Ten years already that Harley-Davidson launched the original liquid-cooled Revolution engine in a brand new styling called the V-Rod. The V-Rod 10th Anniversary Edition is a tribute to the original 2002 V-Rod, the motorcycle that introduced brilliant silver pearl bodywork with color-matched frame. The 2012 anniversary model retains the evocation of anodized aluminum bodywork featured on the original V-Rod. Extra chrome and polished surfaces dazzle on the engine, exhaust and speed screen. Continue reading ‘2012 Harley-Davidson V-Rod 10th Anniversary’
Archive Page 251
Stevie Nicks At Sturgis American Thunder Festival Held At Buffalo Chip.
Published by July 21st, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
The first annual American Thunder Music Festival has added Stevie Nicks to the lineup that already includes Jeff Bridges and John Fogerty. The all-star concert is scheduled to take place on Thursday August 11th, at the Legendary Buffalo Chip.
Nicks is best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac, her ethereal visual style and symbolic lyrics, but also pursue an extensive solo career, which collectively have produced over forty Top 50 hits and sold over 140 million albums .The All-Star concert will benefit The Bob Woodruff Foundation, in celebration of the men and women of the United States Military and their families. Continue reading ‘Stevie Nicks At Sturgis American Thunder Festival Held At Buffalo Chip.’
New 2012 Harley Dyna® Switchback. Two Bikes In One.
Published by July 20th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Just unveiled for 2012 is the new Dyna® Switchback with detachable hard bags and windshield, a model that Harley-Davidson call “a quick-change artist.” With its color-matched hard saddlebags and a fork-mounted windshield in place, the Switchback is a custom touring motorcycle. But in seconds, the detachable saddlebags and quick-detach windshield can be removed without tools. Now the Switchback is a custom street cruiser with a gleaming headlamp nacelle, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a mini-ape handlebar. When it’s time to head out for a long weekend, simply re-install the saddlebags and windshield, and the Switchback is ready to roll for the state line.
The Switchback is powered by a muscular Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine, is the lightest custom touring motorcycle in its displacement category, and at 718 pounds ready-to-ride is 94 pounds lighter than a Harley-Davidson Road King®. New front-end geometry, premium suspension components, and a low-profile front tire give the Switchback a plush ride and responsive handling. Continue reading ‘New 2012 Harley Dyna® Switchback. Two Bikes In One.’
Polaris Industries Amazing Second Quarter Results
Published by July 20th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
What a second quarter for the US motorcycle industry. Both Harley-Davidson and Polaris pulled a wheelie on Wall Street. First Harley-Davidson U.S. motorcycle sales rose on an annual basis for the first time in 5 years. Dealers sold more than 53,000 new motorcycles in the U.S. during the second quarter, up 7.5% from a year ago. A few hours later Polaris announced it’s amazing 2nd quarter results Net income increased 90% to $48.7 million with sales increasing 41% to $607.9 million. All product lines and geographic regions experienced increased sales during the 2011 second quarter. North America sales increased 43% and International increased 35%. Results for all divisions after the jump. Continue reading ‘Polaris Industries Amazing Second Quarter Results’
Naked Bullet Ready To Shoot For 201 MPH Club
Published by July 20th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The 8th edition of the Bonneville BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials is only 5 weeks away (August 27th – September 1st, 2011). So, during the coming weeks, between news about Sturgis, I will introduce you to a few riders with their new machines shooting for a national or world land speed record in their category. You heard it many times: if you race in Bonneville one time, you will be back and back and back. Thrill and excitement is highly addictive and Swiss Markus Saegesser, will satisfy his need of speed aboard this new creation called “The Naked Bullet”.
Ambition is to be the first one on a naked V-Twin engine bike (no streamlined body, no fairing) to pass the 201 mph or 323.478 km/h mark! As far as I know, Scott Hornerhe is probably the only man ever achieving a 200+ mph record on a stripped Hayabusa reaching a stunning 210.707 mph or 339.101 km/h in September 2010. Continue reading ‘Naked Bullet Ready To Shoot For 201 MPH Club’
Massive Victory Motorcycles Presence In Sturgis
Published by July 20th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
In addition to their downtown Sturgis location at First and Main, for the 71th edition of rally, Victory will bring 3 x 18-wheelers unloading its largest ever test fleet available for demo rides.
