Perfect for Bobber-Style Custom Projects, the new Hollywood Handlebar (P/N 55800050, $109.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories® combines the laid-back riding attitude of the 1940s with a shape and black finish that’s perfect for today’s new-school, stripped-down bikes. Introduced as Original Equipment on the 2012 Softail® Slim model, this traditional, cross-bar equipped handlebar features limited rise, a narrow profile and gentle pull-back shape.
The Hollywood Handlebar fits 2010-later Forty-Eight™, 2006-later Street Bob®, 2010-later Wide Glide®, 2000-later Heritage Softail Custom, Fat Boy® and Fat Boy® Lo, and 2008-later Softail Deluxe models. Installation requires separate purchase of additional components. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details.
Archive Page 207
New Hollywood Handlebar From Harley-Davidson
Published by August 17th, 2012 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.George Brough’s Personal 1922 Motorcycle To Be auctioned Oct. 4, 2012
Published by August 17th, 2012 in Builders and Events.
H&H Classic Auctions is going to auction Old Bill, the personal 1922 racing SS80 of the company’s founder, George Brough on Oct. 4 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford UK. This extraordinary motorcycle was originally known as ‘Spit & Polish’ (due to its immaculate appearance) and achieved its first victory at the Brooklands circuit, Weybridge, Surrey, but also put its rider in hospital later the same day, following a burst front tire. Undeterred, Brough rebuilt the motorcycle with special forks and a prototype J.A.P. engine, renamed it ‘Old Bill’ in memory of Bruce Bairnsfather’s WWI cartoon character, and went on to win no less than 51 sprints in the 1922/1923 seasons. In the 52nd, at Clipstone, Nottinghamshire, it made fastest time of the day; even though the bike and rider crossed the line separately. With Brough once more hospitalized, ‘Old Bill’ was converted to road trim and sold to fund the factory’s wages.
During WWII the machine was damaged by a bath falling from above and remained in storage until the late 1950s, when it was acquired by ‘Titch’ Allen – the founder of the now 16,000-strong Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) and a renowned Brough enthusiast. With the assistance of George Brough and his one-time works manager Ike Webb, the bike was restored to its 1923 specification. It was demonstrated at Clipstone in 1959 with George Brough astride once more (this time without incident), and at Brighton Speed Trials and Brooklands by ‘Titch’ Allen before the motorcycle’s title passed to his son Roger in 1988. Continue reading ‘George Brough’s Personal 1922 Motorcycle To Be auctioned Oct. 4, 2012′
Drag Specialties 3 1/2″ High-Power LED Spotlight
Published by August 17th, 2012 in Editorial and Electrical.
Drag Specialties offers an LED Spotlight that will add safety, reliability and efficiency and that can be applied to a broad spectrum of motorcycle models.
With this spotlight, a rider can expect a power savings of up to 85% compared to incandescent and halogen lighting. This high-class thermal dissipation design has twice the efficiency of other lights and lasts up to 35,000 hours!
Each light is contained in a chrome, steel housing with a 3/8”-16 mounting stud. All spotlights are SAE approved and sold individually.
Sugested retail price is $179.95. At your Drag Specialties Dealer.
New Single-Side Swingarm Bag For Harley-Davidson Sportster Models
Published by August 16th, 2012 in Accessories, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The new Sportster® Single-Sided Swingarm Bag (P/N 90200572 Black Leather, P/N 90200573 Brown Distressed Leather; both at $219.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories® will hold riding essentials a rider might otherwise stuff into pockets or bungee across the passenger pillion.
Constructed of heavyweight leather, the bag features a pouch-style flap lid that is secured with two quick-disconnect clips hidden behind traditional straps and buckles.
The semi-rigid-backed bag is secured to the left side of the bike with easy-to-install brackets and adjustable straps.
Shaped to hug the contour of the frame, this 430-cubic-inch capacity bag gives a Sportster an old school look. It fits 2004-later Sportster models equipped with solo seats. Installation requires removal of any passenger pegs.
