A biker was walking around Willie’s Tattoo during Bike Week in Daytona and stumbled over a lamp. When he opened the lamp a genie came out of it and said: “Hi, I’m the one-desire genie; tell me what you want.” “Well, I want peace in the Middle East… look at this map: I want all these countries living in peace.”
The genie had a look to the map and said: “Mate, I think you should face reality. These countries have been fighting for more than 5000 years and to be honest I’m not that good. I think you better ask for something else.” Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
It was one of the major events at last weekend Quail Gathering in Carmel, CA. The unveiling by So-Cal of the Miler prototype, a new limited-edition Custom Triumph Bonneville. The idea of building the Miler comes from Richard Warner, owner of a start-up shop called Streetmaster specializing in Bonnevilles who met 12 months ago with So-Cal Principals Jimmy Shine and Pete Chapouris to submit the idea. It just happened that So-Cal, well known for its expertise in fast hot-rods, was very interested in entering the motorcycle market…
Strretmaster designed the overall stance of the Miler, produced wooden bucks for body fabrication, provided the Triumph engine (865 cc punping 78 hp after cylinder porting, with lightened flywheel and remapped ignition system), and gave execution and finish touches of the prototype to So-Cal with all aluminum tin formed by Don Baumuk at Fat Katz. Starting September 2011, S0-Cal intends to produce only 20 Milers wilth the first 10 offered to existing So-Cal car customers. Price to be announced.
On Monday august 8, 2011 the Annual Legends Ride will rock the South Dakota Black Hills from Deadwood to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip®. Notable motorcycle builders will be joining an array of distinguished riders and prominent celebrities to raise significant funds for a number of worthwhile South Dakota charities by assembling in Deadwood to take part in the 4th annual Legends Ride®.
Created to positively impact local youth as well as preserve the rich heritage and industry of motorcycling, the Legends Ride® unites the motorcycle, music and entertainment industries while welcoming riders from around the globe to enjoy a day of spectacular South Dakota motorcycling. Continue reading ‘Sturgis 4th Annual Legends Ride®. The Ride That Rocks®!’
A rare and shameless plug for myself. My Spade Velocity Stacks are available again for CV and S&S E or G carburetors, in chrome or black. I guarantee that they will look cool on any production or custom bike, old school or today’s style.
Machined from a solid block of 6061 aluminum. Significantly increase air flow as a stack should do and come with a non restrictive protection screen and mounting hardware to the carburetor. Retail for $299.00. Order online at Cyril Huze Store or call 561-289-7323.
This past Saturday May 13 in Carmel CA, 2011 Bonhams was auctioning several interesting bikes and smashed some price records. A machine identical to the 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross that Steve McQueen famously rode shirtless on the cover of Sports Illustrated was sold for $144,500. A 1925 BMW R32, an early and very rare motorcycle from the Bavarian Motor Works that would become the blueprint for all subsequent BMWs, made $139,000, what is believed to be a new world record for the model. The two iconic Harley-Davidson Easy Rider replicas, “Captain America” and “Billy Bike,” owned by the Guggenheim Museum and displayed in their seminal Art of the Motorcycle exhibit went for $52,650 and $24,570 respectively. The proceeds from this sale will support art acquisitions by the museum. Continue reading ‘Bonhams Carmel Auction Smashes Expectations’
Acknowledge that it’s the first time that you see a minimalistic wallet doubling as a knife, or a knife that you can use as a money clip. Because this carbon fiber blade won the most innovative knife design and because we may all need to defend ourselves and our money, this item is already in back order…
Designed by John Kubasek, the “Creditor Carbon Fiber Money Clip Knife” ($199) is made of carbon fiber and titanium body and folds to become a a money clip to securely hold your cash and credit cards (up to 3) Press down on the side of the handle and it unlocks to become a six-inch blade. Weights only 40 grams with a folded size of 3 1/2” X 1 1/4″ by 1/8″ (thickness) At Carbon Fiber Gear.
