Published by Cyril Huze January 14th, 2014
in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
As minimalistic as possible, this new sleek Defender floorboard design for Harley Davidson from Precision Billet is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and available in black powder coat contrast cut or show chrome finish.
For added benefit, Pyramid rubber has been laid on top for a great grip and comfort. Direct bolt on replacements on all HD models equipped with OEM floor boards. Floorboards measure 17.5″ x 6.5″ x .75″. The complete pair of floorboards kit includes mounting brackets. Order online at Precision Billet.
Published by Cyril Huze January 14th, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
On January 9th, Bonhams hosted its annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction at Bally’s Hotel & Casino to great success, confirming the strength of the international market and reaffirming Bonhams’ position as one of the world’s leading auctioneers of collectors’ motorcycles. To the delight of all in attendance, an historically important 1940 Harley-Davidson EL from the Pierce Family Museum Collection was the subject of an intense bidding war from clients in the room, online and on the phones, and made a new world auction record when, to the applause of the audience, it realized an astounding $159,000.
The highly publicized 1923 Indian Big Chief with Princess Sidecar formerly owned by Steve McQueen and restored for him by famed artist Von Dutch, was the subject of passionate bidding and ultimately won by an American collector for $126,000, setting a new auction record for the model. The same collector also purchased the other iconic Steve McQueen 1935 Indian Chief for $80,500. Continue reading ‘Bonhams 4th Annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction Achieves $3.3 Million’
Published by Cyril Huze January 14th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that motorcycle inventor, designer, racer and Hall of Famer Craig Vetter, will be the featured guest at its annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona, on Friday, March 14, at 7:00 a.m., at the Daytona 500 Club on the infield at Daytona International Speedway.
“Craig Vetter’s impact is far-reaching, starting with the design of the iconic Windjammer fairings of the 1970s, continuing with motorcycle designs like the Triumph X-75 Hurricane and the limited-edition ‘Mystery Ship,’ and enduring more recently with a resurrected series of motorcycle fuel economy runs that push the boundaries of everyday streamlining,” said Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “We’re proud to host motorcycling’s design professor emeritus for this year’s Breakfast at Daytona.” Continue reading ‘Craig Vetter Will Host Daytona Hall Of Fame Event’
Published by Cyril Huze January 13th, 2014
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze January 12th, 2014
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Keihin FCR Carburetors are used in 4-stroke motorcycle racing for the performance gains they provide thanks to their precise metering, high flowing flat slide throttle design and adjustable accelerator pump for quick response.
The motorcycle carburetor experts at Sudco International have put together a complete line of easy bolt-up Keihin FCR 39 and 41mm Performance Carburetor Kits for many popular Harley-Davidson, American Big Twin and Sportster models. Continue reading ‘Sudco Keihin FCR Performance Carburetor Kits for Harley-Davidson & American V-Twins’
Published by Cyril Huze January 12th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
Who deserves to be a Champion® sponsored rider/driver in 2014? For the 3rd year in a row, Champion Spark Plugs is ready to award $125,000 in racing sponsorships to 15 asphalt, dirt, water or snow racers. 15 Racers will win $5,000 Champion® sponsorships and move on to compete for the Grand Prize sponsorship of $50,000.
To enter the contest, racers had to submit before January 3rd. an original video created by themselves. And now, all of you can vote for the racers who you think deserve the Champion racing sponsorship money.
And for helping Champion decide this year’s winners, 200 voters will be rewarded with Champion swag. The more votes you cast, the better your chances of winning the voter’s sweepstakes.
Among the racing themed videos submitted to this contest, you will find people you may now, professionally or personally. Vote from now until February 2, 2014 at Search For A Champion.
Published by Cyril Huze January 11th, 2014
in Accessories, Customs and Electrical.
Ride with the ultimate in ear-pleasing, GPS-guided Boom!™ Box technology by installing the Boom!™ Box 6.5GT Radio Kit (P/N 76000511, $1,799.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories. This kit is a plug-and-play upgrade for 2014 Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide® Ultra Classic® or Street Glide® motorcycle models factory-equipped with the Boom!™ Box 4.3 infotainment system.
Features exclusive to the Boom!™ Box 6.5GT include a high-resolution 6.5-inch color display, touchscreen handling, full-color GPS navigation with more than 35 features, and available voice recognition (with separate purchase of required headset) for controlling mobile phone functions, media, radio tuner, navigation, help and other commands in multiple languages. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Plug-and-Play Kit Replaces A Boom! Box 4.3 With Bigger Screen And More Features’
Published by Cyril Huze January 11th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
A new exhibit named “Living Lost” featuring the photographic work of Josh Kurpius will debut at the Harley-Davidson Museum on January 17th.
