Published by Cyril Huze August 11th, 2010
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
80 high end custom motorcycles including 23 coming from abroad are competing in the 2010 World Championship Of Bike Building. Certainly one of the major custom motorcycle industry events going on during this 70th Black Hills Rally. The competition lasts 3 days during which competitors are happy to answer all questions from the public, are also the judges of all the custom bikes (except theirs) plus 5 VIP judges (I disclose I am one of them), with photographers Horst Roesler and Frank Sander shooting all the bikes in an on location studio. The 3 men running the AMD Show on 2 continents, Europe & USA are, from left to right, Bob Kay, Neil Blabler and show creator Robin Bradley.
Who is going to be the 2010 World Champion? Today Wednesday August 11th at 5 pm EST, with the help of the AMD organization, I will post a live video of the awards ceremony. Watch live on my Blog all winners being called and the world champion being crowned (he receives a ring and a trophy, not a crown!). Since I will be on location, if the Sturgis internet Wi-Fi router would fail, I will type and post in real time the full results of this competition. Be there on my Blog at 5 pm EST. (You may need to upgrade your Adobe Flash player to view the stream. Go to Adobe To Upgrade. If you are in Sturgis, the AMD Championship is free of access and located in Sturgis at Lazelle Street and 3rd.
Published by Cyril Huze August 10th, 2010
in Editorial.
Yesterday evening the international motorcycle group Hamsters USA raised $257,000 for Children’s Care Hospital & School in Rapid City during their annual meeting and dinner on Monday, August 9th. Funds raised will provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies, plus special educational and psychological services. The banquet was held in Spearfish, SD, as part of the Sturgis Rally. Funds were raised through a silent auction, $5,000 cash raffle, and many individual donations. Proceeds go to serve children with special needs. Sponsors of the event were Allstate Motorcycle Insurance and Jack Daniels. Continue reading ‘Sturgis. Hamsters USA raise $257,000 For Children’s Care Of Rapid City’
Published by Cyril Huze August 10th, 2010
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Was invited by Jeff & Contad Nicklus to stop by their Desperado Custom Cycles display at the Golden Hills Resort in Lead, just above Deadwood.
Just front of them, a bikini bike wash. I mean very close! Jeff & Co don’t mind to be water splashed from time to time if their custom bikes stay dry.
We didn’t talk very much, watched a lot and my pit stop lasted a little bit longer than anticipated.
Guys, I know I am publishing the wrong side of the action…but I was asked to keep my blog as clean as possible, especially during my Sturgis report.
Published by Cyril Huze August 10th, 2010
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Even before I left Florida to join the rally, the whisper was that Indian Motorcycle would have a concept bike on display in Sturgis. A concept motorcycle shown to the public at the same time the company is introducing its new 2011 Blackhawk model? It’s a lot for a young manufacturer just entering its third year of production. So, I rushed to their display on Lazelle Street & 4th where I asked Indian General Manager Chris Benauer and Manager of Service & Marketing Marc Pomerantz to give me the full 411 on the solo spring seat motorcycle shown here.
While waiting for a few minutes that both Chris & Marc free themselves from prospective buyers of their bikes, I observed that the red unnamed concept motorcycle in question, even rough on its edges, was competing very well with the Chiefs in terms of interest from the public. So, here is the story given to me. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Bike Week. Indian Concept Motorcycle’
Published by Cyril Huze August 10th, 2010
in Editorial.
John was a salesman’s delight when it came to any kind of unusual gimmicks. His wife Marsha had long ago given up trying to get him to change…One day John came home with another one of his unusual purchases. It was a robot that John claimed was actually a lie detector. It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy, their 11 year old son, returned home from school. Tommy was over 2 hours late.
“Where have you been? Why are you over 2 hours late getting home?” asked John. “Several of us went to the library to work on an extra credit project,” said Tommy. The robot walked around the table and slapped Tommy, knocking him completely out of his chair. Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week. The Lie Detector.’
Published by Cyril Huze August 9th, 2010
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze August 9th, 2010
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Big Rallies like Sturgis are full of charity events and I want to mention this one called “Kids & Chrome” because I think it was very creatively conceived with the sponsoring of Schwinn Bicycles, of the Legendary Buffalo Chip and the participation of Pee Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) and of Lorenzo Lamas (Lamas Cycles). Schwinn had donated 60 new bicycles and helmets to the Kids & Chrome Foundation to benefit the Black Hills Children Home Society. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Kids & Chrome Charity Event With Pee-Wee Herman And Lorenzo Lamas’
Published by Cyril Huze August 8th, 2010
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
This evening in Sturgis is the VIP Industry party organized by the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building and of course the first opportunity for all professionals present in South Dakota to discover and admire all the new competing machines.
