Published by Cyril Huze April 7th, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Massimo Tamburini, one of the most revered motorcycles designers, has died yesterday evening. Tamburini was 70 years old and was suffering from lung cancer. Tamburini created stellar motorcycles including the Ducati 916 and the MV Agusta F4.
The legendary Italian designer was also a renowned chassis designer. His fame began in the early ’70s with the MV Agusta 750 Sport that he created and welded the frame for himself. Then he was part of the team that founded Bimota. Claudio Castiglioni then brought him to the Cagiva group where he created the MV Agusta eventually.
Massimo Tamburini’s work at Ducati started with the Paso 750 before the 916 turned him into a household name and his motorcycle became known as the greatest motorcycle design of all, enshrined within the motorcycle community as well as in the art community as a superlative example of good design. He was also a man of supreme ethics known for his great gentleness. The motorcycle community has lost one of its best stylists.
Published by Cyril Huze April 6th, 2014
in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
You all recognized the tin primary cover used on the Harley-Davidson Knucklehead and Panhead. But this one is slightly different, keeping with the original style to help you make your 1989 to 2006 Big Twin Evo or Twin Cam look somewhat vintage. Of course, for this purpose, you will have to do much more than installing it.
Cast in aluminum and featuring CNC-milled gasket surfaces for a perfect fit to your modern factory inner primary with the same dimensions and tolerances. Will fit both models with forward or mid-controls. You can even re-use the stock hardware. The Billy Boy outer primary is available in raw aluminum with a chrome derby cover, black with chrome or black derby cover and chrome with chrome or black derby cover.
Chrome derby cover hardware provided ( Chrome )Seals not included to be ordered separately.) The company also offers vintage looking air filters, transmission and cam covers for Big Twins and Sportsters. MSRP $629.00. US Info at 916-872-3189 or Esteves Motorcycle Design.
Published by Cyril Huze April 6th, 2014
in Editorial.
“ The respect of those you respect is worth more than the applause of the multitude. ”
Arnold Glasow
Published by Cyril Huze April 5th, 2014
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
In a recent email communication to its clients and media, S&S Cycle stated something in a way that could be taken wrong, and in some cases, it has been. So S&S wants to set the record straight.
“On February 18th of this year, we sent out an email with a title “No Longer Breaking The Law!” The intent of this email was to let everyone know that under Executive Order D-355-11 of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), our S&S Stealth Air Cleaner was now legal to be used on certain highway motorcycles in California. The specific applications being Harley-Davidson® motorcycles equipped with a Delphi® fuel injection system, this includes some 2001 and all 2002 and later EFI big twin models and all 2007 and later Sportster® models. Continue reading ‘S&S Cycle Stealth Air Cleaner. Let’s Get The Record Straight About Legality In California.’
Published by Cyril Huze April 5th, 2014
in Editorial.
A woman decides to have a facelift for her 50th birthday. She spends $15,000 and feels pretty good about the results. On her way home, she stops at a news stand to buy a newspaper. Before leaving, she says to the clerk, ‘I hope you don’t mind my asking, but how old do you think I am. ‘About 32,’ is the reply.’ ‘Nope! I’m exactly 50,’ the woman says happily.
A little while later she goes into McDonald’s and asks the counter girl the very same question. The girl replies, ‘I’d guess about 29.’ The woman replies with a big smile, ‘Nope, I’m 50.’
Now she’s feeling really good about herself. She stops at a candy shop on her way down the street. She goes up to the counter to get some mints and asks the assistant the same burning question. The clerk responds, ‘Oh, I’d say 30.’ Again she proudly responds, ‘I’m 50, but thank you!’ Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
Published by Cyril Huze April 4th, 2014
in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Love the look of a set of apes on a Street Glide? Hate sorting out which cables and brake lines to use? Prefering the style and performance of braided stainless cables and lines?
I thought so, as do the folks at Burly Brand and luckily they’ve just released a collection of braided stainless kits specific to the 2008-2013 Harley Street Glide. Each kit is tailored to work with Burly Brand’s 13” or 15” Apehanger and is available for ABS as well as non ABS FLHX and FLHT/C/U models.
