Cyril Huze Post

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Joke Of The Week

Published by Cyril Huze November 21st, 2013 in Editorial.

The Elderly Irish Virgin. In a tiny village on the Irish coast lived an old lady, a virgin and very proud of it. Sensing that her final days were rapidly approaching and desiring to make sure everything was in proper order when she dies, she went to the town’s undertaker, (who also happened to be the local postal clerk), to make proper “final” arrangements.

As a last wish, she informed the undertaker that she wanted the following inscription engraved on her tombstone: “BORN A VIRGIN, LIVED AS A VIRGIN, DIED A VIRGIN”. Not long after, the old maid died peacefully. Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’

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New Custom Harley Wheels By Misfit Industries. New 32″ Size Included…

Published by Cyril Huze November 20th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.

Misfit Industries has a new line of custom Harley Davidson wheels now available and in stock. This means when you order there is no waiting, the product ships immediately.

Misfit Industries has teamed up with Mad Wheels to produce great designs for custom Harley touring and cruisers.

The Misfit Ardent Wheel (top) and the Misfit All Star Wheel (side) are the first couple of custom Harley wheels born into the Misfit family and they range in size from 21″ to 32″ for the front and from 16″ to 18″ for the rear.

By the way, Misfit Industries is running a Thanksgiving Special offering a 10% discount on wheels, parts and apparel from November 18 to December 1st. At Misfit Industries.

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Royal Enfield Announces Motorcycle Sales Up 60% During 3rd Quarter 2013

Published by Cyril Huze November 20th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Royal Enfield, a motorcycle division of Eicher Motors, announced a better than expected 60% sales increase during 3rd quarter 2013 versus year-ago quarter. Volume growth over the last five quarters has been in the 45-60% range. These positive results come from a better product mix and great success of its 500 cc bikes. Given the six-month waiting period for its bikes, the company is focussing on ramping up its production at the India Oragadam plant. On the new product front, the company is planning to launch its Continental GT motorcycle in India at the end of November. The company launched the bike globally (US, UK and Europe) in the September quarter and has been priced at around $6,000. Royal Enfield 500 cc series will be a strong competitor of the newly announced Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 cc.

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2013 Triumph Racing Season. Highlights

Published by Cyril Huze November 20th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.

Triumph is aggressively taking strides to reclaim it’s title of “World’s Fastest”. 2013 was another great year for Triumph North America with its race bikes competing in AMA Road Racing, AMA Flat track, FIM Land Speed Racing. A tribute to all the Triumph racers.

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Steering Damper For A Smoother Ride On Your Harley Dresser

Published by Cyril Huze November 20th, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.

The purpose of a steering damper is to stabilize the front fork and help offset any possible wobble. You see it installed on many types of bikes from Bobbers to Choppers, but never until now on touring bikes.

Custom Cycle Engineering has developed the 1st Steering Damper system specific to the Harley-Davidson Dresser models. Custom designed clamps and brackets position the Steering Stabilizer in the optimum location so the damper can be installed with minimum effort, parallel to the frame. Compatible with most Harley-Davidson FLH Dresser models up to 2009. Info at 760-941-6466 or visit Custom Cycle Engineering.

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New Triple Tree Kit To Install A 23” Front Wheel On A 2014 Harley-Davidson Touring Model While Still Keeping The Stock Trail

Published by Cyril Huze November 19th, 2013 in Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.

Succeeding the X23 kit for 1997 to 2013 touring model bikes with a 23” front wheel, Hawg Halters is launching the X23 triple tree kit for 2014 models. The new kit maintains the stock trail geometry, ease of installation and performance of the earlier version for a clean and safe mounting of a 23” and tire combination on your 2014 Harley-Davidson. Continue reading ‘New Triple Tree Kit To Install A 23” Front Wheel On A 2014 Harley-Davidson Touring Model While Still Keeping The Stock Trail’

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Harley-Davidson Adding 260 More Temporary Workers At Menomonee Falls And Tomahawk Plants

Published by Cyril Huze November 19th, 2013 in Builders and Events.