“Josh’s photos embody the freedom and independence that is the very essence of Harley-Davidson,” says Bill Davidson, vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum. “His photographs give visitors a look into a world of exploration and camaraderie that only the open road can provide.”
The “Living Lost” exhibit includes 30 photographs taken during a series of road trips Kurpius took with friends, all riding vintage Harleys. Kurpius’s own motorcycle, a 1977 Sportster Ironhead named “The Locust” will be displayed during most of the exhibit. Continue reading ‘The Photography Of Josh Kurpius At Harley-Davidson Museum’
Published by Cyril Huze January 10th, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The 23rd Las Vegas Antique Motorcycle Auction and Races features 600 vintage and classic Motorcycles With special Guests Jean Davidson and John Davidson, family historians of the Harley-Davidson Empire. Held at the South Point Hotel and Casino, the event boastsclassic and antique motorcycles from prize collections around the world from brands like Triumph, Vincent, Ducati, Indian, MV Agusta, BMW, BSA, Excelsior and more, including a 1925 BMW R37, one of six of BMW’s original race bikes, and also a 1938 Brough Superior – the first place winner at the Pebble Beach Concours.
Headlining the auction lineup is the George Pardos Collection, representing “The Evolution of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.” The collection includes 20 of some of the most sought after and historic first-year Harleys in existence ranging from a fully restored 1911 7D Twin to a 1965 FL. The George Pardos Collection is one of the finest groups of Harley-Davidson motorcycles I have ever seen,” commented Christensen. “I’ve seen a lot of bikes cross my path over the last quarter century, but nothing quite like this when it comes to Harleys,” he added. Continue reading ‘MidAmerica Motorcycles’ 23rd Annual Antique Motorcycle Auction and Races This Weekend January 9-11, 2014 In Las Vegas’
Published by Cyril Huze January 10th, 2014
in Editorial.
Like me, during rallies, you must have observed in hotel parking lots the amazing acrobatic performance of some bikers loading their motorcycle(s) on open trailers…Some of their stunts ending up in bike or pulling vehicle damage.
So, when I was made aware of the Ramp Free motorcycle trailers where the bike always stay at ground level, with no angle, during the loading process, I thought it was a superb concept. Now, it even amazes me that nobody thought about this simple idea before the guys at Ramp Free (yes, they have a patent)
No ramp, no angle, no risk. These trailers are available for single or double bikes, trikes and even customized to fit your custom creations. Is it the easiest open motorcycle trailer ever offered? I let you judge. Watch the video below. Although very amateurish in its production, it says what it must say: safe & easy. Ramp Free Motorcycle Trailers or call Eric at 855-466-7267.
Published by Cyril Huze January 10th, 2014
in Editorial and Painters.
Every 2 years, artist David Uhl adds a new painting to his Women of Harley-Davidson collection. The series started in 1998 with “Ruby”, followed by Ruth, Evelyn, Stella, Rose, Gloria, Pearl, Betty and now “Jessi”, featured here for the 1st time. “Jessi” was inspired by the WAVES of WWII, women who proudly served in the US Navy. With a WWII SJN T-6 Texan in the background, Jessi Combs (fastest woman on 4 wheels) was the model and Jim Wear (Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum) provided the 1945 US Navy Edition Harley-Davidson. The canvas giclee prints are now available for purchase. Each one will come hand-signed and numbered with Certificate of Authenticity. Continue reading ‘Jessi. The New Woman Of Harley-Davidson By Artist David Uhl.’
Published by Cyril Huze January 9th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
Company founder Tom Rudd takes over as Chairman of Küryakyn (MAG Group), while V-Twin industry veteran Holger Mohr (pictured) moves into the President’s position. In his new role, Tom will focus on his primary passion, R&D and bringing creative new products to the powersports industry. This well-deserved appointment comes after nearly 25 years of visionary leadership for the brand. Meanwhile Mohr will become the second President in Küryakyn history.
“This move will free Tom up to focus on the next generation of products and emerging market trends for Küryakyn and other MAG brands,” says Brian Etter, MAG’s President & CEO. “Tom started Drag Specialties back in 1968 as a small parts and accessories store in Minneapolis. Over the next 20 years, Drag Specialties grew to become the largest motorcycle parts and accessories business in the country.” In 1987, Tom sold the company and later founded Küryakyn. Continue reading ‘Kuryakyn Has A New Chairman And New President’
Published by Cyril Huze January 9th, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The Washington DC Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS) kicks off tomorrow Friday January 10 at 3 p.m. During all weekend Indian Motorcycle will showcase for the 1st time in the nation’s capital its entire 2014 Indian Chief models lineup, organize a series of events and will offer a $1000 military incentive on all bikes to American and Canadian military personnel.
