Last Friday, new series of layoffs at Big Dog Motorcycles, it seems to be the 8th. Although the new number is not yet known, among key collaborators let go are John Brock (since 2003 Vice President Of Operations), Anne Dixon (Customer Service Manager) and Wayne Hanson (since 2006 Customer Support Manager.)
The Big Dog Motorcycles website doesn’t feature the $20,000 Chopper presented last February at the Indianapolis Dealers Show to motorcycle dealers and medias as the low price model supposed to revive the company sales. No presence in Sturgis is announced for the 70th Anniversary of Black Hills Rally. It’s almost one year ago that Presidentand CEO Sheldon Coleman announced here in my Blog that he was actively looking for investors, a partnership, joint venture etc. No official update was provided. Big Dog Motorcycles.
Correction June 30, 2010. 2.21 pm Est: John Nasi at Big Dog Motorcycles advised me that the company will be exhibiting in Sturgis. Location is: Champions Park at 1205 Lazelle Street (between 2nd and 3rd Street).
Fourth Of July. Celebration of Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. A day associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, ceremonies … and free shipping at Baker Drivetrain.
This week leading to the 4th of July on Sunday, all orders you place online at Baker Drivetrain give you free economy ground shipping in the continental US states. It’s true on all Sorders whatever the product, without minimum dollars amount required , for all retail clients and dealers. This offer begins 6/28/2010 at 12:00am EST and ends 7/4/2010 at 11:59 PM ET . When you place your order just enter code “Shipfree” at check out. Baker Drivetrain Online Store.
Free publicity or paid product placement? Either way, a Ducati intensively used by Tom Cruise for different chases and pursuits in the Movie “Knight And Day” is going to sell a lot of Ducatis. Especially because the model supposedly picked by Tom Cruise himself is a Ducati Hypermotard whose 1100 version lists for an appealing price of $11,995.
Broadcasting & Cable reports that “embedded marketing” or “branded entertainment” is used by 2/3 of advertisers because of the “stronger emotional connection” to target a specific group.
Just wish that a Harley would have been picked or placed and wonder if the mother factory has some movie projects.
This early Monday morning June 28, 2010 (4.20 am local time), and much sooner than expected, Frank Kelly from South Carolina and Will 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 Sunday afternoon. To avoid a risk of accident while racing each other (and a disqualifying speeding ticket) they decided that they would ride together at legal speed and cross the finish line at the same time (which is mathematically impossible!). Other riders next to finish are stated as being at least one day behind the 2 finalists. Still, both riders need to pass a drug test, a motorcycle inspection, a polygraph, a verification of gas receipts and road logs to be declared as winners. Continue reading ‘Hoka Hey Challenge. Two Bikers Arrive Together In Homer, Alaska. Are They The Winners?’
Fifteen years that French Thierry Nicolle rides stock Harleys, almost everything in the Milwaukee line up, from a Sportster to a V-Rod via a couple of Dynas. Until a friend went away to sail the high seas and let him use his Chop, a customized Sportster Ironhead, the model sold by Harley starting year 1972 with overhead-valve engine beefed up to 61′ or 1000 cc. Thierry fell in love with this friend’s XL and the only way he could return it to its owner was to get one for himself. Good pretext, his 40th birthday was coming. Mid life crisis? Continue reading ‘Giving A New Life To A Harley Ironhead Sportster.’
Harley-Davidson CEO Keith Wandell, contrary to most of his predecessors who had a motorcycle background because promoted from inside the company, was criticized for not being a biker with the innuendo that he could not fully understand his clients. Well, on Thursday August 6 he will stradle one of the company touring models to be part of the group of Harley-Davidson executives riding to Sturgis Bike Week. More credible than photo opportunities just sitting on one. It will be a first for Keith Wandell and I am sure he is going to learn quite a few things while on the road and during the rally. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson CEO Keith Wandell To Ride For The 1st Time To Sturgis Bike Week.’
