The fact that on October 30, 2009 the Buell Motorcycle Company closed its doors – bringing an end to a 26-year run – didn’t change the love story that many riders and builders continue to have with the brand. An affection reenforced by the successful launch in November 2009 of Erik Buell Racing, an independent company run by Erik Buell which at first produced race-only versions of the 1125R model, but which is currently offering an updated 1190RS model for the street or the track. At time of closing in 2009, the total number of manufactured Buell was exactly 136,923 with Harley-Davidson continued commitment to supply replacement parts and services at over 250 ex-Buell location. Reason why those owning, buying or customizing a Buell still feel very confident with their brand choice. Continue reading ‘From Buell To Ducati To Buell. You Are Looking At A Bucati.’
Archive Page 190
From Buell To Ducati To Buell. You Are Looking At A Bucati.
Published by January 21st, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Saddlemen Renegade “Heels Down” Seat For Smaller Riders
Published by January 20th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
The Saddlemen Heels Down seat is conceived to be the right fit for smaller riders or anyone that enjoys the ability to stand flat-footed at stops.
It positions the rider lower and forward, providing better control over the bike and inspiring confidence while riding and stopping.
The low, wide saddle is also contoured to allow a more upright standing position while stopped. This seat positions the rider lower and forward for better control and riding confidence.
The Heels Down seat offers a soft, leathery feel while remaining weather-resistant for long-term durability.
Progressive density foam and SaddleGel™ technology eases pressure and disperses weight for better circulation and comfort.
A matching driver’s backrest provides extra lumbar support for the long haul. Matching pillion pads are also available separately for those two-up road trips or jaunts around town.
More info and ordering at Saddlemen Seats.
“It is not goodness to be better than the worst.” Seneca.
1st Picture Of New Indian Motorcycle Engine Crankshaft
Published by January 19th, 2013 in Editorial.
Ducati North America Announced Record Sales For 2012
Published by January 19th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Ducati North America just announced record sales for 2012, the company’s best year in this market with total sales of motorcycles up 21% and a 42% increase in its apparel division. Chief Executive Cristiano Silei thanked passionate Ducati fans (fyi, they are called “Ducatisti”) for the company’s best year in this market and said that he was “guardedly optimistic that 2012 might have been the last bad year in the motorcycle sales slump that began with the economic crash of 2008.” Silei credited Ducati’s broadened line of models — 15 new products going onto the market in 2013, including the all-new Hyperstrada and Multistrada Granturismo — with serving Ducati veterans and attracting new Ducati customers. picture Panigale model @ Ducati North America.
Polaris CEO Scott Wine On Indian Motorcycle
Published by January 19th, 2013 in Builders, Events and Videos.
Victory Celebrates 15th Anniversary With Specially Equipped Cross Country Tour Limited Edition
Published by January 18th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
Yesterday at the New York IMS show, Victory kicked off its 15th Anniversary celebration with the introduction of a Cross Country Tour Limited Edition. This bike combines industry-leading touring performance, style and comfort with a salute to the first Victory motorcycle ever built 15 years ago. Only 150 of these specially equipped versions of the world’s ultimate touring motorcycle will be built.
The first Victory motorcycle – an Antares Red over Black V92C with gold pinstriping – was built in Spirit Lake, Iowa, on the Fourth of July 1998. Fifteen years later, 150 specially equipped 15th Anniversary Cross Country Tour Limited Edition units featuring commemorative paint and anniversary badges will roll off the same assembly line. Fifteen years ago, Victory offered one model, the V92C classic cruiser – a bike on which you can still see riders rolling up miles. Today, Victory now provides riders with a full lineup of Cruisers, Baggers and Touring models. Steve Menneto, Polaris VP Motorcycles, said that the coming year will include several special 15th Anniversary celebrations at events such as Daytona Bike Week, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the American Victory Rally in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the birthplace of every Victory ever built.
