If Donald Trump would ride a Harley, he would install right away these gold switch caps. And since he doesn’t ride, no shame in doing it for your own bike. Just a question of taste… These new gold switch cap kits let you update your black OEM ones without replacing the entire switch. Quick and easy installation. Sold in six, eight or ten pieces to accommodate most 96-13 Harley-Davidson models. The suggested retail price starts at $39.95. At your local Drag Specialties Dealer.
Archive Page 197
Gold Switch Caps To Bling Your Harley-Davidson Hand Controls
Published by November 17th, 2012 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.American Chopper Canceled After 10 Years On The Air
Published by November 16th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
After 10 years and 233 episodes of a style called the “Doc Soap Reality” TV show, Discovery has decided to cancel American Chopper, one of its most popular programs. The custom bike that you will see in the December 10-11 “4-way build-off” TV show on Discovery, also called “The Revenge” (a face-off against Jesse James and the 2 builders of the series “Fast N’ Loud”) should be the last one built by the Teutuls that you will see on TV.
American Chopper was launched in 2002 as a Discovery Channel special, then reconnected as a regular series. In 2008, Discovery moved the show to its sister channel TLC. A couple years passed, then the litigation between Paul Senior and Paul Junior and arguments with the network prompted TLC to cancel the show. Parties made up and in 2010 the show was relaunched under a new concept: “American Chopper: Junior vs. Senior” Then the series reverted to its original title of “American Chopper” and aired again on Discovery. Whatever the critics, it was a powerful TV show and thanks to their antics and fights, the Teutuls made a fortune. But, who knows what the future holds for the Teutuls… Continue reading ‘American Chopper Canceled After 10 Years On The Air’
Champions Moto Offers 3 Bespoke Triumph Models
Published by November 16th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.Champions Moto founded by Richard Varner and Terry Karges, is a custom motorcycle company and lifestyle fashion label based out of Costa Mesa, Calif. The business is dedicated to handcrafting concept bike parts and designing vintage motorcycles powered by modern superbike engines.
“As a British bike enthusiast, I wanted a motorcycle that looked like a flat track racer or café racer from the ‘60s, but with the reliability of a modern superbike,” says Champions Moto Co-Founder Richard Varner. “We couldn’t find a turn-key motorcycle offering the type of performance and appearance we were looking for in a bike, so we decided to build our own. We set out to create a trio of completely different models that allows customers to order exactly what they want – a truly bespoke hand-built motorcycle.”
Headlining the group is the SO-CAL Miler, a 355-pound bike powered by an 865cc Triumph Bonneville Twin that produces 78 horsepower and 55 ft-lb of torque at the rear wheel. The SO-CAL Miler was created as a partnership between Champions Moto and the legendary SO-CAL Speed Shop and features a Champions Moto gas tank, tail section, side panels and front number plate with twin headlights hand-crafted from aluminum. Only 20 Milers are scheduled to be built and each will wear discreet SO-CAL badging with a choice of metal finishes.
For pure speed, Champions Moto offers the Triumph-powered Street Tracker, a no-frills performance machine with a Hinckley Triumph twin making 75 rear wheel horsepower nestled in an all-new Champions Moto frame. Lightweight components made from titanium and carbon fiber help the featherweight flyer weigh in at a mere 305 pounds, creating a superbike with traditional street fighter styling cues and a power-to-weight ratio in superbike territory. Continue reading ‘Champions Moto Offers 3 Bespoke Triumph Models’
Progressive Suspension 944 Series Shocks And New Frequency Sensing Technology For Harley Touring Models
Published by November 16th, 2012 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
Introduced only a few years ago, Progressive’s innovative 940 Series shocks became the go-to for Harley-Davidson touring riders looking to eat up big miles in bigger comfort. Now they tell us they’ve made them better with the addition of a new technology damper and updated the series to 944. What’s the difference? They say just about everything changed, beginning with a proprietary damper dubbed Frequency Sensing Technology for its unique ability to dynamically adjust damping as you ride.
FST (Frequency Sensing Technology) is described by their engineering team as like having two sets of shocks on your bike. One set to comfortably and efficiently smooth away those nasty exposed aggregate road surfaces, weather cracks and expansion joints, and a second set to handle the big jobs like drainage dips, speed bumps, bottoming control and cornering stability.
This patent pending technology features frequency sensitive damping circuits which enable the new 944 Series to deliver unsurpassed performance and comfort. Continue reading ‘Progressive Suspension 944 Series Shocks And New Frequency Sensing Technology For Harley Touring Models’
Some people don’t realize the simple beauty the open road can have. The best way to enjoy the road is on a motorcycle…A short video by Andrew Quinone for those who understand…and those who need to understand. (sourced by Mike Greenwald)
Carbon Fiber Fenders. Have You Thought About It?
