Harley-Davidson describes its new women’s Cosmic jacket as “all over sublimated mesh construction”. Ladies, let’s fly your bike to the sky…
Built to keep women distinctively cool, the Cosmic Mesh Jacket ($150) from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line is constructed from 100 percent polyester allover-mesh with rich, allover sublimated printing. Dedicated pockets accept accessory hydration packs which, when soaked with water and affixed to the jacket, provide additional cooling via evaporation. Pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept accessory body armor, while zippered cuffs and adjustable waist tabs add a custom fit. Available in XS – 3W sizes.
Complement the look with the new Cosmic Skyline Helmet ($210) and Mesh gloves. Available at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Boardtracking and Dirttracking, You can’t get enough of these legendary racing machines and always want to learn more. Dale Walksler, founder of the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley NC, a world’s premier collection of more than 300 antique American motorcycles, introduces you to 2 historic Indians. Watch and learn.
A very cool looking gas tank to be mounted Frisco Style (high on frame backbone) for a true old school attitude. Extra arched on top with 2 recessed side panels is also an excellent canvas for creative paint jobs, although keeping it raw polished and cleared looks awesome, too. Gas tank bottom is fitted with recessed mount for a clean look. The standard configuration has the filler bung located right of center at the front of the tank (as pictured) and the petcock bung located on the lower left rear side and accepts any 3/8 NPT petcock. Comes with your choice of gas cap and necessary mounting hardware. They are made to order, so any custom configuration is available to work on your frame. leakage and features sunken mounts. At LA County Chop Rods.
Evidently, all manufacturers want you to demo their bikes. This year, Harley-Davidson and Victory are making huge efforts to convince you to twist the throttle of their new models and to compare to what you currently ride… or to what you just test rode at the competitor demo site. Victory incites you by offering you some money, Harley-Davidson by multiplying the events and offering beginners a stationary ride on a real motorcycle.
In addition to 180 free demo events hosted this year at Harley-Davidson dealerships, other company Demo Events are offered in more than 15 locations and are staffed by Harley-Davidson employees. What’s new? Harley-davidson now offers the opportunity for non-riders to experience their “Jumpstart”, a stationary motorcycle allowing aspiring customers to learn how to start, shift and twist the throttle on a fully-functioning motorcycle that does not move. Continue reading ‘Dare To Compare A Harley-Davidson®’
Royal Enfield, the only motorcycle brand to span three centuries and still going, is a brand with a lot of interesting stories.
One of them that is not frequently mentioned is that in the 60’s a certain Leo Davenport convinced racing champion Geoff Duke to work for the company, with the collaboration resulting of the GP 5 Racer. In 1964, Duke also convinced Royal Enfield to build a low-priced front drive car using a Daimler-Puch engine (like this one seen on a Haflinger).
It could have happened but it never did because the collaboration ended as Royal Enfield faced an onslaught of better engineered motorcycles by Japanese manufacturers, precipitating the closure of its factory in 1967.
A Harley Rocker C. The client wanted a badass bike (they all do…), a look and stance that demanded respect, a sleek yet tough silhouette taking influences from his Overfinch Custom Range Rover (a strange idea if you ask me…), wide bars, big rear end, black with detailing, clean looking and muscular. The result is called “Mission Impossible” one of the reasons being probably the client’s difficult to execute briefing, the other the deadline that was given, starting the project in April 2011 with a completion date end of May! Continue reading ‘Custom Harley-Davidson Rocker C’
Victory Cross Country Recall. A recent recall announcement filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration include reports of flawed motorcycle handlebar assemblies on certain Victory Cross Country motorcycles from the 2011 model year that could cause riders to suddenly lose control. Problem comes from improperly machined handlebar clamps or risers, and as a result the clamps could allow the bars to move or slip unexpectedly with such a sudden movement of the handlebars possibly leading to a crash. The recall affects 840 bikes built from Jan. 1 through April 11 of this year. Polaris says its dealers will replace defective riser and clamp assemblies free of charge. The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Victory at 888-704-5290.
Carolina Harley-Davidson To Be Turned Into A Toys “R” Us by the end of the year. After the death of Clifton “Click” Baldwin in 2008 in a motorcycle accident, wife Diane Baldwin decided to close the dealership and to sell the building that they bought in 2002 for $2.55 million. Building and land have now a market value of $4.1 million. Children’s toys replacing adults’ toys…
Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties Distributor’s Annual National Vendor Presentation Show, (NVP) will be held August. 16-21 in downtown Madison, Wisconsin at the Monona Terrace Convention Center. 125 vendors of the motorcycle industry are expected to show their custom parts, accessories and merchandise. Objective is of course to inform retailers about existing and new products with the benefit for them to get exceptional discounts on orders placed during the show.. Parts Unlimited or Drag dealers that have not received an invitation should contact their local representative.
