These 2 unique competition Norton machines with history (top model Manx and bottom model Daytona) have been added to Bonhams third annual motorcycle auction at Quail Lodge in Carmel on May 14th, 2011. The 1959 Norton Manx 500 and 1956 Norton Daytona 500 will be in good company as they join a line-up of bikes that includes Steve McQueen’s 1971 Husqvarna. Continue reading ‘These 2 Rare Norton Racers Added To Bonhams Carmel Auction.’
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These 2 Rare Norton Racers Added To Bonhams Carmel Auction.
Published by March 26th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.Fast Motorcycle Industry News
Published by March 26th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
1- Harley-Davidson Stock Rises Close To Pre-Recession Levels. I don’t make any stock recommendation, but many will be interested to know that Harley stock (HOG) closed yesterday Friday 03/25/2011 at $43.14 per share, its highest level since September 2008, and getting closer to its pre-recession trade price of $48 per share in December 2007. Analysts who recommend the stock point out the company’s financial arm getting more profitable, eased credit restrictions, higher consumer confidence, increased sales especially in Europe and the fact that during last year Harley market share jumped to 55% of all US heavyweight motorcycle sales. Other analysts think that Harley will get a further boost as dealers start to restock and carry larger inventories.
2- Biker’s Choice 40th Anniversary. Biker’s Choice, the wholesale distribution division of Tucker Rocky Distributing which specializes in catering for the American V-twin market, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company was founded in 1971 by Larry Coppola, as a Harley parts distributor in the New England area, under the name NEMPCO (New England Motor Parts Company). Then in 1992, the company caught the attention of Tucker Rocky looking to move into the Harley market, and as a result bought NEMPCO. Biker’s Choice product line includes replacement parts for repairs and service along with products to improve performance, handling and comfort. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Motorcycle Early Days Exhibit At Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Published by March 25th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
A new exhibit called “The Early Days” focusing on the earliest motorcycles – from what is commonly recognized as the first motorcycle through those machines produced in 1915 -. just opened at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
“The Early Days Exhibit is designed to show our visitors what those early machines were like, and to tell the story of how it all started,” said Christine Paige Diers, Executive Director of the museum. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Early Days Exhibit At Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’
Panhead Engine Finned Dishpan Covers
Published by March 25th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
One of the first aftermarket engine products introduced in 1968 by Randy Smith, these Panhead Covers are out of retirement and produced again at the original foundry with using the same original tooling and castings with A-356-T6 aluminum. They were designed to eliminate oil seepage associated with the stock tin rocker covers and to dampen the noise from the engine as well as helping the engine run cooler with the fins working as a heat sink. A cool addition to customize a true Panhead. Available in raw cast $298 or polished 371. Custom Cycle Engineering. Tel: 800-472-9253
Like many I am on Twitter exchanging 140-character limit tweets with many friends and followers belonging or not to the motorcycle industry.
Yesterday, Jesses James tweeted this image of the West Coast Choppers sign being removed from the roof of his ex Long Beach shop closed since October 16, 2010.
Jesse sent this image with the following tweet. “This picture just makes me really sad. It just hits home that it is really over. End of an Era…”
It makes me sad too because the decade 1995-2005, although full of excesses, was also a beautiful business period for many of us belonging to the custom motorcycle industry. An exceptional time with an explosion of creativity and the acknowledgment by the public at large of our profession. Most of us being now baby boomers, and the economy being what it is, most of us will probably never live again during our lifetime such a booming professional decade. Sadness and nostalgia just hit me too…
Spectro Oils Team Up With Ferracci For 2011 AMA Pro Racing Daytona Sportbike/Celtic Racing Team Program.
Published by March 25th, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
Spectro Oils is proud to once again team up with World Superbike and AMA Superbike winning tuner Eraldo Ferracci, who will apply his considerable expertise in support of Celtic Racing and the talented young rider, P.J. Jacobsen.
“Spectro has become the ‘oil of choice’ for the Ferracci team in 2011, and will be recommended and used in their shop,” says Rollin Karoll, VP Sales at Spectro.
