Usually don’t publish promo offers because of too many, but can’t resist to show you this one. This complete Harley-Davidson storage garage set is a hit for any home mechanic who is a true Harley enthusiast.
It was listed at $1405, and is now offered brand new at a huge discount, $599 with free shipping to any US continental 48 states.
Offered by Barnett Harley-Davidson while supplies last. Limited quantities available.
Call 1-800-736-8173 or go to Harley Garage Set.
A corporation as client to build a theme bike? I don’t know any Custom Builder who would refuse such commissioned work. Orange County Choppers made a huge business of mimicking on a 2-wheeler the brand, the logo, the product(s) sold by a corporation.
So, here is a preview of a new theme bike built by Paul Teutul Sr. for the Hair Club the largest company in the hair restoration and hair replacement industry, with more than 95 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
The company was founded in 1976 by Sy Sperling, known by the trademark phrase “I’m not only the Hair Club President, I’m also a client.” Continue reading ‘Paul Teutul Sr. New Chop’ Hair’
An old and blind cowboy wanders into an all-girl biker bar by mistake. He finds his way to a bar stool and orders a shot of Jack Daniels. After sitting there for a while, he yells to the bartender. ‘Hey, you wanna hear a blonde joke?’
The bar immediately falls absolutely silent. In a very deep, husky voice, the woman next to him says: ‘Before you tell that joke, Cowboy, I think it is only fair, given that you are blind, that you should know five things:
1. The bartender is a blonde girl with a baseball bat. 2. The bouncer is a blonde girl. 3. I’m a 6-foot tall, 175-pound blonde woman with a black belt in karate. 4. The woman sitting next to me is blonde and a professional weight lifter. 5. The lady to your right is blonde and a professional wrestler. Now, think about it seriously, Cowboy. Do you still wanna tell that blonde joke?’
The blind cowboy thinks for a second, shakes his head and mutters. “No, not if I’m gonna have to explain it five times.” (sent by Val Herod)
Sex sells almost everything and paint jobs sell a lot of bikes. Through the Sheet Metal Exchange, Harley-Davidson is launching the Unrest Series Paint Set available now with a price from $2199.95 to $5,199.95. This theme paint job features Day of the Dead skull, tribal designs and helter-skelter Harley lettering over a matte black background on the tank, fenders, fairing and saddlebags. Limited in quantity to 200 sets and available only for one year, this show-quality paint set is hand-numbered for the ultimate in exclusivity. This set is available on factory-fresh sheet metal, or through the Sheet Metal Exchange Program. Continue reading ‘Unrest At Harley-Davidson’
What are the models that have shaped the future of Harley Davidson, their similarities, recurrent themes and innovations? How have they helped make the brand an American icon? This book is not one more book about Harley-Davidson. Its merit is how author George J. Pardos approaches his research from the perspective of the 1st year Harley-Davidson models from 1911 to 1965, describing in details each innovation and failure, from the first commercially available twin in 1911 to the first 12 volt high compression electric start Harley-Davidson in 1965. George provides critical statistics, illustrating each model using contemporary photos of memorabilia. Never seen in any motorcycle book, he lists many AMCA judging scores, description of point deductions and subsequent corrections to help the would-be restorer. Continue reading ‘The Evolution of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle’
The traditional method to turn a Harley Shovelhead into a rigid is to do a full bike disassembly, cutting the swingarm mounts, then welding a new tail section to the frame.
Tim Anding at Papa Clutch Customs proposes a bolt-on rigid tail section which is a direct replacement of the stock swing-arm and shocks for model years 1958-1984, transforming you bike into a instant Rigid Hard Tail with-out any cutting or welding on your frame. Continue reading ‘Harley Shovelhead. From Swingarm To Hardtail Without Cutting And Welding.’
Detroit, Michigan. Motor City, metonym for the American automobile industry, with the Big Three automobile companies, General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, calling it home. It’s where Jim Nasi and his 2 older brothers were born, and with the added influence of a father working for GM, not surprisingly, all 3 boys were very young surrounded by cool muscle cars. In age to work, Jim acquired his first experience with machinery and welding techniques while working in New Mexico for a Greyhound R&D facility. He completed his experience working for several “hole in the wall” shops in Arizona and ended up to be the 1st employee being hired for the Titan Motorcycles startup. Eventually he became Titan’s production manager and the bike builders trainer, then leaving Titan just before the company landslide and demise to start his own motorcycle shop Jim Nasi Customs originally located in Scottsdale AZ.