It happened in Texas last weekend. In Dallas, a group of sport bike riders want to pay tribute to 2 fallen buddies. They block traffic on 75 Central Expressway, do tricks, paint the highway. Police officers show up but can only watch bikers escape because of a strict department chase policy. Reaction of bikers who saw this video is almost unanimously negative, stating rightly that there are other ways to honor their fallen friends (group ride, charity event, etc) without giving such a public negative image of bikers. Police say that motorcyclists involved are obstructing the roadway, which is a class B misdemeanor, and that they are reviewing the video to try to identify the participants. (Thanks Johnny Gee)
Most of you don’t wear a tie, so don’t expect (?) to receive one for Father’s Day (June 19.) What about a belt better than other belts. A Fire Hose Belt handmade from previously used fire hoses. Talk about recycling…
Each one is unique and may include some distress marks proving it has seen some action (fighting a fire, not used for a beating!) Ladies, it will please any fireman if you have one in your life, or any man fantasizing to become one. $38. At Uncommon Goods.
It’s called the BYOB (Build Your Own Bike). An idea of JC & Jimmie at Three Two Choppers. The program is for all those who have thought about building their own motorcycles but don’t know how to start. You know how to turn a wrench, but don’t feel you have all the knowledge needed to build yours. Do you talk yourself out of a project because you don’t have the tools? Three Two Choppers has started a mentor program that allow customers to come to the shop and be involved in the process under professional direction and supervision. Continue reading ‘Build Your Own Custom Bike Under The Supervision Of A Pro Custom Builder’
Headwinds®, one of the leaders in custom headlights, introduces their smallest turn signal to date, the 1” Stinger! As simple as it can be and featuring, like the company’s headlights, a screw-in bezel and a single filament MR8 20W halogen bulb. Supplied with amber lenses, with red or clear lenses sold separately.
A vibration isolation feature extends the life of the bulbs. Wiring is concealed through a bugle base stem with a hollow 5/16 mounting bolt for a clean look. Easy-to-install with E-Z Plug™ connectors, they’re available chrome, black anodized, polished or in any of their finishes. Made by Headwinds® in the USA. 626-359-8044 or visit Headwinds.
In this Dr. Pepper Commercial, American Chopper Paul Teutul Sr. misinterprets the reply of a young man to who he asks if he recommends the soft drink. For those who don’t understand right away, It’s a South Park parody. In the TV series South Park (season 13 episode 12 “The F Word”) Fag (Făg) is defined as “an extremely annoying, inconsiderate person most commonly associated with Harley or chopper riders.” Hmmm
On February 28th, I reported the launch of Victory Police Motorcycles, not a division born at Polaris Industries headquarters, but from the initiative of a Victory Dealer in Tucson Arizona (Mike Shultz and Nita Buckner) with the support of a motor officer named Shawn Ramsey.
The enterprise was founded on the belief of its founders that the Victory platform could offer the safest, most comfortable best overall performing law Enforcement Motorcycle on the market. After a tremendous number of hours, meetings, surveys and information gathering from Motor Officers around the U.S., a couple of historic days for the venture with the delivery of the first bikes to the Lexena, Kansas and Pasadena, Texas Police Departments. Nice to see American bikes sold to equip US police force and for them to have a new brand to choose from. Victory Police Motorcycles.
James Maund is a third generation parts maker based in Los Angeles. There he specializes in old motorcycles and what can make them run and look better. To his line of parts he just added this Brake Vent designed to fit most drum brake plates which, in most cases, are very bland. So now you can embellish a humdrum hub (7-9″) and keep it cool. Brake Vents are available polished or natural aluminum burnished finish. Handsome screen is optional. All screws are stainless steel. Starting at $46 a piece. At Maund Speed.
This bike was found dismantled in an Australian collection. Starting a 1915 Indian 61 boardtrack racer. It was a time when when men were racing with wide open throttle, no brakes and a strong faith in God…. See the flames coming out of the ported cylinder heads.
The 2011 Black Bike Week (May 26-30) in Myrtle Beach, SC just ended and the NAACP has already filed a class action lawsuit against the city for its alleged pattern of discrimination against black bikers.
