Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. March 30, 2013. A woman driving a Volvo is getting very impatient behind a a large group of bikers. So, she decides to pass them using the right soft grass shoulder, finding out that a Volvo is not an off-road vehicle. Crashing her car, she almost took out several bikers. But it would have been nice for these bikers to open the left lane for her. Watch…
Archive Page 182
Driving Like An Idiot To Pass A Group Of Bikers
Published by April 9th, 2013 in Editorial and Videos.New Road Zeppelin Seat Pads By Harley-Davidson Offer Air-Cushioned Comfort
Published by April 9th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
The new Road Zeppelin® Seat Pads (P/N 52000084 Rider, P/N 52400060 Passenger Pillion; $119.95 each) are equipped with a patented air bladder system that distributes weight evenly across the entire seating surface, removing pressure points while also providing shock absorption which reduces vibration.
The mesh cover allows air circulation, reducing the air temperature between the rider and seat. The easy-to-reach integrated hand pump and air release valve permits convenient adjustment. Shaped to conform to most Harley-Davidson seats, the pads feature an adjustable mounting strap and a non-skid surface to keep them in place. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website
Night Of Hard Rock At The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Summer Music Festival. Mastodon And Machine Head To Perform On August 7,2013.
Published by April 9th, 2013 in Editorial.
Hardcore heavy metal rockers Machine Head will join for a night of Hard Rock at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip on Wednesday, August 7, leaving only one band to be announced next week to complete this fantastic night at the Chip. Machine Head will take the Buffalo Chip’s stage following Mastodon during the 2013 Sturgis motorcycle rally.
Machine Head has been putting the heavy in heavy metal for decades. Known for ballad type songs lasting more than five minutes and at times playing songs so fast they have o improve their skills to keep up with their own expectations, Machine Head has become a staple in the heavy metal community. They continue to drive forward and impress fans and fellow musicians alike. Metal Hammer magazine boldly called Machine Head’s album “The Blackening” the “Album of the Decade”. Their latest powerhouse album, “Unto the Locust,” voted album of the year by Liquid Metal and Metal Hammer magazine, recently charted 22 on the Billboard charts and received a Grammy award nomination for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. Continue reading ‘Night Of Hard Rock At The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Summer Music Festival. Mastodon And Machine Head To Perform On August 7,2013.’
A Lesson In Custom Building By a 21-Year Old Dutch
Published by April 8th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
2 weeks ago in Germany, my fellow European journalists asked me to meet with Paul and to look attentively at his custom chopper creation. So I met him front of his bike displayed at the Custom Chrome Europe Bike Show Series in Mainz, Germany. Only 21 years old, very tall (6.5″?) with still a baby face, Paul explained to me all what was involved in his build and all hand made parts he had to fabricate. I could not believe that this young Dutch could build so much by himself until his entourage and other journalists confirmed to me that his statements were not exaggerated, rather on the humble side. To add to my surprise, Paul didn’t invest more than 10,000 euros (about13,000 US dollars) of his own money in this creation.
Paul started working at L&L Choppers, possibly the largest chopper shop in Holland when he was only 15 years old while still attending school. He learned very fast how Swedish style high neck choppers, bobbers, board trackers, B-movie bikes were built. So confident about what he already knew that he started to build his first chopper in his garage when he was 17 years old. After 4 years of dedicated work to reach “building perfection” (he is very busy helping the crew at L&L Choppers 6 days a week), trying to build as much as possible by himself , the end result is the superb chopper I feature here. Continue reading ‘A Lesson In Custom Building By a 21-Year Old Dutch’
Corbin’s Smuggler Trunk for 2007 – 2013 Victory Vision
Published by April 7th, 2013 in Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Seats.
Fans of the Victory Vision have a new option to improve the overall look of their preferred tourer while adding convenient storage. The Smuggler Trunk is artfully designed and color matched to your paint by Corbin to improve look while adding convenient storage.
Pop open the door and you have access to over 15 liters of locking storage. Everything in this Smuggler trunk is secure and let you access daily essentials like iPads and Netbooks without having to dig for them into the side bags. Slick details like the center “Vee” shape makes it look like belonging to your Vision.
Corbin’s patented molding process and exclusive materials create a part with very minimal variation from piece to piece. This allows Corbin’s wizards the ability to design a very close fit to the factory bodywork. Smuggler is then hand-finished and custom painted with quality materials from companies like PPG and House of Kolor (depending of color selected). Continue reading ‘Corbin’s Smuggler Trunk for 2007 – 2013 Victory Vision’
Some photographer (Horst Roesler not to name him) made me strike weird poses during our last meeting.
