Tech Sheet:
Frame: Billy Lane, 26-degree rake. Wheels: 23″. Engine: S&S Flathead Power Knucklehead 93″. Transmission: Baker 6-speed. Open Belt Drive System: 2″ Evil Engineering. Engraving: by Heather of New of New Line Engraving. Taillight: VL Tedd Cycle. Seat: Adam Croft from Last Ride Customs. Grips/Pegs: Choppers Inc. 44mag Nickel shell casings. Gas tank, headlight, rear fender: Billy Lane. Polishing and Chroming: Space Coast Plating. Paint graphics: Darren Williams from Liquid Illusions.
A recent addition to the Primo Belt Drives line-up is an ultra narrow open belt drive designed for 1990-2006 Evo & Twin Cam Softails®.
This 11mm kit features a 1-3/4″ wide “dense pack” Kevlar Polychain® Super Belt. This combination has been tested to withstand horsepower loads in excess of 150 H.P. The Slimline™ belt drive uses a one-piece motor plate which helps to add rigidity to the frame by firmly connecting the motor and transmission together.
Two kits are available with either a billet aluminum outer guard that covers the outer pulleys or a faux carbon fiber outer guard that fully covers the belt and pulleys for added safety & pleasing aesthetics. In addition, the motor plate is machined for a center mount oil filter & also ready to accept optional mid-controls (part # 2084-0504) which are single fulcrum and include both the shift & brake assemblies with a designer master cylinder. Rivera Primo Engineering.
Motus Motorcycles is seeking a qualified, self-motivated individual to assemble new production motorcycles. The individual will be responsible for multiple aspects of the motorcycle final assembly, from suspension systems, brakes and electrical systems, to engines and fuel systems. Continue reading ‘Job Offering By Motus Motorcycles’
We all have had a few close calls with other vehicles, and factory horns are almost of no use in those emergency situations. So Peter Olt, an electric engineer, invented an automatic motorcycle loud horn and headlight warning system. With it you can warn motorists up to 3 blocks away. If interested, for Father’s Day free shipping is offered from May 23 to June 17, 2012.
Most custom builders and vendors you have known and appreciated during the last 30 years are entering or already belong to the baby-boomers segment of the population. A few of them have or will have a succession in place when they retire. Here in the US, the most well known example is the Ness family with 3 different generations (Arlen, Cory & Zach) already in action in the same business. In Europe, the future of builder Fred Kodlin is his son Len, already practicing since a few years near his dad the art of designing, fabricating and assembling custom motorcycles. There is always a certain bike making you go from the status of amateur to professional, and for Len Kodlin, it is the bike that I feature here, a very radiKal (with a K) ViKtory (with a K) Hammer
Extreme custom work on Victory models is still relatively rare beyond those commissioned by Polaris itself to a few of its “official” builders, like members of the Ness family. No independent builder or individual, as far as I can remember, has ever customize a Victory Hammer with such a hard-core execution. Len received this 2010 model from a client as a trade-in at the shop against a custom bagger commissioned to be built his father. Not the easiest bike to modify, especially for somebody having learned his trade on Harleys and built from the ground up customs. Continue reading ‘Len Kodlin Radical Victory Hammer’
In chrome or black anodized finish, to create a beautiful transition between the windshield and the fairing of your Harley touring bike models: 1998 to 2012 FLHT/FLHTC/FLHTCU/FLHX and Harley FL trikes. Machined from billet aluminum. Complementing other “Deep Cut” accessories of the Arlen Ness lineup.
A Short History of the Condom.
I’ve always been a good student of history, but I didn’t know this one… Fascinating!
In 1272, Persians invented the condom, using a goat’s lower intestine.
In 1873, the British refined the idea by taking the intestine out of the goat first…
Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, the father of classic old-school American tattooing. Sailor Jerry Rum, a premium spiced rum with hints of caramel and vanilla crafted in the traditional Navy way by UK William Grant & Sons, a company supporting all creative individuals who feel just as strongly about their respective crafts… Continue reading ‘Sailor Jerry Custom Motorcycle Contest’
Precision Billet Products, a leading provider of innovative high-quality motorcycle billet accessories, launches a brand new Grand Prix Edition Trilogy billet air cleaners for Harley Davidson motorcycles. These air cleaners feature a new Trilogy design inlaid with Ming Red Mother-of-Pearl or Lime Green Mother-of-Pearl (other custom colors are available on request) Custom crafted from 6061 T6 aluminum and designed to maximize airflow into the intake. The Trilogy billet air cleaners are sold with, backing plate, front plate, filter and all mounting hardware included. Starting at MSRP of $399.00. More info at: 480-813-1833 or visit Precision Billet Products
In accordance with the wishes of its owner, Ikuo Yokoyama, the Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycle, recovered on the coast of British Columbia after drifting for more than a year and 4,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean following last year’s tsunami in Japan will be preserved by the Harley-Davidson Museum(TM) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a memorial to the tragedy that claimed more than 15,000 lives.