For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site
Making Money And More During Las Vegas Bikefest September 27-30, 2012
Published by August 16th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Sitting around at home isn’t good for the economy, the motorcycle industry or your psyche. You need to get out and ride! If you haven’t been to Las Vegas BikeFest, this is the year. Organizers planned a series of new activities and competitions with over $30,000 in cash prizes (not products) to be given away. But, you have to be registered for Las Vegas BikeFest to have a chance to walk away with any of this loot.
This is how some of the $$ can be won: Bikini Contest – $1,000. Custom Bike Show – $3,000. Miss Las Vegas BikeFest – $1,750. Mr. Las Vegas BikeFest – $1,250. Poker Run (Friday) – $1,250. Poker Run (Saturday) – $10,000. Poker Walk (Friday) – $600 Tattoo Contest – $600. Wet T-Shirt Contest – $1,750. World’s Strongest Biker – $500. Check also the cool new stuff Happening at the 2012 Event. Continue reading ‘Making Money And More During Las Vegas Bikefest September 27-30, 2012’
The best new businesses are born out of frustrations. Sir Richard Branson (Virgin)
Because you flooded me again with emails requesting an update about the 2012 Hoka Hey, below is what I know.
The run started from Las Vegas, Nevada on August 5th for a 6000 miles ride to Gowanda, New-York with finish line at a truck stop! (Corporate Harley withdrew its sponsorship) The event was quite different from those of 2010 and 2011. Less participants (I was unable to verify the true numbers), a much shorter distance to ride, no visit to a foreign country, no announced charity fund raising, no big purse announced for the winner(s) (amount of purse unknown to riders!), no polygraph tests.
To try to avoid a new controversy about the event being accused of inciting riders to illegally race on public roads, organizer Jim Red Cloud” Durham warned participants that they would be disqualified if they crossed the finish line before the minimum calculated time to do the run without speeding. The finish line was opened to riders on August 12 at 6:30 pm and remained open for 14 hours.
So, guess what happened? Many riders had arrived 48 hours in advance on Friday August 10 and were patiently hanging out 10 miles away from the finish line at Godawa Harley-Davidson. It would mean that if not speeding, they spent about 20 hours per day in the saddle (excluding time to refuel, eat and sleep) riding a minimum of 1300 miles a day. A first group of 11 riders crossed together the finish line at 6:31 pm Sunday August 12th. A total of 31 riders arrived in the 14-hour time window and will split an equal amount of the purse. At the date of publishing, amount of the purse is still unknown…
In Post-war era Triumph brand received considerable publicity in the United States when Marlon Brando rode a 1950 Thunderbird 6T in the 1953 motion picture, The Wild One and the US became a huge export market for Triumph. In 1963 all engines were of unit construction (engine & gearbox components sharing a single casing) with the launch of the 3TA soon followed short-stroke, 490 cc “500” model. Continue reading ‘Bespoke 1966 Triumph 500’
New Twin-Cam Cam Cover By Eddie Trotta
Published by August 15th, 2012 in Controls, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Thunder Cycle Design (Eddie Trotta) released this new Twin-Cam cam cover sold either in chrome 3-D Smooth finish (featured) or chrome Cross Cut or Black Anodizing or black Reverse Ball Milled design. By the way, the Floorboards, brake pedal, tranny covers, pushrod tubes and air cleaner seen here are also sold by Thunder Cycle Design.
Bonneville Speedway Museum Offers Free Camping During 2012 Speed Week, BUB Trials And World Of Speed.
Published by August 15th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
Mayor Mike and the City of Wendover have been feverishly working on the Bonneville Speedway Museum site. The BMR Road, Curb and gutter as well as the Sidewalk are done, offering a beautiful 5-acre camping site during all the 2012 Trials and Competitions. Free Camping at the Bonneville Museum Building site available on a first come first serve basis. The area is level and will have a pea gravel base.
Progressive Suspension Breakthrough Shocks Design With Frequency Sensing Technology.
