“Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” Mark Twain.
Archive Page 191
Evolution Industries Harley XR750 Clutch Kits
Published by January 11th, 2013 in Customs and Driveline.
One of the coolest Harleys was the race track ready XR750, now reincarnated in the bigger. more street friendly XR1200 version.
Many XR750 still compete and win, and for those owning one, there is a source for a new Basket & Clutch Kit.
Race Proven & Track Ready, each basket is designed with a light weight race ready aircraft aluminum drive hub, Kevlar friction plates.
Fits all from 1972. Made in USA. At Evolution Industries.
Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Celebration Got Started With A Burnout. Are You celebrating?
Published by January 11th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.Around the world, Harley-Davidson year-long 110th Anniversary celebration got started. To commemorate, a burnout leaving an HD initials rubber mark on the pavement. You can almost smell the rubbr burning…
In a dark and hazy room, peering into a crystal ball, the old Psychic lady delivered the grave news: “There’s no easy way to tell you this, so I’ll just be blunt. Prepare yourself to be a widow. Your husband will die a violent and horrible death this year.”
Visibly shaken with fear, Laura stared at the woman’s lined face, then at the single flickering candle, then down at her hands. She took a few deep breaths to compose herself and to stop her mind racing. She simply had to know. She met the Psychic’s gaze, steadied her voice and asked, “Will I be acquitted?”
It would not be rideable, but an interesting design approach by a student named Wojtek Bachleda who tried to imagine an Indian motorcycle boardtracker for the next generation of e-bikes. Photographed by Piers at “DeRestricted”
Zipper’s Big Bore Cylinders For Sportster® And Buell® Engines
Published by January 10th, 2013 in Customs and Engines.
If you want to increase the engine size of your 883/1200 Harley Sportster or Buell engine, Zipper’s has developed 3-13/16” bore aluminum alloy cylinders to ley you go to 88″ while still keeping the stock stroke crankshaft. Cylinders are manufactured with high quality cast-in iron liners and will work in all types of performance applications. Includes design improvements for structural integrity, plus cooling fins have been increased to improve heat transfer.
Un-honed cylinders can be fitted with your choice of several piston designs to accommodate specific usages, a service that Zipper’s can provide. (Order pistons, head and base gaskets separately. Multiple thickness base gaskets are available to allow the engine builder to set piston-to-head squish. (3-13/16” is the largest bore size that the stock H-D® XL cases can be safely bored for. 3-5/8” bore is the maximum S&S replacement XL/Buell cases can be bored for.) You can view and downloard a Dyno Chart by clicking HERE. More info at: Zipper’s Performance Products.
Before The Musket 998 cc V-Twin Engine There Was A 700 cc Version
Published by January 10th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Engines.
Last week I reported on Aniket Vardhan successful attempt at building the new and extremely beautiful first 998 CC Musket 59-degree V-Twin engine and on the current development of a specific frame to house it.
But it was not Aniket’s first success. Before the 998 cc, Aniket built a 700 cc version and the bike to go with it, now called the Musket 1. Waiting for the Musket 2, a couple of pictures of this first complete project .
Updates will be posted HERE.
New Xtreme Machine Deviant Handlebars
Published by January 10th, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Xtreme Machine just released this Xcessory for those always looking for “offensive” custom parts satisfying their aggressive riding attitude.
Tribal style blades ready to cut the air adorn these high bars available in 10”, 12”, and 14” for FXST style bikes or 12” and 14” for FL touring models.
1-1/4 Diameter tubing with a 1″ clamping and bar end aeras. Dimpled and drilled for wiring.
Retail pricing is $389.95 in Chrome and $329.95 in Black Powdercoat. For more information call (800) 479-4037 or visit Xtreme Machine USA.
Gorgeous Forged Brass Knurled Flat Pegs
Published by January 9th, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Italian design at its best. Probably the best looking retro looking flat pegs I have seen in a very long time. They are built using an old brass forging method and are offered in Satin Brass or Satin Chrome. Universal mount can be easily adapted to all applications to fit all forward controls or being used as passenger pegs. 158 euros (about US $205) at Kustom Tech Italy.
