Archive Page 253

Exciting New Stage Of The Big Dog Motorcycles Story In Europe. Are You Serious?

I don’t know personally Jos Dewit, boss of of the Legend Motorcycle Group, a european distributor of motorcycles with warehousing based in Belgium. On June 6, 2010 he announced very proudly that his company was chosen by Big Dog Motorcycles to distribute 4 of their models through a network of dealers to be created on the old continent. Wrong decision as he should have known that Big Dog Motorcycles was already in big financial trouble, having no resources to continue building bikes, with the Wichita, KS company being forced in foreclosure by its bank just 10 months later. When I announced on April 4, 2011 that Big Dog Motorcycles was closing, 2 days later on April 6, 2011 Jos Dewitt mass emailed a letter to European media and dealers asking them not to believe my news! Very bad idea, because Big Dog Motorcycles officially closed the following day.  On April 8, 2011, Jos Dewitt went to my Blog to comment and made a series of crazy statements like “BDM has closed but created at the same time more responsibilities for the companies subsidiaries” (really?), “Big Dog Motorcycles Performance Parts will be the subsidiary of BDM” (False), “The plan for BDM is to restructure till the end of 2011, and to enter 2012 with the new structure in place” (Are you kidding?)

Today, Jos Dewit fired another email to European media and dealers where he announces that he is going to produce complete motorcycles bearing the Big Dog Motorcycles name and built with parts bought from BDM parts in Kansas. But only when his stock of Wichita made BDM motorcycles is depleted. And to get rid of them, he announces that, unfortunately, his company is forced to implement direct sales at competitive prices to end customers (?) while creating a new service network across Europe. He is “looking for partners with the required proven experience to share in this exciting new stage of Big Dog Motorcycles’ story.” Are you kidding Mr. Dewit? After the jump, his poorly written letter exactly as he wrote and just sent it. Continue reading ‘Exciting New Stage Of The Big Dog Motorcycles Story In Europe. Are You Serious?’

Polaris Hiring Marketing Director For Indian Motorcycles

You see it here first. A tremendous opportunity offered by Polaris to apply for a dream job to lead the Indian Motorcycle brand marketing efforts.

Job Summary:
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 And 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 strategies from awareness to purchase.
• Leads development and implementation of branding/positioning strategies that differentiates the products in the marketplace through product advertising, including consumer shows.
• Creates, tests, and executes retail programs and promotions that are impactful and cost effective.
• Responsible for delivering retail market share growth.
• Develop marketing budget and manage accordingly Continue reading ‘Polaris Hiring Marketing Director For Indian Motorcycles’

New-York Helmetless Biker Killed In Ride Protesting Helmet Laws

Many among you forwarded to me the story of the motorcyclist participating on Saturday in a protest ride against helmet laws in upstate New York who died after he flipped over the bike’s handlebars and hit his head on the pavement. Apparently, the motorcyclist hit the brakes, causing the bike to fishtail and spin out of control. 55-year-old Philip A. Contos of Parish, N.Y., was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson with a group participating to the 11th annual Helmet Protest Run, which is put on by the Onondaga County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Towards Education (ABATE). New York is one of 20 states that require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Continue reading ‘New-York Helmetless Biker Killed In Ride Protesting Helmet Laws’

Sturgis Bike Week. The Limpnickie Lot Set Up At The Buffalo Chip.

Last year, The Limpnickie Lot, a cooperative representing “the next generation of bike builders”, was set up at The Broken Spoke Campground. This year, the group will showcase their custom motorcycles and parts at The Buffalo Chip near the West Gate (where the large Buffalo Sculpture is located) in the free area. Builders will be creating their own FREE Limpnickie village complete with over 20 Limpnickie Lot motorcycle builders and a skateboard ramp.  The Limpnickie Lot will feature two great Cycle Source Magazine events at the Chip: 1- The Cycle Source Free Night Time Chopper Show will take place on Friday August 12th, which is free to enter and features prizes from Legends Air and 10 classes to enter. 2- The fifth annual Cycle Source Black Hills Run will start and end at The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® this year with a host of great destinations throughout the Black Hills. The ride will take place on Tuesday, August 9th at noon. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Bike Week. The Limpnickie Lot Set Up At The Buffalo Chip.’

Judge Rules That Mongols Logo And Trademark Can’t Be Seized By The Government

Background story: Following a 2008 raid and indictment of 79 Mongols, a judge issued a preliminary injunction that ordered members to forfeit all clothing and motorcycles that bear the organization’s logo. Members were barred from selling, distributing or wearing any of the insignia. The indictment claimed that the Mongols were tied to the 2005 shooting of a firefighter at a “Toys for Tots” Christmas charity drive. For three years, the club challenged the restraining order stating through its attorney that the government can’t seize the club’s logo. It was the first time the government had gone after a group’s trademarked logo.