Kits include extended brake lines (including ABS lines) and extended clutch cable as well as all relevant wiring extensions for switches and throttle by wire, making installation much simpler. Expect very soon an announcement from Burly for cable/line kits for 2014 and newer models. Kits at your local dealer or visit Burly Brand 888-367-1871.
Published by Cyril Huze April 4th, 2014
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
It’s one way to add bad boy lower speakers to any motorcycle. These new all-in-one 5-1/4 inch amplified speakers with built in digital class D technology produce loud, crystal clear audio. Installation is easy using the included engine guard bar clamps for 1 or 1-1/4 inch bars.
Built-in line-level inputs make the Boom Cans easy to hook up to any OEM factory radio or plug them directly into a music enabled phone, iPod or mp3 player using the 3.5mm auxiliary input jack (headphone jack). The Boom Cans are available in black or chrome finish. $549.95. Further information please contact Cycle Sounds at 1-866-427-2346 or email sales@cyclesounds.com.
Published by Cyril Huze April 4th, 2014
in Editorial, Engines and Videos.
S&S Cycle comes to the rescue of the Jasmine Cain’s band…
The 2014 Harley-Davidson touring models surprised many aftermarket vendors and customizers by the number of modifications made by the factory versus previous model-year. Along with the introduction of the first European-manufactured and TÜV-approved 30-Inch front wheel in 2013, the Rick‘s Motorcycles team has developed a number of innovative and Europe homologated system components for 21 to 30″ wheels equipped 2014 Baggers, all of which should satisfy the demands of most riders wishing to ride such modified tourers. Riding stability and high-speed performance are as much an issue as safety, reliability and cool look. Considering these facts, many Harley-Davidson dealers – at least in Europe – (and of course independent dealers) already service Rick’s modified Harley baggers
Rick‘s Front Fender is available in size 30/26/23” in short or long cut version for all 2014 touring models. Fits as close as possible to the tire for long safe riding in different weather and road conditions. It is made of steel as a safety and stability issue because a strong front fender acts as a fork stabilizer for optimum parallelism of the down tubes.
Rick’s Rear Bodywork offers a smooth stretched look in an heavy-duty combo of stretched rear fender with bags (4” down, 1.5” back.) Cut-outs allow the mounting of a pair of Harley genuine CVO taillights. The 2014 model-year “Rick Rod“ touring bags accept the stock HD latches, thus the keys. Factory mounting points and hardware are retained for easy and for minimum time of installation.
Rick’s 13’’ Brake Disc Conversion Kit offers not only a better visual match to the big wheels but foremost an additional braking surface and better heat distribution resulting in faster stopping. Developed to fit Rick‘s 21, 23 and 26′ TÜV approved diameter wheels (as well as other manufacturers wheels), the Rick‘s Design wheels are now also available in bi-color as shown.
Rick’s Stainless Steel Handlebar is also TÜV approved, offered in several versions and different heights, including one accommodating Harley factory clamps,. Although design features 90-degree bends this handlebar model is conceived for internal wiring. You can use either stock or aftermarket controls and grips. Continue reading ‘Rick’s New Custom Parts For 2014 Harley-Davidson Touring Models’
Published by Cyril Huze April 3rd, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip announces that its Trike Owners United Ride (T.O.U.R.) will return for a second year on Wednesday, Aug. 6 during the Sturgis Rally.
The annual all-trike event is sponsored by Roadsmith Trikes, and it includes a 50-mile self-guided ride through the scenic Black Hills leading to a custom trike show and private reception at the Buffalo Chip.
The T.O.U.R. event is free of charge and is open to all makes and models of trikes. Riders may pre-register for the event at Buffalo Chip.
“The Trike Owners United Ride allows trike riders from around the world to come together to celebrate the freedom and camaraderie shared by those who travel on three wheels,” says Rod Woodruff, President of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “We couldn’t be more excited to again welcome trikers home to the Buffalo Chip by hosting this distinctive event.”
