Knievel Custom Cycles LLC today announced that its manufacturing subsidiary, Knievel Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc., has signed a contract with The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), a division of IMG College, to manufacture officially licensed logo motorcycles themed after colleges and universities in the U.S.
Under terms of the agreement, an initial group of CLC institutions have granted approval to Knievel Motorcycle Company to promote this product and effort. Auburn University, University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Georgia, The University of Kansas, Louisiana State University, University of Miami (Fla.), South Carolina University, University of Tennessee, and University of Wisconsin represent a large demographic of collegiate communities that are proud to showcase their school spirit through officially licensed custom production motorcycles from Knievel Motorcycle Co. Continue reading ‘Knievel Custom Cycles Sign Contract To Market College-Themed Motorcycles’
In his southwest of St Louis, MO Rods & Rides shop, Thomas Denver Ward (call him TD) and crew build, re-build and customize very cool classic cars, trucks, hot rods and motorcycles. For bikes, they have a special affection for Board Track Racers and Bobbers, almost all using drop seat frames provided under their design by a friend named Mike Simms from another Missouri company called MMW. I noticed the Ol’ 37 bike featured here while strolling the different Daytona Biketoberfest bike shows and was satisfied to learn later that this bike, for its simplicity and purity, received quite a few trophies from the judges. Continue reading ‘Ol’ Number 37 Bike’
For twenty years, Harley & Indian enthusiasts in Australia have been recreating the rivalry that was so much a part of motorcycling in the Twenties, Thirties, and Forties of the last century. In 2011, that rivalry was brought to America where the bikes were built. The 2011 Harley Versus Indian Race was a success. The Harleys won and in 2012 the Indians are out for revenge … Continue reading ‘Harley Versus Indian. It Could Get Ugly…’
Get rid of the tuck and under look and go back to classic looks with this set of 4” Classic Duals that come with the Rinehart Power Pack fuel tuner which has been optimized for these pipes. Plug it in, select a map and go! • Programmable fuel tables • Software and USB cable included • 10 stored maps that can be adjusted with dials • Compatible with Power Commander maps (PCIIIUSB or PC5) • Designed and built in the USA. Power Pack Classic Duals 4” Chrome with Black end caps. MSRP $1348. At your local dealer via Custom Chrome.
You asked me over and over what was the status of the litigation opposing merchants to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Inc (SMRI) owner of the 2 trademarks Sturgis Rally and Black Rally and a couple of other variations. First, regarding the lawsuit in Federal Court between Rushmore Photo and SMRI, both parties are waiting for a judge in Rapid City to set a date for the trial. Second, on Friday October 21, 2011 the association called Concerned Citizens For Sturgis (CCFS) and regrouping Sturgis area citizens, local merchants and rally vendors and created to oppose and ask for cancellation of these trademarks filed legal action against SMRI in the United States Patent And Trademark Office. At the end of this article, I post a link to the full petition by CCFS. It’s long, but worth reading. I summarize below the main grounds to support this petition by CCFS. Continue reading ‘Update On the Legal Battle Over The Sturgis And Black Hills Rally Trademarks’
If you are looking for a couple of exclusive motorcycle themed classy tee shirts that your buddies will probably never wear because they don’t know where to get them (until today…), there is a guy called Bill Muneio whose passion is to design commemorative graphic logos about brands most of you have never heard about.
Like the German “White Mars” or the Swiss “Motosacoche” motorcycles. What about a tee commemorating the 1938 TT Von Bern Race… These tees are great pieces of conversation and will be an opportunity to show how much you know about motorcycle history. They are of high quality, printed by hand, produced in the US in small quantities, are reasonably priced and are currently on sale with free shipping in the continental US for orders over $50. Triumph, Norton, BMW designs also available. At Motoshirts.
During 60 years, Lee Hartung collected, collected, collected… Dale Walksler of Wheels Through Time travels to Chicago to help America Auctions go through the coveted Lee Hartung collection. First Day looking through it and Dale pulls out 5 motorcycles to get them running. Auction of these machines and many others is November 3-5, 2011 in Glenview, Illinois. More info at Auctions America By RM.
In another possible twist regarding the elimination of the top 11 finishers because they were speeding, I received the comment/email below.
