Archive Page 250

Sturgis Buffalo Chip® iPhone Application

Using an iPhone and almost on your way to Sturgis? Just on time, the Buffalo Chip launches its own application with which, among other things, you can check the concert schedules, bands profile, buy tickets, leave comments about the shows, get daily updates about events going on, make campground reservations, buy additional camping amenities and even connect with other rally goers.  The Buffalo Chip application also provides descriptions of additional events that will be happening around town during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Users can access the latest news on the Newsfeed and access the Chip’s Social Feeds posts on Facebook and Twitter. This is something users want to check on frequently as the Chip is posting updates, giveaways and contests regularly. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Buffalo Chip® iPhone Application’

S&S Cycle Hires Stephen Iggens As President.

S&S Cycle Inc. just announced the hiring of Stephen K. Iggens as company President. The duties of President have been handled by Executive Chairman and CEO George B. Smith since late 2008 (after the deparure of son Brett Smith as President). Iggens first official day on the job will be August 8, 2011 and he is planning on attending the rally in Sturgis, SD for a few days to meet customers and other industry leaders.

George Smith will continue as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors at S&S Cycle and lend his industry expertise and experience to Steve to effect a smooth and seamless transition.  Iggens is no stranger to S&S Cycle and the motorcycle industry having served as Executive Controller, Director of Finance/CFO and CFO/Vice President of Finance at S&S between 2003 and 2006. The management team is very pleased to welcome Steve back to S&S in his new role as company President. Continue reading ‘S&S Cycle Hires Stephen Iggens As President.’

Sturgis Rally Trademark War. Problem Solved. Sort Of.

Any unforeseen event is always a good pretext to sell more tee-shirts. You just have to be opportunist and very fast.

A company called Zazzle tries to cash in on the Sturgis Rally trademark controversy by selling this official/unofficial 2011 Sturgis Rally tee shirt. You could ask for any print you want in the front.

So, I call again on all lawyers reading my Blog. Can SMRI enforce its trademark and claim infringement by the seller of an unofficial Sturgis Rally tee-shirt claiming to be unofficial in big typo? At Zazzle  (thank you Scooter)

1901-2011. Celebrating In Sturgis Indian Motorcycle 110th Anniversary.

In 1900, bicycle racer George M. Hendee and engineering wizard Carl Oscar Hedstrom partnered and unveiled the following year their first creation, the 1901 Single. The trade name chosen for their innovative machine would intended to express “a wholly American product in pioneering tradition”. Indian Motorcycle created Anerica’s first love story with motorcycles. In 2011, Indian’s new owner, Polaris industries, is providing a short term support to improve and maintain production of the current product line. At the same time the company is working  to offer in summer 2012 (model year 2013) a strong Indian line up remaining true to the brand’s long heritage. Continue reading ‘1901-2011. Celebrating In Sturgis Indian Motorcycle 110th Anniversary.’

Studio Photography During 2011 Sturgis Rally

For all of you professional photographers from the US and abroad participating to the 71Annual Black Hills Rally. Black Hills State University in Spearfish South Dakota has recently opened a 2000 square foot photography studio, which is available for rent. The studio can be rented with lighting equipment ($100.00 pr. hour) or without ($80.00 pr. hour). The studio has 12-foot ceilings, black walls and a cement floor. Equipment includes 1200 WS and 2400 WS Norman, Calumet and Profoto packs and heads as well a large assortment of soft boxes, modifiers, reflectors, light stands and paper and muslin backdrops. The studio has double door access (6-foot width, 80 inch height) and restroom facilities. There are no kitchen facilities. Spearfish is located approximately 18 miles From Sturgis SD and 40 miles from Rapid City SD. Please call Steve Babbitt for further details at 605-642-6769.

