Your motorcycle cables play a crucial role in keeping your bike on the road, but most riders neglect them until they fail. A few simple tips can save you time, money and prevent you from being stranded on the road with a broken cable.
When lubricating the control cables on your motorcycle, be careful what you use to lube them with. NEVER use chain lube on a cable. Some people use motor oil to lube their cables. Motor oil does work and is better than nothing at all, however, it does have its drawbacks. Motor oil can pick up road dirt, which will make the cable hang up and wear out faster. Motor oil is also pretty messy. There are much better solutions.
We recommend using a good quality light-weight lube such as Spectro 101. To do a good job of lubricating your cables, first disconnect the cable at the handlebar end, then take a sandwich type plastic baggie and cut one of the bottom corners of the bag at a 45 degree angle leaving a hole just big enough to stick the upper end of the cable through, tape the baggie to the outside of the cable housing, then hang the cable up by the baggie. Spray some Spectro 101 in the bag and leave it sit for a while. The lube in the bag will run down the inner cable lubing it all the way. Remove the baggy, wipe everything off, hook the cable back up and adjust it and you’re done. You may be surprised how much easier your cables are to pull after you have done this. While you’re at it, lube your speedometer and tachometer cables (if they are cable driven). They need lube too! Another tip is to check the rubber boots at both ends of the cable, if they are broken or missing replace them. They play a key role in keeping dirt out of your cable and will extend cable life.
Victory Rider Magazine, the official publication of the Victory Riders Association, has published its first digital edition. The new format can be accessed at Victory Motorcycles by pulling down the Community/Events button on the home page. This will replace the print edition that has been published since 2005.
The digital format utilizes technology embraced by leading consumer motorcycle magazines and features convenient searching and a mobile application that allows access anywhere. Embedded videos will be included to bring dynamic road tests and product evaluations to the readers.
Victory owners and other motorcyclists can share interesting stories by e-mail and social networks directly from the digital edition toolbar. The mobile app is free and downloadable to most mobile devices. Victory Motorcycles.
If you feel you really need one on your bike….. it’s a waterproof, Battery-Powered Time Piece Available in Chrome or Black Finish. The new analog Handlebar Clock (P/N 70900307 Chrome, P/N 70900308 Black; $79.95) has a 1.75-inch diameter face that’s easy to read at a glance.
The waterproof Handlebar Clock mounts to the clutch lever bracket and is powered by a self-contained, replaceable battery that makes installation a breeze. The kit includes the clutch lever mounting bracket, but the clock may be installed elsewhere on the handlebar with the separate purchase of a 1-inch or 1.25-inch Chrome or Black Handlebar Clock Mount Clamp ($21.95).
The Handlebar Clock fits all Harley-Davidson motorcycle models. Models equipped with a reverse switch or Auxiliary Accessory Switch Housing Kits will require the separate purchase of a Handlebar Clock Mount Clamp. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® welcomes influential hard rock Guitar God Slash, featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, to The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling™ on Friday Aug 10th, 2012 during the famed Sturgis motorcycle rally. Slash, a member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, has been on the forefront of American rock for many years and is one of the best-known guitarists in the world. Slash, who wrote some of the greatest rock anthems in the history of rock with Guns and Roses and who co-founded the super group Velvet Revolver, is set to ignite the Buffalo Chip’s main stage on August 10th for a never before seen show in South Dakota. Continue reading ‘Rock Guitar God Slash With Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators To Play The Sturgis Buffalo Chip®’
But who is Hap Arnold, you ask? The Commanding General of the whole Army Air Force during World War II. So the fact that Hap’s got an awesome WWII B-17 Bomber mounted on the roof of his 1940’s Art Deco style cafe should come as no surprise. At least that’s what Larry Grossman reasoned when he created this new picture.
