Very representative of the custom chopper style that Paul Wideman at Bare Knuckle Choppers is building for his clients, “Incognegro” is as naked as possible, re-employing the best of Harley-Davidson of the mid-sixties, then using proprietary parts from the shop, a few from the best in the business, and assembling them around a one-off bodywork. Except the tires from Metzeler (German) all parts made in the USA, because like Paul will tell you “If you want cheap & foreign, go somewhere else”. Tech sheet after the jump. (photography copyright Onno Wieringa for AMD World Championship, courtesy to Cyril Huze) Continue reading ‘Bare Naked Chopper’
Archive Page 193
Good Guys is a new line of custom parts by German customizer Rick’s Motorcycles (also official Baden-Baden Harley-Davidson dealer.) This air filter is a “variation” of many others with the same basic design, but this one will remind you the configuration of a brake/pulley system. Sold with K&N filter and necessary mounting hardware. Bolt-0n piece on all Twin Cam touring, Softail and Sportster EFI models. A classic shape with a new twist will cost you 499 Euros or about US $650. At Rick’s Motorcycles.
A couple was shopping on Christmas Eve and the mall was packed. As the wife walked through the mall she was surprised to look up and see her husband was nowhere around. She was quite upset because they had a lot to do.
Because she was so worried, she called him on her mobile phone to ask him where he was. In a calm voice, the husband said, “Honey, you remember the jewelry store we went into about 5 years ago where you fell in love with that diamond necklace that we could not afford and I told you that I would get it for you one day?”
The wife choked up and started to cry and said, “Yes, I remember that jewelry store.” He said, “Well, I’m in the bar right next to it.
Bagger Audio Double Up Saddlebag Speaker Lids
Published by December 22nd, 2012 in Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
While riding a Bagger, some like to go for loud, very loud… These audio lids for your touring bags are supposed to be the loudest in the business. These new urethane injection molded replacement Harley-Davidson saddlebag lids allow you to install 2 pairs of 6 x 9 inch speakers on your bike.
And for moisture protection? Speaker grills are covered with acoustically transparent hydrophobic fiber designed to keep out water. No need to worry about washing your bike or getting caught out in the rain. Replacement speaker lids also available as a Complete Audio Package (w/ speakers, amps, and wiring). Lids only $499.95.
Bagger Audio™ saddlebag lids are a direct replacement for Harley-Davidson standard hard bag lids for all (1993 – late models) including FLHT, FLHTC, FLHTCU, FLHR, FLTR, FLHX. At Cycle Sounds.
Harley-Davidson Dealership In Texas Not Negligent In Test Drive Crash
Published by December 22nd, 2012 in Editorial, Events and Legal.
Justices with the 13th Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that Euton Harley-Davidson Inc. of Victoria, Texas was not negligent when an employee crashed while test driving one of its motorcycles. Robert Zissa Jr. ran a stop sign on July 5, 2006, while test driving a motorcycle for the dealership. He collided with a 2002 GMC Yukon sport utility vehicle, lost part of his right leg and incurred $600,000 in medical costs, according to court documents. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Dealership In Texas Not Negligent In Test Drive Crash’
New Screamin’ Eagle Laser Exhaust Shields With Mesh Inserts
Published by December 21st, 2012 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Offered in Chrome or Jet Black Ceramic Finish for Harley-Davidson Touring Models, the new Screamin’ Eagle® Laser Exhaust Shield Kits from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories® feature laser-cut openings that are filled with tightly-woven mesh for an attention-getting, high-performance look.
A direct replacement for factory-installed exhaust shields, each kit is easy to install and includes front and rear header shields and a collector shield. Available finished in Chrome with Chrome screens (P/N 65400064, $299.95) or Jet Black ceramic with Stainless Steel screens (P/N 65400117, $349.95), each is a perfect match for Original Equipment or Screamin’ Eagle® mufflers.
Laser Exhaust Shields fit 2009-later Touring and Trike models except 2010 Street Glide® and Road Glide® Custom. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website
For entertainment during this per period of holidays, a great commercial from the Affliction brand to illustrate its brand motto “Live Fast, Play Hard.” Ladies can live fast too!!! So hide your keys…
First India Bike Week And First India Harley-Davidson Hog Rally in 2013
Published by December 21st, 2012 in Builders and Events.
