Do you love to clown around while riding your motorcycle? Or do you suffer from Coulrophobia, or in laymen’s term, a completely irrational fear of clowns? Justin Knauer, Senior Developer at ICON® Motosports, sent me the following text, to entertain you? or to make you buy one of his Helmets, most more serious.
“Coulrophobia, It’s an extremely common condition usually instigated by a youth spent near carnivals, hobo encampments, or fast food restaurants. Whatever the cause there is no known cure. Some will tell you that clowns are merely actors with facepaint. Wrong. All clowns are evil demonic demons and desire nothing more than to eat you alive – you know, for fun. Those aren’t idle ramblings of the Iconic mind, those are facts.” Icon Motorsports.
Archive Page 289
Full Face Krazy Klown Motorcycle Helmet. Ha, Ha.
Published by September 5th, 2010 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Time to remember, maybe more than ever, how much was done by the US laborers in only 2 centuries. Though wars, political turmoil and more or less serious economic setbacks, America has never ceased to progress thanks to the ingenuity and sweat of the American workers.
Even today, while too many are unemployed, innovation and productivity continue to expand in many industries. America, like the world, is changing and evolving and whatever the economic pain that some are enduring, better days are ahead of us.
For many, this weekend will be the last days at the beach, or at least a pretext for just enjoying family and friends around a barbecue. Enjoy it as much as you can. Happiness is to be satisfied with all what we’ve already got
Very Clever Universal Battery Tray
Published by September 5th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
New old school bike lovers and builders, rejoice. You got a new minimalist option to hold your battery if you do’t mind showing the brand you use to start your Scoot.
Very nicely designed by Acme Choppers Custom Fab this (almost) the tray is very light (CNC-machined aircraft-grade alloy), with 2 sections to hold your bike’s electrical storage unit in a safe, A 12” long x 3” wide section of 3/8-inch thick cold-rolled steel. These 2 sections are drilled and tapped to accept three 3/8” recessed Allen cap screws. These screws pass through the lower alloy battery plate and to hold the entire assembly securely on the bike. To install, simply trim the included steel plate to fit between the rear stays of your motorcycle frame, check for clearance around the drivetrain, and weld in place. Sold at Lowbrow Customs.
Cannonball Motorcycle Challenge. David Uhl and Michael Lichter To Collaborate To Offer Awards To Winners
Published by September 4th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Thanks God! The coast to coast to coast Cannonball Endurance Run is not about money. The challenges faced by riders of pre-1916 motorcycles is about machine’s performance, gas availability and physical strength. And to reward them for having the courage of their motorcyclist ancestors, winners will receive pieces of art, a gorgeous Bronze Statue by Jeff Decker (will specifically report on this one and show it to you in a couple of days), paintings by David Uhl and photographer Michael Lichter will share his full Challenge photographic coverage. Continue reading ‘Cannonball Motorcycle Challenge. David Uhl and Michael Lichter To Collaborate To Offer Awards To Winners’
Motor Bike Expo Taps RevComm As North American Agency
Published by September 4th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The Italian Show organizer, Commerciale S.r.l., announced the hiring of Revolution Communications (RevComm) to lead all marketing efforts in North America for the company’s Motor Bike Expo trade show. Held at the renowned Veronafiere Convention Center in beautiful Verona, Italy, the Motor Bike Expo is held annually (January 21st 23rd, 2011) and features all categories of the motorcycle industry attracting major European, American and Japanese OEM’s and aftermarket brands form around the world. The signed agreement includes all marketing, advertising, media buying, public relations and vendor relations for the v-twin and metric street/dirt markets. RevComm will also be responsible for acting as onsite liaison to all North American companies attending the Motor Bike Expo. Continue reading ‘Motor Bike Expo Taps RevComm As North American Agency’
Black Exhaust Heat Shields. Holes An Option.
