While in Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest, talked to Austin Weiss from Streamline Designs who explained to me that he is now the sole owner of his company and that after many battles he succeeded to have all knockoffs of his patented internal throttle removed from the market. His system doesn’t require any welding, is fitted with 6 bearings, 5 of which are radial and 1 being a needle bearing. Continue reading ‘Streamline Patented Internal Throttle, Lines And Fittings’
Archive Page 237
Streamline Patented Internal Throttle, Lines And Fittings
Published by November 17th, 2011 in Brakes, Controls, Customs and Editorial.Competition Race Sweaters From The 40’s And 50’s. Wear The Original. Not The Copy.
Published by November 17th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
Since 1922 the Dehen family under the name of Gasoline Cowboys has been making motor clothes and racewear. And we all know about their famous woolen sweaters and jackets that race competitors wore during hill climbs, track boarding and recreational events such as the Gypsy tours.
Racers were sponsored by either the motorcycle manufacturer or by local dealers who would outfit their hero in tough sweaters for practical reasons of promotion and easy recognition on the track. Many motorcycle clubs sprang up and each wore it’s own distinctive riding apparel, usually a colorful wool turtle zip sweater complete with decorative name and town embroidered on them. At this time the motorcycle manufacturers aimed their advertising at the outdoors man and the adventurer. The image they presented in their advertising always cast the motorcycling sport in it’s best light. Continue reading ‘Competition Race Sweaters From The 40’s And 50’s. Wear The Original. Not The Copy.’
Scooters. Size Doesn’t Always Matter Exhibit.
Published by November 17th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
Sales of Scooters from the major manufacturers (Vespa, Honda, Piaggo and Yamaha) are up close to 30% from last year, an increase the envy of all heavy bikes motorcycle manufacturers.
The growing popularity of scooters in America (they have always been extremely popular in Europe since WWII) incited the Petersen Automotive Museum to create an exhibit called “Scooters. Size Doesn’t Matter” retracing the chronological evolution of the motor scooter from 1910’s to today. The exhibition runs through May 28, 2012. California used to be a major hub for scooter manufacturers and maybe it will become again… Petersen Automotive Museum Scooters Exhibit.
Motorcycling Europe In 1953. The Way It Was.
Published by November 16th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.Told by his son through a family album, this the story of an Englishman, Geoffrey Gander, and of his friends going on a motorcycling holiday around Europe, in France, Germany, Austria, Italy & Switzerland. At the time, it was probably quite an adventurous trip to take. Enjoy all pictures…
“We think of old bikes as being unreliable, but my father and his friends were keen riders and engineers and completed the trip without much more than a puncture. The bikes that took part in the trip were: GAU 856 Brough Superior SS100 with fuel in the loop sidecar, AHC 650 Triumph Thunderbird. He bought this one on 22nd July 1950 for £219 16 9 and by the day they set off in July 53 it had done 24,900 miles. KBY 571 Sunbeam. VMM 871 Sunbeam. AHC 963 Triumph.
When we cross from England to France now we have a ferry or the tunnel. For this trip they choose to fly the bikes from Lympne Airport in Kent, UK over to Le Touquet, France. They were all smartly dressed bikers and whilst helmets were not required, a jacket and tie certainly was. The bikes were swiftly loaded at the English end, it took a while for the French to unload the bikes.
So what do you do just a few minutes into France as an Englishman… of course you brew tea whilst you wait. My Father stands on the right of this picture, clearly dressed for a motorcycle ride! Customs at Le Touquet, France.
A stop in Northern France for a smoke.
Ken gets a puncture in St Quentin, France.
A stop at Bar le Duc, France for essential supplies…
And shortly after a roadside stop for a picnic and another stop for a coffee in Saverne, France.
Entering Germany at Kehl and about 600-700 miles into the trip. My father was 18 when War was declared and having listened to the radio broadcast with his mother, had a cup of tea and then rode his motorcycle down to the recruiting office and signed up for the RAF. I assume that his friends were in the war and wonder what their banter was as they crossed into Germany. Continue reading ‘Motorcycling Europe In 1953. The Way It Was.’