As an official Sponsor of the Sturgis Legendary Buffalo Chip, Victory will also participle in Chip activities all week and donating a bike to be given away at the end of the rally. Here’s what Victory owners and other rally goers can look forward to: Continue reading ‘Massive Victory Motorcycles Presence In Sturgis’
Premier Handlebar Mounted Premier Motorcycle Speaker System
Published by July 20th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
There is a large demand for music on motorcycles without the need for a bulky stereo fairing to hold it.
UNiQ Cycle Sounds has recently introduced their new handlebar mounted Premier Edition speaker system to compete with top end motorcycle audio and stereo fairing markets. Each Premier Edition™ speaker system offers 600 watt premium waterproof motorcycle speakers paired with a high-powered 600 Watt mini amplifier with wiring harness. Each system includes all the necessary connectors and wires to complete installation yourself or by your local dealer.
UNiQ Cycle Sounds also produces a wide variety of motorcycle audio products including Helmet Audio, Motorcycle Amplifiers, Bagger Stereo Upgrades, iPod & iPhone Mounts and many other audio accessories. Uniq Cycle Sounds 888.864,77212
Official Harley-Davidson Sturgis Commemorative Painting Just Released
Published by July 19th, 2011 in Editorial, Events and Painters.
Artist David Uhl is in Los angeles at the International HD Dealer Meeting presenting his just finished 7th Sturgis commemorative painting. It represents a famous landmark, and a unique road that winds outside of town called Sly Hill Rd. As always some canvas giclees fwill be produced for all those that would like one for $895, framed and shipped. David Uhl will be closing the edition the day after the rally to keep the number confined to those that ordered one, insuring a sold out edition. This always makes the value jump in the fast lane. David Uhl.
New Screamin’ Eagle Nighstick Dual Touring Mufflers
Published by July 19th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
A 50-state legal upgrade in sound and performance for your dual exhaust-equipped touring bike or trike, the new Screamin’ Eagle Nighstick 2-into-2 Slip On Mufflers is offered in Chrome ($499.95) or Jet Black ($529.95). Harley-Davidson states that these long and lean diffusion disc mufflers produce a pleasing, raspy tone and provide enhanced air flow and back pressure to boost performance. Continue reading ‘New Screamin’ Eagle Nighstick Dual Touring Mufflers’
Sturgis Inaugural Rumble For The Heartland Is August 9th
Published by July 19th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
With Devils Tower, Wyoming as backdrop, an opening ceremony of “Rumble To The Heartland” is staged Tuesday August 9th at 3:00pm with military dignitaries and celebrity friends. Then, riders will pay tribute to active duty and vets with a 80 scenic miles led by Lorenzo Lamas.
All contributions, from $5 to $50,000 will benefit Operation Homefront and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. You can give a donation/register by going to Lorenzo Cycles Rumble For The Heartland. The ride will end at the Buffalo Chip for a private reception, a performance by Mocassin Creek and in the evening a Toby Keith & Poison concert. All week (August 8 to 14th) you can meet with Lorenzo Lamas, custom builder Ralph Randolph, military dignitaries and friends at Sturgis Lazelle between 4th & 5th. streets. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Inaugural Rumble For The Heartland Is August 9th’
Harley-Davidson Second Quarter Results Blow Past Estimate.
Published by July 19th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
U.S. sales, higher shipments and improved performance at its finance unit. A profit of $190.6 million, or 81 cents a share, up from $71.2 million, or 30 cents a share, a year earlier. For the year-earlier period, earnings from continuing operations were 59 cents a share. Revenue jumped 18% to $1.34 billion. Motorcycle shipments rose 13% to 66,815, in line with the company’s projection of 62,000 to 67,000 motorcycles in the second quarter. Retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 7.5% in the U.S. and 5.6% worldwide. Harley also raised its 2011 forecast of new bikes shipped to dealers. In the second quarter, the finance unit posted an operating profit of $82 million, up from $60.8 million a year earlier. For the first six months of 2011, Harley-Davidson income from continuing operations was up 48.9 percent compared to the year-ago period to $309.8 million, or $1.31 per share. The stock has risen 75% over the past year through Monday’s $41.41 close.