From my point of view most are going to deserve to be featured in my Blog, but since I have to start somewhere, the first one I introduce you to in exclusivity is the new entry of Fred Bertrand Krugger. This custom was ordered to him by Peer Toftner of Veon Motorcycles with the idea o building a machine that you could transform from cruiser to racer at the push of a button. In 5 seconds to be precise! At the red light or supposedly on the fly (just be careful.) Continue reading ‘Exclusive. Motorcycle Cruiser To Racer. In 5 seconds…’
Published by Cyril Huze August 7th, 2010
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Sorry, guys. Today, I could not update my Blog sooner….Now that I arrived, I am going to try to report as much as I can.
Since I don’t have much yet to say about this 70th rally, just let me report about the 1st big rumor waiting for me in South Dakota. Both cities of Sturgis and Rapid City intend to be extra nice this year with Harley-Davidson to try to lure some of their manufacturing business here. Good idea, but for now it’s just an idea.
TTYL (talk to you later)
Published by Cyril Huze August 7th, 2010
in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
Another good choice of floorboards for today’s touring bikes. From the mind of Carl Brouhard, these radical design floorboards in black anodizing with discreet machined highlights or chrome, front and rear passenger.
They fit all recent Harley-Davidson FL and FLST models. Front floorboard measure measure 18” x5” and passenger rear 11” x3.5” and will all bolt on directly on factory mounts. Carl Brouhard Designs.
Published by Cyril Huze August 6th, 2010
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
MV Agusta is 100% Italian again! During the last 6 months the rumor was that Harley-Davidson could not find any buyer and that the Italian luxury motorcycle maker was the only possible buyer of its own company. Today it is confirmed.
And now the new rumor is that Harley-Davidson sold back MV Agusta to its original owner, fthe Castiglioni family, for a low price, . Harley-Davidson being a public company, we should know the terms very soon and how much Harley may have lost on its original $109 million investment. I publish below the 2 official press releases, first from MV Agusta (much longer), then from Harley-Davidson.
1- The Official Press Release From MV Agusta
Varese, August 6th 2010 – Claudio and Giovanni Castiglioni, through their family holding company have repurchased from Harley Davidson 100% of the shares of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. which owns historic brands MV Agusta and Cagiva. Harley-Davidson announced in October 2009 its intention to sell MV Agusta to concentrate on its core business and brand.
In connection with the repurchase transaction Lazard and Co. have acted as the financial advisor along with counsel Alessandro Varrenti (CBA) and Giuseppe Galeano whom provided legal and tax assistance in conjunction with family counsellors Giuseppe Carteni (Leadlaw), Andrea Lanata and Sergio Caramella. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. Harley-Davidson Sells Back MV Agusta To The Castiglioni Family’
Published by Cyril Huze August 6th, 2010
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Retro mesh look with a modern twist (the 3 air cleaners on the left) or high tech with carbon fiber inlays (the white one on the right) German Custom Builder Fred Kodlin goes back to the round classic air cleaner design, give the outer cover a still popular Iron Cross cut out, makes your life easy by including hidden top breather holes of both sides of the mounting points, and equip his air cleaners with a washable filter. The complete lineup is available for all carburated Evo and Twin Cam engines. Available in chrome, gold and black anodizing (Meash line), or same finishes and white with high tech carbon fiber insert. Fred Kodlin Motorcycles.
Published by Cyril Huze August 6th, 2010
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
A fast tribute to those, both young and grey haired, who are maintaining and restoring the classic machines of our motorcycle history. Especially these ’30s and ’40s bikes representing the golden age of motorcycles.
A large number of these expertly restored motorcycles and original classics were on hand at the annual three-day celebration held in July and organized by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The “Em Don’t Hide ‘Em Bike Show” is part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days ad Grand Marshal Malcolm Smith Choice Award went to Jim and Joan Vandergriff of Linwood, KS for their 1939 AJS.
