Published by Cyril Huze August 8th, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Always a prominent event during the Sturgis Rally, the annual Michael Lichter’s “Motorcycle As Art” event returned to the Buffalo Chip’s® 7,000 square foot Exhibition Center with an all new exhibit titled “Come Together, The Sprit of Born-Free” celebrating freedom of expression, contemporary motorcycle design and the vision of today’s most innovative artists and custom bike fabricators.
Yesterday Tuesday August 7th, the who’s who of the custom motorcycle industry was invited by curator Michael Lichter to preview this 2012 exhibition as much about the culture and times it was born of as it is about the machinery itself. Over the last few years, custom bike building has been returning to its roots and the work of about 30 builders was displayed to explain & illustrate this prominent emerging movement within custom motorcycling.
To the guests, Michael Lichter and the featured custom builders explained the Spirit of Born-Free, a return to the roots of bike building the way it was done during the 1950′s to the 1970’s: most often builders working in their garages to build with their best friends machines made to be ridden very hard and reflecting their personality. They dislike catalogue ready billet-cut machine-made parts and prefer to create their bikes from the ground up using old pre or post World War II original parts, restoring or repurposing them and searching them in swap meets or online on eBay.
All the bikes displayed at the “Come Together” exhibition were chosen by Michael Lichter among those participating to the annual “Born Free” show, a young annual event created in 2009 by Grant Peterson of Freedom Machinery and Accessories and Mike Davis of Born Loser. The one-day gathering is about the love of old motorcycles and like minded individuals having a good time together and riding their bikes from all over the USA to participate to the show. They ride all types of bikes from Harley Knuckleheads to Panheads and Shovelheads, from Triumphs to BSA’s to Hondas and Kawasaki’s. Most of the exhibition builders are experiencing Sturgis for the first time and and its spirit of “Born-Free.” (see below the list of all builders and artists featured) Continue reading ‘2012 Michael Lichter Sturgis Exhibition. Come Together, The Spirit Of Born-Free.’
Published by Cyril Huze August 8th, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze August 8th, 2012
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Some choose saddlebag organizers. Others will prefer Saddlebag Liners. These ones feature 3 storage compartments with zipper closures and are constructed of heavy weight polyester fabric with a PVC internal coating. The center compartment is made of see-through mesh to locate items quickly. Zippers on the outer compartments wrap around two sides, making it easy to access items. The zipper on the main liners wrap around three sides, the lid will “flip up”, creating an open access for easy loading and locating items. Each liner has two handles that can be joined together with a leather pad. Fit all HD® hard saddlebags, 1993 to 2012, sold in pairs, and made in the U.S.A. Retail price is $79.95. Contact your local Drag Specialties dealer.
Published by Cyril Huze August 7th, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Yesterday Monday August 6 was the first official day of the Black Hills Rally, and it’s now a tradition to kick it off with the annual Legends Ride, a premier charity event taking an array of celebrities, artists, builders, industry insiders and fellow riders from around the globe on this 55-mile scenic Black Hills ride from the Silverado Franklin Gaming and hotel complex in historic Deadwood, SD to the world famous Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Entering its 5th year, The Legends Ride has raised over $200,000 for local charities and this year’s contributions will again benefit local Black Hills Charities, including the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and the Black Hills Special Olympics.
This year, celebrities such as famed guitarist Neal Schon from the rock band Journey, legendary motorcycle daredevil Robbie Knievel and iconic custom motorcycle builders Arlen, Cory and Zack Ness joined several hundreds of riders in supporting the charity event. Outside the Franklin Silverato hotel, a brand new customized black bus bought with the money raised during last year’s Legends Ride was exhibited for the first time. In it 18 kids expressed their joy knowing that now they will never miss a mean of transportation to travel to training and competition.
Then, Neal Schon led the Legends Ride as it departed Deadwood for a guided tour of the scenic canyons of the Black Hills to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for a reception.
