Three years ago, I introduced you to Les Ateliers Ruby, a leading brand for exceptional custom and limited edition helmets. Inspired by Steve McQueen, Science Fiction…and the great tradition of French luxury, Ruby has for motto: “Good looks and safety for all the road heroes and heroines”.
Helmets are fabricated from carbon fiber, and include chrome plated trim, steel badge and lining made of Nappa Lambskin reminiscent of the beauty of vintage sport cars. Something to make you want to wear a helmet, even when not mandatory where you ride…
Three years after its debut, Ruby just opened a flagship store in the heart of Paris. If you visit the French Capital, I recommend you stop by and enjoy looking at unique helmets and an exhibition of rare motorcycles (address is 1 rue Herold, 75001 Paris). Ruby has also several retail stores in the US and a distributor in Los Angeles (Glory, 4569 Hollywood Blvd.) Outside of the US visit Boutique Ruby for exceptional custom and limited edition helmets, or contact directly contact@ateliersruby.com.
The show in Yokohama, Japan closed its doors Sunday evening. No good images yet to publish in my Blog, but thought you would enjoy watching the show video announcement. Main US participants are shown riding their creations just before their rides were loaded in containers for the trip from the west coast to Japan. ( Music: “Rock Yokohama” by Gabriel Griffin & The Heathens. Jeff Decker footage: TimIrwin, OI Documentary Services)
All of us have a different morphology and each motorcycle model has its own ergonomics. What if you could know and see in advance what would be your position on a specific model of any brand, compare your position on 2 different bikes and this only after measuring and entering your weight and inseam in this online widget. See yourself sitting on the bike(s) of your choice and decide if the model you are looking at is really for you or if it will require modifications, like extended forward controls, lowering the bike, etc…The amount of knee bend and forward lean is expressed in degrees. You can keep adding bikes and comparing them to each other. A pretty cool feature is that you can see your stick figure with the feet on the pegs or on the ground. One regret, the site is very poor looking. Jump to Cycle Ergo.
Confederate President Matt Chambers loves to talk and write about his company motorcycles, and it’s always in a romantic language applied to everything mechanical. To not betray the way he feels about design, riders, motorcycles…and of his new C3 X132 Hellcat, let’s listen to him. ” This third generation Hellcat represents an impassioned, romantic, genuinely emotional evolutionary journey for the great many men and woman who have, over 20 years, poured their hearts into the challenge of making each Confederate Hellcat an honest, iconic, fiercely American example of heirloom quality and design”. “In keeping with Confederate design heritage, classic understated yet very progressive American design minimalism drives acutely focused product substance. There is no contrivance; nothing is superfluous. The machine is a showcase for the individualist craftsmanʼs sacred vow to never compromise truth and to take nothing away, illuminating limitless effort committed to the highest form of hand-made craftsmanship.” Continue reading ‘Confederate Launches A Third Generation Hellcat’
The foreclosure action by lender GE Commercial Finance Business Property Corp. claims that OCC missed mortgage payments of approximately $96,400 and $14,000 due on July 1 on 2 loans of $11 million and of $1.5 million used to build the Newburgh, NY headquarters. The Orange County (Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is also named as a defendant in the action, since it owns the property under a payment-in-lieu-of taxes arrangement with Orange County Choppers. Continue reading ‘Orange County Choppers Headquarters Facing Foreclosure’
If you like the Car Moon Wheel Caps you would lobe these discs for 16″ motorcycle wheels. Sold in pair, right & left, they tested to fit on 16″ rims with spoke and disc or drum brake. he discs are measured at 15″ diameter so they fit inside the drop center and clear the hub and brake. One also has a cut out for the valve stem. And no they will not fly off when you ride. They are eld in place via 3 mounting screws (don’t forget to loctite!) Made in the USA. $145 per set of two. At Mooneyes USA
Through my back end administration, I just found out that this article is the 4000th that I am publishing ! and that my Blog went down only 28 minutes in 4 years. Much less than Facebook, Twitter and most of my online competitors. Pretty exceptional, thanks to the use of a Cloud Server and the best Anti Spam Program anyone can use (if you pay the price, huh). But if it goes down, don’t worry, it is all planned so you can get alternative activities other than reading and commenting on my Blog. Don’t forget to print this list to use in case of improbable crash of my Blog. I love publicity… Continue reading ‘Cyril Huze Blog Down? Advice To My Readers.’
