Published by Cyril Huze September 4th, 2013
in Editorial and Events.
The Motorcycle Film Festival is an idea whose time has come. We are in the midst of the biggest creative boom centered on motorcycles since the 1970s. Every motorcycle custom builder wants to hire a filmmaker to shoot his work and his rides. The massive, youthful rise of moto-mania has excited big motorcycle manufacturers to collaborate with rising garage artists, and has inspired professional filmmakers that now is the time to produce that long-dreamt two-wheel feature film.
The Motorcycle Film Festival was founded in 2013 by a group of NYC motorcyclists and independent filmmakers, to provide a home for motorcycle films from around the world, and give moto/film enthusiasts an event to gather, discuss, and celebrate their favorite subject. Film categories include Short and Feature Length Narratives, Documentaries, and Experimental Films. Interested filmmakers can submit work to Motorcycle Film Festival motorcyclefilmfestival.com, by Aug. 23rd. For further information, contact motorcyclefilmfestival@gmail.com
Published by Cyril Huze September 4th, 2013
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Mikuni Classic VM Round Slide Carburetors began their great reputation as one of the best high performance carburetors (with S&S Cycle) in the sport of motorcycling back in the 1960’s. Since then, Mikuni’s VM Series Round Slide Carburetors have proven themselves for use in any street or off-road application for motorcycles and ATV application, including motocross, enduro and trail riding, to flat track and road racing, on both 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines.
Performance features for the VM Series include a large selection of throttle bore sizes from 16-44mm for increased fuel mixture flow to match engine modifications. They are easy to work on and tune, and a wide range of tuning components allow precise fuel mixture tuning in any application, at any throttle setting, under any riding condition. VM Series Carburetors are sold pre-jetted and ready to run for most applications. Continue reading ‘Mikuni Classic VM Series Round Slide Carburetors & Parts for Restorations & Retro Bikes’
Published by Cyril Huze September 4th, 2013
in Editorial and Events.
The 2013 Hollister Motorcycle Rally – the city’s signature tradition – was last July the first in five years after shaky finances caused prior cancellations. “The City Council members sent a roaring message to the motorcycle community that officials plan to hold a downtown rally for the next 10 years, even if city politics change” stated rally manager and CEO of World Dynamics Mark Cresswell.
Interim City Manager Bill Avera mentioned there would be an early termination clause in any rally contracts, while he also noted that next year’s rally will be over three days, as opposed to the two days for the 2013 revival.
“Most important, it lets people know we are committed to this and will allow us to bring in major sponsorships,” Avera concluded. The officially sanctioned biker rally started in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Boozefighters’ famed “invasion” of Hollister that inspired the Marlon Brando movie, “The Wild One.”
Published by Cyril Huze September 3rd, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Let’s talk again about the Harley-Davidson Mentality Shift I was describing in my post on August 30th when referring to the Rushmore Project. Last weekend, Matt Levatich – President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company – would have said to a few journalists (was not among them) that a 500 cc model is in advanced stage of development, that he rode one, that it looks very good, that it is very light weight, nimble, with a low seat, great throttle response and braking. Such a project has been rumored several times during the last 2 years as the way to put in the Harley saddle new customers in Asia and India where 500 cc is a big size engine. Immediately, such a mid size bike makes me think of the Buell Blast sacrificed in 2009 with the rest of the Buell lineup.
Although Levatich hinted that this 500 cc model could be produced in India – an excellent cheaper manufacturing base (than the US) for fast exportation to other countries in the region – let’s not forget about Harley other plant in Brazil, another excellent distribution platform for all markets in South America. On one hand Harley mentality is shifting to more modernism, safety and comfort to keep the baby boomers riding a Harley as long as possible (Rushmore Project), and on the other hand to whatever the customer wants and can afford in big and fast developing countries. “The American qualities of a Harley are very important to people” said Levatich, “but where a shock absorber comes from is less significant than keeping (in our bikes) the spirit and soul of America…” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Tomorrow. Short Term A 500 cc Model. Long Term, Possibly An e-Harley.’
Published by Cyril Huze September 3rd, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze September 2nd, 2013
in Builders and Customs.
UK based Shaw Harley-Davidson is in its 11th year as a dealer with its custom division wing3rd called Shaw Speed & Custom now in its 3rd year. Shaw started customization using only genuine after-market Harley bolt-on parts, then as customers required more originality and the crew went more confident, Shaw Speed & Custom went into full redesigning and styling. During the last 3 years the Shaw team gained recognition via big wins in the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building and other European very competitive bike shows, attracting clients like, Bell & Ross watches, Ralph Lauren, Rockstar Energy, Playboy and radical bike projects coming from clients in Australia, Lebanon, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Monaco and even Las Vegas.