After the ride and catered reception, at 10 p.m. Neal Schon and Journey took the main stage of the Buffalo Chip to unleash their hits such as “Wheel In the Sky,” “Anyway You Want It” and “Don’t Stop Believing” on the Chip crowd.
Published by Cyril Huze August 7th, 2012
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze August 7th, 2012
in Editorial.
Making and eating waffles with the Louis Vuitton logo/initials.
Priceless!
A branding success story…
Published by Cyril Huze August 6th, 2012
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The builder: Rick’s Harley-Davidson Of Baden-Baden, Germany. Yes, the Rick famous for his gorgeous wide dark wheels, his ultra-custom parts for V-Rods, his drag/muscle/fat tires (dront & rear) custom bikes built in a very aggressive style, the way germans love them to burn rubber at very high speed on the country’s autobahns… The client: idolizing Steve McQueen, especially in the role of Delaney, Gulf Team Porsche 917 racer in the 1971 “Le Mans” cult movie. Common point between Steve McQueen racing car and the Harley V-Rod? Porsche engine technology, of course. Reason of affinity between Rick & the client? Rick’s, among other activities, has built many custom V-Rods using his own proprietary parts.
Both Rick and the client being convinced that if McQueen would be alive he would race, or at least ride, a custom V-Rod, they decided to use this Harley model as the base for a tribute bike to the actor. Rick’s team watched and watched again the “Le Mans” movie, observing and figuring out how to adapt the McQueen’s blue racing car styling to a stock 2010 V-Rod . Continue reading ‘The Spirit Of Steve McQueen In a Harley V-Rod’
Published by Cyril Huze August 6th, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
1- Visit at the Buffalo Chip. On Saturday, August 4th went directly from the Rapid City regional Airport to the Buffalo Chip to get a feel on the crowd checking in at the campground and the new Crossroads setup at its entrance where many vendors are already showing their ware and where the famous Rat’s Hole Bike Show will be held on Thursday August 9th. Unusual traffic jam in Sturgis for this first Saturday of the rally, and even more driving east towards the Buffalo Chip. Meet owner Woody Woodruff whose first words to me is that his campground fill up rate, his convert tickets sales and vendors presence is the best ever since he owns the place!
2- On my way back, making a stop at the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building big white tent on Lazelle & 3rd street in Sturgis. Hugs to my fellow builders from the US and of the rest of the world unloading their new creations to compete for the ultimate title of World Champion. Stay tuned on Wednesday around 6 pm eastern time, (3 pm pacific) when I am going to upload the pictures of the top 3 winners at the same time they will be announced on stage front of the crowd.
3- On Sunday 5th, Lonnie Isam Sr & Jr. (on my right on the picture) organizers of the famous Cannonball Endurance Run, invite me at their wonderful shop on Lazelle & 11th street (a must visit to admire lots of very rare bikes from the 1900’s) to meet with Mark Carstensen, the young and dynamic young mayor of Sturgis (on my left) Very pleasant talk about the City Of Sturgis plans for the next 2 years, the revitalization of the downtown, about the new Cannonball to start in September, about the expected attendance to this rally’s 72nd edition. As a new indicator of visitors presence, Marc tells me that the City of Sturgis already removed 20% more trash than last year for the same period (the 3 days before the official starting date of the rally, Monday August 6th. The mayor promised to stay in touch with me all week to give me more info and statistics as soon as he gets them. Continue reading ‘Flash News From Sturgis (Part 1)’
Published by Cyril Huze August 5th, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
As the earth makes its annual trip around the sun, Jasmine Cain, Sturgis’s prodigal daughter makes her annual trip back home to the Black Hills to rock the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Deemed the Rock Queen of Sturgis, Jasmine is one of the only annual performers who was actually born and raised in Strugis. Jasmine grew up in a small town of Opal, SD on a family cattle ranch. Beginning her professional music career at age 6, she gradually moved from riding horses to riding Harleys. Once a year she returns to the soil where she took her first steps, her first rides, and played her first notes.
