Rick’s Motorcycles, the custom division of “House Of Custom” is probably the most well known non-US based wheel manufacturer. From Germany, the company exports its high-end wheels worldwide with many models adopted by top American custom builders. Although he knows that the very tall front wheel market is and will remain limited, Rick is launching a gorgeous 30″ wheel design with very intricate machining details. It follows the launch of the TÜV-homologated 23’’ and 26’’ wheels offering almost the same Harley stock trail when combined with 5 to 7-degree triple trees. Continue reading ‘Rick‘s New Rod Wheel. The First 30 Inch Front Wheel Made in Germany’
Archive Page 175
Rick‘s New Rod Wheel. The First 30 Inch Front Wheel Made in Germany
Published by June 11th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.Picture Of The Month. Babette Marie Mitchell.
Published by June 11th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Events.
Yesterday evening, proud parents Russell and Rachel Mitchell showed me the first “biker picture” of their daughter Babette Marie Mitchell born May 11, 2013.
Sharing with you.
So, so cute.
Of course, by far, Russell’s best creation…
(photo copyright Lorie Dorman courtesy R. & R Mitchell to Cyril Huze)
Looking For Bikers To Become Mystery Shoppers For Major Motorcycle Manufacturer
Published by June 11th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Want to make some money evaluating motorcycle dealers in your area? Through its market research company, a major motorcycle manufacturer wants to evaluate its US and Canadian dealers and for this purpose is looking for bikers to be Mystery Shoppers.
Mystery shopping is a tool used since the 940’s to measure quality of service, compliance with manufacturer regulation or to gather specific information about products and services. The mystery shoppers are not known by the establishment being evaluated. Mystery shoppers perform specific tasks such as purchasing or acting as they are ready to purchase, asking questions or behaving in a certain way and then providing detailed reports or feedback about their experiences. To sign-up as a Mystery Shopper in your region to work for this major manufacturer visit Intelli-Shop Evaluator.
Steve McQueen’s Legendary 1931 Harley-Davidson VL Motorcycle And Truck Up For Auction
Published by June 11th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Steve McQueen’s 1931 Harley Davidson VL 74 will be sold to the highest bidder at the inaugural Mecum Celebrity Items Auction July 26-27 celebrating the Legendary History of Hollywood on July 26-27, 2013 at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California. In addition to the motorcycle, several other rare McQueen items will be auctioned including his 1969 Chevrolet C/10 Baja Truck. The two-day extravaganza will feature more than 2,000 artifacts and collectibles from cars to motorcycles to props, from the golden years of Hollywood to present day.
The ’31 Harley was awaiting restoration at McQueen’s private Ventura County warehouse when he was suddenly diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in December 1979. McQueen passed away almost a year later and never saw the bike restored to its former glory. Mike Eisenberg, a McQueen collector and aficionado, took it upon himself to fulfill the movie icon’s vision. Barbara McQueen says her late husband would have been pleased by the end result.
“Steve was fanatical about antique motorcycles and we once drove 700 miles on a whim to go see a rare bike,” said McQueen’s widow. “He had an encyclopedic mind when it came to every make and model, and knew the entire history of all his bikes. The Harley was definitely done to Steve’s standards and he would have dug it.”
The bike was built the same year McQueen was born and was the debut of the VL model, a twin-flathead which was one of the most popular touring bikes Harley ever produced. Reliable and sleek for its time, the VL 74 captured the imagination of bikers worldwide and established new standards for the industry. Continue reading ‘Steve McQueen’s Legendary 1931 Harley-Davidson VL Motorcycle And Truck Up For Auction’
Not the first time I publish the work of “Shaw Speed & Custom” the custom division of official UK dealer Shaw Harley-Davidson. Bespoke machines always interesting to feature because they are all modified recent Harley-Davidson factory models still retaining their titles and street legal on European roads. This one based on the Blackline FXS Softail, a model that was launched as a raw bike pared to the bone with visual elements of the original Bobber movement, a style that Harley-Davidson knew would be embraced by today’s young bike builders and riders.