Planning something special for some vacation in Europe? Thinking of riding French Riviera beautiful roads . A company called Columbus International makes it easy for you. Fly to Cannes, France. Stay at the luxury Tiara Yaktsa (picture above) in the same city. You get a a 300-square-foot Prestige Sea View Room. In the morning, an English guide and a Ducati, or as many as you want, are waiting for you front of the lobby (choice of a Ducati Diavel power cruiser, Ducati Multistrada 1200 or a Ducati Monster 696.) Package is inclusive with insurance (but no helmet.) There is a 5-day Flash Sale going on. Rush. Go, take pictures and send them to me. Reserve at Jetsetter.
The simplest, easiest, most affordable, fastest to install and best looking custom body kit for stock Harley-Davidson riders I have seen in a long time…
Brando’s portrayal of Johnny in the movie the “Wild One” has become an iconic image. And because in this movie the actor was riding a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird 6T. the Triumph Factory marketed a leather jacket similar to that worn by Brando’s character, tee-shirts, limited prints, etc. Brando’s image remains so potent today among bikers that Harley-Davidson tried to pre-empt part of this image via The Brando Biker Boot. Almost immediately Brando Enterprises, an operating entity that protects the Marlon Brando brand on behalf of the actor’s family, has filed a lawsuit against Harley-Davidson. The suit alleges Harley-Davidson used the legendary actor’s name without a license for a leather riding boot called “The Brando”. Continue reading ‘Marlon Brando Estate Suing Harley-Davidson Over The Brando Boot’
The press release states that riding carrying a knife is a must, that it is the ultimate biker’s accessory, the ultimate tool for repairs and prepare lunch on the road…
Not sure about all this, but I decided to feature it because it’s the 1st time I see a knife where the blade is housed inside a brake or clutch control lever. Designed by a French Master Knife Maker and produced in limited edition with a 12C27 steel blade. He hopes he will sell quite a few to US bikers as a Father’s Day gift. Price is 80 Euros ($113) + 16 Euros (shipping Europe) or + $32 (shipping USA) You can order online using PayPal at Kick n’ Start.
Mark Blackwell. AMA Hall of Famer and longtime industry executive Mark Blackwell is joining Zero Motorcycles board of directors. Mark started racing while in his teens and was one of the very first American Motocross superstars. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000. After his racing career,.Mark has held positions of increasing responsibilities in the motorcycle industry, initially at Suzuki, then at Husqvarna, at Suzuki again and finally at Victory Motorcycles where he was VP and general manager through a critical growth period for the brand. Mark remains an executive of Polaris Industries.
Updated US Motorcycle Statistics. There are 7.7 million motorcycles in the U.S., compared to 248 million cars and trucks. That lopsided ratio is one of the reasons May is Motorcycle Safety Month, with programs teaching riders that many accidents are caused when car drivers don’t see them or see them too late. Accidents result in the deaths of nearly 5,300 motorcycle riders yearly, approaching twice the number of fatalities in 2000. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Another “Save Money On Fuel – Reduce harmful Gas Emissions” electric motorcycle, this time with a street fighter design and a performance good enough to some. I must acknowledge that the team of engineers at the Canadian Lito company behind this project did a quite better industrial design job than many other e-motorcycle competitors. Aluminum chassis, a CVT transmission, carbon fiber fairing, high-quality suspension components, a regenerative braking system, an adjustable seat (low or high for a more aggressive riding position), an integrated touch screen GPS system, an on-board charging port and sealed lockable storage compartment. The Sora move from 0-60 in roughly four seconds on its way to a top speed of 120 mph. Continue reading ‘Sora Electric Motorcycle’
In this video, builder Ian Barry explains his new creation the “Black Falcon” (see former post). The third in a series of 10, the Black Falcon by Falcon Motorcycles is based on a 1952 Vincent Black Shadow engine with almost all other parts being handmade and “re-thought.”
