The beauty of internet is to make all vendors close to you, just a click away for an opportunity to check them out and to order, and this wherever they are located around the world. And I had to mention this Swedish workshop mastering the art of leather crafting, offering many bag models in all sizes for all types of bikes, in solo (usually the left side) or dual setup. They all feature a leather covered steel plate to maintain the bag appearance. The outer backside is doubled with leather to guard the bag against chain guard, shock and axle. They speak English, like most Scandinavians, and will also craft custom bags just for you if your bike is built with a very unusual frame or got unconventional shocks or setup. Lejonkulan Lion’s Den. Europeans can also order through distributor W & W.
Archive Page 194
Top Of The Line Scandinavian Leather Saddlebags
Published by December 14th, 2012 in Accessories, Chassis and Editorial.A Road Less Traveled By Artist David Uhl
Published by December 14th, 2012 in Editorial and Painters.
To show his respect and admiration for early women riders, David Uhl releases a new painting named “A Road Less Traveled”.
To find a name for this new creation, David organized a contest among his Facebook fans. After sifting through over 2,000 entries to name this piece, David chose “A Road Less Traveled”
The exclusive canvas print edition is now being released and is offered signed/numbered with Certificates of Authenticity on a limited basis. Image size 24×32, edition of 98 (the year David’s daughter was born) plus 6 AP and 6 HC. $1,895 framed. Image size 30×40, edition 10 plus 2 AP. $2,850 framed
David is extending a 15% discount for everyone who submitted a name for the contest for orders placed before December 25th. Order at Greg Rhodes. Uhl Studios. greg@uhlstudios.com
303-913-4840
Victory Launches New Midnight Metallic Flame Cross Country Bagger
Published by December 13th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Last weekend at the Long Beach IMS Show, Victory displayed its offering of premium baggers (Cross Country, Cross Roads Classic, Hard-Ball, Zach Ness Cross Country) and unveiled a new Factory Custom Painted Cross Country featuring a metallic flame paint job.
Beyond the custom factory paint job, the bike got the same features than the other Cross Country models: a 106″ Freedom V-Twin engine, ABS brakes, 6-speed transmission with overdrive, 4.7″ of rear suspension travel, cruise control, fairing with integrated audio system with KICKER® Premium speakers. AM/FM/Weather radio is standard, along with an auxiliary cord to use your MP3/iPod® as your music source. Victory Motorcycles.
Spectacular Mexican Cop Crash Front Of The Camera
Published by December 13th, 2012 in Editorial and Videos.Mexican Cop leading in presidential cavalcade in Mexico City crashes front of the camera. Spectacular, but except a serious beating all over his body, the cop is ok…
Vertical Or Horizontal Side Mount License Plate Kit For Harley Sportster.
Published by December 13th, 2012 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Machined from 6061 T-6 Billet Aluminum, this Side Mount License Plate kit mounts to the left side of the swingarm & is secured with the rear axle nut. Depending on how you assemble it, your license plate will sit “Horizontal” or “Vertical.” Includes a very bright LED License Plate light. Comes in chrome or black anodizing with installation instructions and required mounting hardware. Made in the USA. At Accutronix 623-516-9600
Jesse James Discovery Build-Off Bike
Published by December 12th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Events.You wanted more pictures of it. Here they are, provided to me by Jesse James. There is what you see – metal work (chromoly 4130) – and what you can’t see – the mechanical prowess – As Jesse says “The devil is in the details”
Triumph Motorcycles To Move HQ Near Atlanta Airport. Following Porsche, it’s now the turn of British motorcycles manufacturer Triumph to move to the Hartsfield Centre office complex near the Atlanta airport. Triumph will be relocating about 50 jobs to and hiring dozens more employees in the next five years. Company executives said the new site will make it easier to bring clients and distributors to a showroom and offices.
Harley-Davidson 4 Millionth Motorcycle Has Been Delivered. On Monday afternoon, the owners of the 4 millionth motorcycle made at York vehicle operations have been visiting the plant to watch their motorcycle being completed. Robert and Susan Shingler, of Summerfield, S.C. recently bought the 4 millionth motorcycle have toured the factory to see the processes and met the people who made their midnight pearl Road Glide Ultra motorcycle.
Erik Buell Racing Secures Dealer Floorplan Financing. Erik Buell Racing (EBR) has about 30 dealers selling the company 1st production bike, the 1190RS. Through an agreement with GE Capital, EBR dealers will obtain bikes financing allowing them to stock more bikes on the showroomm. “I’m pleased that GE Capital, with its decades of experience in the motorsports industry, continues to support emerging manufacturers like EBR.” said Erik Buell. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Discovery Channel Build-Off. Chopper Live – The Revenge. And The Winner Is Team Paul Jr.