On this project Dealer Principal Steven Willis could only go in the direction of “finishing” the Bobber job started by the factory, but he also knew it would not be enough to make it look like a pure one-off bike built from the ground up. Without betraying the authentic aspect of a Bobber Steven ordered his team to integrate visual elements popular with the young generation, in this case borrowed from the X-Games. The result is a custom with multiple personalities that you could see ridden to the beach, to the BMX park, to the motocross track, to the flat track arena or cruising along east Los Angeles Whittier Boulevard… Continue reading ‘Custom Harley Blackline’
Your Chance To Win The New 2014 Indian Chief
Published by June 9th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
You can be one of the first to own the all-new 2014 Indian Chief…without paying for it. Just participate to the Indian sweepstakes. No purchase necessary.(A purchase will not improve your chance of winning.) here are 3 ways to enter it.
1.) Visit Indian Motorcycle Sweepstakesand complete an Official Online Entry form between 12:01am ET on 6/3/12 and 11:59pm ET on 8/11/13. 2.) Print your first and last name, e-mail address, address, city, state zip code, daytime phone number, birth date and “Indian Motorcycle Bike Sweepstakes Mail-in Entry” on a 3” x 5” card and mail in a stamped business envelope to: Indian Motorcycle Bike Sweepstakes Entry, P.O. Box 510006, New Berlin, WI 53151. 3.) visit the Indian Motorcycle’s location at participating motorcycle rallies throughout the Promotion Period, during the Event hours of operation and complete the Official Online Form.
The New One from The Olsen’s. A Custom 1923 Harley JD Boardtrack Racer.
Published by June 9th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.Builder Matt Olsen from Carl’s Cycle Supply sent me the just edited video of the custom bike he and his wife Britney built for the 5th edition of the Born-Free Event (June 29 at Oak Canyon Ranch, Silverdao CA). Matt was last year’s best of show with a custom Knucklehead, and to defend his title in 2013 the couple built a gorgeous 1923 Harley JD Boardtrack that Britney intends to race. The Born-Free event is about the love of old motorcycles and like minded individuals having a good time together and enjoying bikes of the past.
David Uhl Creates “Chance Encounter” To Commemorate 110th Anniversary Celebrations In Rome And Vatican City.
Published by June 9th, 2013 in Editorial, Events and Painters.
Harley-Davidson revealed exclusive artwork by officially licensed artist David Uhl in coordination with the Vatican to mark the brand’s 110th anniversary event in Rome June 12 to 16. David will make an appearance at the event in Rome and will present one of the canvas Giclee prints to the Vatican
“Chance Encounter” depicts a Vatican official curiously inspecting a 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead and will be featured on postcards from the Vatican with a limited run of 50,000 postcard prints available to purchase by customers and fans for €15 ($19.50).
“Chance Encounter” is also available right now as a hand-signed, numbered canvas Fine Art print. It is offered in 3 sizes and accompanied by a commemorative 110th plaque and Certificate of Authenticity. “Show special” promotional pricing through the end of the celebration in Rome (June 16, 2013). Continue reading ‘David Uhl Creates “Chance Encounter” To Commemorate 110th Anniversary Celebrations In Rome And Vatican City.’
Solo Seat Air Ride Suspension Kits By TC Bros
Published by June 8th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
your bike is a hardtail your solo seat suspension is your best or worst enemy for comfortable riding. These air ride kits intend to provide comfort, vibration dampening and adjustability depending of your weight and preferences. A compact rubber air spring offers far superior vibration dampening as compared to traditional seat springs or shocks. The air spring uses a bicycle style fill valve that allows the rider to easily inflate the air spring from 1psi to 100psi depending on rider weight and desired firmness (Most riders choose a 5 to 15 psi operating pressure.) Continue reading ‘Solo Seat Air Ride Suspension Kits By TC Bros
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New Men’s Performance Shirts From Harley-Davidson
Published by June 8th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.