The proof again that you don’t need to do in the complicated to get a nice design. For all those readers who are ready and able to weld-on a simple but still custom gas cap, the Mooneyes Knuckle model is a good choice that will never go out of custom building fashion.
Of course the bung side is in steel with the cap itself machined from 6061 billet aluminum and is available in raw machined, polished or chrome finish. Non-vented or vented is achieved simply by removing the stainless steel set screw on the bottom. Bung (size: 1.4″ x 1.1″ x 2″ high) is included. $250 at Mooneyes USA.
Faithful to its philosophy of building motorcycles with a simple, pure, minimal, rugged to skeletal shape, Confederate Motors announced a very limited production of a new dark version of the P120 Fighter called the Black Flag.
President Matt Chambers believes that its niche market is the clientele in the top 1% of Harley-davidson buyers, those spending $45,000 to $55,000 on a factory custom motorcycle (read limited edition CVO’s models)
After a couple of difficult years, Confederate is currently reorganizing, moving back from Alabama to New-Orleans and should be August 28th with this bike on the salts of Bonneville for the BUB Speed Trials. Confederate Motors
Design simplicity with sophistication in the finishing treatment…
This Glenndyne Design G2 model wheel is CNC machined, then black anodized before going back to the machining process for some ball milling on the rim lip and spokes. Full chrome or full black anodizing are also available.
This model is light weight with the advantage of improved handling and braking. Aaron Glenn is ready to listen to your wish list if you want to pick your own wheel contrast areas or suggest other finishes. Glenndyne Design. Tel: 405-401-8707.
A superb video directed by Henrik Hansen to explain in a few words and images why and how Shinya Kimura build custom bikes in his small shop of Azusa, California. Never before have I seen a short movie where editing and sounds express so well the art of custom building motorcycles (including visual references to “The World’s Fastest Indian” movie)
The new Cobra for Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles from Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America is available now.
The new Cobra has been designed to sustain heavier loads over long distances as a result of a triple-belted, six-ply construction. For improved handling and stability, the new Cobra utilizes an advanced sport touring tire technology with a solid rubber block tread design that virtually eliminates irregular wear and also extends tire life. For improved reliability and responsiveness when braking in wet conditions, the new Cobra features an Inverted Front Groove (IFG) tread design, while the unique “snakeskin” sidewall design delivers the ultimate style.
Please refer to Cobra AV71 Front, part number 4710019, size 130/80B17 and Cobra AV72 Rear, size 180/65B16, part number 4700022. For more information, visit Avon Motorcycle Tyres or call (800) 624-7470
Polaris opened its first dealership in Beijing, China, and plans to open more. Its Ranger and Sportsman models made their first high-profile appearance to Chinese consumers at the Beijing auto show in April. Polaris partnered with Beijing United Automobile Motorcycle Manufacturing Co, a subsidiary of Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co, to establish 5 retailers in China by the end of this year.
Harley-Davidson laid off this week 200 employees at its York County plant, PA. The plant has been reducing its full-time union work force from about 1,950 employees to between 700 and 800 full-time workers and 200 to 300 employees who would only work as needed. 1,300 union production employees will remain after the 200 job cuts. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry news.’
Another very limited production custom bike offered in the $20’s + price range depending of the options you choose. For $22,995 you get the choice of the frame (0″ Up, 0″ Out, 30 deg Rake 150mm-250mm) or 1″ Up, 2″ Out 32 deg Rake 150mm-250mm or 0″ Up, 4″ Out 32 deg Rake 150mm-250mm. Continue reading ‘New Hitman Bobber. Starting At $22,995.’
Vintage is the new cool. With a new twist added to a classic round shape, this 2-piece air cleaner is available for CV, S&S B, S&S E, Bendix and Likert 4 bolts carburetors.
CNC machined aluminum two piece body, and provided with adapter plate with stainless steel perforated metal, mounting hardware & a UNI Filter foam element. Diameter 4″ x Depth 1 1/2″. At Bench Mark Products.
