Archive Page 273
Roland Sands Custom Victory High-Ball
Published by January 22nd, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Videos.Polaris Names Jim Williams As Vice President Of Human Resources
Published by January 22nd, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today named Jim Williams as vice president of human resources. Williams has an extensive human resources background, with top-level experience at Fortune 400 companies. Williams will be responsible for Polaris’ global human resource sourcing and will play a large role in the company’s international growth plans. Williams is succeeding John Corness who, after 12 years of developing a top tier human resources team, has decided to move into a part-time role that allows him more flexibility.
For the past five years, Williams oversaw a global workforce at Cooper Industries, where he was accountable for 28,000 people in 60 nations. During his time with Cooper Industries, Williams designed and implemented the company’s first human resources agenda, specifically to support Cooper’s long-term growth goals, while also leading structural and procedural process improvement initiatives.
Breaking News. Harley-Davidson Unveils The Blackline For Younger Bikers.
Published by January 21st, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
This morning at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show – the largest indoor consumer motorcycle show in the U.S – Harley-Davidson is unveiling the Blackline, a new Harley-Davidson Dark Softail model.
The Motor Factory describes it as lean, bared to the bone, with visual elements of the original bobber movement combined with the raw, hand-hewn style embraced by today’s young builders.
Bobbed rear fender over a slim 144 mm tire to emphasize a hartail look, black trimmings to go with the Dark Theme. Compact headlight and speedometer are tucked low into the wide FX front end. Lowest two-up seat ever offered by Harley with the new Split Drag™ handlebar that bolts right to the top triple-clamp.
Rugged, aggressive and tailored for the young bikers with a price set accordingly. USA suggested MSRP is $15,499. (54 miles highway. 35 miles city). The Softail Blackline is being shipped today January 21 to continental U.S. dealers.
Non US dealers will receive the new model based on normal shipping time to their region. (video after the jump) Continue reading ‘Breaking News. Harley-Davidson Unveils The Blackline For Younger Bikers.’
Royal Enfield Introducing 2 New Models This Morning At the New York Progressive IMS Show
Published by January 21st, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
New York Jacob Javits Convention Center. 1q am Eastern time. The doors of the NY Progressive International Motorcycle Show will open to the public in less than 2 hours. On the Royal Enfield display, as I pre-announced 1 week ago, 2 new 2011 models. Top, the 500 Classic Chrome. Bottom, the 500 Black Bullet. Mainly cosmetic improvements. Same Unit Construction engine. Royal Enfield India CEO Vinki Padmanabhan is on site and available for interviews and answer public questions. Royal Enfield.
European TÜV Approval for 8 More Performance Machine Wheel Designs
Published by January 21st, 2011 in Customs, Editorial, Events and Wheels.
Of particular interest for my European motorcycle professional and retail readers but also for all clients of Performance Machine around the world, PM is proud to announce that its line of wheels is TÜV approved.
TÜV Rheinland, based in Germany, is a leading international service group providing testing, assistance and certifying in a neutral manner. Because Europe has implemented very high standards for quality and safety of motorcycles, most of their parts must be tested and approved. Continue reading ‘European TÜV Approval for 8 More Performance Machine Wheel Designs’
A few minutes ago, with the claim that “It’s new, bad-ass and the bike you want to be seen on” the staff of Victory Motorcycles just unveiled its new High-Ball model at the Amsterdam Billiard Hall, near Union Square in New York City. Are you surprised by the release of this custom cruiser (Victory doesn’t use the term Bobber) with high rise bars, spoke wheels, white wall tires and matte black paint and finish all over? Not me, except by the base price of $13,449 (US 49-state) that I find extremely appealing. At this cost, among bobber and stripper-style bikes from major OEMs, the new Victory High-Ball probably offers one of the best combinations of value and performance (a 2011 Harley-Davidson Cross Bones in vivid black starts at MSRP 16,999). It is equipped with the Victory Freedom® 106/6 Stage 2 V-Twin engine (fuel injected, counter balanced, 97 hp & 113 ft-lb of torque) and loaded with style, borrowing its body work from the Victory Vegas signature raised spine running the length of the bike atop the tank and fenders. Continue reading ‘New Victory High-Ball Unveiled.’
New Small, Sleek And Adjustable Windshield As Strong As A Gladiator Shield. Harley XL, FX, FL Models.