Attorney for the Mongols George Steele successfully argued that ” The Group is a motorcycle club. It’s a fraternal organization of men. They may be bigger, tougher and prone to have disputes, the same as likeminded clubs. They’re still an organization.” He said that “the motion raised concerns over trademark laws and the government exerting power trying to seize intellectual property” A federal judge in Los Angeles this week struck down the government’s request to seize control of the Mongols Motorcycle Club’s trademarked seal and patch. U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright III said the government could not seize the trademark, because it legally belongs to the club, which had not been charged as a whole.

Your Motorcycle Engine. Can Synthetic Oil Be Switched to Regular Oil?

Spectro Performance Oils is anwering your question.

“Yes, synthetic oil can be switched to regular oil in an engine. And vice versa: the oil type can be switched as often as desired. Both synthetic and regular oils lubricate engines internally, providing a barrier that prevents metal-on-metal contact inside the engine. Continue reading ‘Your Motorcycle Engine. Can Synthetic Oil Be Switched to Regular Oil?’

Motorcycle Parts Website

Turn Your Harley Sportster Into A Bagger

SUMAX’S extensive range of hard bag options has now expanded with the introduction of bags and associated brackets foruse on ’04 and Up Harley Sportster.  The brackets are powder coated black by Sumax and feature 1/4-turn quick disconnects with Dzus fasteners like those found on all H-D Touring models. These connectors allow the brackets to be used with either Sumax hard bags or H-D hard or soft bags from ’93 and Up. Continue reading ‘Turn Your Harley Sportster Into A Bagger’

Happy 4th Of July Weekend

Independence Day. Fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

The first week of July is also typically one of the busiest American travel periods of the year, as many people utilize the holiday for extended vacation trips. So, ride safe and Happy 4th Of July Weekend.

Motorcycle ABS Technology Benefits To Be Evaluated Again With In-situation Study.

When braking hard, we all know that locking up motorcycle wheel(s) will create unbalance and will easily put you down. ABS systems, via their sensors, are supposed to detect when a bike’s wheels are about to lock up, rapidly releasing and reapplying braking pressure to allow the motorcycle to slow while the wheels keep turning because the gyroscopic effect of the 2 rotating wheels helps keep the machine upright.

Still, the motorcycle industry and most of you are arguing about the real safety advantage of ABS technology on motorcycles. Is it because bikers are by nature opposed to more federal safety requirements? Are slow to embrace any new technology? Or had a non convincing experience while using ABS? Or all of the above?

Federal Highway regulators and motorcycle manufacturers, also for reason of liability, are concerned for your safety and are looking for a re-evaluation of the benefits provided by ABS systems on motorcycles. Are they, as initially described and justified to be offered now as either standard or optional equipment, a significant new tool to prevent fatal accidents? Continue reading ‘Motorcycle ABS Technology Benefits To Be Evaluated Again With In-situation Study.’

New BAKER Drivetrain Oil Pan Uncovered By Accident

Don’t think I am all the time behind a computer. I meet with a lot of people outside the shop and visit quite a few dealers, for news of course, but also because they give me a hand while on the road. And sometimes my professional and personal errands end up in interesting discoveries that I love to share with you in my Blog.

An oil change on a Dyna Low Rider at another bike shop made me meet this guy riding back his 2011 Harley Road Glide. Turns out that this guy was close friend with the shop owner. Overheard that the Road Glide guy was doing a bunch of oil temperature testing on a new oil pan. Later, before leaving the shop, I asked him what it was all about and that I would really like to get my hands on this new pan. He just told me that it would only fit 2009 and later touring models, but not the Dyna Low Rider I was riding. I was teased, but could not get any more info from him. So, I did what a smart Blogger would do in this situation. Shoot with my Spy Phone the pan in question (with his authorization), and asked him his business card. On it, BAKER Drivetrain! So, you are looking in exclusivity at the next product for Harley Touring Bikes from the BAKER family and Bert Baker is now obliged to give me and you the full run down. For sure all details very soon in my Blog.