Published by December 12th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Events.
This Build-Off competition proves again that it is mainly about popularity and not necessarily about the bikes. Paul Jr, this year, like last, demonstrates that he owns the TV audience regardless of how unpractical and sometimes goofy his bikes may look. You don’t have a 10-year show on a major network without being extremely popular. Why? It’s somewhat a mystery to many, especially to professionals of the motorcycle industry. Junior please the audience and won again because he was voted TV favorite builder by fans, not because he always build the best bike. Sorry, Paulie. In a Build-Off, should bikes only be part of the competition?
Discovery Build-Off. Chopper Live – The Revenge. Winner Announced Tonight At 9e/8c PM.
Published by December 11th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Should Jesse James be disqualified for taking more time to complete his bike? Senior too…The show is called Chopper Live. But only #teamfastnloud built a chopper. Should #teamsenior, #teamjunior & #teamjesse be eliminated because they didn’t build a chopper? I can’t vote from my phone. Texting to 97979 doesn’t work for me! We didn’t see Jesse ride his bike. Blah, blah, blah on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Discovery channel blog … and in my website. Bet that the fans of the losers are still going to bitch 1 year after the build-off winner is announced.
Well, Chopper Live – the Revenge will be airing again tonight at 9e/8c, this time live from the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino stage. Introduction of each builder with his creation, interviews, performance by Lynrd Skynrd and announcement of the winner of the 2012 Discovery Build-Off. Waiting for the result, a few postcards from Vegas and a reminder of the way you can continue to vote for your preferred bike/builder.
Text to 97979
#teamjunior text 1
#teamjesse text 2
#teamfastnloud text 3
#teamsenior text 4
Start A Custom Engine Project With A New Twin Cam Shortblock Bottom End Manufactured To OEM Specs By Harley-Davidson
Published by December 11th, 2012 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
These crate engine shortblocks are manufactured and assembled on the Harley-Davidson Pilgrim Road engine assembly line and sold with cases, flywheels, bearings and rods already preassembled. The kit includes current-spec Original Equipment cam plate, oil pump, and cam drive components, and the gaskets, seals and most of the hardware required to complete the engine and install it (some components not shown). Continue reading ‘Start A Custom Engine Project With A New Twin Cam Shortblock Bottom End Manufactured To OEM Specs By Harley-Davidson’
Annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip Sweepstakes. A Cory Ness Customized Victory And Epiphone Guitar As Prizes.
Published by December 11th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Last weekend at The Sturgis Buffalo Chip®, International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California The Sturgis Buffalo Chip, known as The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling™, announced the opening of the annual Sturgis Rider® Sweepstakes with the official unveiling of the customized sweepstakes bike and matching guitar prize package. The Sturgis Rider® Sweepstakes awards one lucky Buffalo Chip® visitor a Cory Ness customized Victory Cross Country motorcycle and matching Epiphone Les Paul Studio guitar.
The winner will be announced live on the main stage of the Buffalo Chip® during the Sturgis motorcycle rally on Friday, August 9, 2013 prior to that night’s double headlining concerts. Sturgis Rider® Sweepstakes entries may now be made at Buffalo Chip www.BuffaloChip.com for this one-of-a-kind prize package that combines the world of music and motorcycling. Continue reading ‘Annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip Sweepstakes. A Cory Ness Customized Victory And Epiphone Guitar As Prizes.’
Discovery Build-Off. Chopper Live. The Revenge. Where Did You Place Your Bet?
Published by December 10th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
After wondering during the last 48 hours if he would make it on time for the Build-Off (read the story here), Jesse James is still on his way to Vegas (just 2 hours away at time of publishing), so about to meet the deadline to participate in tonight’s Discovery TV show. Competitors, Paul Jr;, Paul Sr., Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman are already on location since last Saturday.
In the 2-hour special of this Monday December 10 (9e/8c), you will see footage of the bikes being built during the 6 weeks given to the participants. Then, you will be asked to vote by text message for your preferred bike/builder.
Tomorrow Tuesday December 11, at the same time (9e/8c), a new 2-hour special live from the Las Vegas Hard Rock Cafe And Casino. Party time, on stage interviews of the builders by host Sal Masekela, music by legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd and the final results of this foursome bike building competition. So, tell me where do you place your bet, and why?