Laurent Dutruel at Zen Motorcycles is closer to his Bonneville dream. His custom bike, a tribute to Masayuki Morimoto’s boardtracker Harley, is completed and first road tests and tuning are going on (see video after the jump.) Laurent Dutruel will try to nail a land speed record in the 1000 A-PG class, (less than 1000 cc gas powered Pushrod engine, artisanal frame fabrication.) His challenge is to go faster than 148.397 mph (238 km/h) with his bike powered by a Buell XB 9 engine with no front suspension, no gearbox, just the clutch and a mini disc brake. To reach his objective Laurent is training, learning how to pilot his machine while mimicking Rollie Free riding position. In the coming weeks I will publish a story with complete technical data. Enjoy the first pictures and video. Continue reading ‘Fantasizing Of Becoming Bonneville New Rollie Free (Part 2)’
From the western part of the Netherlands, or Holland, some high tech ligthing for those who want to put touches of Extreme on their bikes. They are Europe compliant, so they are here in the US.
The chrome headlight is sold with its bracket working with most Harley and custom triple trees. Headlamp is of the type H7, 12 V 55/55 and will cost you€ 208.95 (about $ ). The Shotgun turn signals are 2-way visible (from front & rear), machined from billet aluminum, chrome or black anodizing and sold for € 50.95 + shipping (about $ .) And yes, they speak English. Contact Motolux Specialties Holland. Tel. 0031(0)342-490208, fax 0031(0)342-490851, e-mail info@highwayhawk.com
Officials with Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. announced today that they have settled the lawsuit with a Kentucky entity formerly billing itself as the “Little Sturgis Rally.” As a part of the agreement, the Kentucky group has agreed to change both its corporate and trade name, eliminating the word mark Sturgis® when used in connection with a motorcycle rally or any other derivations of marks that may be confusingly similar to those owned by SMRi. The Kentucky group also agreed to accept a Consent Final Judgment and a Stipulated Permanent Judgment in favor of SMRi and paid the South Dakota community oriented non-profit an “undisclosed sum,” according to Dean Kinney, Chairperson of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. Gets Judgment Against Little Sturgis Rally & Races.’
Barons Custom Accessories introduces their new BAK Intake System for Harley Davidson touring models with Fly-By-Wire. Barons Custom Accessories BAK is flow bench and dyno designed for substantially increased horsepower and torque. The kit features a chromed billet cover in your choice of Enferno, Smooth, Flame, Contract Cut Pinstripe, Pinup Girl (Danni Doll) or Comet designs. Set back, thin-line design does not interfere with rider’s leg. The “SlimLine” reusable filter and “BAK-Plate” increase air flow and velocity. Easily supports engines producing over 120 HP. The kit comes complete with breather kit, mounting hardware and micron-fabric rain coat for wet weather riding and includes easy-to-follow instructions included for a do-it-yourself install. Applications: ’08-’11 FLHT FLHX FLTR FLHR Touring models. MSRP: $ $299.95
Zero emission during 20 miles cruising at 30 mph without pedaling…Powered by a 48 volt brushless DC motor, this hybrid electric/muscle got n internal hub transmission with shift-on-the-fly capabilities, as well as a belt drive system, hydraulic brakes, a suspension seat post, a lacquer finish and a cool arched design. Italian racing red or Black Onyx finish. EPA pre-approved for the price of a new Harley Sportster… . PiCycle Electric Bike.
Before you are tempted to send me flames, let me mention very clearly that this is not a political post – I don’t write any in my blog – and that my statements would be the same with any politician of either side. During this Memorial Day weekend, the “Rolling Thunder” brings street closures, sound of motorcycles to Washington. The non-profit group’s mission is to draw attention to American troops who fought in wars and are still unaccounted for. Can anyone participate? Yes, of course, riding your motorcycle or in the back. What bothers me is when a politician turns a non-political event into one for his or her own interest. Continue reading ‘Sarah Palin Is A Biker. Not.’
Jimmy Lee and JC Coen are 2 brothers who, after customizing bikes for friends and themselves during 18 years, have made the big jump into the world of Pro Custom Building. And although most would consider that these last years were the less favorable to get started in the industry, their shop Three-Two Choppers in Fort Worth Texas, TX is slowly imposing its own style and gets no problem attracting new clients. Three-Two Choppers? An unexpected name that you will easily remember and whose origin comes from the fact that both the numbers 3 and 2, separately and together, don’t stop showing up in Jimmy and JC lives… Ask them all the stories when you meet in a rally or bike show.
The Coen Brothers are not looking after fads to duplicate what has already been proven as design success. Their ideas are relatively simple, but executed such a way that their bikes end up acquiring their own personalities. This custom called “Rufino II” is a good example of what could have been only another chopper, but in fact incorporates details making it different, noticeable in the street and at the bike show. It was ordered by Miguel Salinas, a customer already owning 2 custom bikes built by the brothers. Inspiration came from extra ideas not incorporated in the former builds. Continue reading ‘Rufino II Chopper’
Harley-Davidson describes its new women’s Cosmic jacket as “all over sublimated mesh construction”. Ladies, let’s fly your bike to the sky…
Barons Custom Accessories 