The scene is a Fourth of July Car Show with some extremely cool rides on display, including: Tommy Ivo’s legendary Four-engine Dragster; a full-blown ’64 Dodge Muscle Cop Car; a bad-ass Hog Chopper; a chopped Merc lead-sled; a T-bucket; a ’59 Vette; Stone Woods & Cook’s famous ’40 Willys Gasser …and jeez, there’s even a kid toolin’ around in a pint-sized ’59 Plymouth pedal car! Of course there’s a bevy of beautiful babes and bad dudes to complete the scene… Continue reading ‘Hap Arnold’s Bomber Command Cafe By Hot Rod Artist Larry Grossman’
A deal has been signed between 20th Century Fox Consumer Products and Bartel’s Harley-Davidson in Marina Del Rey, California for the production of 100 limited edition motorcycles that will retail for about $25,000 each at Harley dealers this fall. Although no details have been given about how these bikes are going to look, it’s not difficult to guess their paint jobs inspired by the logo and strongest images of the TV show and a few “gimmick” accessories like ape hangers, just to make you feel…like you are a riding outlaw. Sons Of Anarchy is now the most-watched TV series in FX’s history among viewers 18-49 with a total average of 5.5 million watching each episode. It was also the number three DVD release among TV shows in 2011. Continue reading ‘Coming To Sturgis In August. Sons Of Anarchy Themed Harley-Davidson Bikes And Expanded Line Of Merchandise.’
These 4” slip-on mufflers have billet tips and use an innovative baffle technology that features 2” baffles which provides free-flowing exhaust. Python states that these baffles provide a quiet idle and mellow cruising tone but a more aggressive sound when you hammer on the throttle, which provides improved performance that you can feel. The billet tips are available in chrome or black finishes with a straight or angle cut. The angle cut billet tips feature a 30-degree angled radius end that can be rotated on the muffler’s body for rider’s preference of slash-up or slash-down. Mufflers feature the Python logo laser engraved. Thy fit 95-12 FLT, FLHT, FLHX, FLTR and FLHR models with prices starting at $514.95. For purchase, contact your local Drag Specialties dealer.
H-D1 Bike Builder Tool Now Available For All Harley Models: The H-D1 Bike Builder Tool at Harley-Davidson website has been expanded to include all current Harleymotorcycle models and has new added features. H-D1 Bike Builder lets visitors virtually customize their dream Harley-Davidson motorcycle with select Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories®. Builders can gauge the visual impact of each accessory on the screen in an eight-frame, 360-degree view that’s in a large screen format. Navigation on the H-D1 Bike Builder is organized into four categories: Fit, Function, Style and Performance. Accessories can be added and deleted from the bike, with the screen image changing accordingly. The MSRP of each item added to the base motorcycle is calculated on a summary chart screen with an updated “as built” total. Unleash your inner custom…
Motorcycle Fatalities Never Stopped To Rise. Fact Or Fiction? Based on a story titled “Despite Death Toll, Motorcycle Groups Strive To Muzzle US Regulators” published by a watchdog investigative website called Fairwarning.org, many newspapers and several TV outlets picked this source to claim that the percentage of motorcyclists fatalities doesn’t stop to get larger every year. Infuriated by this misleading story , MRF (Motorcycle Riders Foundation) publishes these official statistics: In 1997, there were 2,116 fatalities for 3,826,000 motorcycles registered. Or 0.055%. In 2010, there were 4,502 fatalities for 8,368,000 motorcycles registered. Or 0.053%. Of course, it’s too many, but in reality a stable percentage. (registered doesn’t mean on the road every year, but there is no way to know the exact number of bikes being ridden and how often) Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
This one made me smile. So, I asked for one to wake up hopefully with a smile.
The Day Maker let you charge 2 iPhones at once (are you still living alone?) and when wake up time is coming they pop up like your morning toasts, with alarm sound or music. Need extra sleep? Push them back. Many options. Starting at $100. The Day Maker.
Very often, it’s well after the facts that one can find out what a manufacturer has in mind to improve its products.
In this case, in 2010, Harley -Davidson patented a system to prevent its air-cool engines from running too hot and creating a risk of exhaust-valve seat distortion and even head cracking.
A possible remedy investigated by Harley-Davidson would be to “wrap” the exhaust valve seat with a hidden liquid cooling passage running water. Why water and not oil? Because water cools better than oil. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Limited Water Cooling Patent’
The Born-Free Show, 4th edition, is June 30th in Oak Canyon Ranch, CA. The event is all about like minded individuals loving old motorcycles and having a good time together enjoying these bikes of the past in a peaceful setting. This show is meant to unite people from all walks of life in a friendly family environment. 26 yo Matt Olsen from Carl’s Cycle Supply in South Dakota was asked to build a bike for this year’s event. An interview and preview of his 1947 Knucklehead.
