The new men’s Essex Functional Jacket (P/N: 97402-14VM, starting at $175) from Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® bypasses the frills to deliver key riding features at a great value. With 600 denier polyester construction, the jacket features a mesh lining with padding on the shoulders and elbows. Underarm zipper vents offer custom control of airflow, while pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept accessory body armor for additional protection. Seven zippered pockets, including an MP3 player pocket with headphone tab, provide ample storage options. And 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material piping delivers enhanced reflectivity in low light conditions. Available in S – 5XL and Tall sizes. The Essex Functional Jacket is available online and at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.
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Harley-Davidson New Men’s Essex Functional Jacket. No Frills. Just Great Features.
Published by March 19th, 2014 in Editorial and Merchandise.Seen In Daytona. Vintage Indian Motorcycles.
Published by March 18th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
During the 1st annual Indian Motorcycle Bike Show held last week during Daytona Bike Week, I had the opportunity to admire these antique motorcycles. On top, a rare unrestored 1915 Hendee Indian (During the 1910s Indian became the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world.) Then below 2 Indian Scout racers from the 1920’s that raced in Daytona (AMA Class C Racer) from 1938 to 1951. They also competed on 1/2 Mile, T.T., Short Track and Hill Climb.
Drag Specialties® rocker boxes are a good fit for dressing up or replacing an old or damaged rocker box. Fits 92-99 Evolution Big Twin models. Made of die-cast aluminum and sold with gaskets. Quality construction with exact dimensions to ensure a perfect, leakproof fit. Available with a satin black powdercoat finish and sold individually (two required per motor). at the suggested retail price of $261.95.
Drag Specialties also offers black brake master cylinder assemblies. Each assembly includes lever, clamp half and banjo bolt. The 9/16” bore master cylinders have a 7/16”-24 banjo bolt and the 11/16″ bore master cylinders have a 3/8″-24 banjo bolt. Available in a black finish and is compatible with DOT 4 or 5 brake fluid. The master cylinders work with all 1″ or 1 1/4″ diameter handlebars. Fit 96-14 models, except 08-14 Dressers, H-D® Trike and 04-14 XL models. Suggested retail is $199.95..
For more information, go to Drag Specialties or contact your local Drag Specialties dealer.
B-Rocket Concept Motorcycle Video Teaser
Published by March 18th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Videos.UK Shaw Harley-Davidson will unveil the “B-Rocket” at the 2014 Swiss Baselworld Show on Wednesday March 26, 2014. Waiting for the reveal, below is a video teaser.
Donnie Smith Bike Show. March 29-30, 2014.
Published by March 18th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
More than 17,000 biking enthusiasts are expected at the 27th Annual Donnie Smith Bike & Car Show, the premier custom bike show in the Midwest, at Saint Paul RiverCentre on Saturday – Sunday, March 29 – 30.
Over 200,000 square feet will showcase more than 200 of the best custom choppers, retro bobbers and unique cruisers in the country. The show will feature 35 bike classes.
Back by popular demand, show attendees can celebrate “Biker Saturday Night” with free live music by the Lamont Cranston Blues Band and happy hour beginning at 5 p.m. Some of the biggest names in the biker world, including Donnie Smith, Dave Perewitz, Jodi Perewitz, Dave Withrow, “Crazy” John Markwalk, John Kosmoski and Neil Ryan, will be on hand. New this year, 48,000 square feet of cars and trucks will be on display in Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The car show will feature 22 classes of a variety of makes and models including street rods, hot rods, muscle cars and more, all under one roof. Continue reading ‘Donnie Smith Bike Show. March 29-30, 2014.’
A Visit To Bling Cycles. Birthing Wicked Mean Bikes. From Choppers To Bobbers To Baggers.
Published by March 17th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
My first Daytona pit stop at the beginning of Bike Week was at Blings Cycles, 726 North Beach Street. Don’t look for a bold typo sign around this 6000 sq. ft warehouse. There is none, by choice… But those in the know will find the door leading to Bill Dodge very large and quite cool working space. Although he has made the choice to work alone (occasionally with a little help from friends) because it’s the way he feels good and is the most creative, no less than a dozen projects on lifts are in progress and receive daily attention from the master. Blings Cycles is probably today’s most creative and most productive one-man custom building shop.
