He is living the dream in Australia where he is one of the best custom builders. A cool short video on Matt “Machine” Harrington and his custom Moto Guzzi Le Mans.
Archive Page 204
Matt Machine Custom Moto Guzzi
Published by September 15th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
When you think of custom bike building in Europe, post-communist Poland is certainly not one of the countries you think of. Bordered by Germany to the west, and surprisingly the only European country to have avoided the late 2000’s recession, Poland after-market and custom motorcycle industry is extremely influenced by the great German manufacturers and builders and is rapidly growing thanks to a very healthy economy. To my American readers, watch out. In the next couple of years, a crop of new central and eastern Europe builders is going to appear on the international motorcycle scene.
One of them is BT Choppers also called The Choppers Factory, the shop that produced this freestyle naked chopper appropriately named “A Bit Of Freedom.”
Barrier language limits this feature to what I can see from the pictures. Engine is of course from the Harley Shovelhead era but showcased in matte black from the rocker cases to the crankcase. Frame must be a minimum 5″ stretch with front end part of it and articulated by a leaf spring system running from neck to seat (how does it work?) Open belt system is signed BDL. Wheels are front 23″ in Avon 130mm /60 x 23, rear 20″ in Avon 280 mm /40 x 20.
BT Choppers (photography Onno Wieringa courtesy AMD Championship for Cyril Huze)
Fast Motorcycle Industry News
Published by September 14th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial, Events and Exhaust.
Harley-Davidson Declares Dividend. Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.155 per share for the third quarter of 2012. The dividend is payable October 12, 2012 to the holders of record of the Company’s common stock on September 28, 2012.
Supreme Court Upholds Bail Denial In Sturgis Rally Assault Case. The South Dakota Supreme Court says a Hells Angels Motorcycle Club member will not remain free on bail while he appeals his assault conviction from a fight at last year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. George Caruso of Shirley, Mass., was convicted of simple assault and sentenced to 360 days in jail for his role in a brawl between rival motorcycle clubs in Sturgis. Court documents say Caruso punched another person, which led to a brawl in which two people were stabbed. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Toby Keith Back At Buffalo Chip® During 2013 Sturgis Rally
Published by September 14th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® welcomes home Toby Keith to their annual musical festival on August 2-11, 2013 during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Toby Keith, recipient of Billboard magazines Country Artist of The Decade award is one of the Buffalo Chip’s all-time fan favorites. Toby Keith is set to thrill the Buffalo Chip campers and concert attendees with an amazing stage show and string of number one hits as part of The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling™. Keith joins ZZ Top as the first artists announced to the 2013 concert line up during the motorcycle rally at the 580 acre Sturgis Buffalo Chip® camping report and entertainment complex. More 2013 band announcements are coming soon from some of the biggest names in music. Early Specials for the best value on camping reservations and concert passes are available now for a limited time at Buffalo Chip.
Toby Keith, an Oklahoma native, received his first guitar as a gift at the age of 8. Growing up, Keith would spend summers working at a supper club in Arkansas that was owned by his grandmother and on occasion was able to play with some of the bands that performed there. After high school, Keith worked as an oil field derrick hand while performing at local clubs and honky tonks in the evening. With the help of a friend giving his demo tape to a record executive, Toby Keith was signed to a major label in 1992. Over 15 studio albums and 20 number one hits later, Toby Keith is a country cross over superstar and is set to bring his down home American, sing along style of music to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® for one electrifying night. As a singer-song writer, producer and actor, Toby Keith has received many awards over his career such as Favorite Country Male Artist, Album of the Year as well as Entertainer of The Year from the Academy of Country Music. Continue reading ‘Toby Keith Back At Buffalo Chip® During 2013 Sturgis Rally’
The New Indian Motorcycle By Polaris. Moving Away From The Chief To A New Scout Or Bobber Type Model?
Published by September 13th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
When in April 2011 Minnesota based Polaris announced they purchased Indian Motorcycle, the acquisition raised a lot of questions that I summarize. 1- which way the OEM manufacturer would design the new model(s) 2- what would be the range of prices 3- how the iconic brand would cohabit with Victory 4- when the new Polaris/Indian motorcycle(s) would be announced?
Don’t expect many updates by Polaris until they feel ready, maybe in the second half of 2013 … or much later. There is absolutely no doubt in the industry that the company has the capabilities,, design resources, engineering knowledge and technical abilities to build a quality motorcycle. But with the Indian name on a motorcycle, the issue for Polaris is way beyond manufacturing another nice bike. It’s about perpetuating the brand mystique that some say has been damaged by the tentatives for relaunch by the 2 former manufacturers, Gilroy then Kings Mountain Indian.
