Published by Cyril Huze March 25th, 2012
in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
In a rush to fill the need of riders looking for custom seats for their Harley Softail Blackline, Corbin releases 2 new saddles.
1- A new version of the Gunfighter solo seat offering the rider a lower back support and for the passenger a padded “fastback tail section” for short trips. Available in various styles including: • Bomber Jacket leather seating, sides and tail with gold flame stitching • Black natural grain leather seating with coordinated sides and tail with black stitching • Black natural grain leather seating with black faux ostrich sides, asphalt tail and grey stitching • A wide variety of custom materials are available by special order at no extra charge. Continue reading ‘Corbin 2 New Seats For Harley Softail Blackline’
Published by Cyril Huze March 24th, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
This limited edition is a tribute to the iconic Triumph brand born in 1902. Based on the standard T100 model, the 110th Anniversary Bonneville T100 features a special aluminum silver and khaki green paint scheme similar to those on the earliest 60’s Triumph motorcycles. Other special features include a reinterpretation of the original Triumph crest on the bike’s side covers, a chrome chain guard, cam cover and grab rail and a numbered plaque on the handlebar clamp and certificate of authenticity. Continue reading ‘2012 Triumph Bonneville T100 Is The 110th Anniversary Limited-Edition model.’
Published by Cyril Huze March 24th, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
Born and bred in Arizona, Jay Allen, creator of the World’s Biggest Biker Bar, The Broken Spoke Saloon and consummate emcee at motorcycle events around the country, announces his role as official emcee of Arizona Bike Week 2012 (March 28 – April 1st)
Located in and around the Phoenix area, Arizona Bike Week is a desert rider’s paradise promoting all things wild and west featuring some of the best riding in the United States. Combine excellent day trips with hot entertainment and some cowboy style partying and it is no wonder this event has exploded in growth in a few short years. Continue reading ‘Jay Allen Named Official Emcee of 2012 Arizona Bike Week Cyclefest’
Published by Cyril Huze March 23rd, 2012
in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
Who doesn’t like the classic look of a grilled headlight? This new Grille release replaces the stock beauty ring on all factory Harley FLST headlights.
Very easy to install, this convex Grille is 2-3/4” long, features thick vertical bars whose curves blend perfectly with the headlight profile.
Machined from billet aluminum. Available in chrome or black. Made in the USA by Headwinds. 626-359-8044
Published by Cyril Huze March 23rd, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
Would it be better if we could always avoid annoying ringtones? Of course you can setup your smartphone in “vibrating only”, but with the risk of not feeling the vibrations to alert you.
Those wearing tattoos may soon be in luck with a patent filed by Nokia on tattoos that would vibrate when your phone is ringing or the battery is running low.
The tattoo would be made with ferromagnetic ink, which could detect magnetic fields and feel when your phone when ringing. According to Nokia’s patent the tattoo would be inserted under the skin, meaning users would need to have a minor surgical procedure. Continue reading ‘Nokia Patents Vibrating Tattoos’
Published by Cyril Huze March 23rd, 2012
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Those in California can indulge in a weekend surrounded by some of the finest motorcycles from around the world at he 4th annual The Quail Motorcycle Gathering at Quail Lodge Golf Club. Two iconic motorcycles, Marty Dickerson’s “Blue Bike” and Dan Gurney’s “Alligator Bike,” will be on display at the fourth annual The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, taking place on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel, California.
The Marty Dickerson’s 1948 Vincent Rapide Racer (known as The Blue Bike) is an integral part of a lengthy chapter of Speed Week history at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This iconic Bonneville record-breaker is a stunning piece of motorcycling history that is claimed to be in “as last raced” condition, with all timekeepers’ seals intact. Dan Gurney’s All American Racers Gurney Alligator Motorcycle is a highly innovative concept that features a low center of gravity and feet-forward design for more than conventional stability.
To kick off The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, guests are invited to hit the road with their fellow enthusiasts and join in The Quail Ride on Friday, May 4, 2012. Limited to 70 participants, the one-day ride will wind through 100 miles of Carmel and Salinas Valley back roads and conclude with a private dinner. The fee to participate in The Quail Ride is $295 per rider, and includes a gift bag, lunch, parade laps at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and admission to an intimate dinner reception featuring special guest speakers. Ride participants will also receive a ticket to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering and an invitation to display their motorcycle as an entrant. Continue reading ‘2012 Quail Motorcycle Gathering. May 4-5.’
Published by Cyril Huze March 22nd, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Published by Cyril Huze March 22nd, 2012
in Customs, Driveline, Editorial and Engines.
