Imported Spanish Harleys Ordered Off The Road By Police. Up to 5,000 Harleys brought to a halt following detection of what police describes as a scam used by importers: Harleys bought in the US by some importers to be shipped to Spain and sent to privately owned MOT centers (equivalent of DOT in the US) that have been willing to turn a blind eye to the legal road norms for vehicles to circulate in Spain. Owners of these imported Harleys claim that Harley-Davidson is trying to stop second hand imports so as to sell more motorbikes through its official dealers. Spain is one of the top markets in Europe for Harleys, “There is no problem with imported second hand bikes as a whole, only with illegal ones.” said a company representative. Some importers stress they carefully follow the guidelines. “We change everything that has to be changed and then take the bike to the MOT to make it legal to ride.” An association regrouping owners of privately imported Harleys claim that the second hand imported bikes are the same as those brought in by the company. Harley-Davidson denies any involvement with the Spanish police crack down. (Personal note: most europeans consider that a Harley kept at US norms is more valuable because “authentic”)
Indianapolis American V-Twin Dealer Show Versus Cincinnati Easyriders V-Twin Expo. The American Dealer Expo will take place February 17-19, 2012, at the Indiana Convention Center, 1000 South Capitol Ave, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event is held at the same time than the Dealer Expo but the Dealer Expo is not associated at all with the Easyriders V-Twin Expo, held a couple of weeks earlier in Cincinnati. The inaugural V-Twin Dealer Show announced that it attracted 3 major vendors as anchors: Custom Chrome International, S&S Cycles and Rinehart Racing. “The changing face of the V-Twin Industry dictates that we have to get serious about finding solutions and ways to jump start the retail sector again,” said American V-Twin Dealer Show Brand Ambassador Grady Pfeiffer. The American V-Twin Dealer Show claims that it will be a truly distinct experience for all things V-Twin (claiming to be more more efficient for vendors and dealers than competitor Cincinnati Easyriders V-Twin Expo.) The industry continues to wonder if both shows can co-exist in competing for the same vendors and v-twin dealers or if one would have to disappear. I may visit both shows in February and report from there my experience. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
You know for sure that the love affair with classic and vintage motorcycles is getting more intense when new rides are created to celebrate them. On October 5th, the First Annual Motorcycle Kickstart Classic will cover 293 miles, starting from Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley, NC to Panhead City in Rome, GA to Barber Motorsports and museum outside Birmingham, AL. It’s a free ride for all motorcyclists riding all makes, models, years and styles of bikes but of course your bike must be equipped with a functional kickstarter. Continue reading ‘First Annual Motorcycle Kickstart Classic on October 5th, 2011’
Although the only available pictures are of bad quality, this is one of the best looking velocity stacks if you are into the old school style. The one featured in the pics is made for AMAL carburetors (the ones used by most of the British motorcycle industry), but the good news is that Maund Speed Equipment will custom machine one for you for any brand of carburetors you are using at at a very reasonable price. So, I wanted you to know… Sold with brass filter screen. (Did you notice that the industrial/radial/turbine/gear design is big again and is appearing on a lot of new parts…)
Constructed from waterproof, seam-sealed 100 percent polyester fleece, the new Waterproof Fleece Jacket ($125) from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line keeps women warm and dry. Watertight storm cuffs keep the water out, while a toggle cinch at the hem and a bungee cord with toggle for the hood deliver added protection from the elements. Two zippered hand-warmer pockets complete the package. Available in XS – 3W sizes. Available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships. Or visit Harley-Davidson To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.
You can go to Nepal to enjoy Katmandu or visit and climb some of the Himalayas, but probably not to report on the custom motorcycle scene. This country bordered to the north by the People’s Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India strictly prohibits any modification of any type on any motorcycle! But you will see a lot of bikes, many of them being Royal Enfields because simple to maintain and of their ability to endure and breath correctly at many different dramatic elevations. Sergey Egorov lived 2 years in Nepal, working as a chief marketing officer for one of the country telecom operators, met there his beautiful Nepali wife, had a daughter, and for the first time decided to fully customize a motorcycle. Being one of the very rare individuals daring to do it in Nepal his bike well deserves this post in my Blog. Continue reading ‘Royal Enfield Himalayan Outlaw’
Yesterday, at the suburban Salt Lake City hospital where he was recovering, Brandon Wright, the biker who was pulled from beneath a burning car lifted by bystanders, thanked his rescuers that he called heroes, stated that he is crying his burned motorcycle and that he would not give up riding. “I rode that thing 95 percent of the time,” he said. “It’s just who I am. I love it. I started crying when I saw my bike, which I know is ridiculous but I did. I’ll absolutely be back on two wheels.” Wright, a 21-year old student at Utah State University suffered a fracture in his right leg and burns on his left leg but no damage to his head. In this video, he speaks from his hospital bed…
A sniffer placed in your exhaust helps you read then adjust your current air to fuel ratio. JIMS has manufactured and assembled all the parts needed for a single part number, user-friendly, AFR diagnostic sniffer tool kit. Use it with the Daytona Twin Tec (WEGO) or an equivalent AFR Monitoring System. Simply install the WEGO III sensor cable into the new JIMS manifold sniffer. The JIMS AFR Diagnostic Sniffer comes complete with heat wrap, wire taps, and clamp for securing the sniffer to the exhaust system. Continue reading ‘Sniff Sniff. Adjust Your Motorcycle Air To Fuel Ratio.’