Indianapolis American V-Twin Show To Host First Ever Ultimate Dealer Bike Show
Published by November 16th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Ultimate Dealer Bike Show to showcase the building talent of motorcycle dealers will take place at the inaugural American V-Twin Dealer Show, co-located with the 2012 Dealer Expo at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis February 17-19, 2012. Interested dealers are encouraged to enter to have their prized custom bike displayed prominently at the entrance of the American V-Twin Dealer Show. Thousands of industry professionals will attend the show throughout the weekend and get an up-close look at the custom creations. Continue reading ‘Indianapolis American V-Twin Show To Host First Ever Ultimate Dealer Bike Show’
The Navy found they had too many officers and decided to offer an early retirement bonus. They promised any officer who volunteered for Retirement a bonus of $1,000 for every inch measured in a straight line between any Two points in his body… The officer got to choose what those two points would be.
The first officer who accepted asked that he be measured from the top of his head to the tip of his toes. He was measured at six feet and walked out with a bonus of $72,000. The second officer who accepted was a little smarter and asked to be measured from the tip of his outstretched hands to his toes. He walked Out with $96,000. The third one was a non-commissioned officer, a grizzly old Chief who, when asked where he would like to be measured replied, ‘From the tip of my penis to my testicles.’ It was suggested by the pension man that he might want to reconsider, explaining about the nice big checks the previous two Officers had received.
But the old Chief insisted and they decided to go along with him providing the measurement was taken by a Medical Officer. The Medical Officer arrived and instructed the Chief to ‘drop ’em,’ which he did. The medical officer placed the tape measure on the tip of the Chief’s penis and began to work back. “Dear Lord!” he suddenly exclaimed, ”Where are your testicles?” The old Chief calmly replied, ”Vietnam.”
Marilyn Stemp Back As Editor Of IronWorks Magazine
Published by November 15th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
Effective immediately, Marilyn Stemp occupies again her post as Editor of IronWorks Magazine that she created in 1989 with her late husband Dennis Stemp. In addition her 22-years old son Vincent is joining the magazine as a Tech & Trends Editor, something his father would be very proud.
Marilyn, known as one the hardest working women in the industry and a friend of all in the business, holds a journalism degree from Pennsylvania State University and with the magazine since its inception has handled all staff positions, from editorials to collecting comprehensive buyer’s guides. Vincent just finished up his technical writing degree, and on a daily basis rides his mother old Sporty…With IronWorks coming back full circle, the industry is unanimously happy to see the Stemp Publishing Company well and alive.
Motorcycle Powered by Sewage. Serious.
Published by November 15th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
When you think you have seen everything, something new is “pooping up.” A Japanese toilet maker named Toto created a trike running on sewage, apparently the cheapest renewable energy. Yes, you can run on household and livestock waste, broken down and fermented, company spokesman Kenji Fujita said.
The motorcycle can reach 45 miles per hour and was used for a 600 mile promotional trip across Japan. As you can see it features a non-useable toilet and the 6 riders who rode it 100 miles each found it comfortable. No, it will not be mass produced but you could build yours and bring you a “Most Unusual” Class trophy in the next Daytona Bike Week Rat’s Hole Show. (on a lead of Ken Glenn)
Harley-Davidson Limited Time Rebate On Road Tech Zūmo GPS
Published by November 15th, 2011 in Accessories, Builders and Editorial.
Harley offers a limited time rebate, a value up to $90, to customers who buy a Road Tech Zūmo models 660 or 665 GPS Navigator between today and December 31, 2011. To claim the rebate, you must go to your Harley dealer to get the necessary form. The zumo 660 and 665 can be used as an in-car navigator. Each comes with a mounting cradle with integrated power cable, carrying case, dust cover for motorcycle mount, battery pack, charger, automotive suction cup mount and power cable, and a USB cable.
Motorcycle installation requires customers to purchase separately a handlebar or fairing mount kit for their specific Harley-Davidson model. Customers are being instructed to see an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details.
Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Limited Time Rebate On Road Tech Zūmo GPS’
Night Star. A New Harley Sportster Japanese Style.
Published by November 14th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
During the last 10 years the worldwide custom motorcycle industry has observed, learned how to respect, admired and even has began to imitate the Japanese style of custom building. Japanese builders living and working in the US, others traveling to the US and Europe to show their creations and magazine reports on Japanese shops and bike shows have all contributed together to make the Japanese style one of the most popular trends of our industry. Continue reading ‘Night Star. A New Harley Sportster Japanese Style.’