Sturgis Museum Day Is August 5, 2011

During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, The Charlie Brechtel Band with special guest Dan Lawson will be rocking the Wolfman Jack Stage to draw attention to a custom motorcycle raffle to benefit the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. “Last year, when I was at the Hall of Fame Breakfast I heard the museum was out of space and cannot hold any more motorcycle history.  I knew in my heart this was unacceptable,” Charlie said.  “So I made a phone call to Woody (Buffalo Chip Campground owner) and ran down my idea to help raise money to put up another building. The history of our lifestyle needs to keep rollin’ on. Woody, who is also a lover of the motorcycle culture and a board member of the museum, quickly agreed that something had to be done.  So they came up with the idea  called ‘Sturgis Museum Night’ where they will combine Dan Lawson with The Charlie Brechtel Band and headliner Edgar Winter.  In conjunction with the great music that will be on stage they will be showcasing some of the original Sturgis Hall of Fame Freedom Fighters like Tony Pan (the 1st freedom fighter to ever be inducted to the hall of fame) and Bikerrogue (John Herlihy). Continue reading ‘Sturgis Museum Day Is August 5, 2011’

Glenn Curtiss. 1878-1930.

Glenn Curtiss, born in 1878 in Hammondsport, NY, was already building bicycles when he reached his teens and became very fast a famous speed bicycle racer. Logically, he got interested by more speed and in 1902 started his own motorcycle manufacturing company, originally under the brand name of “Hercules”. His machines were the only ones really able to challenge Indian and were the first ones to use a handlebar throttle for acceleration. In January 1907 in Ormond Beach, Florida, (top picture) Glenn Curtiss became the fastest man on earth with a land speed record of 136.3 mph (216 km/h), a record never homologated because he was unable to do a return  due to damage to his frame. Continue reading ‘Glenn Curtiss. 1878-1930.’

Michigan Senate Repeals Helmet law. Bill Going To The House.

As expected, with a vote 25-14 mostly along party lines a law passed by the Michigan State Senate would be repealed for bikers 21 and older if the rider would also have to have been licensed to ride a motorcycle for at least two years or have completed a motorcycle safety course. In exchange those riding without a helmet would be required to carry insurance to cover up to $100,000 in medical costs if they get into an accident.

Governor Rick Snyder said “repeal of the helmet requirement isn’t a top priority for his administration, though it might be considered as part of a larger insurance reform package later this year.” It was unclear whether he would sign the repeal if passed by the Legislature. The previous Legislature repealed the helmet requirement twice but former Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed it both times, saying the healthcare tab for injured and uninsured motorcyclists would be too costly for taxpayers.

Arlen Ness Deep Cut Flat Shifter Rods

New in the Arlen Ness 2011 catalog are these 2 “Deep Cut” shifter rods . Particularity, in addition to “shift up” design, is that unlike traditional shifter rods with unsightly helm joints, each end has a pressed in bearing for a very clean look. Designed to work on all HD models except FDX/FXR, XL. Made out of 6061-T5 aluminum. Arlen Ness.

New 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster, Touring, And Trike.

Harley-Davidson has begun delivery of all 15 models in the 2012 Touring, Trike (North America only) and Sportster lines to its dealers in the U.S. and Europe. These motorcycles will be available for sale immediately, giving customers an opportunity to get on a 2012-model Harley-Davidson with much of the riding season still available. Shipment of these select 2012 models has been accelerated to provide greater continuity of supply in dealerships during the peak summer selling season. Additional 2012 models will be announced on July 20 at the Harley-Davidson summer dealer meeting in Anaheim, California

2012 Sportster: Personalization and Power

The six 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster models range from the affordable Dark Custom roadster posture of the Iron 883™ to the track-inspired performance of the XR1200X™. Back for its first full year of production is the Sportster® 1200 Custom, the motorcycle that introduced the web-based H-D1™ Bike Builder factory customization process. Using Bike Builder, customers can personalize their 1200 Custom with seat, handlebar, foot control, wheel, security, paint and engine finish options that are installed right at the factory. Even more dealer-installed accessories can be added, and viewed, on the Bike Builder site. Customers can expect to be riding their new bike in as little as four weeks from the time an order is placed with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. All 2012 Sportster models will have Michelin® Scorcher™ tires with a tread pattern designed, tested and styled specifically for the Sportster motorcycle to provide ideal grip, even wear and longer life. Fifteen Sportster paint options include seven new color choices for 2012. Side covers will be finished in either gloss black or denim black to match the finish on other bodywork. The Forty-Eight model will have a new tank graphic. 2012 Sportster models are: SuperLow™, Iron 883™, Sportster® 1200 Custom, Nightster®, Forty-Eight™, XR1200X™

2012 Touring: The Legend Rolls On

For 2012, all eight Harley-Davidson Touring models are powered by a Twin Cam 103 engine with Automatic Compression Release and an integrated oil cooler. Producing 102 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3500 rpm, the Twin Cam 103 provides outstanding performance around town and on the open road. All Touring models also feature the 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission, 41.3 mm telescopic front forks, air-adjustable rear shocks and an Isolated Drive System for smooth power delivery. The Harley-Davidson Touring chassis has a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and two-piece swingarm designed to deliver responsive maneuverability and long-haul durability. Chassis geometry and suspension are calibrated to deliver confident handling and comfort.