A new custom look with genuine Harley-Davidson accessories. The new Slipstream Collection combines mirror-finish chrome surfaces and contrasting black pads that complement both blacked-out and chrome-covered custom motorcycles.
The collection includes grips, mirrors, footboard inserts and foot control pads that feature aero-inspired spears deeply embedded in the surface, and square-shouldered rubber pads for contemporary looks and added traction.
Items in the collection include:
Slipstream Hand Grips (P/N 56100028, $99.95 and P/N 56100029, $89.95); Slipstream Mirrors (P/N 56000006, $129.95); Slipstream Footpegs (P/N 50500091, $89.95); Slipstream Shifter Peg (P/N 33600008, $29.95); Slipstream Brake Pedal Pads (P/N 50600037 Small, $39.95 and P/N 50600040 Large, $49.95); Slipstream Traditional Footboard Inserts (P/N 50500093 Rider, $129.95 and P/N 50500096 Passenger, $119.95) ; and Slipstream Swept Wing Footboard Inserts (P/N 50500089 Rider, $129.95 and P/N 50500090 Passenger, $119.95). See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details.
English film maker Benedict Campbell is directing beautiful documentaries and commercials, including some for Harley-Davidson. (the latest is the ad “Same Stance, New Generation”) He sent me a taste of what’s to come. A teaser about a movie celebrating the men and women working the Wall Of Death. (Music: Ring of Fire. Written by Jonny Cash Performed by Jack Savoretti.)
Is the past a blueprint for the future? Sometimes. But the job of an artist is to challenge the accepted norm and to design with a completely fresh look at what can be next. “Stripping machines down to their core essence and rebuilding them leads me to new discoveries, thoughts and inspiration” says designer Joey Ruiter. Agreed, but some of you may make the remark that this concept machine is not stripped down to the bare parts, just dressed to look as it is. Continue reading ‘Moto Undone. A Representation Of Generic Transportation.’
In a surprise announcement a few minutes ago, John Parham has informed the industry that he and his wife Jill are retiring as President and Vice-President of J&P Cycles. Comfortable that J&P Cycles is operating on a sound business foundation with a solid management team in place, John Parham can now dedicate more of his time to his two greatest passions, his family and the National Motorcycle Museum. Son Zach Parham has been named VP and General Manager to head the team of professionals his parents built and to assume the day-to-day management of J&P Cycles. John will also continue to serve J&P as a member of the Advisory Board of Directors. Continue reading ‘John and Jill Parham Step Down As President And Vice-President Of J&P Cycles’
The award winning Ducati Diavel, stunningly futuristic, one of the most daring factory designs to date, a head-turning power cruiser that you can almost handle like a sport bike, rapidly sold out at a price of $16,995. Want more stares at you? Soon you will be able to order the even more refined Diavel AMG Special Edition announced to make its first public appearance at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany from 15-25 September. Continue reading ‘Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition. For Passionate Connoisseurs.’
Exhaust tips can add a lot of personality to your bike. Especially if yours don’t look like all the others on the market. Nash Motorcycle Co. is launching these new exhaust ends made out of 060 tubing. They come in a length of 10″ (so you have metal to work with for modification) and are available for 1″ 3/4 and 2″ pipes. $57 at Nash Motorcycle Co.
Mario is planning to marry and asks his family doctor how he could tell if his bride-to-be is still a virgin. His doctor says, “Mario, all the Italian men I know use three things for what we call a Do-It-Yourself Virginity Test Kit – A small can of red paint, a small can of green paint and a shovel.”
Mario asks, “And what do I do with these things, Doc? The doctor replies, “Before you climb into bed on your wedding night, you paint one of your balls red and the other ball green. If she says, ‘That’s the strangest pair of balls I’ve ever seen!’, ……….you hit her with the shovel. (sent by Nicker)
Last Tuesday was the first episode of fourth season of FX’s Sons Of Anarchy. I don’t have much time to watch TV Series, but the advantage of this serial TV drama is, contrary to many others, is that you can see any episode without watching the former ones and still understand the drama going on. Even if most watchers don’t know about the MC lifestyle I guess they can understand rival gangs, murders, rapes, police action, crazed ATF agents, fighting within the club, kidnapping, etc… Continue reading ‘Sons Of Anarchy Season 4.’