Kiwi Indian Reproduction Leaf Spring Front Ends By Paughco
Published by November 13th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
These Leaf Spring front ends provide a nostalgic image dating back to the ‘20’s and 30’s. For a restoration or a one-off new project with a very nostalgic touch, these forks with unique styling are compatible with 16”to 21” wheels and accommodate single or dual disc brakes. Custom swaged 1-piece, 1 ¼” heavy wall tubing is used for the rear legs and fronts are ¾”. Front support bars are solid ¾”mild steel.
Rockers are Paughco’s exclusive high strength units with self lubricating, space tech, cast nylon bushings. Front legs measure 20” from the bottom of the stem to the front axle. Available in chrome, polished copper or black powder coat, they retail starting at just $2099.95. For complete details call 775-246-5738 or go to Paughco.
St. Paul Harley Sues Harley-Davidson Over Prohibition Of Online International Sales
Published by November 12th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
A few months ago, you remember that I reported that Harley-Davidson was informing and reminding its dealers that online sales were forbidden outside their dealership territories. Main targets were those dealers selling parts and accessories through 3rd party independent dealers (brick & mortar and online shops usually reselling Harley genuine parts at a discount) and those, because of their proximity to our country borders, doing a lot of international sales. Problem is that many Harley dealers would have not have survived our US economic recessions without these “outlawed sales.”
And to lead the revolt, 72-year old Tom Gianetti, owner of Harley-Davidson St. Paul Motorsports Inc, who has decided to sue the Milwaukee manufacturer for trying to prevent his dealership to continue these 3rd party and international sales. Tom states that without them, and because new motorcycles sales dwindled since 2006, his business would not have survived and that it is also the case of several other dealers. The dealer said it earned $8 million a year in revenue from those sales from 2008 through 2010. Continue reading ‘St. Paul Harley Sues Harley-Davidson Over Prohibition Of Online International Sales’
After landing in fog, weather cleared for a perfect winter weather with blue sky and temperatures in the 65 F. Happy…
American Chopper Live Build-Off Between Jesse James, Paul Senior And Paul Junior. Who Should Win?
Published by November 11th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
In advance of the 2-day TV event (Episode “Chopper Finale” December 5 at 9 pm when the 3 customs will be revealed, Episode “Chopper Live” December 6 at 9 pm to vote and see the winner), the Discovery Channel wants to know who SHOULD win this 3-way build-off.
My opinion, and yours that I know via your former comments, is that Jesse James WILL and SHOULD win. But it’s only the opinion of the true custom motorcycle industry, individuals and professionals reading me, but not necessarily the opinion of the TV public at large, not necessarily bikers, addicted during years to the duels between Paul Jr. and Paul Sr. Want a proof of what I just wrote? Continue reading ‘American Chopper Live Build-Off Between Jesse James, Paul Senior And Paul Junior. Who Should Win?’
Bike Bumper™ For Your Motorcycle Bagger Fairing
Published by November 11th, 2011 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Cycle Sounds® introduces the Bike Bumper™ Fairing Protector for stock Harley bagger fairings (including soon the Road Glide) and Goldwing family. Whether hauling in a closed or open trailer, you will never have to worry about a fairing being damaged from shifting straps or road debris. The Bike Bumper Fairing Protector covers the entire outer fairing with heavy canvas material and adds extra thick neoprene padding at the outer edges where the fairing is most vulnerable to damage. Secure hold-down straps attach the Bike Bumper to the motorcycle and prevent shifting or flapping of the cover. Considering the cost and complexity of fairing based motorcycles, the Bike Bumper may give you peace of mind knowing your fairing is always protected. MSRP. $59.95. Cycle Sounds Bike Bumper 866-427-2346.
2011 Lone Star Rally. 10 Years and Nearly a Half Million Strong.
Published by November 11th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
In the US where everything is shrinking except the size of our national debt, the November 3-6 Lone Star Rally in Galveston Texas gathered a crowd close to half a million bikers. An outstanding attendance ranking the 4-day event the 3rd largest in the country, almost on par with the Sturgis and Daytona Rallies! At a time when so many rallies have disappeared or are producing dwindling attendance numbers since 2006, how is it possible that a weekend long rally only 10 years old attract so many enthusiasts? I asked to observers and happy participants and vendors why they think the Lone Star Rally is such a success.
