This afternoon, Custom Chrome President and CEO Holger Mohr announced the creation of a global motorcycle customizing competition that will unite the best talents from around the world. It will be known as The Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series. To start, bike shows will be held in the United States, in Germany and Austria with new events added in other countries in 2011 and beyond. “Our mission is to have world class shows, year after year, and to give Builders and Customizers a forum to show their best work.” says Holger Mohr. “Custom Chrome is known as a company that supports these innovative designers and we want to grow that support with these international events.”
The Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series will see it’s first event in Austria on Lake Faaker-See at the Arneitz Custom Show festival area, during European Bike Week, Sept. 7 through 12, 2010. Custom Chrome has a long running tradition at Faak and CCI had sponsored and promoted this show since it’s very beginning. The show attracts 100,000 visitors and 70,000 motorcycles during the week, making it of the must attended events by European bikers. Continue reading ‘Exclusive. Custom Chrome To Start An International Bike Show Series.’
In Sturgis Indian Motorcycle is going to display for the 1st time the new 2011 Chief Blackhawk (top picture, MSRP $29,999) and new color options for the Chief Dark Horse (following pictures in Red or Black, MSRP $27,999), with all 2011 Chiefs featuring the 110th anniversary badging and speedometer gauge.
The pre Legends Ride schedule in Deadwood runs August 9th from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex on Deadwood’s Main Street. Other Deadwood “Legends Ride” event locations include the Deadwood Tobacco Co., where riders can enjoy a stogie with tobacconists and avid motorcyclists John and Vaughn Boyd. The Silverado-Franklin will also showcase the works of top motorcycle and Black Hill’s artists. The riders depart Deadwood at 3 p.m. as the convoy heads through the Black Hills and Vanocker Canyon before reaching the Buffalo Chip for the pre-concert reception and auction, which begins at 5 p.m. Continue reading ‘Sturgis 3rd Legends Ride Is August 9th’
For 2010 Honda released a sweet affordable looking motorcycle named the VT750C Phantom. A no-nonsense, monochromatic motorcycle with brushed aluminum highlights. It was designed to look like a bobber and Honda did quite a great job at it. Even the spoke wheels come with a black hub and rim. Honda’s PGM-FI electronic fuel injection guarantees a smooth ride throughout the RPM range and yes this V-Twin gives you a potato-potato sound. The VT750 is low (25.7-inch seat height), gets rear shocks offer five-position spring pre-load adjustability 3.5″of wheel travel and 41 mm front forks held by a billet aluminum triple tree. Friend of the industry Marc Frantz decided to get one, invested less than $3500 in customization (new paint job included) and here is the result. Proof that you can still ride custom for a very reasonable budget. Parkway Honda
Schwinn has donated 60 new bicycles and helmets to the Kids & Chrome Foundation to benefit the Black Hills Children Home Society. Currently, all of the bicycles are unassembled in boxes at the Buffalo Chip warehouse. To bring a smile ti each child in residence at the foster home for battered and abused children, these bikes need to be assembled during the rally. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Bike Week. Schwinn Buddy Build Off At The Buffalo Chip.’
“Good morning, Cyril. I am writing you this morning to see if you have any need for a Custom Cad Designer. I think that I can help custom bike builders with the ability to draw up 3D models of different parts. I am not sure sure how many custom parts you buy but I know it would be cool for people to have one of kind rims on their bike. There are a lot of machine shops around that can machine up the rims but they need to have a design to go. It doesn’t have to end with rims I can draw up custom pipes, handle bars, frames and so on. I am not looking for a full time job just an opportunity to help you when you want or need it. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about endless possibilities. Feel free to give me a call when you have a minute. Thanks” Joe Julian. Lakeland, FL. 863-603-8686. jjulian3d@tampabay.rr.com
In less than one week, exactly August 8th in Sturgis, a lot of new creations are going to be unveiled during the 2010 AMD World Championship Of Bike Building. So, it’s time for me to finish my European tour of the custom motorcycles scene with this bike built in Slovakia, a small 5 million people ex-communist country located in Central Europe. It still amazes me that this style of bike has such a worldwide universal appeal and you will be happy when I tell you that “Speedy G” was built with the main parts sourced in the US. An S&S 96″ engine, Baker 6-speed, Paughco rigid frame, and stock Harley wheels. And I acknowledge that it is the main reason of this post. Is is a legal ride in Slovakia? Huh, the shop of Ivo Kollarik & Jiri Olicis is called Unauthorized…(Photography Horst Roesler)
David Uhl, ““The Norman Rockwell of Harley-Davidson artists” is introducing Uhl Works, the fusion of fine art and unique imprinted apparel. Through their respective artistic talents, David Uhl and graphic artist Danial James imagined and created and are introducing a radically designed art for wear to the fashion industry. As an official licensee of Harley-Davidson Motor Company since 1993, David and Danial together have already created over 500 T-shirt designs. Uhl Works now takes their apparel experience to a whole new level. Continue reading ‘Uhl Works. The Fusion Of Fine Art And Apparel.’
