The days when in post WWII UK, race-track like arterial roads and transport cafes were built around cities. The days when British motorcycle engineering was about to reach its engineering peak and American music and films had a huge influence on the youth. The Teddy Boys inspired a new subculture of Rockers, Leather Boys, Ton-Up Boys and later Greasers sharing a lifestyle mainly centered around motorcycles and rock and roll music. These bikers net in transport cafes, using them as starting and finishing points for road races. Objective: reaching 100 miles per hour between stops to make a “ton-up”. The Cafe lifestyle was born and invaded Europe and even Japan until the late 70’s (Japanese equivalent of the Rockers were called the Kaminari-zoku or Thunder Tribe).. Fast motorcycles, rockabilly and hell raising…
The most defining machine of the Rocker heyday was the Triton (made of a Norton Featherbed frame with a Triumph Bonneville engine), but also BSA, Royal Enfield, Matchless and other European brands. Today, classic British motorcycles are still used as main platforms, but also other European brands such as Italian Ducati and Moto Guzzi, the choice of Alain Bernard from Santiago Chopper for this build sponsored by a young watch brand called Patton. Not at his first try with a Guzzi, Alain built a new subframe, lighten up the 90’s factory Guzzi 1100 Sport by removing all what is unnecessary to go fast, going the carbon fiber route, saving a total of 80 lbs. Continue reading ‘Patton Cafe Racer. Those Were The Days…’
Samson Exhaust Has Relocated In Sturgis. Just on time for the 2013 Black Hills Rally, Samson Exhaust has completed its relocation from California to Sturgis. If you want to visit the new plant, the address is Industrial Park at 1151 Industry Road, Sturgis, SD 57785. “Over eight years ago I had my first conversations with Sturgis area leaders about moving our manufacturing business to the Black Hills. It has been a long road with many people helping us obtain our goal. This move is a giant step for Samson Exhaust to continue to be a world-class provider of quality products to the motorcycle community, and where better should we be but in Sturgis – the world renowned “City of Riders.” said Samson founder and CEO Kenny Price.
Harley-Davidson Australia To Keep Its Australia Factory Open, Saving 110 Jobs. Harley reversed its decision to close its Adelaide components and wheels making manufacturing plant. The State Government of South Australia which owns the plant, waived rent at the site to help secure the deal after months of talks in a major boon for manufacturing in SA. Harley-Davidson had previously announced in December 2011 it would close the component and wheel-making plant by the middle of this year . Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
When a few months ago I told you that in 2013 Jesse James will be back on the rally tour, many of you doubted.
Well, after years of absence, Jesse James is back in Sturgis with a new line of hand-made parts, fenders and a brand new CFL3 frame for your chopper project. Jesse is excited. “Should be fun like in the old days”, the old me.
For his return in the Black Hills Jesse will set up his display at the Full Throttle Saloon only 4 days from Wednesday August 7 to Saturday August 10.
The Full Throttle Saloon is located at 12997 State Highway 34 in Sturgis.
The new Premium Touring Luggage System (P/N 93300003, $299.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories® features the Touring Bag and an compact Day Bag in a combination that serves the needs of weekend travelers and daily commuters.
The 2,400 cubic inch capacity Touring Bag features three zippered exterior pockets and one zippered mesh interior pocket, and expands an additional four inches for added capacity. The 900 cubic inch capacity Day Bag features two exterior pockets and one zippered mesh interior pocket. Continue reading ‘Got Premium Luggages. Will Travel…’
BAKER Drivetrain is about to bring again the mayhem to Sturgis with a new head to head burnout in a way only Baker can bring it. This year, the Smoke-Down Showdown will happen at Wednesday August 7th at 8 pm at the Easyriders Saloon on Lazelle street, downtown Sturgis. Emcee extraordinaire Jay Allen will entertain the crowd during the drag style head-to-head burnout competition sponsored by JP Cycles, Biker’s Choice and Powerplant Choppers. Participating competitors include a member of several magazines: American Iron, Cycle Source, Easyriders, IronWorks, Road Iron, Street Chopper, The Wrench, Urban Baggers. More information on the Smoke-Down Showdown at Baker Drivetrain , or call (877) 640-2004 and ask for Trish.