Harley-Davidson will hold its first Indian National Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) Rally January 31 and February 1 in Goa. The celebration also kicks off a full year of festivities across the world to mark Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary.
Harley-Davidson India also announced its sponsorship of the first India Bike Week, following the National H.O.G Rally, on February 2-3, also in Goa. 8000 bikers minimum are supposed to participate.
Just for your information, there are 37 million motorcycles of all sizes and makes rolling on the streets of India. In addition of a fast expanding middle class, in 2011 India counted 125,000 millionaires (in US Dollars)
Holiday Greetings From Cyril Huze. Three Simple Wishes. Peace. Happiness. Prosperity.
Published by December 20th, 2012 in Events.
During this holiday season, please don’t wear bad (although sweet) Santa Claus sweaters, don’t expand too much your waistline and don’t shrink your bank account to zero. Enjoy your family, friends and time off.
New High Performance True Dual Bagger Exhausts By MGS Custom Bikes
Published by December 20th, 2012 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
These new high performance True Dual exhausts for 1995-2013 baggers are tuned for high performance. Over a year of extensive research and development went into this exhaust system and MGS is stating an average increase of 12+ foot pounds of torque on a stock FL Harley-Davidson model. Better results have been achieved, but are not ordinary. These new True Duals are available in black ceramic or chrome with your choice of three different tip designs. MGS designed them so that ONE part number will fit ALL 95-2013 Harley-Davidson FL touring models. MGS Custom Bikes www.MGSCustomBikes.com 661-750-2424.
Cut-Away Engines, Hubs And Motor Wheels Added To Las Vegas January Auction
Published by December 20th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
In addition to the nearly 250 antique, vintage and classic motorcycles being offered at Bonhams’ Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction in January is a unique collection of mid-century cut-away motors and components. The fascinating mechanical displays represent uncommon marques HMW, JLO, NSU, Pluvier, Solex and others, while a selection of cut-away multi-speed hubs from Sturmey-Archer round out the collection complimented by various cut-away motor wheels, single-cylinder and two-stroke engines. These and many complete engines from Adler, Auto Wheels, FN, Harley-Davidson, Honda and Thor join an already impressive offering of motorcycling components and memorabilia that will precede the motorcycles on auction day. Continue reading ‘Cut-Away Engines, Hubs And Motor Wheels Added To Las Vegas January Auction’
How To Turn A DNA Springer Front End Into A Much Better Looking One
Published by December 19th, 2012 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
DNA sold a lot of its foreign made Springers to builders on a budget. But who likes the quite ugly square front section of this front end? A giant eye sore on any cool chopper… So, JC and Jimmie Lee Coen at Three Two Choppers got a very good idea. To offer a Wishbone Spring Tube Kit guaranteed to fit on the DNA Springer and making it look like a high end end model, still for a very reasonable budget.
This is a bolt-on kit made to any length between -4 and +10 like the Springers lengths offered by DNA. (By the way, the kit will also work on Paughco springers too. They measure a bit different so a measurement from your Paughco will be needed.) They are guaranteed to fit, are 100% TIG welded and all parts are CNC machined for the highest quality.
Wishbone Spring Tube Kit includes the wishbone spring tubes, 2 stainless steel spring rods, 2 chrome spring keepers. You can reuse your existing hardware. Doing the conversion makes your bike look much better and helps support an American company. Putting a little bit of USA back into a foreign DNA SPringer will cost you only $219 plus S/H for a Raw Kit. Chrome + $115) and Powder Coating ($40 for black) are also available. Shock mount can also be added. Three Two Choppers.
Les Ateliers Ruby’s New Helmet Model. The Castel.
Published by December 19th, 2012 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Les Ateliers Ruby, a French company, is celebrating their 5th anniversary with the release of their first full-face helmet named “The Castel”. It was on Octonber 2007 that the company released its first model named “The Pavillon” followed by “The Belvedere”. These 2 models have been interpreted into 286 versions as well as in limited series and in a few unique pieces. Continue reading ‘Les Ateliers Ruby’s New Helmet Model. The Castel.’
Ready To Race. Dyno Testing A 1665 cc Vincent.
Published by December 19th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.John Renwick and Ed Wallbank, 2 old English lads surrounded by amazing machinery are having a good time testing on the dynamometer “Epimetheus”, a 50’s 1665cc Vincent equipped with Nitrous oxide and air operated auto gear change. Motorcycle engineering that inspires, british accent included. Speakers up…
Mustang Hard Trunks For Long Distance Riders
Published by December 19th, 2012 in Accessories, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
The journey is as important as the destination but when you arrive it’s good to have with you some essentials. These new Mustang Hard Top Cases are design matched to their lineup of hard saddlebags for most Harley-Davidson® metric cruisers models.
