Holidays shopping got started and it’s time for me to help you guys find something that she will like under the Christmas tree. If she is a Miss Harley enthusiast she may want to wear this new casual jacket with a removable, zip-out hooded vest. It provides three-in-one versatility. The 80-percent cotton/20-percent nylon outer jacket has zippered cuffs and snap waist tabs for a custom fit, and three pockets for stowing gear. The 95-percent polyester/5-percent spandex hooded vest with two pockets adds extra warmth when worn with the jacket, while either item can be worn separately. Embroidered Harley graphics highlight both pieces. Available in XS – 3W, Petite and Tall sizes. Available at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Archive Page 277
Miss Harley-Davidson Enthusiast 3-In-1 Jacket
Published by December 16th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.China Is Now The World’s Largest Motorcycle Producer. Harley-Davidson To Manufacture In China?
Published by December 16th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
It’s official. China has now taken over Japan as the largest producer of motorcycles in the world. 50 million motorcycles are produced worldwide, and China is stated to manufacture at least 27.5 million of them, or a little more than 50% of the total world production.
China has more than 130 motorcycle brands, for now manufacturing mostly simple one-cylinder air cooled models. Thanks to increased standard of living, and exposure to some American TV programs, Chinese are reported to be more and more interested by big cruisers, choppers and even trikes. Continue reading ‘China Is Now The World’s Largest Motorcycle Producer. Harley-Davidson To Manufacture In China?’
Reorganization At Kiwi Indian Motorcycles
Published by December 16th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
It never been officially disclosed until now. Ivar Natin, a former customer a long time friend of Mike Tomas at Kiwi Indian Motorcycles and later a technical writer for his Indian Replica components, has taken over the company parts division, now a separate entity under the name of Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Parts Co. The new company is located in Minneapolis and is the subsidiary of another Natin’s company named IDN. IDN is a full service technical documentation support company writing motorcycle technical manual’s, user’s guides, illustrations, part catalogs, etc. Ivar Natin has also a long experience in the organization of warehouses and warehousing. Continue reading ‘Reorganization At Kiwi Indian Motorcycles’
Long before motorcycle companies declared women the new emerging market, a few of them were relentlessly promoting the sport to their sisters through speaking engagements, writing, reporting and the creation of female rider magazines. Genevieve Schmitt is one of them, and using her television producing background coupled with her passion for riding, she became very fast a major force in promoting motorcycling to women. Genevieve is an Emmy-nominated news magazine TV producer for her work on E! Entertainment Television, worked as a full-time producer for ABC’s Good Morning America and also in the early 90’s for the syndicated news magazine show EXTRA. Then, she transited to print and founded the Woman Rider, a national all-brands motorcycle magazine that published quarterly from 2000 to 2004. Being a leader on the subject of women and motorcycling, Genevieve has been quoted in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles over the last decade including The New York Times, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Dallas Morning News, BusinessWeek, also appearing on The Fox News Channel on a segment on women riders on “Geraldo At Large.
A little fact not known by many is that Genevieve was the first female reporter to ride a motorcycle on TV and to report on the lifestyle when she worked from 1997 to 2003 for the Speedvision Cable Network (now Speed Channel) on the show “Bike Week”. She also rode an ATV around on TV reporting for “ATV Magazine Television,” a show on the Outdoor Life Network from 2002 to 2005. Her company, Solitude Ranch Communications LLC, publishes online Women Riders Now and Trike Riders Now capitalizing on interest in that booming female market. Her company also develops programs and consults with powersports companies to help them reach women riders. She also tours the country speaking at motorcycling events including ladies nights, dealer open houses, and motorcycle rallies. Her speeches are designed to inspire women to take up motorcycling for the first time, or inspire current riders to spend more time in the saddle by creating new riding goals. Her answers to my interview after the jump.(pictures copyright Rene Bruce) Continue reading ‘The Secret Life Of Genevieve Schmitt’
Cheapest And Most Unuseful Christmas Gift. The Egg Cuber.
Published by December 16th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
Our planet keeps turning round, but is it a new world order where everything has to change and eggs have to be square? Maybe you don’t like curves (which I doubt…) or you just want to impress her (or him) at your first breakfast at home together. Welcome to the Egg Cuber, a device doing what hens are unable to do, shaping your eggs in cubes to avoid that they roll out of your plate! This simple gadget is also (un)useful if you want to create elaborate stratified hors d’oeuvres or square sushis!
