All Europeans belonging or participating to the Custom Scene already know that a new wave of bike builders is emerging from Central and East Europe. Many Americans are also discovering their creations when displayed in Daytona or Sturgis, often ranking high in respectable bike show competitions and consequently getting featured in news magazine like mine. Continue reading ‘East Meets West. Czech Custom Shovelhead.’
Archive Page 179
East Meets West. Czech Custom Shovelhead.
Published by May 6th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Harley-Davidson 5th Annual Women Riders Month
Published by May 5th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson wants more women to break free and to hit the road on their own Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. This month, the company is celebrating women who dared to turn their dream of riding their own Harley-Davidson® motorcycle into reality.
From May 1 to May 15, 2013, bikers are encouraged to share stories about incredible women riders they might know. As Harley states it “submitted stories should highlight how women riders have unleashed their inner rebel, or inspired other women to do the same.”
“Our brand unites independents from all walks of life,” said Claudia Garber, Director of Women’s Outreach Marketing for Harley-Davidson. “There are thousands of women who have taken to life on two wheels…and they all have a story to tell. These stories are not only the lifeblood of the Harley-Davidson experience, but are instrumental in inspiring other women to live out their own dreams.” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson 5th Annual Women Riders Month’
Your Trike Needs More Acceleration and Passing Power
Published by May 5th, 2013 in Editorial, Electrical and Engines.
Developed specifically to meet the tuning needs of Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide® model, the Thndermax Zipper’s ZIP KIT will get you big power and Improve Drivebility. It’s just a bolt-on and plug-in device to experience the benefits of Zipper’s pre-engineered and road-tested kits.
Zip Kits include a pre-mapped ThunderMax® module with AutoTune EFI Controller, a MAXFlow air cleaner kit and a performance exhaust. And if you want to take your trike to another level of reliable performance you can add Zipper’s Red Shift® Hi Torque series cams for an even greater torque boost. All components made in the USA. Zippers Performance.
La Rosa Design Bobber Seat Conversion Kits For Harley Softail 00-13
Published by May 4th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
La Rosa Design® has bolt-on Bobber style conversion kits for your Harley-Davidson Softail® 2000-2013 (P/N SLMK-ST2013A 2″ Scissor Springs, P/N SLMK-ST2013C 3″ Coil Springs; $289.99.) They feature a leather covered ECU Cover, 1/8″ thick electroplated black cold-rolled steel, exclusive La Rosa Design® left and right sided chromed steel springs, and all parts necessary to seamlessly reconfigure your Softail® with minimal effort. Available in many spring shapes and sizes, and fitting any 13″ or 16″ La Rosa Design® Solo Seat.
To get that perfect finished look to your ride, you can upgrade with:
1- The new 16″ Leather Inlay Solo Seat. Antique Shedron Black Alligator (P/N SLST0903G240 featuring 100% genuine leather, 1/8″ thick black electroplated cold rolled steel pan, and constructed totally by hand in the USA. They are 16″ end to end, and 12″ across at the widest point.
2- The universal fitment 16″ BaSICK Leather Diamond Inlay Solo Seats. Can be provided in any Rosa Design® seat mount kit, or use your own custom installation. Made by hand in California from genuine leather and 1/8″ thick cold rolled steel, these seats have a classic look and are sold with front mount and bolts included. The “old skool” bobber with ease. (P/N SLST540351 Black with White Stitch, P/N SLST542951 White with Black Stitch, P/N SLST540751 Red with Black Stitch; $219.99) La Rosa Design.
Mondo Porras At Denver’s Choppers Introduces His New Line Of Custom Bike LED Lighting
Published by May 4th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.Each LED light can be customized with your logo, design, color etc. Call Mondo or Shane on my behalf at 775-813-1994 or visit Denver’s Choppers.
New Progressive Suspension 970 Series Piggyback Shocks. Probably The Highest Performance Shock Ever Offered For The Bagger.
Published by May 3rd, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
High performance suspension and massive touring machines are not often spoken of in the same sentence. Yet Progressive Suspension seems to know these are the bikes that need it the most. With that in mind, they’ve taken their top shelf 970 Series damper and engineered a remote reservoir to create what is likely the pinnacle of bagger suspension.
They begin with high pressure gas charged dampers, incorporate deflective disc valving and package them in hard anodized aluminum bodies designed to reduce friction and increase performance. They also tell me progressive rate springs are regulated via threaded pre-load adjusters, allowing for the ultimate in fine tuning and personalized ride quality.