A client from Paris fell in love with a previous 2010 Shaw project – the custom XL ST3 -that I had featured in this website, but wanted several upgrades like a slightly higher suspension, an ohlins front end, and leaving the team the chance to tweak and improve the original bike. The brother of the original XLST3, named the XLZT3, got started by the full strip down to the bare frame of a XL1200X 48 Harley-Davison model. Then the bike was fully mocked up, lifting the bike by replacing the factory front end with suspension with Ohlins front forks and rear shocks. Front brakes were given a twin makeover with the radial mounted front caliper set up. Continue reading ‘Shaw Speed And Custom XL ZT3’
Published by Cyril Huze September 1st, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Bikers sharing the same passion for the Harley brand came from around the world to Milwaukee for a long weekend of concerts, a parade, and street parties. Harley bikers are not the only ones to be excited. So are all Harley-Davidson top executives. They know that the brand is getting a huge worldwide attention from the media and an incalculable amount of free advertising. So, they multiply the press conferences, showing how confident they are for the brand future. What they said during the weekend.
Mark Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. In reference to the new Indian Motorcycle models. ““There’s always been choice and there always will be choice. Riders are choosing Harley-Davidson more and more, but we respect the competition…”
Matthew Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, “We have a pipeline full of great products. It’s got 30 percent more products on it than in 2009. And that’s the benefit of getting really disciplined in product development. A pipeline of exciting, on-the-money products is coming. So, stay tuned.” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson 110Th Anniversary. What The Top Executives Are Saying.’
Published by Cyril Huze September 1st, 2013
in Customs and Seats.
The success of the new Triumph models sold in the US is attracting each year more vendors wishing to get a share of the brand custom parts market . Mustang seats is the latest company adding Triumphs to its family of products. Looking back at Triumph’s classic styling cues and focused on moving ahead with its new seat line, Mustang has added seats for the Triumph Bonneville and Thunderbird models to its family of products. “For more than 30 years, Mustang Motorcycle Products, LLC has worked hard to build its reputation for manufacturing the world’s most comfortable motorcycle seats,” says Mustang Director of Sales, Steve Veltri. “Think of it as New England meets olde England as Mustang reaches out to Triumph riders with the simple message ‘discover what a difference comfort makes.”
Looking as if it could have come from legendary Triumph designer Edward Turner himself, Mustang’s Classic Seat for the Bonneville variants (T100, Scrambler and Thruxton) updates period correct styling with modern materials. Both rider and passenger will appreciate the Sport Touring seat for the Bonneville. A slight ridge in the seat keeps the rider firmly in place during spirited solo riding, while the plush pillion section keeps the passenger happy when tooling around two-up. “Both parties should appreciate the traditional Tuck and Roll styling,” Veltri adds. Continue reading ‘New England Mustang Seat For Old England Triumph Bonneville’
Published by Cyril Huze August 31st, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Because of frequent windy weather and sometimes too wet salt, this year was not the most favorable to racers to set as many land speed records as previous years. I was expecting to report on the outright world land speed record battle between the BUB No. 7 piloted by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and seven-time AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr and a brand new Triumph Castrol Rocket streamliner with AMA Pro Racing road racer Jason Disalvo at the controls. The current world land speed record was set in 2010 at 376.363 mph by pilot Rocky Robinson and builder Mike Akatiff on a speed machine known as Ack Attack. Deterred by bad weather conditions, the battle between the BUB No 7 and the Triumph Castrol Rocket didn’t happen, both machines making only test runs.
Because I have already reported several times on the BUB No 7, let me introduce you to the new super-sleek Triumph Rocket. It is powered by twin turbo-charged Triumph Rocket engines burning methanol and prepared by designer Carpenter Racing. Total displacement is almost 3,000 cc and cranks out 1,000 horsepower and 500-foot-pounds of torque. At 2 feet wide, 3 feet tall and 25 feet long, it will be competing in the Division 3, Type V, “streamlined motorcycle” category for motorcycles up to 3,000 cc.The aerodynamic Kevlar-skinned body was designed by Mark Markstaller. Triumph acquired its slogan “the most famous name in motorcycling” because of the brand dominance in Bonneville during most of the period between 1955 and 1970. Continue reading ‘2013 Bonneville BUB Trials Update’
Published by Cyril Huze August 31st, 2013
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
To complete their existing line of Pin Stripe billet parts and accessories, these 2 ignition switch covers for baggers. These caps install in seconds. Simple, clean and inexpensive, they fit all 2003-2013 Harley-Davidson Streetglide, Roadglide, Ultraclassic, Electraglide Classic and FL Trike Models. CNC machined in the USA from 6061 aluminum. Available in tripe plated show chrome (Lifetime chrome warranty) or black anodized. At Roaring Toyz.