Ever wanted to know what’s going on inside your engine? Now you can view its internal components while they work. With the new RSD Clarity Line, your motorcycle inner workings are on display while sealed tight behind articulately machined billet aluminum and transparent polycarbonate. Design is inspired and machined with the form of true working components in mind. the Clarity line adds that extra level of detail, clearly showing what is usually hidden. The Clarity line includes the Clarity Air Cleaner, Clarity Derby Cover and Clarity Timing Cover. Continue reading ‘What Your Motor Is Doing? Roland Sands Launches The Clarity Line.’
September 12, 2011. Logan, Utah. 11.40 am. Brandon Wright rides his bike when a driver steered his BMW 530XI into the motorcycle’s path from a parking lot Wright lays down his bike and slides under the car. The motorcycle’s gas line is severed, causing the bike and the car to catch fire while he was trapped underneath. Several bystanders rush to the car and lifted it off. Wright is pulled out and moved to safety. Wright suffered broken bones, cuts and burns.
All custom builders are looking to create something different. Dennis and Steve at TT Cycles are no exception. They wanted to build a board track style racing bike since this sport was extremely popular in their home state of New-Jersey. Problem is that they specialize on work done on vintage Triumph motorcycles and there was no such a thing as a Triumph Board Tracker between the first and second decades of the last century. Why? Simply because back then Triumphs were not being imported in the US. So nobody has ever seen a Triumph racing on oval wooden planks… Doesn’t matter, decided the duo. Let’s build a Triumph board track racer the way it could have been and looked. Continue reading ‘If Triumph Would Have Board Track Raced…’
In recognition of the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America, the Harley-Davidson Museum is displaying thousands of flags that spell the word “Remember” on the Museum grounds. This special display is in place since yesterday Saturday, September 10 until Monday, September 12. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Flag Display Honoring the 10th Anniversary of September 11th’
I was just informed by organizer Lonnie Isam Jr. that after the huge success of the 2010 Cannonball Endurance Run, the now famous coast to coast ride on vintage motorcycles will have a new edition in 2012, from September 7 to 21. This time the run through the great wide open will be reserved to motorcycles produced in the twenties. The rapid decline of the motorcycle industry during last century’s late teens was followed by an era of prosperity known as the “Roaring Twenties”. Only three factories remained in the United States as motorcycle design advanced considerably. The competition between the” Big Three” defined motorcycling for over a decade. The 2012 Cannonball Endurance Run aims to revive this rivalry in 2012 but will welcome all makes and models of motorcycles built before 1930. Collectors and restorers from around the world be ready to use again your machines for the purpose they were originally intended for… Continue reading ‘Exclusive. The Cannonball Endurance Run Will Have a 2012 Edition.’
I am sad to report that co-owner of Sucker Punch Sally Christian Clayton passed away, apparently in his sleep. His wife found him dead at 9 am on Friday September 9, 2011. Details of the circumstances of his sudden passing are unknown. An autopsy will be performed. He was 40 years old.
Sucker Punch Sally was originally created in 2002 in Ohio by custom builders Jeff Cochran and Donnie Loos. It was the first limited edition manufacturer in the industry to specialize in old school stripped-down Bobbers and Choppers sold at reasonable prices. They were very successful, even more when the economy went down the drain making Sucker Punch Sally’s’ bike models even more desirable because of their affordability. Later, Geri and Christian Clayton joined the company with the big ambition of building hundreds of bikes every year at their Arizona manufacturing facility. Continue reading ‘Death Of Sucker Punch Sally’s Co-Owner Christian Clayton.’
The 60’s, 70’s and beginning of the 80’s were the best decades for British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph. The demise of the company in 1983 re-enforced the legendary status of the brand and “Bonnies” are right now some of the most sought-after motorcycles for restoration or customization.
Since I know many of you are working on them for the first time, here is probably the best restoration guide for the Bonneville (Bonnie) and its single carb sibling, the TR6 (Tiger) This complete, just revised edition by Triumph expert David Gaylin, features 250 photos and extensive technical information to help you give a new life to a classic Triumph, years 1956 to 1983. Paperback 276 pages. $29.95.
The 28th annual Love Ride to raise money to overcome Autism is October 23, 2011. Tonight Show host, Jay Leno, will lead thousands of bikers to Castaic Lake for one of largest and perhaps most eagerly-anticipated motorcycle ride-for-charity in the country, Love Ride is a mega-event that draws thousands of generous motorcycle enthusiasts, concert-goers, and a number of celebrities each year to partake in the pleasures of helping others while enjoying music from top American artists.