Italy’s iconic design has emerged into the common phrase “Made in Italy”. And during these last 5 years you probably noticed, like me, that Italian Custom Builders are becoming trendsetters in V-Twin motorcycle design. For example this Street Dragster called “Uno–Nove-Nove” or “1-9-9” because thanks to its aluminum chassis, it weights only 199 kilograms or 438 lbs. It is the work of a shop called Asso Special Bikes (ASB) already very well known in Europe for its wheel designs a chain-driven offset swingarm accepting huge rear wheels. This year at the VERONA Bike Expo, Mario Columbo and his crew were the talk of the show when they introduced an all aluminum rolling chassis for Harley-Davidson Dyna whose frame and swingarm together weight only 16 kgs or 35 lbs. Continue reading ‘Uno-Nove-Nove Street Dragster’
Awesome Solo Seats By Union Speed And Style
Published by July 17th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
If, like me, you are a little bit tired of complicated seats, over-stamped, over-stitched or over-embossed, you will love these sleek solo seats in diamond single or double stitching, horizontal or vertical tuck & roll or Bates style, in vinyl or upholstered with high quality leather in most colors. They get started from 1/8 steel pan with welded bottom studs for easy mounting. You can choose between 2 sizes: 15″ long and 10″ at the widest point. or 14″ long and 9″ at the widest point. They will also handle a custom shaped seat pan, foaming and covering following your instructions. Starting at $275.00. Union Speed And Style.
At a little bit more than 2 weeks from the start of the 71th edition of the Sturgis (or Black Hills) Rally, both sides continue to fight over the STURGIS RALLY and other trademarks associated with the motorcycle event. On one side the SMRI (Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Inc.), a not for profit organization, requesting a fee from vendors for use of the name STURGIS RALLY and other trademarks on all merchandise, threatening or suing opponents violating its intellectual property acquired February 22, 2011 from the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) On the other side, a group led by the Neiman family of Rushmore Photos & Gifts, alleging that the trademark(s) can’t be enforced because SMRI made the misrepresentation of “substantially exclusive and continuous use” of the term Sturgis as a mark for 5 years before the filing of the claim, knowingly and with the intent to defraud the US Patent & Trademark Office.
Regarding this conflict, it seems that both parties enjoy using my Blog to express their multiple point of views. Because of the legal aspect and not knowing all the facts, I limit myself to reproducing the documents spontaneously sent to me by both sides. If you are interested by this issue, the 2 following documents contain interesting information to form your judgment. At the end you will read the answers that Brian Neiman made to me when I asked for a couple of clarifications. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Rally Trademark War Is Raging’
Sturgis Limpnickie Lot. New Location. New Builders. New Entertainment.
Published by July 16th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
During the 71th Sturgis Rally edition there will be 20 custom builders in attendance at the Legendary Buffalo Chip® , new home of the Limpnickie Lot. The foundation of the Limpnickie Lot started five years ago with five builders that originally included Twisted Choppers. After a four year hiatus from the lot, a period they call going to “Partner College,” Kia, Joe and Jason of Twisted have reorganized the company and are back with the rest of the Limpnickie Lot crew. Kia Morrison & Joe Skinner say “We feel the Limpnickie Lot is a great fit and we are excited to be a part of it! We have many new bikes and parts to display and we can’t wait to check out what everyone else has been creating.” Continue reading ‘Sturgis Limpnickie Lot. New Location. New Builders. New Entertainment.’
Levi’s 511 Commuter Jeans For Bikers
Published by July 16th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
Realizing that people want something more than just plain – and uncomfortable – denim jean, and to remain popular among a wide range of youth subcultures, including greasers, mods, rockers etc, Levis Strauss just released the Levi’s Commuter Jeans. Commuter, because the company made this new model incorporating “cyclist-friendy” features. But when I read about what was so special about them, all these features are sought after not only by eco-friendly cyclists pedaling to the office, but also by motorcyclists. Looks to me like Levi Strauss should call them Levi’s 511 Biker Jeans to address both categories of 2/3-wheelers. Continue reading ‘Levi’s 511 Commuter Jeans For Bikers’
Good news. Friend of the industry Jasmine Cain will be in Sturgis to rock a few stages with the gift of her voice and the raw guitars of her band. One video and one listen to convince you that she is one of the musical events to attend to during your stay in the Black Hills. The Broken Spoke Saloon, downtown Sturgis, 905 Lazelle Street, August 5 (8pm-1am), August 6 (8pm-1am), August 7 (3:30pm-7pm), August 9 (3:30pm-7pm), August 12 (8pm-1am) Broken Spoke Campground County Line Hwy 79, August 11 & 13 (time to be announced), Maverick Magazine Party in Spearfish, August 7 (8pm-11pm)
Sturgis Rally Trademark Fight. The Official Reply From SMRI.
