The International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) is a time-trial format race on public roads closed for racing. The event held on this small British Island is one of the most amazing and most dangerous you can ever see, with racers speeding at 200 mph (320 kph) on curvy small roads. The next event is May 25 to June 7. Watch the video. SpecTTacular.
Archive Page 187
What The F**ck Is A Leather Patch?
Published by February 19th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
Not bonded leather, not some type of leatherette, not made on machines but one per one, by hands using a process similar to a tattoo, but applied on rich, soft grain top grain leather.
The crew at LeatherPatch doesn’t try to compete with embroidered patches. The photo realistic patch imagery they propose can’t not be done with traditional embroidered patches. Did they reinvented the Classic Biker Patch? Leatherpatch has a very large collection of available designs (will do yours, too) and also secured the license for the David Mann Collection of iconic centerfolds from Easyriders Magazine and just signed the license for Indian Larry as well.
Another Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Custom Bike. But It’s For Jekyll & Hide.
Published by February 18th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
When in 1886 famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson wrote the novel “The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Hyde”, he didn’t know about motorcycles and of course could not imagine that in 2013 custom builders would continue to be inspired by his work commonly associated with the rare mental condition often spuriously called “split personality” and in psychiatry as “dissociative identity disorder.”
Is there in all of us, within our body, more than one distinct personality? And if yes, are they split between very good and the other evil? And how do we manage completely opposite levels of morality? are topics continuing to passionate people and experts with no definitive answer to ever be given and accepted.
It’s not the first time or the last one that a Jekill & Hyde custom bike is created. In this case, it’s justified by the fact that it was built by Harley Factory Frankfurt for Jekyll & Hyde, a company specializing in electronically adjustable exhaust systems.
What is interesting is how a builder incorporate the interplay of good and evil into a custom motorcycle. A classic approach, retained again on this project, is to do 2 bikes in 1 by opposing left and right side. Different paint colors and art work are a must, inspiration for graphics is evident for each side, appreciation for the painter coming from the execution in expressing distinct personalities. Most who have pursued the theme Jekyll & Hyde have also installed different accessories. For whatever reason, not too much in this case. Continue reading ‘Another Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Custom Bike. But It’s For Jekyll & Hide.’
New Bobber Dukes Bars
Published by February 17th, 2013 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
From John Grant at Hardtail Choppers, a new set of handlebars called the Bobber Dukes.
These bars run 12″ tall , 26″ wide . Sold in black powdercoaing or classic chrome.
Bolt pattern is 3 1/2″ (most triple trees) . Solid mount . $295 plus shipping.
For orders or questions contact John on my behalf at his shop 360 750-6780 or visit Hardtail Choppers.
Harley-Davidson Performance Eyewear By Wiley X
Published by February 17th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.
Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® and Wiley X are partners in a new line of premium eyewear. The initial 32 styles collection was launched in 2012. In 2013 a second launch of 10 Harley-Davidson-exclusive frame/lens combinations are also available through the worldwide Harley-Davidson® dealer network. “Our riders expect the highest quality riding gear from the Motor Company,” said Patrick Smith, Vice President of General Merchandise, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Partnering with Wiley X – an eyewear industry leader for 25 years – combines the strengths of both companies to give our customers the performance, features and styles that they demand.” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Performance Eyewear By Wiley X’
Brushed Stainless Rocker Switch Cover Kits For Harley-Davidson Touring Models
Published by February 16th, 2013 in Accessories, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
You can update your black OEM Rocker switches with these new Rocker Switch Covers from Kuryakyn.
Available in combinations for most late model Harley-Davidson Touring models, these brushed stainless switch covers are quick to install requiring no disassembly of the switch panel. MSRP $26.99. Kuryakyn Rocker Switch Kits.
Famous Boot Hill Saloon And Strip Club Choppers Ink Deal For Daytona Bike Week 2013
Published by February 16th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
Starting in 2013 during March Bike Week, The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona’s oldest bar, and Strip Club Choppers will join together to bring to the Ormond Beach location on US1 The Club Choppers Road House. The venue will include the Wall Of Death, a Rat’s Hole display, dance poles stages, rigs, girls, and daily contests, such as the oldest Boot Hill t-shirt and best pole dancer etc. This entertainment combined with the Boot Hill stage featuring free national live music artists, full bar and vending area will create an atmosphere where the party never stops.