Engineered as a body temperature-regulating base layer, the newest H-D Performance Sportswear shirts from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line keep riders cool and comfortable on hot days. Both the Garage Performance Shirt (P/N 96524-13VM, starting at $70) and the Bold Short-Sleeve Performance Shirt (P/N 96518-13VM, starting at $70) are constructed from moisture-wicking 100 percent cotton twill that’s been treated with UPF-30 to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. A mesh insert at the back yoke increases airflow, while anti-microbial properties eliminate bacteria and odors during normal wear. They’re available in S – 5XL sizes. Available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships and Harley Online Store
Popular S&S V111 Engine Now Offered In Polished Finish
Published by June 7th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
By popular request S&S Cycle has added polished V111 engines for 1984-1999 carbureted Harley-Davidson Big Twins. The 111 cubic inch V111 engine is already one of S&S most popular replacement engines for performance touring applications. The square configuration with a short 41/8″ stroke equal to the large 41/8″ bore, makes this engine smooth, minimizing vibrations and improving engine life. The big displacement, S&S cylinder heads, 585 cam, and Super E carburetor will provide plenty of giddy-up.
Polished V111 engines have always been available by special order, but there have been enough requests for them that S&S has created a stocking part number. So it ís easy to get one without the special order price or lead- It is a great engine option for any custom bike build or to revitalize and dress up your old hog. Continue reading ‘Popular S&S V111 Engine Now Offered In Polished Finish’
Picture Of The Week. Model T Era Indian Motorcycle Store Front Gathering
Published by June 7th, 2013 in Builders.
Harley-Davidson Lineup For 110th Anniversary Celebration. Rock To Rap and Everything In Between
Published by June 7th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
An eclectic mix of talent ranging from emerging stars to legendary bands will rock the Milwaukee Lakefront with Harley-Davidson during the culmination of the company’s year-long, global 110th Anniversary Celebration. More than 60 bands will take to the stages of Milwaukee’s Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds) Thursday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Sept.1, 2013. The first round of confirmed performers includes ZZ Top, Katey Sagal & The Forest Rangers, Dropkick Murphys, Lupe Fiasco, Common, Brantley Gilbert, Doobie Brothers, Buckcherry, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Gaslight Anthem, Sublime with Rome and Halestorm.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg of the talent we’re bringing to town for the 110th Anniversary Celebration,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Chief Marketing Officer at Harley-Davidson. “Stay tuned for the unveiling of even more bands, including two additional headlining acts.” All of the concerts featured on the Summerfest Grounds stages are included in the cost of a 110th Anniversary Celebration ticket. Two ticket options are now on sale at Harley-Davidson Tickets.
Celebration Ticket – Print at Home ($95 USD; convenience fees not included) Available for purchases made within the continental U.S.; includes access to the Summerfest Grounds on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, an opportunity to purchase tickets for the headlining concerts at Marcus Amphitheater before they go on sale to the public, a link to download the official event app on a mobile device or smartphone, and a map of historic Harley-Davidson sites in Milwaukee.
Commemorative Celebration Ticket Package ($102.50 USD; convenience fees not included) Includes the above admission package plus a photo frame holder, commemorative laminated ticket and lanyard, Milwaukee 110th Anniversary pocket guide, limited edition poker chip, guitar pick keepsake and drink koozie with corresponding drink discounts.
Those who purchase a Celebration Ticket before April 19 will have the opportunity to buy tickets for the three headlining concerts at the Marcus Amphitheater starting April 29, one full week before they go on sale to the public May 6. Harley-Davidson recently announced Kid Rock will perform Saturday, August 31, as one of the featured acts and will announce two additional headliners in April.