After announcing last week that 400 part time workers were recruited at its York Vehicle Operations in Pennsylvania, Harley-Davidson is now announcing the hiring of 260 more temporary workers at its Menomonee Falls, and Tomahawk plants, both in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer has already hired 100 temporary production workers who will start in January at its Menomonee Falls powertrain facility. They will work through June. The company has hired 100 temps in Tomahawk and is still looking for another 60 workers who will be kept on for 10 months. That location manufactures windshields, composites and plastic parts. To apply, you can request to be contacted by going to: request to be contacted through Harley-Davidson Flexible Workforce.

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For Street And Track. New Öhlins 2014 TTX GP Hypersport and Racing Shock

Published by Cyril Huze November 19th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.

Hot and ready for the grid after winning the AMA Pro National Guard Superbike title, and sweeping the podium with Josh’s Herrin and Hayes of Monster Energy Graves Yamaha, and Martin Cardenas of Yoshimura Racing Suzuki, respectively, Öhlins introduces the latest version of its multi-time, championship-winning twin-tube technology shock, the TTX GP.

On the TTX GP shock, compression and rebound adjustors are updated with new needle profiles, resulting in improved flow guidance and volume control, for more precise and consistent damping fine tuning. The available range of adjustment is also now broader, while establishing a new industry standard of minimized shock-to-shock variance. These advances allow for improved chassis feedback, giving the rider enhanced control. Continue reading ‘For Street And Track. New Öhlins 2014 TTX GP Hypersport and Racing Shock’

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Prestigious Ducati Collection To Be Auctioned In Las Vegas January 9, 2014

Published by Cyril Huze November 19th, 2013 in Builders and Events.

Following the recent news of the Pierce Museum collection of Harley-Davidsons headlining January’s Las Vegas motorcycle auction, Bonhams is very pleased to announce the addition of another truly impressive collection, that of Silverman Museum Racing. Comprised of Italian thoroughbreds, the Silverman collection is renowned for having the best of the best. Like the world-famous Silverman collection of Native American artifacts, universally regarded as one of the best in existence, the collection of Ducati motorcycles is likewise second to none.

Following the owner’s passion for racing and, indeed, the DNA of the marque itself, most of the collection is built around competition models. For instance, featured is a 1973 750SS Imola Short Stroke. Based on the motorcycle that roared to victory in the 1972 Imola GP capturing both first and second places with factory riders Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari, this is the model that launched the Ducati legend. As Classic Driver wrote, with “an engine note as moving as an opera by Verdi and curves as beguiling as Sophia Loren’s” it is the all-time favorite model from the Bologna manufacturer.

Then there is a rare 1974 750SS Green Frame Round Case – never sold new in the US – with its boisterous symphony, powerful motor and low production numbers that represents one of the finest and most desirable of all Ducatis. And a brand new 1978 Ducati 900 NCR, the same model that propelled legendary racer Mike Hailwood to a victorious comeback (after an 11 year hiatus!) at the Isle of Man and Mallory Park. Continue reading ‘Prestigious Ducati Collection To Be Auctioned In Las Vegas January 9, 2014’

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The Glory Days Of British Motorcycling

Published by Cyril Huze November 18th, 2013 in Videos.

Such a treat for all of you that I have decided to replace my usual Monday morning bike feature with this great BBC documentary about the glory days of British motorcycling. From T.E. Lawrence to TT racing, from Ton Up boys to Mods and Rockers. It’s 1 hour long a(fast internet connection requred) and well worth the time to watch it. (sorry about the commercial interruptions, I have no control over them.) Thanks to John Reed.

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New DP Customs Box Pipe Exhaust System For Sportsters. Cool, Clean, Tuneable.

Published by Cyril Huze November 17th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.