Published by August 14th, 2012 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
After more than a decade of ruling the roads with their renowned 440 Series shocks, Progressive Suspension has unveiled another breakthrough design. Dubbed Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) for its unique ability to dynamically adjust damping as you ride. FST 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. Continue reading ‘Progressive Suspension Breakthrough Shocks Design With Frequency Sensing Technology.’
The End Of saxon Motorcycles? Mark Borodkin CEO Of Saxon Motorcycles is looking for a new job and posted his resume online on different employment websites. A few months ago Mark advised me that he was looking for a buyer of his company Saxon Motorcycles that he bought in September 2008 when our economic recession reached its climax. At this date, nobody has shown interest, probably sealing the definitive closing of one of the very few remaining custom motorcycle manufacturers. Before acquiring Saxon Motorcycles, Mark Borodkin was in the real estate business at Borodkin Construction LLC.
Tax Credit For Motorcycles And electric Bicycles. Buyers of on-road electric motorcycles would continue to be eligible for up to a $2,500 tax credit under a bill approved by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, the American Motorcyclist Association reports. Eco-minded aficionados of two-wheel transportation will also get a tax credit which amounts to 10 percent of the vehicle’s purchase price, maxing out at $2,500. The tax credit was introduced in 2009 and expired beginning of 2012. The legislation ends the tax credit for golf carts.
Polaris Invests $13 Million in Electric-Motorcycle Startup Brammo. After the completion of its 100-plus-mph, 100-mile-range Empulse (production date not announced), Oregon-based electric-motorcycle maker Brammo was looking for new funding to accelerate its development. Polaris, maker of ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles and low-emission vehicles has agreed to invest $13 million out of the $45 million of funding Brammo is looking for. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
EPA Officials Mandate That Consumers Buy At Least 4 Gallons Of Gasoline When Filling Up With Certain Ethanol-Blend Pumps
Published by August 14th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
On August 1, 2012 the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) received a letter from EPA responding to AMA concerns that E15 — a gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume – could be put in motorcycle and ATV fuel tanks inadvertently when consumers use blender pumps. A blender pump dispenses different fuel blends through the same hose. The vast majority of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use today are not designed to operate on E15 fuel. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will require all consumers to buy at least four gallons of gasoline from certain gas pumps after the new E15 ethanol-gasoline blend is introduced into the market,
“With E15 gasoline, our members who make a concerted effort to fuel their motorcycles or ATVs with E10-or-less gasoline may be unknowingly refueling with residual fuel left in the hose,” Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, wrote in a June 20 letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
“Unlike an automobile or SUV with a large fuel tank, the residual fuel left in a fueling hose could be detrimental to the performance of motorcycle or ATV engines due to the small size of their fuel tanks and the higher concentration of ethanol that would, therefore, be present in the fuel,” Allard wrote. “In addition, the use of E15 will lower fuel efficiency and possibly cause premature engine failure,” he wrote. “Use of E15 fuel voids many manufacturer warranties. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users.” Continue reading ‘EPA Officials Mandate That Consumers Buy At Least 4 Gallons Of Gasoline When Filling Up With Certain Ethanol-Blend Pumps’
PainTTLess By Thunderbike Germany Is 2012 AMD World Champion Of Bike Building
Published by August 13th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The AMD’s World Championship Of Custom Bike Building is an established and respected showcase of innovative motorcycle design and engineering. The 9th edition held last week in Sturgis may have had less participants than last year but all machines, without exception, featured an incredible level of creativity. And to prevent negative critics, let me first mention that at show registration all bikes are checked for running properly even if the main objective of the organizers is not to reward those bikes on the criteria of being daily riders. The show is about hand-crafted one-of-a-kind custom motorcycles able to inspire other builders and the industry as a whole. Again, the competition is about stunning designs, flawless fabrication and mechanical prowess…
At my first visit – I did quite a few – to the Sturgis AMD huge white tent on Lazelle Street where all competitors were setting up their machines, there was no doubt for me and for most other competitors that the machine presented by Thunderbike Germany was the favorite to claim the title of world Champion Of Custom Bike Building. Inspired by ice lake racers of the 1930’s PainTTless is a long and very slim bike with superb flowing lines, gorgeous one-off parts, a high gloss finish in polished nickel… and no paint. A fabrication and engineering tour-de-force accomplished in only 8 months by Andreas Bergerforth & crew and that nobody is expecting coming from an official Harley-Davidson dealership. Continue reading ‘PainTTLess By Thunderbike Germany Is 2012 AMD World Champion Of Bike Building’
Custom Adjustable Pushrod Covers For Shovel, Evo And Twin Cam Motors
Published by August 12th, 2012 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Dress up your engine with these custom adjustable pushrod covers to fit stock and stroker engines, Shovelhead, Evo or Twin Cam models. Made out of aluminum and sold by set of 4 online at Cycle Kraft.