The 15th Anniversary Cross Country Tour Limited Edition features:
• Exclusive Sunset Red over Gloss Black paint with gold pinstriping – inspired by the first Victory ever built.
• 15th Anniversary Fairing Badge, Saddlebag Graphics and Numbered Dash Badge.
• Red-letter Cam Badge and Primary Badge.
• Cut & Sew Seats with a custom-stitched 15th Anniversary Badge.
• Billet Wheels.
• Numerous chrome features, including: Front and Rear Fender Trim, Fuel Cap, Sprocket Cover, Engine Covers, Switch Cubes and Controls, Saddlebag Lid Rails, and Trunk Luggage Rack.
• Garmin GPS.
• XM Radio.
• Four KICKER® Premium Speakers.
• iPhone®/iPod® Cord.
• Black Blade Windscreen.
• Removable Saddlebag and Trunk Liners. Continue reading ‘Victory Celebrates 15th Anniversary With Specially Equipped Cross Country Tour Limited Edition’
Custom Built In 3 Days. Almost…
Published by January 18th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
This drag racer style bike was built during a 3-day build-off front of the visitors of a large European Bike Show… Well, you know (I hope) that it’s absolutely impossible to build a full custom in a weekend, except when it’s a Build-Off for a TV series and what you watch is of course the edited images of several weeks of work, sourcing parts, fabricating some and assembling, plumbing and wiring. So, let’s say it was assembled in 3 days, adjustments included, after many hours of fabrication in the month preceding the “live Build-Off.” Still, there is a lot of merit in assembling a bike in a weekend front of spectators. Just try! adjustments included. And anyway, people love to watch the race to completion with the biggest reward to get front of a crowd: for the first time, the engine cranks and starts… Continue reading ‘Custom Built In 3 Days. Almost…’
French Car Maker Peugeot Unveils RCZ Arlen Ness Edition
Published by January 18th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The news may surprise many because except the word CUSTOM, there is a world between Peugeot cars and choppers. Peugeot has revealed the first details on a one-off RCZ named after custom motorcycle builder Arlen Ness. It will be unveiled this weekend (January 18-19-20) at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy. Continue reading ‘French Car Maker Peugeot Unveils RCZ Arlen Ness Edition’
Hydraulic tables, scroll machines, embossing, end forging, bending, drilling, etc. The wonders of machine forging…
Official S&S Cycle Engine And Transmission Oils By Spectro Now Available.
Published by January 17th, 2013 in Driveline and Engines.
S&S Cycle announces the introduction of a new line of premium drive train lubricants for Harley-Davidson and other American v-twin motorcycles. This S&S premium line of lubricants was developed by a collaborative effort between S&S and Spectro Oils of Brookfield, CT.
S&S company president Steve Iggens explains, “The relationship between S&S Cycle and Spectro is a natural. The similarity in the approach that both companies take to product quality and customer satisfaction is striking. Both companies and their products are highly regarded in the market, and we both offer solid value to our customers. All S&S products are backed by 55 years of Proven Performance in the v-twin high performance industry and now we are also drawing on Spectro’s 47 years of experience in the lubricant business.
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When asked why S&S Cycle no longer recommends Mobil 1 20W50 for their engines, Iggens had this to say. “First of all let me say that we regard Mobil 1 as an excellent product, and the decision to bring out our own product line is in no way related to any dissatisfaction with quality of the oil or our business relationship with Mobil 1. It was a strategic decision based on our desire to offer a more comprehensive line of lubricants to our customers.
” Scott Sjovall, S&S VP of Product Development adds, “Working with Spectro has allowed us some more flexibility in our product offering. We are striving to offer improved protection for our high performance engines and the transmissions that all that power goes through. We believe our new products are better to anything currently available on the market today. Of course you don’t have to be a racer or a performance enthusiast to benefit from a superior product. Our new lubricants will work great in your stocker too. You can’t get an oil that’s too good for your machine. It’s like having too much fun. Continue reading ‘Official S&S Cycle Engine And Transmission Oils By Spectro Now Available.’