This gadget is very simple, takes hot and peeled hard-boiled eggs and smashes them into cubes. Made of acrylic construction coming apart for easy cleaning and is dishwasher safe. I wonder, if like with pasta, the taste of an egg changes slightly when you change its shape. You try for $5.99 and tell me. At Think Geek.
BAKER Drivetrain Offering Tech Seminars At Dealerships
Published by December 15th, 2010 in Customs, Driveline, Editorial and Events.
BAKER Drivetrain is teaming up with H-D Dealers to offer tech seminars in your city. Bert Baker himself and part of his crew are right now touring the Mid West to bring you the latest information and innovations in the world of motorcycle drivetrain. Hear the BAKER Drivetrain story from Bert BAKER himself and while you’re at it, hop on one of their test bikes and try out the DD7, DD6 or F5R Reverse system. A list of their scheduled appearances will be posted on the company Facebook page.
DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, denting the freshly-painted project which you had carefully set in the corner where nothing could get to it.
WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light . Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, ‘Oh sh–!’
SKILL SAW: A portable cutting tool used to make studs too short.
PLIERS: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters.
BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.
HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle… It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Tool Guide. Updated.’
2010 Yokohama Show. Gas Tank Paint Job Contest.
Published by December 14th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Painters.I let you find out which art is from a Japanese artist. Easy…(Photography by official Mooneyes photographer Shogo Nakao)
Harley-Davidson From The Point Of View Of The Investor.
Published by December 14th, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.
Among many data that Wall Street analysts and investors closely track are the various company margins. Gross margin, operating margin and net margin (see definitions at bottom of this post). If they increase or fall, they want to know why.Healthy margins, either constant (expenses and revenues increase by the same percentage) or increasing over time, are a green light to invest in a company, especially if the numbers are superior to those of the direct competition. This chart (source Motley Fool) shows the evolution of Harley-Davidson margins during the last 5 years. Over these years, gross margin peaked at 39.7% and averaged 36.8%. Operating margin peaked at 25.8% and averaged 20.4%. Net margin peaked at 16.9% and averaged 11.8%. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson From The Point Of View Of The Investor.’
From left to right, and top to bottom. Cuba (Moto Guzzi), Costa Rica (Suzuki), China (Honda), Italy (Moto Guzzi), Barbados (Suzuki), Argentina (Moto Guzzi). Soon, more countries.
El Diablo Kustom Street Tracker Kawasaki.
Published by December 13th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Alex Patrocinio is a faithful reader from Spain who is the publisher of El Diablo Magazine, a publication about our Kustom Kulture. From his headquarters in beautiful Barcelona, he sent me an email, a little bit shy and apprehensive, asking me what I thought about this 1975 Kawasaki KZ 400 that he had built as his daily city commuter bike and of course also as a promo tool for his publication. And I told him that I think that his custom Kawasaki is interesting to be seen by my own readers, at least for 2 reasons. First, during this global recession, and Spain is in a much worse economic situation than the US, more than ever a lot of cheap bikes are available and are perfect canvasses to continue building very cool customs. Second, although this El Diablo Kawa got a street tracker look, its treatment is also inspired by the japanese Brat Style: humble custom street bikes built from old machines (all brands) with a minimalistic approach and extreme sophistication in the details. Proof that the Japanese motorcycle building philosophy has spread its influence all around the world. Continue reading ‘El Diablo Kustom Street Tracker Kawasaki.’
Hellrazor Handlebar And Control Kits For Your Harley Bagger
Published by December 12th, 2010 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Hawg Halters (HHI) offers a simple package handlebars + hand controls already preassembled, including a complete internal wiring harness with factory Plug and Play connections. Just bolt-on these bars, connect to the stock Harley-Davidson connectors, run your clutch and front brake (s) lines and you are ready to go.