Published by January 20th, 2011 in Accessories, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
You want a small and sleek custom windshield that you can adjust in any position and that doesn’t break or even ding? One looking good on your Harley XLs, FX, FX Wide Glides and even FL models? Answer, this new Gladiator™ Windshield from National Cycle. It features a limitlessly adjustable mounting bracket and a polycarbonate screen that might just intimidate the wind god himself – while other mortals take notice of its stealthy style. Continue reading ‘New Small, Sleek And Adjustable Windshield As Strong As A Gladiator Shield. Harley XL, FX, FL Models.’
1-Harley-Davidson 2012 Models. Rumor is that the following Harley models will disappear from the lineup for the next season models: FXCWC Softail Rocker C, FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones and FLHXXX Street Glide Trike. If you absolutely want one, you may want to rush to your local Harley dealer.
2- Young Children Forbidden On Motorcycles? Should young children be forbidden to ride as passengers? In Virginia House bill 1850 from Chris Stolle (R-Virginia Beach) would make it illegal for any child under the age of 8 to ride on a motorcycle driven on Virginia roadways. Right now, the law states children riding in a motor vehicle will be restrained. Some people are saying, ‘Yeah but (riding on) a motorcycle isn’t in a motor vehicle . . .and children under the age of 8 need to be restrained, regardless of whether they’re riding on the motor vehicle or in the motor vehicle.” Jim Cannon, a lobbyist with the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists says that there are not injury or fatality statistics indicating a need for the law. His group’s statistics from DMV show 23 children ages 9 or younger were injured riding motorcycles between 2005 and 2009. There were no fatalities. Injury and fatality statistics show that there are far more dangerous activities and lifestyles for children, such as horseback riding. This is just the government sticking it’s nose in where, we believe, it doesn’t belong” The bill can be read HERE. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Tonight Thursday January 20th At 8 pm EST. Unveiling In My Blog Of The New 2012 Victory Motorcycle.
Published by January 19th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Tonight January 20th in New-York City, from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm, Victory Motorcycles will unveil a brand new 2012 model.
Although this private event is reserved to the Victory staff, motorcycle media and select VIP’s, you will be able to see it in images with specifications here in my Blog at no later than 8 pm EST. Continue reading ‘Tonight Thursday January 20th At 8 pm EST. Unveiling In My Blog Of The New 2012 Victory Motorcycle.’
Custom Harley V-Rod Muscle Appears in Green Hornet Movie
Published by January 19th, 2011 in Builders, Controls, Editorial and Videos.
A custom Harley-Davidson Muscle V-Rod is appearing along many unusual weapons in the just released movie Green Hornet, and I hope that thisHarley paid product placement will help move a few more bikes out of the dealerships.
The Green Hornet (Seth Rogen) is a masked vigilante who fights crime with the help of martial arts expert and faithful sidekick Kato (Jay Chou) who rides this V-Rod. The bike is customized with Destroyer wheels, rear-set foot controls, and as you can see on this picture, a one-off LED headlamp.
Based on the American masked vigilante hero created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker the Green Hornet has maintained his popularity through radio plays in the 30s, film serials in the 40s, a network television program in the 60s and comic books over several decades
V-Twin Expo. Beringer Brakes To Launch 2 New Parts.
Published by January 19th, 2011 in Brakes, Controls, Editorial, Events and Wheels.
The US Division of French manufacturer Beringer Brakes will participate to the Cincinnati V-twin Expo (Feb. 5-7) to present its new 2011 products. Here is a preview of two of them. First, new hand controls with a 3-button switch system being integrated into the master cylinder for a cleaner look. Available for both brake and clutch sides, without or without provision to install a mirror. Second, Beringer will introduce an interesting Inboard Braking System integrated into the wheel hub. It will be available in 3 widths, for front and rear applications. Beringer offers a complete line of brakes, calipers, rotors, levers and master cylinders for American and metric bikes. Beringer Brakes. (V-Twin Expo, booth 2435)
Pepper Massey life story could be called “All Roads Lead To The Black Hills.” From Rhode Island where she was born, to Canada where she followed her mother, to Florida where she became a single mother, to California where she arrived pennyless after a failed marriage and without the means the buy a car for transportation and consequently becoming a biker by necessity, to South Dakota that she visited for the 1st time in 1985, her life has followed a path full of personal and professional struggles but also of many huge successes making her today one of the most sought-after Motorcycle Industry Consultant.
In Los Angeles, at the age of 25, a Honda 450 was the only thing she could afford to go to work, and it’s the way, recommended by a co-worker impressed by her riding skills, that she found her first motorcycle related job, working for Richard Lester, specializing in biker rights, a business conducive to attract new clients. There, Pepper Massey started to write her first press releases and articles regarding motorcycle rights and got her first experience with public speaking engagements. In the recently published excellent book “Biker Chicz Of North America“, Pepper explains “It was not long before I came to understand that my path had brought me to a very good place. This felt like a great opportunity, possibly a career with a future, a place I might make a difference.”