Empty threat? “Harley-Davidson seeks to close large cost gaps in its Milwaukee-area and Tomahawk production operations, and improve flexibility to meet seasonal and other customer-driven production needs,” Harley-Davidson said in a statement. If Harley-Davidson is unable to achieve those objectives through agreement with the unions by mid-September 2010, the company has said it will move Wisconsin production operations to another location in the United States. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Since the company has been acquired by Paul Aiken 2 years ago, the Aeromach company tries to diversify its line of parts beyond custom mirrors. After grips and mirrors, the new introduction are these Dog Bone Risers conceived to be adjustable to your preferred hands on bars position.
They adjust vertically and horizontally by moving the clamp up or down the riser or move to the front or rear of the riser for more or less reach. Riser is threaded with a 1/2″-13 thread for installation on Springer front end or with your supplied hardware. Made in the USA and are handcrafted with state-of-the-art CNC machines using aircraft-quality 6061-T6 billet aluminum. They come with a Scotch Brite finish. $199.95. Call Paul Aiken on my behalf at 704-895-0150. Aeromach Manufacturing.
While you enjoy the 70th Black Hills Rally, you have one more reason to stop by the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. The museum got a short-term 3-week loan of a custom motorcycle originally built in 1990 by Custom Chrome Designer John Reed for the 50th anniversary of Rally. The bike was owned by Custom Chrome founder Nace Panzica, then donated to the National Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. For the next three weeks, the bike will be on loan to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and will be on exhibit for all visitors to see. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Motorcycle Museum To Exhibit John Reed’s 50th Anniversary Rally Custom Motorcycle’
Long time reader of my blog Mike Hedberg directed me to an excellent article about Harley’s future published today in the Milwaukee Biz Times. No only a good summary of the challenges that the company is facing (reaching a new audience without compromising its core baby boomer customers, lowering its production costs without sacrifying quality, keeping its identity although probably moving part of its production out of Wisconsin and maybe one day out of the country), but also some interesting recommendations by marketing experts with mention of some traps in which the company could easily fall…A must read. What Harley Should Do Now. Your opinion?
What about a free 5-day general admission for 2 persons to all Sturgis concerts played at Monkey Rock August 9-13, 2010?
The Rock N’ Rev Festival is giving away five pairs (2) of free pass to my readers to see the performance of the following bands: Godsmack 8/9/10, Creed 8/10/10, Stone Temple Pilots 8/11/10, 3 Doors Down 8/12/10, Daughtry 8/12/10, Alice in Chains, Guns N’ Roses 8/13/10 and more! Winner(s) will be notified by an email after the contest is concluded on August 4, 2010. To get a chance to win, jump right now to Sturgis Rock N’ Rev Festival.
Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) objective is to perfect its models with better finish, proportions, paint, chrome, parts, power, etc. and to release them in limited edition. Among the 4 new CVO models offered in 2011, this 110″ (1803cc) Convertible Softail to go from custom cruising to custom touring. Continue reading ‘2011 Harley-Davidson CVO Softail Convertible’
Both Zipper’s Performance Products and Thunder Heart Performance Products crews will be located at Black Hills Harley-Davidson from August 9th to 14th. The 2 companies work together to develop the ThunderMax System. Representatives from both companies will be available to discuss the ThunderMax system and will be selling and installing it. They will, also, be available to to answer all of your questions about EFI performance, map units and help customers with their maps on pre-existing ThunderMax installs. Continue reading ‘Where Are They In Sturgis? Zipper’s Performance And Thundermax.’
I stopped counting the number of custom bike shows going on this year during the Black Hills Rally. No complaints from the spectators who can jump from places to places for full days of customization lessons, but some competitors will have to make choices because it seems that other interesting bike shows may be going on at the same time. Daytona Bike week had the same issue a few years ago.
I am a big fan of stainless steel and I am surrounded by it in both my personal and professional life. I also use a lot of Sharpies. So, when I saw these new stainless steel Sharpies I bought a bunch and I thought that you guys would like to know they exist. At $7 to $8.50 a piece depending of the place where you buy them it’s probably the most luxurious good marker ever made. Stainless Sharpie logo laser etched on the stainless steel barrel. Unscrew ink cartridge to replace it. Fine point tip size for marking and writing and of course marks on most surfaces, reason why we all use Sharpies.