Already 13 years that he builds custom bikes under his own name. They are unmistakably Jim Nasi, most of them both low and long, with a “muscle car” attitude provided by big motors and intricate beefy metalwork. Jim Nasi became a household name in 2000 when he was accepted as a member of the Camel Roadhouse and toured the US during 3 years with other well known Custom Builders. About 8 years ago he developed his own line of Nasi Parts, first for Harley Softails and more recently extending it to bolt-on parts for Baggers. For those who don’t know, his older brothers also belong to the automative industry: John is director of dealer development at Big Dog MC and Jeff is the publisher of Petersen’s 4Wheel & Off Road Magazines. Although reserved and usually not talking very much, Jim answered my questions and reveals a few details about himself. (photography by Ken Howie)
Cyril. In High School, what your teachers said about you? Jim. That kid can’t hear a damn thing…
Cyril. Who were your childhood heroes? Jim. Rick Mears, Gordie Howe, Big Daddy Don Garlits, Luke Duke. Continue reading ‘The Secret Life Of Jim Nasi’
With its stunning looks, Testastretta engine producing 162 hp, its sophisticated traction control system and its Ride-By-Wire technology (twist grip and engine are not connected by a cable but by an electronic interface adjusting ideal power engine response) and its 240 mm rear section the Ducati Diavel stole the show at the recent Milan International Motorcycle Show. Only one critic, no all-black option. Just red and black carbon or white. White? Ducati riders don’t like white for this type of machine. So, Ducati is releasing the new Diamond Black Color and will not sell the white version anymore. Superb. I want one…Ducati USA.
Because so many of you have been there and will come back during Daytona Bike Week 2011, an update on this big project. On July 5, 2010 the project of repaving the 2.5 mile long Daytona International Speedway got started. It is now completed with last weekend a group of motorcycle racers getting a chance to test the new track. They describe it as extremely smooth.. Between 30 to 100 workers have worked on it every day pouring a total of 50,000 tons of Asphalt. A few numbers. Crews had to remove 57 light poles and 5498 linear feet of catch fence and 8,300 linear feet of SAFER barrier. 50 truck loads of concrete have been poured for pit road. Track measures 1,435,000 square feet or about 33 acres. It’s only the second time that the track is repaved since its creation on an original design of Bill France in the late 50’s . There is no change to its design. Continue reading ‘Daytona International Speedway Repaving Is Completed.’
In a little bit more than 6 weeks, all the custom motorcycle industry will meet again under the roof of the Cincinnati, OH Duke Energy Convention Center. Builders, manufacturers, dealers, distributors and media will get a chance to see, appreciate, evaluate and judge all the new concepts, ideas and custom parts that you, the retail client, will want sooner or later to adopt (or adapt…) on your personal ride.
So, this post is just a reminder to all professional visitors (it’s a trade only event) that they need to pre-register in advance (especially those who didn’t attend last year) to get their entry badge ready (free until January 21st) when they arrive in Cincinnati. Do it online by jumping to V-Twin Expo Online Registration. The V-Twin Expo has also announced the list of free seminars that you can attend while in Cincinnati (full list of dates and times at V-Twin Expo Seminars) and reminds you that there are special package rates (flight/shuttle/hotel) offered to attendees. See them HERE. And no surprise, I will be at the show and report.
Are we having an excessive pride in our motorcycle’s appearance? Always in need to display our feelings about everything? Yep, for many us, image is (almost) everything. So, for 2011 Xtreme Machine is launching the Vanity Wheels where you can display any image expressing your feelings, your cause, your fight, your club, etc. For the first time ever you can customize yourself your custom motorcycle wheels with any image you like just by following the simple instructions provided by Xtreme Machine. You can even change your image as But of course, you can do this only with one of their 3 designs (including the new Avenger wheel featured here) but with a choice of chrome or powdercoat finish. Watch the XTreme Machine Vanity Wheels promotion video after the jump. Continue reading ‘New From Xtreme Machine. Your Favorite Image In Your Custom Wheels.’
