Published by Cyril Huze September 19th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Erik Buell Racing (EBR) just confirmed that a new sport bike will be unveiled October 16 at the American International Motorcycle Exposition (AIMExpo) in Orlando, Fla. on October 16. I will be on location at Erik Buell’s booth and report.
The new, street-legal high performance motorcycle carries EBR’s model designation 1190RX and is a direct descendant of EBR’s race-bred limited edition 1190RS Super Bike. While the 1190RX shares its sibling’s 1190cc engine and many of EBR’s exclusive performance and handling-enhancing features, it is described as a new design created to tame the wildest roads and rouse the most demanding riders.
“This is the culmination of decades of dedication, innovation and teamwork,” said EBR founder Erik Buell. “We have been working to create a pure rider’s machine and a true world brand. From the heartland and the heart of America, these are extraordinary motorcycles that discerning riders everywhere will be passionate to own.” Continue reading ‘Breaking News. Erik Buell To Unveil New American Sport Bike At AIMExpo In Orlando On October 16.’
Published by Cyril Huze September 19th, 2013
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
A lot to do and see this weekend in Brooklyn, NY. The 5th Annual Brooklyn Invitational starts this coming Saturday September 21st at 3 pm until midnight at the Root Studios 131 North 14th street with live music and custom bikes (see list of invited custom builders after the jump. A Dice Magazine party is also scheduled the day before, friday night before the show at 70 North 6th street
In parallel, the 10th annual Indian Larry Grease Monkey party will be going on Saturday Sept. 21st from 11 am to 9 pm at 400 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY. Bands, DJ, Circus Side Show Acts, Vendors, Tattoo Artists, Bike Contest, Food & Drinks. Continue reading ‘This Weekend. Annual Brooklyn Invitational And Indian Larry Grease Monkey Block party.’
Published by Cyril Huze September 18th, 2013
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The 2014 premium bagger has been refined by Project RUSHMORE, a customer-driven effort by Harley-Davidson to enhance the riding experience in a number of areas. The 2014 CVO™ Road King®, receives a host of new blacked-out components, including the handlebar, controls, mirrors, powertrain and covers. New extended saddlebags wrap around the mufflers, and a new low-profile two-piece seat has an easy-to-remove passenger pillion. The high-performance Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110™ V-Twin engine is fitted with a new tuned Heavy Breather air cleaner and intake runner. Enhancements slot into four categories: Control, Infotainment, Feel and Style.
Control.
• Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS: Reflex Linked Brakes combine ABS with electronically linked brakes that dynamically optimize front/rear brake balance. Linked braking is activated when the motorcycle is above 20 to 25 mph. If braking is initiated at slower speeds the front and rear brakes function independently. When linked braking is active, applying the front, rear or both brake controls will apply braking force to both the front and rear brakes in a proportion determined by the Reflex Linked Brakes system to optimize performance. The braking will stay linked as speed drops below the 20-25 mph threshold. Reflex Linked Brakes incorporates ABS to further help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions.
• Daymaker™ LED Lighting: The Daymaker LED headlight delivers a lighting pattern that is highly focused with outstanding “punch” into the darkness. The light quality closely mimics that of natural daylight to further enhance visibility, and its bright-white color is conspicuous in traffic. The Daymaker headlamp has two D-shaped lenses: one that focuses light into a pool directly in front of the bike for outstanding low-beam illumination, and another separate high-beam projector that delivers a super-bright, focused beam to penetrate deep into the darkness.
• Improved Front Suspension: New front suspension components, including larger fork sliders and stiffer triple clamps, provide improved steering response. Fork diameter is increased from 43.1mm to 49mm (14 percent). The steering stem is supported by larger bearings. Suspension damping has been re-tuned for a smoother ride over minor pavement irregularities like tar strips. Continue reading ‘2014 Harley-Davidson CVO™ Road King’
Published by Cyril Huze September 18th, 2013
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Not the first time that I publish motorcycles made out of old watch faces and movements. But this time, when Mike Nuriel contacted me to show me his one of a kind pieces, I asked him about his background and how he got involved and became so passionate about giving a new life to old and unrepairable watches. Below is his story.
