Published by Cyril Huze October 23rd, 2012
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Today October 23, 2012 before Wall Street opening, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) reported earnings per share of $0.59 for the third quarter of 2012, in line with Company expectations. Earnings were lower than the year-ago period due to a previously announced plan for lower third-quarter motorcycle shipments during the launch of an ERP production system at the Company’s largest assembly plant. For the full year 2012, Harley-Davidson continues to forecast a five-to seven-percent increase in motorcycle shipments compared to 2011. Industry-wide U.S. heavyweight new motorcycle (651cc-plus) retail unit sales increased 3.8 percent through nine months of 2012 compared to the prior-year period.
Retail Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sales: Through nine months, retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 6.0 percent overall, 6.2 percent in the U.S. and 5.4 percent internationally compared to the year-ago period. In the third quarter, retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 1.3 percent worldwide compared to the prior-year period, with unit sales down 5.2 percent in the U.S. and up 7.6 percent in international markets.
On a worldwide basis: dealers sold 61,053 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 61,838 motorcycles sold in the year-ago period. Dealers sold 40,402 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S. compared to sales of 42,640 units in last year’s third quarter. In international markets, dealers sold 20,651 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the third quarter compared to sales of 19,198 units in the year-ago period. During the quarter, retail unit sales increased 32.3 percent in the Latin America region, 9.8 percent in the Asia Pacific region and 1.8 percent in the EMEA region and decreased 4.7 percent in North America (U.S. and Canada) compared to last year’s third quarter. Through nine months, dealers sold 206,444 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles worldwide, with retail unit sales up 47.5 percent in the Latin America region, 14.1 percent in the Asia Pacific region and 6.0 percent in North America and down 2.9 percent in the EMEA region compared to the year-ago period. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Reports Third-Quarter And Nine-Month Results’
Published by Cyril Huze October 23rd, 2012
in Editorial.
You have 1 minute to give the answers to this quick test.
Did you pass?
Answer after the jump. Continue reading ‘Intelligence Test. Would You Pass?’
Published by Cyril Huze October 22nd, 2012
in Builders and Customs.
Published by Cyril Huze October 21st, 2012
in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
One of the most wanted taillights by those who want to add a touch of nostalgia to their ride, the old school style model A light assembly gets an update from Lick’s Cycles with a new wet-look black powder coated finish.
Along with the brilliant red and amber face plate, each assembly is fit with a clear lens and 12 volt bulb on the underside for license plate illumination.
Measurements are approximately 3.5″wide X 2″ deep and each comes with wire leads and accommodations for optional fender or side mounting hardware.
Suggested retail is just $69.95 and that includes both the plain lens and one other lens of your choice at no additional cost. Complete details and ordering at Licks Cycles .
Published by Cyril Huze October 21st, 2012
in Editorial.
I live and work 1/4 of a mile from the Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida where Barack Obama and Mitt Romney will debate tomorrow Monday October 22, 2012 at 9 p.m. ET. Returning from Daytona Biketoberfest I just found out that intense security is already in place on a very wide perimeter reaching my HQ. Americans are so polarized about this election that I thought a few good jokes should be helpful in helping everybody relax. Here are the new rules for tomorrow’s debate (by Frank Cerabino from PB Post)
1. A coin toss will be used to determine who speaks first. If President Obama wins, he may use the coin to pay down the country’s $16 trillion debt. If Gov. Romney wins, he may deposit the coin in the Cayman Islands.
2. The candidates will take the stage from opposite directions, approach each other, and engage in a handshake of no less than five seconds and no more than 10 seconds. The pressure of the handshake should not exceed 20 psi. During the handshake, both candidates must smile broadly at each other while mouthing, “douche bag.”
3. As part of their introductory remarks, both candidates will be allowed 30 seconds to praise the academic programs at Lynn University, even though they had no idea the place even existed until they arrived.
4. Throughout the debate, candidates will be prohibited from getting assistance from hidden listening devices, stage props or aerial drones. Continue reading ‘Political Jokes For The Presidential Debate In My City Of Boca Raton, Florida’
Published by Cyril Huze October 20th, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
Corrected 10/20/12 at 8.45 p.m. ET.