“The Texas Motorcycle Rights Association is sad to announce that our great Leader, Sputnik, passed away suddenly at approximately 5:00 AM this morning. I woke up at 5:45AM to find him on the living floor at the state office. It appeared that he crossed over quickly and did not suffer, from a massive heart attack. I can not begin to even put into words how devastating the loss is to the biker community, to his family, and to us who live with him at the state office, for all TMRA2, and to all of his brothers and sisters who loved him dearly.
Sputnik will go down history as the greatest Motorcycle Rights Activist in the History of our Nation and we, as his Task Force, were truly blessed to be a part of this great Warriors life.God has a special place in Heaven for Sputnik and he told me yesterday that wanted all of us to continue the political work and to carry forward with his final Rally for the Birthday Bash in July. As soon as we know the Memorial Service information we will send out another broadcast. Our sincerest regrets to the entire Biker Community” Terri Williams-State Secretary TMRA 2. Stephanie Parks-TMRA2 Task Force
All those discovering, maintaining, and preserving American motorcycle history deserve a very special place in all bikers’ heart. Dale Walksler is since 1993 the founder/curator/restorer (with crew) of the Wheels Through Time Museum, home of world’s premier collection of rare American Vintage Motorycles located in beautiful Maggie Valley, NC. Being at the helm of an important not for profit museum is a labor of love requiring much more work than most people are willing to do. Inspiration from his parents as role models, courage, passion, perseverance and respect for motorcycle history support his unwavering efforts to restore about 14 machines every year. These efforts must be known by all of you, and what a better way than to open my digital space to Dale where he is narrating just for you the story of his 1936 VEL restoration. Continue reading ‘Dale Walksler 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead’
It all started before the 1st of the 7000 miles was ridden Sunday morning in Key West, Florida. Some reported that potential participants, before or after paying their $1000 fee to get a chance to belong to the long distance challenge, decided to withdraw after they realized that that organizer Big Jim (Jim Red Cloud, Jim Durham) was at the last minute changing the rules advertised on the Hoka Hey website.
Only Harley-Davidson were supposed to participate but other brands were registered. GPS were supposed to be prohibited but many participants were equipped with them and are now reporting their postions hour after hour. At a meeting before the challenge, Big Jim was supposedly presenting the Hoka Hey as a race when the event was initially advertised as an endurance challenge because racing on any public streets and highways in America is absolutely prohibited. Continue reading ‘Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. A Possible 7000 Miles Long Scam?’
Hundreds of iPhone covers are available with a few more released every day. It goes from cheap plastic shells to fake and real carbon fiber to wood and even precious metals like gold, silver and platinum.. But as far I know, none specifically conceived with the biker lifestyle in mind. You know, something strong enough to protect your phone from big falls (are we the best at dropping objects before and while riding?) and saying gearheads all over them. Wicked Image just released these aircraft aluminum made iphone cases with cut outs, patterns and anodizing colors leaving no doubt about the fact that they are conceived by bikers for bikers. Fit iPhone 3 and 3GS. (Hey, guys, better off urgently releasing new cases for the very different shaped iPhone 4 available today June 24) See the line up at Metal iPhone Cases
Bob Dylan and his Band will perform throughout the western United States in August and will make a stop in Sturgis August 10. “Having Bob Dylan play at the Chip is a dream come true,” explains Buffalo Chip owner, Rod Woodruff. “His musical contributions are unmatched. He is truly a legend and we’re thrilled to be able to offer our guests the best of the best when it comes to entertainment.” A trendsetter by every definition of the word, Dylan’s slangy yet profound lyrics successfully changed the face of American music, culture and politics. He has toured steadily since the late 1980’s on what has been dubbed the “Never Ending Tour”. ZZ Top, Kid Rock, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, The Doobie Brothers, and The Scorpions are the other big acts performing at the Chip. All reservations at Buffalo Chip.