Author : Chris Hines: fast96@arrowlane.com. “I was interviewed by the Durhams about GPS system that we supply and was told ver batam that it would not be used for speed at all! We wrote a program that eliminated the speed function and it was turned down. Hmmm… We DID NOT supply them GPS for 2011 or 2012 and will not do any business with them in the future! What I do find ironic is that Beth and Jim both told me when we were interviewed that they wanted nothing to do with the speed function on our system. You can reach me at 480-797-8775 and I own ArrowTrack GPS Tracking systems. We build a unit just for motorcycles. Thanks” Chris.
I remind everybody that The Medicine Show Land Trust, a.k.a. Hoka Hey Challenge, stated in an official press release and in their own website that “during the 2011 edition all riders were GPS tracked by the company US Fleet Tracking with the dual purpose of “enabling event organizers to verify the riders’ speeds and routing.” Continue reading ‘2011 Hoka Hey Challenge GPS Speed Tracking. Disabled?’
On May 15, 2011 I broke the news that Jesse James would return to TV in a 3-way build-off with the Teutuls, Paul Jr. and Paul Sr. This afternoon, Jesse just confirmed to me that the face-off will be “live” on 2 consecutive nights on the Discovery Channel, December 5 and 6, 2011 both shows at 9 pm eastern time.
On December 5, the 3 custom builders, Jesse, Paul Jr. and Paul Sr. in a regular show of “American Chopper” will shown building their respective bikes front of the cameras, followed by viewers vote to select their favorite. The following evening December 6, the winning bike will be revealed in a live broadcast from Las Vegas.
In 2000, the Discovery Channel made Jesse James famous with the TV series “Motorcycle Mania” Jesse left the network 5 years ago for new ventures and a new series on Spike TV. So, it’s his big return on the Discovery Channel and I know that all chopper fans are going to mark their calendars for the 2 nights of Dec. 5 & 6. (personal picture Jesse James courtesy to Cyril Huze)
It will be interesting to observe if in these economic recession times, one of the world’s oldest motorcycles is able to establish a new world record price for a motorcycle sold at auction. This 1894 Roper Steam-Powered is one of two built by Sylvester Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts one of the first auto manufacturers in the US.
Auction house Auctions America By RM describes it as based on the frame of a Columbia bicycle, with a compact rectangular boiler, burner and grate, and a small steam engine on the right side. A water tank is located directly over the boiler, from which a smoke vent exits at a rakish angle. All controls are located on the handlebars. In keeping with the true definition of a motorcycle, it was completed without pedals. In May 1896 it averaged a record speed of 40 miles per hour on the Dorchester Road in Boston for a measured mile. Continue reading ‘1894 Roper Steam-Powered Motorcycle. New World’s Record Auction Price?’
Custom Builder Jeff Cochran, a.k.a. SpeedKing. just released a full line of braking products called “Rush Hour Racing” A faithful to brakes brand Wilwood, all his brackets were designed around the Wilwood single and double 4-piston calipers but will accept many others with 3.5″ distance between ear mounts like Performance Machine, JayBrake, Midwest, DNA, etc…
All brackets and discs are provided in brushed 304 stainless steel or A36 steel, are laser cut for precision and performance in Ohio by Speeking, with calipers machined by Wilwood in California. They are available in blue, black, red, chrome or polished. Jeff Cochran’s Speedking USA.
