Archive Page 201

Handy New Wheel Chock For Trailer, Garage Or Floor Mount

Handy Industries, the well known manufacturer of motorcycle lifts and other shop products, announced the launch of their new Wheel Chock (Part #21400, $195.00). The all-in-one kit includes attachments for trailer mount, garage floor mount or lift mount.

The Handy Wheel Chock was designed to keep your motorcycle stable during transport, storage, or performance of routine maintenance. The easy to use chock has an adjustable rocker, giving versatility to fit multiple tire widths and diameters.

“I tested out multiple competitors when we were in the design stages of the Handy Wheel Chock, and this is by far the easiest one to use on the market”, stated Handy General Manager, Joel Jansen.

The Handy Chock is made of heavy-duty rolled steel with a black wrinkle texture powder coat that looks great and masks chips and scratches. More info and list of local distributors at Handy Industries.

Human Motorcycles For 2013 IMS Advertising Campaign

At first glance you see a beautiful woman riding a motorcycle, then you look closely. These  motorcycles have been created out of naked men and women and not one piece of clothing is being worn. The rider is not wearing any clothes, she is totally naked and painted. The motorcycle’s wheels, seat, frame and body is also made out of painted naked humans. In today’s congested world of advertising, everyone is trying to stand out and this unique creative ad campaign is going to make people “look closely!”
San Diego-based i.d.e.a. advertising agency created this advertising campaign for the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows 13 city nationwide show tour. The agency worked with professional San-Francisco-based Body Painter Trina Merry and a group of highly flexible and naked uninhibited models painted such a way that their bodies mimic motorcycle parts. (all photography copyright Juan Moreno courtesy to Cyril Huze)

Fast facts about the shoot:

• The models at the shoot were dancers, yoga instructors, aerialists and circus performers
• Number of hours each bike shot took from beginning to end:
◦ Harley: 15 hours
◦ Ducati: 18 hours
◦ KTM: 13.5 hours
• Number of air brushers on set: 8
• Number of massage therapists on set: 2
• Maximum amount of time a motorcycle pose was held: 2 minutes
• Minimum: less than 10 seconds
• Hours of behind-the-scenes video footage: 30

After the jump, watch the behind the scenes video on the making of “Human Motorcycles” Continue reading ‘Human Motorcycles For 2013 IMS Advertising Campaign’

Sturgis Buffalo Chip Legends Ride Tickets Now Available. And You Can Win A Free VIP Upgrade Package.

Is it too soon to talk about the 2013 Sturgis Rally? Not for those who try, too late, to register to participate to the famous Legends Ride known as the kick-off event to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

So, The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® is pleased to announce tickets are now available for the 2013 event to be held on August 5, 2013. In the past 5 years The Legends Ride® is  has raised nearly $300,000 for local charities.

New for the 2013 and 6th annual Buffalo Chip Legends Ride® is the opportunity for one lucky ticket holder to win a free VIP Upgrade Package. The Legends Ride® pairs Sturgis Rally-goers with celebrities and top custom bike builders on a 55-mile scenic, escorted ride from the historic town of Deadwood to the Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip for a catered reception and world class concert in the famous Buffalo Chip amphitheater. To reserve tickets now or for more information visit Legends Ride or call (605) 347-9000.

Street Racer

First, mentioning that this creation by French shop DUB Performance is road legal in France and may get very soon the same status all over Europe, should please my American readers always wondering how much they can customize their ride while still getting it titled and insured…

On this project, owner Fred Duban collaborated with Todd Silicato  (Todd’s Cycles in Huntington Beach, CA) for the conception of the frame. Then, he designed and fabricated all bodywork, gas tank and rear fender in which is incorporated the oil tank. The empty space under the seat let him install a VTT shock. Both wheels come from HD Wheels  (rear is 280/40/20, front is 120/70/21) and are dressed in Avon tires. Continue reading ‘Street Racer’

Can Engine Synthetic Oil Be Switched to Regular Oil? .

Question: Can Synthetic Oil Be Switched to Regular Oil? Spectro Performance Oils is answering your question.

