The finished motorcycle that a group of 11 high school seniors built for the Buffalo Chip was unveiled at Sturgis Brown High School on Monday, April 30. It is the first time in the history of the Buffalo Chip Challenge Program that the one-of-a-kind custom Harley-Davidson® was built by a dedicated group of local Sturgis high school students.
Question: I recently changed the engine oil . I noticed that there is a small layer of foam on top of the oil level in the sight glass when I switch off the engine. The layer disappears after a while. I have done 4 rides (20km each) and it does it every time. Any thoughts? Continue reading ‘Engine Oil Question. Is My Oil Supposed to Foam?’
During the last 20 years I have seen and admired a few convertible motorcycles, but they were all conceived as concept motorcycles or show bikes. Privileging style over function, none of them were conceived for production, even a limited one, and none were letting you do the conversion yourself in a very short time. The challenge of manufacturing a true dual style and purpose motorcycle in 2 beautiful trims ready and able to endure the longest hauls is not easy task, especially if you want to offer its owner the option of going from one option to the other in just a few minutes, and this without any expertise or special tools…
It took almost 3 years to Jeff Nicklus and his Chief Designer Ken Hill at Desperado Motorcycles to fully research and engineer this limited edition convertible bagger project. Named “The Reckoning”, nothing on this bike (with the exception of engine, 6 speed transmission, tires and some bolts and nuts) existed before this project got started. On one hand The Reckoning represents a full blown custom Bagger that is ready for the open road. On the other hand this bagger motorcycle can be converted in less than 15 minutes into a “One-Off Style” custom bike trim, now ready for a bike night showing or show competition. For many, the best of both worlds in one unit…
Rear bags and fender can be removed by disconnecting the rear wiring harness and by removing 4 under-seat bolts, then just lifting off the rear bags assembly. The new shorter rear fender can then be installed with the same 4 bolts previously removed and just reconnecting the rear wire harness. Likewise, the front fairing can be removed by disconnecting the fairing wiring harness and removing 6 security screws and lifting it off. This is a one person job and can quickly be accomplished in less than 10 minutes. Each motorcycle comes with both the rear bags and the shorter rear fender assemblies sold as standard items. Continue reading ‘New Ground Breaking Convertible Bagger By Jeff Nicklus Desperado Motorcycles’
WanaRyd Motorcycle is releasing The Twisted, a unique 8-spoke directional 3D wheel that’s part of their Stark-line Series, a new premium line of 3D forged one-piece billet wheels. The Stark-line Series features a new finish that WanaRyd states has being totally unique and proprietary. Stark-line wheels are 3D machined, black powder coated and then re-machined one final time. Continue reading ‘WanaRyd New Twisted Starkline Wheel’
Although Jay Allen moved on from his monumental creation, The Broken Spoke Saloon, his life continues on a wild ride in the form of a Traveling Road Show all over the US. This year in Sturgis his Road Show will make a stop 3 miles east of Sturgis at the massive 40,000 square foot hurricane proof Thunderdome, a once successful haven for all things custom motorcycles under the name ofThunder Road.
Jay Allen’s Road Show is motorcycle history meets the ultimate biker party. Keeping it real and grass roots in style, Allen is essentially taking his live free, ride hard personality that he infused into the Broken Spoke brand and delivering the experience to all those visiting the Thunderdome. “Exciting times are in store for the Thunderdome,” said owner, Gary Lippold, also former owner of Glencoe Campground. “With Jay’s unique brand of showmanship you can expect the greatest bands, hottest girls, coldest beer and the best of times at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” Continue reading ‘2012 Sturgis Rally. Jay Allen Announces New Venture.’
From D&D Performance Enterprises, one of the leading performance motorcycle exhaust manufacturers, this Bob Cat exhaust is designed for 2000 to 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail models. The company states that it improves the performance and economy of the OEM system through tighter mapping of the engine characteristics. By adding a high-flow air filter (test made with Zippers Max-Flow Air Cleaner) the rider will experience as much as 10% gain in torque and horsepower across the entire RPM range, better fuel economy and throttle response. Continue reading ‘Bob Cat Exhaust System For Harley Softail Models’
It surprised many observers, clients and creditors that it was not done sooner, Big Bear Choppers having stopped activity in November 2011. On Friday May 4, 2012 Big Bear Choppers filed for voluntary chapter 7 bankruptcy in California Central Bankruptcy Court (Case number 6:12-bk-21113) . David Philipson of Law Office of David Philipson in Big Bear Lake, California represents BBC. Judge Wayne E. Johnson is in charge of the bankruptcy case.