For Harley Owners Group® members, the ticket and ticket packages also include the H.O.G.® 30th Anniversary celebration with members-only access to the Summerfest Grounds on Thursday, August 29, from noon to 5:00 p.m., including a headline performance by Lynyrd Skynyrd, along with other members-only activities throughout the weekend. There is no additional charge to H.O.G.® members to join in the celebration of the H.O.G.® 30th Anniversary. H.O.G.® membership card must be shown with a Milwaukee 110th Anniversary Celebration ticket for entry. After the jump, the list of Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary concerts currently announced. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Lineup For 110th Anniversary Celebration. Rock To Rap and Everything In Between’
Father’s Day Is Coming. The iPad Commode Caddy…
Published by June 7th, 2013 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Well, personally I am against reading anything while in the bathroom, but of course in favor of all readers reading my news anywhere they can read…
Because Father’s Day is coming (June 16) and because some of you have previously commented that one of the remaining reasons they buy print magazines is the pleasure they get reading them while indisposed… a short feature on the new Hammacher Schlemmer iPad Commode Caddy.
Digital reading is a true space saver. You can now throw away the basket of magazines, read the news in portrait or landscape mode, watch videos, play games, work(?) in complete privacy.
Chromed steel with a sturdy base that will not slide, the stand reliably secures an iPad at three points, providing access to all controls.
The paper roll tube snaps/unsnaps easily for replenishment. Fits iPad 2 and later models. 32″ H x 8″ Diam. (7 1/4 lbs. $99.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer. (I send one to the editor of a print motorcycle magazine who recently published a 4-page article where he embarassed himself demonstrating that he doesn’t understand one thing about internet, how digital publishing works, how real news are propagated via social networks and why some are so successful at it and not him)
No-Headache Cable Kits For Ape Hangers On Late Harley-Davidson Softail And Dyna Models
Published by June 6th, 2013 in Controls, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
Many like the look of a cool set of Ape Hangers on their Softail or Dyna model. It implies the replacement of your cables and lines for longer ones and we all dislike the task and time it takes for of sorting out which new ones to use.
In addition, Harley-Davidson introduced on late models the Can Bus (or HDLAN) style wiring, making the task even more complex. The folks at Burly Brand who are selling and installing Ape Hangers had the same issues and have now eliminated all the trial, error and inventing of bad words.
Each cable/line kit they created is specific to the late model Dyna or Softail and designed for 12”, 14”, 16” & 18” Apes. Includes extended throttle cables, extended clutch cable, extended brake line and even wiring harness extensions specific to HDLAN (H-D Local Area Network). Cables and brake line are satin black (even the fittings!) and the kit includes instructions to help walk you through the install. Fits 2011-2013 FX and FL Softails as well as 2012-2013 FXD models (except Fatbob). More info at: 888-367-187 or visit the Burly Brand Website or contact your local dealer.
New Safety Device. Blinking Lights Go Off When Your Motorcycle Slows Down Whether Or Not You Are Using The Brakes.
Published by June 6th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
A pretty good idea aiming at reducing rear-end collisions from a California startup. Motorcycles decelerate much quicker than 4-wheel vehicles, either when you let off the throttle or brake. A new type of safety light for motorcycles that illuminates when the bike slows down, regardless of whether or not you are using the brakes. The Vololights will flash twice per second if you slow down without using the brakes, 5 times per second when braking. This system comes in addition of your stock run & brake lights lights, increasing your visibility during the day or night.
The Vololights device is comprised of two sets of LEDs built into a license plate holder that’s fitted with an accelerometer and CPU. When it senses that the motorcycle it is installed on starts slowing down, a pattern of slow or fast blinking lights goes off to get the attention of following vehicles. Many motorcycle organizations have already encouraged bikers to flash their brakes when slowing, an action that the Vololights device does automatically. It is also aimed at owners of some classic bikes and vintage motorcycles, at old scooters where the front brake isn’t even connected to the brake light. Continue reading ‘New Safety Device. Blinking Lights Go Off When Your Motorcycle Slows Down Whether Or Not You Are Using The Brakes.’
