This morning April 19, 2011 just before Wall-Street opening bell, Harley-Davidson (HOG) said first-quarter earnings soared to $119.3 million, or 51 cents a share, from $33.3 million, or 14 cents a share, a year earlier as worldwide sales of motorcycles rose 3.5% and operating income at its financial division skyrocketed. Harley-Davidson said operating income from financial services climbed 154.6% from a year earlier. Revenue rose to $1.06 billion from $1.04 billion. “We are pleased by the growth of our dealers’ new motorcycle sales on a worldwide basis, led by strength in Europe, even as we continue to encounter some headwinds in the U.S. related to the challenging macro-economic conditions,” said Harley-Davidson President and CEO Keith Wandell, in a statement. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson First Quarter Earnings Soaring’
Archive Page 262
Harley-Davidson First Quarter Earnings Soaring
Published by April 19th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Nothing that can be ridden on the street nor compete for a world championship of bike building. Not what most people would expect from Danny Schneider at Hardnine Choppers in Switzerland after all the media exposure his custom DMX received last year. Danny builds what he wants with the money of the day…
One lousy night in Bern, Switzerland, in the Hardnine Choppers garage, Danny and his buddy René where scouting parts on the internet when Danny ended up by accident on what looked like a vintage Triumph Flat Tracker actually for sale by a museum in Illinois. The patinated (well pretty worn out, in fact) little bike was worth $1000 and had some history behind it. The museum owner wanted the ‘Cub” to be in good hands, so Danny promised he would take great care of the bike and rebuild it the way it would have been looking like in 1958. To get it back to good old Europe was a hell of a job, as this 250 cc model was built exclusively by the Coventry plant for the US Flat Trackers. Getting all the paperwork done to be able to ship the bike to Bern took 3 months of research for an eventual title that race bikes don;t have anyway…. Another 200 emails and 2 months of wait later the little ‘Cub” finally made it back to Europe, arriving in Bern, Switzerland in June 2010. Continue reading ‘1958 Flat Track Triumph Revival.’
New Elite Rubber Wrapped Grips From Performance Machine
Published by April 19th, 2011 in Controls and Customs.
Performance Machine offers a line up of rubber grips since quite a few years. Due to their popularity, the company extends its number of offerings with this new Elite models made of durable knurled rubber, in black or chrome with PM embossed name on the rubber and PM logo engraved on the tip. Retail price per set is $99.95. To order call: 714-523-3000. Performance Machine. www.performancemachine.com
Washington State Governor Signs Law To Prohibit Bikers Profiling
Published by April 19th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
Too many bikers have already been victims of profiling. But today there is something to celebrate. Governor Chris Gregoire has signed Senate Bill 5242 that outlaws profiling of motorcyclists by state troopers and local law enforcement officers in Washington state. The new law is modeled on a 2002 state law outlawing racial profiling by police, and it includes similar safeguards. It requires the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the Criminal Justice Training Commission to add a statement condemning motorcycle profiling to their existing policies banning racial profiling. Motorcycle profiling is defined as when law enforcement officers single out people who ride motorcycles or wear biker garb, stopping, questioning, searching or arresting them without legal ground. Continue reading ‘Washington State Governor Signs Law To Prohibit Bikers Profiling’
Dave Zien The Million Mile Man. Health Update.
Published by April 19th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
In March, while returning from Daytona Bike Week, David Zien, former Wisconsin Senator (from 1993 to 2006), a 2000 inductee in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame who rode more than 1 million miles on a 1991 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide, was seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident on interstate 10 near Tallahassee, Florida. An SUV traveling in front of Zien attempted to change lanes, lost control and flipped onto its side. In the crash, he lost part of his left leg and suffered a broken hip. Rogue who visited him at the hospital gives us an update. Continue reading ‘Dave Zien The Million Mile Man. Health Update.’
Language barrier. One week that I try to have a technical discussion with the Italian Ragazzos of Garage 65 in Tuscany about their over-the-top latest creation called Stargate. Impossible to understand each other in English or French so the mysterious technicalities of this latin metal wonder will not be discovered by me until I check the bike up close when it shines in Sturgis. Continue reading ‘Stargate By Garage 65. Grandioso.’