Remote Reservoirs mount in front of the bags and allow for additional tuning via easily accessed compression adjustment knobs. Available in 12”, 13” and standard or heavy duty spring rates to suite your desired ride height and weight. Fitment for 1993-2013 Harley Baggers. Check it out on Progressive Suspension Website or contact your local Progressive Suspension dealer for more information.
2013 is the last year the new Indian Chief is available. Because very few were assembled and there won’t be any more, is it an instant collectible? Some think so. Time will tell. It is expected that interest for the new generation of Indian will be extremely high, so I hear that some current Indian dealers offer extra incentives (parts, accessories or apparel) if you purchase one of the few remaining 2013 Chiefs. Well I just told you…Indian Motorcycle.
Hoka Hey Challenge. A Former New York Times Reporter Tells His Account On The Transcontinental Motorcycle Race.
Published by May 3rd, 2013 in Books and Editorial.
Michael Brick, a former New York Times Reporter, just published an ebook about Hoka Hey.
He wrote to me: “Since you’ve been the source of the most comprehensive and definitive coverage of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I thought you might like to know about my account of the 2011 running.”
The Kindle purchase price is only $1.99 and of course I strongly recommend you download or print it. by jumping to the “The Big Race“. I publish below the introduction content.
(Hoka Challenge organizer James G. Durham (Big Jim a.k.a Jim Red Cloud) stated that this year will be the last edition of his transcontinental race, starting June 23rd, 2013 in Irving, New-York.
Harley Davidson To Discontinue 6 Models In 2014 Lineup.
Published by May 2nd, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
4 Harley-Davidson models not selling as expected, will be discontinued for 2014. They are: the Sportster XR1200X, the Softail Blackline, the Electra Glide Classic FLHTC, the Road King (FLHRC dropped in the US FLRH abandoned outside the US) 2 models are temporarily discontinued because they are going to be completely redesigned and request new tooling. the Road Glide Custom FLTRX, the Road Glide Ultra tourer FLTRU. No word yet on the new models to be released for model-year 2014.
Consumer Tire Rebate From Harley-Davidson And Dunlop. Get a $40 H-D Gift Card.
Published by May 2nd, 2013 in Builders and Editorial.
Participating Harley-Davidson® dealers and Dunlop® have teamed up to offer a $40 consumer mail-in rebate on a set of Harley-Davidson-branded Dunlop tires purchased May 1 through June 15.
The offer applies to a set of two new H-D/Dunlop tires (excluding Police tires) and will be paid in the form of a $40 Harley-Davidson Gift Card which can be used at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealership or at Harley-Davidson Online Store.
Dunlop tires are made in the USA and have been mounted as original equipment on Harley-Davidson motorcycles since 1984. Dunlop is recognized as one of the world leaders in motorcycle tire design, engineering and manufacturing excellence.
The H-D/Dunlop rebate offer applies to consumer purchases made exclusively at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between May 1 and June 15, 2013. A form available from the participating Harley-Davidson dealer must be postmarked by July 31, 2013. Additional terms and conditions apply. See a participating Harley-Davidson dealer for complete details or go to Harley-Davidson Dunlop.
Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax. For this reason, it is extremely popular among comedians and satirists. Some paraprosdokians not only change the meaning of an early phrase, but they also play on the double meaning of a particular word, creating a form of syllepsis. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syllepsis#Syllepsis
1. Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.
2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on my list.
3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
4. If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.
5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
6. War does not determine who is right – only who is left.
7. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit… Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
8. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
9. I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
10. In filling out an application, where it says, ‘In case of emergency, Notify:’ I put ‘DOCTOR’. Continue reading ‘Jokes Of The Week. Paraprosdokians.’
Historic Auction Of Painting “The Enthusiast” By David Uhl.
Published by May 1st, 2013 in Editorial, Events and Painters.
On Friday night May 3, 2013, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will be hosting its 20th Annual Black ‘n Blue Ball in Milwaukee. This event is designed to raise money for MDA and features several silent and live auction items.
In 2003, David Uhl painted “The Enthusiast” as part of Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary celebration. It graced the cover of the Enthusiast magazine that year and has become the most recognizable work in David’s 15-year association with The Motor Company.
Harley-Davidson bought the original painting in ’03 and has generously agreed to donate it as the signature item in the live auction at this year’s MDA event. They’ve asked us to spread the word. This stunning piece is oil on linen, measuring 48″ by 60″ and comes in a hand-made frame. Continue reading ‘Historic Auction Of Painting “The Enthusiast” By David Uhl.’
