And when you think you have seen everything… Florida artist Reese Moore loves motorcycles and recycle bones of dead animals to elaborate massive bike sculptures. Bones are sourced from roadkill or are given by farmers and hunters. Moore doesn’t hesitate to mix parts from different animals, cows, wolves, alligators, etc. Some of you may know one of his motorcycle sculptures displayed at the Froggy’s Saloon on Daytona Beach Main Street with a for sale sign at $100,000! Just because it takes him about one year to build each of his bad-to-the-bone creations.
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Why Is My Engine So Hard To Start? Tips From S&S Cycle To Resolve This Issue.
Published by March 27th, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Street engines have not only gotten bigger, they’ve also gained compression. Hard starting is an annoying problem that can be resolved either inside or outside the engine. The explanation and tips from S&S Cycle.
The first step in making these beasts more manageable is to check cranking compression with a good screw-in gauge. S&S recommends 180-190 psi for street use, 200 psi for those who insist on pushing the limits. The easiest way to reduce cranking compression is to install a camshaft that closes the intake valve a little later. An engine with the recommended cranking pressure will deliver good power and throttle response but still be reasonably easy to start. Some engines, however, remain stubborn even with moderate cranking pressures. That’s almost always caused by something outside the engine, a worn or binding starter or starter drive, a weak battery ,cheap or old cables, poor wiring connections, inappropriate ignition timing or overly aggressive advance curve, hydraulic lifter bleed-down, or an improperly spaced alternator rotor scraping on the crankcase, just to name a few of the culprits. Whatever the cause, there are several tricks for making a stubborn engine easier to start. Continue reading ‘Why Is My Engine So Hard To Start? Tips From S&S Cycle To Resolve This Issue.’
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Announced First Acts To Perform At Their Annual Summer Music Festival
Published by March 27th, 2014 in Editorial and Events.
The nine-day lineup of national touring artists to take to the Chip’s main stage Aug. 1-9, includes Zac Brown Band, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Train, Florida Georgia Line, John Mayall and many others. Over 30 bands will fill out the festival’s concert lineup, and the Buffalo Chip will announce the remaining acts throughout the coming months.
Passes for the Buffalo Chip’s 33rd annual Motorcycle and Music Festival are on sale now. All concerts are free with camping. For more information or to get passes to the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling™, visit Buffalo Chip or call (605) 347-9000. Continue reading ‘The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Announced First Acts To Perform At Their Annual Summer Music Festival’
Urban Outfitters Sued By Harley-Davidson. Urban Outfitters Inc. that owns and operates over 400 retail locations across five retail brands (Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain, and BHLDN) and known for catering to “hipster” culture and fashion, is being sued for violating trademarks belonging to Harley-Davidson by allegedly purchasing officially licensed Harley merchandise and then shredding and rebranding the apparel before selling it as their own. “The retailer willfully violated the Lanham Act and Wisconsin state statutes by improperly selling the altered Harley-branded shirts and jackets as part of the retail chain’s “Urban Renewal” line of products, according to the Wisconsin federal court suit by H-D USA LLC, the entity that owns the trademarks at issue.
Polaris To Take On Harley In India. Polaris India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of US-based Polaris Industries Inc, is planning to bring to India its Victory motorcycles,. Pankaj Dubey, country head and managing director at Polaris India, said “India is a key market for Polaris and the Victory brand with its six models with a 1,700 cc engine will co-exist with its Indian motorcycles brand brought to India last January.” The first Victory motorcycles will be delivered on April 15 when the first dealership would be opened in New Delhi. The next two dealerships would be opened in Mumbai by the end of this year and Bangalore next year, four more would be set up in Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh and Kolkata by 2016.
Brass Balls Cycles To Have A Dealership In Shanghai. Grand Opening is estimated in about 2 months. A couple of Brass Balls motorcycles have been shipped there and passed the registration process. A very special “Brawler GT” is currently being built to be sent in time for the opening. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Daytona Bike Week Willie’s Old School Chopper Show. A Few Close-Ups.