The Board Of Directors of The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum And Hall Of Fame has nominated Kenny Price, founder and CEO of Samson Motorcycle Products Inc, as a new Board Member. “The Godfather Of Pipes”, is the inventor and leading innovator of numerous patented and high-performance exhaust systems for Harley Davidson and Metric Cruiser motorcycles. He is currently moving his company from Brea, California to a new 3-acre site in Sturgis Industrial Park, South Dakota where he just started construction of a 45,000 square foot building to be completed in April 2013 and where he intends to hire 30 employees. He is now a resident of Spearfish, SD. Christine Paige Diers is the current Executive Director of the museum.
Published by Cyril Huze October 20th, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze October 19th, 2012
in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
They are a direct bolt-on replacementson all Harley-Davidson models equipped with OEM floorboards. CNC crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum and hand inlaid with a “Posi-Grip” pyramid anti-slip high density rubber to provide a comfort and look. These Teardrop boards are available in both a mid-size (14″ x 7.5) and full size lengths (16″ x 7.5″) for driver and passenger, in chrome or black or white powder coa and contrast cut finish. Kit is sold in pair with mounting brackets. At Precision Billet.
Published by Cyril Huze October 19th, 2012
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze October 19th, 2012
in Editorial.
A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules, so the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband’s funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack. The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted. The widow’s son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read: Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
Published by Cyril Huze October 18th, 2012
in Controls and Customs.
Many tall riders loving and riding Harley Sportsters dislike their legs position on this small bike. To help people with a long inseam stretch out, Accutronix has added to their line a +6″ Forward Control Extension kit that you can install on all 2004-Up Sportsters. The shift & brake rods are polished stainless steel. The +6″ forward control Extension Plates (machined from 6061 T-6 Billet Aluminum are powder coated gloss black to match your frame) bolt to the frame where the stock Sportster forward controls are mounted at the factory. Then, the Shift & Brake arms as well as the foot pegs then mount 6″ forward from the stock location. Full Sportster Kit retails for $264.95. Made in Phoenix, AZ by Accutronix. 623-516-9600.
Published by Cyril Huze October 18th, 2012
in Editorial and Merchandise.
Published by Cyril Huze October 17th, 2012
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze October 17th, 2012
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Daytona Biketoberfest Organizers Would Like To Extend The Rally Beyond 4 Days. The convention and visitors bureau is trying to invigorate the entire off-season because they should be no “off-season” in the Daytona Beach area where weather is always great when compared to the northern states. Biketoberfest is a very important off-season boost to retailers. The 2-county area claims 600,000 visitors during Bike Week in March and 100,000 during Biketoberfest. Room to grow… But of course, a longer Biketoberfest is still a somewhat controversial proposal because not all region residents like the extra noise.
Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie Says The City Made Nearly $400,000 Off Of This Year’s Rally. At Monday night’s council meeting, Ainslie provided the 2012 Rally summary. Ainslie says vendor, sponsor and advertising revenue were all up this year. Rental property was also significantly higher this year. The city rents out space at the community center, liquor store, auditorium and on Main Street. Regarding expenses, s,anitation saw the biggest increase — up 12-percent over the previous year. The amount of garbage that is hauled away is one factor the city uses to determine annual attendance at the rally. Ainslie says this year, the city calculated that 445,700 people came to the Sturgis City, up 7% percent versus year 2011. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Published by Cyril Huze October 16th, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
The 20th edition of Biketoberfest starts this Thursday (October 18-21) just at the time the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan released its monthly Consumer Index reaching 83.1, the highest level since September 2007, from 78.3 the prior month. The gauge was projected to fall to 78. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index measures Americans’ perceptions on three important variables: the state of the economy, personal finances and whether it’s a good time to buy needed goods or services. Explanation: Rising stock and property values along with falling joblessness may keep giving Americans a psychological boost, brightening the household-spending outlook from now to the year-end holidays. Due to the US Presidential election on November 6, nobody knows for sure if this renewed confidence is sustainable. Continue reading ‘2012 Daytona Biketoberfest. October 18-21.’
