If motorcycles would have existed during the 17th century, Sir Isaac Newton, probably the greatest genius who ever lived, would never have had any difficulty to figure out all calculations, of course without a CAD program, to machine this total 3D Air Cleaner. “Motus Calculus”!
Made by Italian parts designer Rebuffini Cycles, well known for his high end line of radical parts, this Newton air cleaner was produced using the latest three dimensional technology. Continue reading ‘Newton Air Cleaner’
Installing a 21″ front wheel is one of the most popular conversions to greatly improve the look of of a Bagger. This post is not about the wheel design choice – all manufacturers offer a wide selection – but about preventing any handling side effects due to a taller size than stock.
First, you should know that the Bagger chassis don’t like very much extra rake. Experience shows that a 21″ wheel may make your front end feel heavy at low speed while turning, with some reporting a very slight wobble at high speed (tell me if it’s your experience.) Continue reading ‘Front 21″ Wheel On A Harley-Davidson Bagger. The Right Way.’
The new men’s Darkness Waterproof Leather Jacket ($450) from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line is constructed from waterproof mid-weight leather with waterproof buffalo leather trim at the elbows and shoulders. Its pre-curved sleeves, power-stretch panels above the elbows and action back translate into all-day riding comfort, while 3M® Scotchlite® Reflective Material increases your reflectivity in low-light conditions. Six cargo pockets – including a water resistant media pocket with headphone tab and a waterproof cellphone pocket – provide ample storage. Two zippered front intake vents and a horizontal back exit vent add custom comfort, while pockets at the elbows, shoulders and back accept accessory body armor. Available in S – 5XL and Tall sizes. The Darkness Waterproof Leather Jacket is joined by the new Darkness Half Helmet with retractable Sun Shield (accepts accessory H-D helmet headset and the RoadTech™ Headset with Bluetooth® 2.0 Technology), three new Darkness glove options. Each is available at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Polaris, Victory, Indian, Ducati Motorcycles Focusing On Sales In India. All market srudies confirm a growing demand for premium vehicles in India. So, all major motorcycle brands consider this country the new Eldorado. Polaris will be delivering completely built units of ATVs and Rangers to the country through a wholly-owned subsidiary by August or September. The company is currently selecting 10 dealers out of a pre-selection of 25. Victory and Indian Motorcycles are also planned to be sold in India starting in 2012. Ducati states that they sold 100 motorcycles in India last year and intends to sell twice this year.
Sales Of Motor Scooters Up Almost 50%. As gas prices increased again, the Motorcycle Industry Council announced recently that sales for motor scooters jumped almost 50 percent (49.6%) for the first three months of 2011. Female riders may be leading the trend. For example, in 2010 Allstate Insurance data was showing that almost three times more women requested quotes for scooter insurance versus men. It has to be noticed a strong trend towards more powerful scooters with engines up to 800 cc. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Here they are. Headwinds®, one of the leaders in custom headlights, introduces their new 54mm Fork Tube Clamps for mounting Headwinds® 2” spotlights all bikes with 54mm forks. and for those who are Kawasaki boys, the Mean Streak 1500, 1600 and They feature split clamp construction with wire feed hole for a clean look. Hardware is supplied. Turn signals can be mounted to the spotlight bracket. Clamps, spotlights and turn signals are sold separately or available as a kit. Sold in pairs. Made in the USA and are available chrome, polished aluminum or in any of Headwinds® finishes. 626-359-8044 or visit Headwinds
At the French race track of Magny-Cours, during a round of the promosport Championship, 2 riders crash…and it can turn into a funny situation. (Thanks Troy)
The 20th annual Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show of customs, cruisers, performance and sportbikes returns to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA on Saturday July 16, 2011. This year, the show got a new location, a new show day and a lower admission price. The Calendar Show moves from the Queen Mary Event Park in past years, now dockside next to the historic Queen Mary ocean liner on Saturday in the Seawalk Village which replicates an old British seaside town for a step back in history. The event features major motorcycle and parts manufacturers, top name builders, selected exhibitors, product and apparel vendors.
Motus Motorcycles will use the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show for the West Coast premiere of their new MST series high performance KM V-4 1650cc Touring and R Model naked sportbikes. This will be your first chance to see, touch and order one. Motus Motorcycles are the brain child of Lee Conn, designed and built by well known race car engineering firm Pratt & Miller, fabricators of the 24-Hour of LeMans winning factory Corvettes. Continue reading ‘2011 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show, Saturday July 16th. Update.’
Spyke Inc, the company well known for its high torque starters & numerous electric components, has acquired STD Development a specialist in complete high performance engines, cases, heads, cylinders and driveline components for V-Twin motorcycles. The deal includes the brand name, the good will, all inventory, all CNC machinery, tooling, etc. It was years that STD Development was struggling with many after-market companies using their products unable to get delivery of the parts ordered. Spyke Inc. states that production has restarted for their popular parts like the replica Big Bore Panhead and Shovelhead heads and cylinders used in STD engines but also by companies like engines manufacturer Accurate Engineering. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Spyke Inc.
