Much more than what you think. The precision inner workings of Progressive Suspension. A short video.
Archive Page 247
What goes Inside A Motorcycle Shock…
Published by August 23rd, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
On top, the famous Gold Yamaha as it was when Custom Builder, and later Custom Chrome Int. Parts Designer, John Reed completed it in 1982. Bottom, the same bike in 2011 competing in Sturgis in the AMD World Championship Of Custom Bike Building. I can tell you that today the bike and the man are as wild as they were in 1982… Almost 30 years later The Gold Yamaha didn’t get one wrinkle. John? Just looking more mature… He kept the bike (most important), but apparently the girl found another custom builder…(wink)
Re-legalization of dirtbikes, ATVs and snowmobiles intended primarily for kids 12 and under. Congress in early August approved legislation exempting powersports vehicles from the lead ban provisions of the CPSIA. With President Obama expected to sign legislation ending the lead ban that began two-and-a-half years ago, dealers can look forward to a huge sales promotion before Christmas holidays. Units for under 12 years old are going to be back in the dealership very soon.
“Harley-Davidson Inc. may have turned the corner for good after a recession-induced sales slump”, a KeyBanc analyst said Thursday as he started coverage of the motorcycle maker with a “Buy” rating. Analyst Scott Hamann said he expects demand for the motorcycle maker’s products to continue to grow and boost its profits. Hamann also established a $48 price target for the stock. He said that the recent drop in its share price makes it a very attractive investment.
Polaris Industries Inc. announced Friday several management changes that it believes will strengthen the company as it looks for business opportunities abroad. Among them Steve Menneto is named vice president of motorcycles, overseeing the Victory and Indian motorcycle business. He was general manager of Victory Motorcycles. The company recently reported sales increased 41 percent to $607.9 million in the second quarter, compared to a year ago. Earnings increased 90 percent to $48.7 million, beating analyst expectations.
Fuller Hot Rods Honda CB 750 Cafe Racer
Published by August 22nd, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Cafe Racers. At least 3 years that I am telling you that you are going to see more and more of them being born or re-born in the best custom shops around the world. The reason? The convergence of an affinity for the retro style with the desire to handle a very maneuverable bike both in the city and on country roads. As a matter of fact, due to the number of creations of this style present in bike shows, a couple of major custom bike competitions just started this year to create a class just for them. So, expect me to feature more and more of them. Like this one named “Rodan” (Godzilla’s nemesis and sometimes ally) by Bryan Fuller from Fuller Hot Rods that some of you also know as the co-host of the TV Show “2 Guys Garage” on Speed Channel. Continue reading ‘Fuller Hot Rods Honda CB 750 Cafe Racer’
Your Dream Job? Polaris Recruiting A Marketing Director For Indian Motorcycles.
Published by August 21st, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Job Title: Director, Marketing Indian Motorcycles Profession: Marketing Department Head. Status Full-time. Job summary description: lead Indian marketing efforts in development and implementation of strategies and plan that meet or exceed retail sales objectives. Key leader in driving Indian Motorcycles to become a Global Motorcycle Brand. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Marketing/Brand Strategies and Plan Development. Develops and implements short and long-term marketing plans and strategies to support the growth objectives of the company. Identifies, qualifies and pursues growth opportunities.* Develops and executes purchase funnel…etc. For full description of offer and to apply online, jump to Polaris Careers. (many other positions are available)
New Harley-Davidson Detachable Ventilator Winshields
Published by August 21st, 2011 in Accessories, Chassis and Editorial.
After the Mid-Frame Air Deflector for Softail® model that I featured a few days ago, and always preoccupied by your riding comfort, Harley-Davidson is now launching windshields with adjustable vents. These new Ventilator Detachable Windshields ($424.95 to $474.95) feature clear, injection-molded vents that allow the rider to adjust the airflow to match the riding conditions. Continue reading ‘New Harley-Davidson Detachable Ventilator Winshields’
How Custom Motorcycle Builders Do Promote Themselves?