Despite Jasmine Cain being a well-known mainstay of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Jasmine brings new excitement with her to Rally every year. After debuting her third critically-acclaimed album, Highway Prophet, in Sturgis last year, Jasmine will release her fourth album to her Sturgis fans and family at this year’s Rally. This fourth album, entitled Modern Day Gypsy, is Jasmine’s first all-acoustic album. With an “MTV Unplugged” vibe, the album features several new Jasmine Cain songs, acoustic arrangements of hits from her three prior releases, and a live recording of Jasmine performing her fan-favorite and show-closer, Janis Joplin’s Bobby McGee. Continue reading ‘Rock Artist Jasmine Cain Will Release Her First “Unplugged” Album at the 72nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!’
Published by Cyril Huze August 5th, 2012
in Editorial and Merchandise.
Women’smotorcycle apparel BikaChik Wear has been on the rise since their launch in2009.
Now the company is proud to announce that in addition to their online store their clothing is now available for order in the hundred of TuckerRocky partnered dealerships nationwide.
This month’s ewest arrivals put a new twist on old favorites with 3 new designs, “Route 66”, “Love” and “Wings & Hearts” also available at all main US racetracks. See all apparel line at: BikaChick.
Published by Cyril Huze August 4th, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
What to expect from this rally 72nd edition? Even before arriving in Sturgis, I can tell you that all my indicators point to a much bigger event than last year. It seems in the range of 15 to 20% regarding the number of people attending and vendors participating. 2 months ago, reservations in campgrounds and hotels were sharply up with bikers making reservations much sooner than during the 5 last years. A vert large number of hotels are sold out during the next 10 days. Number of vendor permits applied at the City of Sturgis is also up 20%. The Rally doesn’t officially start until Monday, but my industry friends already on location tell me that downtown Sturgis is already packed. The number of press releases I received this year regarding exhibitions, events, concerts, appearances, bike shows, invitation to professional parties, etc is way above the volume received in 2011. Yes, this has been a long, drawn-out recovery; and for most people alive today, it’s the longest they’ve had to conserve financially. But some “Frugality fatigue” is driving a rise in retail sales among consumers who’ve grown tired of putting off vacation and some discretionary purchases. Continue reading ‘On My Way To The 2012 Sturgis Rally. The Largest Of The Recession Years?’
Published by Cyril Huze August 4th, 2012
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The month-long contest will reward someone the opportunity to have his bike customized and made over by RSD. This promotion challenges bikers to offer their most compelling rationale for why they and their bike deserve the “Star Treatment” from Bell and Roland Sands Design (RSD). You can enter the contest by visiting the Bell Powersports Website The contest entry period ends on August 31, 2012 with the winners being announced shortly thereafter. Below a video of Roland making a direct call out to riders across the country.
Published by Cyril Huze August 4th, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
During this 72nd Sturgis Rally (August 6-12), the City Of Sturgis promotes its own events. So, to complicate a little bit more the organization of your daily schedule while in the Black Hills, quite a few more events you may interested to visit.
City of Riders Expo located on Lazelle between Fourth and Fifth Streets in downtown Sturgis Will be filled to the brim with vendors, after-market parts suppliers, fabricators, artists, free music and educational seminars. The Expo consists of both indoor and outdoor vendor areas, the Activity Center in the middle of the outdoor vendor lot and the Entertainment Corridor on the east side of the lot at Kinship and Lazelle.
City of Riders Free Music Series – The City of Sturgis invites you to jump start your evening with free music entertainment in the heart of Sturgis. Featuring free live music Saturday – Monday at the City of Riders Entertainment Corridor. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. nightly.