3 models of bars in 1 1/2″ diameter are available in chrome or black finish . Each kit includes Handlebar controls with 3-button switch housings with all stock functions including audio volume and station/track selector (cruise control optional in place of audio controls), hydraulic brake and clutch connections with steel braided lines. At Hawg Halters
Christmas Gift. Converse Meets Schott Leather Biker Jacket
Published by December 12th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
Schott NYC Leather Jacket and Converse Chuck Taylor, 2 famous brands with deep roots in American culture. Schott unveiled in 1928 the first leather motorcycle jacket, which became the “Perfecto” in the 1950s, an iconic symbol of rebellion. Since 1908 Converse produces shoes nearly ubiquitous in American life. A collaboration between these 2 companies takes the original motorcycle jacket and fuses its design with the original Converse Chuck Taylor All Star shoe. Continue reading ‘Christmas Gift. Converse Meets Schott Leather Biker Jacket’
Arnold Schwarzenegger Motorcyclist Of the Year. The AMA Annual Award is given every year to the person who has had the most profound impact on the world of motorcycling, for better or worse. Congratulations to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose signature is on a controversial law to regulate motorcycle exhaust systems to address excessive motorcycle sound, deserving to be the man of the year with the worst influence on the motorcycle industry . “Gov. Schwarzenegger signed a piece of legislation that has rocked the motorcycling world, and will impact motorcyclists in other states as well for years to come,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “This makes him the logical choice for the 2010 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year.” Unanimously, this bill has been condemned by motorcycle groups and associations. It is a poorly crafted piece of legislation that’s discriminatory and does little to address the core problem of excessive sound from all sources, not just motorcycles” Dingman adda “Rather than objectively regulate offensive noise, this law creates all sorts of problems for riders, law enforcement and aftermarket manufacturers.” Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Jillian Michaels To All Women. Gear Up And Get Behind The Handlebars.
Published by December 11th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
When you are a renown fitness trainer, an avid motorcyclist and a spokesperson for the Harley-Davidson Garage Party Month events, I guess the Milwaukee bike model you should choose must have the word Muscle in its name.
Recently, 36-year old Jillian Michaels took possession of a brand new Harley V-Rod Muscle customized by the team of Willy G. Davidson Styling studio. Her bike features blacked out components, polished engine cases with orange highlights, a custom seat, radiator shroud, rear fender, exhaust, and Reactor wheels, of course all being genuine after-market Harley accessories. Because if Jillian can do it, women can do it, I am glad that she rides and didn’t pick up a Sportster.
Before collaborating with Harley-Davidson she was riding a Yamaha FZ1 motorcycle that she auctioned on eBay a few months ago to raise money to help the victims of the Haitian earthquake. By the way, she just announced that she is leaving the show “The Big Loser” to become a mom. If she is pregnant, not the best time to ride a motorcycle, but she can still do charity work and encourage women to ride.
A DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas, and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.” The rancher says, “Okay , but don’t go in that field over there,” as he points out the location. The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, ” Sir, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me.” Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher. “See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever the hell I wish…. On any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand? “
The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores. Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’Harley-Davidson Road King Classic Leather Saddlebag Audio System
Published by December 10th, 2010 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Cycle Sounds just introduced a Bagger Audio System specifically conceived for the leather bags of the Harley-Davidson Road King Classic. This new kit is using a revolutionary speaker bezel design enabling 6” x 9” speakers to be integrated with an existing set of leather saddlebags without changing the look of the bike, or adding bulk or reducing storage space.
These speaker bezels are a direct drop in for these bags. The kit is available either as a full audio solution engineered for maximum volume, including speakers, grills, 100 watt amplifier and wiring, or as a DIY kit which includes only the speaker bezels and grills.
Simply plug in any music enabled device using the standard 3.5mm headphone jack supplied from Cycle Sounds specially designed amplifier, and enjoy your music.
MSRP. $339 to $659. More info at 866-427-2346 or visit Cycle Sounds.
On Time For The Holidays. David Uhl Biker Apparel
Published by December 10th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial, Merchandise and Painters.When I published a preview of David Uhl Works new line of apparel, most of you were unable to order directly from the website because the first run of shirts was a limited quantity and demand was too high to fill up all orders. Starting today and just on time for the holidays, you can order all the shirts online with free shipping during all December for delivery in the Continental US. Jump to David Uhl Works.
Introduction To An All Original 1913 Harley-Davidson
Published by December 10th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.Great narration to introduce you to 1 of the 3 known all original 1913 Harley-Davidsons.
Best Buy. Any S&S Engine Keychain Or Zipper Pull. $9.95. Free Pin. Free Shipping.
Published by December 10th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
No question. They are the best biker gifts for the price. At $9.95 a piece with a free pin for each order and free shipping in the US, you could make a lot of your friends happy without breaking the bank. Motorcycle Dealers, I would a little gift to say thank you to all those clients who supported you in 2010.