Harley-Davidson York Vehicle Operations confirmed that it will once again host its annual York Factory Open House Event in 2011 (website in construction.) The three-day event is scheduled to be held Thursday through Saturday, September 29 through October 1, 2011.
The event, which has been held annually for 25 years, took a brief hiatus in 2010 due to the major campus restructure currently taking place at the York factory. Since late 2009 Harley-Davidson has been engaged in a number of consolidation and restructuring activities designed to ensure its long-term success as an American manufacturer. At the York factory that restructure includes closing and demolishing a number of buildings while combining the entire operation into one expanded building. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson York Vehicle Operations Will Host Open House Event in 2011’
On Saturday May 14th at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel, CA, a venue for bikes with a pedigree, iconic motorcycles featured included: the “Bathing Suit Bike” which Rollie Free rocketed to a 150 mph world speed record in 1948, a 1929 Sunbeam Model 90 TT, Steve McQueen’s 1971 Husqvarna Cross, and in the category Custom the latest creation from Falcon Motorcycles.
Founded in 2008 in Los Angeles by industrial designer Ian Barry and his partner Amaryllis Knight, Falcon Motorcycles is specializing in hand made custom motorcycles that are built from scratch around engines of the pre and post world-war II era. The shop is involved in an ambitious project called Falcon’s Concept Ten to build 10 handcrafted one-off motorcycles (1 per year) using 10 different iconic British motorcycle engines like Triumph, BSA, Vincent, etc.
Last year, Falcon Motorcycles introduced The Kestrel featuring an engine from a 1970 Triumph Bonneville, a BSA tray and 10″ of the original Triumph headstock. Last Saturday, Ian launched his third motorcycle of the series named The Black Falcon, a one-year labor of love built from an engine salvaged from a 1952 Vincent Black Shadow with a history in the California racing scene. It was no surprise when on Saturday Amaryllis shared with me that Falcon’s new rolling piece of art just won the Quail Gathering’s “Best Thoroughbred Award” Continue reading ‘The Black Falcon. A Modern Vincent Bike With Pedigree (Part 1)’
You read it here first long before it becomes official. Fans of Jesse James, of Paul Teutul Senior & Paul Teutul Junior (usually not the same…) you can rejoice.
This summer on The Discovery Channel (programmation dates to be announced), a 3-way Biker Build-Off series in which the builders will be pitting their teams and expertise against each other to see who is the best Custom Builder. Nielsen Ratings are going to explode. The winner is custom building… (to follow…)
Bonhams is delighted to announce that the 218-year old auction house has been selected to represent the ultra-rare 1954 AJS E95 “Porcupine” (so nicknamed because of the spiked cooling fins on its cylinder head) at its renowned August automotive sale at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, CA. It was created as a works racer by British manufacturer AJS and is perhaps one of the most legendary motorcycles in history owing to its brief, sunburst racing success and extreme rarity. While statistics show that the Norton is Britain’s most successful post-War Grand Prix racing motorcycle, the country’s first success in the modern era’s World Championships was achieved by another marque with an equally illustrious racing history: AJS. And the machine that carried Les Graham to his, and AJS’, first and only World Championship was, of course, the legendary Porcupine. And unlike the Nortons, the Porcupine is a totally unique design, owing nothing to the production models. Continue reading ‘Auction Of Ultra Rare 1954 AJS E95 Porcupine.’
Raked triple tree are an efficient way to rake your bike if you know how to use them to keep a good trail to avoid handling problems. Paughco’s billet aluminum triple trees are designed to minimize problems after altering front-end geometry.
Specifically their 6-degree triple tree was developed to accommodate a number of their most popular chopper frames with 45° neck rake. Used in conjunction with these “raked” frames and appropriate length extended front ends, the 6-degree offset provides near stock “trail” dimensions which in turn virtually eliminates radical front end flop.
These new trees are currently available in Wide-Glide 6°configurations utilizing 41-millimeter fork tubes and Narrow-Glide with 3° for use with 39-millimeter tubes. They are CNC machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, polished and show chrome plated. $500.95. Call 775-246-5738 or visit Paughco.