“Stars and Stripes Saturday Sponsored by Indian Motorcycle” – Free Saturday Admission for U.S. Military Personnel
On Saturday only, Indian Motorcycle is proud to offer free admission to the IMS event as a part of the company’s ongoing support of the U.S. military. All personnel with a valid military ID will be admitted to the day’s events courtesy of Indian Motorcycle by presenting their credentials at the VIP service center. Once admitted, military attendees are encouraged to stop by the Indian Motorcycle display to receive a limited-edition Indian Motorcycle gift. Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Rumbles Into Washington DC At This Weekend Progressive International Motorcycle Show’
Published by Cyril Huze January 9th, 2014
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze January 9th, 2014
in Editorial.
From The Electric Garage. In 1974 Mike Corbin (from Corbin Seats & m0re) set the Electric Motorcycle Land Speed Record at Bonneville with “Quicksilver”, a bike that, in 1972 set the previous Land Speed Record running lead/acid batteries.
The 1974 record of 165.397MPH stood for over 30 years. ‘Quicksilver” was running silver-zinc batteries, thus the name. The bike was the first electric vehicle raced with battery technology beyond simple lead/acid.
That year silver zinc batteries represented a 8x “more available power” advantage over lead/acid batteries. Silver-zinc is a well known chemistry that has been used in space and still in use today.
Published by Cyril Huze January 9th, 2014
in Editorial.
A little boy goes to his father and asks ‘Daddy, how was I born?’ The father answers, ‘Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway!
Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a secluded room, and googled each other. There your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive. As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared that said: ‘You got Male!
Published by Cyril Huze January 8th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
Flash back. In 1947 Wino Willie and his Boozefighter’s came to Hollister, CA for the 4th of July Gypsy Tour Races. They cut loose in town after the races and one the guys drove through Johnny’s Bar & Grill on his motorcycle. They were a little bit rowdy but the mayhem that was depicted in the July 1947 issue of Life Magazine exaggerated the event. The article inspired the 1953 movie The Wild Ones with Marlon Brando and Lee Marvin. The Boozefighters have made it a point to come back to Johnny’s for the fourth of July weekend ever since. Charisse Tyson bought the very famous bar in December of 1995. She sent me to following email.
“With the cancellation of our famous motorcycle rally for four years and a lousy economy we took a big hit financially. The bar needs many renovations and I launched a Kickstarter program to fund them. I only have 20 days left to fund the program and it’s looking a little scary. I would sure appreciate any help you can give me in spreading the word to get donations. I believe that a place with as much history in the biker world as Johnny’s Bar & Grill needs to be preserved. Check out my project and feel free to call me if you have any questions. Thanks. Charisse 831-915-3779
I am asking all of you to watch her video and for those who can help, help Charisse funding the renovations to be completed on time for the 2014 Hollister Rally. Go to: Johnny’s Bar & Grill Kickstarter Campaign.
Published by Cyril Huze January 8th, 2014
in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
Published by Cyril Huze January 8th, 2014
in Builders, Editorial and Videos.
Mission Motorcycles recently delivered its pre-production limited edition Mission RS sport bike to Jay Leno’s Garage. 40 units only to be delivered summer 2014 with prices from $59,000 to $75,000. 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds. 10.50 seconds to run the quarter mile. Top speed 150 mph with a single speed reduction gear liquid-cooled 3-phase AC induction motor. The Tesla of motorcycle? Jay Leno got from Mission’s president Mark Seeger the answers to your questions.
Published by Cyril Huze January 8th, 2014
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze January 7th, 2014
in Editorial.
From an elite slate of highly qualified candidates, Motorcycle Industry Council members recently elected Steve Menneto, Larry Little and Sarah Schilke to each serve two-year terms on the MIC Board of Directors.
A leader in the powersports industry for nearly 20 years, Menneto was the driving force behind the successful New York dealership, Menneto Powersports. He has also held multiple positions with Polaris, including Director of North America Sales and General Manager of Victory Motorcycles. Currently, Menneto is Polaris’ Vice President Motorcycles, and leads the return of the Indian Motorcycles brand. This year marks Menneto’s first term on the MIC Board.
As Vice President and General Manager, Motorcycle Group for Marketplace Events, Little recently spearheaded the start-up and successful launch of the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo). Currently, he’s busy working on preparations for the show’s second event. Prior to that, Little was Senior Vice President, Chief Brand Officer, of Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.’s Cycle World print, digital and event platforms. No stranger to the MIC Board of Directors, Little served as Chairman for 10 years and Vice Chairman for six. This year marks the beginning of his 18th year on the Board. Continue reading ‘The Motorcycle Industry Council Elected 3 Directors’
Published by Cyril Huze January 7th, 2014
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Ledrie is a new line of saddlebags in high quality beautiful dark brown sanded leather and finished with a beige lining and chrome buckles. The saddlebags lineup is available for several Harley models, Softail, Dyna, all Sportsters including Sportster 48.