The team will race the new Ducati 848EVO, and as a long time Ducati dealer, Continue reading ‘Spectro Oils Team Up With Ferracci For 2011 AMA Pro Racing Daytona Sportbike/Celtic Racing Team Program.’
Custom Dirt Track Style Harley Sportster
Published by March 24th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Because customizing stock Harley models, instead of building new bikes from the ground up, is big again and because all Sportster models are big sellers, I introduce you to another nice custom project by Steve Willis the man in charge of Speed and Custom, the custom division of Brighton, UK based Shaw Harley-Davidson. The XLST3 featured here is based on a 2011 XL1200N Nightster and was inspired by the look of the 70’s Dirt Trackers. Stripping down the factory Sportster to bare frame was a must to be able to freely rebuild for such an appealing result. Continue reading ‘Custom Dirt Track Style Harley Sportster’
New Fork Seal Driver With Split Design
Published by March 24th, 2011 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Fortunately, tools are getting smarter. Anything making our mechanical tasks easier is worth mentioning. Last weekend at the CCI Dealer Expo I saw this new Fork Seal Driver with an innovative split design making it easier and safer to use than old fashioned pin aligned drivers. It features a knurled finish for a secure no-slip grip and to positively locks body halves together during use. No more worrying about part of the tool falling off and damaging the fork leg or hitting your feet. Perfectly weighted to drive seals. Body halves are machined from durable carbon steel and feature high quality protective black e-coat with laser engraved markings. For tubes 37mm, 41 mm, 43 mm, 45 mm, 48 mm and 49/50 mm tubes. Lifetime warranty. Patent pending. Sug. Retail $44.99 ea. at Motion Pro. 650.594.9600
Product placement or embedded marketing. A form of “branded entertainment” with the vast majority of that (80%) in commercial TV programming and movies. A strategy for linking a brand to a relevant content to create an emotional connection with a specific target. This police chase scene is in fact a Ducati paid product placement from the movie Tron Legacy and features the Sport 1000 model.
Celtic Chopper. Everything Is Backward.
Published by March 23rd, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If you have been to Ireland, you know that driving and road rules are different from those of the US and of the rest of Europe, e.g. drive on the left and yield to the right on roundabout (similar to rules of the United Kingdom). Well, on his new build, Irish Ger Conlon from C&C Choppers worked hard at adding to our confusion by using a Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine modified to use 2 rear cylinders to mount a pair of Webber carburetors held by a one-off manifold. Look at his engine, it is turned backward as is the Ultima 6-speed gearbox…A mechanical exercise that got Ger a big win in Dublin at the Irish round of the AMD Championship Of Bike Building and a free trip to Sturgis to compete for the titlel of world champion. Continue reading ‘Celtic Chopper. Everything Is Backward.’
Bikers Don’t Cry. Visormatic For Any 3/4 Helmet..
Published by March 23rd, 2011 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Bikers don’t cry. Yes, they do, at least when they don’t wear a good face/eye protection. Lick’s Cycles has released a new face/eye protection designed for quick and easy installation to any ¾ open face helmet. Rubber retention tabs fitted to the lens simply slide into place between the helmet shell and lining. So glasses are not an issue.
Currently offered in clear, flash mirror and transitional shades. The Visormatic 6000® lens is manufactured from scratch, fog and impact resistant polycarbonate for great safety and function. You get a very cool retro styling while using efficient space age materials.
Prices start at just $49.95. (Patent pending). More info at Lick’s Cycles.
Harley-Davidson Donates $250,000 To Support Japan Relief Efforts
Published by March 23rd, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. announced a $250,000 donation from The Harley-Davidson Foundation to support relief efforts following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. “Our hearts go out to all the people in Japan who have been impacted by these tragic events,” said Foundation President Gail Lione. “It is important to all of us at Harley-Davidson to support the relief efforts and help the country through this devastating time.” Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Donates $250,000 To Support Japan Relief Efforts’
Sporty look often implies mid-shift controls. Another option from Top Shelf Customs is these Smasher Mid Controls available to work with major brands of open primary systems: BDL, Primo-Rivera and Ultima.