This post to help Polaris find its new Motorcycle Designer and one of you find his dream job. I bet the recruited candidate will also work on the new Indian motorcycle design(s)
Job Description. The Polaris ID Department supports all 7 Divisions of the company: ATV, Snowmobile, Side by Side Sport and Utility (Ranger), Victory& Indian Motorcycles, GEM & Low Emission Vehicles and Parts, Garments & Accessories (PG&A) You may participate in programs for all these divisions but your principle design work will be for Indian and Victory motorcycles.
Work towards creating a strong branded family look under the direction of a multi-disciplinary product development team including members from engineering, manufacturing, finance, marketing and industrial design. Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycles Hiring Senior Motorcycle Designer’
A couple of years ago, I wrote a post under the same headline for this luxury Chopper Chair Art Piece. The real reason this chair exists is for fun, the result of a “what if…” challenge by artist Gene Gordon. The “Goth Rod” chair was sold in limited edition and Gene just told only one piece remains available. The price is as amazing as the chair, $8,500 plus shipping and any applicable taxes (CA). 10% of the sale will be donated to the American Red Cross to aid the victims of the tornado and flood ravaged American South. For the price of a new Sportster, enjoy reading about what you could ride at home… Continue reading ‘Luxury Riding Chair. Not Helmet Required.’
The National Pro Hillclimb will return during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, S.D. It will be Round 5 of the RacerX/Malcolm Smith Motorsports N.A.H.A. Pro Hillclimb Series. It will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and Thursday, Aug. 11. The world’s greatest professional hillclimb athletes such as Harold Waddell, Travis Whitlock, Jason Smith, Bret and Robie Peterson, Nick Beer, Dusty Beer, Corey Erhardt, and last year’s defending Open Exhibition Nitro National Champion Max Simmons will compete.
Last year’s insanity of riding in the dark will be repeated this year with event times of 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Pro Pits will be open to the public so spectators can check out some great Hillclimb action while cruising through the pits, talking to the riders, and checking out the twisted fire-breathing machines. Schedule of events can be checked at Nitro National Pro Hillclimb Facebook fan page.
Europeans cherish the performance of their sport cars and custom motorcycles. And where Americans would favor theme bikes about the western era, American Natives, NASCAR and Mc Donald’s (!?!) they are fond of paying tribute on 2 wheels to their automobile brand names. Saw a lot (too many) Ferrari theme bikes, but more rarely Porsche tribute custom bikes. Continue reading ‘Porsche Tribute Bike’
This Mustang’s new LowDownTM touring design for 2009-up FL Touring models sits the driver 1.5” lower than the stock seat to ensure that your boots can be firmly planted on the ground. For even better stability at stops, not only does the seat place the driver slightly forward but the nose of the seat has also been narrowed. Mustang’s design still provides a deeply pocketed, 16.5” wide front bucket for the driver, while the passenger also rides comfortably on a fully supported 14” wide seat. Continue reading ‘New LowDown Comfort Touring Seat For Harley-Davidson FL Models’
Cow-Boy In Mexico. While sipping his tequila, he noticed a sizzling, scrumptious looking platter being served at the next table. Not only did it look good, the smell was wonderful. He asked the waiter, ‘What is that you just served? The waiter replied, ‘Ah senor, those are called Cojones de Toro, bull’s testicles from the bull fight this morning. A delicacy!’
The cowboy said, ‘What the heck, bring me an order.’ The waiter replied, ‘I am so sorry Senor. There is only one serving per day because there is only one bull fight each morning. If you come early and place your order, we will be sure to save you this delicacy.’ Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
Something very different by artist David Uhl. Always looking at old photos to find inspiration for his new pieces of art, he found a couple of interest for a new work, but not enough to help him compose from them the scene he had in mind. Until he found the missing piece of the puzzle to complete the composition he had been working on for a very long time. Continue reading ‘Rough Rider By David Uhl’
Facing reality….