Shooters Images Photographic Retrospective of the Sturgis Rally – Deb and Don Kates are among the most talented and respected photographers in the motorcycle world. They are both riders and regularly attend the Sturgis® motorcycle Rally. They have captured the essence of this great event over a period of years. The City of Sturgis invites you to enjoy this photographic retrospective of the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally on Sunday, August 5, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the City of Riders Activity Center. Continue reading ‘City Of Sturgis Rally Department Special Events’
Published by Cyril Huze August 3rd, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Fans of Paul Teutul Junior visiting the 72nd Sturgis Rally will be interested in knowing that he will make an appearance at the rally with his crew .
He will be at the SKIL booth (City of Sturgis Motorcycle Expo on Lazelle Street) on Monday, August 6th from 1-3 p.m. to meet with fans, sign autographs and talk about where he got his inspiration for the design of 2 SKILSAW-inspired choppers.
One of these 2 bikes will be auctioned on eBay Sept 4-14 at SKILSAW Chopper Auction with all proceeds going to The Home Depot Foundation whose mission is to ensure that all veterans have a safe place to call home.
Published by Cyril Huze August 3rd, 2012
in Builders and Editorial.
A freelance artist who helped create several Harley-Davidson logos between 1970 and 2000 can continue with his copyright infringement case against the motorcycle giant, a federal judge ruled. In doing so, U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Adelman denied Harley’s motion for dismissal and ruled that the statute of limitations does not apply to the case.
Wayne Wm. Peterson claims that his “Live to Ride” logo, created in 1985, and the “Harley-Davidson University” logo, created in 1991, were part of a “one time one run” agreement that prevented Harley-Davidson from using the images at any time following the limited initial production. Continue reading ‘Free-Lance Artist Can Proceed With Lawsuit Against Harley-Davidson For Copyright Infringement’
Published by Cyril Huze August 3rd, 2012
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Free daily concerts and appearances by list of celebrities highlight the schedule for the all-new Buffalo Chip at Lazelle Presented by Allstate Motorcycle Insurance Stage located in the Victory Motorcycles/Indian Motorcycle complex at 3rd and Lazelle in Sturgis between August 4 &11.
“We’ll have our strongest presence ever at Sturgis this year,” said Steve Menneto, Polaris VP Motorcycles, who oversees the Victory and Indian brands. “We’ve made a big investment to entertain riders at the world’s best motorcycle rally. We’re creating a place to check out all the new Victory and Indian models and enjoy great entertainment on the new stage.” Here’s a look at what riders who stop by the 3rd and Lazelle complex will experience at the Buffalo Chip at Lazelle Presented by Allstate Motorcycle Insurance Stage:
• Unveiling of the Rockin’ Gibson Guitar Victory Custom, Monday, Aug. 6, noon-3 p.m. Join us to see which rock guitarist won the fan voting and teamed up with Victory Industrial Designers to customize a Victory Cross Country like their Gibson guitar. The finalists were (alphabetically) Chris Hobbs of Cavo, Jason Hook of Five Finger Death Punch, and Keith Nelson of Buckcherry. The special custom bike will be unveiled to reveal the winning Gibson guitarist. Continue reading ‘Victory & Indian Announce Sturgis Rally Events at Buffalo Chip Stage At Lazelle Street’
Published by Cyril Huze August 2nd, 2012
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Victory Boardwalk
All new in 2013, the Boardwalk is the classic-styled cruiser with “relaxed ride” in its DNA. Comfortable Ergonomics: The seat height is 25.9” (658 mm), the
driver has roomy open floorboards and wide handlebars are in easy reach for sure control and a relaxed riding position. Whitewall Metzler tires (150mm rear/130mm front) are mounted on 16”, 60-spoke, laced chrome wheels. New 4.7-gallon (17.79-liter) fuel tank. Chrome Components & Triminclude the headlight, gauge housing, handlebars, exhaust, belt guard, engine and ignition covers, turn signal housings, and fender struts. The Victory Boardwalk can be converted into a light bagger in minutes with the addition of new Lock & Ride® accessories.