New Performance Eyewear With Exclusive ForceFlex™ Technology From Harley-Davidson®

Lenses are constructed from a multi-injection molding process that produces a bendable soft rubber frame that flexes to fit nearly any size face and inside a helmet, and are backed by a lifetime warranty. They are scratch-resistant, filter out 100% of UV radiation and meet or exceed all safety standards. Continue reading ‘New Performance Eyewear With Exclusive ForceFlex™ Technology From Harley-Davidson®’

Motorcycle Parts Website

Artist Scott Jacobs Tribute To Cris Sommer Simmons Beloved 1915 Harley-Davidson

On September 10, 2010, Chris Sommer Simmons was one of the 65 bikers in Kitty Hawk, NC on the starting line of a 3325 miles grueling coast to coast vintage motorcycle ride ending 17 days later in Santa Monica. She was the only American lady to participate and to complete this cross country Cannonball Endurance Run. Internationally renown artist Scott Jacobs decided to pay tribute to Chris (and to her very supporting “Doobie Brothers” husband Pat Simmons) in creating this magnificent painting of her beloved 1915 Harley-Davidson 11J Twin 3-speed named Effie (in honor of Effie Hotchkiss who with her mother Avis rode in 1915  in a sidecar from Brooklyn, NY to the World’s Fair in San Francisco, CA! )    Continue reading ‘Artist Scott Jacobs Tribute To Cris Sommer Simmons Beloved 1915 Harley-Davidson’

2012 Victory Motorcycles Line Up. Breaking New Boundaries.

The Victory Dealer Meeting is still going on until this evening Wednesday July 27th, but today Wednesday July 27, 2011 the complete 2012 line up becomes public. The new model year is more evolution than revolution. In addition to the High Ball, a new Bobber styling offering great value, already launched in January, Victory introduces the Cross Country Tour intended to set a new very high standard for hard baggers, providing riders with unprecedented comfort, the greatest cargo capacity of any production motorcycle in the world and a long list of accessories to customize it to each rider preference.

For model year 2012, Victory offers 3 Ness Signature Series models – numbered, limited-edition custom Victory models styled by 3 generations of customizers: Arlen, Cory and Zach Ness. The 2012 models are the Arlen Ness Signature Series Victory Vision, a Cross Country styled by Arlen’s son and business partner Cory Ness, and a Vegas 8-Ball styled by Cory’s son, Zach Ness.

The CORE Custom Program is introduced. iIt allows customers to choose the color of their new Cross Roads and select the bike’s saddlebags, tip-over protection and front-end protection. These elements are installed at the Victory dealership so the customer rides home on a bike customized to their liking. Continue reading ‘2012 Victory Motorcycles Line Up. Breaking New Boundaries.’

New This Year In Sturgis. The Easyriders Saloon.

Located at the intersection of Junction Avenue and Lazelle Street, the new 25,000 sq. ft Easyriders Saloon bar and steakhouse will be ready just on time for the 71th Sturgis Rally. The steakhouse is located on the 1st floor with a seating up to 100 people, with a bar and dance floor in the back. The second deck overlooks the 1st floor and feature a large bar area. The 3rd floor, to be completed after the rally end, will house VIP rooms for up to 200 people.

As usual, the promise is lot of fun, good food, hardcore drinks, kick ass music and sound…and beautiful women. Easyriders Saloon Sturgis will be open all year long. One of the co-owners owns a couple of Hooters restaurants in North Dakota, but contrary to local rumors it’s not a Hooters chain. Easyriders just licensed their name. During the rally, the bar/steakhouse will welcome vendors and a Hooters booth on its parking lot.

Joke Of The week

A biker couple was celebrating 50 years together…

Even though they were never wealthy they put their three kids throughcollege and all became very successful. All three agreed to a Sunday dinner to honor their parents.

“Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad,” gushed son number one ….  “Sorry I’m running late.  I had an emergency at the hospital with a patient, you know how it is, and I didn’t have time to get you a gift.” “Not to worry,” said the father.  “The important thing is that we’re all together today.”

Son number two arrived and announced, “You and Mom look great, Dad. I just flew in from Los Angeles between depositions and didn’t have time to shop for you.” “It’s nothing,” said the father.  “We’re glad you were able to come.” Continue reading ‘Joke Of The week’

New Screamin’ Eagle Round Air Cleaner For Sportster Models

Conceived to provide increased air flow to boost the power of fuel-injected Sportster models, the new Screamin’ Eagle® Round Sportster® Stage 1 Air Cleaner Kit (Brilliant Chrome or Gloss Black or Chrome; $139.95) can be matched with an accessory round cover or for an open-element look with custom air cleaner trim from one of the Harley-Davidson’s decorative collections.

Kit includes one-piece cast backplate, high-flow washable air filter element, and all required hardware. Street legal when used with stock mufflers. Requires ECM calibration (priced separately). Labor cost not included. Fits 2007-later Sportster models. Requires separate purchase of round air cleaner cover or Twin Cam-style air cleaner trim. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for details.