Published by September 4th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Got a call yesterday asking if I know who is selling black heat shields. Of course, I know. Almost all exhaust manufacturers offer some models with or without tapered holes. If you are looking for a straight 2-piece, no fitting issue. If you are looking for a set starting from the exhaust ports, you should look first at the manufacturer of your exhaust for perfect pipe curvature fitting. And yes, to answer your other question, most models will fit both 1 1/4″ & 2″ exhausts. On this post I don’t recommend anyone in particular because of what I just explained.
Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Sisters Klock. Sisters Speed. Part 6.
Published by September 3rd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Racers are now on their way back home. Burned, exhausted, and all happy for their accomplishments, with or without a Land Speed Record in their pocket. A report about the young Klock sisters, Erika (19) and Karlee (16) Continue reading ‘Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Sisters Klock. Sisters Speed. Part 6.’
Labor Day Weekend. Baker Drivetrain Delivers For Free.
Published by September 3rd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
A Labor Day Promo from Baker Drivetrain with the brown dressed UPS truck driver delivering your goodies for free. You must order online during this weekend and just need to enter the code “shipfree” at the checkout screen.
No minimum purchase and free shipping is good this Labor Day weekend throughout the store. And Baker wants to remind you that their new stock Reverse Baker F5R for stock 5-speed or Baker DD6 is now available for ordering online (MSRP $1695) Continue reading ‘Labor Day Weekend. Baker Drivetrain Delivers For Free.’
Fast Motorcycle Industry News
Published by September 3rd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
First $1 Million Harley-Davidson. For a teaser, it’s a good one. Bartels Harley-Davidson of Marina Del Rey, CA announced that it will unveil a $1 Million Harley at its dealership on October 21 at 7 pm. Since there is (almost) no way you can put $1 million of parts on a motorcycle, the explanation must be that this motorcycle was painted by Jack Amstrong whose style is called “Cosmic Extensionalism” and who is billing himself as the most famous artist on the planet. As a matter of fact, I like his art, and it’s true that Andy Warhol called him “The Last Wizard.” Hiis paintings are worth between $300,000 to $3 million dollars. So, a great promotion for Bartel’s, but I am afraid this Harley will be a $20,000 or less stock bike with an “estimated” $980,000 value paint job. Who is going to buy it? Probably not a biker…Hope thousands come to see it on October 21st and leave the dealership after placing an order for a 2011 model. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’A Custom 2010 Harley Softail Built By Harley-Davidson
Published by September 3rd, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
For a change, what about a genuine Harley-Davidson customized by Harley-Davidson. It was a surprise for me to see it competing in Sturgis in the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building, of course in the “Production Manufacturer” class. And I was asked to judge it. Ha!. As you can imagine, the Mother Factory doesn’t care one second about my judging or any trophies, but is only interested to show to the largest number of bikers what can be done with a Softail Deluxe just by ordering all bolt-on customa accessories from the 2011 Harley-Davidson parts & accessories catalog. Continue reading ‘A Custom 2010 Harley Softail Built By Harley-Davidson’
A group of 15 year old girlfriends discussed where they should meetfor dinner. Finally, it was agreed upon that they should meet at the Dairy Queen next to the Ocean View restaurant because they only had $6.00 between them and Jimmy Johnson, that cute boy in Social Studies, lives on that street.
10 years later, the group of 25 year old girlfriends discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally, it was agreed upon that they should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the beer was cheap, they had free snacks, the band was good, there was no cover and there were lots of cute guys.
10 years later, at 35 years of age, the group once again discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally, it was agreed upon that they should meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the cosmos were good,it was right near the gym and if they go late enough, there wouldn’t be too many whiny little kids. Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week. Girlfriends Through The Years….’
Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. These Girls Just Passed You. Part 5.
Published by September 2nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Remember my story about Jim Giuffra And His AFT Custom Girls? As promised, the custom Honda 750 cc named Kemosabe (means “Faithful Friend”) that the girls built under his supervision is getting salted in Bonneville with 2 of the girls and Jim taking turns to make it go as fast as they can. Jim is so proud of them that he sent me this report.