Published by November 15th, 2012 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
They appear on quite a few customs. The reasons? Light, very strong and durable and a unique look if you keep them “raw”, non painted.
Carbon fiber fenders and tanks are not new in the industry, but more often used on sport bikes. Rods & Rides Motorcycle company sees an opportunity in the American V-Twin custom industry and now offers ready to bolt-on narrow & wide 21″fenders to accommodate the 120 series tires, 23″ for both front and rear, even the extra-wide to cover the 330 mm and 360 mm rear tires.
Their fenders are delivered ready to be trimmed and mounted, nothing else needed. There is no need for paint or polish. The price is a flat $599.00 across the board no matter what size you pick. Rods & Rides Motorcycle Company. 888-70
Jill Ivers Rides Her 1941 Indian Scout To 103.221 MPH At El Mirage Dry Lake
Published by November 15th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
She was pursuing the record in her category during the past 5 years. She never went over 91 mph on her 1941 Indian Scout. But her steady persistence was just rewarded at the legendary El Mirage dry lake.
Jill Ivers did a pass at 103.221, sailing into the records book, besting the APS-VG speed record of 100 mph.
She credits Dave Iverson,light weight pistons, dual exhaust … and Mother Nature at her back! Congrats to her.
Harley-Davidson Bike Sales Up 10% In October? A Citi analyst said Wednesday that it appears Harley-Davidson Inc.’s October sales rose more than analysts previously thought. Gregory Badishkanian said that based on checks with Harley dealers, it looks like retail sales rose 10 percent in October, while most analysts expected the company to post an increase in the mid-single digits for the month. In comparison, the company’s sales rose 9 percent in September and fell 5 percent in the third quarter, he said. He called the double-digit jump “encouraging,” because it may indicate that September’s sales increase wasn’t just due to pent-up demand stemming from the late launch of a new model. “We expect November to be a noisy month with U.S. retail sales likely being impacted by the storms as well as greater levels of pessimism from dealers and core Harley customers due to the election results,” Badishkanian wrote in a note to investors.
Lightning Motorcycles Uses Solar Power To Set El Mirage Speed Record At 189 mph. The energy for the motorcycle was supplied courtesy of the sun. Its rays fed a 48-kWh battery pack attached to a mobile solar array, which in turn, fueled the bike’s on-board batteries. On the 1.3-mile course that runs downs the El Mirage dry lake bed the solar powered Lightning motorcycle (sponsored by solar technology company SMA) reached a speed of 189.086 mph. A handful of customers will begin receiving the same type of motorcycle within the next 60 days or so. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
It’s Back Again. Baker Drivetrain “Cash For Crap” Program.
Published by November 15th, 2012 in Customs, Driveline, Editorial and Events.
You have one week until November 21, 2012 to benefit from this program. Have an old, tired, stock transmission? Was your custom chopper built with a knock-off transmission that’s impossible to service?
BAKER wants to give you cash for it! Between now and November 21, 2012, send them your old worn out transmission and they will apply a 15% off credit on your purchase of a BAKER OD6, DD6, DD7 or OD6R! Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade with the best of the best! Contact their expert sales staff at 877-640-2004 and ask about the Cash for Crap program. Baker Drivetrain.
You can dramatically change the look of your carburetor with this retro looking finned top cover.
For CV carburetors, but can be fitted on others with the included iron plate.
Polished cast aluminum or in black. At Chop Works.
When I was contacted by Charlie Giordano, owner of Von Braun Precision Exhaust, a 2-year old company specializing in high end exhaust mufflers for Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles (that you can also fit on other bikes via slip-fit adapters), he was somewhat surprised when I told him that I never heard about his company or products. A custom bike being one sure way to build brand notoriety and image, he built this custom Honda VT1100, hoping that it will tease you emough to make you jump to his website to discover his very radical touring mufflers. Continue reading ‘Custom Honda VT1100.’
Here’s Your Chance To Own A One-Of-A-Kind Victory Dream Bagger
Published by November 14th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.Victory teamed up with Gibson Guitars to create a one of a kind bagger inspired by axeman Jason Hook’s (from band Five Finger Death Punch) Explorer guitar “Sarge.” Victory took Jason legendary guitar as inspiration for a custom Victory bagger, and now this bad-ass bike can be yours on December 2nd at Julian’s Auction House: juliensauctions.com. Sign up now at this ADDRESS to get an email reminder prior to the auction and learn more about Victory Motorcycles.