Bill Dodge opened Blings Cycles in New Jersey in 2005 after 8 years spent at West Coast Choppers where he was the shop foreman. Then, after a relocation in Kentucky, one year ago Dodge decided to settle in Daytona Beach, a city where he told me he can mix the pleasures of the beach with those of long work days doing what he loves the most, fabricating and wrenching some of the wickest mean bikes of the current custom scene.
When we met, Bill Dodge was very excited for having completed on time “Pan American” (the project featured above) for German client and now friend Nils Auman who just arrived in town to participate to the 73rd Daytona Bike Week. One year ago, Auman and Dodge had a chance encounter in Daytona. Auman’s wish list was very simple but in a few words was describing exactly the type of custom bike Dodge dreamed of building.
A couple of months later a deposit check arrived from Germany and as the project progressed Dodge fell more and more in love with his own project, maybe his best ever custom motorcycle and for sure the one being the best representation of where he stands today as a custom builder. Auman had received regular email updates during “Pan American”’s building process, but Dodge kept most of the surprises for the unveiling that just happened as I arrived…
Seeing a client having tears of joy when discovering his completed project is the most beautiful and rewarding thing a custom builder can expect. And when I met Dodge, he was still overwhelmed by emotion. Builder and client, now brothers forever…In a few words “Pan American” is a fully handmade bike featuring a 1953 Panhead engine, a 4-speed Baker tranny, 1971 Maico legs, Bare Knuckle gears, lots of english wheel aluminum forming, too long to list one-off fabricated parts and a simple and sophisticated paint job inspired by the iconic Pan Am airline logo and colors. Continue reading ‘A Visit To Bling Cycles. Birthing Wicked Mean Bikes. From Choppers To Bobbers To Baggers.’
At Daytona Bike Week Hawg Halters Introduced A Complete Big Wheel Touring Bike Front End Kit
Published by March 16th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
Hawg Halters wants to help you build correctly a big wheel Bagger. During this week 2014 Daytona Bike Week, Hawg Halters introduced the latest component of their expanding Touring Bike Product Line. This new Complete Front End Program delivers a fully assembled bolt on package to HHI’s dealers and custom builders alike.
This new assembly begins with your choice of Triple Trees starting with the innovative X 23 Bolt On Triple Tree for a 23 inch upgrade to a stock frame, or one of our complete range of Triple Trees for the Custom Builder who is building a Big Wheel Bagger using a full Neck Kit as well. Currently HHI offers Triple Trees for custom builds from the 23 inch wheel to the 30/32 inch Big Wheel Kits.
In addition to the Triple Tree selection, HHI then offers you a choice of Bomber or Torpedo Billet lower legs in single or dual disc configuration, in Chrome or Black finish, with a hidden axle and our 4 bolt fender mount brackets. Currently complete front ends come in 41 mm, but stay tuned for the addition of 49 mm packages this season.
Finally, the last selection you can order your front end with is a variety of shock treatments including stock or lowered ride height, with a further choice of performance shock inserts or a complete air system. For further information on suspension options, please call. Further info at 877- 442- 5837. Hawg Halters.
Indian Larry Motorcycles About The Metzeler ME888 Tire
Published by March 16th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Wheels.Bob Seeger Jr, from Indian Larry did this testimonial for the ME888 Metzeler tire.
Reader Stevie, from South Dakota, emailed me this picture of a crazy Harley 4-wheeler, asking if I knew anything about it.
I don’t. Do you know?
Postcards From Daytona Bike Week. Crazy Baggers (Part 3)
Published by March 15th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Events.
Three Bagger only bike shows in 3 days, plus 4 bike shows in which they compete against each other in their own category.