Sturgis First Annual Big Bagger Show.
Published by August 11th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
On thursday August 9th, about 50 extreme custom baggers participated to the 1st Annual Big Bagger Show organized by Eddie Trotta from Thunder Cycle Designs and by John Shope from Sinister Industries. Taking advantage of a prime location on Lazelle Street & 4th street the show attracted a big crowd of admirers, amazed by the level of customization that can be brought to these machines.
Crazy tall front wheels up to 30″ in all types of treatment and finition, fancy body modifications on saddlebags, fairings, side covers & gas tanks, custom fitted top of the line sound systems/GPS/Gizmos of all types, one-off custom parts all over, crazy very high end paint jobs by the best in the business, etc.
I would define the show as “Baby-boomer builders offering baby-boomer riders dream 2-wheel luxury liners” and judging by the public comments I heard around these extreme touring machines (Wow, being the most often used word!), no doubt that this show is going to get very big and one of the main attractions of the Sturgis Rally. Eddie & John, what about doing a Daytona edition? Continue reading ‘Sturgis First Annual Big Bagger Show.’
Sturgis Name. A Valid Trademark? Or Belonging To All?
Published by August 11th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
Not surprisingly, as the Sturgis Rally got started on August 6, public relation campaigns were launched by both parties opposing each other about the legal right and stated benefits to have or not the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and variations of the name registered as trademarks.
On one side, SMRI, owner of several of these trademarks since about 1 1/2 years, continues to argue that the development of a licensing program related to the trademarked “brand” maximizes the value of the intellectual property of the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally(TM) and helps in allocating its revenue in the community to help fuel the local economy.On the other side, opponents led by Rushmore Photo & Gifts Inc.has taken legal action against SMRI arguing that “Sturgis”is the common name for the annual motorcycle rally that is held annually in and around Sturgis, and that according to common law is a generic name and can’t be a valid trademark. Nonetheless, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. (“SMRI”) has claimed that it exclusively owns the name “Sturgis” as it relates to the rally, and last year SMRI sued Rushmore Photo & Gifts, Inc. (“Rushmore”) for trademark infringement over Rushmore‟s decades-long use of “Sturgis” on its rally merchandise. As a reference, last year a federal court in Florida held that the name “Daytona Beach Bike Week” was generic of describing an event and consequently could not be a valid trademark. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Name. A Valid Trademark? Or Belonging To All?’
The Biker Belles Of Sturgis. And Of Everywhere There Is A Road.
Published by August 10th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
Yesterday, I spent time at the Lodge in Deadwood with the Biker Belles, the ladies who are celebrating the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They gathered for a day of real women, real stories and real fun at the 2nd annual Biker Belles ™ celebration sponsored by the Buffalo Chip. The Biker Belles™ event kicked off at 11 a.m. with registration of a record number of ladies of all walks of life for a series of planned activities. Biker Belles™ was created to raise funds for two South Dakota Charities – Helping with Horsepower and Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. Helping with Horsepower is a program that helps young women and girls who are at risk or are victims of abuse. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum is a world-class motorcycle museum that will use the contributions to expand or enhance exhibits that feature women riders and their role in the history and culture of motorcycling. Continue reading ‘The Biker Belles Of Sturgis. And Of Everywhere There Is A Road.’