First the city location, its warm and very pleasant temperatures at this time of the year, its very appealing downtown neighborhood of historic buildings known as The Strand, and a relatively young population (average age is 36) with a great sense of tourism and impeccable hospitality. But organizing a perfect rally pleasing both bikers, vendors and residents requires much more than this. A production team able to mirror the production of a blockbuster Broadway musical. `There are many moving parts to this well oiled machine called the Lone Star Rally and lots of details have to be taken care of to pull off such victorious event in a mere single weekend. Continue reading ‘2011 Lone Star Rally. 10 Years and Nearly a Half Million Strong.’
I just arrived in Paris for a one week stay in France (half private, half business) and during this time I will be traveling to each corner of the Hexagon (the name natives call France because of the country’s hexagonal shape). As always, Gods of Wi-Fi permitting, I will continue to update you on time with the latest motorcycle news and maybe, as a bonus, a few pictures of my trip.
So, after the 9 hours night jump from Miami to Paris, I just landed at 8 am at Paris Charles De Gaulle where the smell of coffee & croissants tortured me so much that I decided to spend one more hour inside the giant glass and concrete airport (waiters are so slow…) just to get my first real French breakfast in a long time (I passed the one in the plane…) Warning to those visiting. It costs a fortune (translated in devaluated US dollars) and your breakfast will be 1/4th the size of an American one. Well, for the price, I enjoyed even more…
Now ready to jump in a cab for the morning rush bumper to bumper ride to my downtown Paris hotel. But first, let’s see if I can upload this post from my breakfast table. TTLY (talk to you later)
Why anyone would build a twin engine jet custom bike inspired by a 1928 Board Tracker? In this case there is a double answer. First, because it was never done before, enough reason for some to decide a new project. Second, because the client who ordered it to builder Robert Maddox wanted this very unique machine to belong to the 200+ mph club. Continue reading ‘Twin Engine Jet Board Tracker’
Auction Of Lee Roy Hartung Collection Generates Almost $4 Million In Sales
Published by November 10th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
When I ran the video showing part of the Lee Hartung amazing vintage vehicles collection, you were impatient to know what it would bring during last weekend Glenview, IL auction organized by RM Auctions America. There was 1600 individual lots, all of which were sold at ‘no reserve’ front of a packed house (in which I had several friends0 illustrating the incredible interest generated by the sale. Top sale honors went to a magnificent series of timewarp motorcycles and automobiles, headlined by a rare and hotly-contested 1911 Flying Merkel Twin Belt Drive for an impressive $201,250 (as pictured). A 1912 Harley-Davidson Single-Cylinder Belt Drive, believed to be among the best 1912 examples in the world, also drew lively bidding, selling for $115,000.
Over 5,000 individual license plates, including State runs of Arizona and West Virginia license plates which realized $29,900 each. A magnificent assortment of original bicycles, headlined by a Aero Cycle by Schwinn and an Elgin Antique Bicycle, which individually sold for $5,175 each. An original, double-sided illuminated garage sign sold for $34,500. The automobile offering also garnered significant attention, led by an exquisite, one-off 1950 Veritas BMW with coachwork by Spohn, for $195,500, and a thoroughbred 1950 Edwards R-26 Roadster, believed to be the 1950 inaugural Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance winning example, for $143,750. Continue reading ‘Auction Of Lee Roy Hartung Collection Generates Almost $4 Million In Sales’
Saddlebag Organizer For Your Glock Pistol/Clip
Published by November 10th, 2011 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
I don’t know how many bikers ride carrying a pistol, but if you do a small company called Top/Shelf Hardbagger offers a simple way to lock it up in one of your touring bags. The multi-fit foam insert fits in all Top Shelf tray organizers, includes a die cut foam cover and will accept G17, G19 and G21 pistols (more make and models soon.) Custom designed to fit all 2004-Present Harley-Davidson hard bags installed with a Top Shelf Saddlebag Organizer. M.S.R.P is 24.95 each.