Battistini Custom Cycles Wireframe Series
Published by January 9th, 2013 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.Rikki Battistinis from Battistinis Custom Cycles explains the inspiration behind his new Wireframe Series of custom parts.
City Of Sturgis Will Continue To pay To Use Its Own Name
Published by January 9th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
“The city of Sturgis is knowingly being fleeced and no city officials are doing anything about it” says Jack Hoel, son of Pappy Hoel, who is considered the founder of the Sturgis motorcycle rally. He told the Sturgis City Council and City Manager Daniel Ainslie Monday that it’s a crime the city has to pay for the use of its own name.
“This is nothing but a gift to SMRi,” Hoel said as the city finalized its contract renewal with Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc., which owns the rights to the Sturgis name as it relates to the annual motorcycle rally. The contract last year cost the city nearly $50,000 — of that, nearly $27,000 went to SMRi for official sponsorships, and the remainder on city leases of land to official rally sponsors.
Under the new 5-year contract, the city will continue to pay 10 percent to SMRi for the use of the Sturgis trademarks which, in addition to the name Sturgis, also includes Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis Bike Week, Take the Ride to Sturgis, Sturgis Rally & Races, and Black Hills as it relates to the Sturgis motorcycle rally. But, going forward, the city will not have to pay royalties on the lease agreements.
Ainslie said the city received a total of $269,440 from the 2012 rally as a result of the sponsorship license agreement. He says the revenue that is derived from the agreement is a vital item within the city’s annual budget. Ainslie says the revenues generated the vast majority of the profit from the 2012 rally. “If the city does not enter into this agreement, the city will not legally be able to sell these sponsorships,” he said. “This would be a significant impact on the city’s budget.” Continue reading ‘City Of Sturgis Will Continue To pay To Use Its Own Name’
Private Label Handlebar Manufacturing Program
Published by January 9th, 2013 in Controls and Customs.
Rockabilly Jay (Jay Skwarlo) , formally of West Coast Choppers, is now offering Private Label Motorcycle Handlebar Manufacturing. Any bars with any bend, either wide, narrow, high, low, 1″ or 7/8″ OD, welded on risers options. Just tell him your specifications and he will deliver in quantities as low as 50 pieces. If you do not have a drawing he can work off a sample or even draw it for you.
His company is equipped with state-of-the-art CNC bending machines, offers roll-marking. Fast turnaround time. Past clients include 70 Moto, West Coast Choppers, Hog Killers and Lossa Engineering. Contact Jay on my behalf at Tel: 714.835.3400 Ext.236 or Fax: 714.835.5020 or at jay@sandmbikes.com
Breaking News. Hollister To Bring Back Motorcycle Rally
Published by January 8th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
Yesterday evening Monday January 7, 2013 The Hollister City Council voted and approved the return of the famous motorcycle rally this year. The event was cancelled in 2009 because it lost hundred of thousand dollars that required city funding. The reborn Hollister Rally will be held July 5 & 6, 2013 and Worldwide Dynamics Inc. (Contact Mark Cresswell 561 214 1137 or wwdynamics@aol.com) is named the rally management company. Worldwide Dynamics Inc is well known to the industry for organizing vendors and sponsors at Leesburg Bikefest, in Laconia, in Sturgis and at Bikes Blues and BBQ. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. Hollister To Bring Back Motorcycle Rally’
Indian Motorcycle To Feature Historic Sights And Sounds At IMS Minneapolis Show January 11-13
Published by January 8th, 2013 in Builders and Events.
