Yesterday evening in Orlando, Polaris unveiled its 2011 year model motorcycles and my opinion is that it’s the best lineup ever for the company. From traditional to futuristic but with coherence of styling and complementarity all models are having now a very distinct personality from their competition. For these reasons the brand may now appeal to a very wide range of clients. Continue reading ‘2011 Victory Motorcycles Line-Up. Best Millesim Ever (Part 1)’
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2011 Victory Motorcycles Line-Up. Best Millesim Ever (Part 1)
Published by July 27th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.Sturgis Art Exhibit By Michael Lichter
Published by July 27th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Just a reminder that from August 7th to 13th, it will be the 10th Annual “Motorcycles As Art Exhibition” by renewed photographer Micharl Lichter. The new theme is about the explosion of interest and the passion for custom motorcycles seen over the last thirty years and is named “Eternal Combustion- 30 Years In The Wind”. Continue reading ‘Sturgis Art Exhibit By Michael Lichter’
Bad ass or just beautiful? Black shocks would look better than chrome on many bikes. And because most custom bikes are lowered these new Bad In Black Shocks are of the type shorty measuring 10″ from eye to eye.
They have been specifically engineered with a universal spring load that can smoothly handle riders from 150 to 325 lbs, and feature adjustable spring ratings to attain softer or stiffer ride response to match your preference (spanner wrench included).
They have just been introduced by Lick’s Cycles and are available for 1991 through 2010 Sportster and retail for just $199.00. Call 413-663-9050 for other Harley-Davidson and metric applications. Dealer inquiries invited. Lick’s Cycles
J&P Cycles® Donates $15,000 to Camp Courageous of Iowa
Published by July 27th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Since 2002 during their Annual Open House festivities J&P Cycles® incorporates an Industry Golf Outing. In total, 44 representatives from 30 of J&P Cycles® exhibitors and industry media participated in the tournament. This year, the Golf Outing, the Annual Poker Run (held earlier in June) and water donations during the Open House raised a total of $15,000 for Camp Courageous. Continue reading ‘J&P Cycles® Donates $15,000 to Camp Courageous of Iowa’
While taking a sabbatical from his real job in commercial real estate Englishman Ian Solley started building custom motorcycles under the name of “7Ages Motorcycles“. Although not yet his full time job, Ian builds an average of 2 bikes a year, one of them I already featured here in my Blog. Particularity: all his projects are based on a Harley-Davidson Street Bob (most often bought used), from which he keeps only engine, transmission, wheel hubs, most of the electrical, and part of the frame to keep the VIN number (not something you are supposed to do here in the US. Right?). What he doesn’t use can be found on eBay where the orphan parts have no difficulty being sold, the total proceeds considerably lowering the price of each of his new customs. Did he encourage you to do same? This tracker is provisionally called “Chaos is come again” (see gas tank) a quote from Othello, the tragedy from William Shakespeare… Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Othello Tracker’
Harley-Davidson To Celebrate 25th Anniversary Of Spin Magazine
Published by July 25th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
An interesting event for those living around New-York City and one susceptible to attract young riders to the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom Series. Tomorrow July 26, 25 Harley-Davidson VIP riders in addition to New-York personality Wass Stevens and artist Wes Lang will make a grand entrance on brand new Dark Custom motorcycles to the SPIN Magazine Anniversary event that will feature performances by The Smashing Pumpkins, Kill Hannah and The Jim Jones Review. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson To Celebrate 25th Anniversary Of Spin Magazine’
New Stylish Front Axle Kit For Harley-Davidson Touring Models
Published by July 25th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial, Suspension and Wheels.
Lower legs should look pretty, but unfortunately due to a front wheel axle often held in place with 2 unsightly bolts, it’s not the case on many motorcycles, especially touring models.