Today December 4th, at Pacifico Yokohama, Japan all custom bikes and hot rods are setup for the 19th edition of this more than ever popular one-day show on Sunday. Until then, get together parties organized by Dice Magazine and Bean Bandits are going on…
About 100 guests are coming from outside Japan, and belonging to the US delegation, Cole Foster with his 36 Metallicoupe, Falcon Motorcycles with the Krestel Triumph, Duane Ballard with his “Funkestein” & “Pink Tako” Honda CB’s Choppers, Jeff Decker with his 52 Vincent Lightning, and Mark Drew with his just completed 57 Triumph named “Solitary Conginment”.
It is Mark’s bike first outing and it may be the revelation of this year Mooneyes show. The pictures you see were taken at the time the bike was loaded in a container for the almost 3 weeks trip from the US to Yokohama (Images @ Half Moon Garage and @ Nostalgia on Wheels). This zen looking Triumph use bicycle type wheels, peashooter forks. The “half of a peanut” gas tank, primary covers and mounts are done in transparent Lucite material…Can’t wait to see better pictures and read the full tech sheet of this bike. To follow..
Custom Chrome International catalog is strengthening its product portfolio by carrying the complete line of gaskets and seals from legendary manufacturer. James Gaskets has the most complete product line of Harley-Davidson aftermarket gaskets and seals in the industry. The company reputation for producing superior gaskets combined with its professional ethic earned the respect of industry leaders. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome International Seals A Deal With James Gaskets’
Harley-Davidson Bailout. This week American people learned the incredible details of the Fall of 2008 Fed’s 3 trillion dollars bailout of Wall Street and of Corporate America. Not only, the Fed lending almost daily to the largest US banks but also to foreign ones, but to companies like GE, Verizon, Harley-davidson and many others. The Fed justifies its actions because the economic situation was much worse that what was stated to us with credit frozen across all the financial system, including the commercial paper. To avoid an international panic the Fed lowered its standard for the kind of collateral it accepts, accepting assets carrying a greater risk of default. Among other disclosures, we learned that to help Harley-Davidson finance its daily activities the Fed lent money to the company a total of 33 times in 2008 and 2009 for a total amount of $2.3 billion. Continue reading ‘Fast Harley-Davidson News’
This news follows Bonhams’ earlier announcement of the stunning “barn find” 1952 Chinese Red Vincent Rapide that has been consigned to Las Vegas on January 6, 2011. From the collection of John Shola come several important motorcycles: 1948 Vincent HRD Rapide B, 1949 Vincent HRD Rapide B, 1949, 1952 Vincent Black Shadow C, A Vincent Café Racer Hybrid, Ariel Square Four, 1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star, 1961 BSA Gold Star, 1965 Royal Enfield Interceptor, 1964 Velocette Venom
Additionally, more than 50 Honda motorcycles from the private collection of Kenneth Klem have been consigned to this highly anticipated sale – all without reserve. The massive, single source offering spans the years of 1963 to 1982 and includes such diverse models as Dreams, Step-Throughs, Mini Trails, Scramblers and, of course, CB350s up through CB750s – all in original condition. Continue reading ‘John Shola Collection Of British Motorcycles To Be Auctioned In Las Vegas’
Some will challenge the idea of installing an e-motor in a bicycle to call it hybrid, but it’s a gorgeous machine. The hybrid drive means that the motor is not a substitute to your human power but an addition. The bike uses a sensor to determine when you need extra torque, switching on the motor automatically. The bike features an electric motor assist, an integrated battery cell and hidden electric wiring, single pivot suspension system, single piece cast swing arm. Other features include a Fox suspension, Brembo brakes, and a 7075 aluminum frame. It is described by the manufacturer as an off-road bike but also ideal for beachside cruising and urban shredding. Price TBA. On your Christmas list? M55 Hybrid Bike.