All Touring models except the Ultra Limited will offer a new “tubeless” Chrome Lace Aluminum Wheel option for ease of tire replacement and repair. Six new colors or color combinations are among the 12 paint options offered within the 2012 Touring model line. 2012 Harley-Davidson Touring models: Road King®, Road King® Classic, Electra Glide® Classic, Ultra Classic® Electra Glide®, Electra Glide® Ultra Limited, Street Glide®, Road Glide® Custom, Road Glide® Ultra Continue reading ‘New 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster, Touring, And Trike.’

Bricks For Sale From A Famous Motorcycle Factory In Milwaukee

Liquid Asset Partmers, an auction house that I mentioned very often because involved in the liquidation of many motorcycle companies’ parts and equipments, is now in charge of selling all these bricks whose provenance is a famous 1918 Milwaukee motorcycles factory. The auctioneer is not authorized to be more specific, but still mentions that bricks will be sold with a bill of sale from a factory museum in Milwaukee. Did you guess? So, you want to buy a true piece of American history? You can’t buy just one brick, minimum is a pallet of 500 bricks for $1500. Or go for a truckload of 10,000 bricks for $20,000 and build your own historic motorcycles museum. At Liquid Asset Partners.

Harley-Davidson To Continue To Benefit From Supply Disruption At Japanese Competitors

At least, it’s the advice of several Wall Street analysts. Harley’s two largest competitors in heavyweight motorcycles, Honda and Yamaha, still try to resolve important supply chain disruptions resulting from the tragic Japanese tsunami. In addition, Financing and overall demand seems to continue to improve and US dealers seems to be encouraged by higher prices paid for used motorcycles, which could help the sales of new motorcycles and add to higher profits. The prices are being driven by slower shipments of bikes from Japan, increased availability of. The stock closed Tuesday June 28, 2011 at $39.10 with Harley-Davidson earnings report for the second quarter 2011 due on July 19.

Pullback Handlebar For Harley-Davidson Blackline Model

This year, Harley-Davidson launched its new Blackline Softail model whose visual elements are borrowed from the original bobber movement combined with a raw style embraced by today’s young bike builders.

But the company must have realized that the original-equipment handlebar was giving a forward position to the rider, especially if he or she is short. Retro styling meaning a more upright position, Harley-Davidson is launching this new two-piece 1″ diameter Pullback Handlebar ($219.95) putting almost any size rider in an upright, more relaxed position. It offers 4 more inches of pullback to bring the controls closer to the rider, can be internally wired for a clean look and is available in gloss black. Separate purchase of additional components is required. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for fitment details or visit Harley-Davidson’s Website

11th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest

Organizers of Las Vegas BikeFest tell me that they will offer set of activities and entertainment for their 11th annual edition (Sep. 29, Oct 2, 2011.) Number of vendors and hotel reservations are already 100% ahead of last year, a very good sign for the event but also showing that our industry is bottoming out. First the $50 Ultimate Pass gives you much more than during the former events: Vendor Village entry ($15.00 value); event t-shirt; commemorative souvenir (first 7,500 to pick up their registration package); rally pin (pin not available for sale separately); shuttle service ($5.00 each way value); drinks and snacks at Welcome Party; Grand Prize Giveaway entries; discounts on food & beverage in Vendor Village (specific locations); entry to all the activities in the Cashman Theater; Plus you can participate in any of the following: Friday Poker Run, Friday Poker Walk, Saturday Poker Run &Bike entry in the Custom Bike Show. Just want the goodies? Just want to Party?  Then register for the  Party Pass it’s only $25   The T-shirt and the Vendor Village entry alone are worth more than $25 so it’s a great deal. Registration just opened at Las Vegas Bike Fest. Registration is open at Las Vegas BikeFest. Continue reading ’11th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest’

It’s time To Ban The Motorcycle. Really?

