motorcycle considers Sturgis its “home” away from home. The reason? The first Sturgis rally was held on August 14, 1938, by the “Jackpine Gypsies” motorcycle club who still own and operate the tracks, hillclimb, and field areas where the rally is centered.
The first event was called the “Black Hills Classic” and consisted of a single race with nine participants and a small audience. The founder is generally considered to be Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. He purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise in Sturgis in 1936 and formed the “Jackpine Gypsies” that same year. All reasons why last Aug. 3, Indian Motorcycle unveiled the newest Indian Classic, Vintage, and Chieftain Motorcycles to the public in downtown Sturgis. The dealership will be open year round offering both sales, service and retail apparel. It will employee eight people, Kurtenbach said (photo @ Indian Motorcycle)
Published by Cyril Huze April 15th, 2014
in Builders, Customs and Events.
I am pretty certain that you wonder what Paul Junior Teutul is up to… Right? He has been building motorcycles for World of Warcraft, the famous game launched in 2004. More precisely 2 custom bikes inspired by the 2 game warring faction, the “Horde” and the “Alliance.” The building will be documented in several episodes of a reality show called “Azeroth Choppers, not on television but on the web. The winner bike built by Paul Jr. will be decided by a fan vote. First episode airs April 17. I let you comment on the 2 bikes in the image above.
Published by Cyril Huze April 15th, 2014
in Accessories and Editorial.
If you use one, when was the last time you evaluated the condition of your helmet? Helmet industry guidelines for helmet life are: 1- Replacing your helmet every 3 to 5 years, depending on use, to ensure optimal helmet performance 2- Over time, UV rays, internal adhesive and component aging can deteriorate a helmet’s protective qualities 3- Exposure to gasoline, insect repellent, cleaning fluids, exhaust fumes and excessive heat can degrade helmet materials 4- If a helmet has been dropped or suffered an impact, it should be replaced immediately 5-A helmet is designed for only one impact, even a small one. An impact may fracture its outer shell as well as compress the inner liner, neither of which may be visible.
And of course, Harley-Davidson didn’t forget to remind me that they have a great selection of helmets that meet DOT requirements, protect your valuable assets and maintain your bad-ass moto persona, whether it’s a minimalist look or a full-face performance version.
Published by Cyril Huze April 15th, 2014
in Editorial and Merchandise.
Calling all groom and bride bikers. They are made by a father and son to clients’ specifications. Of course, they will also create these biker figurines even if you are not getting hitched. Birthdays, anniversaries, or any event pretext for eating a cake. At Magic Mud.
Published by Cyril Huze April 14th, 2014
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze April 13th, 2014
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Since almost a decade now, retro is the favorite theme of most factory and custom bikes. One more way to look classic or vintage is offered by Bare Knuckle Choppers with this new very nice looking velocity stack conceived to fit the very popular S&S Cycle E & G and also Linkert 4-bolt carburetors (no adaptor plate necessary.) The outer body features an organic shape matching the look of the respective carburetor’s profile. Continue reading ‘New Velocity Stack From Bare Knuckle Choppers’
Published by Cyril Huze April 12th, 2014
in Editorial, Events and Painters.
Published by Cyril Huze April 12th, 2014
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Seats.
The Road Zeppelin® Seat Pads (P/N 52000084 Rider, P/N 52400060 Passenger Pillion; $119.95 each) are equipped with a patented air bladder system that distributes weight evenly across the entire seating surface, removing pressure points while also providing shock absorption which reduces vibration.
The mesh cover allows air circulation, reducing the air temperature between the rider and seat. The easy-to-reach integrated hand pump and air release valve permits convenient adjustment.
Shaped to conform to most Harley-Davidson seats, the pads feature an adjustable mounting strap and a non-skid surface to keep them in place. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website
Published by Cyril Huze April 11th, 2014
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Vintage Custom Triumph, copyright Owen Howells Photography UK.
Published by Cyril Huze April 11th, 2014
in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
Regarding automative matters, weight is often the enemy. True for transmissions. So, Belt drives LTD. just released a collection of new super duty, light weight transmission pulleys. for both stock and high performance applications.
These high tech pulleys are precision machined to aircraft quality tolerances from super tough 7075 aluminum. Weighing in at just 2 ¼ pounds, the BDL pulleys are 1/3 the weight of OEM pulleys. The end result is reclaimed horsepower and less wear on bearings.
BDL’s rugged yet durable hard anodize finish assures years of extended trouble free operation. The new BDL Light Weight Transmission pulleys are currently available for 4-speed Big Twins from 1979 to 1983, 5-speed 1986 to present and 5-speed Sportsters from 1992 up. For complete details call Belt Drives Limited at 714-693-1313
Published by Cyril Huze April 11th, 2014
in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
Riding in regular jeans may be dangerous. The friction of a fall – even at low speeds – tears through denim in less than a second, leaving your legs exposed. The solution offered by businesses selling ready-made protective jeans satisfies very few bikers because these companies sell styles and cuts which are not yours.