Two Important Antique Motorcycle Auctions In The Next 2 weeks
Published by June 6th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
First, Domi Racer Distributors Auction is June 11 in Cincinnati, OH. It includes $10+ million of vintage and NOS European Motorcycle Parts, 10+ bikes, and a great collection of motorcycle memorabilia collected by Bob Schanz. Second, Melvin Motorcycle Museum Auction is June 19 in Oscoda, MI. It includes a Massive collection of Memorabilia from The Indian Motorcycle Factory, Harley Davidson, Excelsior Henderson, Honda, and more. It also includes 10+ bikes including a 1909 Pierce Arrow 4 Cyclinder which may “possibly” be the first know in existence. Info on both Sales is available on Liquid Assets Partners Website.
More floorboard dress up with these 3 different style covers, direct replacement for the stock Harley ones.
They sit on top of the steel base plates so no comfort is compromised & the raised rubber edge keeps your boot heels off the pipes.
Models from left to right: Zombie, Widow and Flame. MSRP for each pair is $169.99. Order online At Kuryakyn.
Mission RS. The Highest Performing Street-Legal Electric Motorcycle.
Published by June 5th, 2013 in Builders and Editorial.
The Mission RS is a high end eco-friendly superbike based on the same chassis used in 2011 to overpower all e-competitors during the FIM/TTXGP Laguna Seca race. A street legal limited production machine (only 40 units priced at $56,500) whose “Infinite Drive” powertrain delivers 160 hp, an acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds, a maximum speed of 150 mph and a riding range of about 140 miles. Front Suspension provided by Ohlins FGRT forks, carbon fiber wheels, and a 7″ internet connected touch screen display offering GPS directions, telemetry vision of your surroundings via integrated HD Camera and many other gizmos. Mission Motorcycles.
Ultimate Fighting Champions At Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary
Published by June 5th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
The legendary Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Octagon® is set to ride into Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary celebration, giving fans of the two all-American heavyweight brands an opportunity to witness one of the hardest-hitting live fights of the year – the UFC® 164 Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown. Pre-Sale tickets for UFC® 164 available to Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary ticket Holders is open.
UFC stars including Cain Velasquez, Mike Chiesa and Matt Hughes will be at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in downtown Milwaukee on Aug. 31, 2013 for the action-packed card, which will feature more than 10 hard-hitting bouts. Fans will also have an opportunity to get up close and personal with many of their favorite fighters during a special autograph session. Continue reading ‘Ultimate Fighting Champions At Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary’
Harley-Davidson Cannon Mufflers For Touring Models Now Offered With Jet Black Coating
Published by June 4th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
The new Screamin Eagle® Street Cannon mufflers (P/N 64900187, $449.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories® are now available in a durable Jet Black ceramic coating.
These performance slip-on mufflers are tuned to give Harley-Davidson® Touring models an exhaust note with extra-deep bass to enhance that famous Harley sound yet preserve peace with the neighbors. The four-inch-diameter Street Cannon mufflers have tuned baffles and extra internal volume to balance tone and performance, with the right amount of back pressure for a smooth-running ride. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Cannon Mufflers For Touring Models Now Offered With Jet Black Coating’
Understand Performance Differences Before Choosing A Trickle Charger Versus A Maintenance 12-Volt Battery Charger
Published by June 4th, 2013 in Editorial and Electrical.
PulseTech Products wanted to make sure that all of you understood the differences between both types of chargers. They sent me the following text of technical explanations. Yes, it sounds like a (non-paid) commercial for their own products, but I thought that many would learn something about the proper and safe way to keep all your 12-Volt batteries perfectly charged, performing and lasting as promised by the manufacturer.
“To trickle charge or maintain charge your 12-Volt lead-acid batteries with a smart charger is a decision that might affect the health and life cycle of your batteries. While both are designed to slowly emit low-voltage charges to your vehicle battery, restoring the battery to a full charge status over several hours, the critical difference lies in the chargers’ ability to automatically shut off the charge current and not overcharge batteries, which can lead to overheating and serious damage. Another important difference is the ability of some maintenance chargers to “desulfate” and clean battery plates, restoring them to normal operation and extending battery life.