Luxury Motorcycle Taxi Service Coming To New York City And Los Angeles
Published by April 17th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Cars, buses, limos and taxis immobilized in traffic . A several times a day occurrence in big cities like Los Angeles and New York City. Are motorcycle taxis the solution to navigate more easily and faster from point A to point B? Several european cities offer this service with more or less success since many years. But none in America until now. Moto Limos Club will start next month in LA and NYC a motorcycle service using a fleet of Honda Goldwings and of Bombardier Can Am Spyders piloted by chauffeurs with at least 15 years of experience. Continue reading ‘Luxury Motorcycle Taxi Service Coming To New York City And Los Angeles’
Sturgis Road Show In Harrisburg, PA (Part 3) Bike Show Winners.
Published by April 17th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Building on already early season successes of the Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series, Kundratic Kustoms was proudly named the inaugural Sturgis Road Show Champion today with their highly innovative bike, Boardtracker. Featuring front and rear perimeter braking, an S&S Knuckle motor, and many handbuilt components, Kundratic Kustoms Boardtracker was a show stopper from day one. Finishing second in the Championship Class was Independent Cycle East’s creation Hammered with third going to MD Custom Choppers with their chopper, Road Kill.
“So many great bikes from the Mid Atlantic and East Coast were entered,” says Sturgis Road Show partner John Detrick, “We knew this area was a hot bed for cool motorcycles and the Championship proved it. All weekend visitors were treated to some of the best bikes and custom builders in our area.
Below picture of the champion and after the jump the top winners in the 3 classes: Old School Jammer, RevTech and Modified Harley (photography copyright Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)
Championship Class
1st Place – Brian Kundratic/Kundratic Kustoms. Baltimore, MD. Bike Boardtracker. 2nd Place – Jeff Kessel/Independent Cycles. East Hanover, PA. Bike Hammered. 3rd Place – Denny Ritchie/MD Custom Choppers. Palmyra, PA. Bike RoadKill. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Road Show In Harrisburg, PA (Part 3) Bike Show Winners.’
Sturgis Road Show In Harrisburg, PA (Part 2)
Published by April 17th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Why do I show you only people and not the best bikes present at this weekend the Sturgis Road Show and competing in the Custom Chrome North American Bike Competition? For a simple and very good reason. At 4 pm EST, the big winners will be called on stage to receive their trophies. I know who they are and they don’t know…Except betrayed by technology I will be able to publish the pictures of their bikes as soon as the results are known by competitors. So, if you are not in Harrisburg, be back here at 4 pm EST sharp. And for those not knowing well the personalities of the industry, below their pictures are the names of some working this inaugural Sturgis Road Show. (photography Horst Roesler for Cyril Huze)
From top to bottom, left to right. 1-Group: Grady Pfeiffer (GH Marketing), Dave Perewitz (Perewitz Cycle Fabrication), Chris McGee (RevComm), Mike Tomas (Kiwi), Holger Mohr (CCCI). 2- Photographer Michael Lichter. 3- Phil Firth, winner of the SRS Bike with Rod Woodruff (Sturgis Buffalo Chip). 4- Mike Kiwi Tomas (again) 5- STYX performing.
Harley-Davidson Versus Polaris Stock.
Published by April 17th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Stock market analysts are daily piling up numbers about the companies they follow. From P/E ratios (dividing the company’s share price by its earnings per share EPS), to free cash flow (FCF) to net income variations (margin ranges) to consistency of past earnings and cash flow, to 5-year trailing and 5-year estimated future growth, etc. The only thing I know for sure is that most of them have upgraded both Harley-Davidson (HOG) and Polaris (PII) from “market perform” to “outperform”.
Most of you don’t follow analysts’ coverage of these 2 stocks, but it is interesting for all of you commenting on each company’s line-up, unit sales and reorganization to see how the share price of each company has evolved during the last 12 months versus the S&P 500 (capitalization-weighted index of the prices of 500 large-cap stocks actively traded in the USA.)