Published by Cyril Huze August 31st, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
One-Armed Motorcycle Rider Makes History In TT At Isle Of Man. 42-year-old Chris Mitchell from the Isle of Man rode a specially adapted Suzuki machine and managed to complete a race around the island’s TT course, finishing in 11th place out of 20 riders at the Manx Grand Prix Newcomer’s B race on Wednesday August 28th. Mitchell lost his arm after a motorcycle accident in 2001 and he admitted finishing the course was a “life-time ambition come true”. He had entered the same event in 2012, but failed to complete a lap after a mechanical failure. Mitchell averaged 99.134 miles per hour on his bike. After the race, he said: “I made a couple of mistakes on the last lap. My concentration began to wander but I have just completed 150 miles on the most demanding course in the world.”
Pre-Polaris 2009-2013 Kings Mountain Designed Indian Motorcycles Subject to Rear Rim Safety Recall. Indian Motorcycle announced that some legacy generation, Kings Mountain-era Indian motorcycles of model years 2009-2013 have a defect related to motor vehicle safety. The affected motorcycles — produced between December 10, 2008 and November 1, 2012 and designed by the previous owner of Indian Motorcycle, housed in Kings Mountain, North Carolina– may have been assembled using a defective rear wheel rim. The rim may crack and cause a loss of air pressure. This could cause the vehicle operator to lose control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. The recall does not impact the newly launched 2014 Indian(R) Chief(R) motorcycles unveiled by Polaris Industries Inc. in Sturgis, South Dakota on August 3. Consumers affected by today’s announcement should visually inspect the rear motorcycle rim for cracks and check tire pressure prior to riding the motorcycle. If any cracks are found, the motorcycle should not be ridden until the rim is replaced. Affected consumers are also encouraged to contact their nearest dealer to schedule an appointment for the bulletin repair service when parts become available. Additional information is available by visiting Indian Motorcycle or by contacting Indian Motorcycle Consumer Service Department at (877) 204-3697. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Published by Cyril Huze August 30th, 2013
in Builders and Editorial.
The recession was really what brought Harley-Davidson into the 21st century. “Since day one, we’ve been trying to transform the company in a way that is going to make us stronger and more sustainable in the future,” said CEO Keith Wandell in a telephone interview last week to Bloomberg. “That’s what we said we wanted to do four years ago and, voila, here it is.” “There was 107 years of inertia” said Matt Levatich, 48, Harley’s president and chief operating officer. Today, some 2014 Harley models feature a voice-activated and touch-screen GPS system, the first on a production motorcycle. When the bike is getting low on fuel, the system finds the nearest filling station and maps out directions on a 6.5-inch (about 16.5 centimeters) screen the rider can control by voice, touch or joystick. You can touch control your iPhone playlist the same way, with or without gloves.
The global recession has been a loud wake-up call for Harley-Davidson. Revenue dropped by almost a quarter from 2006 to 2009. Wandell spent his first year at Harley-Davidson cutting costs, speeding development and putting in place a plan to crowd ource advice on the features bikers and HD dealers (a first time ever involvement of the network in new product planning ) wanted to see on the new models. Last year, the company staged focus groups and clinics in the US, in Europe and Japan to evaluate the competition and its own prototypes strengths and weaknesses. The process, known as the Rushmore Project, resulted in 21st century high tech features that nobody expected being offered by a company whose culture is rooted in tradition. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson The Complete Mentality Shift.’
Published by Cyril Huze August 30th, 2013
in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Because all details count, this new Designer Steel Exhaust Kit. Cut from solid billet 316 stainless steel, then highly polished. Available in 3 options of ARP hardware:
EV:2835-0077 316 Polished Stainless Steel Exhaust Clamps With Polished ARP 12 point Hardware.
EV:2835-0078 316 Polished Stainless Steel Exhaust Clamps With Polished ARP Hex Flange Nut Hardware.
EV:2835-0079 316 Polished Stainless Steel Exhaust Clamps With Black Oxide ARP Hex Flange Nut Hardware
Due To Various Exhaust Manufacturers & Exhaust Styles and Bends The 12 Point Hardware Might Interfere With Socket Drive Due To Tight Exhaust Bends Around The Flange. At Evolution Industries 909-594 7969
Published by Cyril Huze August 29th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
2014 is for Triumph the year of only cosmetic changes on all 3 of its classic models.