On sunday afternoon July 14, 2013 GOULD AUCTIONS, a company specializing in selling antiques, will auction a are and original 1909 Single Cylinder Indian Motorcycle engine by Oscar Hedstrom and 2 wrenches.
In 1899, Gifted engineer Oscar Hedstrom built a motorized two-wheeler. George Hendee, bicycle maker and former cycle racer, saw the potential of the machine.
Together they developed a motorcycle suitable for mass production and manufacture of the Indian motorcycle began. From the outset, quality was high and design was both sound and sophisticated. As a result, competition success came quickly for Indian’s factory team…
Do it the right way. Bleed your brakes and hydraulic clutch in reverse!
This patented brake bleeding technology makes servicing and bleeding the brake lines a snap. It’s simple physics: air rises. This tool will push the brake fluid from the caliper to the master cylinder.
No more guess work; you can watch the master cylinder reservoir bubbling out air being removed from the brake system. No more bubbles? The brake lines are properly bled. This tool is for use on all hydraulic brake or clutch systems. Note that some ABS systems will still need a Digital Technician for proper service work. For more information contact Jim at sales@jimsusa.com or visit Jims USA or call 805-482-6913.
Hamsters USA, the group whose members share fun friendship around a common passion for custom motorcycles, has planned its yearly silent auction dinner for August 5, 2013 in Spearfish, SD. The Monday event is the single largest get-together of Hamsters during the year. The silent auction held that night is to benefit Children’s Care Hospital & School. Hamsters USA members from around the country work as a team to have the most amazing auction items donated, everything imaginable, not only fine custom motorcycle parts but also art, fine wine, wonderful cigars, great clothing, electronics, unique musical instruments, jewelry, and even furniture! In 2012, the cumulative amount raised during this yearly fund-raising event reached 1.5 million.
On May 5th, 2013, on a dry lake bed in California, Indian Motorcycle ran the “Spirit of Munro”, an all-metal tribute bike built to honor the great Burt Munro. This is the first Indian motorcycle to be seen running the all-new Thunder Stroke 111. Todd Eagan accepted the challenge of riding the untested bike on the dry lake. I am told that after 2 runs Todd said that “the bike tracked perfectly straight and man, does she want to GO!” First estimated speeds were 100 mph, and of course there is plenty left.
Watch these 2 short films.
A look behind-the-scenes of the filming of the short film The Spirit of Munro.
Builder: Jeb Scolman of Jeb’s Metal and Speed in Long Beach, CA around a prototype Thunder Stroke 111. Time: 3 months of 18 hours of work per day, taking only Christmas day off Film: Shot in only 2 days. Director Adam Brummond of The Factory Polaris Project Team: David Shelleny, Mark Nevils, Robert Pandya Photography: Barry Hathaway Pilot: Todd Eagan
A pair of 26″ wheels on any custom bike has the ability to provoke some very strong reactions. Lookin awesome or ugly? Rideable? Show ride or only show bike? “52 Stick” (name of this contraption still not explained to me) was not built only for trophies. Believe it or not it was built and paid by a client by the name of Johannes Drecker who is as happy with the bike itself than with the 10th place trophy won at the recent AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. Continue reading ‘Is It The New Chopper?’
You are the first to know. All the parts made by Exile Cycles, including their brand new extensive line of bolt-on parts for a “make-over” of your stock Harley model, are featured in a brand new full 50-page catalog just released today.
In it, bike kits, rolling chassis, frames, and all the custom parts you need to build a custom bike Exile style, from front ends to wheels. Only for those looking for the hardcore, minimal, tough look made popular during 2 decades by Russell Mitchell.
Go to Exile Cycles to download a free digital copy of this new 50-page color catalog (10 pages dedicated to full bike photos). Free hard copy to anyone buying any part or any merchandise or order it for $5 USA/Canada, $10 Overseas. Exile Cycles.
3 new interesting questions asked to Spectro Oils and their answers.
Question. What is “detergent” in oil? Can it affect rubber parts? Is it like detergent for washing dishes? Answer. Detergents are a necessary part of modern oils. They reduce sludge build up, keep oil passages clean and help your oil filter do a better job. Lubricating oil detergents are specially formulated for oils, and have totally different chemistry than cleaning detergents. Detergents found in modern oils will have no effect on rubber parts.