As you can see both stocks beat the index (the market) by a very wide margin, especially Polaris. Motorcycle manufacturers’s stocks still a terrific investment for years to come?
Sturgis Road Show In Harrisburg, PA (Part 1)
Published by April 16th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
In August, bikers take the road to Sturgis, SD for the world’s largest rally. This year, for the 1st time ever, the Sturgis Rally takes the road to Pennsylvania for the 1st Sturgis Road Show in Harrisburg. A new concept that surprised many but justified by the organizers by the fact that for many bikers have cabin fever (or throttle fever) after a long winter and would like to live and enjoy the Sturgis atmosphere well before the summer Black Hills Rally gets started. But why Pennsylvania? Because this State has the fourth-highest recorded motorcycle registration in the United States, close to 330,000. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Road Show In Harrisburg, PA (Part 1)’
A bad-ass blown 1933 Willys, a tilt front-end 1955 Chevy straight axle gasser, a bitchin’ Ol’ Skool chopper, an awesome P-38 Lightning WWII fighter plane mounted in front of a classic vintage Mobile gas station and of course a babe…”Lefty’s Lightning Fast Service” is the new painting from Hot Rod Painter Larry Grossman and you can buy a high quality lithographic print 18×24 for only $30 or $35 hand signed and dated in gold ink by the the artist. For a reasonable fee Larry can also create a custom personalized version of this or any of his painting featuring your car, and/or bike (and you or whoever.) Tel. (818) 907-8626 (after 10 am Pacific Time please) or visit Retro Visions.
Custom parts designer and motorcycles builder John Reed lives atop of some hills of California with wild peacocks paying daily visits to his house. Who knows why, they are not afraid of him?!? and love his bikes…One peacock in particular likes to emit a very loud high pitched cry and doesn’t stop fanning its iridescent blue-green plumage (sign that a peacock is looking for a female mate) front of John’s BITSA (A custom bike made of Bits Of This And That.) Custom motorcycle sex appeal proven again and again. Anyway, a daily scene making an unusual and beautiful shot. Maybe I should have titled this post Peacock Picture Of The Week…
What Do You Get At Ducati For $11,995. A Monster 1100 Evo.
Published by April 15th, 2011 in Builders and Editorial.
It just arrived in US dealerships and if I talk again about it it’s because I hear repetitevely that orders for this model are piling up. It’s the latest version of Ducati’s naked line sporting the 1100 Sports, a 100 HP L-twin engine, the most powerful 2-valve that the Italian maker ever made.
This new Monster model offers a super-smoother power delivery thanks to a more linear torque curve, a Ducati Safety Pack (ABS + DTC anti-lock brakes and traction control) very rare on this type of “naked” bikes, Brembo brakes, pinstriped 10-spoke wheels, advanced electronics in a light package of only 373 pounds. Killer look in only black or red. Ducati Monster 1100 Evo.
So, You Want To Become A Harley-Davidson Dealer?
Published by April 15th, 2011 in Builders and Editorial.
First time I got this question. It came from a friend who is a long time biker and successful professional investor, 2 criteria that Harley-Davidson absolutely love from its prospective dealers. So, even if you don’t intend to be like Harley says “a keeper of their unique culture” by investing millions in what the company also call in their website “the opportunity of a lifetime”, maybe you want to know the process by which your dealer became your dealer.
But first, in this economic situation, is Harley-davidson looking for new dealers? Answer, yes. Either to buy out some existing dealerships, or in geographical territories where a dealership may have been forced to close or representing a large or dense potential market. At this day April 11th, 2011 the webpage Becoming A Dealer offers opportunities in Wisconsin (4), Indiana (1), Minnesota (1) and Ohio (1) Of course you can also buy out any dealer but still will need approval of the big wigs in Milwaukee. Continue reading ‘So, You Want To Become A Harley-Davidson Dealer?’