Answer: Yes, synthetic oil can be switched to regular oil in an engine. And vice versa: the oil type can be switched as often as desired. Both synthetic and regular oils lubricate engines internally, providing a barrier that prevents metal-on-metal contact inside the engine. When synthetic oil started gaining popularity, it was thought that it would harm your engine to switch between it and regular oil. It is now believed that not only is switching harmless, but also in some circumstances it may be advantageous. Some synthetic oils are synthetic blends, which include regular oil mixed with synthetic. As these semi-synthetic oils are a blend of the two types, riders should experience no issues from switching between oil types. It has been stated that when synthetic oils were first introduced, switching from synthetic to regular oil caused leaking, mostly as a result of different seal-swell rates of the oils. However, these issues have since rectified, and there are currently no problems due to switching back and forth.

Pledging Allegiance. The Story Of A Painting That Became A Wine Label.

The story as told by artist David Uhl… 

“Last year we tried several new small weekend rallies and one in particular was off the charts and BLEW ME AWAY!!!  This was The Lone Star Rally where there are as many bikes as in all of a Sturgis Rally (half million or so), all packed into one weekend and one town, the historic coastal town of Galveston.

We were asked to set up our gallery at a fancy Wine Bar off the Strand, where the owner Michelle took good care of us with unbound southern hospitality. She asked if we would allow her to use one of my pieces for a custom vintage wine label for this year’s rally.  Well, we have done far better! Stucky D and I created this special piece of art just for her WINE and this year’s rally. Continue reading ‘Pledging Allegiance. The Story Of A Painting That Became A Wine Label.’

Motorcycle Parts Website

Bell Star Carbon Fiber Helmet Beauty

Are you ready to drop $650 (+ tax) on a helmet? If yes, no doubt you will look very cool and ride your bike at higher speed with this very aerodynamic/splitting the air and light weight 100% carbon fiber shell helmetl. This Bell Star Carbon black beauty is designed to minimize buffeting and lift. It features Bell’s Velocity Flow Ventilation with “FlowAdjus” for amazing ventilation and temperature control. Available in five different colors. At Bell Helmets.

New Fat Katz 26″ Steel Front Fender For Harley-Davidson FL Models

After launching a new bagger gas tank for baggers (model Cool 7), Fat Katz Inc. is now introducing a new 26″ wheel front fender called the Laredo Classic FLC 106 for Harley-Davidson FL models. (picture of prototype)

The Laredo Classic is a 13 gauge steel bagger fender that has a round shape ending with the classic Harley tail. The “FLC 106” comes standard with chrome billet spacers and predrilled holes.

And like all custom Fat Katz steel gas tanks and fenders, they are made and produced in the USA.  Order at Fat Katz or call Don on my behalf at 530-268-2232

2012 Daytona Biketoberfest. Tropical Tattoo Old School Chopper Show. Thursday October 18.

Chops, Bobbers, Rats, their builders, the who’s who of the industry present in Daytona and a crowd of admirers, rain or shine, are going to gather on October 18 on the parking lot of Willie’s Tropical Tattoo. Is it a bike show? A happening? Both? Doesn’t matter. You want to be there (I will…), to take inspiration from the creativity of the builders, to meet your friends and make new ones. Customzzz, Tattoozzz, Girlzzz and Bandzzz. For the newbies, address is 825 South Yonge Street (US1) in Ormond Beach. 386-672-1888. Willie’s Tropical Tattoo.

Joke Of The Week

A man escapes from a prison where he’s been locked up for 15 years. He breaks into a house to look for money and guns. Inside, he finds a young couple in bed. He orders the guy out of bed and ties him to a chair. While tying the homeowner’s wife to the bed, the convict gets on top of her, APPEARS TO kiss her neck, then gets up and goes into the bathroom.

While he’s in there, the husband whispers over to his wife: ‘Listen, this guy is an escaped convict. Look at his clothes! He’s probably spent a lot of time in jail and hasn’t seen a woman in years. I saw how he kissed your neck.. If he wants sex, don’t resist, don’t complain… Do whatever he tells you.. Satisfy him no matter how much he nauseates you. This guy is obviously very dangerous. If he gets angry, he’ll kill us both. Be strong, honey.. I love you.’

His wife responds: ‘He wasn’t kissing my neck. He was whispering in my ear. He told me that he’s gay. He thinks you’re cute, and asked if we had any Vaseline. I told him it was in the bathroom. Be strong honey. I love you, too…’

Exclusive. 4-Way Bike Build-Off Between Jesse James, Paul Jr, Paul Sr And Garage Gas Monkey Shop On Discovery Channel.