Frederick Fortune is a graphic designer, a motorcycle hobbyist whose taste about brands goes from vintage Harley to classic Norton to Cyclone…But a 1915 Cyclone Racer like the one on the top picture, the fastest motorcycle of its time (50 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, 111 mph) will set you back at least 1/2 million dollars because only 300 were built by the Joerns Motorcycle Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota will only 8 known remaining. But what do you do when you are mesmerized by such a machine? Read what Frederick told me about the story of his “Psyclone” Continue reading ‘From a 1915 Cyclone To a 2010 Psyclone. Half A Million Dollars Saved.’
First, I must disclose that I have used this company in the past, and that when it will be your time to look for very fancy spoke patterns and unusual colors that you can choose – either powder coating or anodizing – you must pay a visit to the website of HD Wheels. Owner Andrei Rybkin is very accommodating in mixing and matching all his spoke patterns (twisted, new diamond, fat, standard spokes, and many others) and colors with options you will not find find anywhere else, including having your spokes in more than 1 color or finish type. From 40 to 120 spokes to the widest and taller sizes. Also check the seamless Aluminum Apollo SL rims. Call Andrei on my behalf at 818-887-9065 after visiting HD Wheels.
In these times there are no small economies. My retail readers should know that when they order the free 2010 Custom Chrome Catalog on CD they automatically receive a coupon good for 10% off their first online order (over $199) via the CCI eStore. When placing your order just enter the coupon code at time of check out. The Custom Chrome eStore was created to help retail clients use their computer to place their orders online via the CCI motorcycle dealer of their choice. Dealers can be found and chosen via a zip code search. To order your CCI catalog for free go THERE. To place orders, jump to the eStore.
Is it a good time to launch a new motorcycle manufacturing company? Is there a market for an a new All American Sport Tourer?
Partners Lee Conn (Health Care Industry background) and Brian Case (former developer and designer of the Confederate Wraith) believe so. In 2008 they incorporated Motus Motorcycles (motus means motion in Latin) and polled bikers who ride long distance and got the confirmation that above all they want engine reliability and aerodynamics in a lightweight machine. Continue reading ‘Soon An All American Sport Tourer?’
Ozzy Osbourne will cap off the Summer’s Biker Music Festival at the legendary Buffalo Chip. One of heavy metal music’s original trailblazers, Ozzy Osbourne pioneered the sentiment that it’s ok to think dark thoughts. He originally rose to prominence as lead vocalist of the cutting-edge British heavy metal band Black Sabbath in the 1970’s, and went on to achieve a multi-platinum solo career spanning three decades which lead to the eventual and complete revolution of the heavy metal music genre. Poised and ready to offer their visitors the complete biker experience, the Buffalo Chip has rounded up an enormous selection of biker-centric fun and festivities in addition to their unrivaled music lineup which also includes ZZ Top, Kid Rock, Motley Crue, The Doobie Brothers and The Scorpions. This year’s experience also includes Michael Lichter’s 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art exhibit. Entitled “Eternal Combustion-30 in the Wind” the exhibit will focus on the explosion of interest and passion for custom motorcycles and will feature the works of 15 pairs of custom builders. To make your reservations for Sturgis Bike Week 2010 visit Buffalo Chip.
On May 28, I posted about a company called Ray Gun using a technology called Atomic-Forged process (exotic metal ions bombarded on components) to create unprecedented levels of hardness, wear and corrosion resistance on your motorcycle brake rotors. These rotors are supposed to remain beautiful and scratch free for the lifetime of your motorcycle.
And now, coming July 1st, the company will launch the Bomber black rotors staying black even on the friction ring surface. These new brake rotors will be available in solid 1 piece and in a full floating 2 piece design. Bonus, for the 1st time, you will be able to really black out your bike and show your dark side like never before. Ray Gun Technology.
Last Friday, new series of layoffs at Big Dog Motorcycles, it seems to be the 8th. Although the new number is not yet known, among key collaborators let go are John Brock (since 2003 Vice President Of Operations), Anne Dixon (Customer Service Manager) and Wayne Hanson (since 2006 Customer Support Manager.)
Harley-Davidson 