More than 325 creditors are listed. It includes clients who ordered and paid in part or in full motorcycles they never received, a wide range of well known part vendors of the industry and magazines in which Big Bear Choppers used to advertise. Mona Alsop wife of BBC owner Kevin Alsop is listed among the creditors. Alsomentioned is Simon Scott from PT Ragehard Choppers who is the owner of the company now trying to produce Big Bear motorcycles using Kevin Alsop as a free-lance designer. Full list of BBC’s creditors after the jump. Continue reading ‘Big Bear Choppers Has Filed For Bankruptcy’
On Friday May 4, 2012, the Lawless Electric Rocket bike piloted by Larry “Spiderman” McBride made history with a National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA) record run of 6.940 at 201.37 mph making it the first electric vehicle to break 200 mph in the quarter mile! The 355 volt Rocket bike was built by Lawless Industries and Orange County Choppers.
Harley-Davidson dealerships returned to the top ranking in the newly released 2012 Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index® (PSI®) U.S. Motorcycle Industry Benchmarking Study. The study measures dealership treatment of motorcycle shoppers.
Rockstar states that its energy drinks are the world’s most powerful, providing an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles, from athletes to rock stars. Rockstar sponsors a lot of events like Surf, Skate, Snow, MX, BMX, Off-Road, MotoGP, Rally, Wake, MMA, Bull Riding, Bands, DJs, Live Music and has already collaborated with several custom builders to create energy themed custom motorcycles.
Their most recent collaboration with the custom motorcycle industry is with UK based Shaw Harley-Davidson. The company commissioned the HD Dealer to build “something really cool that would appeal to all audiences, from the younger generation to those who have been around motorcycles for many years.” Steve Willis, Team Principal of Shaw Speed & Custom, the Harley dealership custom division, was in charge of this project.
Up to the challenge, the crew pulled apart a 2011 stock XR1200, the Harley model inspired by the legendary XR750, the king of the gritty American Flat Track Scene, and took inspiration from Motocross and BMX to produce the Rockstar MXR featured here. Shaw Speed and Custom is very familiar with restyling all Milwaukee models because being an official HD dealer, it’s the only thing they do… and they do it very well. Continue reading ‘Rockstar Formulated Harley Sportster XR1200’
In 1995 Mike Hanlon, with brother Tim, started Mean Street Products with the goal of designing and producing the best American made billet forks. Cutting edge style and exceptional quality made Mean Street the first brand choice by the most respected custom builders around the world for the most acclaimed custom motorcycles.
In addition, Mike is the man behind Timeless Motorcycles, a series of 3 incredible hand-crafted re-creation vintage motorcycles (Board Tracker, Classic Street and Dream models) screaming authenticity, produced to 1910 era technology and sold to collectors .
Well known in the industry as a master mold maker, machinist and all around motorcycle enthusiast with expertise in beginning of last century’s motorcycle history and technology, Mike Hanlon started to tinker with bikes when he was a child, followed machine shop classes while still in high school, then until age 27 worked at the Alcoa aluminum factory that was making the cruise missile that the air force dropped out of the b52’s. He ended up created his own company MPH Products (Mike P. Hanlon) to produce a line of cast aluminum Hot-Rod air scoops and other items, his company eventually evolving into a CNC shop doing work for GM and aircraft companies.
For many years since his teens Mike also pursued a motocross racing career, time during which he acquired a passion for collecting and restoring the MX machines from around the world he was competing against. His collection of racing bikes being too vast to fit in his personal garage, they invade his office, limiting to a minimum space 2 uncomfortable stools reserved to those insisting to meet him at his desk. Doesn’t matter much because Mike will probably receive you next to his machines where he spends most his professional time, his office being more a retreat to return calls and relax while contemplating his collection. Continue reading ‘Show Me Your Office. Mike Hanlon.’
Built to beat the summer heat, the new women’s Primitive Mesh Jacket (starting at $140) features allover 100 percent polyester mesh construction for maximum airflow.