And what a difference she made as soon as she understood the importance of promoting motorcycle safety riding courses, as she discovered the discrimination against motorcyclists, as she realized the intrusion of the government legislation into motorcycle rights. At MRO, at NCOM and its affiliate, the Confederation of Clubs, she created a grassroots movement and succeeded in eroding discrimination against all bikers, including patch holders. She also became a regular contributing writer to motorcycle publications such as Easyriders, Super Cycle, Thunder Press, etc. Continue reading ‘The Secret Life Of Pepper Massey’
Because of EPA regulations, the number of platers has steadily decreased during these last years (same phenomenon in Europe where it’s now very difficult to find a chrome plater). In addition, disparity of quality can be huge between different companies, and pros and amateurs alike have experienced it. Continue reading ‘Polish, Chrome, Gold And Powdercoat.’
Royal Enfield Working On Bigger And Faster motorcycles. To Double Production.
Published by January 18th, 2011 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The Royal Enfield models, especially the Bullet, are hot selling items both in developed and emerging market countries.
Waiting list has now reached up to ten months. The company was quite unprepared last year to face such a demand and is contemplating building a second plant that can produce 150,000 units.
This year, the plan is to sell 70,000 units and 100,000 in 2012. Success of the brand is attributed to a new lineup equipped with a reliable and fuel efficient UCE engine, moderate pricing and acceptance of the retro looking style. Continue reading ‘Royal Enfield Working On Bigger And Faster motorcycles. To Double Production.’
Triumph and the UK Birmingham Institute of Art & Design teamed up to ask students to create functional objects with parts from a Bonneville T100.
But first, don’t scream: no motorcycle life was scarified because parts were given by the factory.
The announced winner was Nick Orme for his design of a corkscrew conceived from a Bonneville grip, brake lever and master cylinder. Stuart Wood, Chief Engineer at Triumph and one of the judges, said “We were impressed with all of the entries but Nick’s design really stood out. His corkscrew is an innovative use of motorcycle parts that creates a lifestyle product we could really see customers buying.” I also like the turn table and kitchen scales.
Sunday January 16. 42nd Tokyo Motor Show. This Mercedes-Benz SL 600 is unveiled to visitors…
It is covered of 300,000 laser cut Swaroski crystals. Looks good under the lights front of the lobby of hotels in Dubai, Monte-carlo and Las Vegas.
Taking orders. $750,000. (via AFP. T. Yomanala photo)
Fingerprint Security For Your Motorcycle
Published by January 18th, 2011 in Chassis, Editorial and Electrical.
Designed by Hawk Systems Inc. BioKey is designed to replace the key used to unlock the electrical panel of a motorcycle. It also ignites the electrical panel to allow the end user to push the start button and start the bike.
Without his or her fingerprint, there is no electricity running to the bike’s components, thus no start capabilities. Can it be soon a system installed by manufacturers.
Beyond the first excitement and fun aspect of starting your bike with a pressure of your fingers, I guess that there is a lot more research and testing to do to make sure that the rough conditions that a motorcycle may encounter don’t affect the system, or a lot of headaches guaranteed. Still, Hawk Systems states that they are ready to launch their unique fingerprint security system during the second quarter of 2011. Paul Teutul Jr. is going to promote it by installing one on one of his new custom builds…BioKey
Custom Vintage Racer As Homage To A Father
Published by January 17th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
All artists, and of course you can put all custom builders in this group, are inspired by their own God. He talks to them in his own way to inspire them new concepts and designs. And when a custom builder gets a revelation about what to build, you know that he will never stop working on it until he is satisfied. Looking for inspiration, Don Weimer Jr. thought about his father, a 60’s and 70’s hill climb racer that he lost when he was only 13 years old, looked back at his life with him and after him, reflecting on his own career as a motocross racers during 25 years. It’s the way that Revelation, the custom featured here, came naturally to his mind as a must do project… Continue reading ‘Custom Vintage Racer As Homage To A Father’
New Avon Boss Performance Grips. Like No Others.
Published by January 16th, 2011 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
In 2 weeks at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo, Avon Grips is going to show its full lines of grips and pegs and will unveil a new all aluminum design that is radically different from any other in the market.