“The Love Ride is truly unique because it’s not just entertainment for charity,” notes event founder Oliver Shokouh. “It’s a full-immersion experience that lets people participate in a way that raises the spirit of giving to high levels, mainly because it feels so good.”
Since Love Ride’s humble beginning in 1984, thousands have come together year after year to support its causes, experience some of the best music in the country and enjoy quality food with like-minded people. The charity cause is Autism, a challenging neurological disorder that affects a growing number of children and their parents each year. Through the generosity of bikers and everyone involved The Love Ride makes a significant impact on the disorder in helping fund research, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. Continue reading ‘Love Ride 2011’
While some dream of getting a land speed record, others stay awake and do it! And it includes women. During the 8th edition of the BUB Speed Speed Trials in Bonneville with no prior experience of the Utah Salt Flats, Jody Perewitz with the support of the Team J’Witz, became the first woman to run over 200 mph on an American V-Twin motorcycle.
The ground up custom built by Team J’Witz is constructed around a Daytec chassis using Performance Machine wheels & brakes. The American V-Twin is a 100″ Jim’s Twin Cam assembled at R&R Cycle using a set of their custom machined heads and fine tuned by Dan Thayer. Other components include a ProCharger, Daytona Twin Tec ignition system, Baker 5-speed transmission and a Perewitz/PPG paint job. Continue reading ‘Bonneville BUB Speed Trials. Jody Perewitz First Woman To Race Over 200 MPH On An American V-Twin Motorcycle.’
The new Boom!™ Audio Music Player Tank Pouch (P/N 76000193, $44.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories has a neoprene jacket to protect a portable music device (it includes your smart phone), while the built-in magnets hold the pouch securely to any steel fuel tank or dash cover.
The clear window permits touch-screen control, and the anti-skid interior allows the pouch to accommodate players of various sizes. The clamshell design makes inserting a player into the pouch quick and easy, and the double zipper permits headphone and output cables to exit the pouch at any point on top, bottom or one side of the pouch. Simply plug in headphones or connect the player to an in-dash Advanced Audio Radio with an auxiliary cable or Boom!™ Audio iPod® Interface. (because of vibrations, don’t use use with old hard-disk memory players.) Harley-Davidson
Background. Over the winter, Wink Eller & his beautiful wife Dee built a new Land Speed Racing bike. While dialing the bike at the SCTA’s El Mirage May 14-15 event Wink ran 173 mph. While returning to the pits after this run, Wink was in a 15MPH accident & badly injured his left leg. Wink & Dee went to Bonneville Speed Week to race & to be the Broken Spoke Saloon Jay Allen’s crew chief. Wink was unable to shift his own bike because his leg injury, but he tried. Wink & Jay switched bikes & Wink was able to shift Jays bike and run 192 mph+ but was unable to back it up because of wind. Jay set 2 records at Bonneville Speed Week on his own bike. Wink & Jay then went to the BUB Speed Trials where Jay set 3 records. Wink reconfigured his bike & rode it to a 169.557MPH record. During a wind storm, Wink jumped to grab a blowing awning & cut his leg on his motorcycles stand. With a 3” gash in his already badly injured left leg, Wink sewed it up with a needle & pink thread browed from a fellow racer wife. Pink is his wife Dee’s favorite color so he thought she would be happy with pink thread. Wink took the thread, needle, pliers, & a pocket knife, went into Jay’s motor coach & stitched up the gash in his leg. Here is the video. Warning: some may find diificult to watch it.
Imported Spanish Harleys Ordered Off The Road By Police. Up to 5,000 Harleys brought to a halt following detection of what police describes as a scam used by importers: Harleys bought in the US by some importers to be shipped to Spain and sent to privately owned MOT centers (equivalent of DOT in the US) that have been willing to turn a blind eye to the legal road norms for vehicles to circulate in Spain. Owners of these imported Harleys claim that Harley-Davidson is trying to stop second hand imports so as to sell more motorbikes through its official dealers. Spain is one of the top markets in Europe for Harleys, “There is no problem with imported second hand bikes as a whole, only with illegal ones.” said a company representative. Some importers stress they carefully follow the guidelines. “We change everything that has to be changed and then take the bike to the MOT to make it legal to ride.” An association regrouping owners of privately imported Harleys claim that the second hand imported bikes are the same as those brought in by the company. Harley-Davidson denies any involvement with the Spanish police crack down. (Personal note: most europeans consider that a Harley kept at US norms is more valuable because “authentic”)