Published by July 15th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (SMRI) attempts to answer the 10 questions that have been distributed to the media with clear and concise answers to the extent the questions were clear. (I was not able to verify the information and alleged statements provided below by SMRI)
1. SMRi recently added two new licensees, Biker Design Inc. and Motorcycle Rally USA. These are two more significant distributors that have recognized SMRi as the rightful holder of intellectual property pertaining to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. SMRi is pleased to have Biker Design Inc. and Motorcycle Rally USA on board as suppliers of quality merchandise at the 2011 Rally.
2. Besides its mission to improve the rally, SMRi also has the mission to return a charitable benefit to the greater Sturgis community. By way of example, SMRi recently donated $3000 to Sturgis Rally Charities, which in turn donated it to Neighborworks. Neighborworks used the money to complete a fundraising goal in Sturgis to help with their GroupWorks program, which helps low income, elderly and disabled community members fix up their homes.
3. SMRi has the exclusive right to use the trademarks Sturgis Rally and Black Hills Rally in conjunction with motorcycle rally goods and services, and otherwise so as to prevent consumer confusion and false advertising. Businesses located in Sturgis and the Black Hills area remain free to use
those geographic designations to connote their non-motorcycle rally goods and services in a fair and truthful manner. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Rally Trademark Fight. The Official Reply From SMRI.’
Many Harley- Davidson owners keep their factory “cowbell” shaped horn cover. Beep, beep. Easy to look better with these Ness round ones whose designs are made to match point covers offered by the same company. They fit on 1991 to 2010 Big Twin models. $49.95. Arlen Ness.
Sturgis Rally Trademark Fight. Conflicts of Interest and Intimidation Exposed?
Published by July 15th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
Aaron W. Davis, Partner at Patterson Thuente Christensen Pedersen, P.A., the counsel of Rushmore Photo & Gifts Inc. is launching a vigorous defense and counter-attack against Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (SMRI), its companies and individual members. The conflict between SMRI and Rushmore Photo & Gifts and other Sturgis merchandise vendors arised from the fact that SMRI tries to enforce a Sturgis Rally trademark, want to charge a licensing fee to all vendors selling Sturgis related merchandise and threaten vendors who would not comply.
Defendants allege that to acquire the registration for name STURGIS, SMRI made a sworn statement to the US Patent & Trademark Office stating that STURGIS was exclusively used by the Sturgis Chamber Of Commerce from 1987 to 2001, and that this statement is false. Below are all the allegations made by Paul Nieman co-owner of Rushmore Photo & Gifts (RPG) via its legal council. RPG tries to federate other Sturgis merchandise vendors opposing SMRI trademark enforcements. (I disclose that I was not able to verify any allegations contained in the document below)
Licensing fees for “Sturgis” trademarks being paid to Connecticut corporation:
Rushmore Photo & Gifts (RPG) has discovered that the license agreement that Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. (SMRI) has been forcing vendors to sign in order to sell Sturgis products requires that the licensing fees be paid to Good Sports, Inc., not SMRI. Good Sports is a Connecticut corporation owned by Jerry Berkowitz, vice chair of the SMRI board of directors. Sounds like a conflict of interest to me. Makes you wonder what other conflicts of interest exist on the SMRI board, stated Paul Niemann, co-owner of RPG. Last month, SMRI sued RPG and the Niemann family for allegedly infringing SMRI‘s supposed trademark rights in the name―Sturgis. RPG, a local, Rapid City business has been in existence since 1937, and has sold Sturgis-related merchandise since at least 1987. Nonetheless, SMRI, which just formed in 2010, has alleged that it is the exclusive owner of the right to use and license others to use the name―Sturgis. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Rally Trademark Fight. Conflicts of Interest and Intimidation Exposed?’