The T.O.U.R. ride departs from Main Street in Hill City, SD and takes Trikers on a 50-mile self-guided ride through the scenic highways of the Black Hills, including Vanocker Canyon, before concluding at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. The ride culminates with a trike procession through the Buffalo Chip grounds that leads to a private reception at the Chip’s Russ Brown Events Center. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Buffalo Chip® And Roadsmith Present Second Annual Trike Owners United Ride’
Published by Cyril Huze April 3rd, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze April 2nd, 2014
in Builders and Editorial.
The mid-year release of the retro-cool Harley-Davidson Low Rider® seems to have pleased a lot of you. Launched in 1977, the original Low Rider became synonymous with a rebellious attitude and as such is one of the icons of the Harley-Davidson production. After a five-year hiatus and thanks to good ergonomics and a well calibrated suspension the legendary Low Rider motorcycle offers an agile chassis for easy and comfortable cruising.
The new Low Rider 4 key features are: 1- a two-position seat moving the rider 1.5 inches forward 2- an adjustable handlebar riser offering 2.4 inches of adjustment, which can each be easily adjusted by the dealer using simple hand tools 3-footpegs that are relocated two inches forward of the previous Dyna mid-mount position to offer most riders from 5’ 1” to 6’ 1” in height the more critical comfort zones 4- and of course a low seat height at just 25.4 inches. Harley-Davidson kept touchstone elements from the Low Rider model: a polished headlamp visor, wrinkle black trim and split five-spoke aluminum wheels finished in wrinkle black with diamond cut highlights. Continue reading ‘The New Reborn Harley-Davidson FXDL Low Rider®’
Published by Cyril Huze April 2nd, 2014
in Builders, Editorial, Videos and Wheels.
On March 11, I announced the “Follow Your Dream Contest” where 2 iconic brands, Metzeler and builder Indian Larry, come together to build a priceless custom motorcycle, uniquely built with input from fans via the METZELER USA Facebook® Page. As promised, you can be part of the customization process, watch the building process all evolve in a Metzeler Web Series ending with a lucky fan taking off on a “Follow Your Dream” ride vacation on the Indian Larry built bike.
All fans who enter the contest will automatically be included in a sweepstakes with over 30 chances to win great prizes like METZELER T-shirts and a set of METZELER ME 888 MARATHON™ Ultra tires. The announcement of the 3 Follow Your Dream finalists will be held on June 16, with the Grand Prize winner being introduced at the bike unveiling. In the video below, see the frame being built by Bob Seeger Jr., then go to the Metzeler Web Series to watch more videos of the bike in progress.
Published by Cyril Huze April 2nd, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) has announced that American motorcycle manufacturer Erik Buell Racing (EBR) will return to the 2014 show this October 16-19 in Orlando, Fla. EBR was a founding OEM exhibitor at the inaugural AIMExpo last October. EBR took advantage of the exclusive all-in-one platform offered at AIMExpo and received stellar response from dealers, members of the industry, media and consumers. The East Troy, Wis., company has made a name for itself as a result of the innovative American craftsmanship of its motorcycles, including the 1190 RX that was globally debuted at AIMExpo last year. With the opportunity to connect to its current dealer body, expand its dealer network and introduce new models, EBR eagerly awaits the opportunity to build on its success from the inaugural AIMExpo.
“We are returning to AIMExpo in 2014 because the inaugural event last year was a great success for us,” said Gary Pietruszewski, Vice President of global sales at Erik Buell Racing. “It’s an opportunity for us to spend quality time with dealers, the media and motorcycle enthusiasts. The timing is perfect, too, since it coincides with new model introductions and is late enough in the season that dealers and their staff can more easily attend.”