For increased comfort in warm weather, built-in pockets accept accessory hydration packs that deliver extra evaporative cooling.
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material provides superior reflectivity in low-light conditions, while three available pockets offer useful storage space. Riders who want increased protection can add accessory body armor to the available shoulder and elbow pockets. Allover sublimated print on the sleeves, front and back are complemented by rhinestone-embellished graphics for a unique style. Available in XS – 3W sizes. Continue reading ‘New Harley-Davidson Women’s Primitive Mesh Jacket And Half Helmet’
The law says you are supposed to have a set on your motorcycle. So, make them functional in size, but not too big to the point where they would destroy the good looks of your bars/controls.
The head-size of these Diamond-Head mirrors measures only 5” wide x 2 ½” high, which means they still work the way they are supposed to. They are sold with 2 different size stems: 5 ¾” Slayer style or 3 ½” and 4 ½” radius style, with all of the necessary chrome hardware included for installation
Made from chrome-plated die-cast aluminum, Sold in pairs with prices starting at $109.95.
Epicenter of the music scene during the Sturgis Rally, the Buffalo Chip’s Wolfman Jack Stage will host again some of the biggest names. A one-of-a-kind feeling in front of this legendary South Dakota stage. Pick your music fix by choosing your preferred band and requesting your passes at Buffalo Chip Bands.
Smokey Chrome Air Cleaner Trim (P/N 61400049, $64.95) is one of the new items now available in this eight-piece collection from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories®. Contrasting 3-D chain rims the surface and surrounds the distinctive Willie G Skull with black-filled eyes and a rhinestone-encrusted jaw line. The Skull & Chain Collection in Smokey Chrome also includes Derby and Timer Covers, Air Cleaner Covers in 4 styles, Fuel Cap Trim and a Fuel Tank Console Door. These items include chrome-plated stainless steel hardware when required for installation. At your local Harley-Davidson Dealer
In an accident, wherein a speeding car hits a slower moving vehicle coming from the side, the speeding car drivers often swear that they just didn’t see the vehicle coming from the left or right.
Well, they aren’t lying. They really don’t see the vehicle coming from the side, in spite of broad daylight. This phenomenon on the car drivers’ part is known as “Motion Induced Blindness”. It is unbelievable but it is true, and it is definitely frightening. Continue reading ‘Motion Induced Blindness Explained. Do The Test.’
Not many industry vendors continue to produce a print catalog of their products.
Among the very few who never stopped showing their products on paper is Pro-One, and this since 1989.
In it, new billet aluminum custom parts for both American and Metric bikes, mirrors, blade levers, bagger fuel Doors, tank panels, engine covers and much more in polish, chrome and you guessed it … in black anodizing.
This May, Harley-Davidson honors women riders across the globe by inviting them to join Women Riders Month events. During the month of May, hundreds of women riders from Latin America to the Caribbean will join thousands of other women in countries around the world to showcase their passion for the sport of motorcycling during the 6th Annual International Female Ride Day.
Designed by Pickard Bagger Parts and machined by Supreme Legends USA, new rider and passenger floorboards and controls to fit your bagger. The front floorboards have the particularity of offering a 3- position lateral adjustability and a sturdy diamond grip rubber to keep your feet firmly planted. Forward controls feature freshly styled pegs (braking and shifting.) Available in chrome or Supreme’s Bright Dip black anodized finishes. Made from American billet in the USA with q 18- month warranty. At Pickard Bagger Parts or Supreme Legends USA. 714-504-0715.
“Cyril. Here at Diamond Heads we have been receiving numorous phone calls from companies and individuals wanting to know if the rumor of Amber’s passing is true and if we are going to remain in business. As you know the rumor of her passing is true we were hit from behind by a speeding suv while stopping at a light. That person never hits the brakes.I was hurt very seriously and now have a plate holding my collar bone together and may be having another hip surgery as a result of this accident but physically I am going to be fine. Her passing has been very difficult for me personally. We had been married for 32 years and together 37 years. Amber was my business partner as well as best friend and wife. Continue reading ‘Message Of Keith Brinton From Diamond Heads’
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® welcomes legendary hard rockers Buckcherry to their expanding 2012 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally concert line up 2012.