The new Harley Trike LED Tail Lamp features the Bar & Shield Logo is available with your choice of red Lens in a chrome housing (P/N 67800134) or smoked lens in a black housing (P/N 67800135) and costs $324 each.
It features a full array of 20 fast-acting LED lamps for brilliant running and brake lights that will grab everyone’s attention. The surrounds are wrapped with a clear housing for a mirror-like finish. A plug-in connection to the Original Equipment wiring harness makes for easy installation. Fits 2009-later Trike models. Sold in pairs. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website.
Custom bike competitions are to show builders’ skills and to help them find new clients. After winning Las Vegas Bikefest “Artistry In Iron” championship, Chris Richardson from LA Speed Shop had no difficulty finding a local client whose ambition was to get from him a rideable custom deserving to become next year’s winner in the same competition. Not an easy challenge when you know that the “Artistry In Iron” Las Vegas Champion is voted by fellow competing custom builders…
Client Ben Bingham and builder Chris Richardson agreed on a bare bones bike incorporating all design cues of original board trackers. A genuine 1927 Harley-Davidson JD-H frame was found on eBay, and Ben looking for a Knucklehead feel, this frame was modified to cradle a replica V-Twin engine and 4-speed tranny. Chris made his own split intake manifold and used dual WWII motorcycle carbs, another eBay find. This carbs are dressed with custom air cleaners made from Triumph drum brake air scoops, a very cool idea. Customer wanted the convenience of an electric start, so Chris used one from Tech Cycle which with an open belt drive and Rivera Primo clutch pack and hub. Exhaust system was bent and welded in-house.
On this project Chris decided to build from scratch a Springer front end that he topped with one-off vintage style upside-down low bars . He custom made his own spool hub and went with a 23” front rim with a special Firestone tire to fit. Rear setup is a daisy hub with a 19” rim wrapped with a Coker tire. There is no front brake, the bike being slowed by a Flyrite rear Sprocter. Continue reading ‘Bare Bones Tracker By LA Speed Shop’
The motorcycles hanging from the ceiling as adornments in the famous San Francisco bar and grill Eddie Rickenbacker’s will be auctioned by motorcycles auctioneer Bonhams, this August at Quail Lodge. Named after the Great World War flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient Eddie Rickenbacker, the watering hole and eatery was established by the eccentric and colorful Norman Hobday, a.k.a. Henry Africa, himself either an army veteran, former merchant marine, or escaped Legionnaire, depending upon which version is believed.
Hobday was renowned for his creation of the fern bar concept and invention of the Lemon Drop Martini. He wasn’t a motorcycle aficionado but after acquiring an old Indian during a search for antiques and then displaying in it his bar, he realized it brought lots of attention and subsequently acquired others. Soon Eddie Rickenbacker’s became known more for its décor – comprised of old motorcycles, toy trains and antique lamps – than its fare. Over the years Hobday’s collection grew to 30 vintage machines of various years, makes and models, each displayed either in the venue’s windows or dangled from its ceiling. Continue reading ‘Eddie Rickenbacker’s Collectiom Of 30 Motorcycles Heads For Auction’
Garage builders and pro-builders alike need one. A must for any Harley wrench, this sophisticated tool from Georges Garage is designed to remove and install the main drive gear on Dyna 06-Present and Twin Cam models 07-Present
Additionally it provides a precise, hassle free means of removing & installing the main drive gear bearing in the transmission case. All aluminum pieces are polished and anodized bright red, while steel components are finished in black oxide. Supplied with grade 8 hardware and a Nice bearing.
Suggested retail for the complete kit, part number 620070, is $179.00. For complete details call George Garage at 909-843-7043.
A sneak peak at the annual official Sturgis painting for 2012. For this edition named “The Panhandler” Scott Jacobs envisioned a motorcycle enthusiast so hell bent on making Sturgis that he would do practically anything including panhandling to get there.