Measuring a spacious 22” wide x 18” long and 13” high, these covered hard trunks are large enough to accommodate two full-face helmets. Not only do these matching top boxes add to the overall carrying capacity, but they also incorporate a padded backrest to keep passengers comfortable for the long haul. Continue reading ‘Mustang Hard Trunks For Long Distance Riders’
Harley-Davidson To Introduce In The Next 2 Years A New Made-For-India Motorcycle
Published by December 18th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson has already made its intent clear: India is a key market and the company will do whatever is necessary to get a high share of this growth market.
To take on its Japanese, Korean & India rivals Harley-Davidson intends to introduce a new motorcycle made exclusively for the country within the next two years. At the same time, Harley is expanding its network of dealers in the country. Currently, there are nine dealers but there will be four more by the end of 2013. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson To Introduce In The Next 2 Years A New Made-For-India Motorcycle’
Designer Side Covers for 2009-2013 Harley-Davidson Touring Models
Published by December 18th, 2012 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Corbin is launching custom side covers that fit all Harley Bagger models 2009 to present. They add a nice flowing shape to your bike, either Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide or Electra-Glide! These covers were specifically designed to work with or without the Harley-Davidson saddlebag crash guards and/or heat deflectors.
They are constructed of durable ABS for years of service and durability. They come either raw or pre-painted in a single color to coordinate with your stock Harley-Davidson color scheme. Mounting hardware is included and preinstalled on the side covers for simple installation. Just remove the stock side covers and pop them on. Continue reading ‘Designer Side Covers for 2009-2013 Harley-Davidson Touring Models’
Holiday Season Harley-Davidson Women’s Jackets
Published by December 18th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.
On the left, the new women’s Juneau Functional Jacket (P/N 98215-13VW, starting at $195) from Harley-Davidson® is constructed from waterproof 600 denier polyester that’s lightweight yet comfortably withstands the elements. Zippered vents on the shoulder and back offer custom core-climate control to complement its pre-curved sleeves and adjustable waist tabs. Pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept accessory armor for increased protection, while 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material. Available in XS – 3W sizes.
On the right, the new women’s Legacy Leather Biker Jacket (P/N 98059-13VW, starting at $350) celebrates more than 100 years of Harley-Davidson riding apparel. Its midweight vintage abrasion-resistant cowhide leather construction incorporates pre-curved sleeves, action back and padded back waist for maximum riding comfort. Pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept accessory armor for increased protection. Stitching detail on the shoulders, elbows, cuffs and back waist complement embossed graphics for a subtle, classic style. Available in XS – 3W sizes. Available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Another example of nanotechnology integrated into your gloves, leather or natural. These gloves let you use your 5 fingers instead of just a couple with other competitors. No more excuse for not texting, emailing, reading, listening, twittering, facebooking, watching, etc… Perfect to maintain your addiction to the digital world. But it will cost you the price of a smart phone. From €25 to €130 or about $32 to $169. At Mujjo.
Swiss Made Custom 1930 Indian Scout.
Published by December 17th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
After extensively touring Europe and The US with his famous 1942 custom Harley Flathead named D’MX, Swiss custom builder Danny from Hardnine Choppers took a 1-year long break from the custom scene. He is coming back with his newest project, a custom Indian Scout, a model he considers the best looking factory bike ever produced by a manufacturer. And for his return to custom building, Danny got lucky, scoring a 1930 edition bought from Hans Mack, a 83-year old German who was back in the days a celebrity Wall Of Death rider. and who rode exclusively this Indian since he purchased it. Continue reading ‘Swiss Made Custom 1930 Indian Scout.’
Mike Wolfe Explains His Passion For Indian Motorcycles
Published by December 16th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.In the TV series American Pickers, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz travel the back roads of America looking for “rusty gold” buried in people’s garages and barns. Mike Wolfe is a well known Indian motorcycles enthusiast, and what got him into this business of “picking” is when he scored a treasure trove of old Indians at a Pennsylvania farm. In this video, Mike tells the story of his encounter with antique Indians. FYI, Polaris has chosen him as an “ambassador” to help the 2013 launch of the new Indian Motorcycle model(s)
A virile, middle-aged Italian gentleman named Guido was relaxing at his favorite bar in Rome when he managed to attract a spectacular young blonde woman. Things progressed to the point where he invited her back to his apartment and, after some small talk, they retired to his bedroom where he rattled her senseless.