A great idea and service proposed by a company called Ruste Protection is to let you send your own jeans to their expert tailors who then will sew in Kevlar (for protection) and Coolmax fabric (between your skin and the Kevlar to help you stay dry, cool and comfortable.) Then your riding jeans are returned to you (they ship worldwide) Continue reading ‘Safety Issue. Send Your Jeans To Have Them Kevlar Protected’
Published by Cyril Huze April 10th, 2014
in Builders.
Until now you had to customize one of the Sportsters of the line-up to make it a light tourer. And many did, buying aftermarket accessories…No surprisingly, when Harley asked their Sportster riders and also dealers what they wanted, the request many formulated was loud and clear. Give us a factory equipped touring version. The Sportster Superlow 1200 T (as Touring) was born.
As a matter of fact it’s not the 1st time that Harley-Davidson manufactures such a version. The 1st one, named the XLT, was produced in 1977 with very little success, only about 1000 units being produced. But times have changed. You all know why the Sportster market – in parallel to the bagger market – has grown so fast during these last years. Offering a light tourer is to offer many, both men and women, the opportunity to travel a weekend, a few days or even for some long distance rides usually reserved to big baggers.
The other name component of this new Sportster is Superlow. Because it is built on the same chassis than the 883 Superlow, offering letting short or average size bikers (5 ft to 5.8 ft) a chance to be seated comfortably with feet to the ground when stopped (Seat height is 26.1 inches) and easy reach to both hand and foot controls when riding. The rider foot position is three inches forward from the SuperLow® 883 model. Mini footboards provide added comfort for the rider and passenger. The Sportster Superlow 1200T weighs 118 pounds less than the lightest Harley-Davidson Big Twin touring motorcycle. Continue reading ‘Sportster Superlow 1200T. The New Very Light Tourer From Harley-Davidson’
Published by Cyril Huze April 10th, 2014
in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Ridewright Wheels, a manufacturer of premium spoke and recently forged billet wheels is introducing a 3-Piece Modular Billet Hub. The idea is to offer the flexibility of keeping a wheel and fitting it on multiple bikes required different spacing and offset. Just change the hub ends as needed. Dealers don’t have to stock nearly as much inventory to satisfy their customer’s needs.
The left side is modular with many different widths and bolt pattern options for most sprocket or brake configurations.The center hub offers the option of many different spoke-count and spoke-width choices. The right side is optional to hide the spokes and offer a smooth and clean look.
As far as I know, Ridewright is the first to offer these innovative hubs and will be found on all Ridewright Wheels including their new forged line. Manufactured from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum. Available in luxurious show quality chrome. (Special finishes available upon request) Ridewright Wheels 714-632-8297
Published by Cyril Huze April 10th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
Scheduled for 17 days in September, the 3rd edition of the coast-to-coast Cannonball Run on antique motorcycles has its roster full and the route set. This unique and grueling ride will probably be again historic. According to Lonnie Isam, Jr., owner of Jurassic Racing in Sturgis, South Dakota, and promoter of the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball Run, the endurance ride for pre-1937 motorcycles will get underway from the sands of Daytona Beach in Florida on Friday, September 5 and will include 115 entries from 32 states, 11 countries and 3 continents as well as the island of Japan.
The historic run will indeed be watched by the world as motorcycles of all marques tackle a demanding route across America. Included in the impressive lineup of antique bikes will be some lesser-known marques such a 1923 Ner-a-car, a Sokol 1000, and a Sunbeam m9. As predicted early on, the field will be overwhelmingly dominated by a remarkable 67-Harley-Davidsons, followed in concentration by 19-Indians, 16-Hendersons, 6-BMWs, 2-Moto Guzzis, 2-Moto Freras, as well as 1-each Rudge, BSA Sloper, and Brough Superior. Continue reading ‘The 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball Run. Update.’
Published by Cyril Huze April 9th, 2014
in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Published by Cyril Huze April 9th, 2014
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
The biggest problem of helmet makers is not only to convince more bikers to wear helmets or to wear non-novelty helmets. It’s also to manufacture safer ones for your protection and be less prone to lawsuits. These companies will admit that helmet technology didn’t progress very much since the turn of the century.
But a new technology may be close to offering those who ride a helmet with a better fit, reducing energy to the head in case of impact.
After successful beta testing, Bell helmets is about to propose a simple scanning process of your head to produce the unique helmet fitting you the best and being the safest possible for your head shape. Continue reading ‘Your Helmet. Soon To Be Custom Made To Fit Your Shape Head. And Be Safer?’
Published by Cyril Huze April 9th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
Largest Harley-Davidson Store In The World Being Built In Scottsdale, Arizona. It will be a 146.000 sq-ft facility built on 4.28 acres northeast of Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale’s current 26,000 sq-ft dealership. It is expected to be completed in late Spring of 2015. The new dealership will include a 20,000 sq-ft service department, 87,000 sq. feet of underground parking and storage, customer lounges, an event space for concerts and shaded parking. The owner is GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons who also already has in his motorcycle shops portfolio the current Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, Go AZ Motorcycles, Spooky Fast Customs in Scottsdale, and Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson in Southaven, Miss.