The Grammy nominated band brings an unmatched energy and one of a kind show to the Buffalo Chip main stage as part of the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling™.
Buckcherry joins a growing line up of spectacular Sturgis concerts during the motorcycle rally that includes Eric Church, Journey, Zac Brown Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Boston, Loverboy, Sugarland, and many more.
Passes are available now for Buckcherry and other concerts at the legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip® with more major band announcements coming soon.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Lost In Last Year’s Tsunami Washed Up on a Canadian Island. It was an about 4,000 miles (6,400 kilometers) wild ride. The rusted bike was found in a large white container where its owner, Ikuo Yokoyama, had kept it. He was located through the license plate number, Fuji TV reported Wednesday. “This is unmistakably mine. It’s miraculous” Yokoyama told Nippon TV when shown photos of the motorcycle. Yokoyama lost three members of his family in the March 11, 2011, Tsunami, and is now living in temporary housing. The motorcycle will be shipped back to Japan and the shop that sold it to Yokoyama would help with paperwork and storage.
California Man Sues BMW And Corbin For Non-Stop Erection: The news is not a joke, but I will let you make the jokes about this true story. A California man named Henry Wolf is complaining that he can’t stop an erection since he did a 4-hour ride on 1993 BMW motorcycle equipped with an after-market Corbin seat. So, he is suing both BMW and Corbin, seeking compensation for medical expenses (!) lost wages (!!), emotional damage (!!!) and “Genneral Damage” (!?!?) The man in question states that his erection has already lasted 20 months, that he can’t get “normal” sexual relations, suffering substantial emotional and mental anguish.” If it is medically proven that both men and women can suffer from prolonged numbness after compressing genitalia nerves, but an erection for 20 months? Must have been a Corbin Viagra model. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
If you want your bike to look “roots”, no better way than customizing it with ribbed parts. Example this ribbed and black Vortex air clVeaner kit made by Bosley in Japan. Depending of your perspective, you an assemble it horizontally or vertically.
Comes with air cleaner cover, velocity stack, mounting bracket, air filter, gasket, o-rings and assembly bolts. Fits 93 to 99 Evo Big Twin, 99 and up Twin Cam (CV & EFI), 91 and up Sprtsters (CV & EFI) Distributed by Easyriders Japan (Website in English)
The 2012 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show continues its now 21-year tradition on Sunday July 22nd 10am-6pm as the premier outdoor Street Bike event in America with top Celebrity Builders, the upscale Calendar Bike Building Championship & Concours d’ Elegance. The Show moves from prior Queen Mary, Long Beach location to the exclusive Calabasas Country Club and Golf Course, located between the Sagebrush Cantina and the Rock Store at the Parkway Calabasas, exit off Hwy 101, at the west end of the San Fernando Valley.
This year, The Calendar Show is broadening its focus to include the growing Collector Bike Market with Exhibitors and Bike Show classes for classic European, British and Japanese motorcycles, along with American V-Twins and Customs. Show Entries will be placed in a Concours d’ Elegance displays throughout the venue on grass and patio walkways under shade trees overlooking the golf course at the Calabasas Country Club, a division of the Beverly Hills Country Club. Continue reading ‘Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Concours d’ Elegance. July 22, 2012 At New Location.’
I would like to share an experience with you all about drinking and driving. As you well know some of us have been known to have had rare brushes with the authorities on our way home from the odd social session over the years.
A couple of nights ago I was out for a few drinks with some friends and had a few too many beers and some shots. Knowing full well I may have been slightly over the limit I did something I’ve never done before… I took a bus home. Sure enough, as it was a bus, they waved it through and I passed the DUI checkpoint.
I arrived home safely without incident, which was a real surprise, as I have never driven a bus before and am not sure where I got it!
The finished motorcycle that a group of 11 high school seniors built for the Buffalo Chip was unveiled at Sturgis Brown High School on Monday, April 30. It is the first time in the history of the Buffalo Chip Challenge Program that the one-of-a-kind custom Harley-Davidson® was built by a dedicated group of local Sturgis high school students.
The custom bike will be auctioned off in support of the Legends Ride, a charity event that has donated more than $200,000 to local Black Hills charities. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Buffalo Chip Challenge. Custom Harley Road Glide Completed By Students.’