Fellow custom Builder Ralph Randolph, owner of Knockout Motorcycle Co. in Mesa, Arizona. is looking for a good bike builder with experience. Description of requirements to apply follows after the jump. Continue reading ‘Job Opening For Experienced Custom Builder’
New Official Sturgis Rally Magazine To Be Offered Nationwide. Feeling that much more can be done to attract bikers to the August rally and to try reverse a steady decline in attendance during these last 5 years, the Sturgis City Council approved the idea of a magazine going nationwide in 600 stores. The magazine will include 132 pages promoting the Rally, Sturgis and South Dakota. Content will try to demonstrate that in terms of all kinds of vacations, the Sturgis Rally is probably one of the cheaper events that one can attend…
Polaris Announces Investment in in Electric Motorcycle Leader Brammo. Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced a minority investment in Brammo, an Ashland, Ore.-based maker of electric vehicle technology and two-wheel electric vehicles. By investing in Brammo, Polaris obtains access to their proprietary electric vehicle powertrain technology, as well as exposure to the rapidly growing electric motorcycle market. Founded in 2002, Brammo has made its mark by developing electric vehicle technology tailored specifically for the motorcycle segment. Brammo currently offers the Enertia line of motorcycles, capable of speeds in excess of 60 mph and ranges up to 80 miles on a single charge. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
The 26″ diameter front wheel is the new bad boy of the custom motorcycle industry. Seen on baggers and other radical contraptions, very few different designs were available, and nowhere could you find a 26″ wire wheel, until today… Sinister is launching the first and only 26″ Big Fat Daddy Wire Wheel, available in stainless steel, stainless with white spokes or white rims with stainless spokes. For all those who think that taller is better. Sinister Wheels.
The shop. Warr’s of London, Europe’s oldest official Harley-Davidson dealership. The client, Iconic Japanese Denim Label Evisu, specialized reproducing painted vintage-style jeans on old machinery. The builder and designer, Charlie Stockwell who at Warr’s London, who loves to build classically inspired one-off Harleys. Latest work, the Kamome Springer, a darkened harmonic combination of past vintage styles with modern functionality celebrating the creativity and hand-made practices of the past.
The Evisu Warr’s Harley-Davidson Springer celebrates purity of lines, timeless elegance with each detail crafted with purpose and function. Historic influences include hand metal bending and forming, precise welding, engraving, stitching, riveting, embossing leather, etc. Pictures will never do justice to this new vintage contraption based on a 2011 Harley Softail Crossbones. Continue reading ‘Kamome Sprinter Custom Harley-Davidson’
Somebody had to do it. And Custom Chrome is the first one. A Black Book where you will only find black custom parts, powdercoated or anodized, from engines and intakes to wheels to foot and hand controls to suspension, lighting and hardware. Black is the most powerful “color trend” of the industry since chrome was invented. 51 pages of darkness that you can see by jumping to Custom Chrome Black Book (turn pages by clicking top or bottom right of each page)
Tucked under your Softail chassis it has never been easy to access and adjust the pair of shocks to changing loads or to the addition of a passenger. Reason why most don’t even bother to do it. For 2012 Progressive Suspension, America’s Premier Manufacturer Of Motorcycle Suspension, is launching the high performance 422 Series Softail Shocks with RAP or Remote Adjustable Preload. Continue reading ‘New For 2012. Progressive Suspension Softail Shocks With Remote Adjustable Preload.’
For my european readers, a reminder that this important show features all the leading manufacturers, not only Italian, and a selection of some of the top european custom builders. Over 500,000 visitors (you read correctly) are expected to attend this 69th edition. To focus only on customizers, you will get a chance to see from up close the most recent machines of builders like Asso Special Bike, Abnormal Cycles, Garage 65 and many others. 50% discount on entry ticket for HOG (Harley Owners Group) members, and for LowRide Magazine readers. Learn more about this show/exhibition, in English, at 69th International Motorcycle Exhibition Milan Fair.
Peterson’s initial focus will be on Dealer Sales and Distribution Networks Globally as well as Media Relations, Advertising, Event and Market Presence and Market Research. Peterson brings with him over 18 years of experience and education in the industry. A U.S. Army Veteran, Peterson has built a successful career in sales, marketing, customer support and relationship management within the v‐twin industry. His resume’ includes positions with Custom Chrome International as Media & Events Manager and Midwest Regional Sales Representative, S&S Cycle, Inc as Senior Sales Executive and Customer Support Manager, American IronHorse Motorcycles as Dealer Development & Events Manager, Drag Specialties as Sales Representative and Events Manager as well as extensive Dealership experience in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area.