Victory Judge.
American muscle never died. It just needed handlebars. The Judge delivers a combination of adrenaline-charged American V-Twin power and dynamic Victory styling. The 16”, 5-spoke cast wheels are reminiscent of muscle car mag wheels and are paired with Dunlop Elite II tires featuring raised white lettering. Mid-mount foot controls and the 25.9” (658 mm) height of the sculpted seat create comfortable, confidence-inspiring ergonomics. The drag bars offer ideal leverage for rolling smoothly through tight turns. Fuel Capacity is 4.7 gallons (17.81 liters.) Color options: Suede Nuclear Sunset, Gloss Sunset Red, Gloss Black.
Victory High-Ball
A bad-ass bobber-spirited, ape-hanger high-performance cruiser with just the essentials and attitude. From the mirrors down to the dual exhausts, the Victory High-Ball is black: Handlebars, headlight bucket, triple trees, frame, fender struts, cylinder heads covers. The gloss black, 16”, stainless steel laced wheels are fitted with Metzler whitewall tires (150mm rear/130mm front). The handlebars are adjustable and can be set in the upright position or laid back low. The handlebar controls and cables adjust to either bar position. (Consult local traffic codes regarding the use of high handlebars.) • Fuel Capacity is 4.5 gallons (17.01 liters) Continue reading ‘2013 Victory Cruisers Lineup’
Published by Cyril Huze August 2nd, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
The ex/still Easyriders Saloon (see litigation) at 888 Junction Avenue, Sturgis (corner of Junction & Lazelle), has just announced its lineup of bands performing for free during the 2012 Sturgis Rally. The list includes:
The Monsters of Southern Rock Friday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 5 at 10 pm. This 2-hour show will begin with the musical classics of Skinny Molly before the rest of the band members play hits from the rest of their respective bands. The Monsters of Southern Rock feature original members of famous bands, such as Lynryd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Molly Hatchet and Skinny Molly. With hits like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” “Train, Train,” and the rest, everyone is sure to sing along.
Arch Allies doing their covers of Styx, REO Speedwagon and Journey songs. 6 pm, Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 4
The Kentucky Headhunters. Grammy Award winning country rock band The Kentucky Headhunters, have a style often said to be “guitar –heavy rambunctious music” These country legends released their latest album, Dixie Lullabies, in 2011 to wide critical acclaim! See them perform and hear the songs that have earned them fame! 8 pm, Wednesday, Aug. 8 Continue reading ‘Sturgis Easyriders Saloon Free Concerts Lineup’
Published by Cyril Huze August 2nd, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® is pleased to announce the debut of Skid Row during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The iconic American metal band Skid Row will rev up the Buffalo Chip® crowd with their energetic music and amazing stage show on Friday Aug 10, 2012. Skid Row will double headline with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators for an all-out rock assault on the Buffalo Chip. Continue reading ‘Skid Row To Rock The Sturgis Buffalo Chip®’
Published by Cyril Huze August 1st, 2012
in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Do something different. Make your exhaust a little bit more sexy with one of these 3 tip designs.
Made of 6061 T6 aluminum, with a ribbed, cone or rolled shape. they bolt right up to most 1/750″ pipes and can be used with, or without a baffle .
Sold with a highly polished finish in sets of 2. Very reasonable price of $69.99. From the mind of Paul cavallo at Spitfire Motorcycles.
Published by Cyril Huze August 1st, 2012
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
This morning August 1, 2012 before financial markets opening, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) reported continued increases in earnings and dealer new motorcycle sales for the second quarter of 2012. Retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 2.8 percent worldwide in the quarter compared to the prior-year period, including an increase of 4.0 percent in unit sales in the U.S.