Tall wheels up to 32”. To match, brake brake rotors up to 18”. Lots of very fancy graphic or cartoonish paint jobs with a lot of space to tell you a long story. Plethora of electronics, of boom sound systems, of gadgets to open and close the saddlebags. The extreme baggers are showing off in Daytona.
I let you judge and formulate your opinion about how far this trend may go… (photography Manfred Graf & Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)
British Customs New Low Profile Seat for Triumph Cruisers
Published by March 15th, 2014 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
British Customs is giving Triumph America and Speedmaster riders a new solo seat option with the addition of a distressed brown leather cover for their Low Profile Seat. Distressed brown leather joins three other available covers: black leatherette, black leather and black leather with flame embroidery. The Low Profile seat was designed to be smaller and thinner than the stock version in order to accentuate the bike’s lines and bring out its natural beauty. Continue reading ‘British Customs New Low Profile Seat for Triumph Cruisers’
Building A Bike With A Retro Vibe? Girder Style Front End.
Published by March 14th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
This narrow glide Girder style front end will work well with any classic or new built Chopper or Bobber.
It will fit most Harley Big Twins from 1949 to present with 1” neck bearings. Total length is 23” but you can custom order other lengths.
Suspension is via a single 350 psi per inch rebound adjustable shock. 3/4” axle for narrow glide wheel. This front end is setup for internal fork stop.
Sold raw steel, assembled ready to install with all hidden hardware. $2400. Mid-Glide front ends, dual shocks, also available. At Chassis Design Co. 909-982-6905
Postcards From Daytona Bike Week (Part 2)
Published by March 14th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
(photography Manfred Graf & Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)
Yesterday Thursday evening March 13, Director Bryan Carroll and film producers received VIP’s of the industry for the Daytona Bike Week premiere of “Why We Ride” presented by the American Motorcyclist Association. This impressive documentary shows today’s motorcycling in a very positive and inspiring light. It’s a celebration of the motorcycling community, demonstrating the passion of motorcycle riding and showing the camaraderie of the friends and families who ride together.
For those who didn’t see it, I run again the trailer. Then you can order on Amazon at “Why We Ride“. Photography by H. Roesler. Left, with movie director Bryan Carroll (center) and Victory relations manager Kyle Clack. Right. With Laura & Bryan Klock
A couple drove their car to Wal-Mart only to have their car break down in the parking lot. The man told his wife to carry on with the shopping while he fixed the car in the lot.
The wife returned later to see a small group of people near the car. On closer inspection, she saw a pair of male legs protruding from under the chassis. Although the man was in shorts, his lack of underpants turned private parts into glaringly public ones. Unable to stand the embarrassment, she dutifully stepped forward, quickly put her hand UP his shorts, and tucked everything back into place.
She took a deep breath and stood up boldly to face the crowd. She looked across the hood and found herself staring at her husband, who had been standing idly by. The mechanic, however, had to have three stitches in his forehead.
Designed by Carl Brouhard, these Elite Brake Arms are now available for the 2014 Harley-Davidson FL models.
They are of course more stylish than your factory ones and very sturdy. Made of 6061 Billet Aluminum and available in chrome or black anodize with offset cut. They also fit Harley 97-07 FLHT, 08-13 FLHT 14 FL and 2000 and later FLST models. MSRP $319.95.
On the bottom picture, brake arm shown with Elite Edge floorboard. Measures 18”x 5”. Made of 6061 Billet Aluminum. Adjustable mount to allow the floorboards to be installed 1″ forward, or 1″ back.
Also available in black anodize with contrast cut. They fit all FL models and FLST models. Proudly made in the USA. $497.95.
All parts can be ordered through Drag Specialties or at Better Baggers or 916-660-9710.
New Harley-Davidson Helmets With A Retro Vibe. The Black Label Collection.
Published by March 13th, 2014 in Accessories, Builders and Editorial.
The newest lids from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® Black Label Collection reprise classic 1960s and 1970s style with modern technology.
Manufactured by Bell, both the men’s Black Label Black Diamond 3/4 Helmet (P/N: 97274-14VM, $175) and Black Label Slither 3/4 Helmet (P/N: 97273-14VM, $175) feature a fiberglass shell and a fixed, soft inner liner with anti-microbial treatment.