A journalist named Hugh Curran from the Sun Sentinel , a newspaper in Florida, wrote the article below. Difficult to be more ignorant than him about motorcycles. If I reproduce part of it it’s because he deserves to hear from you and know your feelings. You can do it in comments below. In your comments, please be respectful. Just educate those like him who are uninformed. Below is his rant. ..(photo courtesy Steven Stone Photography)

 
“What if I were to tell you that the fatality rate for those of us who drive a car or truck is 14 out of every 100,000 drivers? That’s a distressing statistic but it’s far below what it once was. Now, what if I were to tell you that there’s a vehicle on the road today that increases your chances of being killed while driving it by more than 500 percent, producing an average of 72 fatalities for every 100,000 users? Continue if you want to read more stupid.

How To Protect And Fix Matte Paint?

I don’t have to tell you how popular matte paint has been during these last years. Harley-davidson proposes its own version, in Black, White and Crimson Red. Some are hesitant about ordering this type of paint job and others are  concerned at the first scratch. Why? Because contrary to glossy paint that you can buff to “new” condition if the scratch is not deeper than the clear coat, matte paint cannot be buffed out the same way. Harley-davidson issued several Service Bulletins giving Denim Paint care instructions and clearly stating that if trying to buff out a scratch, nick or scuff your paint will become less matte and more glossy over time… Continue reading ‘How To Protect And Fix Matte Paint?’

Ride With Lorenzo Lamas To Support Active Duty & Vets

Lorenzo Lamas Cycles, a lifestyle brand that promotes the freedom of the ride, the art of custom motorcycles and the spirit of community service through charitable events, and Walk With Heroes have announced a signature motorcycle charity tour to benefit active duty and veterans. At each stop on the signature Rumble For The Heartland tour, Lamas, along with celebrity friends and decorated servicemen and women, will lead riders from major points of interest to headline entertainment venues in North America throughout 2011 and 2012. The national fundraising campaign will benefit Operation Homefront and Walter Reed Army Medical Center . According to avid motorcycle enthusiast and the tour’s co-founder, Lorenzo Lamas, “It’s important for us as Americans to rally in support of the brave men and women who fight for our freedoms here and on foreign soil every day. As a father, I carry a debt of gratitude to these courageous warrior and the Rumble For The Heartland charity tour is an official call to duty for our community to support.” Continue reading ‘Ride With Lorenzo Lamas To Support Active Duty & Vets’

JIMS Twin Cam Engine and Trans Plug Kit

A product placement – plug – for a plug kit to eliminate the entry of dirt, dust and unwanted parts during an engine or transmission re-build.

This new JIMS® Twin Cam Engine and Trans Plug Kit is preferable to hunting random rags and tape to protect your open ports, bores, holes, fittings and passages. You name it; there is a plug for it.

This JIMS® Plug Kit includes enough pieces for one Twin Cam engine and one transmission, Alpha or Beta. Use on any Twin Cam engine and transmission 1999 to present, MSRP is $64.00. More information at Jims USA or call 805-482-6913.

Azzkikr In Fat Rubber And Copper

When I traveled the show circuit on the other side of our north border, I observed that Canada, more than anywhere else, loves bold bikes running on fat tires. While most of the US custom scene has turned its back at least 5 years ago on anything wider than stock size, Canadian shops continue to build fat ass bikes. Another example of our neighbors fascination for big rubber is this custom build that I qualify of high tech Bobber, although its builder tries hard at adding retro touches. This copper creation comes a shop born in British Columbia in 2001 and whose name, Azzkikr Custom Cycles, says it all about the type of customs they like to build. Continue reading ‘Azzkikr In Fat Rubber And Copper’

Art And Humor For Vintage Helmets

The shell shape is iconic seventies. Inspiration is from all over the world from the US to Japan to the UK. Design and humor are Italian.  From left to right, pick your vintage artwork. Hippy, Geisha, Pin-Heart, Smack and Pinstripe. Fiberglass shell, dual density lightweight, air channeled forehead with removable and washable liner and cheek pads. You will have to order using their email address or push your local dealer to become a distributor. DMD Helmets.

Tomorrow June 27, 2011 Is Million Mile Monday. What Is Your Excuse?

Organized by H.O.G., the Harley-Davidson Group, but open to all brands of motorcycles to join in the ride, the objective is to show the world what it means “to live life to its fullest”, share your passion with others and log millions of miles in one day.

So tomorrow Monday June 27, ride to work, to lunch, to wherever you may go to do whatever what you are doing. No registration is required. When you are done riding for the day, log on to Million Mile Monday to enter in the digital log the number of miles you rode, download your certificate of participation, watch the digital odometer climb higher and higher. The final results will be online at the same website on Thursday June 30.



Cyril Huze