Flying again during the holidays? With a little bit of creativity, any legislation can be the pretext to make a little bit of money, if not starting a new business. After showing you 1 month ago the boxer-briefs with built-in radiation-blocker, now these “4th Amendment” tee-shirts printed with a metallic dye that will show up on scans. So, while scanning your body the TSA employee can read Amendment IV of the US Constitution. Asserting your rights without saying a word. Priceless. 4th Amendment Underwear also available. Cargo Collective.
Bathroom dilemma. Where do I place my toothbrush and razor? Not in this old cup, nor laying on the sink counter top because experts will tell you it’s very unhealthy. A designer is always available to resolve the most trivial problems of our daily life. Hence, these sleek and asymmetrical Viktor toothbrush/razor holders to know which brush is yours and add some style next to your sink. Available in 18k gold (for the truly tacky), real silver, and black nickel. At Kontextur Viktor Toothbrush & Razor Holders .
It’s a long time that fashion evolves in multiple trends running in parallel, not as a unique way to dress for one season or two. Same for the custom motorcycle scene. After an overdose of new too long radical choppers being almost the only type of bike being built between 1999 and 2004, since then, board trackers, bobbers and dressers have re-emerged almost as the same time as the preferred styles to be built, rebuilt, customized and ridden. The reasons of such different bikes being simultaneity cool again are multiple: opportunism of some builders (looking to build and ride something different), socio-demographic (getting older), economic (tighter budget) nostalgia (the style of my youth), etc… or all of the above. Continue reading ‘2011. The Year Of The Cafe Racer.’
Soft-sided saddlebags are extremely vulnerable to the grab-and-go thief. This new kit from Harley-Davidson features two extra-small barrel locks that can replace existing saddlebag snaps to perform double-duty as locks or as snaps when the bags don’t need to be locked.
The lock can also be keyed to match a barrel-style Harley-Davidson ignition key (keyed to match $59.95). Sold in pairs. Fits most soft-sided leather and vinyl saddlebags. Saddlebag Lock Kit $49.95. Harley-Davidson
Bonhams is pleased to announce the addition of several important motorcycles from two renowned collections to their inaugural motorcycle sale in Las Vegas on January 6th.
First, from a famous Texas-based collection best known for its numerous and exquisite automobiles come several motorcycles. Some of those being offered include a 1935 Rudge 250 Sport, a 1952 Triumph Thunderbird 650, and a 1957 Moto Parilla175 MSDS. Of significant note, however, are two tremendous examples of early American motorcycles, both formerly owned by Otis Chandler – a rare 1911 Curtiss Marvel Single 500 and the first year production 1901 Indian F-Head “Camel Back.” Continue reading ‘Important Motorcycles Join Last Vegas Auction On January 6th, 2011’
John Grant at Hardtail Choppers produces frames and sell all the individual components that you may need if your are building your own.
Available in 19″ front and 16″ rear, these new Dunlop wide whitewall tires (1.125″ front and 1.50″ rear) are now available from your local Harley-Davidson Dealer. Retro look guaranteed, especially if you pair them with a set of black rims.
Dunlop® Tires has a long relation with Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, providing original equipment and service replacement tires for since 1984.
The D401 Cruiser Tires fit 2004 and later Sportster models. They feature an advanced tread pattern and specifically formulated compound to deliver outstanding grip in wet or dry weather, and to provide long tire life. Front $169.95. Rear $222.95. Harley-Davidson.
1- J.D. Power Research. The 13th year study conducted in September and October 2010 confirmed 1- that the average age of new motorcycle buyers is now 49, 1 more year than in 2009, exactly 9 years more than in 2001 when the average age was 40! 2- that the number of problems per 100 new motorcycles slightly increased versus 2009 (29% reported at least one problem) with the most frequent issues being related to engine (44%), and clutch/transmission. 3- that perceived satisfaction, intention to recommend or purchase again the same brand, all increase when the dealer stays in contact with the customer after the sale and does a follow up with the customer to anticipate or address any question or concern. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Quite a few fires start in private garages and motorcycle shops. And when it happens you may be better off using an electronically non conductive “clean” fire extinguishing agent that rapidly turns into a gas, so it is safe for parts and wiring, pose no risk of electric shock, and leave no nasty residue to clean up, whether it’s on a motorcycle, in a car, house, or office.