So, Performance machine had its engineers design a new stylish front axle and front axle cap kit to clean up your front end embellish your high end front wheel. This axle kit, which consists of an axle and 2 stylish bolts to cap it off, are manufactured from high-strength, corrosion resistant 316-stainless steel. Continue reading ‘New Stylish Front Axle Kit For Harley-Davidson Touring Models’
What do you do with your obsolete computer? Sell it , donate it to a school or charity, or give it to professionals whose business is to dismantle your system in a manner that allows for the safe extraction of the valuable materials it contains (copper, gold, iron, aluminum, etc) for reuse in other products)
Alex Manigod has his own way that we can call creative re-motor-cycling. Calling himself an archeologist of the future, he gives old electronics and computer parts a new form of existence. Example is this motorcycle sculpture bolted together with parts like hard drives for wheels and others I can’t recognize. Green motorcycle? Sort of.
August 11th Is Triumph Night At Sturgis Broken Spoke Campground
Published by July 24th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
During these last 12 months,” The Win A Triumph” Sweepstakes has hit the Broken Spoke Saloon in Daytona, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach and Laconia, and will culminate in Sturgis with a biker bash and a brand new Triumph Thundebird prize giveaway at the Broken Spoke Campground. People have entered the sweepstakes to win a Triumph Thunderbird at each location during these rallies and you will still have a chance to enter on-site in Sturgis until Tuesday, August 10th. Continue reading ‘August 11th Is Triumph Night At Sturgis Broken Spoke Campground’
Roland Sands Wideglide And Narrowglide Front End Fork Braces.
Published by July 24th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
By choice, your front fender is missing in action because you think your custom bike looks better without it. On stock and even more so on extended front ends you may end up with a lot of flex in your tubes. A taller wheel can amplify this issue.
So, here comes a new version of the rigidity brace by Roland Sands Design availablr in shiny chrome or glossy black powdercoat, for wideglide or narrowglide front ends. Just bolt on where your front fender was mounted. Laser Cut with Brass RSD Logo Badge and sold with chrome hardware. At Drag Specialties. Roland Sands Design.
Sturgis Rat’s Hole Show Is Thursday August 12th
Published by July 24th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The Sturgis Rat’s Hole will be putting on it’s custom bike show on Thursday August 12th. This world famous show will be the 22nd annual edition held in Sturgis, and this year (and the next 5 years) bikes will compete on the grounds of the Buffalo Chip.
There will be the usual class trophies (20 classes) and a Best Of Show with all winners receiving their award on stage front of thousands of fans, just before the concert given by Ozzy Osbourne (you need to buy a ticket). They will also have a Rat’s Hole Bar selling collector mugs giving you half price beer all week long at the Buffalo Chip (you can pre buy this collector mugs at 386-454-3496.) Access to the public is free of charge. Pre-register your custom motorcycle by making the jump to Rat’s Hole.
New Battistinis Harley-Davidson Speaker Grill Covers
Published by July 23rd, 2010 in Accessories, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
I told you before. Rikki Battistini will not stop punching holes until there are no more motorcycle solid parts to hole punch. Good for you if you already started to use his now extensive classy line of custom parts. No risk you will get lost in choosing the correct part to follow a coherent theme. So, now you can add a pair of speaker grills in your shopping cart. They will bolt on on all speakers of Harley-Davidson Street and Electra Glides. Machined, punched and polished or chromed or anodized in the USA. Battistinis Custom Cycles.
I am about to upload this post and Rikki sends me an email saying that he could not resist knocking some windshield trims…I warned you.
Where Are They In Sturgis? Baker Drivetrain.
Published by July 23rd, 2010 in Customs, Driveline, Editorial and Events.
Big move this year for Baker Drivetrain! They go from downtown Sturgis at Lazelle Street and 5th to the same address but on the other side of the street on the Community Center Parking lot (because girls are always prettier on the other side of the street)
Bert and Lisa Baker and all their tribe will be on location on Saturday August 7th, all prepped to install their transmissions in all configurations, and all king of improvements like clutch upgrades, Plus One oil pans, Function Formed Fl Oil spouts, etc. Baker offers discounted package installations during Sturgis, but call now 877-640-2004 to make your reservation because they are always fully booked when the rally starts. Continue reading ‘Where Are They In Sturgis? Baker Drivetrain.’
Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Update July 23, 2010
Published by July 23rd, 2010 in Editorial and Events.
This morning July 23rd, 2010 Jim Durham, organizer of the very controversial Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, announced in the Rapid City Journal that the grand prize of $500,000 will be given at the Broken Spoke Saloon at 7 p.m. Aug. 11 in Sturgis.
Your remember that Frank Kelly from South Carolina and William Barclay from Highland Beach, Florida, rode together under the finish banner of the Hoka Hey Challenge in Homer, Alaska. The 2 riders didn’t know each other until they met at the last checkpoint. To avoid a risk of accident while racing each other (and risking a disqualifying speeding ticket) they decided that they would ride together at legal speed and cross the finish line at the same time. Jim Durham states that the possible winner is William Barclay pending the passing of a polygraph test to prevent cheating. No word about Frank Kelly and why he could not be the possible winner and why he doesn’t have to pass a polygraph test. The Broken Spoke Saloon and Broken Spoke Campground spokespersons want my readers to know that they have no affiliation with the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and that they are merely giving them a stage to announce the winner of the Challenge. Continue reading ‘Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Update July 23, 2010’
Aging A 2010 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin-Cam.
Published by July 23rd, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
You ask me what to do with your recent stock Harley-Davidson Twin-Cam model. What about this example, a 2010 Harley Softail customized by another creative official Harley-Davison dealer. To look so custom, this modified Harley required to be stripped down to the frame to have some brackets removed because unecessary and all welds cleaned before molding and repainting. Continue reading ‘Aging A 2010 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin-Cam.’
Buffalo Chip Free Gazette Guide To Sturgis Entertaiment
Published by July 23rd, 2010 in Editorial and Events.
It will be the 29th year that the Sturgis Buffalo Chip publishes its free Gazette, and for some coming to the rally every year, it is kept as a precious souvenir.
A guide to Sturgis? Not exactly, but still very useful to know all the events, bands playing at the music festival, activities, charities going on at the Buffalo Chip during the rally. At least you get part of the information you must know to fill your calendar.
While you are there locally you may not find it in stock anymore, but you can pick up a free copy at over 75 Victory and Harley-Davidson dealerships nationwide or visit Buffalo Chip and have one delivered to your door.
You are looking at Scott Jacobs’ “My Way Or The Highway” new painting that officially commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Sturgis Rally and Races.
The painting was done from a photography of Scott’s daughter Alexa posing front of the landmark vintage gas station Tower Conoco in Texas which has been in existence since 1938. Continue reading ‘My Way Or The Highway’
Sturgis 2010 World Championship Of Custom Bike Building
Published by July 22nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The dates are from August 8th to 11th, 2010 at Champion Park located at Lazelle and 3rd Street in Sturgis. Please, note that the organizer has limited capacity at this facility and may close entries at any time without notice. Entries will only be guaranteed up to and including Monday August 2nd. Any entry submitted after this date is accepted solely at the organizers’ discretion. Competitors may enter up to two bikes in total. The classes are Freestyle, Modified Harley-Davidson, Production Manufacturer, and Metric World Championship. Registration at AMD Championship. (picture 09 World Champion, Cook Customs)
Where Are They In Sturgis? Custom Chrome.
Published by July 22nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
In the series ” Where Are They In Sturgis”, this post to let you know that Custom Chrome will be the anchor vendor at the J&P Cycles lot on Lazelle street between 8th & 9th. What can you expect? First, Custom Motorcycles. A display on display of the 2 one-off custom bikes celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Custom Chrome, the “Speedway Bagger” built by Kirk Taylor and Cole Foster’s 70’s inspired Chopper. Continue reading ‘Where Are They In Sturgis? Custom Chrome.’