Hawg Wired, Inc., a Silicon Valley based company, designs, manufactures, and markets industry leading high performance audio equipment and electronics for the Harley‐Davidson touring market. Incorporated in 2003, the company forged the now high demand audio market with its flagship U.S. made digital amplifier and high performance speakers. Offering a large selection of complete systems, an extensive line of installation accessories, and products that cover almost 2 decades of touring models. Continue reading ‘Hawg Wired Hires Motorcycle Industry Veteran Kurt Peterson As VP Of Sales & Marketing’
Thunderbike Germany is one of the 3 european official Harley-Davidson dealers leaning the most towards custom work. Not only using genuine Harley parts, but also their own proprietary line of after-market parts for V-Rod, Softail, Dyna and Touring models and yes, also for metric bikes, mainly Suzuki and Yamaha, 2 brands extremely popular on the old continent. The lead creative mind behind Thunderbike is owner Andreas Bergerforth, an household name all over Europe and whose reputation in the custom industry was acquired in stealing the gold in bike shows to the most prominent other American and European custom builders. His work goes from Bobbers to Choppers to radical Free Style, but always with 2 common elements: the bikes must remain road legal and are always performance oriented. Continue reading ‘Thunderbike R-Odynamic. German Performance Genes.’
Potential Number of Units Affected: 250,757. Summary: On certain models year 2009-2012 Touring, CVO Touring and trikes manufactured from June 6, 2008 through September 16, 2011, the rear brake light switch may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system. Consequence: The excessive heat may cause the switch to not activate or activate the brake lamp when no brake is applied and/or cause a brake fluid leak at the brake light switch affecting rear brake performance. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners and dealers will install a rear brake light switch kit, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about October 31, 2011. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 414-343-4056.
It makes sense that Galveston Island, Texas serves as home to the epic Lone Star Rally event that attracts hundreds of thousands of motorcycling visitors. The biker spirit as seafarers of the open road is certainly kin to the early settlers and explorers who have also called Galveston home. From November 3rd – 6th the Island becomes Mecca for bikers from around the country to gather. The Lone Star Rally is like no other rally event and it offers everything that a major week long rally does, all in four days. And now it has become the largest weekend rally in the country.
Pier 21 roars with The Rock N Ride concert starring Marshall Tucker and Fuel on Friday night and Saturday night Buck Cherry and the Fabulous Thunderbirds smoke the stage. Live music Thursday through Sunday will feature super stars from the legendary Sturgis and Daytona motorcycle rallies with Jasmine Cain, Ryan Rolando, Farrell Webber and Big Engine rocking the Saengerfest Park and Hendley Park stages, along with excellent music from local Houston acts.
Hosted by the legendary Jay Allen, founder of the World’s Biggest Biker Bar, The Broken Spoke Saloon with locations at all the major rallies, the entertainment will be non-stop as he presents unique motorcycle events and entertainment which are hallmark hits of the Spoke. This includes the must see Baker Smoke Down Showdown where participants go head to head in stationary drag style competition, S&S Cycles Loud Pipes contest, and much more. Continue reading ‘The Lone Star Rally November. 3-6, 2011. The Largest Weekend Rally In The US.’
1- The ParaMotor Trike (Designer Zvezdan Nedeljkovic) whose passions are motorcycles, flying and designing. An ultra light electric vehicle morning from a scooter to a paragliding trike.
2- Hyundai Concept (Designer: Min Seong Kim) Made up of materials that stretch and contract just like your muscles do and enables steering without any kind of controls. Contractions and relaxation of your body direct it where you want to go…
3- TriMove (Designer: Mohammad Ghezel) A trike concept with 3 hubless wheels. Of course, triangle footprint provides balance even when it’s not moving, with close-by front wheels supposed to offer agility when turning.
4- Hyundai Aebulle (Designer: Shane Baxley) Aebulle is Korean for Cocoon and the designer states that when riding it you feel like being in one…The red lines you see are light strips to make the show sliding down Las Vegas Boulevard.
5- Dyke Bike (Designer: Imran Othman) Electric powered, with unseen before ergonomics, it is inspired by Dyson’s Air Multipliers Air flows through the bronze hollow cylinder creating movement. The air is pulled, amplified X 1000000X, pushed the bike forward! Continue reading ’10 Concept Motorcycles. Wow.’
Knievel Custom Cycles LLC today announced that its manufacturing subsidiary, Knievel Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc., has signed a contract with The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), a division of IMG College, to manufacture officially licensed logo motorcycles themed after colleges and universities in the U.S.