They are available in polished ($729.00) or black anodizing ($799.00). Order at 714-903-8042 Top Shelf Customs.
You are looking at a Norley 2, a Cafe Racer built from the ground up using a Norton looking frame in which was cradled a Sportster engine and transmission. The frame, swingarm with bearings and spindle plus rear engine mounts is provided by UK manufacturer JW Motorcycles and offered in the US as a kit by Santiago Chopper.
Headstock is set with a 26-degree rake and machined to accept Sportster yokes using taper bearings. Gas tank and oil tank are formed out of aluminum. The standard belt drive can be used, or there are sprocket conversions available. A Norley assembled here in the US starts at $16,996. Continue reading ‘Norley 2 Cafe Racer’
Sturgis Pre-Booking Discount At Broken Spoke Campground
Published by March 22nd, 2011 in Editorial and Events.
Daytona Bike Week is over, and the next big rally is of course in Sturgis (August 1 to 14h). And this one needs some well thought advance planning. For the Sturgis Rally 71th edition the Broken Spoke Campground in Sturgis offers early bird discount rates. For example, camping rates are $119/person plus tax and include all Broken Spoke concerts, plus the unique amenities and features that make the Broken Spoke one of the most comfortable camping places in Sturgis. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Pre-Booking Discount At Broken Spoke Campground’
Long and tough economic times almost always bring a taste for everything retro, a trend that you can perceive in many areas like fashion, architecture and of course the automotive industry.
Another example of this trend towards retro designs is this Imperia, a car brand name that’s been dead for over half a century. To the pleasure of gorgeous lines, this Roadster add an ambitious technology developed exclusively for this vehicle. Using the principle of PowerHybrid® propulsion the driver can decide at any time, via a selector, the type of propulsion required, electric or hybrid. Using another control, the driver decides whether he/she intends to run the batteries down completely (in order to recharge them on the mains, having reached the destination), or wants to keep a reserve to be used when entering urban traffic. A beautiful ride that will set you back about $110,000 or €80,000. All info you may want at Imperia Auto.
The Custom Motorcycle King Of Seattle
Published by March 21st, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Seattle gave us music legend Jimi Hendrix, alternative rock “grumge” music style (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam), Starbucks Coffee and now a group of creative local Custom Builders like RedSoul Motorcycles. RedSoul? Curious, I wanted to know the origin of the shop name, and as answer the only thing I could get was “It’s a closely guarded secret. Only few know unless you are in the inner circle – The RedSoul Mafia – a joking name for a group of drinking and riding buddies who trash their shop before going for cocktails and Hawaian grub or trashing their bars before starting a new project.” Seems like there are no Starbucks on their riding route… Continue reading ‘The Custom Motorcycle King Of Seattle’
Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series. North American Championship. (Part 3)
Published by March 20th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Today Sunday March 20th, 2011 for the fist time ever, the famous Custom Chrome Dealer Show opened its doors to the public. Not only to visit 75 of the V-Twin industry’s leading manufacturers, but also to admire world class custom bikes from top builders and customizers competing in the Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series, North American Championship. Championship is judged by the event’s competitors and a panel of invited VIP guests. Each competitor and VIP judge reviews all the bikes in the competition and ranks their favorites in order. All votes are calculated to decide the North American Champion and each individual class winner. Bikes had to be entered by the builder. At 4 pm winners were called on stage by CCI CEO and President Holger Mohr. And the winners are:
1- Championship Class, Powered by BDL. The Championship Class is the premier class at all Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series events. This class features one off custom bikes, with no strings or rules of design attached. There are no limitations or structure of the entries in this class. The Championship Class is a showcase for true fusion design where the motorcycle builders are free to explore and push the boundaries of what makes a custom motorcycle.