Published by March 26th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Events.It was held Thursday March 13 on the parking lot of Tropical Tattoo in Ormond Beach. Some Views…(photos @ H. Roesler for Cyril Huze)
Wheels Through Time Museum Celebrating This Weekend Their 2014 Season With Antique Motorcycle Exhibitions And More
Published by March 26th, 2014 in Editorial and Events.
The Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC – the rare and historic machines museum that everybody should visit at least one time – will be re-opening this Thursday and will welcome fans and friends until Monday for a series of exhibitions and demonstrations of many rare motorcycles, including several that were recently found on Season 1 & 2 of t”he Tv show “What’s In the Barn?”. A dozen of them belonging to America’s motorcycling beginnings .
Since the museum closed for the winter last December, staff and volunteers have been hard at work, focusing on improving visitors’ museum experience from start to finish. “For 2014, we’ve enhanced countless exhibits, expanded interpretive and informational signage, and of course, added new machines to the assortment of American motorized history on display,” said museum curator Dale Walksler. “We’ve even developed a series of smart phone applications to give visitors access to complete information about many of the machines and exhibits on display.” Continue reading ‘Wheels Through Time Museum Celebrating This Weekend Their 2014 Season With Antique Motorcycle Exhibitions And More’
On january 5th, I reported on the upcoming “Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit”, an all new 3-day event to broaden the skills, knowledge and experiences of women motorcycle riders, to be held in Denver, Colorado May 2 to 4, 2014. At summit opening, on Friday afternoon, participants will screen a new documentary that explores the unstoppable spirit and diversity of 6 women motorcycle riders (Erin Doherty-Ratay, Masyn Moyer, Janice Ferrante, Julie Graff, Debra Conroy, all from Colorado and Betsy Huelskamp from California) Watch the trailer.
S&S Super E And G Carburetor Power Kits By Speed Dealer Customs
Published by March 25th, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Each motor compression cycle of your stock engine leaves a little residue getting sent right back into your motor to be burned up, somewhat decreasing performance and engine life.
Speed Dealer Customs claim that their kit doesn’t allow the sludge back in after it’s sent out to the filter. Included in the kit is the velocity stack. a set of breather bolts, velocity stack and a choke knob. The choke knob fits right in with the new velocity stack and bolts, with 3 settings full/half/off.
Available in Polished Aluminum, Black Anodizing ($138.49), Solid Brass ($219.49). Order online at Speed Dealer Customs (SDC) Tel. 417-717-4316
Cafe Rider Dubai To Distribute Brass Balls Cycles
Published by March 25th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Dar Holdsworth from Brass Balls Bobbers just returned from Dubai , United Arab Emirates, where he participated to the grand opening of Cafe Rider, a new dealer carrying exclusively his motorcycles. As you can see it looks like a very cool place with Brass Balls Bobbers bikes displayed as works of art, then a 30-ft long coffee bar manned by a champion Barista the most insanely fantastic (Dar’s words) coffees, expressos, cappuccinos,, latte’s and teas. The bike service area is behind glass, so customers can watch while their bikes are attended to. There is a small but attractive retail area where top quality & unique is the theme. The leather jackets & gloves are made specifically to Cafe Rider’s specs and are not found anywhere else in the region. There are t-shirts, helmets, messenger bags and more. Some of the new Brass Balls Cycles parts are also for sale. Continue reading ‘Cafe Rider Dubai To Distribute Brass Balls Cycles’
Yestersay March 24, Steve McQueen would have celebrated its 84th birthday. And it’s 60 years ago that he rode his first new Triumph motorcycle. It was sold to him by Johnson Motors in Pasadena, California and delivered to him at the Los Angeles’ Universal Studios. McQueen became good friend with Bud Ekins who teached him how to race in the desert, then both participated to an endure in Northern California. But it was the 1964 International Six Day Trial that went a long way to creating the enduring image of McQueen the great motorcyclist. Continue reading ‘Steve McQueen’s Connection With Triumph Motorcycles.’
Exclusive. Interview With Steve Menneto, Polaris Industries’ Vice President Of Indian And Victory Motorcycles.