Maybe a casting for a “clean” episode of the TV series “Sons of Anarchy…”
Well, this photo because I have no other “Picture Of The Week” on file and to let you have fun posting in the comments section.
Who gets started?
Petersen Automotive Museum To Celebrate 50 Years Of Baja Racing
Published by April 7th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Conceived in the early 1960s when Honda sought to prove the durability of their CL72 Scrambler motorcycle, the Baja 1000 has evolved into the most significant off-road race in motorsports. The Petersen Automotive museum will display a special summer exhibition called Braving Baja: 1,000 Miles to Glory, which will pay tribute to 50 years of Baja racing through artifacts off all sizes, including significant motorcycles, trucks, buggies, clothing, and ephemera.
The Petersen Automotive Museum will also host a fundraiser dinner and an outdoor off-road show that will pay homage to this half-a-century-long motorsports movement, from the daring first timed run by Dave Ekins and Bill Robertson, Jr. to the technology-rich competition of today. The Tribute Dinner on Thursday, May 2 at 6:00p.m. will celebrate Dave Ekins and Bill Robertson Jr.’s historical run down the Baja peninsula on a Honda motorcycle. The evening will consist of food, drinks and Baja legends, as well as a preview to the new exhibit, Braving Baja: 1,000 Miles to Glory.
The Baja Day Off-Road Show is Saturday, May 4, from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. The off-road show is included in the daily museum admission rate for spectators, and participation is open to anyone with a vehicle that is off-road capable, including trucks, buggies, motorcycles, sand rails and more. Vendors will be on-site as well. Participant and vendor registration is located at Braving Baja. Continue reading ‘Petersen Automotive Museum To Celebrate 50 Years Of Baja Racing’
Streamline Patented Internal Throttle, Lines And Fittings
Published by April 6th, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Exceptionally, I am running again this feature because this cool internal throttle was no more available during a very long time while still being requested by many who will be happy to know that it’s again in stock.
This internal throttle system is an original made in the USA by The Garage By Austin Weiss, doesn’t require any welding, is fitted with 6 bearings, 5 of which are radial and 1 being a needle bearing. It is approved for road use and all the original models are engraved with “Streamline” a way for you to know that you will get from the company a lifetime warranty. Continue reading ‘Streamline Patented Internal Throttle, Lines And Fittings’
2013 Las Vegas Bikefest October 3-6. Registration Is Open.
Published by April 6th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Vegas is rocking. With hot spots and loose slots, great food, glitzy hotels, great entertainment, and great rides around town. Add Las Vegas Bikefest (this year October 3-6), a crazy-long weekend of good times with live concerts, non-stop partying, big money Poker Runs, hot contests and of course the cool bikes of “Artistry In Iron” competing for a Master Builders’ Championship. Continue reading ‘2013 Las Vegas Bikefest October 3-6. Registration Is Open.’
Burly Café Racer Tail Section For Harley Sportster
Published by April 5th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
As I wrote many times during these last years, old and new built Café Racer bikes are back in style and Café is fast becoming the new “Black”…. The Sportster based Café Racer has also become a style in its own right with a magic that only Harley can bring to the table. The one missing piece of that Ton Up formula is often a traditional tail section, but thanks to the folks at Burly Brand it looks like that’s about to change.
Their new solo seat/cowl is designed to bolt to the 1986-2003 Sportster chassis and complete the XL’s café transformation. Unlike the Café seats that sit on a stock fender, they’ve created a true tail section, opening up the rear of the bike for an authentic look. Available in partially covered with paintable black gel coat as well as a full covered version. Continue reading ‘Burly Café Racer Tail Section For Harley Sportster’
Polaris® Launching Electric Bicycles In United States, Canada & Latin America
Published by April 5th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Polaris is launching the global distribution of a new line of electric bicycles with innovative features that take riding an eBike to work, for play or sport to a new level. New Polaris eBikes are stated to revolutionize the Light Electric Vehicle market with Duo Drive™, BioSync™, Arc Regen™, and ProRide™ Rechargeable battery technology. Polaris eBikes are a premium 8-speed bicycle equipped with an electric motor, operating on a rechargeable battery. eBikes are quickly becoming a popular way to commute to work, run errands or simply get around town. Because the eBikes run on a rechargeable battery, you don’t need to buy gas, nor do you need a license or insurance.