When I featured the “Black & White” custom Sportster built by DP Custom Cycles, your comments were extremely positive. One of the parts of special interest was the one-off “boxed” custom exhaust system equipping this creation. Sportster owners began to harass DP shop owners and brothers Jarrod and Justin Del Prado, begging them to fabricate for them the same cool exhaust. No way the Del Prados could have satisfied the multiple demands of a one-off system, except going the production route for a standard Sportster fit and a more reasonable price. Continue reading ‘New DP Customs Box Pipe Exhaust System For Sportsters. Cool, Clean, Tuneable.’

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Tattoodo. World’s First Social Marketplace For Tattoo Designs.

Published by Cyril Huze November 17th, 2013 in Customs and Editorial.

Looking for a tattoo, want to submit your idea and see how some of the best tattoo designers would execute it? Think of Tattoodo as a social network where you can watch your tattoo come to life.

Some of the best visual artists from all over the world will compete to get your business. You decide the price (tattoo starting at $60) and choose the design you prefer. Adter buying the design you can still pick the tattoo shop you want, or ask for a recommendation for one near where you live.

To start your own design contest. 1- First make a design brief that describes what kind of tattoo you want. Then choose one of the suggested online packages. 2- Collaborate with the artists who will now submit their designs and compete with each other. 3- Choose your favorite tattoo design and reward the artist. Then, get inked. At Tattoodo.

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New Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle High Capacity Oil Pan Holds More Lube. Keeps It Cooler.

Published by Cyril Huze November 16th, 2013 in Customs and Engines.

Great for a high-performance motor or for touring in extreme temperature conditions, this cast-aluminum oil pan holds 1.5 quarts more oil than the Original Equipment pan.

Increased capacity means the oil cycles through the engine less frequently and remains in the pan longer. Cast-in internal baffles manage flow to the oil pickup and keep the hot oil exposed to the heat-conducting, ribbed-aluminum sump.

An easy-access oil drain hole is located at the side of the oil pan. This kit includes the cast aluminum oil pan and pan gasket, and fits 2009-later Touring (except Trike) models. The new Screamin’ Eagle High Capacity Oil Pan (P/N 24400099, $599.95)is available at your Harley-Davidson Dealer.

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How ‘I Love Lucy’ Inspired ‘American Chopper’

Published by Cyril Huze November 16th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.

Pilgrim Studios produces a ton of programming for a bunch of networks like Discovery, HISTORY, Syfy, Lifetime, OWN, Animal Planet, WE TV and National Geographic Channel. From concept development to network delivery, they do it all. Dina Gahchman, contributor at Forbes, interviewed Pilgrim Studios’ owner Piligian about reality shows and the new Orange County Choppers series on CMT starting tonight November 16 at 9/8c. I publish below highlights of this interview.

“The website for Piligian’s company Pilgrim Studios unabashedly states that they are “Production Company of the Year” and “the most diverse production company on the planet.” Those are bold claims, but when you consider that they’ve created shows like American Chopper, The Ultimate Fighter, Dirty Jobs, and My Fair Wedding, maybe it’s not the craziest claim someone in the entertainment industry has ever made. James Cameron did declare himself “king of the world” during the Titanic era.

Piligian’s new show, Orange County Choppers, premieres on CMT this weekend. American Chopper ran on Discovery for ten years, and it followed Paul Teutul Sr. and his sons Paul Jr. and Mikey as they built custom bikes and engaged in some pretty dramatic infighting. Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. had a very public falling out, and now the focus is on Paul Sr. and his team. Even without the father-son feuds, Pilgrim promises “state-of-the-art drama.”