HalGuard Fire Extinguishers propose these race-proven and EPA and FAA approved units containing Halotron 1, safely attacking flammable liquid fires with no danger of electric shock and no messy residue to clean up. Continue reading ‘Christmas Gift. HalGuard Fire Extinguishers.’
A decision of December 14th, 2010 by the Appeals Court reversed a Lower Court’s ruling that would have forced Paul Teutul Junior to sell his 20% interest in Orange County Choppers to his father at a price to be determined by the court. For those who are interested to understand the importance of this decision for Paul Jr., let’s come back in non-lawyer terms, to each step of this family legal fight.
In 2007, Paul Sr. gave to his son a 20% minority interest in OCC. In 2008, at the same time OCC moved to its new headquarters, the company entered into an employment agreement with Paul Jr. to retain his services. After tension escalated between father and son, in Fall 2008 Junior was fired from OCC. The Discovery Channel advised both parties that the split was a breach of contract of the original signed agreement between OCC and the network (the show could not continue with only Paul Sr because losing its entertainment value). To resolve the breach of contract, Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. signed a new agreement on January 21, 2009 amending the former 2008 Agreement, with Paul Jr.’s status changing from being an OCC employee to independent contractor. At the same time, the agreement gave the father the option on his request at any time to purchase Paul Jr.’s 20% interest in OCC at fair market value by a procedure to be agreed as soon as practicable. Continue reading ‘Big Legal Win For Paul Teutul Jr. Against His Father. Can Keep 20% Of OCC.’
Never tired of looking at pin-ups… Paintings from David Uhl’s Vintage Pin-up Series are some of the most sought-after pieces of his extensive portfolio. With “Clothing Optional” you can add some glamor to your collection.
On this new one, David decided to make a departure and go with a simpler, lighter background which was the popular choice of most traditional vintage pin-up artists. David also wanted to pay tribute to his favorite painter in this genre, Gil Elvgren. Continue reading ‘Vintage Pin-Up. Clothing Optional.’
Thought you might be interested to know about this HD Koslow, an obscure and very rare OHV conversion of a Harley Flathead. Koslow? Owner Barry Brown gave me the 411 on his bike. When in 1931 Ignaz Schwinn, the owner of Excelsior/Henderson Motorcycle Company in Chicago, decided to shut down the business, one of his engineers named Andrew Koslow, an active hill climber and owner of the closest franchise to the actual factory, had a plan. At the time OHV Excelsior big Bertha hill climbers Gene Rhyne (Crocker future engineer) and the legendary Joe Petrali utilized a twin port hemi head configuration. So, Andrew Koslow made up a new set of castings using the Excelsior top end as inspiration, and converted the big Flathead VL’s to use in the then popular midget car racing. Andrew Koslow ran his motorcycle shop through the 1930’s up until the early 1950’s but never built a complete bike! Continue reading ‘Circa 1934 Harley-Davidson Koslow’
Just in. The organization of Easyriders Events just informed me that Charlie Hunnam, star of the hit TV series Sons Of Anarchy (5.9 million weekly viewers) accepted to meet with his fans at the next 2 bike shows in California. Charlie Hunnam (who plays the character of Jax Teller son of founder of the Anarchy MC) will be hosting, signing autographs, & taking pictures at the Easyriders 2011 Bike Show Tour in both LA on Saturday January 8th at the Los Angeles Convention Center & Sacramento on January 15th /16th at the Sacramento Convention Center (Saturday only). Easyriders Events owner Greg Hicks says “We want our patrons to be able to come to our shows meet and see not only one of the most popular names in the motorcycle industry, but also in all of entertainment today” More info at Easyriders Events.
After-market parts catalog season just got started. And the first one I received is the one from W&W Cycles AG in Germany, serving clients all over Europe.
Not received by Post Office or UPS, but via my emailbox with a link to their new KLOLOSSAL 2011 online catalog.
A total of 24,669 parts to be precise. So, faithful Europeen readers, fire your desktop, laptop, notebook, iPad (what else?) because cold weather is always the best time to start a new project or complete one, although as you know a biker’s work is never done… W&W Cycles AG.