Harley-Davidson introduces the new SuperLow™, the XR1200X and the Road Glide® Ultra models to its line of 2011-model-year motorcycles ( total line-up is 32 models)
1-The new SuperLow 883 Sportster combines revised front end geometry, new wheels and tires with a reshaped seat and handlebars to achieve well-balanced handling and comfort that is supposed to inspire confidence in new riders and exhilarate those with experience. 2- The new XR1200X is Harley-Davidson Sportster® performance honed to its finest edge, with adjustable front and rear suspension, floating front brake rotors and the surging power of a high-compression 1200cc Evolution® V-Twin engine.
3- The new Road Glide Ultra The qualities of a frame-mounted fairing and luxury touring accommodations come together in the new Road Glide Ultra. Powered by a Twin Cam 103™ engine, this long-haul beauty comes equipped with a King Tour-Pak® luggage carrier, vented fairing lowers, ABS (anti-lock braking system), Harley-Davidson Smart Security System, cruise control, and a four-speaker, 80-watt Harman/Kardon Advanced Audio System. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson 3 New Models for 2011’
The weekend of June 26th & 27th saw Battistinis UK Custom Cycles swing open the doors of the world’s first 9000 sq.ft. Battistinis retail custom centre in Bournemouth, England to the general public and what a success it was! Owner Mark Battistini organises every year an open weekend and thought that it would take a few years to fill his new location. It was not the case, and the new place blew all of theirr previous shows into the wayside. Thousands turned out for the grand opening which was conducted by the Mayor of Bournemouth. Continue reading ‘Battistinis UK 2010 Big Party’
The proof that with the same machining technique you can create very different results.
I like very much this new grip conceived by Zach Ness (Cory’s son) specifically for Victory but also fitting some metric bikes. At first glance I thought it was made out of lexan! (why not?), but as a matter of fact it’s aluminum and black anodizing.
A woman stopped by, unannounced, at her son’s house. She knocked on the door then immediately walked in. She was shocked to see her daughter-in-law lying on the couch, totally naked. Soft music was playing, and the aroma of perfume filled the room.
“What are you doing?!” she asked. “I’m waiting for Mike to come home from work,” the daughter-in- law answered. “But you’re naked!” the mother-in-law exclaimed. “This is my love dress,” the daughter-in-law explained. “Love dress? But you’re naked!” “Mike loves me and wants me to wear this dress,” she explained.” It excites him to no end. Every time he sees me in this dress, he instantly becomes romantic and ravages me for hours on end. He can’t get enough of me.” Continue reading ‘Joke Of The Week’
As I mentioned in my former post, all 2011 Victory models are now fitted with the new Freedom 106″ engine, but in 2 different configurations. Stage 1: 92 hp at 109 ft/lbs torque (vision Tourer, Cross Country, Cross Roads, the Cory Ness Signature Cross Country and the Arlen Ness Signature Vision Tourer. Stage 2: 97 hp and 113 ft/lbs of torque (Vegas Jackpot, Hammer, Hammer S, Vegas, Kingpin, all of the 8-Ball models and the Zach Ness Signature Vegas 8-Ball.) A “Neutral Assist” has been added to the new 6-speed transmission to make it easier for riders to find neutral when they come to a stop. Oil change intervals have been increased to 5,000 miles as a result of improved reliability and of the new transmission design.
Follow the pictures of the main models of the new 2011 Victory Motorcycles line-up. From top to bottom. Hammer 8Ball, Jackpot, Kingpin, Vegas Ness, Vision, Vision Ness. Many configurations, options and colors are available.
Le Pera just released a throw back style line of seats called the “Hot Rod Series” to equip today’s custom bikes with a retro look. Bobbed, chopped, flat colors, use of pinstripping, all of these design cues are the essence of what a custom bike used to be in the 70’s. Shown here from left to right, the DADDY O’, OL’ 32, AVANTI and BEL-AIR. Inquire for models fitting your Harley-Davidson or custom bike. Le Pera
This afternoon, Custom Chrome President and CEO Holger Mohr announced the creation of a global motorcycle customizing competition that will unite the best talents from around the world. It will be known as The Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series. To start, bike shows will be held in the United States, in Germany and Austria with new events added in other countries in 2011 and beyond. “Our mission is to have world class shows, year after year, and to give Builders and Customizers a forum to show their best work.” says Holger Mohr. “Custom Chrome is known as a company that supports these innovative designers and we want to grow that support with these international events.”
The Custom Chrome International Bike Show Series will see it’s first event in Austria on Lake Faaker-See at the Arneitz Custom Show festival area, during European Bike Week, Sept. 7 through 12, 2010. Custom Chrome has a long running tradition at Faak and CCI had sponsored and promoted this show since it’s very beginning. The show attracts 100,000 visitors and 70,000 motorcycles during the week, making it of the must attended events by European bikers. Continue reading ‘Exclusive. Custom Chrome To Start An International Bike Show Series.’