EBR plans on expanding its presence at AIMExpo in 2014 by offering demo rides. Additionally, several of EBR’s professional race team riders will be in attendance to meet with dealers, media, and consumers. “The opportunity to welcome EBR back as one of our founding OEM exhibitors is significant for AIMExpo,” said Larry Little, Vice President & General Manager, Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group. “The brand has boldly paved its own path in the powersports marketplace thanks to the craftsmanship and fine detail of its motorcycles, and we are happy to showcase their cutting edge products. We look forward to EBR’s return and can’t wait to see what they’ll come up with next.” Continue reading ‘Erik Buell Racing To Return To 2014 American International Motorcycle Expo With Larger Presence’
Published by Cyril Huze April 2nd, 2014
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® proudly announces that the custom 2014 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide built by participants of the Chip’s Student Build Challenge received first place in the High School Build Open Class at the 27th annual Donnie Smith Bike Show this past Sunday, March 30. The Sturgis Brown High School students participating in the build had been working steadily since Jan. 6 under the instruction of industry’s top professionals in order to complete customizations in time for this past weekend’s unveiling. The finished bike features a fully overhauled and customized motor for increased performance, a lowered stretched body and an eye-catching graffiti-themed paint job. It is also one of the first custom 2014 Street Glides in existence.
“The motorcycle these students created has absolutely blown away my expectations for this year’s bike build project,” says Rod Woodruff, President of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “Moreover, these young students created a machine that wowed the industry’s top builders at the Donnie Smith Show. That’s something the students, the school, the community and all those involved in the Student Build Challenge should be very, very proud of.”
2014 marked the first year the Student Build worked on a new-year motorcycle sponsored by Black Hills Harley-Davidson, and the students found customizing a brand new Street Glide to be one of their largest hurdles. The Motor Company had made drastic changes between the 2013 and 2014 models, which meant most of the custom parts for the bike had yet to be created. Continue reading ‘Custom 2014 Street Glide Built By Sturgis Students Wins Donnie Smith Bike Show High School Award’
Published by Cyril Huze April 1st, 2014
in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
This custom LED headlight with billet aluminum bezel and adjustable mount is machined from billet aluminum and offered in 3 finishes: polished, black anodized and clear anodized (shown here is polished aluminum)
Included is an adjustable mount also machined from solid billet aluminum. LED bulb is the same that H-D uses, is weather resistant and is able to withstand the vibration of your V-Twin motorcycle. Shown here on BBC’s Rocketeer F3.
Made in the USA. First 25 orders get a $100 discount. More info and reservation at Brass Balls Cycles LED Light.
Published by Cyril Huze April 1st, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Every year, tens of thousands enthusiasts join the AMA and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, and nearly 1,000 independent vendors at vintage motorcycling’s biggest bash. The Vintage Motorcycle Days event includes racing, the country’s largest motorcycle swap meet, seminars, stars from the sports past and present, bike shows and more, all designed to recapture a simpler time and remind us what’s fundamentally cool about riding motorcycles. The 2014 dates for the country’s premier annual celebration of vintage motorcycling are July 11th to 13th at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
It was 1947. You just picked up one of the last Knuckleheads to roll out of Milwaukee, an EL 74. With the hand-shift four-speed transmission, wraparound oil tank and chrome accents, you were the king of style — and king of the road. Or perhaps it was 1952 and you acquired an Indian that made you the Chief of the town. Or, it was the summer of 1968, and you were riding one of the all-time utilitarian motorcycles, a Norton Commando and ruled the twisty backroads. Memories like these make it obvious why the AMA organizes The Vintage Motorcycle Days. Continue reading ‘The American Motorcyclist Association Has Announced The Dates For 2014 Vintage Motorcycle Days’
Published by Cyril Huze April 1st, 2014
in Editorial and Engines.
You know or may not know the symptoms. They go from hesitation to lean conditions to engine overheating and many others. An intake leak will not be limited to just the manifold seals. It could be worn throttle shafts, cracked or hard vacuum lines (i.e. V.O.E.S. hose), loose mounts and many others.
S&S Cycle says that the easiest way to check for leaks is to do the following. Fire up the motorcycle and hold it at a steady RPM (2000). Using an aerosol lubricant or cleaner (being careful of painted parts) spray all possible leak points, one at a time.
If the bike revs up or dies when an area is sprayed, it has a leak and needs to be repaired. If the condition persists, double check your work. New gaskets can also be damaged during installation.