However the absolutely beautiful Harley-Davidson Panhead bike in the background makes it a little difficult to feel sorry for the guy! This painting will be on the cover of the 2012 Official Guide.
This year, Scott decided to do something a little bit different. A marked down price at 10% below market with another 10% donated to the G.I. Go Fund (as seen on the season premiere of Secret Millionaire, which will air again tonight Saturday, June 9th on ABC.)
Available in 2 sizes. Reg: 26 x 18, Large: 40 x 28. $535 Special Unframed Price with additional $60 going to G. I. Go Fund. $1,395 Special Unframed Price with additional $155 going to G. I. Go Fund. Sales: call (303) 431-4453. Scott Jacobs Studio.
The cure for preventing your expensive riding boot/shoe from melting on the hot exhaust pipe and your pipe to be ruined by the ugly and difficult to remove burned rubber marks of such encounter. Not only it will save you money (pipe & shoe) and time cleaning the mess, but this shield is quite good looking and a part that you will not be ashamed to install on your bike. The face of the Boot Shield is approximately 10 inches long by 2 inches high and is curved on the rear side to guide your boot away from the pipe.
This custom-designed Boot Shield is made out of light-weight aluminum, comes in 3 different coatings (Chrome, Gloss Black Powder Coat and Matte Black Powder Coat), and install in 5 minutes using the same hardware as your Harley-Davidson right stock floor board (all HD floor board models except Screaming Eagle).Retailing for $64.05. At Brukus Boot Shield 843–822–6582.
Conceived for the Super Freni 2-piston brake (featured here) this line of brackets are built in stainless steel, laser cut and available for front and rear application with 11,5″ disc rotor.
The front brackets are available for 39mm and 41.2mm Showa forks from the year 1986 to 1999 and for springer brackets mounted on floating axle, for custom applications. The rear brackets are available for custom applications on swing arm-style frame, and rigid-style frame.
The Japanese word “Kaizen” means “beneficial change,” but in post-war Japan industry it had a larger meaning. “Kaizen” was also used to describe a philosophy of work and manufacturing that became the key to the product quality and innovative designs that enabled Japanese brands to penetrate, then quickly dominate international markets with products built to a higher standard.
Under the principles of Kaizen, every worker was encouraged to identify small changes that would reduce waste in a war-torn nation where essential resources were so hard to come by. It was soon realized that the by-products of the relentless drive to reduce waste and cost were improved quality and efficiency. Many of the manufacturing methods developed by the Japanese became components of a worldwide manufacturing revolution that became known as “Total Quality Management,” but only after the Japanese proved by dominating markets that they had learned a better way.
The practice of Kaizen not only enabled the Japanese to become dominant in the American motorcycle market, but it resulted in “beneficial change” to the motorcycle industry as a whole when the market became larger, reached a broader range of customers, generated more profit, and improved the public opinion of motorcycling in America. Consequently, Kaizen, the exhibit, will be more than an exhibit to celebrate the beauty and technology of Japanese motorcycles. It will also celebrate a philosophy that altered and benefited the worldwide motorcycle industry. Continue reading ‘Kaizen Or The Influence Of The Japanese Motorcycle.’
A multi-weight oil is an oil formulation that acts as if it has two different viscosities, depending on the temperature.
At the lower test temperature 40 C, it flows as the first number would indicate, and at the higher test temperature 100 C, it flows as the second number would indicate.
This multi-weight nature is made possible by the addition of long-chain polymers to the oil, which are coiled up when cold, but straighten out when hot, and thus change the flow characteristics of the oil.
Thus a 10w40 oil will flow like a 10 weight oil when at 40 C fairly thin, but will not thin out more than a 40 weight oil would when hot 100 C. Spectro Performance Oils.
No doubt that the recently launched Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two model is the most attractive Sportster of the line-up. Pleasing both the nostalgic of the early choppers and the new generation of riders and custom builders tapping into the vibe of this era characterized by motorcycles with flake paint, pinstripes, peanut tanks, ape bars and narrow whitewall tires. A custom style very particular to America and born in South California. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two Sportster. Because Of Road 72. Not The Calendar Year.’
From Spectro Performance Oils.