1st Place: Kirk Taylor (Bike The Dirty Boot)
2nd Place: Satya Krauss (Bike Snatch)
3rd Place: Custom Factory BB (Bike Phoenix)
Winners of other classes after the jump. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series. North American Championship. (Part 3)’
2011 Custom Chrome International Dealer Show (Part 2)
Published by March 20th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
People at the Custom Chrome Dealer Show. from top to bottom. Kirk taylor (Custom Design Studios) – Cory Ness (Arlen Ness Ent) – Holger Mohr (CCI) with Sukoshi Fahey (Avon Tyres) – Lisa and Bert Baker (Baker Drivetrain) – Rod Woodruff (Buffalo Chip) with Mike Prugh (Prugh Design) – Gerald Rinehart (Rinehart Racing) – Lisa Taylor (Kirk’s wife) – Pascal Richard (Revolution Magazine) with Cyril Huze.
For the picture below, I let you find out who is who. (tomorrow, North America Championship bike show winners)
1- Zero Motorcycles. To boost its international growth and support the development of its electrical vehicle technology, Zero Motorcycles has secured a $26 million financing deal. The deal with Invus LP, the company’s principal investor group, closed March 3, just days before the company’s co-founder Neal Saiki retired from his daily operations as chief technology officer of the company. Terms of the deal include a $17 million investment and the potential for an additional $9 million over the coming months as the company continues to grow
2- Triumph North America. Triumph has big ambitions in the USA, kicked off 2011 with seven new models and some excitement around the iconic brand. Greg Heichelbech was recently named CEO of Triumph North America. Heichelbech was formerly Director of Dealer Development and Retail Environment Group for Harley-Davidson Motor Company as well as Director of Strategic Sales and Marketing, and Director of Platform Marketing for Buell American Motorcycles. He first joined Harley-Davidson in 1990 and held various executive positions including Director of Field Operations.
3- Las Vegas BikeFest. Limpnickie Lot, a collaboration of custom bike builders and American parts manufacturers, will be participating in the 2011 Las Vegas BikeFest®, September 29 –October 2, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV. The Lot will feature a half-pipe skateboard run, entertainment and music, alongside builders who will sign autographs and show their interpretation of self expression and freedoms, which are inseparable from motorcycle riding. Las Vegas BikeFest will be held September 29– October 2, 2011 at the Cashman Center, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Las Vegas, NV 89101, as well as returning its headquarters to the Golden Nugget on the world-famous and wildly popular Fremont Street Experience. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
The Best That Can Happen To A 08-Up Harley-Davidson Tourer
Published by March 19th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial, Engines and Exhaust.
No new factory motorcycle responds to simple intake and exhaust upgrades like a Harley®! That’s why Zipper’s Performance Products developed the Zip Kit for throttle-by-wire Touring models. Included in the Zip Kit is a Zipper’s MaxFlow performance air cleaner, performance exhaust of your choice and the cutting-edge ThunderMax with AutoTune EFI Controller for throttle-by-wire models. The ThunderMax is the industry’s first and only EFI engine management system developed specifically for throttle-by-wire models. ThunderMax gives you the flexibility of future performance upgrades with the download of a new map. Bolt-on and plug-in the Zip Kit to enjoy immediate power, performance and drive-ability gains that get better with each ride. For an even more dramatic performance gain, include optional Red Shift Cams. Zip Kits for 08-Up TBW Touring Bikes. More info at 410.579.2828 or Zippers Performance ot ThunderMax
2011 Custom Chrome International Dealer Show (Part 1)
Published by March 19th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
I am in Santa Clara, CA in the Silicon Valley, the leading hub for high-tech innovation and development (Google, Amazon, Apple, eBay, Intuit, Netflix and many others are just around), for the 2011 Custom Chrome Dealer Show. The venue is minutes away from the CCI headquarters at the beautiful Santa Clara Convention Center.