Polaris eBikes can travel up to 30 miles on a single charge at a speed of up to 20 mph. To recharge, just pop out the internal battery pack and charge it off the eBike. The battery, can also be charged on the eBike. The eBike recharges in 4-6 hours. An LED indicator shows battery status level whether in-use or recharging. All models of eBikes are distributed throughout the Independent Bicycle Dealer network, as well as select Polaris dealerships nationwide. MSRP is $2,999. Continue reading ‘Polaris® Launching Electric Bicycles In United States, Canada & Latin America’
A guy stopped at a local gas station, and after filling his tank, he paid the bill and bought a soft drink. He stood by his car to drink his cola and watched a couple of men working along the roadside. One man would dig a hole two or three feet deep and then move on. The other man came along behind him and filled in the hole. While one was digging a new hole, the other was 25 feet behind filling in the hole.
The men worked right past the guy with the soft drink and went on down the road. “I can’t stand this,” said the man tossing the can into a trash container and headed down the road toward the men. “Hold it, hold it,” he said to the men. “Can you tell me what’s going on here with all this digging and refilling?” “Well, we work for the government and we’re just doing our job,” one of the men said. Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
Chrysler Has Purchased The Old Harley-Davidson Test Track In Florida for $7 Million. The six-mile-long track on the edge of the Everglades has been sitting mainly silent since Harley’s decision four years ago to consolidate its hot-weather testing at a Kingman, Ariz., facility. Before Harley purchased the racetrack for $6.5 million from Collier Enterprises Ltd., in 2002, Ford Motor Co. leased the track to test its own vehicles.
Harley put the 531-acre property up for sale in 2011, asking $7.5 million.
Looking For Motorcycle Shop Manager Who Wants To Get Famous on TV. Bunim/Murray productions, the producers of “The Real World,” “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” and “Project Runway”are doing a casting to select a male motorcycle shop operation manager. The successful candidate must be in his mid 30’s, have a edgy look and personality, tattoos welcome. Applicants must send a professional work history and 3 headshots. Casting ends April 29.
International Powersports Dealer Expo Total Attendance Was Down 27%. The Dealer Expo in Indianapolis (last Feb. 15-17) had a total attendance of 10904 (exhibitors, buyers and allied industry trade professionals), down approximately 27% from last year which pretty accurately reflects the 36% decrease in US dealers across the country since 2009. According to show management at parent company Advanstar Communications, Inc., verified attendees totaled 5,452, with approximately 3,700 verified as traditional franchised and independent retailer buyers. The Motorcycle Industry Council estimates that sales of motorcycles, scooters and ATVs in the U.S. market decreased by 54 percent in 2012 compared to the market’s peak five years ago. “It seems logical to assume that if you have 54% fewer unit sales and 36% fewer dealers, you’re also going to have fewer vendors as well,” noted industry veteran and Dealernews contributing editor Mike Vaughan. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
The Mightyblue Triumph Thruxton. Modified In Portugal.
Published by April 4th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Until a couple of weeks ago I never heard of Maria Motorcycles, a small shop in Portugal. With an unemployment rate of 16% (neighboring Spain rate is even worse, a whopping 25.8%), and although motorcycles are popular as a mean of transportation, it must be extremely difficult to make a living selling custom work in this small 10 million people country. For sure it explains why this customization is limited to light modifications with emphasis on the paint job to look like no others.
The Mightyblue Triumph Thruxton, whose technical alteration include only a re-tuned injection mapping due to a change of exhaust, found a way to get its own personality via removal of the front fender, addition of oval side panels, tremoval of the rear cowl leaving more room available for a 2-up nostalgic ribbed seat, installation of dual-sport tires. A simple 2-tone paint job wraps the project. Until better days in Portugal, a nice “austerity time” project from a shop deserving to be helped making its own mark on the European custom scene. Maria Motorcycles (website still in the works )
Jay Leno Interviews Automotive Artist Tom Fritz About The Muscle Car Postal Stamp Series
Published by April 4th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
Tom Fritz is honored to have been commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service to create works for their Muscle Cars (Forever®) stamp series, celebrating five iconic automobiles: the 1966 Pontiac GTO, the 1967 Shelby GT-500, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, the 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda, and the 1970 Chevelle SS. The series was issued February 22, 2013. Jay Leno interviewed Tom Fritz and the Postmaster General to get the backstory on how the stamps came to be. Video after the jump. Continue reading ‘Jay Leno Interviews Automotive Artist Tom Fritz About The Muscle Car Postal Stamp Series’
Harley-Davidson Chrome Front Engine Mount Bracket For Sportster Models
Published by April 3rd, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Add the bling of brilliant chrome to Harley-Davidson Sportster models with the new Front Engine Mount Bracket (P/N 16400022, $119.95) and Engine Mount Stabilizer Link (P/N 16400020, $49.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories.