Published by August 20th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.How Custom Builders do promote themselves? Magazines, social medias, blogs, bike shows, TV if possible and videos. An interesting promo video to boost notoriety of Christian De Kant & his shop DK Motorrad in Switzerland. What do you think? (It’s not a paid commercial. Christian doesn’t know I am running his video. )
Monster Motorcycle Tires For Monster Wheels
Published by August 20th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Those new to the very tall and very wide wheels don’t seem to know where to find the corresponding tires. Metalsport Wheels is distributing the Vee Rubber tires (yes it’s a Thai company) to fit the today’s wildest size wheels, the 26″ & 30″ in front, the 310 mm & 360 mm tires in rear. White walls in unusual sizes?
Also available 120/70/21, 130/50/23, 130/70/18, 150/60/18, 180/55/18, 200/50/18, 200/55/17, 150/80/16 and MT90/16. Metalsports.
Sturgis Inaugural American Thunder Music Festival. Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty And Jeff Bridges Performed For The Troops.
Published by August 20th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
On Saturday August 13, 2011 at the Buffalo Chip, it was the first major benefit concert in the 71-year history of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The concert was to raise money for the Bob Woodruff Foundation and featured Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) performing in the midst of a howling thundering wind storm and tornado warnings , Jeff Bridges and John Fogerty. The American Thunder event will be broadcast internationally to over one million active duty men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces in more than 175 countries and U.S. territories, and on U.S. Navy ships around the world. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Inaugural American Thunder Music Festival. Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty And Jeff Bridges Performed For The Troops.’
Auction Of Moby Dick, The Fastest Production Motorcycle Of the 1920’s
Published by August 19th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Suitable for road use,this 1929 Brough Superior SS100 known as Moby Dick, was considered at a maximum speed of 106 mph, the fastest privately owned motorcycle in the world. Later, in 1931, it was tuned up and was eventually able to reach 115 mph in top (third) gear and 109 mph in second. For the joy of one motorcycle collector Moby Dick will be auctioned on October 16, 2011 at The International Motorcycle Show in Staffordshire. Bonhams, the auctioneer, is expect the Brough to bring around 260,000 pound sterlings or about $425,000.
Lorenzo Lamas Cycles Second Rumble For The Heartland Ride Is September 2, 2011 In Nashville
Published by August 19th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The inaugural “Rumble For The Heartland”, a charity ride organized by Lorenzo Lamas Cycles raising money to benefit Operation Homefront and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, happened during the Sturgis Rally. The second edition will take place on Sept. 2, staging at Appleton Harley-Davidson in Clarksville, TN at 2PM. The ride will be in honor of the 101st Airborne Division and will be led again by Lorenzo Lamas, military dignitaries and Music City Special Guests.
The ride will end in Whites Creek, TN with a reception taking place at “Cowboy Town”. Creek-side camping is available at a discount of $5 and shuttle service will be provided to the nearby “Woods At Fontanel” where Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson will rally the audience in support of Operation Finally Home. Continue reading ‘Lorenzo Lamas Cycles Second Rumble For The Heartland Ride Is September 2, 2011 In Nashville’
Last week at the Rapid City airport, met with Custom Builder Kenji Nagai from Ken’s Factory. Between a last cigarette before a TSA security check (Japanese & French are the only ones still to smoke…), small talk about the Sturgis rally we were returning from, my Blog, his latest creation, and his parts sold in the US via Cycle Kraft Motorcycle Products. Told him that I like the velocity stacks he is selling.
Something fresh in a sea of boring bolt-ons. Some style I will qualify a cross between old world craftsmanship and high tech design. For your Evo or Twin-Cam engine, pick your design, 5-spoke or ribbed, in polished or black & machine polished, for Super E&G, CV, EFI. Sold with internal breather and protective screen. Cycle Kraft Motorcycle Products. Also distributed by Custom Chrome USA and Custom Chrome Europe.
If you were living in 1919 and came upon the following poster…then met with one of these women.
I mean, seriously.
Wouldn’t you just keep drinking?
Cyril
New 2012 Pink Label Special Edition Biker Jacket
Published by August 19th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.
With an expanded line of more than 50 iconic items, the 2012 Pink Label Collection from the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes line offers a purchase with the purpose to empower and support people affected by breast cancer. A portion of proceeds from the sale of every Pink Label item helps fund the YourShoes™ 24/7 Support Center, part of the Y-ME® National Breast Cancer Organization that supports patients and families affected by breast cancer. More than $370,000 has already been raised since the Pink Label Collection debuted in 2010. Continue reading ‘New 2012 Pink Label Special Edition Biker Jacket’
Escape Extreme Summer Heat. Air Deflector For Harley-Davidson Softail Models.