Founded in 2002, the Gibson Foundation is committed to making the world a better place for children by creating, developing and supporting programs and other non-profit organizations in their efforts to advance education, music and the arts, the environment and health & welfare causes.
Marketplace Events And Italian Trade Commission Join Forces For American International Motorcycle Expo
Published by November 14th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
Highlights From A Press Release Sent By The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo)
AIMExpo added significantly to its strong foundation with today’s major announcement of the signing of a formal agreement between Marketplace Events (MPE) and the Italian Trade Commission (ITC) at the opening day of Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori (EICMA) 2013 in Milan, Italy.
The new partnership positions the ITC as MPE’s sales agent to Italian powersports companies who market to America and seek to establish and strengthen essential connections by exhibiting at next October’s AIMExpo in Orlando, Fla. In turn, AIMExpo will showcase Italian products to the North American marketplace by working with ITC’s Los Angeles office to create an “Italian Pavilion” at the inaugural show.
“It makes every sense to announce our collaboration today at EICMA, as EICMA has very much been the inspiration for AIMExpo from day one,” said Larry Little, Vice President & General Manager of MPE’s Motorcycle Group. “The agreement with ITC to showcase AIMExpo to Italian industry is as exciting as the creation of the Italian Pavilion at AIMExpo to showcase Italian product to U.S. retailers and consumers. The American consumer has a clear appreciation for Italian design, evident in the style and beauty of Italian motorcycles and related gear which will be on full display at the Italian Pavilion.”
The ITC is the government agency that promotes the internationalization of Italian companies all over the world with offices in 80 countries and more that 1,000 events per year. Riccardo Maria Monti, Chairman of the Italian Trade Commission, commented on the partnership. Continue reading ‘Marketplace Events And Italian Trade Commission Join Forces For American International Motorcycle Expo’
4-Way Bike Build-Off Between Jesse James, Paul Jr, Paul Sr And Garage Gas Monkey. Let’s The Trash Talk Begin.
Published by November 13th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.You will have to wait until December 10 on the Discovery Channel to see what the builders have built (footage of each shop 6-week fabrication job), and December 11 for the winner of this 4-way build-off to be decided live in Las Vegas. Of course, trash talking between competitors has already started and is even encouraged to build the largest audience possible when the TV runs its 2 segments. Verbal exchanges are made via TMZ, each shop website, social networks, the Discovery TV Shows “Outlaw Garage”, “American Chopper” and “Fast N’ Loud” in which star Richard Rawlings & Aaron Kaufman, the 2 partners of Garage Gas Monkey. These 2 need a little bit more notoriety, so they produced their own little video called “Exclusive Bike Build-Off Footage from Orange County Choppers” in which they make fun of Paul Teutul Junior & Senior. Good builders, ok. But good actors?
James Dean 1955 Triumph TR5 On Display At Indiana State Museum
Published by November 13th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
The James Dean’s 1955 Triumph TR5 500cc Trophy will be displayed starting November 23, 2012 at the Indiana State Museum for an “Eternal James Dean” exhibit. Almost in perfect condition, Dean owned it only a few months before he was killed at the age of 24 in a car crash while driving his Porsche. the “Rebel Without A Cause” was born in Marion and raised on the farm of his uncle in Fairmount, Indiana after his mother passed away. The museum will also exhibit the “’1949 Ford (red, huge white walls) Dean borrowed from his uncle to ferry his date to and from his high school prom, but not his Porsche because it disappeared after his death and was never recovered.
ABS Composite Versus Fiberglass. Savings…
Published by November 13th, 2012 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
“Cyril. I’ve got a new process where I’m able to reproduce some of my components in ABS composite. See images of my Harley Dyna chin fairing for 2006 and up models, including the popular ‘Switchback’ and ‘FatBob’ models. With this new process I’m able to reproduce these parts at a significantly lower price than I can when doing them in hand-laid fiberglass.
Here’s an example: The fiberglass version of my Dyna chin fairing sells for $169.95 – Now in this ABS composite version I sell these for $99.95 including shipping to any of the lower 48 states, and pro-rated shipping worldwide. This price includes the hardware and mounting bracket . The fairing can be installed with a couple of allen wrenches in 15 minutes or less with the provided mounting bracket. These new ABS chin fairings are a nice Heavy Gauge at a full 1/4 inch thick, at the thinnest point, unlike most comparable parts coming in from overseas. These are 100% American Made here at my shop in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
I’m currently working on a 1/4 fairing for the dual-headlight FatBob model which will be reproduced using the ABS composite material. I’ll send you images and information on that when it becomes available in a few weeks.” Doug Wozney.” Dougz Custom.