In 2008, I remember being invited by the then Indian Kings Mountain’s chairman Stephen Julius at his plant in North Carolina. It was 6 months before the launch of the new Indian Chief. Right away, he asked me what I thought he should do next (after the Chief.) Told him, a very affordable new Scout type model. I reported this discussion in a follow-up article in my website and most of you agreed in “comments” that a “Scout or Bobber For All” should be the way to go. Trust me, Polaris executives are very attentive to most of your wishes, if not all, and I can tell you that a modern version of the Scout or a new Bobber is probably the direction that the Minnesota company is taking right now.
So, let’s imagine how a “new Indian with heritage” should look. What should power it? At what price? Discreetly, with a confidentiality agreement signed by participants, my sources tell me that Polaris is conducting some focus groups during motorcycle events to see how bikers (with for priority Harley riders ) react to a certain number of sketches. A couple of custom builders have also given some feed back to Polaris. Continue reading ‘The New Indian Motorcycle By Polaris. Moving Away From The Chief To A New Scout Or Bobber Type Model?’
Miss Enthusiast Harley-Davidson Leather Jacket
Published by September 13th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.
Styled to look like you’ve been wearing it for years… Made from mid-weight distressed cowhide leather, the new women’s Distressed Miss Enthusiast Leather Jacket (P/N 97122-13VW, starting at $375) from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line matches convenient features with classic and comfortable style.
Two zippered shoulder vents complement two zippered back vents for custom climate control, while pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept accessory body armor for added protection. Its pre-curved sleeves and action back provide all-day riding comfort, while four pockets offer great storage options. Available in XS – 3W sizes. The Distressed Miss Enthusiast Leather Jacket is available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Advanstar Dealer Expo Will Have 2 Shows in 2013, February & October. Then Will Move Definitively To October.
Published by September 13th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
All people in the motorcycle industry already know about the competition and long rivalry between the the V-Twin Expo by Easyriders and the Dealer Expo by Advanstar, both held in February 2 weeks apart, respectively in Cincinnati & Indianapolis. In 2013, a 3rd new motorcycle show (consumers & dealers) named the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIME) will be held in Orlando (October 16-20) and intends to become the single most important show of its type in the North American market.
Almost immediately, feeling the danger of a potential very strong new competition, both the V-Twin Expo & Dealer Expo decided to improve their shows. The V-Twin Expo by Easyriders decided to listen to a a long time request made by its vendors & dealers and announced that it will extend Saturday and Sunday show hours and eliminate the usually very slow Monday show. A couple of weeks later, the Dealer Expo, in reaction to the new AIME show (both a B2B and B2C event), announced that in 2013 its trade show would be run for the 1st time in parallel with a new Progressive International Motorcycle Show, a consumer event. Continue reading ‘Advanstar Dealer Expo Will Have 2 Shows in 2013, February & October. Then Will Move Definitively To October.’
The Making Of 2012 AMD World Champion Of Custom Bike Building.
Published by September 12th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
In Sturgis, the custom bike named “PainTTless” by Thunderbike Germany won the title of 2012 AMD World Champion. Watch the video of the making of this wonderful bike that I already featured HERE. Comments are in German, but it doesn’t matter to understand the superb machining & fabrication jpb done on this one-off very high end creation by the team of Andreas Bergerforth.
Precision Billet Products New Releases
Published by September 12th, 2012 in Controls, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Precision Billet Products, a leading provider of innovative and high-quality motorcycle billet accessories for Harley-Davidson models, just released new additions to its lineup. Design complements their other products: control arms, foot pedals, air cleaners, horn covers, gas caps, hand grips, exhaust tips, clutch covers and more. ..
1- The Cylent Floorboards. (with custom shop partner Cylent Cycles) offering excellent traction from the pyramid rubber inlay.Direct bolt-on replacements on all HD models equipped with OEM floor boards. Measuring 18″ x 7″ x .75″. CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and available in unique two-tone chrome or contrast cut black hard anodized finish. MSRP is $449. Continue reading ‘Precision Billet Products New Releases’
It Takes Balls To Ride This Motorcycle
Published by September 12th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I love the fact that students doing research have no inhibitions and no pre-conceived ideas. And when they imagined what will be tomorrow’s motorcycle students at San Jose State University thought about a rideable electric motorcycle using balls instead of wheels.