They are also offering free vending spaces for custom bike builders. So if you’re a bike builder and want to showcase your latest and greatest but are in a money crunch this is the perfect place to call home for Bike Week. And, to turn back the hands of time when bikers didn’t have to pay for parking every where they went they are offering free bike parking every day on the 3-acre lot. Of course no venue would be complete without a bike show with no entry fee. Schedule of events at Strip Club Choppers or contact Johnny Lange at 714-465-7103.
New Ultima T-VO Twin Cam Replacement Engines Coming July 2013
Published by February 15th, 2013 in Customs and Engines.
The new engine from Ultima Products is a Single Cam Dual Oil Pumps replacement for Twin Cam® “A” Series Rubber Mount Engines. It will not work with TC® “B” applications, (Softail® style.) It fits will be offered in 5 sizes: 100, 107, 113, 120 and 127″. Ultima promises dramatic improvements in durability and performance versus the stock engine. Ultima is also proud to announce that that they have brought much of their engines manufacturing (cylinders, heads and engine cases)to the same location in Pevely, Missouri. (After the jump to the following page, see a video showing Ultima engine heads production)
Main features of the new T-VO Twin Cam include: 1- Will fit stock Chassis. Crank based on our proven 3-piece design. 2- Two Oil Pumps provide 60% more protection 3- Intake Flange distance spaced to accept stock width T.C.® 4- EFI and Carb Manifolds. 5- No special Maniflold required (Air Cleaner Mount will need slight modification. 6- Fits 1999 – 2003 Carburetor FL, etc. (will not work with Magneti Marelli EFI (1992-2003) 7- One Cam, 2 Drive Chains, 2 Sprockets & Cam Support Plate. 8- Totally New Case Design. 9- Stock T.C.® Crank trigger position provided 10- Timing Plug & degreed Crank for accurate Ignition timing verification 11- Reed valve case breathing 12- Fits all Delphi EFI. Continue reading ‘New Ultima T-VO Twin Cam Replacement Engines Coming July 2013’
California Lane-Splitting Rules Clearly Established
Published by February 15th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
While California is the only state in the country that allows lane-splitting, there had not been written guidelines on how to safely execute the polarizing practice that often pits motorcycles against cars and trucks,
The California Highway Patrol and other statewide traffic safety groups have created a set of written guidelines on motorcycle “lane-splitting,” the at-times hair-splitting maneuver that allows riders to legally pass vehicles in adjacent lanes by driving between them. Continue reading ‘California Lane-Splitting Rules Clearly Established’
On a long flight, an elderly lady asked if she could visit the cockpit. When she got up there, she found four crewmen. She asked the first what he did, and he explained that he was the navigator and what his responsibilities were. She turned to next one and asked what he did. He explained that he was the engineer and his job was to monitor and troubleshoot any system problems to keep the flight operating smoothly. She turned to the next one and asked what he did. He explained that as the captain he was responsible for everything on the airplane and the functioning of the crew. She turned to the first officer and asked “Well young man, what is your job?” He replied “Ma’am, I am the captain’s sexual advisor.”
Somewhat shocked, she said “I beg your pardon, but what do you mean by that?” “Very simple ma’am. The captain has told me that when he wants my fucking advice, he’ll ask me.”
Indian Motorcycle Mobile Applicaton With Updated News On The Indian Launch
Published by February 14th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
An enhanced “Indian Rides” mobile application is now available allowing fans of the brand to actively engage with the all-new Indian Motorcycle Company.
The updated application is free of charge and is available for download effective immediately for both Android™ and iOS smartphones.
The “Indian Rides” application now reveals the sound of the upcoming engine which was designed from the ground up to capture the spirit of Indian Motorcycle. It features an interactive graphical image of a motorcycle throttle and starter switch, allowing users to simulate starting the historic new engine. Leveraging the smartphone’s gyroscopic sensor, the user holds the phone in landscape mode and it becomes a functioning, interactive throttle.