Custom Chrome Challenge At The Sturgis Buffalo Chip

Just completed, I saw this custom bike in California in the process of being built while it was displayed in March at the 2011 Custom Chrome Dealer Show. Michael Prugh and his students were working on it with the objective to get it completed for the Sturgis Rally where it will be exhibited at the Buffalo Chip before being auctioned to benefit the 4th Annual Legends Ride to be held August 8th.

Based on a 2011 Street Bob, a Harley model that all custom builders love to use, the build saw Western Dakota Tech students rebuild the bike from the ground up using custom designed and fabricated parts as well as many aftermarket parts and accessories sourced from the 2011 Custom Chrome catalog. Prugh and his students tore down the bike to its bare frame and rebuilt it as an attractive custom machine. A very nice example of what can be done from a Harley model using after-market parts and of course some labor efforts. No doubt that students of Western Dakota Tech got a real life custom building experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Fast Motorcycle Industry News

Unlicensed Vendors And Unauthorized Products At Sturgis Rally. We all know that vendors must pay a license fee to exhibit and sell products during the Sturgis rally. They must also setup in the precise spot for which the license was granted. New this year, Sturgis City inspectors are also supposed to report unauthorized products being sold. Not difficult to guess that the target of these inspections are those refusing to pay the SMRI Group (Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Inc.) a licensing fee for use of their trademarks obtained this year on names like Sturgis Rally & Black Hills Rally. It makes me wonder 2 things: is it the job and in the power of the city to enforce a trademark, or is it the job of SMRI? SMRI is right now suing those merchants refusing to comply, but a counter lawsuit challenging these trademarks is also going on. So, is it really possible to enforce a trademark when it is alleged in court to have been obtained fraudulently? Lawyers reading my Blog can explain in “comments”.

Paisano Publications. John Lagana who was named in September 2008 by Joe Teresi to succeed him as Publisher and CEO of Paisano Publications was let go. Officially, he is retiring. A tipster reported to me that staff is very unhappy about management style and direction, refusing to see and accept the move to a digital world of news, that the company’s monthly biker publications – including Easyriders, V-Twin & Biker Magazines -, like some other print publications in the industry, are bleeding subscribers and that financial worries are mounting. It is well known in the industry that Joe Teresi doesn’t believe in motorcycle news and features via internet, which from my point of view is almost a guarantee of slow death for most print magazines if they don’t at least diversify their channels of communication. Joe incorporated Paisano Publications in 1970 and launched Easyriders in 1971, followed by a series of lifestyle oriented entertainment products and services, many of them now defunct, with the name Easyriders licensed to some other companies (for Ex. Easyriders Bike Shows, Easyriders Rodeos.) Paisano also promotes the largest V-Twin only tradeshow in the industry, the V-Twin Expo. (Added 7/26/11 at 5.30 pm: I guess things have evolved. Joe Teresi contacted me to mention that he will launch in September a digital magazine named “Road Iron” dedicated to Builders Of Custom Harley-Davidson Baggers)  Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’

The Purrfect Angelz Got Talent

If you go to rallies, frequent the Broken Spoke, the Full Throttle Saloon, follow the Easyriders Bike Show Tour, etc you saw them perform their vocals and acrobatic dance routine. This evening Tuesday July 26, 2011, on NBC (check your local listing) the Purrfect Angelz will compete in the show “America Got Talent.” Since 2001, the multi-talented and beautiful group of all professional dancers has done so much to entertain you in motorcycle events that this evening they deserve your vote…

Fiber Carbon Revolution

Since 2005 Michael Kamalian from Revolution Cycle Manufacturing is familiarizing all custom builders with the multiple options offered by the best of carbon fiber technology. In 6 years, he went from 5 and 6-sopke one-piece wheels in all popular sizes, in average 10x stronger than billet aluminum and able to outlast you and your bike no matter what your riding style, to custom frames, to a complete line of knurl style accessories made out of 6061 grade aluminum but whose design is conceived to work with or without a carbon fiber theme. Continue reading ‘Fiber Carbon Revolution’

Pandemonium Speed Box Battery Box

If you build from the ground up and like the speed look of this battery box, the only things that you need to know are:

1- Made from 1/8″ steel with aluminum strap and stainless steel hardware. 2- Dimensions are 7 5/16″ long, 3 7/16″ wide, 5.00″ tall, enough to fit both Odyssey battery models 545 and 680. 3- Price: $110.00.