To vote, text to 97979
#teamjunior text 1
#teamjesse text 2
#teamfastnloud text 3
#teamsenior text 4
Polaris Industries Acquires KLIM Technical Riding Gear
Published by December 10th, 2012 in Accessories, Editorial and Merchandise.
With the objective of adding to the offerings in the parts, garments and accessories market, Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) acquired Teton Outfitters, LLC, a privately owned, Rigby, Idaho-based company which designs, develops and distributes KLIM an industry leader in technical riding gear.2012 sales for KLIM are anticipated to approach $30 million. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“The KLIM acquisition provides yet another growth opportunity for our PG&A business, a key contributor to Polaris’ top-line growth and profitability,” said Steve Eastman, Polaris’ vice president of PG&A. “KLIM is an established leader in the powersports apparel market with a strong track record of providing innovative, premium technical riding gear to a broad range of consumers. Adding an outstanding brand like KLIM, whose strengths complement our existing business, gives us a more complete PG&A product lineup, one which will flourish in the global market. We are excited to welcome KLIM employees into the Polaris family. With our common culture and vision, we believe this will be a mutually beneficial partnership for everyone involved.”
KLIM Technical Riding Gear is a global leader in designing, developing, sourcing and distributing the most advanced powersports apparel for the snowmobile and motorcycle rider. Utilizing the world’s highest technologies in waterproof, breathable, durable and comfortable materials, like GORE-TEX® product.
Japanese builder Ken Nagai spends most of his time globe trotting between Asia, Europe and the US, showing the couple of custom bikes he finds the time to create each year for his clients and of course promoting his Ken’s Factory extensive line of custom parts. Continue reading ‘Blow N’ Digger By Ken Nagai’
Discovery Build-Off Chopper Live – The Revenge. Jesse James Pre-Show Building Drama.
Published by December 9th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Since a few days the rumor was that Jesse James might not have his “Chopper Live – The Revenge” custom bike done in time for the Discovery TV 4-way Build-Off this Monday & Tuesday. A couple of weeks ago, thanks to a crazy design, Jesse’s project already didn’t make the deadline requested by the Discovery production guys (Pilgrims Production) to give them enough time to edit the full shooting of the 4 bikes in competition while they were built. These are the TV show images in the American Chopper 2-hour special you are going to watch on Monday evening just before you are given the opportunity to text message your vote for your preferred builder/bike.
Whatever your preference in terms of personality and style of bikes, no true custom builder can be challenged on hard work and tenacity, 2 qualities that Jesse owns more than many. On his bikes, Jesse works mostly alone, calling for help only in extreme cases.
Jesse doesn’t care too much that the Discovery will not be able to get all images of his build until completion for the Monday evening show. What is more important for him is to make it on time on Tuesday evening to the Las Vegas Hard Rock Cafe stage with a very rideable custom bike, not with a pretty rolling sculpture. My name is Jesse…
Only those who never built something from scratch with their hands will not understand, but all others know that in our business bad things happen (in this case a bent main shaft drive), especially when you are the first to try something radically new, fabricating a one-off chassis and assembling on it parts that never met before on a motorcycle. Jesse’s story is not a publicity stunt. I was a far away witness, in contact with Jesse by email and text messages, of what unfolded for him during the last 4 days.
Last Thursday December 6, Jesse tweeted “Rolled the dice on a crazy design and it’s just not working…”. Then, again, on Friday December 7 at 2 a.m. “With my back against the wall, I called the best, Chris Rusch and Bert Baker. So blessed to have these guys drop everything and jump on planes to lend a hand and see if we can fix this. Working again all night…” Saturday December 8. 12.31 p.m. Text from Jesse on my phone “Cyril, I will not make it to the build-off. You can announce it. Want details?” 12.37 p.m. I reply “Not making it? Explain and send all details”
During this time, Christo Doyle from the Discovery channel tweets a picture of the Las Vegas Hard Rock Cafe and Casino stage being completed for the Live TV Show on Tuesday December 11 (9 ET/8 C). Then Christo tweets again “Saturday and still no Jesse James here. Today we are shooting desert riding shots around Las Vegas, but only with three bikes…” 3.17 pm. Jesse to me “All new frame & transmission design failed. Remaking everything. Pulled in Bert Baker and Chris Rusch to help. Worked till 4am last night. Parts I need are coming on plane right now. Going to work all night again…” Me to Jesse “You still can make it. Either way it goes, continue to try. Update me with texts pictures at any time.” Jesse to me at 3.25 p.m. “I will try and try …” Continue reading ‘Discovery Build-Off Chopper Live – The Revenge. Jesse James Pre-Show Building Drama.’