The chrome Front Engine Mount Bracket is machined from premium 6061-T6 aluminum, and is a direct bolt-on replacement for the Original Equipment upper bracket.
It can be used with the stock stabilizer link, or dressed up with the chrome Front Engine Mount Stabilizer Link.
For a complete transformation, install two chrome stabilizer links. Each kit includes chrome-plated mounting hardware and fits 2004-later Sportster models. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website.
Discovered In Germany. Wannabe Choppers.
Published by April 3rd, 2013 in Builders, Controls and Editorial.He was the 2012 Europe “Custom Bike Show Rookie Award” winner with a bike called “Messed Up”. German Enrico “Ricky” De Haas and his shop Wannabe Choppers may soon become household names in the old continent. In this short film, helped by the beautiful images of Directors Thorsten And Thomas Stoll, he expresses his custom bike builder philosophy with words that many of you will appreciate if you have ever turned a wrench or welded sheet metal.
$14 Million Sale Of Antique British And European Motorcycles And Parts
Published by April 3rd, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
It’s kind of a barn find worthy of all “European and American pickers” “Domi Racer” based in Cincinnati, Ohio is for sale as a complete business. “Domi” specialized in the supply of antique and rare motorcycle parts from British & European motorcycles mostly manufactured in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s including BSA, Norton, Triumph, AJS, Matchless, BMW, Bultaco, Ariel, Ducati, NSU, Vincent and many others. Their inventory of parts totals over $14 million and they have a beautiful selection of classic bikes, memorabilia, and artifacts being sold as part of the package.
Grand Rapids, MI based Liquid Asset Partners is holding the packaged sale of the business and any interest should be directed to their sales staff at 616.719.5917. In the event that a package buyer does not surface, the business will be sold thru a public liquidation sale process later this month that will run 6 weeks and will be concluded with a live auction. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone interested in classic motorcycles or in owning their own unique business.
Additionally: Liquid Asset Partners is selling a company called Biker Garage 101 who specializes in motorcycle parts and accessory sales through their Internet warehouse and retail superstore. They sell parts and accessories for Harley-Davidson, V-Twin, Honda, Yamaha, and custom motorcycle manufacturers through their strong Internet business. In addition, the company has a retail showroom that sells lawn and garden equipment, scooters, ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, and apparel. Biker Garage 101 is a large franchisee of Husqvarna and Bad Boy lawn and garden equipment. This destination store has a motorcycle museum attached and strong community support.
Photos and more information is available at Liquid Asset Partners.
Spy Shot Of The 2013 Royal Enfield Cafe Racer 535 Being Tested In India.
Published by April 3rd, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
It is announced as the lightest and fastest production Royal Enfield ever produced and is scheduled to be released to the public before end of the year. The 535cc engine is expected to deliver about about 36 Bhp of peak power and over 45 Nm of peak torque, a bigger throttle body, revised exhaust and high lift cam shafts but will keep the 5-speed transmission used in the 500 cc series Here is the first spy shot of the Royal Enfield Cafe Racer 535 being tested somewhere in India. Being the sportiest of Royal Enfield motorcycles, the Cafe Racer 535 will be launched in many international motorcycle markets, including the USA, where bikers are more power hungry than in India.
New Premium Tour-Pak® Latches From Harley-Davidson
Published by April 2nd, 2013 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Simply Press to Open and Close with new These Self-Aligning Latches from Harley-Davidson (P/N 53000253 Gloss Black, P/N 53000252 Chrome; $99.95.)
They eliminate the traditional catch and clamp design to ease access to the Tour-Pak® luggage. A push of the button releases the lock and pops the lid open for convenience. Simply press down on the top of the lid to secure the latching mechanism. The self-aligning design positions the lid perfectly for no-fuss closure.
The latches, styled to complement Premium Tour-Pak® Hinges (P/N 53000131 Gloss Black, P/N 79211-08A Chrome ; $49.95), feature hidden hardware. The front latch wraps around the Original Equipment lock.
The kit includes a front and rear latch and mounting hardware. Premium Tour-Pak® Latches fit 2006-later Touring and Trike models equipped with King or Ultra Tour-Pak® Luggage. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website
Harley-Davidson And BMW Less Reliable Than Japanese Motorcycles. But Harley And BMW Owners Among The Most Satisfied.