The Triumph Bonneville keeps its 865 cc parallel-twin, but got a new exhaust for a better growl. Front wheel is no 17″ with lower seat position and a grab rail. Chain guard is now standard. Paint schemes include all black on all blackout bike (bards, wheels, wheels, suspicion components, mirrors, etc, black & gold, white, red.
The Triumph Thruxton offers new cooling fins in machined finish revised sportier riding position, a color-matched fly screen, a revised megaphone silencer said to have a more “liberating sound”, aluminum wheels, chrome chain guard. Colors available are black & green.
The Triumph Scrambler also gets a new seat, a blacked out treatment for most components handlebars, wheel rims, hubs and rear master cylinder reservoir cover, oil lines.) Colors available are red and blue/silver.
Available in September in the UK. Date unknown in the US. Triumph Motorcycles.
Published by Cyril Huze August 29th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
From now until the end of the 110th anniversary celebration over Labor Day Weekend, the Milwaukee Motorcycle Police Department is helping direct the traffic of tens of thousand motorcycles converging to downtown Milwaukee. Of course, the Milwaukee PD has a very long history of riding Harleys. It’s not long after the inception of Harley-Davidson in 1903 that police stations from around the country began ordering motorcycles. Police motorcycles came out in 1908 and the city of Detroit is considered the 1st city in the US to use them. Milwaukee used Harley-Davidson bikes continuously from 1910 until today. Particularities of today’s Police Harleys? Not only the siren, the blue, red and white flashing lights, the solo seat but also in the tour pack a bracket attaching a laptop computer to run people’s names. And what is the most frequent question asked to a member of the motorcycle police unit about his Harley? If special engine work has been performed to make the bike run better and faster. And the answer is no. Not necessary…
Published by Cyril Huze August 29th, 2013
in Accessories and Customs.
Both are based on the famous 3/4 Bell 500 (the one I wear in its plain version…) They both pay tribute to Bell founder Roy Richter who created the 500 helmet in 1954 out of fiberglass. Not retro lids but current offerings priced at $139.95. On left the Skratch Bonneville, on right the RSD Trouble. Bell Helmets.
Published by Cyril Huze August 28th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
During the introduction of the 2014 Cruisers to its dealer network, the theme developed by Steve Menneto, Vice President for Polaris Motorcycles, was “offering more bike for the money than ever before.” New lower price points, added features and increased options characterize the 2014 line-up. Still 6 different models: HIGH-BALL®, JACKPOT, VICTORY JUDGE®, BOARDWALK™, HAMMER 8-BALL® and VEGAS 8-BALL®
The Victory High-Ball®
A MSRP reduced by $1000 and now available in two different paint jobs. Take your pick between an old-school suede finish in black and white or a flame job reminiscent of the hot-rod bobber heyday. Adjustable mitered bars give you options and new round headlight (yippee!) complete the look. The Suede Black and White version features cast wheels and starts at MSRP of only $13,499. The new new Suede Black with Flames version of the High-Ball features traditional spoke rims, but pops with a custom inspired red flame on suede black paint job.
The Victory Jackpot.
Some new style and the lowest price tag this model has ever worn. A 250 mm rear tire and new paint scheme in Sunset Red. High style and high performance blend seamlessly in chrome and Sunset Red. Features include:tank graphics instead of the traditional tank badge. Chrome engine, exhaust, fender rails, headlight bezel and handlebars. Blacked-out details including fork legs, triple trees, and turn signals. Round headlight. Cast wheels.
The Victory Judge
Inspired by the classic muscle car. High style and high performance blend in chrome and Sunset Red & Gloss Black paint with a fat rear tire. Featuring its lowest price ever. 16″ 5-spoke wheels paired with Dunlop® Elite® II tires featuring raised white lettering. Features include: tank graphics instead of the traditional tank badge. Chrome engine, exhaust, fender rails, headlight bezel, and handlebars. Blacked-out details including fork legs, triple trees, and turn signals. Round headlight. Continue reading ‘The 2014 Victory Cruisers’
Published by Cyril Huze August 28th, 2013
in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
Öhlins is introducing the FKC 101 Fork Cartridge Kit, a high-quality, high-tech front fork kit conceived specifically for the FLH/FLT Harley-Davidson Touring Baggers. This is the first-ever Bagger Fork Kit released by Öhlins and the company states that when installed in conjunction with a set of Öhlins shocks, you obtained an incomparably balanced suspension package, never before available for H-D Touring motorcycles,
As described by Tomas Andersson, Manager MC R&T Aftermarket at Öhlins Racing AB, “The goal with the FKC 101 project was to create a high-end cartridge damping system with great performance, to a reasonable price for the Harley-Davidson Touring front forks. The kit is the same concept we use for our hyper-sport front forks, but with a smaller piston. For this application we focused on vehicle control, and a smooth ride.” Continue reading ‘Öhlins To Launch New High-Tech Fork Cartridge Kit For Harley Touring Models’
Published by Cyril Huze August 28th, 2013
in Editorial and Videos.