Famous for its ergonomic designs, Avon designed it with a “Coke Bottle” shape providing a very comfortable feel to your hands and at the same time giving you a full throttle assist function. Very clever…
Originally designed in 3D CAD and machined on a 5-axis milling machine, the Avon Boss Performance Grip design concept took two years in development. Currently available in triple chrome plated or black anodized for Harleys using Push-Pull cables. A rubber version is coming out very soon. I bet we are going to see these grips very soon on the best custom bikes out there. Dealers can visit Avon Grips in Cincinnati at booth 455.
New year. Sorry, time to think about your taxes…Because an estimated 40% of Americans do their own taxes, the do-it-yourself filer may forget about a deduction for Taxes and Fees on New Motor Vehicle Purchases.
Did you buy a new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle in 2010? The general Sales Tax and 2010 New Vehicle purchase Sales Tax deductions have been extended for this year. t means that you can deduct state, local, and excise taxes related to the purchase. If your state has no sales tax, you can instead deduct other taxes or fees the purchase generated.
A neat feature of this deduction is you can use it to increase your standard deduction or take it as a regular itemized deduction, whichever works out best for you. There is no limit on the number of vehicles for which you can claim the deduction, provided each is a qualified new one. Consult your tax advisor.
Italy Verona Motor Bike Expo
Published by January 15th, 2011 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Welcome to Verona, the city of the most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet. All the european motorcycle industry and a contingent of American builders and vendors will be in town on the weekend of January 21-23rd, 2011 to show their bikes, parts, and participate to a very important AMD World Championship Of Bike Building competition with only 2 custom builders getting a free bike freight and related expenses to compete in the Sturgis finale in August. Continue reading ‘Italy Verona Motor Bike Expo’
Need a very special iPhone or iPod case? One that will not make it fly away when you ride? Having a taste for the old west? It may be the right one for you. The iPhone Holster is a case that fits all versions Apple has released of the iPhone and the iPod touch so far. Made of leather with a soft interior. Designer Myles Christensen just needs $3,000 to start his venture February 3rd. If you pledge $35 or more, you’ll get one shipped (in black or brown) by the end of February. iPhone Holster.
Gorgeous Slammed Honda VT1300 Conversion
Published by January 14th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Background. Last Fall, Southern California based Honda Research & Development Americas asked 3 of its young designers to build custom motorcycles based on the 2010 Honda VT1300 series (all models are less than $11,000 and use the excellent 52-degree 1312cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with overhead cam, two spark plugs per cylinder and three valves per cylinder) Briefing included a time frame of only 3 months and just 2 requirements. Bikes had to be full on runners and stay true to the Honda core direction of the vehicle. A different style for each designer: Bagger, Chopper and Pro Drag or Pro Street. You are looking at the work of 33-year old designer Eric Dunshee, a gorgeous bagger whose lines are not only superb but redefine the concept of low long distance riding. Continue reading ‘Gorgeous Slammed Honda VT1300 Conversion’
How To Turn a Lighter Into a Motorcycle
Published by January 14th, 2011 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Until today I didn’t know I was carrying a motorcycle in my pocket. Yes, from a lighter (Bic brand or not) you can build a motorcycle (or a Bic Cycle.) Maybe a way to help smokers kick the habit and anyway better than watching a TV realty show during your long winter evenings. Didn’t have the time to try, but if you succeed doing it, email your pictures. The instructions are in Chinese (!!!) but following the pictures, you can do it. Light speed to the instructions.
Always loved 60’s and 70’s Triumphs. Even more when they are customized with a bare bone look. So, this post to congratulate (and plug) a little shop in New-Jersey called TT Cycles (Steve Blaufeder and Dennis Harrold) doing a very nice Triumph revival job.
V-Twin Expo. Tune In To The Zipper’s And Thundermax Seminar
Published by January 13th, 2011 in Customs, Editorial, Engines and Events.
The V-Twin Expo is coming so soon that I can already feel the cold air of Ohio (I live in South Florida for those who still don’t know.)
Among the seminars offered during the Cincinnati trade show, one of particular interest is the one organized by Zipper’s and Thunder Heart Performance. The reason is that bikers always have an overwhelming desire to improve their bike performance, either stock or custom, for more power and fuel economy, and that motorcycle dealers don’t always take advantage of simple and efficient electronic solutions that are offered to them to please their retail clients.
ThunderMax continues to be the fastest growing EFI tuning system in the V-Twin industry and offers many solutions to support the dealers network and exceed customer’s highest expectations. Continue reading ‘V-Twin Expo. Tune In To The Zipper’s And Thundermax Seminar’