A toy car to decorate a shelf, your desk or to use as paper weight. Machined out of 6061 aluminum by a custom hot rod shop called Kara Customs.
Simple, beautiful, and rolling on bearings if you really need to play with it like a kid. It measures 6″ x 4″ and is quite reasonably priced at $65.00, UPS shipping included in the continental US (not for young children because they could choke on it) More models coming soon. Order online at Karas Kustoms
Beezerker BSA. Off-Center Motorcycle Design.
Published by July 21st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
11 months in the making and a Best Of Show trophy last weekend at the LA Calendar Show for Chris Flechtner of Speed Chop Design. For many who saw it, a strange, skinny and innovative machine based on a fully rebuilt 1965 BSA A65 motor. Look attentively and you will find out that the down tube is used as the oil tank, notice that the headers disappear under the motor because entering the frame with an exit in the very back just under the taillight. Girder fork is a one off, like all body work machined and/or hammered out of aluminum and stainless steel. Details include a twist clutch, stainless steel grips from Chris’ Schwinn Mag Scrambler and only one mechanical rear disc brake. And let’s not forget 100’s of hours of buffing and polishing… Continue reading ‘Beezerker BSA. Off-Center Motorcycle Design.’
This Sunday Russell Mitchell Is Doing Donuts. And Wheelies?
Published by July 21st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
For sure donuts and coffee for an open house at his corporate headquarters of North Hollywood, CA. An opportunity for you to look at his industrial looking almost raw metal creations.
Then join Russ and his gang on an easy 18 mile ride up Highway 101 to the legendary biker hangout, the Rockstore on Mulholland Highway on Cornell. CA. No animals, small children and good looking women will be harmed in the process, and a good time will be had by all.
Say to Russ that you came on my behalf and that I will stop by again when croissants are waiting for me on one of his lifts. Sunday July 25th: Exile Cycles, 13209 Saticoy St., North Hollywood, CA 91605 USA. 818 255 3330. (photography Jim Gianatsis)
Tall Risers For More Attitude
Published by July 21st, 2010 in Builders, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
For more attitude, you can get high(er) with ape hanger handlebars, or for example via a set of very tall risers with drag bars. Of course, aesthetically the result is not at all the same, nor your riding position. If you go for the long bones, just know that Todd Silicato offers these 8″ high risers (measured from base to hole center) working with 1′ or 1 1/8″ handlebars (tapered motocross). Since it’s a 2-piece design it doesn’t matter if you have a non standard hole spacing (classic triple tree hole distance is 3.5″) like on some Springer front ends. Sold in pair in polish, black or chrome. At Todd’s Cycle. 714-901-4516
Hamsters USA Sturgis Raffle To Benefit Rapid City Children’s Hospital
Published by July 21st, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Yes, during this coming Sturgis Bike Week members of the Hamsters MC group will parade again down main street in their yellow shirts, will go to a lot of private parties on “Spearfish Hamsters Hill”, but more importantly will raise money for “Children’s Care Hospital And School” of Rapid City, a center helping children with special needs. Last year the Hamsters group raised a whopping $285,000 during a dinner event and silent auction, and of course to shatter this record they need your help. You can participate to the Children’s Care Raffle with a $50.00 donation. You will get 1 chance in 500 to win a $5000 grand prize, a $500 second prize and a $250 third prize. You don’t need to be present during the raffle held in Spearfish August 9th to win. To participate, jump to Children’s Care Hospital And School.
Icon Motosports Honda Reflex Rocket
Published by July 21st, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If you never heard about Icon Motosports and its line of jackets, helmets, vests, pants, footwear, gloves, accessories and I forget a lot on purpose, you are living under a rock. When Kurt Walter, the company Design Director needs a break, inspiration or just a shot of fresh motorcycle news, yes he goes to my Blog. Noticing my recent post about the Wild Machines From Japan , he reminded me the MegaScooter that Icon built a couple of years ago and wrote a few lines about it just for you my readers. Continue reading ‘Icon Motosports Honda Reflex Rocket’