Trickle chargers are designed to maintain a charge equal to the self-discharge rate of the battery ( 2.23 to 2.25 volts per cell) and it is recommended they be disconnected from the battery to prevent the possibility of overcharging. Leaving an unattended trickle charger on for too long might lead to overheating, causing the battery to boil the electrolyte. The outcome would be a dead battery or a worse case scenario— a possible fire/explosion. Continue reading ‘Understand Performance Differences Before Choosing A Trickle Charger Versus A Maintenance 12-Volt Battery Charger’
This application from the Legendary Buffalo Chip offers all what you can expect: maps, concerts, camping info and reservations, Sturgis activities, etc. It is version 1.1.7. with some bug fixes versus former version. Compatible with iPhone (supported the larger iPhone 5 screen)., iPd Touch and iPad. Requires IOS 4.3 or later. Download for FREE on iTunes.
Englishman Pete Pearson believes that a Harley should be stripped down raw and yet be capable of being ridden hard all day, every day. No such a thing as “too beautiful to be ridden.” Although new on the custom scene – his shop Rocket Bobs Cycle Works was officially opened in 2009 – Pete is not a youngster, but a designer and engineer with a 30-year experience in the world of racing motorcycles. Whatever the trickiest parts he now creates for his bikes, more than anyone, he knows well in advance what will or will not work to be able to turn his creations into performance motorcycles
Pearson is obsessed with Harleys and only Harleys. Nothing is more important to him than to respect the style and design cues making them so unique. His inspiration draws heavily on Ratrods, Road and Drag racing bikes but must respect Harley-Davidson heritage. Mission accomplished with Gas’ d Rat, a “naked”, re designed, re-engineered and hand fabricated FXS powered by a 1979 Shovelhead motor.
Don’t be fooled by its apparent ultra simplicity. Gas d Rat features only precision custom components. Rocket Bobs Cycle Works is a small shop but is equipped with CMM Scanning, CAD CAM with 3 dedicated CNC mills, 3 CNC lathes, in-house suspension department which covers everything from basic lowering kits to full fork customizations, re-damping, shaving, etc. Well enough and more than necessary to produce anything Pete and his clients can dream up. Continue reading ‘Gas’d Rat. A Rocket Chopper.’
Australian Renegade Engine Company To Design And Manufacture A Jesse James Branded V-Twin Motorcycle Engine For The Custom Motorcycle Market.
Published by June 3rd, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Future V-Twin Engines branded as Jesse James Engines will be derived from collaboration between the parties. “An Aussie Renegade 147″ Billet Engine should be just about perfect to test out the new CFL frame” said Jesse James, showing a 147″ Diamond Cut Renegade V-Twin Engine on his work bench.
“Jesse brings to this venture his style from various metal working backgrounds and his success in the custom bike building industry gives him the capabilities to enhance the development of his own branded engine”, stated Sonny Nugent, CEO, Renegade Engine Company Pty Ltd.
Novagen Ingenium Inc. (NOVZ) is engaged in the development and commercialization of low carbon emission engines and other clean technology solutions with a view to create technologies that improve efficiency and reduce levels of greenhouse emissions in a low-cost, globally relevant way. Novagen’s operations are based in Queensland, Australia.
Dodge City, Kansas May Restart Historic 1914 Motorcycle Race
Published by June 2nd, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
In July 2014, Dodge City in Kansas will celebrate the centennial of the historic 1914 motorcycle race and is hoping to organize it again during a week-long celebration. The Dodge City 300 motorcycle race was kind of an “Indianapolis Of Motorcycles” attracting 17,000 people to Dodge City in 1914 and more than 20,000 in 1921. 1914 was the first year when the factory officially supported a rider racing a Harley-Davidson. That year, Indian won the race but Harley-Davidson won in 1915.
100 years later, a group belonging to the the Dodge City motorcycle community is raising money for festivities and is hoping to revive the historic race by bringing back Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle to race against each other… Continue reading ‘Dodge City, Kansas May Restart Historic 1914 Motorcycle Race’