I talked to Piligian about Orange County Choppers, the state of Paul Jr. and Paul Sr.’s relationship and how I Love Lucy inspired American Chopper”

Forbes: When you first set out to make American Chopper, how did you know Paul Sr. had what it takes to be a reality star?
Piligian: That’s a very good question – I didn’t. They were not my very first choice. I switched the motorcycle shop the night before shooting. It was a Tuesday night and in my last conversation with the shop that I was going to do in New Hampshire I didn’t feel that they had the right mindset. The next morning I woke up early and I called Paul Sr. and said, “Do you want to do this pilot for Discovery?” I changed all the tickets, changed the crew, and on Thursday we were shooting the pilot for American Chopper. We didn’t initially tell Discovery about the switch. It was just a gut feeling.

Forbes: Did the pilot surprise you at all, once you actually saw the footage?
Piligian: We shot the pilot and started cutting the rough cut, and Discovery was looking for a motorcycle build show to compete with Monster Garage. This was an East Coast version of that. What we started to see was that it was a relationship show more than it was a build show. The bike was a by-product of the relationship with the father and the son. It just came out of nowhere and was hugely successful. It was the first family docu-soap. Continue reading ‘How ‘I Love Lucy’ Inspired ‘American Chopper’’

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New Corbin Dual Touring Saddle For 2014 Indian Chief Models

Published by Cyril Huze November 15th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.

It was expected to see aftermarket vendors coming up very fast with new parts and accessories to customize the new Indian Chiefs launched only 3 months ago. For seats, Corbin appears to be the first company to do so with a new Dual Saddle offered in several options for setup and finish. As Corbin always do it on most of its seats, the seating area has been maximized, positioning the rider bucket in the sweet spot to offer the best possible ergonomics and long range comfort. Sculpted seating platforms conform to the shape of your body to give more square inches of even support and eliminate hot spots and pressure on your tailbone.

Neutralized seating platform helps to hold your body in place and curbs sliding in the saddle. This also helps to relieve rider fatigue by taking pressure off your wrists and knees. Corbin uses its exclusive Comfort Cell foam material on the inside provides a firm, resilient ride that supports your body indefinitely. Over time, Comfort Cell will break in and adapt to provide a personalized fit to your body. Regarding bucket shaping, the seat provides over 6” of support to your lower back with the front of the saddle narrower to allow for ground reach. Continue reading ‘New Corbin Dual Touring Saddle For 2014 Indian Chief Models’

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Another Steve McQueen Motorcycle On The Auction Block.

Published by Cyril Huze November 15th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

This one it’s a 1938 Harley-Davidson WLD Solo Sport wearing original paint from the factory with odometer showing 21,000 miles.

McQueen’s ownership is fully documented and goes with motorcycle, including: original bill of sale from estate sale, odometer statement from estate sale, original auction catalog from estate sale and 1984 Certificate of Authenticity.

Also includes McQueen’s personal tools found wrapped in a piece of denim in the frame mounted tool box.

Mecum Auction will be held on November 24-25, 2013 at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Las Vegas.

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Why We Ride. Playing At A Theater New You.

Published by Cyril Huze November 15th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.

“Why We Ride”, the beautiful and I must add intelligent documentary (see the trailer HERE) about the passion of the riders and the soul of their machines, is coming to a theater near you.

Tell your friends, riding buddies and others to come out and see this film.

Theatrical Release Update with the location, time and date for the upcoming showings is at Why We Ride.

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Hybrid Custom Bike. Just The Right Amount Of Wrong.

Published by Cyril Huze November 14th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.

Everything is very unusual about this new builder and his contraption. It’s his first custom bike project and to get started in the business he chose to mix a Ducati Pantah, a Cagiva Ala and a 1984 Azzura! For the Italian pre-disposition, he got an excuse: he is born Italian although splitting his time between New Jersey where he collaborates with Evan Favaro and his native country. For the choice for the 3 donor bikes, it’s still a mystery to me even after interviewing him… Continue reading ‘Hybrid Custom Bike. Just The Right Amount Of Wrong.’

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On Duty Alabama Cop Caught On Video Drag Racing His Harley Police Motorcycle.

Published by Cyril Huze November 14th, 2013 in Editorial and Videos.