Question. Do Spectro Oils have a shelf life? I’ve had a new quart in a never opened plastic quart bottle in my shed for about 6 or 7 years. The shed is in a location with hot summers and cold winters. Can I use it? Answer. As long as the bottle is sealed, the oil shelf life will be 10+ years. It won’t be affected by changes in temperature while in storage. Continue reading ‘Spectro Answers Your Oil Questions’
Add a wide-sweep analog tachometer, a fuel gauge and more information to many Harley-Davidson Sportster® and Dyna® models with this new Combination Digital Speedometer/Analog Tachometer (P/N 70900274, $299.95) from Harley-Davidson®.
The lower half of the instrument incorporates a digital speedometer plus a selectable LCD screen that displays fuel level, miles-to-empty, gear-position, odometer/trip meter, or time of day. The colors of backlighting, the pointer and the LCD screen can be adjusted through the motorcycle hand controls, with more than 600 options available. Continue reading ‘Replace A Four-Inch Speedometer With This Multi-Function Gauge From Harley-Davidson’
With the launch of the new Indian, 2013 will probably be a big year for motorcycle history. As explained again and again, this time by Jay Leno, Indian boasts an extremely rich history, a past that Polaris is leveraging to re-introduce the brand with the up coming launch of a brand new model. Listen to Jay front of his 1933 Indian. (12.43)
They are called the “Young Gun”, the “Hollywood Solo” and the “Dual Tour” seats. Conceived specifically for the Victory High Ball, a model that deserves more after-market custom parts.
Offered in genuine leather (standard on Hollywood Solo) or optional and are ergonomically designed seating for maximum weight dispersion. Each seating area is sculpted for proper weight distribution which allows long range capability. On the inside, Corbin’s exclusive Comfort Cell® foam material gives firm support that conforms to your body.
As an added bit of luxury, the Dual Tour offers the option of electric seat heaters for those chilly morning rides and removable backrests in both front and rear. At Corbin Seats.
Harley-Davidson World Ride Tops 10 Million Miles. Record Mileage Eclipses 2012 Total by 28 Percent. Motorcycle riders from around the world enthusiastically joined members of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) on June 23 and 24 to shatter last year’s record mileage total for the Harley-Davidson World Ride by collectively logging more than 10 million miles, a 28 percent increase over the 2012 total. Launched in 2008 as H.O.G.’s Million Mile Monday, the annual event was expanded into the two-day Harley-Davidson World Ride in 2012 to give more riders worldwide an opportunity to participate. In 2012, participants logged 7,799,140 miles, but this year as riders celebrated the 110th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the 30th Anniversary of H.O.G. that culminates this Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee, they blitzed that record by more than 25 percent, tallying an official total of 10,018,231 miles.
Polaris® Visa® Credit Card. This card is issued by U.S. Bank. Earn points everywhere you shop and turn these points into Polaris Cash1 that you can enjoy at any participating, authorized Polaris dealership. For every $1 of net purchases2 on your card, you’ll earn: 2 Points at Polaris Dealerships, 2 Points at Gas Stations, 1 Point everywhere else Visa is accepted. Earn 1,500 bonus points with your first purchase! Once you have earned 2,500 points, you can redeem them for $25 in Polaris Cash, which can be used at Polaris Dealerships. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
It was the 4th of July 1998, 15 years ago, that Victory Motorcycles was born producing its first motorcycle. For 15 years, Victory has been an aggressive, dynamic force in the world of motorcycling, a newcomer who earned respect for overall quality, reliability and performance. Today, Victory offers a full line of cruisers and tourers. Although in 2013 media have turned most of their attention to the imminent launch of the all-new Indian Chief, Polaris Industries insists that they have a lot planned for the years ahead for new Victory models.
To complete their Teardrop Edition Precision Billet Parts just released this new brake lever.
Replacing your brake lever on your Harley tourer is a quick bolt-on. CNC milled, available in hard black anodized contrast cut or chrome. Sold with the peg included. At Precision Billet.
Enjoy your day commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Fireworks, family reunions, concerts, barbecues, picnics, beach activities parades, baseball games, etc … and of course riding.