Published by August 18th, 2011 in Accessories, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Harley-Davidson released a new Mid-Frame Air Deflector for Softail® models designed to improve rider comfort during the summer season in extreme temperatures. Intended for severe duty and extreme temperature applications, these inconspicuous black deflectors attach to the frame and surround the top of the rear cylinder head. The scoop shape captures the moving air and uses the flow to direct the heat down and away from the rider. Kit includes all required mounting hardware, and fits 2008-later Softail models except Rocker and Rocker C. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Website
Renegade Wheels Exhibit And Party At Anaheim Garden Walk.
Published by August 18th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial, Events and Wheels.
Harley-Davidson summer dealer gathering was held during 3 days at the Anaheim Convention Center, California. So, with great marketing acumen, Chuck Frederick, President of Renegade Wheels hosted a 3-day exhibition/party a few blocks away and adjacent Tom Scott’s Harley-Davidson of Anaheim satellite store.
On the party menu, 50 trend-setting custom wheel models in all styles, designs and sizes displayed in a kind of art gallery setting, plus rotors, air cleaners and other specialty parts. Items were displayed individually, as well as mounted on an impressive fleet of striking custom bikes. Continue reading ‘Renegade Wheels Exhibit And Party At Anaheim Garden Walk.’
Royal Enfield To launch Classic 500cc Desert Storm
Published by August 18th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
The Gulf War (August, 1990 – February, 1991), commonly referred as Desert Storm, in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of the State of Kuwait, is the inspiration behind this new model by Royal Enfield to be launched first in India. It’s just a cosmetic variation of the Classic 500 cc with the same 5-speed gearbox and foot shifting. If the beige war dress works well with buyers, you can expect soon the olive green version..
Italian Motorcycling Legend Claudio Castiglioni Passes At Age 64.
Published by August 17th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The man who personally elevated the Italian motorcycle industry to its current role as world leader and the businessman who excelled with MV Agusta, Cagiva, Ducati and Husqvarna brands has left us. Claudio Castiglioni, the charismatic president of MV Agusta, died this morning Auugust 17, 2011 in Varese, Italy, after fighting a long illness. He was 64 years old.
After his experience in the family business’s specializing in metalworking and manufacturing, in 1978 Castiglioni founded the company Cagiva which continually developed new and innovative motorcycles that have influenced the direction of the Italian and world motorcycle markets through the 1980’s and 1990’s. Intuitive, tenacious, and a true visionary, these qualities drove Claudio Castiglioni to purchase the historic brands like Ducati, Husqvarna and MV Agusta. Coupled with his vision, diligence, hard work and financial investment these brands have once again become the protagonist of the two wheeled market. Continue reading ‘Italian Motorcycling Legend Claudio Castiglioni Passes At Age 64.’
Electric Lightning Motorcycle Strikes At 206.079 MPH
Published by August 17th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Green is in and electric motorcycles are converging to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to show the world what speed they can reach.
Last Sunday a Lightning Motorcycle averaged 206.079 mph on 2 passes, with one pass at 208.38 mph easily beating last year’s 173.388 mph electric bike land speed record. Lightning Motorcycles is the brainchild of Richard Hatfield and a group of Silicon Valley engineers dedicated to the belief that world class performance is compatible with clean tech transportation.
Race Tech principal Paul Thede rode the bike equipped with a propulsion electric motor from Remy International to Southern California Timing Association record books. The Lightning SuperBike is equally suited to track days, weekend rides, your favorite back roads or… record runs at Bonneville. A build-to-order bike like this will set you back about $40,000. Lighting Motorcycles.
It was in 2004 that Victory debuted the first Arlen Ness Signature Series model. It was a custom painted Vegas dressed with Ness accessories. Today, 3 generations of Ness, Arlen, Cory & Zach collaborate with the Minnesota manufacturer to each offer numbered, limited edition custom Victory models. For 2012, Arlen worked on the Vision, a bike that you either dislike or love. But if you like this Victory futuristic style, you will like it even more with the special custom features that Arlen added. Continue reading ‘2012 Arlen Ness Signature Vision’
Most people people don’t know the rights passengers have, both as riders in a car and on a motorcycle. Even when you are not the person operating a car or motorcycle you still have protection under the law.