Hey, no. The bike featured here is not the new Indian model with its new reengineered engine (read below.) Again, you will have to wait until this Summer. But the “Indian Motorcycle Experience” exhibit is on tour with a pit stop in eachIMS (International Motorcycle Show), next one in Minneapolis (January 11-13) then New York City (January 18-20) then Chicago (February 8-10). (tickets and more information at Motorcycle Shows) Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle To Feature Historic Sights And Sounds At IMS Minneapolis Show January 11-13’
Indonesian Province Bans Women From Straddling Motorcycles Behind Male Riders
Published by January 8th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
In the province of Aceh, the only Indonesian province that follows Sharia, female passengers have been ordered not to straddle motorcycles behind male drivers. The regulation aims “to save people’s morals & behaviors” Really? But under the new regulation “women are allowed to sit “side-saddle” because passengers who sit side-saddle rarely fell off while when you see a woman straddle a motorcycle she looks like a man…” Continue reading ‘Indonesian Province Bans Women From Straddling Motorcycles Behind Male Riders’
Sturgis 2013. Country Rock Artist Brantley Gilbert To Perform At Buffalo Chip Music Festival.
Published by January 8th, 2013 in Editorial and Events.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® will welcome country rock sensation Brantley Gilbert to their annual musical festival on August 2-11, 2013 during Sturgis motorcycle rally. Brantley Gilbert is set to ignite Buffalo Chip campers and concert attendees with an energized stage show during The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling™. Brantley Gilbert joins Toby Keith and ZZ Top as the first of a growing list of artists announced to the 2013 concert line up during the motorcycle rally at the 580 acre Sturgis Buffalo Chip® camping report and entertainment complex. More 2013 band announcements are coming soon from some of the biggest names in music. Set on 580 acres, three miles East of Sturgis, the Buffalo Chip® is a festival experience like no other. Early Specials for the best value on camping reservations and concert passes are available for a limited time for those who plan ahead at Buffalo Chip. Continue reading ‘Sturgis 2013. Country Rock Artist Brantley Gilbert To Perform At Buffalo Chip Music Festival.’
Garage Built Custom Yamaha XS 650
Published by January 7th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Everybody in the industry debating a lot about the ways to attract youngsters into motorcycling and possibly into the profession. But nobody’s talking about those who abandoned the sport (of course, wife, children, mortgage, climbing the professional ladder or all of the above are the most often mentioned reasons) and who re-enter it at mid life, as a rider or even as a custom builder. Quantitatively, not enough of them to insure the future of our industry, but comebacks always very interesting to observe to know what these returners want to ride…and build.
An interesting example is Mike McFadden who, at the age of 45, decides to be again a Garage Builder, old school style, meaning challenging his own skills in building bikes without any outside help, doing everything by hand or with very simple tools, never sub-contracting any fabrication job, any welding, any body and paint work, even doing his own seat upholstery! Continue reading ‘Garage Built Custom Yamaha XS 650’
For its 110th Anniversary, Harley-Davidson released a FREE gorgeous catalog that you can get 3 ways. Download the PDF, View as an eBrochure or request the print version. In English or Spanish. Just jump to Free 2013 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Catalog.
Back To Chrome. The Black Wana-Ryd Adrenaline Wheel Now Also Available In Chrome.
Published by January 6th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Some wheel manufacturers released some new designs available only in black finish (black or black cut contrast), what seemed to be the most popular choice during these last 3 years.
But many riders still want chrome, and Wana-Ryd decided to offer a gleaming version of their Adrenaline model. This 5-spoke 3D wheel is part of the Starkline Series, a premium line of 3D forged one-piece billet wheels.
The Starkline wheels includes 6 different designs as well as matching rotors in 3 different styles and sizes and matching pulleys (including Cush drives which some other wheel companies don’t offer) and are available for all 1984-present Harley-Davidson models, many Victory models as well as other metric cruisers. For info call 888-926-2793 or visit Wana-Ryd Wheels.
Florida 7th Annual Vintage Bike Show On January 26, 2013
Published by January 6th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
No excuse to not go if you live in a 100 mile radius of Dania Beach (it’s south of Ft-Lauderdale.) About 200 vintage motorcycles are going to be exhibited under the trees of beautiful Frost Park. It’s a very family oriented event with a swap meet, food, Harley skill team demonstrations, motorcycle field games, Roller Derby Girls, vintage bicycle display, skateboard demos, kiddy play area and more. And it’s free to the public! (small fee to enter a vintage motorcycle in the bike show) 7th Annual Dania Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show, Saturday January 26, 2013, Show Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM. Frost Park, 300 NE 2nd Street, Dania Beach, FL (South of Ft Lauderdale Airport off US1) Info:Clare Frost, 305 924-4682
New Bell Rogue Helmet Revealed. Nothing Like You Have Seen Before.