26 Inch White Wall Vee Rubber Tire
Published by January 17th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Although requiring more maintenance to keep them appealing, white wall tires associated with the right bike type are extremely beautiful. As you know, they are not available in many sizes, especially the size you just want…
Vee Rubber just released the first 26″ white wall tire, completing an offering already including: For the front 120/70/21, 1200/50/18, 80/50/18, 150/60/18, 130/50/23, 130/70/18, 100//55/17, MT90-16 and for the rear 150/80/16, 200/60/16, 120/50-26. Distributed in the USA by Metal Sport Custom Wheels.
Victory Motorcycles. 15 Years Young and Just Getting Started.
Published by January 17th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
A limited edition 15th Anniversary model will be introduced at the International Motorcycle Show in New York City, this weekend Jan. 18-20. It will be unveiled publicly on Friday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m. (EST) at the Victory display in the Jacob K. Javits Center. It was 15 years ago that the first Victory motorcycles hit the open road. Victory No. 1 – a V92C classic cruiser – was built on the Fourth of July 1998 at the Polaris/Victory production facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The limited edition 15th Anniversary Victory models will be produced on the same assembly line after the bike is unveiled in New York.
“We are excited to celebrate 15 years with our passionate riders,” said Steve Menneto, Polaris VP Motorcycles. “Victory riders are men and women who demand the best Cruisers, Baggers, and Touring bikes on the road and we are excited to celebrate this exciting time with them while also continuing to develop new models to ensure more great riding ahead.” Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycles. 15 Years Young and Just Getting Started.’
Between Past And Present. Ducati Leggero By Walt Siegel.
Published by January 16th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
From an old mill town in southern New Hampshire, Austrian born Walt Siegel builds bikes betraying his love for and background in racing. His dilemma, that most of his fellow custom builders are facing, is how to go beyond bolt-on bikes and still offer a product with a wider clientele than a few CEO’s. This number 1 of a limited production series of the 900 cc two-valve Ducati is intended to find the right balance (translate by price) to attract a clientele wishing a true bespoke machine and pay for it without visiting a lender. Continue reading ‘Between Past And Present. Ducati Leggero By Walt Siegel.’
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum And Hall of Fame To Receive Award 2013 Silver Spoke Award
Published by January 16th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame will be a recipient of the coveted 2013 Silver Spoke Award presented by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM). The Award is in the “Special Recognition” category and honors the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame for its work in improving the image of motorcycling. The award will be presented at NCOM’s annual convention in Reno, Nevada in May.
“We are extremely honored to be receiving this recognition from NCOM,” said Christine Paige Diers, Executive Director of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. “We will join a number of exceptional individuals who have received this award in the past.” This is the first time in its history that NCOM has awarded the Silver Spoke for Special Recognition to an organization rather than an individual. Previous winners of the award include a number of notable ABATE members from various states, a long-time NCOM Board member, the AIM Chief of Staff, an author and a publisher. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Motorcycle Museum And Hall of Fame To Receive Award 2013 Silver Spoke Award’
New “Nose Art/Pin-Up” Painting By David Uhl
Published by January 16th, 2013 in Editorial and Painters.
For the first time in 3 years, David Uhl is adding to his collection. Following “Miss Behaven” and “Baby Doll”, he is presenting “Georgia Peach”. This beautiful image is now available in 3 sizes on canvas. Each print will come hand-signed and numbered, with a Certificate of Authenticity. Specifics are below.
Matching numbers are available for those who are collecting each piece in this series. Edition specifics: Small – image size 16×20, 40 prints plus 5 Artist Proofs and 5 House Copies — framed price $450. Regular – image size 24×30, 40 prints plus 5 Artist Proofs and 5 House Copies — framed price $1,250. Large – image size 32×40, 20 prints plus 5 Artist Proofs and 5 House Copies — framed price $2,250. Contact Greg Rhodes National Sales Manager greg@uhlstudios.com
Help Cease The Funding Of Motorcycle Only Checkpoints Through NHTSA And Other Federal Agencies
Published by January 16th, 2013 in Events.