Pick your preferred bike and model. Photographed by motorsports and fashion photographer Jimmy “The Greek” Gianatsis, these cards feature the beautiful FastDates Calendar Kittens and will put a smile on the face of any recipient. Cards are available in boxed (10) Card Sets for $21.95 by jumping to Cafe Press Fast Dates.
Custom Harley Sportster Ironhead Built For A Rockabilly Speed Freak
Published by November 12th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
King Kerosin is a label born in a garage, specializing in vintage and rockabilly apparel. And when its creator decided that a promo motorcycle should be built to illustrate his collection catalog and promote the brand on the rock scene, his briefing to the shop was only 6 words. Build me a “Rockin’ Bike For A Sinful Lifestyle”… Continue reading ‘Custom Harley Sportster Ironhead Built For A Rockabilly Speed Freak’
On the left, the Drifter DLX. Featuring Bell’s innovative Speed Dial adjustable fit system for a perfect fit even with your gloves on. The system also drastically reduces the tendency for half shell helmets t lift off of the head. Low profile shell design while still passing DOT requirements. $99.95 (solid) to $109.95 (graphics) On the right, the Pit Boss. Ultra light TriMatrix construction keeps weight to a minimum while still passing through DOT standards. Also featuring the Speeed Dial adjustable fit system. Removavle neck curtain and drop down sunshield. From $119.85 (solid) to $129.95 (graphics) Street Bell Helmets.
One Man’s Obsession. The Ultimate Triumph Collection.
Published by November 11th, 2012 in Books and Editorial.The Triumph legend is cemented by numerous land speed records and race track successes and of course it did help a lot in the 50″s and 60’s that Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando rode their bikes. Most iconic models? Probably The Thunderbird, Bonneville, Tiger and Trident. One of the most obsessed men with the with the famous swooping badge is Bobby Sullivan. What started for him as a restoration project on an old Triumph 20 years ago grew into a collection of about 100 bikes, 80 in nearly perfect bikes. A wide variety of models, from early Singles to an immaculate Speed Twin, from an iconic 1953 Blackbird to a pair of 1970 Bonneville.
Moto journalist and photographer Tim Remus started to shoot these bikes 15 years. “Ultimate Triumph Collection” is a compilation of all these photos, with each bike presented on one page, each with a short caption. Photography needs context because collections aren’t built in a vacuum. So, chapters one and two provide an history of both the collection and of the man who built it. Most collections contain a few gems, and those bright diamonds fill the final chapter: The T110 with Swallow side car, the ultra rare 350cc 3H, the ’38 Speed Twin, and the new first-year Bonneville. Best Triumph collection you can admire in one book.
Hard Cover 10X10″, printed on art-quality paper. Price: $49.95 + $9.95 S&H to lower 48. Alaska, Hawaii and Overseas need to contact krista@wolfpub.com to arrange shipping. Books to lower 48 ship UPS Ground or Priority Mail, 5 to 8 business days to most US addresses. Order at Wolfgang Publications.
Exclusive. The Winners Of The Netherlands Bigtwin Bike Show (Part 2)
Published by November 10th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The 21st Bike Show Competition located in Rosmalen, in the Southern part of The Netherlands, organized by leading European custom bike magazine Bigtwin, saw over 100 participants coming from all over the continent.
In the Bigtwin Bike Show, all customs are competing in a single class with the 6 winners picked by an international panel of judges: Cory Ness (Arlen Ness Enterprises), Barry (Motor Technica, Belgium), Kenji Nagai (Cycle Craft), Horst Rösler (Freelance reporter / photographer) and Onno Wieringa (Freelance reporter / photographer)
Sponsored by Zodiac International, Harrison Billet, JR Promotions/WCC and Vulcanet, the event winners received over € 6000,00 in prize money and gifts.
Just a few hours ago they were called to receive their trophies. In exclusivity, I got the pictures of the 6 top winners. (photography copyright Onno “Bersek” Wieringa for Cyril Huze)
1st Place: Destiny Cycles with a 70’s Swedish style Panhead chopper and a breathtaking (or psychedelic) paint job (notice the crazy/beautiful engine treatment)
2nd Place: German builder Michael Naumann with a slim & clean Harley Shovelhead rolling on a pair of 26″ wheels from Rick’s Motorcycle.
3rd Place: Young Dutch bike builder Paul Van der Gullik who works for Dutch shop L&L Choppers with a custom featuring numerous one-off parts and a 2004 Sportster drivetrain.