Background. You know that in January 2009, after an on-air argument between Paul Sr. and Paul Jr., Senior fired Junior. To avoid a breach of agreement with the Discovery channel, owner of The Learning Channel, Teutul son and father signed a letter of agreement by which: “Junior shall extend to Senior, upon Senior’s request, an option to purchase all of his shares in Orange County Choppers Holdings, Inc. for fair market value as determined by a procedure to be agreed to by the parties as soon as practicable.”
In November 09, Paul Senior tried to exercise this option, but Junior refused under the argument that the language of the January 2009 letter lacked essential terms concerning the appraisal process and was merely an unenforceable “agreement to agree.” The legal battle continues with Paul Senior asking Junior to turn over all his shares of OCC for an amount of $0.00. You asked ZERO dollar? How come can it be the value of Orange County Choppers? Richard Gray, a friend of a friend, CPA/ABV, CVA, ASA at Alpern Rosenthal an accounting firm in West Palm Beach, Florida explains for you what is fair value of a business. An interesting read, especially to all those of you owning a business. Continue reading ‘Orange County Choppers Fair Market Value. Zero?’
Ralph Randolph from Knockout Motorcycles and Lorenzo Lamas had a previous collaboration before Lorenzo Cycles partnered with Eddie Trotta. They join again to create 2 new performance models, the Patriot – a chopper with ape hangers – and the Reno Rocket whose lines are inspired by those of a board tracker. So, why Lorenzo would join again former US Marine, former club member, father, offspring of multiple Rodeo Hall Of Famers, US Airways captain and Custom Builder Ralph Randolph? Simply because new economic realities show that not many can afford Eddie Trotta’s 70K custom works of art even with a celebrity name on it. Lorenzo Cycles reasoning is that there are still market opportunities in the relatively untapped market segment between the average Joe “bolt-on part” customs and the high end custom motorcycles. Continue reading ‘Lorenzo Lamas Partners With Ralph Randolph For 2 New Custom Production Models’
Another option to try to make your bike look Old School when it is not. This new high performance intake and air cleaner is the result of a collaboration between Vision Motorcycle and Wimmer Machine.
It includes a serviceable pleated cotton filter available (in red or black) and is stated providing better airflow and improved performance on all carbureted and EFI motors. This unit is 2” X 6” X 8” and is available in raw, chrome satin nickel, black powder coat, satin or gloss….or whatever you want.
May also be chromed, painted or raw DIY. Mounting kits include internal breathing and will fit stock and most custom applications. Complete units start at $345.00 and are made in the USA. Wimmer Machine.
No, it’s not a CAD design. It’s even not a replica because the Tron Light Cycle motorcycle in the movie doesn’t exist and is just a digital animation. But what you see is a real running motorcycle built by Florida shop Parker Brothers who has built a series of 10 that they sell for $55,000 (4 would still be avaitable!). Measuring 100″ long and 23″ wide, you will sit (or lay) at 28.5″ from the ground. Built around a steel frame, the bike weights only 474 pounds thanks to an all fiberglass body. It is powered by a Suzuki TLR1000 motor and brakes via custom made friction drums. You get gauges and an iPad dock to display the beast vital statistics. And if you wonder how it rides and turns with such monster tires, just watch the video. Parker Brothers Choppers.
Many discovered Chopper Dave (last name is Freston) when they saw him on TV in one episode of the Discovery Channel Motorcycle Mania documentary which chronicled Jesse James’ everyday professional life. In one episode he was featured riding to Sturgis with Jesse. Giuseppe Roncen and Indian Larry and Dave will tell you that this trip changed his life.
As a matter of fact Dave got professionally involved with motorcycles well before his TV appearance. Around 1989, working first running the parts department then being a motorcycle mechanic at Vic’s Custom Cycles in the San Fernando Valley , CA. It’s where he acquired a passion for vintage Harleys, rebuilding several times his own daily ride (a 1951 Panhead), then in 1990 went to MMI Arizona to enrich his old bikes knowledge. He will return to Vic’s Custom Cycles to work on all Harley engine families, from Flatheads to Evos.