After a pleasant interlude he asked with a smile, “So, you finish?” She paused for a second, frowned, and replied, “No.”
Surprised, Guido reached for her and the rattling resumed. This time she thrashed about wildly and there were screams of passion. The sex finally ends and, again, Guido smiles and asks, “You finish?” Again, after a short pause, she returns his smile, cuddles closer to him and softly says, “No.” Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
Postcards From CUSTOMBIKE Magazine Bike Show In Germany.
Published by December 15th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Pictures taken at the 2012 Custom Bike Show of Bad Salzuflen . Photography Lothar Steinmetz, courtesy Martin Mix, Thunderbike Germany.
Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson To Close Its Fort-Lauderdale Dealership
Published by December 15th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
Although sales of heavy cruisers motorcycles started to bottom out in 2011, with sales up about 1.5% until 3rd quarter of 2012, Harley-Davidson dealership network continues its consolidation started in 2008. Another example is Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson closing its store in Fort Lauderdale at 2871 North Federal Highway and regrouping in its other larger store at 201 International Parkway in Sunrise, Florida.
The store will close at the end of the year with only some employees transferred to the Sunrise location. Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson Sunrise is 64,000 sq. ft and employs about 55 people. The Rossmeyer group shut down another Pompano Beach, Florida store on Interstate 95 in 2010 and later sold the real estate.
The Big Kid Gift Guide. What To Get The Guy Who Never Grew Up.
Published by December 15th, 2012 in Events and Merchandise.
He never grew up. What to get for him?
Just jump to The Big Kid Gift Guide.
About The Effects Of The Discovery Chopper Live Build-Off Competition On Bikers And Professionals Of The Industry
Published by December 14th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
As expected, after you debated the merits of each builder and custom bike you saw in the Discovery build-off competition, conversation in comments turned to a one decade long topic still dividing both bikers and professionals of the motorcycle industry. What are the effects, positive or negative, of such motorcycle TV shows? Do they make more people go into motorcycling, buy more parts, build more bikes. Do they improve or alter the image of bikers, make more people start a motorcycle shop or businesss, etc?
Well, there are no quantitative studies to measure what the effects these motorcycle related TV shows may have on the public at large, bikers and professionals in particular. And if there were studies, I am pretty certain answers would be very different depending of the TV show you refer to. For example Chopper Mania, Biker Build-Off and American Chopper are different breeds of entertainment. Through Nielsen, networks are extremely good at measuring the daily number of viewers and their demographics of each their programs. Objective? Of course selling advertising (“American Chopper Live” won Tuesday night December 11, 2012 Nielsen Cable ratings with 3,911,000 viewers) They are also able to rate each TV personality and host in terms of appeal to their adience, the way they keep or replace them. But networks are not really interested in observing any consumer behavior change of those watching their shows, except when selling show merchandise to them.
During the last 12 months, The Cyril Huze Post received an average of precisely 11,450 visitors per day (source Google Analytics), putting us by far in the lead among all V-Twin related magazines, print or online, both in the US and abroad. Some events on which I report daily create huge spikes in traffic. The most recent one is of course, last Monday & Tuesday’s “Discovery Chopper Live Build-Off” competition between Jesse James, Paul Senior, Paul Junior and the 2 guys of Gas Monkey Garage.
Look at the daily graph above showing our traffic just Friday December 7 to Wednesday December 12. On Friday December 7 and Saturday December 8 , it was usual regular traffic of respectively 10,802 and 11,425 visitors. Then, on Sunday December 9 (in directt contact with Jesse, I publish an exclusive on his struggle to finish his bike on time for the build-off on Monday) traffic jumps to 17,933 visitors. On Monday December 10 (1st Discovery Show) 28,784 ifferent visitors enter my website. On Tuesday December 11 (2nd Discovery Show) traffic jumps to 40,420 visitors to peak on Wednesday December 12 to a whopping 48,926 visitors for 76,312 page views! Continue reading ‘About The Effects Of The Discovery Chopper Live Build-Off Competition On Bikers And Professionals Of The Industry’