In case of injury as a passenger you may be worried at the idea of filing a claim against a family member or friend. As a matter of fact your own insurance coverage usually covers you if you ride as a passenger (check the extent of the coverage.) And if you have no insurance the claim you make is against the insurance of the operator, not against your friend or family member. You are not obliged to sue a friend or family member to file a claim with his insurance company. His insurance premium may go up, but it will go up anyway if he or she is responsible for the accident.
From Associated Press.
1- Traffic counts into and out of Sturgis by the State Department of Transportation were down nearly 12 percent through Thursday. Attendance at last year’s rally was estimated at 466,769, up from 442,163 in 2009. The 60th rally in 2000 drew the biggest crowd so far, an estimated 633,0002
2- Young adults are the holy grail for everyone in motorcycling. But rallies continue to attract mainly aging crowds. A recent survey shows that 61 percent of Sturgis Rally attendees are between the ages of 41-65, and 38 percent are ages 41 to 53.
3- Reservations for campgrounds and hotel and motel rooms booked by Black Hills Central Reservations were down about 6 percent for this year’s rally..
4- The city of Sturgis issued 719 vendor licenses in 2011, down 5.5 percent from the 761 issued last year.
Motorcycle. The Best Way To Distance Yourself From The World And To get Closer To Nature.
Published by August 16th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.Always hard to capture the pleasure of riding on film. You climb on your bike just before the sun comes up. Then, it’s magic. A beautiful film for Ducati called “Escaping” by Barry Munsterteiger. Escaping? “The state of having wandering and imaginative thoughts in order to remove one’s self from reality.”
Ed Hardy Limited Edition Motorcycle Leather Jackets
Published by August 16th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
Although some think that there are too many non-bikers wearing Ed Hardy branded clothing, most of them don’t know who was the man. He is a famous, now half retired, American Tattoo Artist who spent many years in Japan studying with Japanese classical tattoo master Horihide to who he was introduced by his mentor Sailor Jerry Collins of Honolulu. His trademark is incorporating Japanese aesthetic in American tattoos. In 2004 Christian Audigier licensed the rights to produce the Ed Hardy clothing line which is based on Hardy’s imagery and that you can find on anything you can wear in any mall in the US and also abroad.
If you don’t like mass production clothing, know also that some pieces are sold in very limited quantity, like these leather motorcycle jackets. These jackets are made with top quality material and have very detailed hardware and graphics depicting some of the most popular tattoos Ed Hardy ever designed. With styles like the men’s “Do or Die” (left) and “Love Kills Slowly” (right) jackets and women’s “True Love/Eternal” (botton) racer jacket. A few available at Rocky Leather
Darwin Motorcycles RLX American Muscle Bike
Published by August 15th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Last Wednesday August 10, 2011. Location Lazelle Street in Sturgis. At 3.45 pm Dar Holdsworth is called on the stage of the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building to receive his trophy for winning First Place in the Production Manufacturer Class for the bike featured here. During the last 9 months, Dar emailed and texted me almost every week images of the progress of this new creation, both a tribute to American Racer Robert “Bobby” Rahal, an International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee, and also a salute to the American Soldier. This RLX Darwin Motorcycles bike will be promoted both in the auto racing world and motorcycle world to be raffled with all proceeds to support our US troops through 2 military focused charities, Steel Anchor and Pros Vets. Continue reading ‘Darwin Motorcycles RLX American Muscle Bike’
Please Help Bobby & Elisa Seeger From Indian Larry Motorcycles Treat Their Son.
Published by August 15th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
This post to ask you, as much as possible, to provide help and support to a well known couple of the industry, Bobby & Elisa Seeger from Indian Motorcycles.
Their 7-year old son named Aidan has been diagnosed with a horrible brain disease called Adrenoleukodystrody (ALD). It is a rare, inherited disorder that leads to progressive brain damage, failure of the adrenal glands and eventually death. Friends of the motorcycle industry are uniting to help ease the Seeger’s financial burden during their son’s treatment. This is a child who really needs our help. Last week “Aidan Posse Benefit Concert” had an incredible turn out, but it’s not enough. So, if you can, please give a donation for his medical treatment, even if it’s only $5.00. Go to Aidan Has A Posse. Continue reading ‘Please Help Bobby & Elisa Seeger From Indian Larry Motorcycles Treat Their Son.’