When a cop is caught red handed on a video, it’s usually not for drag racing his police motorcycle while on duty. The Alabama cop in question had to turn in his badge after a biker posted on YouTube a video whose footage show him drag racing the cop on his police Harley. At a red light, the biker on his CBR600RR asked if the cop wanted to race. He replied “yes, I got turbo” pointing at his Harley engine. Then the 2 motorcycles raced away from a traffic light. Watch…

Added 11/14/2013. The Montgomery Police Department is confirming that the motorcycle officer who was captured on video drag racing with a private citizen will get his job back.

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Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Published by Cyril Huze November 14th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

Harley-Davidson Will Launch First The Street 750 In India. Not the Street 500. Without any given justification for this decision, Harley-Davidson India mentioned in its Facebook page that the Street 750 will be the first Street model introduced in India. For sure both the 750 and 500 will be manufactured in this country (except those for the US market produced in Kansas.) No word if the 500 model will be introduced later, or not at all in India. Is it possible that Harley-Davidson doesn’t want right away to create a competition for itself, confusing customers with 2 models so close in configuration & price? Also, if one model has to be privileged, at least in a 1st time, the Street 750 is more in line with the “big heavy cruiser” image that foreigners have about Harley-Davidson. It’s also a market segment where Harley has less competition in India than in the 250/500 cc category. The 2 Street models feature a new liquid cooled V-Twin Revolution X engine with a 6-speed transmission and a frame geometry making them 2” higher from the ground that the Sportster Iron 883.

Polaris Announces Buyback Of 3.96 Million Shares From Fuji Heavy Industries. Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced that it has purchased all of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.’s (“FHI”) 3.96 million shares of Polaris’ common stock for a purchase price of $497.5 million, thereby reducing its outstanding share count by approximately six percent. Polaris funded this purchase with a combination of cash on hand and $250 million of borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Polaris and FHI have a long successful engine supplier relationship dating back to 1968, when FHI began manufacturing Polaris’ exclusive “Star” engine. FHI was the sole manufacturer of Polaris’ engines from 1968 to 1995, at which time Polaris gradually began to produce its own engines for select models. For model year 2013, FHI supplied approximately one-fourth of Polaris’ engines used in a number of models of snowmobiles and off-road vehicles. For model year 2014 and beyond, the Company anticipates that the percentage of FHI-supplied engines will decline further as Polaris continues to significantly expand its own engine portfolio. The Company’s previously issued guidance for full year 2013 earnings per share from continuing operations, raised on October 22, 2013, remains unchanged at $5.30 to $5.37 per diluted share. On a pro forma basis, assuming this transaction had occurred on January 1, 2013, the positive impact on expected full year 2013 earnings per share from continuing operations would have been approximately $0.25 per share. The Company’s share repurchase program authorization remains in place with approximately 1.6 million shares available for repurchase. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’

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Shifter Linkages Like You Never Saw Before

Published by Cyril Huze November 13th, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.

You are the firsts to see them. A Florida machine shop, until now not involved with motorcycle parts, made these bad ass shifter linkages (no name, yet) Even if they are not your style, you must admit it’s a brand new design for motorcycle shifter rods, They are 10” OAL 1.74” at the center OD and threaded for 5/16 x 24 on the ends. More variations coming soon. Interested? Contact Stephen Mandarano on my behalf at (386) 676-6377

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400 Part Time Jobs Available Right Now At Harley-Davidson York Vehicle Operations

Published by Cyril Huze November 13th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

After reducing its permanent workforce during the years following the 2008 US recession, Harley-Davidson decided to use a more flexible workforce strategy, hiring temporary workers when customer demands require a ramp up in production.