“Growing up as a child in Miami I would see my mother and father working at a bench using their hands, tools and skills to create masterpieces. They were dental technicians. They matched color and textures together to create crowns for people’s mouths. As a child I spent many days in the lab with my parents. I learned how to mold, solder and bend different types of metals. After my mother passed away in 1997, I lost most of my passion for using my hands. As time progressed, I pursued new passions, none of which brought me as much joy as the time I spent in the lab as a child…
In late 2009 after being in Florida for 4 years, I came across a box of vintage lighters that my mother had saved over her lifetime. I began to analyze the lighters, recognizing their inherent value. Over time I began to take the lighters apart and taught myself how to repair them, bringing them to life one spark at a time. The first lighter I restored was a Ronson lighter from the1930’s. The smell from the first time I struck the flint and it ignited the wick was unforgettable. That scent will never leave me. That moment lead to a change in my life that bought me closer to my mother than ever before. After some time repairing lighters I took to repairing watches. As time went on I experienced immense amounts of joy working with my hands again. I quickly realized that a watch is much more than something used to tell time. Continue reading ‘Second Hand Choppers’
Published by Cyril Huze September 18th, 2013
in Accessories and Driveline.
This new JIMS® exclusive and patent pending tool will install or remove the closed end countershaft bearing on all 5-Speed, or 6-Speed transmissions without using a press or tapping it in with a transmission shaft. For use on all H-D Cruise Drive 6-Speeds, 5-Speed Twin Cam, and Evo including 6-speed right side drive and aftermarket 6-Speeds. This is a precision hand tool designed to install the bearing square and to the proper depth, the JIMS way. All JIMS manufactured tools are machined here in the USA and are guaranteed for life against manufacturing defects. For more information contact us at sales@jimsusa.com, visit JIMS USA or call 805-482-6913.
Published by Cyril Huze September 17th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Ducati has a new ambassador for the “Made In Italy Motorcycle.” The Ducati 899 Panigale (pronounced “Pan-ee-gah-lee”) is arriving in October in the US. And I have no doubt that at a price starting at $15,000 it will sell well. The Panifale replaces the 848 Superbike and is intended to be the Ducati new flagship bike. With a strong contribution coming from the experience and technology acquired by Ducati World Racing, the Panigale is a bike for both the road and the track. An aluminum monocoque frame, 3-way adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes make it ready for a lot of fun. Add the L-twin engine producing 148 hp and 93 lb-ft of torque at 9000 rpm, then the Ducati class-leading electronic technologies (Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS), Ride-by-wire (RBW), triple-stage ABS, Traction Control, race-derived Engine Brake Control) and you get the new generation of Superbikes. Ducati 899 Panigale.
Published by Cyril Huze September 17th, 2013
in Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Seats.
Published by Cyril Huze September 17th, 2013
in Editorial and Events.
Friend of the industry Jasmine Cain and her band need a new reliable vehicle to finish their 2013 rock n’ roll tour. Watch the video and go to funding at. Jasmine Cain Kickstarter.
Published by Cyril Huze September 17th, 2013
in Customs, Driveline, Editorial and Engines.
Gaskets are not not the sexiest parts of your motorcycle and not the easiest for me to talk about to interest all of you. But those who are professionals or tinker in their garage know that all gaskets are not born equal. Which makes the difference between no-trouble leak proof components from first installation to years of service and the frustrating task of fixing repetitive leaks … and cleaning your shop or garage floor.
During a professional trip abroad, Tamara Smith, General Manager of James Gaskets, since 1977 the industry leader with the most extended line of Harley-Davidson aftermarket gaskets and seals, was somewhat lamenting that too many ignore the importance of quality gaskets and don’t know much about the vast improvements that gaskets went through over the years. Continue reading ‘Have You Ever Tried Motorcycle Gaskets Made Of Molded Rubber Over Steel?’
Published by Cyril Huze September 17th, 2013
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
For all my readers in the United Kingdom, a reminder that this coming weekend September 21-22nd, Back Street Heroes Magazine is holding its 1st BSH Xtreme at the internationally-renowned Donington Park raceway in the heart of England. Some of the finest builders with their most extreme motorcycles have accepted to participate.
The weekend activities will include a custom bike show featuring dozens of world-class bikes, retrospectives by noted British builders, Krazy Horse, Destiny Cycles, Lamb Engineering and Barons Speed Shop, a live frame build by Vic Jefford of Destiny Cycles (the frame will be raffled to one lucky visitor!) and, over the course of two days, a Biker Build Off during which Black Market Customs and Hard Up Choppers will vie against each other to build a winning bike during the weekend. There will also be stunt shows from some of Europe’s top riders, stands, bike jumble and more fun than you can shake a stick at! For more information, visit BSH Bike Show.
Published by Cyril Huze September 16th, 2013
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze September 15th, 2013
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
This commemorative S&S Cycle 55th Anniversary limited edition black carburetor is already sold-out for 1984-1999 Big Twins, but a few remain available for 1999-2005 Big Twins (models E and Super G with manifold)
They feature a specially machined venturi for up to 7% more flow and a distinctive black Enduraguard® coating that not only looks tremendous, but resists chemicals and heat. They come with stock length black manifolds for Twin Cam 88® engines.