The app incorporates a professionally recorded, high-fidelity audio clip of the new Indian Motorcycle engine, enabling fans to rev the engine to get a sense of what’s to come in 2013. The app will continue to be enhanced with new features and elements throughout the year. Headphones are recommended for increased clarity. Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Mobile Applicaton With Updated News On The Indian Launch’
New Misfit Series Floorboards By Supreme Legends USA
Published by February 14th, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Your feet have a new option. Supreme Legends USA is launching their Misfit Series Floorboards in collaboration with Misfit Baggers.
They offer lateral adjustability, sturdy grip and a fresh new design. These massive 17.5” long by 6” wide boards are not just for show, they are meant to be ridden.
Available in chrome or “Supreme’s Bright Dip” black anodize with an exclusive “Stripper” finish. Center ribs are highly polished. 18 month warranty. Made in America, by Americans using 100% American billet. For info and ordering, call Bill on my behalf at 714-504-0715 or visit Supreme Legends.
Zero Motorcycles Offering New Range Of Police And Security Motorcycles
Published by February 14th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
After the initial police-spec motorcycle series unveiled back in 2012, Zero Motorcycles is offering in 2013 a new range of police and security motorcycles. Zero S and DS models will be offered with security and police-spec modules and they will address both police and other law enforcement agencies.
This is the fastest growing segment on Zero’s business operations, and the company intends to introduce more models in the future. The new Zero bikes for the 2013 season sport a hefty 63% increase in torque, are 93% more powerful and provide a range that’s 10 percent bigger. After the jump, some facts regarding these 2013 models. Continue reading ‘Zero Motorcycles Offering New Range Of Police And Security Motorcycles’
Vance & Hines Fined $500,000 By California Air Resources Board. Who’s Next?
Published by February 13th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial, Events and Exhaust.
On January 31, 2013 Performance exhausts manufacturer Vance & Hines signed a settlement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), agreeing to pay a fine of $500,000 for selling in the State of California emission related parts & accessories not pre-approved by the Board.
The settlement agreement is regarding about 2000 units at an average price of $250 sold in violation of the rules of the California Resource Board.
In California, since 2009, manufacturers of replacement emission-related aftermarket parts & accessories must apply with CARB for an exemption (or executive order) to be able to sell these parts for use on street motorcycles. The government agency also deems some products “replacement parts” that don’t require an Executive Order because they don’t affect emissions. Many Vance & Hines products fit in this category and can be sold without CARB pre-approval.
Vance & Hines said the settlement protects its distributors, dealers and customers from further claims or liability with respect to covered part sales occurring prior to Jan. 1, 2013. Continue reading ‘Vance & Hines Fined $500,000 By California Air Resources Board. Who’s Next?’
New EPA Guidelines To Separate E10 from E15 At Fuel Pumps
Published by February 13th, 2013 in Editorial, Engines and Events.
From AMA Press Release. In response to concerns expressed by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Power Equipment Makers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new guidelines to help ensure that motorcyclists and others don’t inadvertently use E15 fuel.
E15 is a new fuel blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline that the EPA has approved for use in 2001-and-newer passenger vehicles. The blend isn’t approved for use in motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, boats, lawn mowers and other engines, and may even damage them and void warranties. E10, which is commonly found at gas stations, contains 10 percent ethanol. E0 fuel has no ethanol. Ethanol is grain alcohol produced from crops such as corn that is mixed with gasoline to produce an ethanol-gasoline blend motor fuel.
Last year, Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, told the EPA that with E15 now coming into the market, AMA members who make a concerted effort to fuel their motorcycles or ATVs with E10-or-less fuel may unknowingly refuel with residual E15 left in a blender-pump hose. A blender pump dispenses different fuel blends through the same hose, such as E10 and E15. When a customer buys E15, as much as a third of a gallon of residual E15 is left in the hose, which can inadvertently get into the next customer’s vehicle while fueling with E10.
“In an effort to address this potential “misfueling” issue, EPA approved an industry-submitted [approach] that requires a minimum purchase of four gallons from blender pumps that dispense both E10 and E15 from the same hose and nozzle,” the EPA said. “Such an approach would prevent misfueling by diluting any residual E15 left in the hose from the previous sale of E15. Continue reading ‘New EPA Guidelines To Separate E10 from E15 At Fuel Pumps’
J&P Cycles® Releases Two New 2013 Catalogs. 1985-2013 Harley-Davidson® Models And 1936-1984 Vintage Motorcycles.