4th Place: Larry Houghton from UK Lamb Engineering with a superb JAP replica powered Bobber style bike.
5th Place: Dutch builder Piet Smit with his rather extreme bike featuring a stock Royal Enfield engine cradled in very unusal frame with swooping lines. Not surprisingly, the bike is called “Olympic”
6th Place: Bike Builder Slaba Milan from Czech Republic MS Tuning with a Buell powered bike inside a home-made frame.
Netherlands Bigtwin Bike Show And Zodiac Dealer Show (Part 1)
Published by November 10th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
It’s one of the most interesting weekend events in Europe at the Autotron of Rosmalen in the Netherlands . With both dealer and public hours, the Bigtwin Bike Show and Zodiac Dealer Show is sponsored by big custom motorcycle parts distributor Zodiac whose catalog is published in no less than 5 languages…
On the first day of the event the Zodiac Dealer Show is open to the public with this year 36 Zofiac vendors and suppliers (from Europe & the US) present on the floor and doing brisk business. 2 teams of “young guns” are also competing until Sunday in a build-off competition. At the same time, about 100 customs are also competing in a bike show sponsored by leading Netherlands Vtwin Magazine. A few pictures of the atmosphere while I wait for the pictures of the winners. To follow… (pictures @ Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)
Rafik Kaissi owned a Barber Shop until he realized that his true passion was to turn sheet metal into custom motorcycles or working concepts…or sculptures. So, he bought a 2500 sq. ft barn and turned it into a shop called RK Concepts.
Saw this bike called the RK Thing in Sturgis at the AMD World Championship and thought that it was a one-off exercise of style, probably not followed by others. I was wrong. This weekend, at the Sema Show of Las Vegas, front of the auditorium, he is displaying 5 other outrageous creations and has no difficulty gathering a huge crowd.
So, why? will asks many of you. Because he can, because it makes him happy. He swears that each of his contraption can be ridden but knows very well that his market, if any, is not the client commissioning a custom daily ride. His objective? Providing motorcycles to the movie industry, the ones that he already built or the ones that could be ordered to fit in a story line for a certain character. A very, very, very narrow niche. But my best wishes to him. And if you wonder what is RK Thing is made on, jump to the following page to get the tech sheet. Continue reading ‘RK Concept Motorcycle. Why?’
New 2″ Throwback Brass Risers By Indian Larry Motorcycles
Published by November 9th, 2012 in Controls and Customs.
They are new, machined of brass, highly polished, fit 1″ OD handlebars, are sold with all hardware in US standard thread and made in New York.
The big incentive is that the regular price for a pair is $450, but all orders placed before November 15 will be honored at the very appealing price of $350.
Delivery date is December 20, just on time to be under your Christmas Tree.
Call on my behalf Elisa Seeger at Indian Larry Motorcycles Tel: 718.609.9184
Viper Motorcycle Company to Provide GE Capital Floorplan to Dealers. Inventory financing, also known as floorplan financing, allows dealers to stock, market and sell motorcycles and related products. It’s an important element of a successful manufacturer-dealer business model. Viper Motorcycle Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Viper Powersports, Inc. (OTCQB: VPWI), has entered into an agreement with GE Capital’s Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) business to provide financing to approved dealers that want to purchase Viper inventory. Under this agreement, the Company has a contingently liability to repurchase the inventory from the funder should the dealer experience a business failure. The floor plan funder does independent credit evaluations of all approved dealers.
Ducati North America Reported A 24% Retail Sales Increase During 3rd Quarter compared to the same three-month period a year ago, earning the company its ninth-straight quarter of retail sales growth. Ducati dealers collectively posted a 40 percent sales increase in September, the OEM reported. Growth is attributed to strong customer demand for several of its products including the 1199 Panigale and the Diave which became the company’s highest growing product in September, sporting a 66 percent increase compared to September 2011. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
White Knuckle. The Movie About The Motorcycle Cannonball.
Published by November 8th, 2012 in Editorial, Events and Videos.Ride along with Hot Rod Builder and Award Winning Filmmaker Brian Darwas as he travels coast to coast on the ultimate antique motorcycle endurance run, “The Motorcycle Cannonball”.
Witness as these bikes are pushed past their limits! Get an upfront look at parking lot engine rebuilds! and watch as the top guys in the motorcycle industry machine parts in the back of their vans to keep their bikes on the road, and in the race! Watch the first 10 minutes and if you like what you see, head on over to Atomic Hot Rods to get the complete movie. Approximately 60 minutes, with over 30 minutes of special features. DVD for $24.95.