Kit doesn’t include the air cleaner, giving you the opportunity to choose from any of the S&S intake options (S&S Super Stock Stealth, S&S Classic Teardrop, S&S Single Bore Tuned Induction System.) $499.95 At S&S Cycle.
Published by Cyril Huze September 14th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Ducati To Add Premium Bikes To Attract High-End Buyers. While most motorcycle manufacturers are conceiving smaller engine size and more affordable bikes, Ducati Motor Holding SpA, now owned by Volkswagen AG, will roll out 4 new motorcycles next year to attract more high-end buyers. The new bikes will be “premium products as we’re not looking for low cost and low capacity motorcycles,” Chief Executive Officer Claudio Domenicali said in an interview at the company’s headquarters in Bologna, Italy. “We are targeting a good but sustainable growth.” The new offerings from Ducati, whose bikes are owned by actors Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, will include the 899 Panigale, which goes on sale in the U.S. in November with a starting price of $14,995. The new 148-horsepower superbike was unveiled at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt this week. Two additional new models, which “will share the sport value of the brand,” will be shown in Milan in November, the CEO said. “We are changing the way we think as we are part of a bigger group,” said Domenicali who has been working at Ducati since 1991 and took over as CEO in April.
Bikers Against Tolls to Hold National Mass Protest. Bikers Against Tolls will hold a national mass protest ride this Saturday against e-tolls and unfair toll charges for motorcycles. Bikers Against Tolls explains that the authorities have refused to make adjustments in the current tolling system to accommodate smaller motorcycles and to charge a proportionate toll fee. It seems the protests are becoming more intense and vigorous in their opposition of the e-tolls.
Polaris to Provide ATVs to German Army. Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, announced that the company was awarded a contract to provide MV850 ultra-light tactical vehicles to the German Army. The highly-mobile MV850 platform, which was built specifically for the U.S. military and allied forces, allows for the transport of military personnel and gear through extreme off-road terrain. “Defense forces around the world are seeking Polaris Defense Military vehicles to take advantage of our ability to make modifications to our commercial off-the-shelf technology (COTS), insert customer requirements and quickly deliver an end product that meets their needs,” said Rich Haddad, general manager of Polaris Defense. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Published by Cyril Huze September 14th, 2013
in Controls, Editorial and Electrical.
Among the new items released at the Harley-Davidson Summer Dealer Meeting on August 18th, these new Lighted Hand Control Switches Kit (P/N 71500248, $249.95) They feature soft white LED backlighting that illuminates the switch function icons for enhanced nighttime visibility and a modern look that adds function and style.
Featured as Original Equipment on 2014 Custom Vehicle Operations™ Touring models, the kit includes plug-in switch packs for left- and right-hand controls and fits 2014 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide® Ultra Classic®, Ultra Limited and Street Glide® models. A similar kit (P/N 71500250 $249.95) fits the 2014 Road King® model due to its cable-actuated clutch. Harley-Davidson.
Published by Cyril Huze September 14th, 2013
in Editorial and Events.
With 35 days until the inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) commences in Orlando, Fla., event producer Marketplace Events has announced that it has signed its 350th exhibitor for the October 16-20 show. AIMExpo is the US first combined consumer, trade, and media expo. “It wasn’t that long ago that we were announcing our 250th exhibitor, which was a huge landmark for the inaugural show,” said Cinnamon Kernes, Show Director. “To realize that in a little over a month we’ve welcomed 100 additional companies to be a part of AIMExpo speaks volumes about how the industry has embraced the show’s vision. Businesses have grasped the fact that AIMExpo is the only national show platform to showcase new products and promotional activities for the 2014 selling season. With more than a month to go we’re looking ahead to our 400th exhibitor!”
Published by Cyril Huze September 14th, 2013
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In his restaurant, Taiwanese Chef Huang Mingbo cook lobsters, but hate to see the shell of the expensive delicacy being discarded.
To the amazement of his customers and friends, he uses every last inch of the crustacean to “build” model motorcycles.
Each model is very detailed, even including mirrors and license plate numbers.
No word if Mingbo is a biker, and if he rides, which model. Foodie forever!
Published by Cyril Huze September 13th, 2013
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
The new Screamin’ Eagle Extreme Billet Ventilator Air Cleaner Kit (P/N 29400163 Chrome, P/N 29400164 Cut Back Black; $449.95) offers a detailed cover for the proven Screamin’ Eagle Ventilator filter element. The machined billet aluminum cover features high-end detailing with exposed hex-shank chrome fasteners and heavy-gauge stainless steel wire mesh inlays. Available in Chrome or Cut Back Black finish, the two-piece billet cover surrounds the filter and is topped with a full-color Screamin’ Eagle medallion.