State and local governments have begun to implement motorcycle-only checkpoints that unfairly target motorcyclists for inspection by law enforcement officers. Many of these motorcycle-only checkpoints are funded by grants given by the federal government, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This petition calls for the cessation of the NHTSA’s direct and indirect funding of the motorcycle-only checkpoints through its grants and other measures, and asks that the laws for vehicle conformity and passenger safety be applied equally to motorcycles and automobiles alike.
Implemented under the guise of operating for the public’s safety, states like New York have been able to target motorcyclists at checkpoints for vehicle and passenger inspection, even when the motorcyclists have broken no apparent laws. Please Click HERE To Sign The Petition.
Kids On Motorcycles. A lawmaker, Sen. Bill Avery, has introduced a bill (LB181) that would make it illegal for any child younger than 8 years old to ride on a motorcycle in Nebraska. At least five other states – Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas and Washington — have enacted age minimums for motorcycle passengers with the ages limits ranging from 5 to 8. A spokesman for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) says his group prefers passenger restrictions that are based on physical size and weight rather than age.
Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson Dealership Sticking With Usual Spring Rally Dates This Year. Last year the dealership tried to create one two-week-long bike rally instead of having the Harley rally followed by Atlantic Beach Bikefest during Memorial Day. It created initial confusion and then criticism. In 2013, the dealership will go back to roughly the usual dates (in 2013, May 13 through May 19), while Myrtle Beach is promoting the dates of May 10 to 19. The Myrtle Beach Rally took a huge hit when the city of Myrtle Beach passed in 2009 a city helmet law and other laws that were eventually overturned. Many bikers abandoned the rally and swore to never come back. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Today, most can’t live without being connected 24h a day. So, they need to charge and recharge their gizmo, even when riding. So, many will find appealing a dual USB plug charger that they can permanently attach on their bikes. This easily installed 5V, 2A output port keeps your smart phone, GPS, MP3 or whatever other doo-dad you can’t live without, charged and ready while you’re on the road. The 40” long wire fits 7/8 to 1” diameter handlebars. It comes with a waterproof cover to keep out the elements and instructions for quick installation. Retail for $29.95. At your Drag Specialties dealer.
Two old guys, one 80 and one 87, were sitting on a park bench one morning. The 87-year-old had just finished his morning jog and wasn’t even short of breath. The 80-year-old was amazed at the guy’s stamina and asked him what he did to have so much energy. The 87-year-old said, “Well, I eat rye bread every day. It keeps your energy level high and you’ll have great stamina with the ladies.”
So, on the way home the 80-year-old stopped at the bakery. As he was looking around, the sales lady asked if he needed any help. He said, “Do you have any rye bread?” She said, “Yes, there’s a whole shelf of it. Would you like some?”
He said, “I want 5 loaves.” “My goodness, 5 loaves?” she said. “By the time you get to the 3rd loaf, it’ll be hard.” He replied, “I can’t believe everybody knows about this shit but me.”
For all those interested by motorcycle vendors’ background and history, a summary of the main events of Rivera Primo doing business during 40 years from 1973 to today.
1970 -Mel Magnet re-worked automobile SU Carbs in his garage and sold them at his Rivera TV repair shop in Downey, CA.
1970 – Mel met John Ventriglia when John went to his TV store to buy a SU for his 1968 Shovel Chopper
1972 – Mel’s first SU customer: Bianchi Motors of San Fransisco.
1973 – Mel Magnet started Rivera Engineering working full time out of his garage located in Pico Rivera, CA.
1974 – “Search for King Carb” Shootout by Custom Chopper Magazine won by 1 3/4” SU against S & S, Mikuni, Posa & Weber.
1976 – Mel sells his 1960 Jag XK150 and flies to Birmingham, England to persuade the SU factory to sell him direct.