Their vintage-inspired, vivid metal flake paint is highlighted by full chrome trim and custom graphics. Each meets DOT requirements and is available in XS – XL sizes.
The Black Label Helmets are available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson
Judge Rules That Harley-Davidson Can Use “Screamin’ Eagle” Trademark On Clothing In Canada
Published by March 13th, 2014 in Builders, Editorial and Legal.
Despite the ownership and use for 20 years of a “Screaming Eagle” trademark by a Canadian clothing store chain, the Federal Court of Canada ruled on March 11 that Harley-Davidson could continue to use its trademark for clothing in Canada, but exclusively at Harley-Davidson dealerships.
“The ruling will be of considerable interest to owners of well-known or famous brands, as it recognizes that Harley-Davidson’s Screamin’ Eagle trademark is unlikely to cause confusion despite the Canadian clothing stores’ 20-year history with a similar trademark” said Mark K. Evans of Smart & Biggar, Toronto, who represented Harley-Davidson in the case. Continue reading ‘Judge Rules That Harley-Davidson Can Use “Screamin’ Eagle” Trademark On Clothing In Canada’
Louis Casarez Promoted To President & CEO Of Custom Chrome®
Published by March 13th, 2014 in Editorial and Events.
Custom Chrome announced the promotion of Louis Casarez to President & Chief Executive Officer. Louis has spent the past 15 years as a dedicated employee here at Custom Chrome as well as our parent company DIC in Korea. Louis returned to Custom Chrome as Director of Operations after a 12 year deployment in Korea one year ago.
While in Korea Louis was a Design Engineer for the Motorcycle Division. Louis was heavily involved in the RevTech Engine and 6-speed transmission development. Also while at DIC Louis was involved with projects for GM, Clark forklifts and Dana. During the past year as Director of Operations Louis has worked diligently to streamline our company’s focus and goals. Continue reading ‘Louis Casarez Promoted To President & CEO Of Custom Chrome®’
Not all custom builders play by the same artistic rules. Bandit 9, a Chinese builder like no others in the world is breaking new ground, building one-of-a-kind motorcycles on the edge of kinetic art.
Even if you put the Bandit 9 Eve Concept motorcycle in the category of moving sculptures, you can’t not admire the beauty of this 2-wheeler based on a 1967 Honda SS. Only the tires, seat & grips are not chromed.
The same bike can be built with engines ranging from 90-125 cc and for sure you will make a fashion statement…Bandit 9.
(photography Manfred Graf & Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)
Great idea from S&S Cycle. The S&S Cycle website has a great new feature called “My Garage.” A place where you can put your bike or bikes. In S&S Garage, S&S will know and remember what you ride. It’s an easy way you will be able quickly find the parts or performance upgrades for your specific bike and model. Just go to My Garage and select the saved bike you need parts for, and S&S will only show the parts fitting it. Easy. No need to navigate through multiple menus to select year, model and part type every time you visit S&S website. You save time and you get the correct S&S proven performance parts fast.
Sign Up Now. Order And Get A Free T-Shirt. When you sign-up, you’ll get a special super secret code that you can enter to get a free S&S t-shirt with your first order from www.sscycle.com. (limited to the first 100 sign-ups.) Keep in mind that S&S will never sell your information to anybody else, so you can sign up for My Garage with complete confidence that your identity and data are secure. Sign up for My Garage by going to S&S Cycle My Garage. Do it today!
Iconic Brand METZELER And Indian Larry Motorcycles Offer You The Chance To Win A Once In A Lifetime Dream Ride.
Published by March 11th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial, Videos and Wheels.
METZELER, the first name in quality motorcycle tires since 1892 is kicking off the 2014 riding season in partnership with legendary custom bike shop Indian Larry Motorcycles. The two iconic brands have come together to build a priceless custom motorcycle, uniquely built with input from motorcycle fans via the METZELER USA Facebook® page. The entire event will be documented on Facebook in a web series starting March 17th and ending with a lucky fan taking off on a “Follow Your Dream” ride vacation on the custom bike. Fans get the chance to win by sharing why they deserve the “Dream Ride” at facebook.com/metzelerUSA from March 10 through June 6, 2014.