The unique thing about the AJS is that it has two exhaust pipes, but only one piston. It’s called a dual port, and it’s got an incredibly unique sound. You just learned something. Right? AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
Published by Cyril Huze August 6th, 2010
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Yesterday thursday evening, clients, friends and all those traveling (driving or riding) to Sturgis were invited to stop by Klock Werks shop in Mitchell south Dakota. A few drinks, a few bites, new bikes to look at and a tribute to Donnie Smith who was in attendance. Well, you know: it’s all about camaraderie. And me, I should arrive in Sturgis tomorrow Saturday afternoon and for a good start will head directly to the Hamsters Block Party.
Published by Cyril Huze August 5th, 2010
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. yesterday announced the awarding of a second $1 million grant from the Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. to the non-profit organization, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The new grant announced yesterday at the DAV National Convention in Atlanta is designated for continued funding of the DAV’s Mobile Service Office (MSO) program over the next four years. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Gives $1 million Grant To Disabled American Veterans’
Published by Cyril Huze August 5th, 2010
in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Published by Cyril Huze August 5th, 2010
in Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Ultima Products will be in Sturgis to show their full line of Engine and Powertrain Products with Joe Pagana on hand to tell about our latest and greatest offerings. Pingo from Iron Horse Racing will come by to talk about his 6-Thousand Pound Sled Pull Race Team that champions their wins with Ultima Engines. His team Iron Horse Racing will be racing that week at the Broken Spoke Campground
The Ultima Booth is at: Champions Park/ AMD. 1205 Lazelle st. Booth #18. Ultima Products or Midwest MC.
Published by Cyril Huze August 5th, 2010
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson officially announced that the company will stop making sidecars after the 2011 model year, but still will continue offering parts, service and technical assistance.
When Harley introduced the Tri-Glide, a model belonging to its Trike family, retail orders for sidecars collapsed. Harley makes sidecars at its Tomahawk, Wisconsin plant and will stop making them upon completing its 2011 model year. Harley-Davidson.
Published by Cyril Huze August 4th, 2010
in Editorial and Events.
The Music Festival at the Broken Spoke Campground (located on Highway 79 North, just past Bear Butte). is free for campers (tents, RV’s, cabins, etc.) and $10.00 admission after 6:00 p.m. for non-campers. Outdoor Concert Stage. .38 Special (August 8), Great White and Dokken (August 9), Eddie Money and Black Oak Arkansas (August 10), Warrant, Confederate Railroad and legendary comedian Gallagher (August 11), The Kentucky HeadHunters and Black Stone Cherry (August 12). The Broken Spoke Saloon Stage at the Broken Spoke Campground will feature Blackfoot* (August 7), Houses of the Holy, Dallas Moore, Jasmine Cain and many more. The Pool Stage will feature daily concerts by Laura Lynn and Lucas Hoge. Continue reading ‘Sturgis 2010 Broken Spoke Entertainment Line Up’
Published by Cyril Huze August 4th, 2010
in Builders, Editorial and Events.
It is my job to report the news as they come to me, good or bad. And it was quite depressing for you and me when negative news overwhelmed the good ones during these last 4 recession years. So, today everybody should enjoy reading that despite an economic downslide the New Indian Motorcycle Company is experiencing healthy sales and dealer growth. With the launch of the new 2011 Indian Blackhawk, a model that I like very much because of its Art Deco styling, Indian is entering its third model year since its resurrection into the market in late 2008. Continue reading ‘Sales Up 80% For Indian Motorcycle.’
Published by Cyril Huze August 4th, 2010
in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Each week I bring you a new custom wheel whose simplicity is supposed to beat the last one I featured.
This 5 pair of spokes custom wheel is called the G1 and is evidently much lighter than any factory wheelf or braking improvement. You can pick the finish you want. For example, only one out of two spokes polished in contrast of black? Rim only. Spokes only, etc. Create your own effect.
Available in all finishes/sizes and with any of their lip designs. Glenndyne Design or call 405-401-8707 with any questions.
Published by Cyril Huze August 4th, 2010
in Editorial and Merchandise.
If you recognize this image you are a baby boomer and maybe a little bit more… Remember when the TV technician came to adjust the black & white contrast on your TV?
Well, you love so much everything vintage and retro motorcycle that you may want to extent your need for nostalgia by ordering this mouse pad for laser or optical mouse. This retro design screen test design pad will set you back a mere $3.95. In very high demand, so you may go on the waiting list. At Neatoshop.