New Limited Edition Speed Glide By Trask Performance
Published by May 1st, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
There will be a total of 16 Speed Glides manufactured in 4 unique color combinations: Vivid Black on Black (4), Grabber Red (4), Championship White (4) and Leguna Seca Blue (4) Each limited edition SPEED GLIDE comes with a Trask Certificate of Authenticity and a number matching verification medallion. From concept to completion Nick Trask’s goal was to create a minimalistic and aggressive tourer keeping its road qualities but that would stand the test of time and offer largely improved overall performance. Continue reading ‘New Limited Edition Speed Glide By Trask Performance’
The 33rd Edition Of The Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show
Published by May 1st, 2013 in Builders and Events.Held last weekend at the Stafford County Show Ground, Staffordshire UK, the Annual Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show is a traditional International Classic Motorcycle Show attracting around 30,000 visitors. A few images from the 33rd edition shot and sent to me by Vincent Montreuil.
Royal Enfield Starts Manufacturing At New Plant In India. Production Capacity To Be 175,000 Motorcycles in 2013. 275,000 in 2014.
Published by May 1st, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Royal Enfield rolled out its first motorcycle from the new Oragadam, India facility, Royal Enfield has witnessed a huge surge in demand in the recent past, recording a growth of over 50% for each of the last two years with demand continuing to outpace supply.
Mr Siddhartha Lal, MD & CEO, Eicher Motors Ltd. said: “At Royal Enfield we have recorded a major milestone today with this plant at Oragadam becoming operational. We have been extremely successful in stretching the capacity of our existing 60 year old plant to record levels – achieving production of over 12,000 motorcycles in the month of March 2013. We have conceived this new facility on a much larger tract of land and created a master-plan that can take the eventual production here to over 500,000 per year. With the speedy execution of the first phase of the plan, we have revised our production target upwards in 2013 – to 175,000 motorcycles from both plants. However, even as we start commercial production today, we have already begun working on the second phase of expansion at Oragadam, which will further increase the production capacity to 250,000 motorcycles in 2014. With this new facility, we now have the ability to scale our production quantity quickly in response to market demand.” Continue reading ‘Royal Enfield Starts Manufacturing At New Plant In India. Production Capacity To Be 175,000 Motorcycles in 2013. 275,000 in 2014.’
The Terrifying Moment When A Motorcycle Crashes Into Two Cyclists
Published by April 30th, 2013 in Editorial, Events and Videos.Two cyclists are riding on Mulholland Highway in Southern California when a guy on a motorcycle comes around a blind curve. The motorcycle rider crashes into both cyclists.
Big Bike Europe Hosting AMD World Championship Of Bike Building In Essen, Germany May 10-12, 2013
Published by April 30th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Good bye Sturgis. BIG BIKE EUROPE is the new, permanent host event for the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building. The organization states that about 200 custom shops and specialist businesses are registered to attend the 3-day Expo event hosting the AMD bike competition.
Many European builders used to do the summer trip to show their work in South Dakota in August. Now the question is, how many American builders will cross the Atlantic to show their custom bikes at the Messe Essen, Germany show on May 10 to 12. Is it possible to have a credible World Championship Of Bike Building if North America doesn’t have a quantitative and qualitative representation close to its influence on the worldwide custom motorcycle scene? As of today, among the 104 confirmed entries in the World Championship Bike Show Competition, there are only 2 American shops: Kansas Motorcycle Works and Hoosler Daddy Choppers. Continue reading ‘Big Bike Europe Hosting AMD World Championship Of Bike Building In Essen, Germany May 10-12, 2013’
The Motorcycle Parts You Buy Online Could Soon Be More Expensive
Published by April 30th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
It has been a long debated issue, almost since internet is available to the public. The internet sales tax law is advancing through Congress and it would require that all online retailers in 45 states and the District Of Columbia collect the sales tax on all purchases.
Under current law, when you place an online order you are charged a sales tax only if you live in the state where the retailer has a physical presence, either a store, warehouse or factory. Those living in other states are not charged the sales tax by the retailer, so buy tax free at the time of purchase but are supposed to voluntarily pay it in their home state! It is estimated that only 1% do it… Continue reading ‘The Motorcycle Parts You Buy Online Could Soon Be More Expensive’
S&S Cycle Introducing The 482 Bolt-In Cams For Harley-Davidson Sportsters 2000-Up
Published by April 30th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Being bolt-in Cams, they are fully compatible with stock pushrods and valve springs. That equates to an economical installation, since there is no need to invest in those replacement parts. In addition, the savings in labor is substantial, since the cylinder heads do not have to be removed to install valve springs.