Looking for a good Springer front end made in the USA? Looking for a different design and styling mixing old appearance and new technology? In wide glide, narrow or very narrow options? Doesn’t know how to order the correct length?
First, Bare Knuckle Choppers ask you via a simple online form to take 3 critical measurements to exactly follow your build specs. Then you can choose your tree, your hardware and type of finish (raw steel coated, black or chrome.)
Born between WWI and WWII, the Majectic was the creation of George Roy. At the time, he thought that to increase his chances of success he must build a model inspired by automobile design. And because art–deco style is big all over Europe, he creates this full body with louvers streamlined machine. Specifications are 500 CC Chaise engine, hub steering, sliding pillar suspension and of course a French Blue paint job. Maybe because too futuristic, manufacturing stopped in 1933 with a total of about 100 Majestic produced..
The official BAKER Drivetrain Install Team will be in Sturgis, South Dakota August 3, 2011 – August 12, 2011. It will be the only Rally BAKER will be providing installations at this year.Don’t miss this opportunity to have what all pros consider the smoothest, most efficient transmission available installed in your motorcycle by factory trained technicians. Installations are booking fast and space is limited. Register now and join the legions of satisfied BAKER customers who can rest easy knowing their transmission is backed by their hefty 5 year, 50,000 mile warranty. Where: The corner of 9th and Lazelle. When: Wednesday August 3, 2011 at 10:00 AM MT to Friday August 12, 2011 at 6:00 PM MT. Reservations, call toll free 1-877-640-2004 or email info@bakerdrivetrain.com.
Saw it when I visited Jay Leno’s Garage. A 1931 Model J Drensenberg impeccably restored that Jay Leno bought rusted in 2005 in an auction for $180,000. When Mr Leno bought the car, it had languished in a leaky Manhattan garage for decades, and needed a lot of work. After he bought it the owner’s family sued, claiming a ‘sham auction’, but the case settled, with Leno keeping the car now restored in his Burbank, CA garage. Continue reading ‘Jay Leno Settles Legal Dispute Over One million Dollars Duesenberg’
A lower idle will help your EFI H-D® Big Twin run cooler and improve the sound of your exhaust. This new “Low Idle” video demonstrates the adjustable idle feature available in the ThunderMax tuning software. This feature is available for both cable-throttle and throttle by wire applications. Tel: 410-579-3828. Zippers. ThunderMax.
It was missing in the Performance Machine brakes line-up. No more. PM just announced the addition of their Stage I Brake System for Harley-Davidson trikes. Their engineers have combined their 4-piston caliper with the integrated race technology of their Rear Contour Master Cylinder to create an innovative brake system. “This new 4-piston system provides more clamping force to slow the trike down faster and smoother than stock, while the rear master cylinder provides the extra fluid to the big brakes” says PM President Mark Finnie. Stage 1 Brake system comes complete with pre-made brake lines, two 4-piston calipers and Rear Contour Master Cylinder and is available in chrome, black anodizing or Contrast Cut. Continue reading ‘Performance Machine Brake System For Harley-Davidson Trikes’
The next 3 years are going to be very interesting. How Harley-Davidson, and other brands, are going to adjust to the very stringent US EPA emission regulations to kick in in 2013? A liquid cooled engine? Almost certain. When? Harley 2012 new bikes about to be unveiled seem to keep the V-Twin air-cooled engine with an extension of the 103” to more models. And after that? Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Water-Cooled Heads Patent’
1- Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders Don’t Wave Back.
10. Afraid it will invalidate warranty. 9. Leather and studs make it too heavy to raise arm. 8. Refuse to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for. 7. Afraid to let go of handlebars because they might vibrate off. 6. Rushing wind would blow scabs off the new tattoos. 5. Angry because just took out second mortgage to pay luxury tax on new Harley. 4. Just discovered the fine print in owner’s manual and realized H-D is partially owned by Honda. 3. Can’t tell if other riders are waving or just reaching to cover their ears like everyone else. 2. Remembers the last time a Harley rider waved back, he impaled his hand on spiked helmet. 1. They’re too tired from spending hours polishing all that chrome to lift their arms.
2- Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Don’t Wave Back.
10. Wasn’t sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture. 9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip. 8. Has arthritis and the past 400 miles have made it difficult to raise arm. 7. Reflection from etched windshield momentarily blinded him. 6. The espresso machine just finished. 5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved. 4. Was in a three-way conference call with stockbroker and accessories dealer. 3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen. 2. Was simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height, programmable CD player, seat temperature and satellite navigation system. 1. Couldn’t find the “auto wave back” button on dashboard. Continue reading ‘By Brand Of Motorcycle. Top Ten Reasons Why Riders Don’t Wave Back.’