A new creative concept? Maybe not. Some of these students must remember having seen one featured in several movies.
Head Of Motorcycle Crash Study At Federal Highway Administration Resigns Citing Serious Concerns
Published by September 12th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
Dr. Samir Ahmed, the researcher and engineer leading the latest motorcycle crash causation study for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has resigned citing “serious reservations about the value of this study”.
In an email sent on Tuesday, September 11 2012 he announced the following: “I am writing to let you know that I am no longer working on the motorcycle crash causation study. I have serious reservations about the value of study with the existing FHWA involvement. My expectations of the study are very low.” Continue reading ‘Head Of Motorcycle Crash Study At Federal Highway Administration Resigns Citing Serious Concerns’
Swiss Performance Show Now Held In Luzern. October 12-14.
Published by September 12th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
For my European readers. Located in the German-speaking portion of Switzerland, the city of Luzern is now home of the Swiss Performance Show And Trade Fair. Luzern is a city of technology, innovation and transport where is located the “Schweizer Verkehrsmuseum“, the Swiss Museum of Transportion. 
Show promoter and Land Speed Record hunter Ruedi Steck announced that the event will now showcase all the European Customizing Scene, not only motorcycles of all types (including e-bikes) but also cars and all modes of transportation. The 3-day event (October 12-14) offers a complete view of the European automotive industry gathered in Swotzerland, a country where Harley-Davidson owns 26% of the heavy cruiser market! More info and custom bike show registration at Swiss Performance.
Bluetooth Stereo Headset And Intercom For Motorcycle Half Helmets
Published by September 11th, 2012 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Sena Technologies, Inc., a Bluetooth innovator in the motorcycle and outdoor activities market, just announced the release of its Bluetooth Stereo Headset and Intercom designed especially for half helmets, the SPH10H. The unique ear flap design of the SPH10H yields a wide range of usage with half-helmets for motorcyclists or for other outdoor activities.
The SPH10H features the latest Bluetooth 3.0 technology and allows riders to wirelessly make mobile calls, listen to stereo or mp3 player music or audio instruction of GPS navigation. Riders can also effortlessly hold conversations with other motorcyclists or passengers via the SPH10H’s four-way Bluetooth intercom system.
The Sena SPH10H’s durable, sweat and water resistant design provides a stable and secure fit so motorcycle and scooter riders do not have to worry about the unit or its microphone slipping. The SPH10H features a unique ear pad design for easy installation and is also compatible with “shorty” helmets. The SPH10H provides Bluetooth Intercom up to 500 meters (5400 yards/0.30 miles) in open terrain. As technology upgrades for the SPH10H are developed and become available, users may download and install the latest firmware at no charge. Continue reading ‘Bluetooth Stereo Headset And Intercom For Motorcycle Half Helmets’
Harley-Davidson Calls On Fans To Unleash Their Own Personal Freedom And Independence
Published by September 11th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial, Events and Videos.Harley-Davidson today announces the launch of a second installment in its popular Dark Custom campaign called United By Independents. You remember the Harley-Davidson campaign that I published in my website featuring “Stereotypical” Harley riders The final 60-second spot, featuring 16 real Harley-Davidson riders and Twitter followers from around the world, makes its national advertising debut on the FX hit series Sons of Anarchy beginning with the Season Five premiere this evening Sept. 11, 2012.
The campaign runs through November 2012 and will continue with a promotion through Harley and SOA that gives fans an opportunity to express their individuality and defy stereotypes by customizing a new Street Bob motorcycle online with H-D1 Bike Builder. This online tool offers Harley owners expressive paint sets including candy colors, custom accessories and apparel.
One lucky winner will win a personally customized Harley-Davidson Street Bob motorcycle and a trip to Los Angeles to visit the set of Sons of Anarchy and hang out with cast members. The partnership with FX and SOA also includes exclusive online promotional videos from the creator of SOA, Kurt Sutter, along with key cast members who share their stories about what it means to ride, featuring their own personal customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
“United by Independents is as much a rally cry to discover your ultimate self-expression and personal freedom as it is a celebration of fans and riders that continue to defy stereotypes of what it means to be a Harley-Davidson enthusiast,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson Director of North American Marketing Operations. “The campaign is cast entirely through social media with real riders from across the globe and from all walks of life who are united by their shared passion for the brand and their love of riding.” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Calls On Fans To Unleash Their Own Personal Freedom And Independence’
Postcards From European Bike Week in Faaker See, Austria. September 4-9.