Fans of TV build-off series can celebrate. On December 11, 2012 in a 2-hour special on the Discovery Channel Jesse James, Paul Jr, Paul Sr and the 2 guys of Gas Monkey Garage (Richard Rawlings & Aaron Kaufman currently starring in “Fast N’ Loud” on the same channel) will compete with each other in a 4-way bike build-off. Continue reading ‘Exclusive. 4-Way Bike Build-Off Between Jesse James, Paul Jr, Paul Sr And Garage Gas Monkey Shop On Discovery Channel.’

Rinehart Racing Terminates Distribution Arrangement with Custom Chrome

 From a press release of Rinehart Racing.

Custom Chrome (CCI) will no longer distribute Rinehart Racing’s premium performance products for Harley-Davidsons. Beginning January 2013, sales of Rinehart Racing products will be handled directly through the sales force at Rinehart Racing. All products will be sold directly by phone, Rinehart’s Internet dealer portal, and via email or fax to Rinehart Racing.

In November 2011, Custom Chrome’s parent company DAE-IL Corp., initiated significant changes resulting in a multi-level restructuring of Custom Chrome, including changes to its portfolio, eliminating significant staff positions and drastically reducing its sales force, both internally and in the road force. This action dramatically affected Custom Chrome’s role as Rinehart’s distributor, which was vital to the relationship between the two companies. Continue reading ‘Rinehart Racing Terminates Distribution Arrangement with Custom Chrome’

Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Motorcycle Thefts Decline 6% In 2011. A total of 46,667 motorcycles were reported stolen in 2011, and 17,199 of them were recovered, according to a report released today by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. That compares to 49,791 stolen bikes in 2010, a decrease of 6 percent. Not surprisingly, the number of thefts increases dramatically in the warmer months. The largest number of thefts is on Mondays, the lowest number on Sundays. California ranks first as the state with the most thefts, followed by Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Indiana. The state reporting the lowest number of thefts was North Dakota, Wyoming, South Dakota, Vermont, Alaska, and Montana. Recoveries of stolen motorcycles were largely proportional to thefts, with California the leader in recoveries. The highest percentage of bikes stolen were Hondas (24%), Yamaha (19%), followed by Suzuki (16%), Kawasaki (11%)and Harley-Davidson (7%)

Lower Vendor Fees At The 2013 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Meade County will be lowering the cost of vendor fees during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This pro-business decision will insure vendors have a reduced cost of business in high traffic venues such as the Sturgis Buffalo Chip and the free access CrossRoads At the Buffalo Chip. Vendors that reserve their permits online at least 30 days prior to the rally will receive a 10% discount, lowering their fee to $360. Vendor and permit information may be found on BuffaloChip.com or by calling 605-347-9000. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’

Postcards From Intermot Germany

Held every 2 years in Kohln (Cologne), Germany, Intermot is supposed to showcase the next 2-wheel trends and markets. Tuesday October 2nd was press day, then the show opened to the public until yesterday. A few pictures taken by correspondent Horst Roesler.

New Men’s Sport Leather Gauntlet Gloves From Harley-Davidson

With the claim of being engineered to stay dry and comfortable in all conditions, Harley-davidson is launching these new men’s Sport Leather Gauntlet Gloves (P/N 97307-13VM, $90) They are constructed from genuine cowhide leather with an anti-slip palm and a waterproof and windproof Aquatex™ liner.

Pre-curved fingers are matched by an ergonomic thumb design to minimize bunching when holding onto the handlebar grips, while the gel-padded palm and power-stretch knuckles provide all-day comfort.

Adjustable hook-and-loop wrist closures and a single-hand draw cord cuff complete the package. Available in S – 3XL sizes. The Sport Leather Gauntlet Gloves are available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.

 

Tantalizer Bagger

You all know that Baggers have never been so hot and logically they are now the big customizing craze. When they don’t compete in their own bike shows, they are shown in the classic big bike show competitions where they excel against their one-off from the ground up built competitor contraptions. Like this radical bagger named “Tantalizer” built by part-time custom builder Kenny Williams winning a big trophy and a free trip to Germany during the Sturgis AMD World championship Of Bike Building. Continue reading ‘Tantalizer Bagger’

Hard To Find Vintage Style Motorcycle Apparel

The online “Bench & Loom”s website features hard-to-find pedigree apparel brands for men. Their motto “offering masculine and trend-resistant clothing inspired by male archetypes like Hemingway and McQueen, quintessential “men” of style and substance.”