Originally created for the S&S 50th Anniversary, the Key-Chains, like the Zipper Pulls are offered in a V-Series (Evo), T-Series (Twin Cam), SH-Series (Shovelhead) and KN-Series (Knucklehead).
Each unit ordered gets you a free matching pin (Back of pin has two clasps for extra security). You can order a bunch while they last with free shipping all December. Order online at Zip-U
Harley-Davidson To Launch New 1200 Custom Model With Associated Factory Customization Program
Published by December 9th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In February 2011, Harley-Davidson is going to launch a new “1200 Custom Motorcycle”. Although I don’t have any specific info about this new model, nor it seems any Harley dealer at this time, the very interesting part is that in conjunction with this new model, the factory is going to launch a H-D1 customization program specifically conceived for it.
Code named HD-1, this program will let buyers personalize the “1200 Custom” with a selection of Harley options, and this before their bike arrives at the dealership. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson To Launch New 1200 Custom Model With Associated Factory Customization Program’
In a former post, I already introduced you to “The One”. But since then I got a few more details and pictures with a new paint job, I share now with you. It’s the work of Erbacher a.k.a. Fast Attack AG, in northern Switzerland very close to the German border, a shop specializing in hand-made very high end custom motorcycles with a strong drag racing feel, but stated to be always street legal all over Europe. They use only the best brands and materials, almost always starting from a Harley-Davidson chassis to build their big thrill 2 wheelers. Continue reading ‘The One’
Since you know that my passion is good design with some irreverent style, what about a 4-wheeled chair that you could “race”, Ben-Hur style, although evidently it’s not its purpose.
More a chair to show your guests or clients that you have quite a sense of humor. It works well too for fast trips to the fridge during a TV commercials. But you need a lot of money to spare because it comes at a very high price from internationally renown Designer Jean Paul Gaultier, “the terrible child” of French Fashion (he is the man who designed the infamous sculptured Cone-Bra of Madonna stage costumes, is using full-figured women and older men for his fashion shows, is promoting skirts for men, etc.). Email and I will give you the address, but only if you carry a Black Amex.
The Secret Life Of Cris Sommer Simmons
Published by December 8th, 2010 in Books, Editorial and Events.
New female riders can find inspiration in the accomplishments of many other women who since the beginning of the last century have decided to follow their dreams and dared to live their lives on their own terms around motorcycles. Although all have a different personality they share common attributes, independence, courage and a very special skill at overcoming adversity, personally and professionally. Cris Sommer Simmons is among today’s women riders who is not only riding long distances in a pursuit of freedom and self expression but also devoting her life to educate and inspire other women.
Involved with motorcycles since she was 9-year-old when she began riding with her stepfather, at 14 she was already riding on her own and at 19 she was the proud owner of her first Harley Davidson. In 1983 with Linda “Jo” Giovanni and the blessings of Becky Brown, she participated in the creation of a Women In The Wind Chapter to become an international riding organization with over 60 chapters. Through the publishing of newsletters, it was the beginning of her motorcycle writing career leading to the creation of Harley Women Magazine with the official support of Harley-Davidson. As time went she also contributed as a freelance writer to American Iron, Motorcycle Collector, Easyriders, V-twin Magazine and publications in other countries including Japan, Spain and Australia. Continue reading ‘The Secret Life Of Cris Sommer Simmons’
Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip And Legends Ride On TV
Published by December 8th, 2010 in Editorial and Events.
A short post to let you know that the Legendary Buffalo Chip and the 2010 Legends Ride will be featured on “Sturgis the Wild Ride” airing on the Travel Channel tomorrow Thursday, December 9th.
Check your local listings for times on Travel Channel Website.
Soon it may be difficult to get a polished or chrome wheel! Sinister Wheels add to the very wide choice you already have when choosing a black wheel with its Black Series line. The new model to join the line has a classic/timeless appeal and is called the Image Wheel.
Like all the other models of the Black Series line, it is available for Harley-Davidson and Victory in the following sizes: 16X3.5, 18X3.5, 18X4.25, 18X5.5, 18X8.5, 18X10.5, 21X2.15, 21X3.25, and 23×3.75 with fitments soon also available for Yamaha and Sport Bikes. At Sinister Wheels.