Published by March 24th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Seven months after the re-launch of the Indian brand and a few weeks after the introduction of a new 2015 Victory model (the Gunner), while in Daytona for Bike Week. I sat down with Steve Menneto for an interview. As a fast introduction, let me mention that Menetto is a former Polaris dealer who became 16 years ago Polaris director of sales, then taking responsibility for the Victory Motorcycles line up in 2009 and in April 2011 becoming the Vice President of Motorcycles for both Indian and Victory motorcycles. He is the man who convinced the board of Polaris that the acquisition of the Indian brand would help grow the company from a 3 billion to a 5 billion business. (photography @ H. Roesler & Polaris for Cyril Huze)
Cyril. Marketing 2 motorcycle brands requires a clear definition of what they should be as products, of how they should be perceived by the consumers and how they should evolve in the future to never interfere with each other but instead contribute both fully, if not equally, to Polaris growth. Please, tell me your strategy to have Indian and Victory play their own distinct market and be successful at it.
Steve. We have spent a lot of time and effort in this area. The purchase of the Indian Motorcycle brand actually frees up Victory to some degree. We believe we can be very successful with a two-brand strategy. Each brand has its own individual personalities, Indian more Premium and Heritage, Victory more Performance and Modern, and when you take the time to ask the riders, they have clear reason why they like either brand. Victory and Indian will continue to appeal to different segments of the market. We believe we have the perfect combination of brands to be very competitive.
Cyril. During the fourth quarter of 2013, Polaris saw motorcycle sales increase 94% year over year from $35.4 million to approximately $68.8 million. This huge increase was driven by your new line of Indian Chief bikes, not by Victory. Indian will always be a bigger brand than Victory now standing at about 5% market share in the heavyweight motorcycle market. How do you intend to accelerate the momentum for Victory motorcycles? With brand new models competing with both Harley and metric bikes? Privileging tourers versus cruisers? Showing innovation with a brand new performance powertrain? etc…
Steve. We do not speak about future products for obvious competitive reasons. The rapid growth of Indian Motorcycle is of course important to the parent company, so is maintaining strength of Victory. Incidentally, the Q4 market percentage does not tell the full story – in the segments that Victory competes – heavy weight cruisers, baggers and touring bikes – Victory is #2 in the market. We continue to work hard to create competitive and profitable brands for our dealers and exciting brands for our consumers.
Cyril. Since unveiled in my website, many times my readers have expressed a great interest for the Victory CORE concept motorcycle. Is Polaris still considering bringing this model to market? If not, why?
Steve. Sorry, again we do not talk about future products. CORE represented just some of the technology we have access to at Polaris Industries. The ID team wanted to build it as a styling exercise – the surprise was that it could, and does, run. CORE shows how we can create a complex casting that has multiple roles, frame air intake and body mounting – just as we do on Victory touring motorcycles, and in the new Indian Chief series.
Cyril. Polaris is competing against top hog Harley-Davidson for market share in the heavyweight motorcycles segment. In 2013 Harley-Davidson claimed a US market share of 56.5% in this segment. What percentage would you like Victory and Indian combined to represent at the end of 2014?
Steve. Again, we do not share detailed internal numbers by year – however we do see a long term opportunity for our two brands combined to achieve a 15-20% share position.
Cyril. As of today, how many Polaris dealers selling motorcycles are there in the US, in Europe, in Asia? How many sell only Victory motorcycles, only Indian motorcycles and both? Are you represented by some Harley dealers having decided to also sell the Indian brand? Total number of Indian dealers you would like set up at the end of the year 2014 in the US and abroad?
Steve. I can’t share our entire growth plan, however to give you a sense of momentum, last January we started with 13 dealers that carried over from King Mountain. We closed 2013 with roughly 140 Indian dealers in North America and 70 international dealers. Not all are open and retailing yet, some are finishing new buildings and others remodeling. We have over 600 Victory Dealers globally. Our goal is to grow our dealer base smartly and for the long term, we want dealers who are committed to our brands and to providing an outstanding customer experience. Continue reading ‘Exclusive. Interview With Steve Menneto, Polaris Industries’ Vice President Of Indian And Victory Motorcycles.’