V-Twin Trade Show War Boiling For 2012
Published by July 14th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The 12th Annual Easyriders V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, a trade show devoted to everything American V-Twin is setup for February 4-6, 2012. The 2012 Advanstar Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, another trade show encompassing all the powersport industry will open its doors a few days later February 17-19, 2012. But in 2012, in the same Indianapolis location, Advanstar will host the American V-Twin Dealer Show, directly in competition with the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo originally created to offer exibitors a specific place devoted only to American V-Twin manufacturers and dealers, without deperdition of contacts with visitors only interested by metric powersports. Advanstar just announced that the American V-Twin Dealer Show will be a standalone event co-located within the Dealer Expo. Both shows will be held simultaneously in the Indiana Convention Center, giving dealers a ‘one-stop’ shopping and educational experience while maintaining the distinction of the American V-Twin market.” Continue reading ‘V-Twin Trade Show War Boiling For 2012’
Weekend Concepts, Inc. has been a pioneer in billet lighting systems since the introduction of the Lazer Star “Bullet” Billet Light in 1993. The original Bullet has been upgraded and improved many times since its introduction, with the latest being the development of LED technology.
Now, Lazer Star expands its popular line of Turn Signals and Driving lights with a new cutting edge POINT style. In 3 sizes the XS at 1” diameter, and Micro B at 1-9/16” diameter are equipped with Super-bright dual function LED and the ever-popular Bullet at 2-1/4”dia features 50watt driving light. Available in Chrome or Black Anodize finish. Manufactured in the USA. You can order at 800.624.6234 or visit Lazer Star.
Royal Enfield Building New Manufacturing Facility. Doubling Production.
Published by July 14th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Royal Enfield Motors, manufacturer the iconic Bullet motorcycle line and the world’s oldest motorcycle brand, is building a new manufacturing facility spreading across 50 acres in Chennai, India to help the company meet worldwide demand for its iconic motorcycles. The new plant should be completed in 2013 and will be able to more than double Royal Enfield’s current capacity of 70,000 units per year to 150,000 units per year. I mentioned several times in my Blog how Royal Enfield’s improved engine design and vintage aesthetics have been making a big splash with consumers, not only in India, but in the other 2 major export markets of Europe and USA. Continue reading ‘Royal Enfield Building New Manufacturing Facility. Doubling Production.’
A biker walked into a drug store in Waco , Texas and asked to talk to a male pharmacist. The woman he was talking to said that she was the only pharmacist and as she and her sister owned the store, there were no males employed there. She then asked if she could help him. The biker said that it was something that he would be much more comfortable discussing with a male pharmacist. The female pharmacist assured him that she was completely professional, and whatever it was that he needed to discuss, he could be confident that she would treat him with the highest level of professionalism. The biker then agreed and began by saying … ‘ Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
Confederate Motorcycle P120 Fighter Crashed During TV Shooting
Published by July 13th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.The P120 Fighter model from Confederate was featured yesterday in an episode of White Collar season 3. At first take, the rider crashed the bike in a fence across the street. Well, it happens. The video from a spectator being at the right place at the right time…
Exclusive. Roger Bourget Launches Roger Bourgets Chopper Shop
Published by July 13th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Many among you wondered where was and what was up with Custom Builder Roger Bourget. After nearly 20 years of being the very creative lead designer and builder of custom motorcycles for Bourget’s Bike Works (BBW), tired of all the stress of the large shop, Roger and his new wife Emily moved to one of the nation’s best riding southwest locations where they just started Roger Bourgets Chopper Shoppe headquartered in the city of Montrose, Colorado.
Is it a good time to launch a new venture in the custom motorcycle production business? Personally, I think so. Many great businesses have been started during difficult economic times, taking advantage of a a weakened and dull competition, but of course only if you have the balls, the experience, the capital and hundred of new design ideas parked in your mind. In 2012 Roger will officially launch new bagger, chopper and sport bike designs and I am sure the profession can’t wait to see if he will be able to influence again the whole V-Twin industry like he did it with his own designs between 1992 to this day. Continue reading ‘Exclusive. Roger Bourget Launches Roger Bourgets Chopper Shop’