This low-profile oval air cleaner features a 180-degree side-exposed filter element and a cast back plate for maximum air flow to the throttle body. An included rain sock protects the filter and engine from drawing in moisture during inclement weather. This easy-to-install kit includes the billet air cleaner cover, high-flow filter element, back plate, protective rain sock, and all required installation hardware. It is street legal when used with stock mufflers. This kit fits 2009-later Touring and Trike models, and 2011-later CVO™ Softail® Convertible, CVO Softail® Deluxe and CVO Breakout® models. All EFI-equipped models require ECM recalibration for proper installation (priced separately). See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for installation details.
Published by Cyril Huze September 13th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Next Spring, on April 4, 2014, a new movie “Captain America. The Winter Soldier” will be released by Marvel Studios. In the upcoming film, Steve Rogers’ character will be riding Harley-Davidson’s newest Softail® motorcycle, the Breakout.
“Captain America and Harley-Davidson have had a long association dating back to the introduction of the character in 1939,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson Marketing Communication Director. “He’s ridden different Harleys throughout the history of the character, and his bike for ‘Captain America. The Winter Soldier’ needed to fit the modern day setting of this story. Our newest model, the Softail Breakout, with custom touches that personalize the bike for his character was the perfect choice for this film.”
Published by Cyril Huze September 13th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
A Triumph Rocket III Touring bike fitted with a Motor Trike conversion body and equipped with a Carpenter Racing motor kit, posted a 136 mph top speed and FIM World Record (pending ratification by FIM)
“The Carpenter Racing team turned this radical trike into a 250 horsepower full blown hot rod,” states Brian Klock who piloted it
Published by Cyril Huze September 13th, 2013
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Biker Belles® event and auction to raise money for charity held on Aug. 6, 2013 at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® featured a custom built motorcycle by moto-celebrity Jessi Combs and donated by Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley Davidson. The highest bidder twas Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers who gifted the custom bike to his wife Cris Sommer-Simmons. The bike building and event will be featured tomorrow evening September 14, 2013 Ton the Velocity Channel “All Girls Garage.”at 11:30 a.m. ET/PT. Continue reading ‘Biker Belles® Charity Event Featured On Velocity “All Girls Garage” TV Show’
Published by Cyril Huze September 12th, 2013
in Builders and Editorial.
Several of you have commented regarding a delivery delay of the 2014 Indian models to the dealer to who they have given a deposit to confirm a Chief model order. I contacted Indian Motorcycle to have their comment. Below is the answer they gave me..
“We are still on track to start shipping new 2014 Indian models in September. Certainly there is a significant demand, not only as evidenced by a high deposit rate, but also in the increasing number of dealerships that are coming on line. We have launched a successful product, and as is the norm, customers (and dealers) want it now! We are committed to providing the best possible product and motorcycles will be released when we are satisfied that we are doing so. But, as stated, we are on track for shipments starting in September.” R. Pandya
Published by Cyril Huze September 12th, 2013
in Editorial.
Her name is Lanakila MacNaughton from Portland, Oregon. She is 24, a motorcyclist and a photographer.
Like other ladies I know, she is on a mission to convince other women to ride.
Her way to convince is her Hasselblad CM with which she shoots real women who ride – not models and actresses – hoping to get more of them involved in the sport.
The Women’s Motorcycle exhibition is a traveling show. Below some examples of her work documenting many facets of motorcycle culture through her lens.
You can see more of her work at Women Moto Exhibit.
Published by Cyril Huze September 12th, 2013
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
Several times I have featured very cool bikes built by Australian shop Deus Customs. And now they have a new shop in Venice Beach, CA with Michael ‘Woolie’ Woolaway chosen to oversee the bike building. A visit and interview…
Published by Cyril Huze September 12th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The Continental GT 535 is retro motorcycle maker Royal Enfield’s latest product and is now in production at the new factory in Oragadam, near Chennai, India. The GT535 was launched in the UK yesterday, after which it could be launched in India. No word about an introduction date in the US, but end of the year is probable.
The Continental GT 535 is powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder, 535cc fuel injected engine claimed to have a power output of 36bhp. It is 43 pounds lighter than the other Royal Enfield 500 models. The ike got all the typical features of a Cafe Racer: clip-on handlebars, bar-end mounted mirrors, single-unit headlamp, chrome cigar shaped exhaust.