Expect 1000’s of YouTube videos shot by bikers in Milwaukee during the 4-day huge celebration party and probably about a dozen from Harley-Davidson. Here is the first official one they released.
Published by Cyril Huze August 28th, 2013
in Editorial.
If he was not honest with his wife, at least he is honest about the reason why he is obliged to sell his 12,600 mile Harley V-Rod for $7800. Ad published in the Indiana Auto & RV classifieds
Published by Cyril Huze August 27th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
In Bonneville, Dan Parker is making history by being the 1st ever blind person to race a motorcycle on the Salts of Utah. 43-year old Parker, a race car pilot, lost his sight 17 months ago in an accident. With no intention to go faster than other participants, he spent last weekend getting a feel of the salts, riding his 3-wheeler motorcycle on a separate track.
Before arriving in Bonneville, Parker did some training on an airport runway, testing his equipment and instructions he receives through his helmet from his supporting crew.
His No. 214 racing motorcycle was almost entirely built by himself. On it, a GPS and a tiny computer linked to his assistance team and receiving instructions while collecting all parameters of each run. To follow the track, Dan Parker steers by sounds coming from his helmet earphones. Sound gets louder if deviation from track centerline increases.
Parker’s racing efforts in Bonneville are sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind. During the weekend he completed tests on the track, reaching speeds of 35/40 mph. Then, like it is done for all participants, he had his motorcycle inspected by the AMA officials to be authorized to race on Monday morning. A first historic record during the 2013 Bonneville BUB Trials.
Published by Cyril Huze August 27th, 2013
in Builders, Editorial and Engines.
Published by Cyril Huze August 27th, 2013
in Editorial and Events.
Vegas rocks. With hot spots and loose slots, great food, glitzy hotels, fabulous entertainment, and a Sin City reputation that makes Las Vegas Bikefest the bikers party town from October 3rd to 6th. Not to forget, beyond the city limits, some of the most unforgettable rides in the country – to the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, the Hoover Dam and more. So what’s your idea of a good time? Ride, Rock and Roll any way you like while you cut loose at Las Vegas Bikefest.
It’s always a one crazy-long weekend of hard-core rockin’ good times – live concerts, non-stop partying, big money Poker Runs, bike shows and hot contests – one unforgettable, talk–about-all-year bash that only Las Vegas can deliver. And that only Sin City can handle. You can get a little extra at Las Vegas BikeFest if you register before this coming weekend. This week’s prize win is either two free entries in our Run to BikeFest, a poker run from Southern California or Arizona or 2 Show Tickets to enjoy while you are there.
Las Vegas BikeFest® Announces Motorcycle Giveaways at Event
The Golden Nugget Casino & Hotel as well as The D Hotel/ and Golden Gate Hotel have partnered with Las Vegas BikeFest to sponsor grand prize motorcycle giveaways during the 13th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest, October 3-6. The Golden Nugget Casino & Hotel will be giving away a custom bike built by local Las Vegas custom builder Counts Kustoms and featured on the History Channel’s Counting Cars. The bike is currently on display at the Golden Nugget and will remain there through the event weekend.
The D Hotel and the Golden Gate Hotel have teamed up with Las Vegas BikeFest to give away a 2014 Harley Davidson Fat Boy Lo and $10,000 in cash and prizes. “Both grand prize motorcycles will be given away on Saturday night October 5 on Fremont Street” advised Event Manager Mindi Cherry. “Our partners have really stepped it up. Can you imagine the excitement to win either bike?” Continue reading ‘Las Vegas Bikefest Is October 3-6, 2013.’
Published by Cyril Huze August 27th, 2013
in Editorial and Merchandise.
It’s constructed from waterproof seam-sealed 100 percent knit polyester fleece in a new, softer fabric with laminated backing, and features watertight storm cuffs. Guardian Technology at the elbows and shoulders add abrasion resistance, while 3M™ Scotchlite™ Relflective Material increases reflectivity in low light. Its bungee cord and toggle hood and hem are matched with a zipper front and two zipper kangaroo-style pockets. (P/N 98334-11VM, starting at $139) Available in S – 5XL and Tall sizes. Available at most Harley-Davidson dealers.
Published by Cyril Huze August 26th, 2013
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