Published by Cyril Huze April 1st, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze March 31st, 2014
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze March 30th, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.
Well, maybe some of you want to learn about the motorcycle-specific technology used in the new Harley-Davidson gloves offering. More than you think…
The drawings above will help you understand about low profile seaming, pre-curved fingers for maximum feel and comfort, gel padding palms, power-stretch knuckles to minimize hand fatigue, touchscreen compatible index finger and thumb, etc.
Harley-Davidson proposes 4 new models, 3 for men, 1 for women. From left to right and top to bottom.
Men’s Circuit Full-Finger Leather Gloves (P/N 98275-14VM, $65). Constructed from supple goatskin leather with low profile comfort seams, the gloves have 45-degree pre-curved fingers for maximum feel and comfort. The gel-padded palm and anti-slip grip reduce fatigue while 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material on the knuckles delivers enhanced visibility. Neoprene cuffs with adjustable closures offer added comfort and maneuverability. Available in S – 3XL sizes. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle-Specific Gloves Technology By Harley-Davidson’
Published by Cyril Huze March 29th, 2014
in Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze March 29th, 2014
in Accessories, Editorial and Videos.
Since 1954, Bell the leader and largest head protection company in the world, has for goal to create a helmet that has the ability to absorb and dissipate energy at every level of velocity (in the US, 50% of the motorcycle population doesn’t wear a helmet.) Over 50 Bell engineers, designers and testing professionals work in Scott Valley inside the largest test lab in the world, testing more helmets in this lab than all other helmet testing labs together. Beyond fit and comfort, helmets are tested at a wide range of speeds , from low to high speed and in between. There are four different conditions that the helmets must be tested in: hot, ambient, cold and wet condition. Bell also adjust head coverage and how the helmet performs during rotational injuries. A video showing Bell Comprehensive Impact Testing.
Published by Cyril Huze March 28th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
One century ago, in 1914, 32-year old Erwin George “Cannon Ball” Baker (March 12, 1882 – May 10, 1960) made history riding an Indian motorcycle for a 3.379-mile trek from San Diego to New York in 11 1/2 days.
Don Emde, 63, the legendary former Daytona 200 race winner and member of the Motorcycle Hall Of Fame, believes that he reconstructed the exact route Baker followed and intends to ride it, leaving and arriving at the same time his inspiration did. Emde will depart San Diego this May 3rd and, if all goes well will arrive in New York City on May 14. Continue reading ‘Former Daytona Racer Don Emde To Ride The 1914 Trek Of Erwin George “Cannon Ball” Baker’
Published by Cyril Huze March 28th, 2014
in Builders and Editorial.
These innovative technologies will be integrated into the Sabertooth line of WildCat® trikes. The first of these technologies is SureTrac®, a Rear-Wheel-Steering system (patent number 8,607,913), which provides added stability and ease of turning. Sabertooth’s proprietary SureTrac® system will be standard equipment on the popular V8 WildCat® trike series and the new 850 cc, 104 hp WildCat “e” trike series.”Turning the handlebars on a conventional trike requires ever increasing force the faster the rider is going, and on slick roads the front tire can slide while the rear tires go in a straight line,” says Sabertooth Motorcycles Founder Ben Daniels. “Rear steering makes the trike much easier to turn and lets a two rear wheel trike handle nimbly while increasing safety and stability.” Continue reading ‘Sabertooth Motorcycles Has Been Granted 2 U.S. Patents For Innovative Rear-Wheel-Steering and Active Suspension.’
Published by Cyril Huze March 28th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
The official announcement was made yesterday afternoon. Tucker Rocky/Biker Choice (LDI LLC) has agreed to merge with Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) owned by majority shareholder Leonard Green & Partners.
LDI LLC, the sole shareholder of Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice, will become the majority shareholder of the combined company. Leonard Green & Partners, L.P., the current majority shareholder of MAG, and other existing MAG shareholders will retain a significant minority interest in the combined company. Continue reading ‘Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice To Merge With Motorsports Aftermarket Group’
Last weekend March 29-30, 