Published by September 11th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.For its 15th edition, European Bike Week® saw an estimated 80,000 bikers attending with about 25,000 of them parading from Faakerto Finkenstein, Villach and Ossiacher. It’s an estimated 18 miles stretch from first to last on the road!. Lots of vendors occupying Dealer Nile, a big AMD bike show, HOG activities and lots of after dark parties with tons of flowing beer… A few snapshots. (pictures @HD, @Frank Sander, @Penz Performance courtesy to Cyril Huze)
Knuckle 46. Both Current And Nostalgic.
Published by September 10th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Another Italian custom motorcycle won top honors in the Sturgis AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. This one was built in Italy’s northeast region of Veneto (yes, it’s where Venice is located) and brought a huge “Modified Harley-Davidson” 1st place trophy to its builder, Lorenzo “Boccin” from Boccin Custom Cycles.
Via photography I knew this bike since it was debuted in Europe in January of this year at the Italian Motor Expo. In any European bike show where it was displayed, then again in August in Sturgis, this small and simple 46 Knucklehead is always a spectators and media favorite. Proof of the strength of the “new old school” styling movement, currently as strong and popular in Europe & Asia as it is in America. Continue reading ‘Knuckle 46. Both Current And Nostalgic.’
Mixing high-tech design with old world charm, Japanese Custom Builder Ken Nagai proposes these cool “Neo-Fusion” marker lights. Polished with brass or polished ring, or black with brass or black ring. Sold each $119. In the US online at Cycle Kraft.
Las Vegas Master Builders Championship. Artistry In Iron Competition Is September 28-30 2012
Published by September 9th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
One major event among all those proposed during Las Vegas BikeFest, and for me one of the most interesting, is Artistry In Iron, a bike display and competition between some of the best well known custom builders and those soon to be.
The bike show is setup inside the Cashman Center in a pleasant air conditioned setting. Following a daily schedule displayed at the show entrance, the public is able to meet, get photo opportunities, get an autograph and spend time with each of the 20 participating builders.
The 9th Annual Artistry In Iron champion will be selected by his peers. Chris Richardson from LA Speed Shop is back this year to defend his 2011 title with a new custom bike. More info with list of builders at Las Vegas Bikefest Artistry In Iron Championship.
Firewall Plate For Touring Models
Published by September 9th, 2012 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
For those obessed with custom details, Covington introduces their new billet Firewall Plates. Fits 09 and Later Touring Models. CNC machined from billet aluminum. Available in chrome, black with machined edges, or black with diamond cut edges. Made in USA. For more information on these and the rest of Covington’s parts line go to Cobington Cycle City or call 580-256-2939
Charity Auction Of The 75th Anniversary SKILSAW Chopper Built By Paul Jr. Designs.
Published by September 8th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Worm Drive SKILSAW the SKIL Tools Division is auctioning on eBay a custom chopper designed by Paul Jr. Designs and the team at Paul Jr. Designs. With a starting bid of $25,000, the charity auction is underway 4th and will last until the 14th. One hundred percent of the auction’s proceeds will go to benefit The Home Depot Foundation, which is dedicated to ensuring that every veteran has a safe place to call home through the repair and remodeling of veteran’s homes and facilities. Continue reading ‘Charity Auction Of The 75th Anniversary SKILSAW Chopper Built By Paul Jr. Designs.’
Harley-Davidson New Motorcycle Sales Would Have Been Down In July and August. Robert W. Baird & Co conducted a new survey of 47 US Harley-Davidson dealers representative of all the network. Results show sales declining from 3 to 5% during the last 2 months. The reason may be the 2013 model-year motorcycles being released one month later than usual, creating a situation where potential buyers postponed their purchase decision. Most dealers state that they are running on “about right” or “too low” inventory of brand new models. Soon we will know if the new line-up, including special 110th anniversary paint job models, is able to create excitment with the Harley crowd.
Klock Werks No More Looking For a Buyer. Confronted with some financial issues since quite some time Klock Werks’ owner Brian Klock had decided to offer his company for sale or at least was looking for a partner/investor. But during the Drag Specialities National Vendors Meeting he declared that Klock Werks is not for sale anymore and instead will focus its activities on parts development. The Flare windshield is the main product marketed by Klock Werks.