Their offering is sourced from workshops around the world. Some of them are centuries old while others are legends in the making. Influenced by heritage but made for today,

As examples, these 2-tone wool motorcycle sweaters cut from the original patterns that supplied Harley-Davidson and Indian in their glory days. The real thing: 100% pure worsted wool, extra heavy 4-end jersey knit,  talon brand zipper in antique brass. Made in America. $275.00. Levis Antique Tee. $135. Check other pieces of clothing at Bench & Loom.

New Leather Solo Spring Seats From Harley-Davidson

These 2 new Solo Spring Saddle (P/N 52000113 White Diamond, P/N 52000114 Black Diamond; $299.95) from Harley-Davidson® feature a nostalgic, low-profile shape that provides a minimalist “bobber” look, with torsion-style springs designed for the optimal balance between suspension and support. The leather cover has a classic diamond-stitched pattern and contrasting piping.

The smooth metal seat pan and the simple frame cover create a clean, finished appearance. No cutting, welding, or fabrication is required for installation, and the seat can be removed and replaced with a touring seat for a two-up night on the town. The Solo Spring Saddle fits 2004-2006 and 2010-later Sportster®, 2006-later Dyna®, and 2008-later Softail® models (except Rocker™/C and CVO™ Breakout™) Installation requires the separate purchase of a model-specific Spring Seat Mounting Hardware Kit. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details.

2012 Del Mar Motorcycle Concours D’Elegance Staged For October 28.

The 2012 Celebration of the Motorcycle will be held Sunday, October 28, 2012 at the Del MAr Race Track Paddock, Del Mar, CA from 10 am to 3 pm (the same car event is on October 21) Now in its third year, the Celebration of the Motorcycle has set the new standard for antique and classic motorcycle events. It’s the event where “world legends really do gather.” For the past two years, the Celebration of the Motorcycle has been held in conjunction with the Del Mar Concours d’Elegance, producers of this event. This year, it will be held separately, a testament to the strength and popularity of this important day.

In 2011, over 135 historically significant, classic and antique bikes and their passionate owners converged from around the world to be showcased, judged and enjoyed. This year’s event raises the bar even higher with close to 200 motorcycles expected to participate, each hoping to win the coveted Best of Show award. Last year, it was a rare 1915 Henderson that took the top spot.

The 2012 Celebration of the Motorcycle will once again transform the Del Mar Race Track Paddock into a living museum where the finest examples of motorcycle design and engineering, spanning 1899 through the 1980s, will stand as proud as the owners themselves — each bike bringing its own story to tell and pedigree to show. It’s rich, it’s historic and it’s captivating, particularly when these incredible machines fire their engines. This year’s featured marquee will be Vincent Motorcycles. The 1948 Black Shadow was, at the times, the world’s fastest production motorcycle. Continue reading ‘2012 Del Mar Motorcycle Concours D’Elegance Staged For October 28.’

New And Very Interesting. Rick‘s Adjustable Brake And Clutch Levers

This is what you may have waited for during a long time…

An adjustable hand lever that your hands are going to love for your front brake and clutch. Ergonomics based on the longtime experience of ABM-Fahrzeugtechnik. It is now adapted for use on all Harley-Davidson models.

Ergonomics combining superb design and finish with multiple options to adjust these levers to any hand, male…or female… Continue reading ‘New And Very Interesting. Rick‘s Adjustable Brake And Clutch Levers’

100 Best Global Brands Of 2012. Harley-Davidson Ranks 96. Up 3 Places.

Interbrand just released its famous and very respected annual study ranking the most valuable international brands. In 2012, Harley-Davidson climbed 3 ranks, occupying the 96th position. Most valuable brand in the world is Coca-Cola, followed by Apple, IBM, Google and Microsoft in 5th place. Continue reading ‘100 Best Global Brands Of 2012. Harley-Davidson Ranks 96. Up 3 Places.’

WIZARDS® Introduces Nano-Technology Spray Wax.