When most of you think that perfection is only CNC machined and highly polished and chromed motorcycle parts, JIMS tells you that if you want your custom project to mean “handcrafted”, nothing better than a raw cut and visible weld design.
But don’t make the mistake to think that this look is detrimental to the precision machined quality parts you would expect from JIMS. They are just the same, but with an added “hancrafted” tough look around the edges.. This new “Raw Cut & Welded” design is available for both transmission, tappet and pushrod covers. All offered with the same bright and deep clear anodized finish. Many applications available. Call: 805-482-6913 or visit JIMS USA
Published by Cyril Huze March 22nd, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
One of the most important events of Daytona Bike Week, this 5th edition of Biker Fusion organized by Carrie Repp of R&R Promotions and Ken Conte of Rise Above Consulting attracted more than 600 industry guests and supporters of the motorcycle industry and raised more than $16,000 for Soldiers’ Angels, a volunteer-led non-profit that provides aid and comfort to active servicemen and women of the U.S. military as well as veterans and their families. Funds contributed last week bring the total raised during the event’s five-year run to more than $75,000.
Highlights included an appearance by Victory Motorcycles special guest Sergeant Major Harold G. Overstreet, USMC retired, the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (1991-1995), as well as a live auction of a variety of products from sponsors and supporters. Fusion supporters also witnessed the unveiling of a custom Victory Motorcycles ride designed for legendary Marine and Drill Instructor R. Lee Ermey, a.k.a. “The Gunny.” Gunny’s new ride was custom designed and painted by the Victory Industrial Design staff. Polaris Motorcycles built this bike for him to ride in Daytona and at future military support rides. Continue reading ‘5th Annual Daytona Biker Fusion Event Raises $16,000’
Published by Cyril Huze March 21st, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Since October 2011 and facing a challenging economic environment Lehman Trikes – calling itself the “Leader Of The Three World” – and specializing in trikes, trike kits and conversions, was looking into various strategic alternatives to save its business. It included finding an investor, a merger or selling the company. On January 5, 2012 the company faced another challenge, the untimely loss of John K. Lehman, Founder and Director.
Until now, Lehman Trikes continued to conduct business under a very reduced scope of operations. Although at one time the Board Of Directors stated that it received an expression of interest from an investment firm, the company just decided to suspend all operations. Although Lehman Trikes was considered one of the trike industry’s foremost leaders and was well known for its high quality and reliable products, there is no assurance that after 25 years in business the company will be able to resume operations.
Published by Cyril Huze March 21st, 2012
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Precision Billet Products is multiplying its number of releases, all in 2500-pieces limited edition. The company is expanding its Aces Wild, Afterlife, Darkside, Exotic and The Fleur lineup designs with 2 new pieces. A 6061 T6 aluminum turbine air cleaner and a mother of pearl (pick your shell color…) saddlebag latches and gas tank badges.
If you are into wild and twisted design accessories crafted to the exact fitting standard of your Harley-Davidson factory parts, check out Precision Billet 3D designs. All available in chrome or black anodizing. Made in the U.S.A. Precision Billet Products.
Published by Cyril Huze March 21st, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
If vintage bikes from around the world gleaming in the sun, piles of parts and fragments of motorcycle history in a swap meet, artifacts from the cult classic “Then Came Bronson”, exciting drag bikes, from the early days of drag racing, bring a smile to your face, plan to attend the Vintage RallyJune 1-3 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa,
While the Museum in its new location holds over 320 fabulous motorcycles, the second annual Vintage Rally weekend is when even more fine machines line up out front for review. Judging will result in over 40 awards for owners of the best machines, including those best preserved for the “original unrestored” award. Enter your vintage bike, street, competition, custom, even mini, 1986 or earlier, or drag bike, new or old in the bike show. Bike show awards are sponsored by Motorcycle Classics Magazine. And the Ace Cafe will sponsor a special Cafe Racer award during the Bike Show.
Join in as the Museum presents the new special exhibition “Quarter MileStones” with 20 great drag bikes, photos and vintage action film footage. You’ll also be able to check out a fully restored 1920’s gas station complete with great petroliana. Walk the swap meet and pick up parts for your projects or add to your memorabilia collection. Get your own swap meet space if you need to trim your collection. Hall of Fame inductees will be on hand to sign autographs and tell you their important stories. Or listen to interesting characters from racing’s past during the entertaining and educational panel discussions. Then spend some time with the Motor Maids as they tell us their stories from the road. Continue reading ‘Vintage Rally At National Motorcycle Museum. June 1-3, 2012’
Published by Cyril Huze March 20th, 2012
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
During Daytona Bike Week, Motus Motorcycles announced plans for its 2 MST’s models launch. After a year of extensive testing and development the company unveiled availability, pricing, specifications, optional accessories and initial list of authorized dealers. Production will begin during Fall 2012 and Motus started taking reservations for the year 2013 models.