Turning Your 1982-2003 Sportster Into A Hardtail
Published by March 23rd, 2014 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Going the hardtail route on a Sportster is a very popular conversion. To do the job, TC Bros is offering this weld-on hartail kit for all Sportsters years 1982 to 2003 (883, 1200 and 82-85 Ironhead models.)Itis designed using the latest 3D CAD Software and is built right here in the USA using a precision made, 100% CNC Machined Welding fixture for a great fit. TC Bros says that this kit is constructed from .120” wall (approximately 1/8”) American Made Seamless D.O.M. Steel Tubing that is bent using a precision CNC Mandrel Bender for the ultimate in smooth bend quality and accuracy.
All tubing is sized to match stock outer diameter and is slugged at all frame attachment points for a high strength, seamless looking install that makes your stock frame look like a 100% custom made frame, without all of the title/registration headaches… High strength axle plates are CNC Laser cut from 3/8” thick American Made Steel plate. Featuring integrated fender strut hole, as well as threaded axle adjusters for your convenience. Continue reading ‘Turning Your 1982-2003 Sportster Into A Hardtail’
It’s always a pleasure to watch a talented Pinstriper swing his sword and see him accomplish beautiful, improvised artwork pieces. Because it’s Sunday and to relax, let’s all admire Master Striper Skratch (under contract with Bell for several motorcycle and bicycle helmets) pinstriping a helmet in just a few minutes (this one in less than 10.) Instant satisfaction. You may try this at home…(video by Michael Hession via Gizmodo)
2014 Daytona Rat’s Hole Bike Show. Views.
Published by March 22nd, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Rat’s Hole Show has the merit to be located in the best location – the Daytona Lagoon- for this type of events. And as always, when you think you have seen everything, you still get surprised by the unexpected and the amount of work involved in these custom machines. The sublime and the weird mixed up in a fair atmosphere. The winner list was not yet forwarded to me but I don’t wait and publish a few close-up views, including the famous Rat and his mate of one day…
New Screamin’ Eagle Chain Adjuster To Increase Primary Drive Durability
Published by March 22nd, 2014 in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
It Permits the Manual Adjustment of the Primary Chain Tension and Locks it in Place. Ideal for bikes equipped with big-displacement, high-performance (100-plus horsepower) engines.
This anodized billet aluminum tension adjuster is a direct replacement for the Original Equipment automatic adjuster.
It permits fine-tuning of the primary chain freeplay and locks the chain tension in place to prevent the chain from adjusting during severe shifting. The kit includes required mounting hardware and fits 2006-later Dyna® and 2007-later Softail® and Touring models.
Installation requires the separate purchase of model-specific primary gaskets and seals. $149.95 Screaming Eagle® Manual Primary Chain Tension Adjuster (P/N 36500020. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website.
Custom Chrome Europe Just Moved To Brand New Largest V-Twin Parts Only Facility And Warehouse In Europe
Published by March 21st, 2014 in Editorial and Events.
Construction started on July 23rd, 2013 and Custom Chrome Europe was able to complete and move into its new 161,500 square feet (15,000 square meters) facility and warehouse in only 6 months. The new location features 15.000 square meters storage space and 1.200 square meters of offices in a separate 3-floor building. Thanks to high ceilings storage capacity has doubled and is now 2,207,000 cubic feet (62,500 cubic meters) to stock about 28,000 different references from the finest European and international manufacturers of custom v-twin parts. Custom Chrome Europe distributes to dealers Europe-wide (a potential market larger than the USA) and is able to ship overnight in most countries for all orders placed before 4.30 p.m., Germany time. Staff of 54 people is operational this coming Monday, March 24 at the new address. Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 8, D-55459 Grolsheim, Germany Tel. +49 (0)6721–4007-0. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome Europe Just Moved To Brand New Largest V-Twin Parts Only Facility And Warehouse In Europe’
Gunning The 2015 Victory Gunner In Daytona
Published by March 21st, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
At the Daytona airport warehouse where the media fleet of Victory and Indian motorcycles was kept and maintained during Bike Week, I was offered the choice to ride either the stock or the factory customized version of the new Victory Gunner model. I leaned towards the accessorized option knowing that improvements were only cosmetics and would not affect my report for those choosing the plain version.