Cyril, “We started building Kemosabe in Oct. ’09 as a show bike but also to prove that we can ride what we build Most people don’t realize it has a radiator under the seat. We have high performance cam & piston kits for the VT750. We also had Dave Bozzie port & polish the heads..We decided to build the bike to meet the rules of AMA for the BUB Speed Week. Continue reading ‘Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. These Girls Just Passed You. Part 5.’
Second Annual Brooklyn Invitational Custom Motorcycle Show
Published by September 2nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Autumn in NYC and BBQ (the 3 boroughs of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens) is the perfect time of the year for an outdoor Custom Motorcycle Motorcycle Show. Successfully launched last year the “Brooklyn Invitational” features custom builders of the Greater Tri-State Area (and a couple from California) invited to show their custom motorcycles specifically built for this event, a curated selection of the best work being done in the motorcycle world. Continue reading ‘Second Annual Brooklyn Invitational Custom Motorcycle Show’
Electric Racing Concept Motorcycle. Gorgeous.
Published by September 2nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
German born Andre Frederico has an interesting profile and philosophy. With a Diploma Degree at the Academy of Art & Industrial Design and a Degree in Industrial Design (from materials science to deformation technology to shape cutting and machining), he is convinced that the cost of racing can be significantly reduced and that a motorcycle is “the perfect medium in communicating new technologies.” Continue reading ‘Electric Racing Concept Motorcycle. Gorgeous.’
Cycle News Magazine closed its doors yesterday Tuesday evening after a run of almost 50 years. The weekly magazine specialized in information related to motorcycle championships, industry and riders. The news was confirmed by employees already looking for a new job.
The end of the printed magazines (like the death of the printed book) has been prophesied for many years. Whatever you may think, it’s merely an ongoing process and what is in the air is the timing. Written language doesn’t disappear, it’s just the way of displaying it.
The medium to deliver information has changed because digital is cheaper (not free), faster and because of possible interaction with the readers. The digital platform fits very well in the realm of freedom of information and expression. Dead-tree publishers can’t deny that they can’t compete in terms of economy with the web world. Add to this portability of the information and the fact that not only generations are raised on computers, tablets and smart phones, but also that older people have mastered the art of surfing the web, e-reading and smart phoning. Continue reading ‘Cycle News Magazine Ceased Publication.’
After half a day lost on the schedule because of poor Salts condition (showers), yesterday was high pace rotation on the different tracks to let racers effectuate an outstanding 300 total runs in the 3 main classes “AMA”, “FIM” and “Run What You Brung.” Variety is such that it is extremely difficult to to identify at 1st glance which bike belongs to which class! For its first run, Max Lambsky and his red “Double Vincent Engine” Streamliner did his first had no difficulty going over 200 mph. Roger Goldammer, the 3-time AMD World Champion Of Custom Bike Building has completely skipped the show tour during more than 1 year to prepare his machine. He is on the Salts still doing some engine work. Let’s see… Continue reading ‘Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 4.’
Cannonball Endurance Run Trophy by Jeff Decker
Published by September 1st, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Events.
Most of you already know Jeffrey Decker as a master of the “lost wax/bronze” art. So, no surprise that more than one year ago he was contacted by Lonnie from the Cannonball Challenge to create a bronze trophy as unique as is this event.Jeff told me that he wanted to represent the 1st generation of motorcycling, hence a light weight motorcycle without transmission. Fascinated by the Harley-Davidson Strap Tank it’s this type that he decided to equip the motorcycle with. Continue reading ‘Cannonball Endurance Run Trophy by Jeff Decker’
Advertising Agency Of 31 years Dumps Harley-Davidson
Published by September 1st, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.