New Women’s Performance Outwear From Harley-Davidson Keeps You Dry and Protected From The Sun
Published by August 10th, 2012 in Editorial and Merchandise.
Designed with performance fabric for optimal comfort, the new women’s Performance L/S Henley (P/N 99136-12VW, starting at $55) from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line is great as a first layer and as functional outerwear. It’s constructed from 100 percent cotton 2×2 ribbing that wicks moisture away from the skin to keep you cool, dry and comfortable. Anti-microbial properties help eliminate bacteria and odors so you stay fresh all day. And a UPF-30 treatment blocks 96 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Available in black and off-white in XS – 3W sizes. Available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships. To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.
2012 Sturgis AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. Final Results.
Published by August 9th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Nights Of Sturgis. Baker Drivetrain Burnout.
Published by August 9th, 2012 in Editorial and Videos.So many things to do in the Black Hills at night. And if you wonder where I was last night (among other places…), it was at the Baker Drivetrain burnout at Sickies Garage on Lazelle Street in Sturgis. Jay Allen was the Master Of Burnout Competition between many well known professionals of the industry. Patrick Garvin from J&P Cycles won. 15 seconds of smoke without the smell…
Hamsters USA Motorcycle Group Raises Over $200,000 In One Evening For Children’s Care Of Rapid City
Published by August 9th, 2012 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
During their annual meeting and dinner on Monday August 6th in Spearfish, SD, the International motorcycle group Hamsters raised these funds through a silent auction. Proceeds will provide physical, occupational and speech therapies, plus special educational and psychological services to children in Western South Dakota, plus parts of Wyoming, through Children’s Care Of Rapid City. Continue reading ‘Hamsters USA Motorcycle Group Raises Over $200,000 In One Evening For Children’s Care Of Rapid City’
2012 Sturgis AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. The Top 3 Winners.
Published by August 8th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.All photography copyright and courtesy Onno “Berserk” Wieringa for Cyril Huze
2012 World Champion:
Shop: Thunderbike in Hammiken, Germany.
Name Of The Bike: PainTTless
Builder: Andreas Bergerforth & Crew
Engine: 1984 Sportster Iron
Transmission: HD WLA 750
2nd Place:
Shop: LC Fabrications in Crawford, Virginia USA
Name Of The Bike: Old Black
Builder: Jeremy Cupp
Engine: 1976 Ironhead 900
3rd Place:
Shop: Abnormal Cycles, Milan, Italy
Name Of The Bike: Speed Demon
Builder: Samuele Reali
Engine: 74″ Harley JD
Sturgis AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. The Winners Announced Here Today At 6 P.M. Eastern Time
Published by August 8th, 2012 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.As a teaser, a few close ups of some of the custom bikes from all over the world competing in the AMD World Championship. I will post a picture of the top 3 winners as soon as they are called on stage (schedule is 5.30/6 p.m. eastern time) to receive their trophies, then the full ranking list. I remind you that judging is made by the competitors voting for all bikes except their(s)
Open Letter From Mark Carstensen, Mayor City Of Sturgis.
Published by August 8th, 2012 in Editorial and Events.
This morning, Mark Carstensen, Mayor Of The City Of Sturgis sent me by email the letter below regarding future plans for the development of his city.
“I write this in the hopes of shedding more light on the intentions of the City of Sturgis and many others who care to produce a viable plan to shift the current path of downtown Sturgis. For decades discussions have occurred and task forces have been assembled on this highly contentious subject. It is not that previous attempts have simply failed, nor is it guaranteed that this present attempt will be successful, but it is my opinion that something needs to change in order to foster a more viable future for our downtown. Continue reading ‘Open Letter From Mark Carstensen, Mayor City Of Sturgis.’