Over 75 of the V-Twin industry’s leading manufacturers such as Arlen Ness, Rinehart Racing, S&S, RevTech, ThunderMax, BDL, Santee, Baker Drivetrain, Fat Baggers Inc, Motor Factory, Le Pera, Daytona Twin Tec and many more will show their new products to Dealers but also to retail clients on Sunday. It’s a first for the V-twin industry in the USA to open the doors of a Dealer Show to the general public (only Sunday March 20th).
In addition, the 2011 Custom Chrome’s Dealer Show is now home to the CCI International Bike Show SeriesDealer Show with some of the best ground up builds and custoomized motorcycles competing all weekend for the title of North American Champion. An opportunity for me to discover new creations with the best to be featured later in my Blog. And of course, yesterday evening at the next door Hyatt Hotel, CCI started the weekend by throwing a big party for all vendors and custom builders participating to the show. To follow…
Motorcycle Industry Raises over $11,000 at Daytona Biker Fusion
Published by March 19th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
As I reported last week, the 4th annual Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Biker Fusion event was one of the most attended charity events during this year’s Bike Week with the donations to prove it, The prominent gathering, organized by Carrie Repp of R&R Promotions and Ken Conte of Rise Above Consulting, is known for bringing the motorcycle industry and enthusiasts together for a great cause. Proving once again that the motorcycle community not only loves to ride but loves to give to great causes; the 2011 Biker Fusion event succeeded in raising over $11,000 for Soldiers’ Angels. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Industry Raises over $11,000 at Daytona Biker Fusion’
Mansory Impressive Looking Carbon Fiber Cruiser
Published by March 18th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Since 1989, Kourosh Mansory, the owner and namesake of Mansory in Bavaria Germany is a maestro at fulfilling the custom dreams – engine, body, interior improvements – of his clientele of owners of high end cars like Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Aston Martins, Porsches and Ferraris. He is famous for his tricked out Bugatti Veyrons and Pepto Bismol pink Bentleys. And now Mansory is setting its sights on ultra sophisticated motorcycles like this one named the Zapico (?) built in collaboration with motorcycle customizer Thomas M. George. From the most lavishly processed carbon fiber used for the frame, body, front mask, bug spoiler, seat module to the ultra light wheels and brake discs to the rich leather seat, everything is produced at the Mansory factory. But for the engine he went to the US and equipped his super luxury cruiser with a 124″ S&S engine, 2080 cc for 160 hp. Price? Given to you confidentially after you prove that you are worth much, much more than a carbon fiber iPhone case. Mansory Zapico Bike.
Lots of original Harley Shovelhead engines (manufactured from 1966 to 1984) and 3rd party Shovelhead type engines in a variety of bores are running today’s bikes. A favorite way to customize them has always been to split the rocker boxes. A new choice comes from Bare Knuckle Choppers who designed them not only to look good but also to reinforce strength by adding two ribs on the bottom side. The removable cover plate allows you to inspect and adjust your rocker arms without removing the entire head. The assembly is intended for use with either S&S or JIMS Evo-style tappets, which provide oil through the pushrods instead of an external oil line. Show Polished. Manufactured By Niedwick Machine and distributed by Bare Knuckle Choppers.
A balding, white haired man from Chebacco Lake in Florida, walked into a jewelry store this past Friday evening with a beautiful much younger gal at his side. He told the jeweler he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend. The jeweler looked through his stock and brought out a $5,000 ring. The man said, ‘No, I’d like to see something more special.’
At that statement, the jeweler went to his special stock and brought another ring over. ‘Here’s a stunning ring at only $40,000 the jeweler said. The lady’s eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement. The old man seeing this said, ‘We’ll take it.’
The jeweler asked how payment would be made and the man stated, ‘By check. I know you need to make sure my check is good, so I’ll write it now and you can call the bank Monday to verify the funds and I’ll pick the ring up Monday afternoon.’
On Monday morning, the jeweler angrily phoned the old man and said ‘There’s no money in that account.’ ‘I know,’ said the old man, ‘But let me tell you about MY GREAT WEEKEND!’
See…….Not All Seniors Are Senile