Both the MST and MST-R have been ridden from Alabama to California, up its coast and over its mountains, across the desert, through the Bonneville Salt Flats, over the Colorado Rockies. In addition to the Big West leg of the Sport Tour, the MST’s also traveled to the Northeast from Birmingham to Boston and eventually covering a total of 29 states. The MST and the premium MST-R are comfortable sport tourers designed for long-range riding and canyon carving. Both feature the V4 Baby Block engine and are offered with various accessories and upgrade options. Prices and specifications are listed after the jump. Continue reading ‘Motus Motorcycles Launch’
Published by Cyril Huze March 20th, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
You and me met him in bike shows showing his crazy 1985 FXST “machine gun motorcycle” customized with fake rockets, rounds of amunition and military-themed paraphernalia and later added a sidecar to it. He called it the “Vietnam Vets Tribute Bike.” Front of his bike a sign requesting $1 to photograph the motorcycle,, $5 to take a picture with it and $10 to have your picture taken while sitting on it. All this to raise money to help homeless veterans… In bike shows, he registered his machine under the name of Robert Harris aka the “Sky Soldier”. But Robert Harris is in reality an international criminal named Eugene Paull living during 33 years under a false identity that he stole from a dead person’s name. Now, guess where went all the money he raised during motorcycle events… Continue reading ‘International Criminal Bilking Bikers With Veteran Theme Custom Motorcycle’
Published by Cyril Huze March 20th, 2012
in Editorial and Events.
Called the greatest motorcycle rally in the southwest, Arizona Bike Week, has 2 distincts parts. The Pre-Rally Days from March 23rd to 27th. Then Cycle Fest at Westworld from March 28th to April 1st with all the rides, concerts and events are in place and this year’s event.
Pre-Rally Days include Bike Week Kick-Off Parties starting on Friday at the Hideway Grill in Cave Creek with live music from noon until 10pm, vendors, promos, giveaways and much more all day. Then in Mesa, the Chester’s Harley-Davidson® Backstage Biker Bash VI will last 3 days with Great Concert Performances, Vendors, Charity Benefit Rides, Food, Adult Beverages, Builders, Live Entertainment, Contests, Give-a-Ways, Raffles, and a mouth watering Kansas City BBQ State Championship Competition sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Continue reading ‘Arizona Bike Week’
Published by Cyril Huze March 20th, 2012
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Whatever you think today of electric vehicles they are a work in progress and it’s an easy bet to imagine that your favorite gas powered motorcycles manufacturer, sooner or later, will release e-models. This short feature to tell you that even fans of the old school look of the Morgan are now begging to have this e-prototype produced. The Morgan Electric Plus E is powered by a 94 hp Zytek engine, features a 5-speed traditional manual gearbox, a convertible top, a range of 120 miles, a 0 to 62 mph time of six seconds, and a top speed north of 110 mph. And you guessed it. Yes, it’s financed by a £100,000 grant from the UK Government’s Niche Vehicle Network Program to promote the development and marketing of new low carbon vehicle technologies. Tax dollars at work.
Published by Cyril Huze March 19th, 2012
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In Sturgis in 2010, Spanish Custom Builder Sergio Bayarri, the boss of SBay Motor Company, won the AMD Championship Production Class with a very radical and beautiful creation named “Flying”. Interest of the American public was so high that Sergio saw the opportunity to market such a model in a limited series production run (less than 50 units) on both sides of the Atlantic, but not before ironing out some details to make it more road friendly while keeping the aggressive stance of the original model.