1977 – Mel purchased Primo Products (also known as Primo Belt Drives).
1978 – Rivera picks up Leinweber Cams as their sole distributor.
1978 – Dave Mackie’s 1974 74” shovel fastest stock production HD w/ SU Carb sponsered by Rivera.
1978 – Rivera sponsers Frisco Choppers’ Dennis Philipie’s 1974 Shovel with IDBA racing.
1979 – Rivera moves into two room facility located adjacent to Whittier Harley Davidson.
1979 – Rivera starts DellOrto carb business for V Twins.
1980 – Mel receives his first U.S. patent for his SU tickler pump which resolved a hard starting condition on the SU.
1981 – Rivera moves to 6000 Sq. Ft. facility on Western ave. in Whittier, CA. Continue reading ‘Rivera Primo. 40 Years In Business.’
Springfield Indian Motorcycle Properties To Be Renovated.
Published by January 15th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.The 2 historic Indian Motorcycle properties of Springfield, MASS part of the Mason Square neighborhood are going to be renovated as part of a $25 million redevelopment project. Construction is expected to begin in 2014.
A Shovelhead Rebuilt At Home By A Pro Custom Motorcycle Mechanic
Published by January 14th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Professional mechanics of busy Custom Motorcycle Shops don’t work on their own bikes during business hours. Nor after hours because most days, custom building for clients requires daily extra shop hours… And you thought it was easy, without any fabrication or mechanical set backs? So,like many pros bike builders, Udo (a member of the Thunderbike Germany Crew) reworked his Shovelhead in his own garage, giving it a complete new appearance and extra muscle. Continue reading ‘A Shovelhead Rebuilt At Home By A Pro Custom Motorcycle Mechanic’
2.6 Million Sold At Bonhams 3rd Annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction
Published by January 13th, 2013 in Events.
This past Thursday, Bonhams hosted their 3rd annual motorcycle auction at the Las Vegas Bally’s Hotel & Casino on The Strip front of record breaking standing crowd during the entire sale. The catalog consisted of an incredible assortment of rare and important motorcycles from around the world, including several machines from prominent museums and private collections such the E. Paul du Pont family, the Springfield Museum, and prestigious private collections from Europe, Asia and America.
The world-headlining 1939 BMW Rennsport 255 Kompressor sold to a private American collector within hours after the auction for $480,000. Continuing the trend from previous years of offering rare competition BMWs, this time a post-war machine, the 1954 BMW Rennsport 54 sidecar racing outfit brought $167,800 after spirited international bidding, being acquired by a private American collector synonymous with the marque.
A 1952 Vincent Black Shadow, another marque for which Bonhams is renowned for holding world records, made $134,800 and went to a collection in the Middle East after winning against multiple US bidders. The ex-Otis Chandler 1920 Mars Type A20 brought $86,250 and will make its home at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama, where it will be on public display.
A quintessential barn find and literally untouched for 75 years, the Australian speedway championship 1929 Harley-Davidson Pea Shooter brought $69,000 from the official sculptor for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. The much discussed ex-Indian Motorcycle Museum 1902 Rambler Model B in original condition sold for $66,700 after intense interest from collectors in the audience and on the telephones. Continue reading ‘2.6 Million Sold At Bonhams 3rd Annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction’
Riding Motorcycles Along The South Coast Of India
Published by January 13th, 2013 in Editorial and Videos.A short film produced by Ian Rigby and directed by Skylar Nielsen while on a motorcycle tour of Southern India last month. A trip done on Royal Enfield bikes, from Chennai to Pondicherry. For those who never been to India, this video captures very well the sighs, sounds (and smells…) of Indian’s streets when surrounded by thousand of cars, motorcycles, tuk-tuk’s, cows, dogs and goats. A sensory overload. There are some amazing places along the south coast of Indian. (Some words are excerpts from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance)
In Black or Chrome, a couple of new designs by Carl Brouhard. Available for Harley-Davidson FL, FLT, FXST and FLST models.