On a worldwide basis, dealers sold 85,714 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the second quarter of 2012, a 2.8 percent increase compared to 83,396 motorcycles sold in the year-ago period. Dealers sold 55,761 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the U.S., a 4.0 percent increase compared to the second quarter of 2011. In international markets, dealers sold 29,953 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the second quarter, a 0.5 percent increase compared to sales of 29,797 units in the year-ago period. Retail unit sales increased 10.0 percent and 37.9 percent in the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions respectively, and decreased 6.4 percent in the EMEA region during the quarter, compared to last year’s second quarter. Through six months, dealers sold 145,391 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles worldwide, a 9.3 percent increase from the year-ago period, with retail unit sales up 12.0 percent in the U.S., 16.5 percent in the Asia Pacific region and 58.0 percent in the Latin America region and down 4.5 percent in the EMEA region. (Industry-wide U.S. heavyweight new motorcycle (651cc-plus) retail unit sales increased 7.9 percent in the first half of 2012 compared to last year’s first half) Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Second Quarter Earnings Per Share Rise 32.1 Percent. New Motorcycle Sales Up 4% US, 2.8% Worldwide’
Published by Cyril Huze August 1st, 2012
in Driveline, Editorial and Events.
Who knows more about burnouts than the Drivetrain Authority? Baker, a name known for unapologetically innovating, top-end premium drivetrain components in the American Big Twin industry, is once again bringing the mayhem to Sturgis in a way only Baker can bring it! The third Annual Smoke-Down Showdown begins on Wednesday August 8th at Dusk, at the Thunderdome. Continue reading ‘Baker Drivetrain Showdown At The Sturgis Thunderdome. Only One Man Will Remain Standing…’
Published by Cyril Huze August 1st, 2012
in Editorial and Merchandise.
A very long drive to Sturgis, camping in a power challenge area of the country or at your camp final destination? You know it’s going to be very hot. Keeping perishables fresh and your drink cold. You get the picture. The Basecamp Fridge/Freezer has you covered.
Thanks to an advanced power system, it can run off your car’s 12V DC power system on the road, and transition to standard AC power when available. You can run it while your vehicle is turned off, but a smart security system will turn itself off before you run your battery dry. Other features include a massive 63-quart capacity, a temperature range of 0º-45ºF, internal LED lights in compartment and open lid alarm, wire storage baskets. $860. Order on Amazon at: Basecamp Fridge/Freezer
Published by Cyril Huze July 31st, 2012
in Builders, Editorial, Engines and Events.
Harley-Davidson Nuremberg gets Europe Street Legal Homologation For Jim’s 131″Racing Motor. A very big deal for European bikers on a continent where motorcycle regulations are extremely tough with very few authorized stock modifications, much less than in the USA. The Harley-Davidson & Buell Nuremberg dealer in Bavaria, Germany, succeeded in fighting European Economic Community (EEC) red tape, not a small or cheap endeavor… Power hungry European Harley riders are going to rush to this dealership, for now the only location where they can swap their stock Harley motor for this Jim’s European version.
And to prove the gain in performance under such displacement, Nuremberg Harley dealer owner Fritz Jonak equipped a Harley FLHX Street Glide and FXD Fat Bob with the 131″ Jim’s motor, then organized a race against a 427 cubic inch Shelby Mustang GT (the one made famous by Steve McQueen in the movie “Bullit”.) You guessed the result. Advantaged by weight, both motorcycles easily smoked the Mustang over and over. Apart from a slightly modified stock primary and gearbox and the use of a KessTech exhaust, both stock Harley were able to handle the extra horsepower without any issue. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Nuremberg Gets Homologation Of Jim’s 131″ Racing Motor For Legal Use On All European Roads’
Published by Cyril Huze July 31st, 2012
in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
A new twist in grips design with these Revolver Grips to give a sport note to your bars. These ones should not leave your hands thanks to a high traction rubber surface. Both tips are anodized billet aluminum in black, red, blue, grey and silver. 2 models for 1″ & 7/8″ handlebars. Value prices starting at only $ 21.95 per grip. At BikeMaster.