Harley-Davidson’s Springettsbury Township Vehicle Operations in York, Pennsylvania is currently starting the hiring of 400 casual workers, part of a seasonal surge in production. Temporary worker salaries range from $16.75 to $23.30 per hour. The jobs start at the end of January and run through the end of May. To apply, visit the factory at 1425 Eden Road, York, Pennsylvania to pick up an application or request to be contacted through H-Dflexibleworkforce.com. Continue reading ‘400 Part Time Jobs Available Right Now At Harley-Davidson York Vehicle Operations’

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Zipper’s Knows Sportsters. Their Street To Strip Performance Strategies.

Published by Cyril Huze November 13th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.

During more than a decade Zipper’s cut their teeth and built their products performance reputation racing Sportsters (5 National Drag Racing Championships and over 60 National and World Records.) Strong of their racing knowledge, Zipper’s offers street-to-strip performance strategies for riders of all kinds. Below a few of them.

Red Shift® Performance Cams: Zipper’s Performance has Red Shift® performance cam grinds for Evolution®, XR1200®, Buell® XB® and even Ironhead® Sportster® models. No other manufacturer has more performance cams for Sportsters®! Red Shift® Cams are engineered and manufactured by Zipper’s here in the USA with the most advanced engineering design processes built into every cam. You can get the power and performance you want without sacrificing your engine and valve train. Zipper;s can Configure your Sportster® Cams for special applications such as 2 Front Heads (XR® Style).

Chain Conversion Kits: Zipper’s has taken the hassle of converting your late model belt driven Sportster® to chain drive, whether for greater durability, altered final drive ratio, clearance for a wider tire, cool old school looks, or all of the above!

Front sprockets are steel, rear are made from extremely tough hardened 7075-T6 aircraft quality aluminum. Choose between high-wearing RK Pro O-Ring chain or RK’s brutally strong, non-o-ring DR (Drag Race) chain. Continue reading ‘Zipper’s Knows Sportsters. Their Street To Strip Performance Strategies.’

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Indian Rides Mobile Application.

Published by Cyril Huze November 13th, 2013 in Builders and Editorial.

Indian Rides Application. Version 2.0.((iPad, iPad mini, iPhone and iPod Touch) has been completely redesigned and introduces many new features and improvements to help you improve your riding experience, riding your favorite routes and encounter new ones along the way. You can grab Indian rides on iTunes or Google Play.

With this application, you can plan, track and share.

– See your current GPS location
– View maps of public and features routes across the U.S. combined with weather overlays
– Plan your next ride by checking weather conditions and advisories anywhere in the U.S.
– Locate and contact Indian dealers wherever you travel Continue reading ‘Indian Rides Mobile Application.’

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Triumph To Launch 250 cc Motorcycle

Published by Cyril Huze November 12th, 2013 in Builders and Events.

The competition for the small motorcycle market, from 250 to 750 cc, intensifies. Last week at the 2013 Milan EICMA (International Motorcycle Exhibition) Triumph gave to the media a sketch of their upcoming single 250 cc motorcycle which will be manufactured in Indian at the Narasapura plant in Karnataka. For sure it will be sold in emerging markets in Asia and maybe Africa, but Triumph didn’t disclose if the small Triumph will be exported to Europe & the US. Continue reading ‘Triumph To Launch 250 cc Motorcycle’

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Did You Know? The Oldest Continually Operated Harley-Davidson Dealer In The US.

Published by Cyril Huze November 12th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.

Columbus, Ohio A.D. Farrow Harley-Davidson holds the longevity record in the United States, selling Harleys without interruption since 1912, a total of ,ore than 101 years. Alfred D. Farrow and his wife, Lillian, opened the original Harley-Davidson dealership in Nelsonville. By 1924, they moved their operation to Columbus and took over a dealership on N. 4th Street. A year later, it moved to 844 E. Main St. Mr. Farrow died in 1927, and his wife carried on the business, moving it to its current location at 491 W. Broad St. in Franklinton in 1941. Continue reading ‘Did You Know? The Oldest Continually Operated Harley-Davidson Dealer In The US.’

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