Order online and see other goodies at Pandemonium Custom Choppers Webstore.

Photography Of The Month. Riding Historic Berlin.

50 years ago on August 13 1961, the German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany) started the construction of the Berlin Wall. At the time, the  Soviet dominated Eastern Bloc officially claimed that the wall was erected to protect its population from fascist elements conspiring to prevent the “will of the people” in building a socialist state in East Germany… Continue reading ‘Photography Of The Month. Riding Historic Berlin.’

Concerned Citizens For Sturgis Group Calls For Boycott Of Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Merchandise And Associated Businesses

Concerned Citizens for Sturgis (CCFS) is a newly formed trade association uniting individuals and companies to promote the growth and health of Sturgis and the Motorcycle Rally and opposing the “Sturgis Rally” and “Black Hills” trademarks obtained earlier this year by a not-for-profit group called SMRI (Sturgis Motorcycle Rally inc.) The issue will be decided in court, but at a little bit over 2 weeks from the start of the 71th Sturgis Rally, a public relation battle got started over this trademarks dispute. Brian Niemann, one of the leaders of  “Concerned Citizens For Sturgis” just sent a press release to news media giving a little bit of history about the origin of the conflict and all what has happened until now.

In it, he explains that 2 actual members of SMRI, Good Sports and Black Hills Harley-Davidson, previously opposed in sworn statements (PDF of these statements after the jump at end of article) both the registrations of Sturgis Rally & Black Hills Rally based on many reasons, including that the names were primarily geographically descriptive and were being sought to be registered based on fraudulent statements made by the Chamber’s President, Marlin Martin. Good Sports and Black Hills Harley-Davidson did in fact oppose the exact same arguments they are making now to try to enforce the trademarks they obtained last April. Consequently, “Concerned Citizens For Sturgis” calls for bikers to boycott all  “Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Inc.” merchandise sold during the rally and associated vendors.

After the jump, the press release prepared by PATTERSON THUENTE CHRISTENSEN PEDERSEN, P.A. Councel of “Concerned Citizens For Sturgis”. Continue reading ‘Concerned Citizens For Sturgis Group Calls For Boycott Of Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Merchandise And Associated Businesses’

Harley-Davidson. Same Stance. New Generation.

Easyriders V-Twin Expo Not Merging With Any Other Show

On July 14th, I wrote an article about the Rivalry between The Easyriders V-Twin Expo of Cincinnati and the newly created Advanstar American V-Twin Dealer Show of Indianapolis held a few days later in February 2012. I was informed that the administration of the V-Twin Expo has received calls from people with questions about the option of merging the two tradeshows. They must not be my readers because I was talking about the rivalry, not of the merging of the 2 shows. Anyway, The V-Twin Expo By Easyriders wants all the industry to know that they are not, don’t intend to combine with any other company or show, and sent me the following press release to clarify. I reproduce it as received.

“V-Twin Expo by Easyriders. The Original and Only Show Exclusively Focused on the American v-twin Industry. The 12th Annual V-Twin Expo by Easyriders February 4-6, 2012 remains the industry’s best exclusive trade show serving dealers and manufacturers in the American v-twin industry. Eleven years in the making, the upcoming 12th annual V-Twin Expo by Easyriders is revving up for a solid show in February 2012. Continue reading ‘Easyriders V-Twin Expo Not Merging With Any Other Show’

Gearing Up Or Not To Sturgis. You are In Luck.

The Baker crew understands that you can’t all be in Sturgis between August 5 and 14.

I was informed that all those not in South Dakota are getting the same 15% discount than all those who have all the fun in the Black Hills. So, those of you staying home get the same “Rally Discount” for all orders placed until August 14th and as a bonus, free shipping. 15% discount is applied on most top products such as the DD6 and DD7, the F5R and F6R reverse and many other Baker drivetrain products. Call  1-877-640-2004! Baker Drivetrain.

2011 LA Calendar Motorcycle Best Of Show Winner

On Saturday July 16th, the 20th annual Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show returned next to the historic Queen Mary ocean liner in Long Beach, CA. The show was held in a new, and smaller location (Seawalk Village which replicates an old British seaside town), a reflection of the economy which has impacted the motorcycle industry so hard the last few years.