Published by February 13th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
The catalog specifically for 1985-2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycles features 984 pages and with parts segmented by bike models in the seat, exhaust, luggage and windshield sections. Inside this year’s book viewers will find over 41,000 references and approximately 2,900 are new items. In it parts from the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, including Avon Tyres, Biker’s Choice, Kuryakyn, Arlen Ness, Mustang, Performance Machine, Vance & Hines, Progressive Suspension and Roland Sands Designs, to name a few. Continue reading ‘J&P Cycles® Releases Two New 2013 Catalogs. 1985-2013 Harley-Davidson® Models And 1936-1984 Vintage Motorcycles.’
Skeleton Quadrant Side Mount License Bracket
Published by February 12th, 2013 in Accessories, Builders, Customs and Electrical.
In Pasadena, California, James Maund, a third generation maker of cycle parts, designs, creates and produces each year very few custom motorcycle parts but all, without exception, extremely cool. And I bet that this new one – the skeleton Quadrant Side Mount License Bracket – is going to sell like hot cakes. James took his original best selling Quadrant Bracket that I already featured in August 2010, and evolved it in a beautiful “skeleton” version.
A very sharp looking bracket that has the immense merit of hugging your chain sprocket for a very nice flowing effect while keeping the 4 x 7″ license plate and light (not included but available) in a very tight space (belt drive bike owners can install it another way, for example on the opposite side of their final drive)
The spur above the bracket allows a wide range of lamps to be fitted . Mounts either side and fully adjustable. Available for different axle sizes, drilled for lamps or blank.
Call James on my behalf at: 626-395- 7572 or visit his Blog at Maundspeed.
S&S Cycle Receives A Nifty 50! For The New S&S T-Series Long Block Engines
Published by February 12th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
The Nifty 50 awards are given by PowerSports Business Magazine to highlight the fifty best new products or services of the year. The competition is always pretty stiff for this award, but the S&S T-Series Long Block Engines for 1999-’06 Big Twins were unanimously voted as a winner.
Without changing any specifications S&S has lowered its MSRP prices for this T-Series Long Block engines. They range from $5,545.00 to $5,995.00. An S&S factory assembled engine for less than 6 grand is an outstanding value. There’s even a new low compression T124LC for heavy touring bikes and trailer towing.
There are other benefits besides the new lower price. If you have already added a performance carburetor or an EFI throttle body and tuner to your stock engine, you can use it on your new engine. “Wait a minute!” you may say. “Don’t these engines need a special intake manifold?” The answer is “No they don’t.” A carb or throttle body that fits a stock engine will fit the new S&S Long Block engine because the heads are specially machined to compensate for the increased cylinder length so a stock length manifold will fit. Likewise, If you have already installed a performance ignition or EFI tuner, you can still use it. Continue reading ‘S&S Cycle Receives A Nifty 50! For The New S&S T-Series Long Block Engines’
During the last 13 years, photographer Jack McIntyre has covered most of the motorcycle and car events and rallies around the country, from coast to coast and abroad.
His Bikerpics Website showcases a huge amount of his photography of the lifestyle, of custom builders with their creations, of stunning models and of you in attendance…
Just before the 2013 Daytona Bike Week he is releasing a digital book of his best photography (a selection among tens of thousands of pictures he shot) of both the Spring Daytona Rally and the Fall Daytona Biketoberfest.
For $9.95 you can download his Daytona Picture Book at Bikerpics.
When Giavanni Ravelli, one of the 3 founders of Moto Guzzi, was killed in a plane crash just days after the end of the war, his 2 partners Giorgio Parodi and Carlo Guzzi, decided to commemorate Ravelli with a company symbol representing their common passion for flying planes. For logo, they rook inspiration from the insignia of the Italian Air Corp, the winged eagle (L’aquila Ad Ali Spiegate), still today part of Moto Guzzi logo. A reference to aviation that many also find (coincidence or not) in the engine design, quite reminiscent of the shape of many plane motors. Two facts that builder Alan Bernard from Santiago Chopper must have known when he decided to theme this custom 1997 Guzzi 1100 Sport, customizing it with as many visual references he could find of WW2 combat planes, pinup included (painted on top engine!) Continue reading ‘Miss Memphis Custom Guzzi.’