2012 Cannonball Endurance Run. Yesterday Friday September 7, some 77 riders from 15 countries with an age ranging from the mid 20’s to over 70 left from the Motorcyclepedia Museum in the City of Newburgh , Ny en route to San Francisco. No motorcycle built after 1929 can participate. All machines are powered by the original engine and carburetor (wether modified or updated). Each bike must use it’s intended ignition source. The first stage was a 210 mile ride to Wellsboro, PA. Today, participants will ride 320 miles to Sandusky, Ohio.
New Harley-Davidson Road Zeppelin Seat Pads
Published by September 7th, 2012 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
The new Road Zeppelin® Seat Pads (P/N 52000084 Rider, P/N 52400060 Passenger Pillion; $119.95 each) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories are equipped with an air bladder system that distributes weight evenly across the entire seating surface, removing pressure points while also providing shock absorption which reduces vibration.
The mesh cover allows air circulation, reducing the air temperature between the rider and seat. The easy-to-reach integrated hand pump and air release valve permits convenient adjustment. Shaped to conform to most Harley-Davidson seats, the pads feature an adjustable mounting strap and a non-skid surface to keep them in place. Road Zeppelin Seat Pad Online Details
2013 Victory Ness Signature Series
Published by September 7th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Victory styling consultants and dealers, Arlen Ness, his son Cory Ness and Cory’s son Zach Ness have all added their personal style to new Victory models, creating the 2013 Ness Signature Series lineup. These unique, numbered, limited-edition models got the added custom touches that make them visual show stoppers the moment they roll out of the dealership.
Arlen Ness Victory Vision Tour
This Victory Vision Tour is lowered 1” closer to the pavement, with special features like Hot Rod Ness billet wheels, Flamed Ness engine covers, Chrome grip ends, Ness knurled chrome billet grips, Ness chrome knurled billet shifter and brake pedal, Chrome driver and passenger floorboards, Chrome clutch and brake levers, Diamond cut engine, Ness windscreen graphic, Ness ignition key graphic, Ness radio display with KICKER® Premium audio speakers, Ness oil line cover, Stitched leather seat.
Cory Ness Cross Country Tour.
A metal plate on the engine featuring the bike’s unique Signature Series number, the Cory Ness logo and signature make it clear this is a special, limited-edition model. The 2013 Cory Ness Signature Series Cross Country Tour features dramatic paint and custom graphics of Cory’s own design. Low-profile windscreen. Ness chrome and blacked-out accessories from end to end, and Ness. Custom billet wheels. Other features include: Gold Digger Pearl paint with custom Ness graphics. Ness Deep Cut black grips Ness custom mirrors. Ness Deep Cut shifter and brake pedal. Ness engine covers. Ness radio display. Ness oil line cover. Diamond cut engine. Custom, heated suede seat. New Contrast Cut billet wheels. KICKER® Premium audio speakers. Continue reading ‘2013 Victory Ness Signature Series’
Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary Year-Long International Calendar Of Events
Published by September 7th, 2012 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
These events will connect millions of Harley-Davidson fans across the globe, united by a common bond and shared passion for freedom, self-expression and epic adventure. They include a bike blessing with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome and a huge Milwaukee homecoming event in September 2013.
The events span 11 countries on six continents including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The festivities began last week with a 110th Anniversary Celebration kickoff party at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, the Motor Company’s birthplace.
Capping the regional experiences will be two main anniversary celebration events in Rome, Italy and Milwaukee. The Rome event in June 2013 will include a party in the Touristic Port of Ostia, two headlining concerts at the Stadio Olimpico, and a special bike blessing inside St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, the heart of Rome, by Pope Benedict XVI. The event in Milwaukee over Labor Day weekend in 2013 will be an expanded celebration including rides to Milwaukee organized by fans, a celebration at the world-renowned Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds), a massive parade through downtown Milwaukee, activities at the Harley-Davidson Museum and three headlining concerts. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson’s 110th Anniversary Year-Long International Calendar Of Events’
Footboards By Rick Fairless. They Will Fit Your Shoes!
Published by September 6th, 2012 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Under the slogan “Custom Parts Made In Texas By Rednecks”, Rick Fairless is releasing these footboards. They come in brilliant chrome or in black powder coat. Knurled rubber is providing a great grip
They can be installed on Harley-Davidson factory floorboards. MSRP $320.99 pair. At Strokers Dallas 214-357-0707
Half the bike. Twice the fun? RYNO Motors has designed a multiple use, self-balancing, one wheel, electric scooter that’s adaptable to wide range of uses including urban individuals, government, and industrial customers. A video on the early days of RYNO Motors up to the end of 2011. See their latest creation pre-production show bike at RYNO Motors