This weekend only, the original Munro Special is on display at the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach at the Indian booth in Long Beach. She’s a beauty and it was fired up to the cheers of the crowd…
Precision Billet Products Extends Darkside Line To Harley Sportster Models
Published by December 9th, 2012 in Controls, Customs and Engines.
Inspired by 16th Century symbolism, the Darkside line from Precision Billet Products has been extended to Harley Sportster models and other motorcycles. Each collection design produced by the company is limited to 2500 sets, making your custom parts somewhat exclusive to your ride.
The Darkside Air Cleaner Cover works with all K&N Hi-Flo air filters while the Darkside Shift Linkage for H-D Sportsters is fully adjustable and includes helm joints and all mounting hardware. Other parts in the line include foot pedals, horn covers, gas caps, hand grips, exhaust tips, clutch covers and more.They are crafted from T6061 Aircraft Grade Billet Aluminum, offered in chrome or black anodized contrast cut. Sold online at Precision Billet Products or call 480-813.1833
Indian Motorcycle Unveils The 2013 Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition
Published by December 8th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Yesterday evening at the LA International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, executives of Polaris/Indian unveiled to the press the very limited edition 2013 Indian Chief Vintage FE (for Final Edition.) It is the last version of the Kings Mountain era Indian Chiefs before the release of the brand new Polaris/Indian model in 2013 during Sturgis Bike Week. A stunning and powerful bike (105″ PowerPlus engine), it features the 1939 World’s Fair paint scheme of Thunder Black and Indian Red with gold pinstripes. To make it even more distinctive, each Final Edition features a numbered frame badge. So you know your exact place in the Indian legacy.
The 2013 Indian Chief FE marks the end of an era and is a tribute to all that was and all that will be. Steve Menneto, Polaris Industries Vice President of Motorcycles said: “We are working hard designing and building the new Indian Motorcycle, but we knew it was important to honor and celebrate the long and proud heritage of Indian Motorcycle. The Kings Mountain era played a key role in that continuing history. The Final Edition is an acknowledgement of our gratitude to the team at Kings Mountain for sustaining the Indian Motorcycle story and its heritage as America’s original motorcycle brand.” MSRP of the 2013 Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition starts at $37,599 in the US and $39,599 in Canada. Due to a very limited number of units available, you are encouraged to contact immediately an Indian Motorcycle Dealer. All model specifications after the jump. Continue reading ‘Indian Motorcycle Unveils The 2013 Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition’
Best Shopping Ideas For The Holidays
Published by December 8th, 2012 in Accessories, Editorial and Events.
He lives and breathes everything Apple, or he got a passion for photography or movie making and want to be the next Scorcese, or is in hunting, guns and knives. Awesome gift ideas at this website. This Pak. Thank me for all the money you are going to spend…
The New Indian Motorcycle Engine Sound. Listen To It Here.
Published by December 7th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial, Engines and Events.
High energy this Friday at the the 32nd annual Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach where more than 150 manufacturers of motorcycles, parts, accessories and apparel are expecting 55,000 visitors during this weekend.
There was great anticipation on the Indian Motorcycle display where the engine sound of the brand new Indian model by Polaris (expected to be released at Sturgis time) was unveiled to the media, then to visitors. Maximum volume on your computer and listen to it in the video below.
2012 Custom Chrome Europe Rookie Awards
Published by December 7th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
It’s always a great idea for the benefit of the whole motorcycle industry to motivate younger custom bike builders and to reward them for their creativity and craftsmanship skills. In November 2011 Axel Sherer, Marketing Manager of Custom Chrome Europe, got the idea of contacting young builders via Facebook, their preferred social network platform. Through a CCE Facebook digital page called “Generation Internet” young builders were approached, were given the rules of the Rookie Bike Building Competition (building the bike themselves without any outside help and to be under 29 to participate) and a deadline of July 2012 to finish their custom projects. From the entries, the top three competitors were invited to the 2012 annual CUSTOMBIKE show at Bad Salzuflen in Germany, one of the most important events on the European custom trade fair event calendar. I am happy to promote the top 3 winners. (photography copyright Horst Roesler, courtesy to Cyril Huze)
1st Place Rookie Award.
Enrico “Ricky” De Haas, Germany.
Bike “Messed Up”
1971 Ironhead Sportster
Rat Style rocks!
2nd Place Rookie Award
1st Place Jammer Old School Class
Roland Hirschmann, Austria
Bike “El Nagual”.
1975 Harley 1200 FX Continue reading ‘2012 Custom Chrome Europe Rookie Awards’
Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting. Well, for example, the other day, Bev my wife and I went into town and visited a shop. When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket.