For having worked with international advertising agencies (and mine) for blue chip compaies during more than25 years, I can tell you that it is extremely rare that an agency fires one of its most prestigious clients. Since yesterday the ad world is buzzing with the decision of Carmichael Lynch (an Interpublic Group agency) to dump Harley-Davidson after 31 years of collaboration. Carmichael Lynch president, Doug Spong, had this to say: “You can’t be in a relationship for 31 years and not have some differences. We’re very grateful for such a long and glorious time together, but we just feel like we’ve taken that brand as far as we can go.” Continue reading ‘Advertising Agency Of 31 years Dumps Harley-Davidson’
Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 3.
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Rarely seen in Bonneville during the Speed Trials, yesterday Monday afternoon rain has delayed again many participants’ runs. The BUB team of volunteers did an unbelievable job at fixing and drying some wet spots on the different tracks. And as soon as the sun went back, participants took their turns on the starting line at a frantic pace never seen before. Continue reading ‘Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 3.’
Motorcycle Exhaust Noise Alert
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Fly Girl. A Pure Scandinavian Chopper.
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Minna Heikkinen is from Finland, Gordon Rooth is from Sweden and they state that this bike that they built together is a mix of Finnish and Swedish Chopper style. I am not sure of the difference but I recognize a Scandinavian built chopper as soon as I see one. Continue reading ‘Fly Girl. A Pure Scandinavian Chopper.’
Motorcycle BUB Trials. A Custom Show Bike And Its Rider Tasting The Salts For The First Time. Part 2.
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
When I feature a show custom motorcycle that you like and end my post mentioning that the bike and its builder’s next trip will be to Bonneville to race it, some of you express some doubts. One week ago on August 24th, I featured “Flyer“, the winner of the “Production Manufacturer” class of the AMD World Championship Of Custom Building, telling you that its Spanish Builder – Sergio Bayarri – was on its way to the Salts of Utah to test his motorcycle against the clock, and prove to the world that his custom bikes are made to be ridden very fast. Something that all small manufacturers should do to convince buyers to buy their products, even if it’s only a series of 50 units, like in the case of SBay Motors Co. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle BUB Trials. A Custom Show Bike And Its Rider Tasting The Salts For The First Time. Part 2.’
Harley-Davidson Logo. Bar And Shield Forever.
Published by August 31st, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.
No, 1901 is not the year the first Harley-Davidson logo was created. It’s in 1904 that Arthur Davidson’s Aunt Jane Davidson painted “Harley Davidson Motor Company” with a red stripe on the door of the shed where he worked with William S. Harley, but it’s only in 1910 that the famous Bar and shield logo in orange and black was registered with the patent office. It seems that nobody knows who designed it, why a bar & shield, and what was the inspiration for the choice of colors. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Logo. Bar And Shield Forever.’
Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 1.
Published by August 30th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
They all arrived from the 4 corners of the world and from almost all US States. On Saturday August 28th they were on the Salts of Bonneville, Utah to install their race setup, to register and have their bikes inspected to participate to the 7th annual BUB Speed Trials dedicated to motorcycles looking to beat land speed records. Continue reading ‘Bonneville Motorcycle BUB Speed Trials. Part 1.’
Black On Black Custom Harley Sportster XLH
Published by August 30th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
You don’t hear much about Denmark custom builders. At least you should know about Wrenchmonkees and of their passion for the 70’s motorcycles. They buy them very cheap and reinterpret them with a clear Cafe Racers and Japanese builders style influence. Their customization preferred platforms are preferably Hondas 750 and Yamahas RD, but they also like to put their touch of black on Sporsters XLH like on this 1967 model. Beautifully black. and darker than the new Dark Series of Harley-Davidson and surprisingly not costing much more. Wrenchmonkees.
Video Tribute To Falcon Motorcycles
Published by August 30th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.A professional video shot by Travis Shinn showing Ian Barry riding his latest Kestrel Falcon Motorcycle creation through the LA river in downtown Los Angeles (brought to you by OTMFC and Noah Goldsmith’s Safe Camp, originally brought to you by NOWNESS. Music by Naam)