Harley-Davidson Pushing Consumer-Led Marketing And Advertising
Published by November 9th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Last year, Harley-Davidson fired its advertising agency, and began sourcing advertising ideas directly from Harley-Davidson’s fans found on internet. The technique, known as “Crowdsourcing”, is the act of sourcing tasks traditionally performed by specific individuals (in this case, Harley marketing people and ad agency) to a group of people or community (crowd) through an open call. In other words, “crowdsourcing” is leveraging the mass collaboration enabled by Web 2.0 technologies, for example blogs like this one and social media like Facebook or Twitter.
Extremely popular with businesses since 2006, although controversial and opposed by some, the “crowdsourcing” technique depends essentially on the fact that because it is an open call to a group of people, it gathers those who are most fit to perform tasks, solve complex problems and contribute with the most relevant and fresh ideas. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Pushing Consumer-Led Marketing And Advertising’
Harley Ironhead Sportster Motor Mount Spacers
Published by November 9th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Those restoring/improving the look of their Ironhead Sportster]s will be happy to know that they can bring an extra touch of retro brass to their sled with these machined spacers to fit the front motor mounts on models 1954 to 1985. They will work not only with stock Harley Sportster frames but also some after-market ones like Paughco and others. Sold with 4 black washers. USA made. Pair is $38.50. Old STF Cycle Shop.
A new Italian work of art Supersport, the newMV Agusta Brutale 675 will be a big attraction this week at the 2011 EICMA Milan Show. Branded as the new MV Austa for Everyone, it features a naked futuristic body and super bike level performance. Built on a brand new ultra-technological chassis (steel tubing and aluminum and is equipped with an evolutionary engine that is the most advanced in the middle-weight segment. Continue reading ‘New MV Agusta Brutale 675’
Sturgis Buffalo Chip Appoints Chris McGee’s RevComm As Agency Of Record
Published by November 9th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
Led by motorcycle industry veteran Chris McGee, Revolution Communication, known as RevComm, is a full service advertising, marketing, media solutions and public relations agency with a focus on brand development within the motorsports industry.
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip, known as the premier entertainment, camping and vending destination of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally,
“I feel this is the perfect time in the development of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip to add a serious full service advertising and marketing agency like RevComm”, says Sturgis Buffalo Chip Owner Rod Woodruff. “Our goal at the Chip is to continually evolve our destination experience for our campers, vendors, sponsoring partners and all the riders that visit Sturgis”. Woodruff continues, “Now with the help of Chris McGee and RevComm we will be in the position to greatly improve our brand position, media relations and industry outreach, as well as continue to grow our world class concerts, entertainment and vendor base that the Chip is known for”. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Buffalo Chip Appoints Chris McGee’s RevComm As Agency Of Record’
A guy goes to the U.S, Post Office to apply for a job. The interviewer asks him, “Are you allergic to anything?” He replies, “Yes, caffeine. I can’t drink coffee.” “Ok, have you ever been in the military service?” “Yes,” he says, “I was in Iraq for one tour.” The interviewer says, “That will give you 5 extra points toward employment. Then he asks, “Are you disabled in any way?” The guy says, “Yes. A bomb exploded near me and I lost both my testicles.”
The interviewer grimaces and then says, “Okay. You’ve got enough points for me to hire you right now. Our normal hours are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can start tomorrow at 10:00 am, and plan on starting at 10:00 am every day.”
The guy is puzzled and asks, “If the work hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM,why don’t you want me here until 10:00 am?” “This is a government job”, the interviewer says. “For the first two hours, we just stand around drinking coffee and scratching our balls. No point in you coming in for that.”
Artist Conrad Leach Vintage Motorcycle Paintings
Published by November 8th, 2011 in Editorial and Painters.
Renowned for his portraits of vintage racing subjects –motorcars and motorcycles– executed in unique, contemporary technique, Conrad Leach’s artworks grace the walls of private and public collections around the world. Three of his museum-quality giclée prints taken from London artist’s most popular motorcycle-centric paintings, signed and numbered by Leach, are for sale on a recently launched website. This site is a new online apparel shop for men offering uncommon brands of timeless quality sourced in America, Europe and Japan. These 2 Giclee Prints are sold unframed, museum quality paper stock. Signed and numbered by the artist. $650 each. To order, jump to:
Conrad Leach “Lucky 13” and “Norton Jack.”