Exile Cycles Grip Kits With Grip Ace Digital Switches
Published by April 15th, 2011 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Ace Grip Digital Switch System allows riders to control all motorcycle functions from their grips. Adapted to Exile Cycles 4 styles of grips for 1″ bars, you get an extra clean setup without any visible toggle switches, wiring or cables… Continue reading ‘Exile Cycles Grip Kits With Grip Ace Digital Switches’
I promise, I only smoke ultra-light cigarettes and checked that there was nothing unusual added to my morning coffee. I am also certain it’s not April’s fool….Could not believe my eyes when I received an email from a certain Marc Gargiulo proposing these psychedelic tires guaranteed for 100,000 miles and manufactured to fit any american, European or Asian car and motorcycles.
His claim: “you thought neon or hydraulics were cool. This is next year – available today – Tire.N.Rim.One.” Continue reading ‘Psychedelic Tires. What?’
Big Bear Choppers Retains 25 Jobs Through Assistance
Published by April 14th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Big Bear Choppers retained 25 jobs through a Layoff Aversion Program with assistance from the San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board (WIB). The program, issued by the WIB through funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provides technical support for manufacturers aiming to retain their employees through targeted strategies.
Vincent McCoy, Director of the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center and Big Bear Chopper’s regional business consultant, connected the organization with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting® (CMTC), a private, nonprofit corporation which assists Southern California manufacturers to become more competitive. Continue reading ‘Big Bear Choppers Retains 25 Jobs Through Assistance’
The Inner Workings Of Motorcycle Suspension (Part 1)
Published by April 14th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
For the most part the inner workings of motorcycle suspension are not understood or confusing to many bikers. Whatever the reasons why you wish to change your motorcycle shocks, looks, lowering your bike, performance, comfort or all the above, you should understand springs, dampers, pre-load adjusters and sag. In 2 segments (other will be published next week), Progressive Suspension, since 1982 a premier manufacturer of suspension for motorcycles (Harley, Metric, Vintage, Off-road) including ATV, UTV, explains the critical shock components that you should understand before ordering. Today, Springs & Dampers.
1- Springs: The spring is (for the most part) wound steel and is defined by its rate. Rate is a measurement of the force required to compress the spring and is expressed in lbs per inch. For instance a spring with a 100 lbs/inch rate will require 100 lbs to compress it one inch. Each subsequent inch of compression would require an additional 100lbs of force. This is referred to as a straight or linear rate spring. The alternative, is a progressive rate spring which allows a single spring to essentially exhibit multiple rates. By utilizing varied spacing spring coils, the initial rate may be 100lbs/inch, but each subsequent inch of movement would require more than an additional 100 pounds, and the third inch would require still more. Progressive-rate springs become stiffer as they are compressed. The advantage is a spring that is supple enough to soak up small bumps, yet firm enough to handle a big hit. Continue reading ‘The Inner Workings Of Motorcycle Suspension (Part 1)’
Vintage Racing. Killed Myself When I Was Young
Published by April 14th, 2011 in Editorial and Videos.I don’t know what it is, but humans just love watch race crashes. And when an announcer says it’s a big crash, a big crash, we are all fascinated by the spectacle of destruction. Amazingly in this video compilation of old cars racing many drivers are able to walk away after being ejected from their vehicles. Fortunately racing cars and tracks are much safer today…Wear your 5-Point Harness. Thank you Walt. (source Jalopy Journal)
1- Harley-Davidson License Plates Debut In Wisconsin. The first-ever Harley-Davidson branded automotive license plate is available to drivers in Wisconsin. The Harley-Davidson/Share the Road plate can be ordered for automobiles, light trucks and motor homes (but not for motorcycles, even Harleys!) for a $15 issuance fee and an annual $25 donation to support safety initiatives throughout the state. It includes grants for providing motorcycle safety training courses, evaluation of basic rider education courses and public workshops, rallies and programs focused on motorcycle safety and training.) This is the first-and-only Harley-Davidson branded plate available anywhere in the United States. These special license plates display the words “Share the Road” to emphasize the importance of driver awareness to ensure safety among motorcycles and other motorized vehicles. More info at Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
2- Bator Vintage Motorcycle Company Acquired By RM Auctions America. RM Auctions, the Canadian automotive auction house has only been around a couple of decades – a drop in the bucket compared to rivals like Bonhams, Gooding & Co or even Barrett-Jackson – but has quickly become one of the biggest names in the business, gaining access to places like Maranello and Villa d’Este where no other auction house has gone before. After acquiring Auctions America, the company adds a motorcycle division to its expanding portfolio with the takeover of Bator Vintage Motorcycle Auctions. The integration gives Auctions American by RM a solid foothold in collector motorcycles. It also brings with it the talents of company founder Glenn Bator, a noted vintage motorcycle expert and former curator of the Otis Chandler museum. Bator and RM will be holding their first motorcycle auction together during the Auburn Cord Duesenberg festival in Auburn, Indiana, this September. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Hidden Harley Touring And Trike Antenna
Published by April 13th, 2011 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
It’ called the Boom!™ Audio Hidden AM/FM/WB Antenna and mounts within the fairing of 1998-later Touring and Trike models and eliminates the Original Equipment whip antenna (top image is a ghost picture of this antenna.) Priced at $49.95 this amplified antenna offers comparable performance to the Boom! Audio Shorty Antenna, and eliminates the need to move the whip antenna back and forth between Tour-Pak® and fender mounting locations on bikes equipped with detachable Tour-Pak® luggage.