18 months of improvements later, “Flying” is reborn under the name of “Jerry”. Yes, the limited production model still look very radical, but now got features that could make it your fast daily rider without the need of dressing up like Dart Vader… No need to curve your back to reach the controls. No need to stretch your legs to reach the footrests. The riding position is plain and simple with everything located where your body demands, thus giving the rider the ease of handling required in a daily solo cruiser. Because Sergio Bayarri lives and work in Spain, a country where Japanese Strretfighters and Ducatis annoy him because dominating the road … Sergio Bayarri addressed the weight to power ratio of “Jerry” via extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber. Depending of the V-Twin engine size you choose (Sergio will let you decide your preferred motor and tranny brand), because the bike is so light weight and agile, it will “surprise” many of your Harley and other foreign brand friends. Consequently all parts related to acceleration and braking have been selected to satisfy the need of performance and reliability required when you decide to go from cruising to sport handling. Continue reading ‘Ultra Radical Daily Cruiser’
Published by Cyril Huze March 18th, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
This year’s event has been pushed back one week later than normal, meaning hotter temperatures and bikers mingling with Spring Breakers on the beachside. Don’t know for sure how crowds compare to those of these last 2 years, but would bet on somewhat identical. The big difference I noticed all along the week is a more joyous atmosphere among both bikers and professionals present in Daytona. And we all now the reasons for this. US economy continues to inch up, consumer confidence in the U.S. held close to an almost four-year high last month as pessimism eased, stock market equities are rising and labor market stabilized. Gasoline prices may be a concern but most visitors planned to attend this edition of Bike Week well before gas prices went up…
Intensive marketing and promotional events organized towards women are paying off and I never seen before so many women riding or straddling bikes at the demo displays of all big manufacturers. A lot of things have changed since 1915 when pionners like Avis and Effie Hotchkiss rode coast to coast. More than ever women are controlling their body, their career, their money and their lifestyle. When they don’t ride solo they love to celebrate their independent lifestyle in group rides almost all organized with a charity purpose in mind. This week, let by personalities Karen Davidson (daughter of Willie G. Davidson and Creative Director for Harley-Davidson Merchandise) and Cris Sommer Simmons (past year’s Motorcycle Cannonball Coast-to-Coast Endurance only American female competitor and best selling author), over 130 women rode the fifth annual Harley-Davidson MDA Women’s Ride to Rossmeyer’s Destinnation Daytona and raised more than $35,000 for MDA.
In Daytona, hot spots are still Main street, Beach Street, International Speedway Boulevard and inner field. At 290 North Beach Street, the original 1994 Harley-Davidson dealership of the late Bruce Rossmeyer (before he moved his headquarters to his Destination Daytona complex on U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach) is progressively turned into a museum and already features a re-creation of Bruce’s original office, a place where I met with him several times. The full Harley museum exhibit is set to open this summer. In Ormond, 
Destination Daytona continues to attract huge crowds visiting not only the largest Harley dealership in the world, but also a selection of the most important manufacturers and players of the industry. Also a multitude of smaller vendors offering free installation of your parts and accessories while you wait, a service that has expanded like wild fire and now requiring more and more that you reserve your spot before arriving in Daytona. Mandy Rossmeyer Campbell, the spokeswoman for the Rossmeyer’s family business told me that they can’t keep Baggers on the show floor more than a few hours, that they could sell many, many more… She also confirmed to me that the Dark Series is the second most successful segment of the Harley lineup and that the percentage of business done with the Service Department has increased during the recession years because many bikers opted or were obliged to keep their current bike for more years than anticipated.
After shrinking during the last 4 years, the number of bike shows is increasing again. I counted 9 different competitions in 7 days! Too many, I think. One of the most successful is Willie’s Tropical Show. As I wrote many times, probably because it’s more than a show, a Creative Happening where each competitor and visitor is coming to celebrate the freedom of self-expression. Most of the usual suspects of the V-Twin industry were present and for the first time (alerted by my news…) Willie G. Davidson with wife Nancy spent 1 hour at the show and jokingly asked me where was my new 2012 rusty custom bike? Funny, Willie G. Well, this year I picked one of the winners to receive a Cyril Huze trophy that Roadside Marty gave away to the winner on my behalf while I rushed on the other side of town to test- ride Zach Ness “Ness Cafe” custom Victory Judge model (more on this in a few days). Continue reading ‘2012 Daytona Bike Week. Flash News And Postcards.’
Published by Cyril Huze March 17th, 2012
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
After nearly 50 years as head of styling, Willie G. Davidson is retiring from Harley-Davidson April 30, 2012. He will continue his involvement with the company as an ambassador at motorcycle rallies and events, and through special design projects as Chief Styling Officer Emeritus. Willie G., Senior Vice President and Chief Styling Officer, is widely recognized as a legend in the world of motorcycling and motorcycle design.”Throughout my life, I have been truly fortunate to have the opportunity to marry my passion for design with my love for this amazing brand that runs so deeply in my veins,” Willie G. said. “What’s most rewarding has been to see the impact our motorcycles have on the lives of our customers. Everything we do in styling is based on the notion that form follows function, but both report to emotion.”