The 482 cams work well for stock 883cc and 1200cc engines, and they are ideal for the S&S 883 to 1200cc conversion kits. The best performance gains are from 3500 to 6500 rpm. Although the 482 cams are designed for 2000 and later engines, they can be installed in 1988-’99 engines with stock flywheels if a 2000-up pinion gear is used. MSRP 299.95. For more information and specs, go to S&S Cycle Cams. (Note: The 482 cams can be used in 1988-’99 engines with stock flywheels if a 2000-up style pinion gear is installed to match the gear pitch on the second cam.)
This dyno chart from the Dynojet® 250i chassis dynamometer shows the performance of the S&S 482 cams compared to stock cams in 1200cc Harley-Davidson® Sportster models. In both tests the bike had an S&S Stealth air cleaner and a S&S Slip-on Performance Mufflers installed. The S&S 482 cams provided almost 5 more horsepower and 2 ft-lb of torque.
New Precision Billet Fluted Pro Edition 3D Parts Lineup
Published by April 30th, 2013 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Back to basics. “We wanted to create an edition that featured simple classic lines. This edition was designed with bike builders in mind who want to showcase their build and have great looking accents.” says David Shano, owner of Precision Billet Products.
The Fluted Pro Edition is created in limited-edition of just 2500 pieces. Tank badges, ignition switch covers and derby covers feature precision CNC milled aluminum. As with all Precision Billet Products it is available in show chrome, contrasts cut or black anodized. Order online at Precision Billet Products or call 480- 634-2368.
I already know the type of comments that this extreme custom bike is going to provoke. Most will not dig it. And those who do will have some difficulties understanding how it was built to remain more than a piece of art and of mechanical ingenuity, remaining a riding motorcycle (I know, with moderation…) Each year, Bozzies, a.k.a. Hans Bos, designs at least one ultra radical bike. His objective is of course promotional, trying to get as much media coverage around the custom world as possible to benefit his Utretch, Netherlands based custom shop. Continue reading ‘European Excess In Real Steel’
True Frisco Mount Narrow Sportster Style Gas Tank
Published by April 28th, 2013 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
A lot of those into the vintage chopper scene love to use a Sportster gas tank (even if not installed on genuine Sportster) that most of the time they narrow and mount Frisco style, high on the frame backbone.
It cost time and/or some coin to professionally modify a stock Sporty gas tank to cut it, narrow it, re-weld it, modify the mounts, etc.
The one featured is a new off the shelf product from Throttle Addiction that makes a narrow sporty tank accessible to anyone at a working man’s price. Continue reading ‘True Frisco Mount Narrow Sportster Style Gas Tank’
Harley-Davidson Inc. Declares Dividend
Published by April 28th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Following the release of its 1st quarter 2013 earnings, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.21 per share for the second quarter of 2013. The dividend is payable June 14, 2013 to the holders of record of the Company’s common stock on May 30, 2013.
New Fairing Edge Light Kit For Harley-Davidson Touring Models
Published by April 27th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
The new Electra Glo™ Fairing Edge Light Kit (P/N 68000035, $99.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories® adds forward-facing white LED accent lights to the front profile of Harley-Davidson Touring models equipped with the iconic bat wing fairing. Formed to follow the contour of the fairing, the slim adhesive-backed strip of lamps adds a strong visual element and conspicuity on the road. The smoked housing conceals the lights and blends into the background when switched off. The kit features simple plug-in connections with no cutting or splicing of wires required for installation. The Fairing Edge Light Kit fits 1996-later Electra Glide®, Street Glide® and Trike models. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website
10th Indian Rally At Indian Point. May 8-18th, 2013
Published by April 27th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
In 10 years, the annual “Indian Rally on Indian Point” (IRIP), has become the largest Indian Motorcycle centered, motorcycle rally in the nation. Indians lead the way at this rally but all makes and models of bikes are welcome. As usual, the 10th edition will be situated in the Ozark hills on Indian Point Branson, Missouri.
This year, Polaris Industries will attend the rally bringing the Indian Semi along with the new Thunder Stroke 111. They will be here from the 14th through the 18th of May. On the 16th of May there will be a bike show with numerous categories for judging, live music concerts and a firework show afterwards. The next day will feature a blowout concert with Hayseed Dixie in one of their first US appearances in over 5 years.
Registration is required for attendance to the main events and meals. You do NOT have to buy a T-shirt and the meal with Polaris is free. More information and reservations at 800-338-2842 or visit Hunters Friend Resort Indian Rally At Indian Point.