First, let me say, the Gunner looks much better in person than on the press pictures you have seen on my website. I have a personal preference for low compact cruisers, and even before gunning it, just sitting on the Gunner gives you the confidence of a solid position at the bars with your feet firmly planted on the ground thanks to a seat height of 25” (635 mm) and of a lean bike that I anticipated, would be extremely easy to balance in all situations.
Because it took me more than a couple of times to find my way out of the airport, a few u-turns on no name streets told me right away that the Gunner is without any doubt the most nimble to pilot Victory cruiser you can ride. For reference, rake is 32-degree for a wheelbase of under 65” and a weight of 649 lbs (294 kg), 11 lbs lighter than the Judge, another Victory model that I have liked very much in a former test ride. Continue reading ‘Gunning The 2015 Victory Gunner In Daytona’
Breather Bolts For Sportster And Evo
Published by March 21st, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
These bolts are the cleanest way (no more ugly hoses) to solve the potential crankcase venting issues you may encounter when installing an aftermarket air cleaner.
They are fully CNC machined 6061 aluminum that is polished for a super clean look. The set includes stainless steel vent screens, stainless washers, circlips and foam filter elements. For your 1991-UP Sportster & Evo Big Twin Harley motor. Made in the USA. Pair: $49.99. At TC Bros Choppers. Tel: 419-654-8747.
No English dictionary has been able to adequately explain the clear difference between these two words “COMPLETE” versus “FINISHED”
In a recently held linguistic competition held in London and attended by supposedly the best in the world, Samdar Balgobin, a Guyanese man, was the clear winner with a standing ovation.
The final question was: “How do you explain the difference between COMPLETE and FINISHED in a way that is easy to understand? Some people say there is NO difference between COMPLETE and FINISHED”
Here is his astute answer. ”When you marry the right woman, you are COMPLETE. When you marry the wrong woman, you are FINISHED. And when the right one catches you with the wrong one, you are COMPLETELY FINISHED!!!
Call it the baby Cafe Racer. A 250 cc OHC single stroke 4 stroke air cooled engine coupled to a 5-speed tranny to help you zoom through traffic.
Short (1255 mm wheelbase for 1910 mm overall length), low and very light, featuring both electric and kick start, it may seduce those living in big cities and who are tired of the bulk.
Launched with the slogan “live somewhere between shameless and reckless” (really?), the Swift 250 may also be the first “rebel” motorcycle of our youngsters. Price TBA. Looking for distribution. AVA Velocity Works.
Lawsuits Against BMW And Corbin Seats Dismissed In A Case Of Permanent Erection…
Published by March 20th, 2014 in Editorial and Legal.
On May 2, 2012 I published the story of a California biker named Henry Wolf suing BMW and seat maker Corbin-Pacific Inc. for “Non-Stop Erection.” (medically called “Priapism.)
Wolf alleged that during 20 months he could not stop an erection following a 4-hour ride on a 1993 BMW K100Rs motorcycle equipped with an after-market Corbin seat. He was looking for financial compensation for not being able to get “normal” sexual relations and suffering substantial emotional and mental anguish. Continue reading ‘Lawsuits Against BMW And Corbin Seats Dismissed In A Case Of Permanent Erection…’
Paughco 3” Touring Slip On Mufflers
Published by March 20th, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
In addition to those offered by the mother factory, how many “awesome sounding”, “high-performance” mufflers are available for your touring bikes? Many, many. But since I featured others, I upload a few lines about this offering from Paughco.