Published by January 5th, 2013 in Accessories, Customs and Videos.Bell Helmets said to the press it would reveal their new Bell Rogue helmet Tuesday January 8 (see my headline 2 posts below) But Revzilla, a helmet retailer, leaked the info with this video. Really looking like nothing you have seen before and offering more protection than most 3/4 helmets. The high tech version of a half helmet and bandanna… Offered in 4 color options and in sizes XS-2XL. Listen to the explanations.
Added 01/05/13 at 7.05 p.m.. Looks like Bell Helmets got very upset at Revzilla and asked them to cut the feed to the video. For those who didn’t see it, be patient. I will put it back online at the official Bell Rogue Helmet launching date of Tuesday January 8th.
A Bright Flashing Light Warns Of Low Battery Voltage
Published by January 5th, 2013 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
A new Battery Charging Harness with LED Charge Indicator (P/N 66000005, $14.95) from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories® features an integrated red LED that flashes when battery voltage drops to a level that requires charging. Ring terminals connect the motorcycle battery to the harness, which can then be routed for clear visibility and easy access. A three-prong plug connects the harness to any Harley-Davidson Battery Tender® charger. The harness features an in-line 7.5 amp fuse and a weather-shield cap for the plug.
On January 8th Bell Will Reveal A Helmet Unlike Any Other
Published by January 5th, 2013 in Accessories and Videos.This helmet model with be called “The Rogue”, is supposed to be revolutionary and today I can’t tell you more… To be revealed Tuesday January 8th. Stay tuned.
Steve McQueen Tribute Chopper To Be Offered At Las Vegas Auction
Published by January 5th, 2013 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Not completely convinced that McQueen would have ordered this type of custom bike, but I am told that it was created by East Side Custom Choppers with the approval and participation of Barbara Minty McQueen, Steve’s widow. So, I may be wrong. Who knows?
The bike was constructed in 2007 and presented in conjunction with the debut of “An American Rebel”, a documentary film about McQueen’s life, and the release of “The Last Mile,” Minty McQueen’s highly personal book about her time with the actor during his final years. Continue reading ‘Steve McQueen Tribute Chopper To Be Offered At Las Vegas Auction’
Bobber Style Harley-Davidson Hollywood Handlebar.
Published by January 4th, 2013 in Builders, Controls and Customs.
The classic Style and laid-back riding attitude of the 1940s with a shape and black finish that’s perfect for today’s new-school, stripped-down Bobbers. The new cross-bar equipped Harley-Davidson Hollywood Handlebar (P/N 55800050, $109.95) features limited rise, a narrow profile and gentle pull-back shape. Fits 2010-later Forty-Eight™, 2006-later Street Bob®, 2010-later Wide Glide®, 2000-later Heritage Softail Custom, Fat Boy® and Fat Boy® Lo, and 2008-later Softail Deluxe models. Installation requires separate purchase of additional components. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details or visit Harley-Davidson.
The All New 998 CC Musket V-Twin Engine
Published by January 4th, 2013 in Builders, Customs and Engines.
This is the story of a guy from India who used to tinker with Royal Enfields in his native country, then moved to the United States in 1999 where he takes a job as a teacher in industrial design at an Art and Design College. In 2003 he imports an old Enfield engine and begins to fantasize on building his own engine using only standard Enfield parts and keeping it as simple as the original Bullet engine is.
On weekends, he starts building patterns, then ends up quitting his job to fully dedicate himself to his V-Twin project. Took him one year to learn machining, then two years more of design development, detail refinement before painstakingly fabricating all the new casting patterns, After doing a 700 cc version, he went to a bigger size and completed the first 998cc Musket V-Twin in December 2012. Continue reading ‘The All New 998 CC Musket V-Twin Engine’