Kit includes all required mounting hardware and wiring. Fits 1998-later Touring and Trike models equipped with AM/FM/WB radio and fairing. Harley-Davidson warns that The Hidden Antenna may result in a slight loss of AM and WB broadcast signal strength in certain urban and rural locations, when compared to an Original Equipment whip antenna. See your dealer or visit Harley-Davidson
I discovered this new old school Panhead Chopper at the Custom Chrome North American Championship . And when it was rolled to its competition spot, it was kind of panic at the show among other builders. This custom called Panic is so full of interesting details that in any bike show competitors will fear…Jerry Wasemiller is not a semi-pro custom builder, he is a part time pro-builder at Yolo County Choppers because managing 2 other business, a body shop supply store and a retail auto glass shop. Encouraged by the success of Panic, Jerry now intends to devote more time to custom building. Good for us…Jerry picked a rigid frame from Twisted Choppers (2″ out, 2″ up, 40-degree rake) that he noticed for the 1st time in Sturgis in 2008. Motor is a one-off 103” Panhead (S&S Cases & Jugs, STD Heads) that was built by a dude named Donnie that Jerry actually never met! For transmission, his choice naturally went for the Baker 6-speed Frankentranny. Continue reading ‘Panic At The Show’
Akira Bike Replica. Almost Famous And For sale.
Published by April 13th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
This ultra un-functional replica of Kaneda’s bike from Akira was built with the only purpose of being used by rapper singer and record producer Kanye West in one of his music videos. At editing, the shots showing this bike were cut making it almost worthless non only to ride but even for the Kanye West fans. So, is it a bargain at $4000, the price requested in an ad on Los Angeles Craigslist?
Indianapolis 500. The Way It Was In The Beginning.
Published by April 12th, 2011 in Editorial, Events and Painters.
David Uhl’s image “Glorious Failure” graced the cover of the Indy 500 in 2008. And this year David has been selected again as Program Cover Artist again for this year’s 100th anniversary. The new piece featured here, titled “In the Beginning”, depicts the first running at Indy in 1911. David Uhl has devoted much of his career to creating masterpieces reflecting his passion for the romance of eras past and because of his understanding of light and color he provides beautifully executed paintings of intriguing subjects which were originally recorded in black and white. Continue reading ‘Indianapolis 500. The Way It Was In The Beginning.’
High-Tech Italian Cafe Racer Inspired By John Britten
Published by April 12th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
CR&S Motorcycles (an acronym of Cafe Racers & Superbikes) is an Italian company whose original founders (Roberto Crepaldi & Carlo Talamo) were inspired by a meeting with legendary John Britten that led them to build the CR&S Britten V1000 a very successful creation competing throughout the world. Following the death of John Britten, the CR&S team stopped its racing activities, and conceived the first prototype bearing the CR&S brand, a basic single-cylinder road bike built by RACECO in UK and in 2004 the company launched the CR&S “Vun” during the Intermot German Show. Continue reading ‘High-Tech Italian Cafe Racer Inspired By John Britten’