Published by Cyril Huze October 16th, 2012
in Builders, Customs and Events.
In 20 years the Ducati Monster has become a timeless icon.
About 250,000 units sold until today, and to celebrate this 2-wheel symbol of style and personality, Ducati is offering a unique model.
A Bronze-coloured frame, chromium-plated finish, gold finish Brembo braking system, swingarm in grey, chrome plated headlamp support, vintage Ducati ’86 logo on the tank. Old style combined with latest-generation performance.
Price TBA. Ducati Monster.
Published by Cyril Huze October 16th, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the 2013 Hall of Fame and the 2013 Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame. Individuals, organizations and businesses considered for induction into the Hall of Fame will have made a positive and significant impact on motorcycling. Individuals considered for the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame will have made a significant impact through their work in grassroots rights efforts.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors the men and women who have dedicated much of their lives to improving, promoting and advancing our great sport and lifestyle. The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists through their efforts in the political arena and in grass roots motorcyclists rights organizations. Anyone who knows of a deserving individual can help the museum recognize these exceptional and deserving people by sending in a nomination. Continue reading ‘Call For Nominations Into the 2013 Sturgis Motorcycle And Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame’
Published by Cyril Huze October 16th, 2012
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
From XTreme Machine, a company & brand now part of the Performance Machine gGoup, a new line of “Xcessories”, like these horn covers, that will look even better if you match their designs to the ones of the current X-Treme Wheels lineup.
Available to match all ten XM wheel designs these CNC machined custom covers are available in Chrome, Black and Black Cut and quickly install on 1991-2012 Big Twin Harley Davidson models.
Retail pricing is $159.95. More information at (800) 479-4037 or visit Xtreme Machine USA.
Published by Cyril Huze October 15th, 2012
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze October 14th, 2012
in Customs and Driveline.
Made narrow to fit as a bolt-on for touring models with floorboards, this open drive comes complete with all the fancy covers and doo-dads that you could possibly ever want.
This Primo® belt drive utilizes a high performance, severe duty 8mm drive belt riding on Primo’s high quality forged 6061 aluminum pulleys machined to exacting specifications on their gear shapers California manufacturing plant. Continue reading ‘Primo Bolt-On Belt Drive For 1990-2006 FXR & Touring models.’
Published by Cyril Huze October 14th, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze October 13th, 2012
in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
During a long time, like Ford’s original Model A, most of Mustang’s seats came in any color you wanted… as long as it was black.
In a departure from this philosophy, Mustang is now offering distressed brown seats as well as custom diamond stitching options. The latest seats to get the stylish stitching option are Mustang options for the 2011-2013 Harley-Davidson “Blackline” and “Slim” Softail models.
Mustang offers 2 seats for both bikes. The Wide Touring Seat is a generous 16” wide while the matching passenger seat is 11.5” wide. The Wide Tripper Seat is 13” wide with or without a driver backrest while the passenger seat is only 9.5” wide.
They are direct factory bolt-on and feature mustang’s proprietary polyurethane foam material and patented base plate. Made in the USA. Mustang Seats.
Published by Cyril Huze October 13th, 2012
in Books and Editorial.
If you can’t pass a padlocked garage without wondering if there is a great old bike stashed inside, this is your book. Among all our fantasies – we all have quite a few – collectors put the one of re-discovering an old long-forgotten motorcycle at the top of their list.
The Harley in the Barn offers 40-plus amazing tales of lost Harleys, Nortons, hidden Hondas, dormant Indians, and busted BSAs, all squirreled away from prying eyes but found by lucky collectors just like you. 40 more opportunities for you to fantasize until it’s your turn to strike gold…
Warning. These stories of “Motorcycle Archeology”, can make you spend all your days off and weekends driving down country roads, visit lots of old farmsteads and push the doors of hundreds of sheds. Yes, you can get as much luck as anybody else.
Author Tom Cotter is not only a barn-find master, but a master of discovering the collectors with the best stories and the most outlandish finds. Foreword by Pat Simmons. 256-page hard cover book. $20.26. Order at The Harley in the Barn: More Great Tales of Motorcycle Archaeology.