Published by April 2nd, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted their first-ever motorcycle reliability survey. Resulkts are in: about one in four owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles reported experiencing a major problem in the previous four years. BMW motorcycles were even less reliable than Harley-Davidsons with about one in three owners reporting problems in the previous four years. Only about one in ten Yamaha owners experienced issues during that time, followed closely Kawasaki and Honda.
But reliability is only 1 factor among those taken in account when purchasing a new or used motorcycle. Design lines, rumbling sound, brand image are 3 others that can “compensate” for less reliability. Despite the higher number of problems, Harley and BMW owners were among the most satisfied with their bikes. When asked whether, considering everything, they would buy their bike again if they had to do it over, 75 percent of Harley owners said “definitely yes”, closely followed by 74 percent of BMW owners and 72 percent of Honda owners. By contrast, only 63 and 60 percent of Yamaha and Kawasaki owners, respectively, were as emphatic in this subjective measure.
Among the bikes that needed repairs, survey respondents reporting having the most trouble with accessories, such as lights, instruments, switches, and radios (21 percent), brakes (20 percent), the electrical system (16 percent), and the fuel system (15 percent). Fortunately, most repairs were fairly inexpensive. Three quarters cost less than $200 out-of-pocket. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson And BMW Less Reliable Than Japanese Motorcycles. But Harley And BMW Owners Among The Most Satisfied.’
ZZ Top And Queensryche To Perform At The 2013 Buffalo Chip Sturgis Rally Concert
Published by April 2nd, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
Texas-based blues rockers ZZ Top, a perennial live favorite of bikers, and the progressive metal group Queensryche are among the acts confirmed to appear at this year’s Sturgis Rally concert at the Buffalo Chip Music Festival. Billed as the “largest music festival in motorcycling,” the annual event features a mix of classic rock and country acts. This year’s rally takes place Aug. 2-11 in South Dakota. Continue reading ‘ZZ Top And Queensryche To Perform At The 2013 Buffalo Chip Sturgis Rally Concert’
Rage is another Cafe Racer by Santiago Chopper paying tribute to motorcycle chassis builder Georges Martin. Georges’ motorcycle frames were extremely popular in Europe during the 70’s & 80’s with those building a custom/racing bike. His first chassis were similar to the backbone design that Fritz Egli made so popular. Most of the CB 750 SOHC chassis were built in that design. The backbone frames were built between 1973 and 1983 in two versions (rear shocks upright or tilted). Starting in 1977, he also built frames with a framework design. Then in 1987 he abandoned the industry to come back to it a few years back… Continue reading ‘Cafe Racer Rage’
New Adjustable Touring Rack From Harley-Davidson. 50% More Rack Surface When Needed.
Published by March 31st, 2013 in Accessories, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The new Adjustable Two-Up Luggage Rack (P/N 50300044 Chrome, P/N 50300076 Gloss Black; $399.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories® features telescoping side extensions that expand the width of the rack from 12.75 inches to 18.75 inches.
To accommodate a wide soft bag or duffle, press the buttons and slide out the side extensions to increase the usable surface area by 50 percent. When an oversize rack is not required slide the extensions back in for a clean look. Continue reading ‘New Adjustable Touring Rack From Harley-Davidson. 50% More Rack Surface When Needed.’
4 Men Arrested For Motorcycle Marriage Proposal Stunt On California Freeway
Published by March 31st, 2013 in Editorial, Events and Videos.On January 27,2013 about 250 bikers blocked during 10 minutes the eastbound Interstate 10 in West Covina, California so that one of their friends could propose to his girlfriend. At one point, a bike sent up a cloud of pink smoke and the girlfriend accepted the proposal. But police was not amused…
The stunt was captured on video, went viral on the Internet, with the 24-year old groom – Hector Martinez – and his close friends bragging about their stunt. Mistake. He and 3 of his friends were all booked for investigation of misdemeanor public nuisance and participating in an unlawful assembly. Hector Martinez was booked for investigation of exhibition of speed, authorities said. Last year, 3 members of a rock band were each sentenced to probation and 35 days of community service for blocking a freeway to promote their music.
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Seen In Germany. Internal Throttle With 6 Bearings
Published by March 30th, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
All internal throttle manufacturers promise a precise craftsmanship, a slackness fit with smooth and easy turning of the throttle. A German company called Müller Motorcycle AG offers a system equipped with 6 bearings (a trademark technology) consisting of 2 ball bearings on top of each other on each side of the pulling sledge and of 2 friction bearings to provide an unequaled easy pull of the cable. Fits all 1 inch handle bars with cable passage. For an internal throttle, you will typically use 2 left side aluminum aftermarket grip,.but the company recommends using their own “Müller Aluminum Grips”