The remarkable story of the 2004 FXSTB Softail(R) Night Train(R) motorcycle’s survival and recovery by Canadian Peter Mark made international headlines after he found it washed ashore on a remote beach on British Columbia’s Graham Island at low tide. Mark discovered the motorcycle, still bearing its Japanese licence plate, along with several other items, in the remains of an insulated cargo van container where the motorcycle was being stored by Yokoyama prior to the tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011. Continue reading ‘Tsunami Motorcycle To Be Preserved By Harley-Davidson Museum’
It’s in 1999 that Bert & Lisa Baker officially appeared on the custom V-Twin motorcycle scene. Armed with the necessary theory, protocol, and experience that they both acquired during 14 years as engineers working on manual transmissions for General Motors, they immediately succeeded in imposing their new ideas. They revolutionized the way we gear up and down our bikes (remember the 1st 6-speed overdrive?) and the manner we install transmissions (remember the shift to the right side drive made necessary because of the fat tires?) Since then, always balancing innovation with heritage, the Bakers have brought to the market many new concepts, ideas and a complete line-up of products to fill the needs for driveline improvement of oem American V-Twin motorcycles and custom applications.
It’s in this office that new Baker Drivetrain products are dreamed of. Bert Baker is not afraid to admit that it’s also the place where he had quite a few shitty ideas that he keeps for himself. Of course only the best ones make it through the door for testing by his mechanical engineers. An office that one could almost qualify as a “man cave” as it is evident that it’s a male professional hang out devoid of any influence by wife Lisa. Probably the only place in their life (in their case separation between private and professional is at least very blurry) where she has no say about what gets “mounted on the walls”…. Continue reading ‘Show Me Your Office. Bert Baker.’
Mustang offers a new color – or style – in their growing line of low, lean but still comfortable Wide TripperTM seat styles? A new distressed brown made of ultra premium vinyl with a distinctively cool, worn-leather appearance. The fully adjustable driver backrest removes easily without tools and folds flat so you can still comfortably swing your leg over to mount your bike. Continue reading ‘Mustang Distressed Brown Seat For Touring Harley’
The Harley model FCWC, or Softail Rocker, with its controversial “perched” seat made necessary because the rear fender was moving with the swingarm to which he was mounted, didn’t make it in the 2012 line up. Of course, plenty are around and are always a very good base for those looking for a nice riding custom Harley instead of a radical custom motorcycle. Continue reading ‘Rocking The Harley-Davidson Rocker’
Building a sustainable motorcycle business for the future includes addressing Generation X & Y as your prime targets. Many in the industry already do it, and many activities during the big rallies reflect such priorities. As example, during the 2012 Sturgis Rally, the 9-day Buffalo Chip Music Festival will mix Classic Rock & Roll and Country Music with Modern Rock bands of the youngest generation. On Saturday Aug 4, 2012 on its main stage, the Buffalo Chip will offer a triple threat of Modern Rock as two of today’s hottest chart topping bands, Adelitas Way and Finding Clyde join previously announced Shinedown for a one of a kind concert experience. Continue reading ‘2012 Sturgis Rally. Modern Rock At The Buffalo Chip On Saturday August 4th.’
It may be what you are looking for to hold your IPhone, IPod, Smartphone, GPS and many other small electronic devices to your handlebars. In just seconds. this new Tech Connect System will easily mount and secure any of your gizmos. An adjustable swivel head allows movement for perfect positioning. Offered in complete kits as well as individual components so you can choose the set up that’s best for you. MSRP from $49.99 to 59.99. For specific fitment information go to Kuryakyn Website.
The 13th edition of The Riding into History™ (RIH) weekend, a world class Vintage Motorcycle Concours d’Elegance, was held last weekend at the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida. This competition attracted about 350 antique and vintage motorcycles. Collectors from all over America bring their motorcycles to the show, and they are displayed around the lake which forms the centerpiece of the World Golf Village. Very talented photographer John Adams was there and brought me these wonderful pictures. By the way, there are hundreds of them available for sale Enjoy (Father’s day is June 17th…). Contact John E Adams, 2thepres@adamsviews.net (more pictures after the jump)
1915 Yale Twin 2.
1937 Indian Chief
BMW 1969 R69
1949 Harley-Davidson Flathead
Norton Commando
1938 Brough Superior & Overview Show Continue reading ‘2012 Riding Into History Vintage Motorcycle Concours D’Elegance’
Harley-Davidson April-May US Sales Seen As Slowing Down. Dealer checks suggest that retail sales were down between 1 to 3%. The 2 reasons most often mentioned: 1- Unusual excellent sales during the 1st quarter 2012 due to exceptional clement winter weather. 2- a shortage of available new models in many dealerships, something that will benefit motorcycle pricing from the point of view of Harley-Davidson and of its dealers. For the first time since 2008 some dealers sell models at MSRP or above. Most analysts think that June sales will be in check with Harley projections for this time of the year.