To enhance the durability and water resistance all our leather undergoes a special treatment, with the use of just the right dose of natural oils. Prices vary from $175 (130 euros) to $155 (230 euros).
More info. Contact Motolux at +31-342-490208 or info@motolux.com.
Published by Cyril Huze January 7th, 2014
in Driveline and Editorial.
Question: “Is Spectro Heavy Duty 6-Speed GL-5 transmission oil safe for yellow metals (bearings, bushings) in the transmission? Your data sheet indicates a GL-5 rating. Some discussions, including the Mobil-1 website, state that the additives in GL-5 oils are detrimental to “yellow metal” parts in the transmission. Is your GL-5 transmission oil different?”
Answer: “Spectro 6 Speed is GL5 rated but is safe to use in GL1 applications. We use a different formula (developed by Spectro) than other brands that is buffered. This formula will not attack “bright” metals such as brass, bronze and copper found in older transmissions. It’s more expensive to produce, but we feel the performance is well worth the cost. It also improves shifting in most applications, reduces noise (5th gear whine in HD 6 speeds) and is highly resistive to shear and loading. Spectro Oils Of America.
(if you questions regarding engine and transmission oils or suspension fluids you can submit them at info@spectro-oils.com. Will publish the most interesting ones)
Published by Cyril Huze January 7th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
The 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run will start from Daytona Beach on September 5. The coast to coast vintage motorcycle ride will be the most challenging to date. Among the participants, Dottie Mattern, who will be at 70 the oldest woman ever to participate to this event. But Mattern is not a beginner:
Aafew years ago, she set a motorcycle speed record of 94.7 mph at the Maxton Mile. If that doesn’t sound so fast, consider, except that at the time she was a 62-year-old grandmother (five times over) and riding a 1937 Indian Scout. Dottie has ridden motorcycles since her college days at the University of Maryland. Her current ride is a 2006 Suzuki V Strom, but she still has an abiding interest in antique motorcycles with her favorite brand being Indian.
In 1979, Dottie joined the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, served on its board in the position of National Secretary for 15 years, and received the high distinction of being named an AMCA Honorary Member in 1998. Today she is on the board of the non-profit Antique Motorcycle Foundation. She will ride the 2014 Cannonball \aboard a 1936 Indian Sport Scout. The purpose of her ride is two-fold: to raise funds for the Antique Motorcycle Foundation and the Colon Cancer Alliance… and to celebrate her 70th birthday! Continue reading ‘How To Celebrate Your 70th Birthday? Run The Cannonball And Raise Money To Help Others.’
Published by Cyril Huze January 7th, 2014
in Editorial and Events.
Reorganizational Changes At Polaris Industries Inc. The company is merging its Polaris sales (this announcement has no impact on the Indian and Victory Motorcycles sales force), sales operations, service, corporate marketing and interactive team into a unified global customer excellence team led by Tim Larson, vice president of Global Customer Excellence. The company also announced that Bill Fisher, vice president and chief information officer, will retire from Polaris at the end of 2014, necessitating leadership transitions within the company’s Information Services organization.
Pirelli Named Official Tire Sponsor Of The Monster Energy AMA Supercross For 2014-2015. Pirelli has signed an agreement with Feld Motor Sports®, a division of Feld Entertainment®, for the period 2014-2016 which includes an official sponsorship by the Italian tire company of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, a FIM World Championship. Created in 1974, Supercross is the most important motorcycle championship in the world in terms of TV and onsite audience. Supercross is an extreme competition that, unlike motocross, takes place on tracks made of dirt built within baseball or football arenas. In 2008, the Supercross World Championship sponsored by FIM merged with the AMA Supercross thus giving rise to a united single World Supercross Championship, named Monster Energy AMA Supercross, a FIM World Championship. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Published by Cyril Huze January 6th, 2014
in Builders and Customs.
I can’t start a feature about this ultra custom FXR style bike without writing a few lines about the original Harley FXR (1982-994) It was the first model that Harley engineers were allowed to conceive (instead of the design department) and the best they could build using the best computer programs of the time. Main objective was to find a way to create a chassis (adapted from the FLT) as stiff as possible to create a comfortable Harley “sport” bike. It’s the way the FXR triangulated frame was created using a tri-mount system with automotive type elastomer mounts (1 in front, 2 in rear at the swing arm junctions). This FXR (R for Rubber Mounted) set up allowed the engine to do its shaking without transmitting vibrations through the frame and to the rider. This new set up made the FXR the most comfortable bike ever produced by Harley, but unfortunately the triangulated side view of the bike was never a very popular design with the Harley crowd. 