Grandson of one of the company’s founders, William A. Davidson, and son of William H. Davidson, its second president, Willie G. joined the company as its first head of styling in 1963. With responsibility for the look of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, landmark motorcycles to emerge from Willie G’s styling studio team include the Super Glide, which established the factory custom category in 1971, Low Rider, Heritage Softail Classic, Fat Boy, V-Rod and Street Glide. He is one of 13 Harley-Davidson executives who purchased the company from AMF, Inc. in 1981. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Styling Chief Willie G. Davidson Retires After 49-Year Career’
Published by Cyril Huze March 17th, 2012
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
I like it when Harley-Davidson collaborates with independent artists to find inspiration for new art to appear on bespoke Harley-Davidson gas tanks. The Milwaukee company is teaming up with some of the best world graphic artists and painters to bring to life the spirit of Harley-Davidson. The event was launched in Miami’s acclaimed Wynwood Art District, a district famous for providing walls used as blank canvases for street artists. Using a template, designers choose the style they prefer, paint of graphics, with the top 50 designs going to a panel of judge including members of the Harley-Davidson Styling Team. There will be one winner whose artwork will be used by Harley-Davidson on a production Sportster model and 2 runners up having their creations displayed at the famous Harley-Davidson museum.
Published by Cyril Huze March 16th, 2012
in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
What you play with when you are a kid may be your inspiration for new cool designs. Rikki Battistini Wireframe Series is inspired by the wireframe parts of plastic model kits he was building when he was a child.
And you must admit, even if not the specific look you want on your bike, that it’s a true new interesting design when applied to motorcycle parts.
The series include enough custom parts to compose a coherent custom bike theme. Are available: floorboards, foot pegs, shifter levers, shifter linkages, shifter linkage rods, brake levers shifter pegs.
Machined in the USA from T6-661 billet aluminum. In black anodize or chrome finish, or a combination of both. Battistinis USA (not yet featured on website)
Published by Cyril Huze March 16th, 2012
in Editorial and Merchandise.
Feeling like a member of an elite team trained to perform operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular bikers, or just a member of one of the country’s PD’s? Harley-Davidson released a new Men’s S.W.A.T. Leather jacket (P/N 97107-12 VM, starting at $425) with adjustable side-stretch panels. Constructed of mid-weight leather with perforated panels on the chest, back and underarms. Adjustable tabs on side-stretch panels are matched with power-stretch inserts at the elbows and shoulders for maximum flexibility and comfort in all riding positions. For added versatility and protection, pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept accessory body armor, while 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material on the chest and back providing outstanding reflectivity in low-light conditions. Available in S – 5XL and Tall sizes..The S.W.A.T. Leather Jacket is part of the Spring 2012 line and is available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Published by Cyril Huze March 15th, 2012
in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
What is the definition of Digger? Before its definition gets distorted and corrupted (like the one of Chopper and Bobber), let me just say that almost 40 years ago the word Digger was derived from Drag Racing bikes and applied to street custom motorcycles with a long and low rigid goosenecked or straight frame, most often using a Springer or Girder front end, and featuring Prism, Diamond or Rocket Sportster gas tanks. Many used Weber’s or Dellortos carbs, Rajay turbos, Magnuson superchargers… Nothing wrong with making the Digger style evolves through the use of today’s available parts, but at least…keep the spirit.
It’s what Arlen Ness just did with a reedition of what he started 35 years ago. A Digger frame kit that he used to build these 2 bikes still faithful to the style of a bygone era, but employing a lot of his new parts, most valuable in his 2012 catalog.
Frame is constructed of 7/8” DOM steel tubing with rugged .188” wall thickness for optimal strength and durability. The frames top bar is 1-1/2” tubing for easy wire routing. Designed to accept: 23” wheels front and rear, EVO style engines up to 124”, and EVO style Softail transmissions. Frame kit includes: under frame bolt-on oil tank, Battery/Electrical box, and rear axle. Continue reading ‘Digger Bikes Are Back. Thanks To Arlen Ness.’
Published by Cyril Huze March 15th, 2012
in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
From left to right. Pit Boss: No lifting off the head at high speed. Ultra light with superior comfort & fit. With or without internal sun shade. Speed Dial adjustable fit system. Drifter DLX. Pinstripe with Dial Adjustable Fit System. Bell Helmets.
Published by Cyril Huze March 14th, 2012
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
You can get maximum performance with Harley-Davidson Warranty Coverage from a Street Legal Twin Cam 103™ (P/N 92500011, $1,849.95) with this new kit. It includes Screamin’ Eagle CNC Ported Factory Cylinder heads, 58mm ETC throttle body, SE-259E cams, 10.5:1 compression pistons, Perfect-Fit pushrods, SE clutch spring, and all required engine gaskets. This Street Performance kit produces 103 hp and 110 ft-lbs of torque. All EFI-equipped models require ECM calibration* (priced separately). Continue reading ‘New Street Legal Screamin’ Eagle® Stage 4 Kit For Twin Cam 103″ Engines’