By the way, this helmet is the AFX-72 Stealth Beanie helmet sold in gloss or flat black, featuring a stealthy light silver American flag that blends in smoothly with any style. A slimline visor protects from the sun and is easily removable on cloudy days. A retractable shield provides extra built-in eye protection with a choice of two scratch-resistant lenses, clear and smoke, for day and night riding applications. Customize your airflow and wind noise with the removable ear covers, perfect for cooler weather, windy conditions or adding a communications module. MSRP: $75. At your Drag Specialties Dealer.
In time for the 4th of July, a survey of 4,500 consumers selected to represent the US population was conducted by New York-based branding researching firm Brand Keys to know which brands are perceived as “patriotic.” 197 famous brand names in 35 categories were researched. Especially around Independence Day, marketers “waving the US flag” will motivate consumers more positively toward their brands.
Which brands own the emotional deepest patriotic brand equity? A few surprises. Jeep leads (the brand known for winning WWII and now the symbol of American ruggedness and adventure), with Coca Cola 3rd, Harley-Davidson 13th and Walmart 22nd. Although General Motors brands, including Chevrolet, use a lot of American patriotism ad themes, none ranks in the top 25 brands (Ford is 16th). The top 25 most patriotic brands, or at least perceived as such, are listed after the jump. Continue reading ‘Most US Patriotic Brands. Jeep Is First. Harley-Davidson 13th.’
2 years in a row, the Ducati Diavel was voted World’s Best Cruiser by Cycle World. Raw performance, head-turning style, and versatility within the cruiser category. The Diavel Dark ($18,000) gets the same Testastretta 11° Ducati V-Twin (producing 162 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque) housed in a chassis that nicely splits the difference between laid-back and poised-for-action. But now in a total black version with a massive rear Pirelli Diablo Rosso tire that means serious business between traffic lights or on the highway.
No design fancy here. Just the bold drag racing style that many will like. This exhaust system is all about performance with the DynoJet® revealing a power gain of over 12 horsepower and 6 ft/lb of torque over stock when the S&S Power Tune Sport and the S&S tuned induction system were installed on a stock 1200cc Harley-Davison® Sportster®.
Where the stock exhaust and intake starts to run out of steam at about 3200 rpm, the S&S Power Tune Sport system just keeps making more torque and horsepower (add a set of S&S cams and you’d better hold on!)
Sold in chrome finish or a high temp black ceramic coating. End caps and pipes are sold separately so you can mix or match end cap finishes and styles. (Not legal for sale or use on California pollution controlled motorcycles) S&S Cycle.
Morgan is happy with the success of its 3 wheelers, both in volume and with the young generation. 600+ units should be sold this year, more than the 4-wheel version. “The company is deciding whether to continue making models on traditional steel chassis or to move to a single platform that could be used for traditional and modern cars. There are strong financial arguments for both” says chairman Charles Morgan.
Retro look, low slung to aid grip, handling, stability and an S&S engine mated to an MX-5 gearbox seems to interest not only grey mustached gentlemen but also bikers of different generations looking for something looking very cool and more sophisticated thnt the usual trikes.
The Bike And Music Weekend in Geiselwind, Germany (18th edition is August 1-4)) is supposed to be the largest “how to burn rubber” event known to man. 4 days of screaming tires, of rubber smoke interrupted only by drag races, wild stunts and live bands. Burnouts as an automotive form of art? (done right, tracing geometric patterns) or just entertainment? Did you know that some even build “special burnout purpose” motorcycles? Well, an intro just to show you a few pictures (copyright Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)
It looks like now as it was a very good operation for Erik Buell that 3 years ago Harley-Davidson shut down the former Buell Motorcycle Company. After Harley severed its ties with Erik Buell, he started the Erik Buell Racing inc. firm, launching the EBR’s 1190RS flagship model, a limited-edition high-power sports motorcycle. In a very sweet deal for Erik, Bain Capital backed Hero MotoCorp Ltd is buying 48.2% stake in Erik Buell Racing Inc (EBR) for 25 million. 15 million in EBR and the remaining $10 million will be invested within the next nine months.
For Hero MotoCorp the objective is to build up a line of better powered sporty motorcycles than its competitors in India, including its former partner and now competitor Honda. Hero MotoCorp is already the largest motorcycle maker in the world by volumes. The Indian motorcycle market of sporty motorcycles is still a low-volume segment, but a high-margin one with rapid expansion. Hero Motocorp will bank on new models from Erik Buell Racing to dominate this market and will also help EBR sells his models in Europe and the USA.