2014 Daytona Bike Week Trauma Admissions Were Up From Last Year. These statistics come from the Daytona Beach Halifax Medical Center where most involved in wrecks end up. It’s the only area’s trauma unit. The hospital prepares for the biker invasion by scheduling additional employees and stocking up on blood supplies for transfusions. It keeps tabs on admissions during March Bike Week and the fall motorcycle rally of Biketoberfest. Bike Week trauma cases: Total trauma admissions: 50 (versus 44 in 2013). Deaths: 2. Helmet usage: 50 percent. Sex: 82 percent male, 18 percent female. Average age: 44
Steve Johnson to Retire From His Position As Chair Of The Motorcycle Industry Council Aftermarket Committee following four years of service, and from his membership on the MIC board of directors. Johnson, from Fort Worth, Texas, was the president and chief operating officer of Tucker Rocky Distributing for 12 years before retiring in 2012. Prior to Tucker Rocky, he served in several key roles within PepsiCo during a career there that spanned 26 years. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Published by Cyril Huze April 8th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
Las Vegas Bikefest, known as the biggest biker party in the west, just opened registration and hotel reservations. The 14th annual edition will be held October 2-5. “Bikers and their friends can get right now their Ultimate and Party Passes at early bird prices.” says Mindi Cherry, Las Vegas BikeFest organizer.
For 30 dollars you get into Rally Central all weekend at the Cashman Center. You also get an event t-shirt, a 2014 Las Vegas BikeFest rally pin, and tickets to HEADLINE concerts on Friday AND Saturday night. Yes, the concerts are Iincluded. If you’ve had a few too many beers, free shuttle rides between Fremont Street and Rally Central are available every day, all day long. Continue reading ‘Las Vegas BikeFest Opens Registration And Hotel reservations.’
Published by Cyril Huze April 8th, 2014
in Editorial, Events and Wheels.
For those who need to change their tires and are faithful to Harley-Davidson rubber brand recommendation, it’s the time of the year when you can do it and receive a 40 H-D Gift Card.
Participating Harley-Davidson® dealers and Dunlop® are teaming up to offer a $40 consumer mail-in rebate on a set of Harley-Davidson-branded Dunlop tires purchased between March 1 and April 30. The offer applies to a set of two new H-D/Dunlop tires (excluding Police tires) and will be paid in the form of a $40 Harley-Davidson Gift Card. The gift card can be used at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealership or at h-d.com/store. Dunlop tires are made in the USA and have been mounted as original equipment on Harley-Davidson motorcycles since 1984.
The H-D/Dunlop rebate offer applies to consumer purchases made exclusively at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between March 1 and April 30, 2014. A form available from the participating Harley-Davidson dealer must be postmarked by June 15, 2014. Additional terms and conditions apply. See a participating Harley-Davidson dealer.
Published by Cyril Huze April 8th, 2014
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
I didn’t publish this feature on April’s fool day, so, I guarantee that this one-of-a-kind Harley—Davidson powered Toyota Prius really exists.
Proof? It’s for sale on eBay (best offer at time of publication was $1375) although it’s no more running because of a massive breakdown…
I understand that some don’t like hybrid electric cars. But why turning a Prius into a Harley-Davidson powered POS? I must miss something. The listing is quite comical. But first check out the video made when the Toyo-Hog was still running.
Published by Cyril Huze April 8th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
Want to help decide which bands the Buffalo Chip brings for the 2014 Sturgis festival? You can when you visit the Chip’s new interactive band submission platform at Big Sturgis Gig.
You can explore bands, cast votes and share with friends. Every time you interact with a band’s page, they earn valuable points. After June 30, the top 10 highest scoring bands will be reviewed by a celebrity judging panel and one will be chosen to play the Buffalo Chip Music Festival. Continue reading ‘The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Presents “The Big Sturgis Gig”’
Published by Cyril Huze April 7th, 2014
in Builders, Customs and Merchandise.
A corporation commissioning a custom motorcycle is always doing it for marketing purpose. And the result can only be a theme bike whose main staging area is almost never the road, but the print and digital pages of magazines, the headquarter lobby of said corporation and the display floor of a few dealer shows. From the perspective of the motorcycle industry, of builders and of bikers, nothing wrong with this marketing approach if the bike is beautiful, demonstrates skills from the builder and is not advertised… as an every day rider.
That you like or not theme bikes let’s judge this one as what it is. A corporate concept motorcycle trying to convey a certain image for a brand and its products. Bell & Ross is a relatively young watch maker company in search of more international notoriety to boost brand awareness of its B-Rocket neo-retro aviation style chronographs. Bell & Ross define its watches as “uncompromising designs, built with a very strict criteria in terms of the materials and resistance of the components, sophisticated engineering, pure aesthetic quality, accurate information and lastly the non-negotiable requirement for high-performance, even under what may be considered extreme conditions.” Nothing less than all this… Continue reading ‘B-Rocket Concept Motorcycle.’