We went up to him and I said, “Come on, man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?” He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I called him an “a–hole” . He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn-out tires.
So Bev called him a “s–t head”. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing more tickets. This went on for about 20 minutes. The more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote.
Just then our bus arrived, and we got on it and went home. We try to have a little fun each day now that we’re retired. It’s important at our age. (sent by Mike Chadwick)
New York Federal Appeals Court Upholds Motorcycle Roadblocks
Published by December 7th, 2012 in Events.
The Court of Appeals for the New York Second Circuit backs roadblocks for the purpose of issuing citations.
In 2007, the New York State Police began using federal taxpayer grant money to target these motorcyclists with the stated objective “to detect motorcycle safety violations and ensure proper registration and operator compliance with New York State’s motorcycle license requirements.
The first roadblock was set up on October 7, 2007 to hit participants returning from a motorcycle rally nearby in Connecticut. Signs were posted on Interstate 84 ordering motorcycle riders to “exit ahead” while a uniformed police officer directed traffic into a rest area. From there, a total of 280 motorcyclists were detained and forced to undergo “full-blown inspections” that generated 104 traffic tickets. The most common citation was for improper helmet.
In 2008, a total of 17 roadblocks were held, detaining 2278 motorcyclists who were issued 600 tickets for infractions that had nothing to do with safety. Another 365 citations were issued for use of an unapproved helmet. Several detained bikers sued the state police after they were detained 45 minutes or more. Continue reading ‘New York Federal Appeals Court Upholds Motorcycle Roadblocks’
Only Known To Exist 1905 Leo Motorcycle To Be Auctioned At Bonhams Las Vegas
Published by December 6th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The exciting discovery in New England brings to light an obscure California-made motorcycle once thought extinct. Thought to be the sole surviving example of a marque lost to time is a recently discovered, complete and original, 1905 Leo Two-Cycle made by the L.A. Mitchell Manufacturing Company of Oakland, California.It will be another headliner at the third Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction on Thursday, January 10th at the Bally’s Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
This machine is historically significant for several reasons. Vehicles of California manufacture are exceedingly uncommon. Leo is thought to have been produced for just one year, 1905, and this now represents perhaps the earliest surviving example of an American two-stroke motorcycle. Unlike many manufacturers of the day, the Leo was a purpose-built motorcycle utilizing a motorcycle – not a bicycle – frame. It’s lightweight and compact motor demonstrates the brand’s progressive vision as two-cycle engines weren’t commonly used in American motorcycles until after World War I. Nor was this machine, simply a prototype as close examination shows evidence of many miles of use, suggesting an explicit, well-sorted product. Continue reading ‘Only Known To Exist 1905 Leo Motorcycle To Be Auctioned At Bonhams Las Vegas’
Harley-Davidson 4Q Sales Rebounding From Summer Slowdown. According to a BMO Capital Markets Corp. analyst Harley-Davidson Inc. motorcycle sales have revved up after a late summer slowdown, and the Milwaukee manufacturer is on pace to achieve 9 percent retail unit sales growth worldwide in the fourth quarter. Dealer feedback and recent sales and registration data indicates that Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales have rebounded nicely from a late summer slowdown. Retail sales would run up close to 15 percent in October and up low double digits in November. Consumers and dealers seem especially pleased with new motorcycle models, including 110th Anniversary editions, the new CVO Breakout, the redesigned Street Bob, additions to the HD1 program, and hard candy paint jobs
Florida #1 for Speeding Tickets, Wyoming #1 for Speed Deaths. As you may know, Texas drivers can now legally outgun the rest of the U.S. with a new 85 MPH speed limit between Austin and San Antonio. But it’s in Florida that you run the greatest risk of getting slapped with a speeding ticket. Georgia, Nevada, Texas and Alabama follow Florida as the Top 5 states for speeding (Texas ranks a mere #4). Wyoming drivers, meanwhile, have the highest rate of speeding-related deaths in the nation. 25 million speeding tickets are issued nationwide each year, and drivers pay an average of $150 per ticket. These findings are part of newly released data just published in the “Need for Speed” infographic on Bankrate’s Insurance Quotes website. These statistics are for all vehicles.
Aiming To Achieve In Bonneville A Land Speed Record Of 400 mph+. James Toseland from the UK, a former two-time World Superbike champion is aiming at reaching this speed or more at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, in September 2014. The current Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) record is 376.363mph is held by American ‘Rocky’ Robinson. Toseland is backed by an all-British team, led by former GP and TT sidecar racer Alex Macfadzean. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