The Easyriders American Motorcycle Rodeo Action is about to begin. A lot of mud filled sliding and pulling, bar stool racing, trophy girl / wet t shirt contests, dyno drags, used parts corral, motorcycle exhibits, ride-in bike show, unlimited food and beer, and of course all this in a party atmosphere with live music from the likes of The LACS, Texas Hippie Coalition, Kentucky Headhunters, and more. Don’t miss your chance to meet Charlie Hunnam “Jax” from the #1 hit TV show Sons Of Anarchy as he will be meeting, taking pictures and signing autographs with guests. Continue reading ‘2011 Easyriders Rodeo Tour About To Begin’
The Harley-Davidson Rocker model has been controversial since day one. Many custom builders who have customized it will tell you that the bike, more than many other Harley factory models, needs some heavy “redo” in its geometry to turn it in a very cool ride. At the same time, they acknowledge that the Rocker has a lot of hidden potential – I agree – and that the final result can be spectacular without affecting original mechanical and handling integrity. Continue reading ‘Blackbird Harley-Davidson Rocker’
We will have to wait a little bit more to get all details and see the full line-up of the 2012 Harley models. But the California Environmental Protection Agency/Air Resources Board is already listing online all the Harley models that the Agency approved. You can see the list of the 2012 Harley bikes with engine sizes by jumping HERE. 2 new models are going to be introduced: The Switchback, a model getting its name from its ability to be use as a touring role and back again (a semi touring bike?), and the Night Rod Special Anniversary, evidently a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Harley’s water-cooled V-Rod range (expect special paint & accessories). 3 motorcycles are discontinued: FLSTSB Softail® Cross Bones®, FXCWC Softail® Rocker™ C, FLHXXX Street Glide® Trike. And the big news is also the introduction of a new 103″ (TC 103B) engine on some models. Overall, it’s the full Softail & Dyna range getting the most important revamp. (to follow…)
Gas tanks should always be rubber mounted, or face the consequences of gas leaks. ..
Many mount kits already available and here is another one available from Boyd Motor Company, a full-service custom fabrication and parts facility in the foothills of Colorado owned by Ryan Boyd.
Made at the shop, this new kit makes rubber mounting gas tanks a simple task. Each set includes 4 billet steel mounts, 4 billet aluminum standoffs, 4-3/8-16 flathead mounting bolts, 2-1/4 inch billet tank straps and 4 rubber isolators. Each billet mount also features a raised lip to ensure a strong, easy and straight weld. $90.00 with free shipping. Contact Ryan Boyd on my behalf at Boyd Motor Company. Tel: 970-443-1380
Bikers have a love/hate relation with Affliction clothing and gear. Probably because many wearing it are not bikers and prices, which in fact are justified by the amount of design and artwork involved. Anyway, you may not want to pass on your opportunity to win from the brand 1 of 2 custom Harley-davidson they created (his and hers) They look pretty good to me and were created by John Moss & a crew of artists. To participate (from 06/15/2011 to 07/08/2011) just email a picture of yourself “Living Fast” in Affliction. Then, you can vote online for this Lifestyle Photo Contest. After watching the 2 custom bikes, jump to Affliction Giveaway.
SeatSecureTM was designed to meet the need of Harley owners concerned with the risk of theft of expensive custom solo seats running several 100’s of dollars. It protects that investment by securely attaching all seats (and luggage racks) held in place by the single or dual bolt system. The custom-designed SeatSecureTM features new, uniquely designed Tamper-Proof Retaining Nuts (Patent Pending) that spin when tried to be removed with a pair of pliers. The ingenious design of the product includes the bolt cover plus a security tool. It is made of 304 Polished Stainless Steel and can be purchased with a chrome, high gloss black or satin black finish cap. At Brukus® Motorcycle Parts.
1- Cycle World For Quick Sale Or To Shut Down? It’s no secret that things are quite bleak for almost all motorcycle print magazines. They continue to lose readers and to bleed subscribers. Most even ceased to publish any readership numbers, too afraid to scare away their remaining advertisers. Most have failed to recognize on time that their print magazines (and websites) needed to be rethought to adjust to a new economic reality, a new generation of riders and a new way to consume news via the web. Another example of magazine unable to find its new direction and that has now become irrelevant for its readers is Cycle World published since 1962. Belonging to the Hearst Group since May this year, the sad reality is that Cycle World revenue from advertisers, newsstand and subscribers sales continues to plunge with no end in sight. Cycle World was supposed to celebrate its 50th anniversary in January 2012. Probably not. Whatever their denial, other motorcycle print magazines are following the same path with too little time in front of them, no money and no potential investor available to completely overhaul their publications. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
If motorcycles would have existed during the 17th century, Sir Isaac Newton, probably the greatest genius who ever lived, would never have had any difficulty to figure out all calculations, of course without a CAD program, to machine this total 3D Air Cleaner. “Motus Calculus”!
Michael Lichter’s 
Motus Motorcycles 
The Easyriders American Motorcycle Rodeo Action 