Big Bear Choppers Update. Simon Scott purchased the company’s brand, intellectual property, tool and proprietary parts and design in December 2011, completing the entire purchase in April just before Big Bear Choppers filed for bankruptcy on May 4, 2012. In an interview with Dave McMahon of Powersports Business, Kevin Alsop made the following statements: Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News.’
A video Richard Grabbe from Rich Phillips Cycles put together on The Blade, a 1998 Harley Sportster. Beautiful one-off chromemoly frame and aluminum sheet metal. Shot in his shop in Missouri and around his home. Enjoy… (4″ 46″)
Custom tailoring your Harley-Davidson to preferred riding position is sometimes as simple as selecting the right handlebar. But on a Harley FXDB Street Bob it’s not the easiest thing to do because of the particularity of its triple tree. Installing a custom handlebar will require, either to replace the stock top tree, or keep the manufacturer’s one and bolt-on on it an adaptor like the ones featured. Then you will be able to install a variety of different length risers holding the bar of your choice for your best body position while riding. Continue reading ‘Handlebar Risers For Harley Street Bob’
This year, the 2012 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Show moves to a beautiful new location, the tree shaded grass hills of the Calabasas Country Club and Gold Course in the Santa a Mountains. Former Calendar Show winner Shinya Kimura will be premiering two new of his famed retro custom builds. One is an all new, undisclosed build. The other is this recently completed 1973 MV Agusta 750S named “Blue One” which he rode on a shake-down ride at the recent Quail Motorcycle Gathering, Carmel, CA, on May 5th, where it was unexpectedly awarded the Quail’s Custom/Modified 1st Place Trophy. and the Cycle World “Elegance in Action” Award.
Other top custom bike builders will be attendance with some of their latest custom bikes premiering at this year’s Show. Former Calendar Builders confirmed to attend again include Jim Guiffra & Spokesmodels / AFT Customs, Todd Silicato / Todd’s Cycle, Richard Pollock / Mule Motorcycles, Chris Redpath / MotoGPwerks, and the revealing of the new manufacture reborn for production 1937 Crocker Motorcycle by Michael Schacht. Continue reading ‘Shinya Kimura To Debut New Custom Bike At July 22nd 2012 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show And Concours D’Elegance.’
Electric vehicles have had sluggish sales primarily due to their limited range and high cost. Worth mentioning – you never know what you may ride one day – is a supposedly revolutionary electric vehicle (EV) battery technology able tol allow many EVs to double their range at the same battery cost that they have now. More importantly, the new batteries are easy to disassemble and repair.
It’s the discovery of NTS Works Inc, the letters N T and S in the company name being the initials of Neal Tate Saiki, founder of the leading electric motorcycle company, Zero Motorcycles Inc. After retiring from Zero last year, Neal has formed the new company in Santa Cruz, California which focuses strictly on technology development. Continue reading ‘Electric Motorcycle Battery Breakthrough?’
No, I am not confused, but you may be just by looking at all these pictures and realizing that they are from 2 different custom Ducatis. These bikes with the overall same appearance and paint job are the work of Yuri Shif, for me Europe’s custom builder with the wildest/most elegant/most beautifully executed ideas. His motorcycle fantasies are infinite and you never know what’s coming next from this Russian/Belarus customizer. Continue reading ‘Ducati Bastardo. Twice.’
Italian Rizoma has the reputation of producing custom motorcycle jewelry. Not too much in this case…
The concept of a end-grip mirror is not new, but this new part is offering position versatility thanks to its sophisticated multi-axis machining. In addition to its adjustment system, itsr small diameter has increased view thanks to the use of a special no-glare concave mirror to increase view. Unmistakable signature Rizoma surface finishing. If in the US, ask for a dealer at info@rizoma.com. Website in English at Rizoma USA
With removable textile outer panels that zip-off to create a mesh jacket, the new men’s Dust Storm Switchback Functional Jacket (starting at $350) delivers versatility for varying temperatures.
It’s constructed from water-resistant 600-denier polyester with lightweight, removable body armor at the elbows and shoulders. A removable, full-sleeve waterproof liner accentuates its climate-controllable versatility, while pre-curved sleeves with adjustable snap sleeve tabs increase comfort. 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material provides superior reflectivity in low-light conditions, and five available pockets deliver ample storage space. Available in S – 5XL and Tall sizes. Available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.
From May 1 through June 30,2012 purchase two Storm 2 Ultra tires and receive a $40 prepaid MasterCard®. The program is simple. Purchase two Avon Storm 2 Ultra tiresand submit your invoice with a rebate form to Avon Tyres. Avon Tyres will then issue a rebate in the form of a prepaid MasterCard® in the amount of $40 that can be used virtually anywhere MasterCard® debit cards are accepted. (Value is USD $40)
This rebate program is valid only in the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec and where prohibited by law), and certain terms and conditions apply. Please allow six to eight weeks for processing. For more information, visit Avon Moto Rebate.
Built in Melksham, England, Avon tires are designed and manufactured for street and racing applications, from ultra wide tires featuring snakeskin effect sidewalls to ultra high-performance sport bike tires. to perform and are engineered to high standards incorporating the latest in cutting-edge technology.