First, what is Wax Nano-Technology? WIZARDS  says, one developed to make a wax more compatible with today’s advanced clear coats, performing on all paint types providing an instant bond with incredible gloss and depth after application and sustained water beading, and slickness wash after wash. Application spray also eliminates hazing and white filmy residues. In short, offering a wax far better than all outdated carnauba axes.

The MYSTIC SPRAY WAX™ can be used on any hard surfaces including glass, chrome, polycarbonate, fiberglass, gel-coat, plastics and rubber trim to safely removes dust, bugs, bird droppings, road grime, oily fingerprints and light water spotting.

MYSTIC SPRAY WAX™ can be used as a dry wash, quick detailer or wax extender and is great at a cruise night or bike rally to show off all your hard work and make you stand above the crowd or get of extra points from the bike show judges. Wizards Products.

Belt To Chain Conversion Kit For Harley Sportsters

You would prefer a chain drive over the stock belt. Conversion is easy and you can keep the same rear ratio while converting to a traditional and timeless 530 rear drive chain setup on all Sportsters 883 and 1200 from 1991  to year  2003.

These sprockets work perfectly with your stock rear wheel. Kyle at Lowbrow tested this belt-to-chain conversion on his 2003 1200 Sportster this summer, riding cross-country and putting over 8,000 miles on it trouble-free. MSRP $159.95. At LowBrow Customs or call toll free 1-855-4LOWBROW

In Rome Harley-Davidson Presents 2 Motorcycle Gas Tanks To Pope Benedict XVI For His blessing

Yesterday October 3, Willie G. Davidson and his son, Bill Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum, launched the countdown to Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary event in Rome (June 13-16, 2013) by presenting 2 commemorative motorcycle gas tanks to Pope Benedict XVI. The tanks will be signed by the Pope, Willie G. and Bill Davidson and mounted on two motorcycles, including one that will be displayed at the Harley-Davidson Museum while the other will be auctioned to support the Good Samaritan Foundation.

Next June, tens of thousands of Harley-Davidson riders and fans are expected to make their way to Rome, Italy, as part of the company’s 110th anniversary celebrations. It will include a party in the Port of Ostia, a parade through the heart of Rome, two headlining concerts at Stadio Olimpico and a papal bike blessing at St. Peter’s Square.

Joke Of The Week

One day in North Carolina: A man in North Carolina had a flat tire, pulled off on the shoulder of the paved road, and proceeded to put a bouquet of flowers in front of the pickup truck and one behind it. Then he got back in the pickup truck to wait.

A passerby studied the scene as he drove by, and was so curious he turned around and went back. He asked the fellow what the problem was.

The man replied, “I got a flat tahr.” The passerby asked, “But what’s with the flowers?” The man responded, “When you break down they tell you to put flares in the front and flares in the back. I never did understand it neither.” (sent by Dale Dutcher)

Actor Keanu Reeves And Custom Builder Gard Hollinger Partner In Arch Motorcycle Company. KR GT-1 Prototype.

The partnership first creation is this KR GT1 prototype that you can see below being ridden by Keanu Reeves. The actor visited for the 1st time Gard in 2007 at his L.A. County Choprods shop for a customizing job on one of his favorite rides. That led to a friendship and an ongoing dialogue about riding the ideal machine. Both sharing the same passion for life on two wheels, having common design taste and preference for performance motorcycles, they decided to collaborate under the brand name of Arch Motorcycle Company on a first prototype named the KR GT1s characterized by its power, stability, agility, and aesthetic beauty, offering smooth and impressive power in addition to a comfortable ride. This first prototype is the result of a five-year collaboration with the goal of building a custom motorcycle focused on its ride-ability. A bike begging to be ridden.

“We have a common vision,” says Gard of his partnership with Reeves. “We started with the idea of a performance-based modern machine. Once the bike was complete, it looked like a production motorcycle but unlike anything we had ever seen.

It’s unique and we can’t wait to introduce it to the world.” The KR GT1 is destined for production with Arch Motorcycle Company currently in the industrial design process with plan to have production models for sale in 2013. Continue reading ‘Actor Keanu Reeves And Custom Builder Gard Hollinger Partner In Arch Motorcycle Company. KR GT-1 Prototype.’



Cyril Huze