After the memorable trip to Sturgis, Dave went to work at West Coast Choppers where during 4 years he helped Jesse James build high end custom bikes. During this time he also built two versions of his own Panhead and a rigid frame Evo powered flat track bike. There he also learned how to make his own cast aluminum parts, his new passion. In October 2005 Dave started his own shop – Chopper Dave Casting Co. – where he specializes in sand cast aluminum parts and continue to build bikes with a preference for models from the pre WW2 era. Not very well known is that he is also a photographer enjoying shooting pretty girls on sexy bikes (or sexy girls on pretty bikes) always in industrial settings. Like his motorcycle creations, he is very loud when denouncing what he considers the Chopper Business BS. He hates talking about himself but didn’t avoid any of my questions… (all pics copyrighted) Continue reading ‘The Secret Life Of Chopper Dave’
Spending a lot of winter time in the garage tinkering on your bikes or enjoying in the cold outdoor activities? This hand warmer has all the charm of a Zippo Lighter, is reusable, durable and will be a very hot Christmas gift.
It is equipped with a platinum-catalyzed glass fiber burner that lights quickly and reliably. As a result, the burner produces a radiant heat without a flame for safety and creates up to 10 times as much heat as disposable warmers. Compact design fits easily into pockets, gloves or pants without the bulk of other warmers. You will love to use it to keep your hands warm while wrenching, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, skiing, stay comfortable at tailgaters or football games, etc. $28.95. Zippo Hand Warmer.
Lovers and Haters of tall front wheels, now you opportunity to join in the comments section under his post to express your feelings about very tall front wheels. Not talking about the 23″ or 26″ sizes, but about the new 30″ tall wheel requiring to use a Monster Vee Rubber tire size 140/40-30, A few custom bikes already roll on a 30″, and because several models of this size with marching tire are in stock at MetalSport Wheels, you may see many more very soon. From left to right Don Juan, Cutlass and Lusso (a Chip Foose Design). Contact Metalsport Wheels for more details 562-776-9594.
Building a motorcycle with a Harley Sportster engine installed in a Norton looking frame and using a Cafe Racer style bodywork and accessories creates a NORLEY. Of course the idea came from England via a frame manufacturer named JW Motorcycles. You are looking at the first model of a limited edition assembled and offered here in the US by Norley Cafe Racer for a somewhat reasonable base price of $19,500. Continue reading ‘Norley Cafe Racer Preview. From $19,500.’
“My name is Jim Lightfoot. I’m the photographer that shoots the center spreads for Easyriders magazine. The photo titled “Donut Contest” will be featured in February’s edition and hits bookstands Nov. 27th. I don’t get too philosophical with the photos. I will say that I only use real bikers. No stand-ins or look-a-likes. Every one of them is a busted knuckle wrencher and a rider. Continue reading ‘Jim Lightfoot Photography.’
Some customize by removing their bike’s speedometer and tachometer. Others wish they had them installed. For them, Dakota Digital, the instrumentation and specialty electronics expert, is introducing the new STM-100 Data Bus Breakout Module.
It allows you to install speedometers and tachometers on 2004-up Harley Davidson motorcycles (excluding 2011 Softail models) with less cutting and splicing of wires. Continue reading ‘Speedo And Tacho Anyone?’
Tired of Old School and of New Old School style custom motorcycles? If it’s possible to classify it, should I place SpaceSter in a new category to be called “Tomorrow’s School?” First, let me say that this “from another planet” creation is born in the Southwest of France and during the winter European show tour already won a flight to Sturgis to compete in the 2011 AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. Continue reading ‘SpaceSter Sportster. Nothing To See.’
A new Baird Survey shows that a Harley dealer had an average 41 new motorcycles in stock on their show floor in October. It compares to 67 motorcycles a year ago at the same period. Of course it’s the consequence of Harley-Davidson decision, like other motorcycle manufacturers, to cut production to avoid to flood the market during a recession and to protect the value of the brand. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Close To Entering New Healthy Business Cycle’
Three years ago, I introduced you to Les Ateliers Ruby, a leading brand for exceptional custom and limited edition helmets. Inspired by Steve McQueen, Science Fiction…and the great tradition of French luxury, Ruby has for motto: “Good looks and safety for all the road heroes and heroines”.
Confederate
Custom Chrome International 