Watch the teaser above video and enter to win now at METZELER USA. Just click the “Follow Your Dream” tab to learn more. The sweepstakes is open to motorcycle license holders aged 21 and older in the U.S. and Canada.
“We’ve brought together two brands whose missions have always been about performance and quality: METZELER and Indian Larry Motorcycles. Now a lucky fan will get to experience those qualities at their best on one of America’s top riding routes,” says Chet Plewacki, Marketing Director at METZELER USA. “To watch it all evolve in a web series, with the fans engaging on the customizations, makes this entire program a true dream experience from start to finish.”
The Grand Prize winner will receive a 4-day/5-night trip from which they can select a top course in the U.S. for the Follow Your Dream ride such as the Blue Ridge Parkway or Dragon’s Tail. They will also receive a custom motorcycle helmet and leather jacket, a Sony® Action Head Cam and 10 sets of METZELER ME 888 MARATHON™ Ultra tires. The winner will also join the METZELER team at Indian Larry for the bike unveiling. Continue reading ‘Iconic Brand METZELER And Indian Larry Motorcycles Offer You The Chance To Win A Once In A Lifetime Dream Ride.’
New Sprockets From Evolution Industries. More Teeth Choice.
Published by March 11th, 2014 in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
Evolution Industries introduces these all new super tough race quality steel Power-Drive Sprocket Kits. Sprockets are available in hard to find 47,48,49,51,52 and 53 teeth and have the ID to accept most late model Harley and aftermarket wheels. All sprockets are manufactured from quality USA made 1045 steel and are heat treated after machining to give them that extra toughness needed to accommodate any motor thrown at them on the streets or the track.
Sprockets are available in chrome or in in do-it-yourself raw finish. Sprocket kits include a Regina 120 pitch Regina 530 Z-Ring chain & riveting link, and a chrome mounting hardware with a 0.550” spacer to accommodate offsets if any. Sprockets are available individually as well. For more information, go to Evolution Industries.
Win “Old Black” By Jeremy Cupp.
Published by March 11th, 2014 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Not all good custom builders are professional builders in the sense that they don’t make enough money to practice their art full time in their own business. It’s the case of Jeremy Cupp from LC Fabrications. Jeremy’s dream is to have enough money to put a down payment to buy a humble little building known as the Grottoes Theatre in Grottoes, Virginia. Continue reading ‘Win “Old Black” By Jeremy Cupp.’
Shaw Speed And Customs XL1200 Cross
Published by March 10th, 2014 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
For those living in the US, it’s quite surprising to learn that Shaw Speed And Custom , the custom wing of UK based Shaw Harley-Davidson, has built over 80 modified Harley-Davidson bikes since opening its doors only five years ago. And I am not talking about fast “decorative bolt-on” jobs, but full customized Harleys requiring those factory bikes to be stripped down to bare frame. Creations always based on the donor Harley frame, engine and transmission, very often receiving geometry and performance enhancements. Because of tough EU regulations regarding customs, retaining a Harley title is extremely important for most clients, pushing many builders to center their business on modifying factory motorcycles. Hence, the number of european bike shows with a large “modified Harley” class.
The Shaw Speed crew in charge of customizing this used 2010 Sportster Forty Eight took inspiration from Steve McQueen’s 1964 Triumph TR6 motorcycle and 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross. Creative lead was to produce a stylistic fusion of both models, not forgetting to “stamp” the result with a 278, McQueen’s racing number. The XL was stripped of all its parts and hardware, all welds and mounting points were shaved, unnecessary brackets cut off, then a caddy was fabricated to be installed under the engine to hold both ECM & regulator. A mockup of the electrical system was performed to know where to drill the frame for a full internal wiring system during final assembly. Continue reading ‘Shaw Speed And Customs XL1200 Cross’