Exclusive: Jesse James Is Relaunching West Coast Choppers.
Published by February 10th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Yesterday, I had a conversation with Jesse. For you my readers, he gave me the exclusivity of a huge announcement for the custom motorcycle scene. He is relaunching West Coast Choppers. It is almost 4 years that the brand was silent, but the brand equity or goodwill that Jesse owns with West Coast Choppers never faded, quite the opposite. The more difficult it was to order a custom from him, buy one of his parts, or a piece of his logo gear and clothing, the bigger the WCC brand grew, both here in the US and abroad. A name and a brand encompassing through logo, image and perception the best of what is the Chopper Kulture.
Jesse was telling me how much he continues to be moved by the support and encouragements he receives. Yes, he is very sentimental about this, both humbled and still surprised by so much admiration. Is he just a “glorified welder”, the way he likes to described himself? Or much more? Just read the positive responses he receives when he posts on Twitter (186,000 followers) or Facebook (59,000 people like him) or Instagram. In the mind of bikers, Jesse James and West Coast Choppers, separately and together, embody a promise about the products they are selling: true Chopper attitude,.the real stuff with no BS… Continue reading ‘Exclusive: Jesse James Is Relaunching West Coast Choppers.’
Ducati To Be Honored At The Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance
Published by February 9th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance (on March 10, 2013) is among the top automotive events in the world. One of the most interesting exhibitions of very valuable and beautiful motorcycles. This year, Ducati motorcycles will be the honored motorcycles of the 18th annual edition of thisConcours d’Elegance. Ducati is the fourth motorcycle marque to be honored by “The Amelia”, with a one class display on the Concours field of The Golf Club at Summer Beach. The Italian maker of exotic high performance motorcycle joins former honorees Triumph, BMW and Vincent as “The Amelia’s” one marque motorcycle class for 2013.
A field of 18 rare and significant Ducatis will appear led by the seminal “Cucciolo” that, in 1946, began Ducati’s rise to the pinnacle of motorcycle excellence and success. Ducati is a member of an exclusive club of motor manufacturers that grew from the rubble of post war Europe. Like Ferrari and Porsche, Ducati has strong pre-war roots. Unlike the exotic sports car builders, Ducati produced electronic equipment, most notably radios, before the war. By 1939 Ducati was Italy’s second largest company with nearly 11,000 employees. The war ended Ducati’s primary business. Revival came from SIATA who allied with Ducati to produce small, clip-on engines for bicycles. It was the perfect product for the times. Delivering over 75 mpg, the little bicycle engine changed the course of the company.
Like Ferrari and Porsche, Ducati has a dominant central character. Designer/engineer Fabio Taglioni played the starring role for Ducati as Ferdinand Porsche did for his eponymous German engineering company. Taglioni’s first design was a small masterpiece. The 100cc Gran Sport, nicknamed “Marianna”(for the Madonna) was the first motorcycle to wear the Ducati name. When racer Giovanni Degli Anotoni won the 1955 Motogiro d’Italia on a “Marianna”, the course of Moto Ducati was set. Continue reading ‘Ducati To Be Honored At The Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance’
Powertrain Alignment Tool For Touring Models
Published by February 9th, 2013 in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
One of the most important tasks when building from the ground up or re-building a motorcycle or simply changing your rear wheel size is to perfectly align the engine, transmission, final drive. Even without modifications, any wrench needs to check perfect alignment to prevent trouble while riding (for ex. wobbling at high speed or cornering, etc).
George’s Garage released a tool to do it the right way the first time. on all 1993 to present FL touring models. The Kit includes red anodized 6061 billet blocks, black oxide steel alignment pilots and screws. Retails for $370. George’s Garage.
The Musket 998 V-Twin Bike Unveiled
Published by February 8th, 2013 in Accessories, Builders, Chassis and Electrical.
When I published the all new 998 cc Musket V-Twin engine, you were unanimous in expressing your admiration for this beautiful looking and sounding engine and for his creator Aniket Vardhan. But a successful attempt at building such a motor (using 500 Bullet top ends) required a full custom chassis to demonstrate its possibilities. Aniket kept his promise to send me the first pictures of his completed Musket 998 and I must say it’s also quite cool looking. Congrats to him. The Musket V-Twin.