Custom Builder Jim Giuffra and the beautiful “spokes models” of AFT Customs created two all-new customs bikes to premier at this year’s building championship. Their very unique and original 1970 Honda CB750 based custom sport bike named “Sentoh” was voted Best of Show. It features a hand built perimeter frame, a single Mikuni HSR45 carb fed 4-tract induction system, hand made exhaust and kickstart system and modern RaceTech racebike suspension and Beringer brakes. (photography Jim Gianatsis)

New Corbin Fleetliner Saddlebags Setup For Harley-Davidson Tourers

From Corbin, the company wanting each of its seat to be more comfortable than the one delivered with your factory bike, and also offering some cool custom bodywork options for added class and style, a brand new saddlebag setup for 2009-2011 Harley touring models.

Mounts to stock bags hanger hardware and available in primer or painted a single HD factory color. All info at:  Corbin Fleetliner Saddlebags HD Touring Models.

Gypsy Biker Bed Rolls

Riding to Sturgis? Don is an old school biker dude who makes a kickass bedroll called the Gypsy Biker Bedroll, which has seen the most hardcore mofos through long road trips. Don often tells people that the Gypsy Biker Bedroll is “a little past comfortable…

According to Don, his Bed Rolls are not made for the rider who has an itinerary and hotel reservations. The Gypsy Biker Bedroll is made for the dude who is following the wind and living the life. ” He has no tent. He has no sleeping bag. He has the wind and somewhere, a cold beer waiting to be turned into piss… Continue reading ‘Gypsy Biker Bed Rolls’

Harley-Davidson 2012 Motorcycle Lineup. 32 Models On 6 Platforms. Twin Cam 103″ Engine On Most Models

At the dealer meeting, Harley-Davidson Inc. has rolled out its 2012 motorcycle lineup, which  offers more Big Twin performance as its Twin Cam 103™ powertrain is standard equipment on Softail® and Touring motorcycle models and most Dyna® motorcycle models.  includes a 10th-anniversary V-Rod bike and a touring motorcycle with detachable saddle bags.

The company heads into 2012 with 32 models on six platforms (Sportster, Dyna, Softail,Touring, Trike and V-Rod) and increased emphasis on customizing motorcycles at the factory (4 models, including the short-lived Street Glide Trike, have been discontinued.) Harley-Davidson offers two new models for 2012. The V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition celebrating a decade of power-cruiser performance, while the new Dyna® Switchback is a convertible custom-touring motorcycle with detachable hard saddlebags and windshield. In addition, the Night Rod® Special has significant updates for 2012 with refreshed bodywork and optimized rider ergonomics. Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)™ introduces the gleaming new CVO™ Road Glide® Custom, a limited-production, high-performance touring masterpiece. Prices are up about 1% for the 2012 bikes sold in the United States and 0.5% worldwide. “This is the first meaningful price increase that we have taken on motorcycles since 2007,” said John Olin, Harley’s chief financial officer. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson 2012 Motorcycle Lineup. 32 Models On 6 Platforms. Twin Cam 103″ Engine On Most Models’

Sturgis Tattoo Cafe At The Buffalo Chip

If you want to get inked while in Sturgis, visit the Tattoo Cafe at the Buffalo Chip where some of the best artists of all artistic styles will wait for you to turn your tattoo fantasy into a skin piece of art.  Among them, Shaun Kama, one of the superstar artists who helped conceive the idea of the Tattoo Cafe. Kama has been tattooing for over 10 years and his personal tastes lead him to the dark and macabre. Prebook a tattoo with Kama by emailing halloweentattoos@aol.com. Dejah Garcia is one of the original crew at Hart and Huntington in 2004, during the first season of “Inked. She now owns Trusted Tattoo in Corona, Cal. Email to book an appointment at trustedtattoo@gmail.com. Lacy also garnered fame as a tattoo artist during her tenure at Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company in Las Vegas, Nev. while the A&E show “Inked” was being filmed. She currently works at Trusted Tattoo Company. Email to prebook at lacyloo666@hotmail.com. Portfolios of every artist, as well as all pre-booking contact information can be found at Buffalo Chip.



Cyril Huze