They will fit your 1995 and up touring machine, are 20” long with 2” ID mufflers with corrugated hi-flow baffles. Chrome or black tips can be ordered either with external or internal bevel. Paughco also gives you the option to order the complete assembly in black. MSRP for each pipe is $249.95. See your dealer or call Paughco 775-246-5738
Daytona Bike Week 25th Annual Boardwalk Classic Bike Show Winners
Published by March 19th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Events.
Following is a list of the trophy winners at the 25th Annual Boardwalk Classic Bike Show held on Friday, March 14 on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk during 2014’s Bike Week.
Best of Show. Christian Rivard, Quebec, Canada; 2010 Artisanal Chopper, “Spartacus”
Judge’s Trophy. Joe Palermo, Edgewater, FL; 1960 BMW R50
People’s Choice. First Place: Denny Ritchie, Palmyra, PA; 2010 Roadkill Custom. Second Place: Randy Berry, Russellville, KY; John Deere Bike. Third Place: Maelis Tice (age, one year old) E.T. Novelty Bike
Custom. First Place. Joey Hensley, Winston-Salem, NC; ’94 Road King. Second Place: Tarso Marques, Brazil; Custom Board Tracker. Third Place: After Hours Bikes, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; 2011 Sportster Tracker
Evo/V-Twin. First Place: Edith Tasse, Quebec, Canada; 2010 Harley Night Rod Special. Second Place: Johnny & MacKenzie Pierson, Wildwood, FL; 2010 Super Glide. Third Place: John Ruthic, New Port Richie, FL; 2014 Gateway Bagger
Radical Evo. First Place: Troy Letwak, Oracle, AZ; 2013 Recluse Custom. Second Place: Dave Green, Ontario, Canada; 2014 Custom Built. Third Place: Bryon McClure, Iron Station, NC; 2012 Street Glide All Steel
Radical Softail. First Place: Edward Tuthill, Citrus Springs, FL;’05 Road King. Second Place: Roy Maxwell, Daytona Beach, FL; ’06 Rucker Performance. Third Place: Jason Hack, Chesterton, IN; ’97 Harley Fat Boy.
Shovelhead. First Place: T.D. Ward, St. Louis, MO; 2015 Rods & Rides. Second Place: Warren Lane, Miami, FL; ’64 H-D Chopper. Third Place: Jack Diagazio, New York; H-D Bobber
Panhead. First Place: Patrick Day, Arlington, VA; ’56 Harley FLH. Second Place: Ryan Crawford, Annandale, VA; ’53 H-D. Third Place: Mark Hampton, Port Orange, FL; ’58 H-D Duo Glide
Sportster. First Place: Beth Mangus Roberts, Kernersville, NC; ’93 Sportster. Second Place: Josh Brown, Chippewa Falls, WI; ’02 Sportster Custom. Third Place: Ron Gebo, Three Rivers, MA; Lovecraft Sportster Continue reading ‘Daytona Bike Week 25th Annual Boardwalk Classic Bike Show Winners’
Harley-Davidson And Polaris Opposite Seasonal Revenue Surges
Published by March 19th, 2014 in Builders and Editorial.
In the US, like in most countries, the revenue of motorcycle/ATV/snowmobile manufacturers is closely related with the riding season. As this chart demonstrates revenue of the 2 US manufacturers surge at different seasons. Harley-Davidson revenues shoot up in spring and summer. But because Polaris produces off-road vehicles and snowmobiles in addition to heavyweight motorcycles, the company posts its highest revenue during the winter. To better adjust to these sales fluctuations, both companies abandoned the old method that has consisted in shipping in advance vehicles to dealers to build up inventories. Instead, the new strategy is to be able on a short notice to increase production just before and during peak sales months. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson And Polaris Opposite Seasonal Revenue Surges’
An old rear Ford lamp is the inspiration behind this retro looking taillight from Moon. Particularity, the lens is in glass which is always better than any cheap plastic.The steel housing metal offers universal mounting through 2 back holes. Yes, you can install it on a license backing plate. Chrome plated. Bulb is of type P21/5W, 12 volts with socket. At Moon Eyes USA or Europeans order from W&W Cycles.
