In 2009 the Hollister City Council canceled the popular Hollister Independence Rally over concerns on the potential cost to the city. Unfazed, bikers still came in big numbers.
For 2010, the city renewed its decision to cancel the rally, but for sure bikers will continue to ride to Hollister with Corbin’s Headquarters being the final destination and main gathering place. Mike Corbin is launching its First Annual Appreciation Day on July 3rd and will offer a lot of entertainment with self guided factory tours (see your seat pan and upholstery being done before being installed on the spot for free on your bike), showroom display of all Corbin’s seats, bags, custom parts and special vehicles, with bike contests, raffles, a Top Halter’s Poker Run, and of course live music provided by The Backyard Blues Band, girls, bbq and drinks…and the opportunity to meet with Mike and crew. Free Registration at Corbin Rally.
Did you ever wonder why so many old school motorcycles and cars have Spanish names? Even when the machine is American? Even when you are custom builder not living north or south of the border (of Mexico)? I have some answers but I am curious to see if some of you have convincing explanations. Anyway, the story of the builder Christian De Kant is quite interesting. First, he is only 20 years old, is born in Germany, lives in Switzerland, study law at the Geneva University and is not a beginner custom builder… Continue reading ‘El Marinero Borracho Shovelhead’
Back to the popular Spring Leaf front end assemblies of the 1920’s and 1930’s. These ones are a reproduction of the Kiwi-Indian reproduction model and will look good and work on many styles of bikes, boardtrack, bobber or chopper.
These new forks are manufactured using only the finest modern materials. Custom swaged 1-piece, 1 ¼” heavy wall tubing is used for the rear legs and fronts are ¾”. Front support bars are solid ¾”mild steel. Rockers are Paughco’s exclusive high strength units with self lubricating, space tech, cast nylon bushings.
Front legs measure 20” from the bottom of the stem to the front axle. Compatible with 16” to 21” wheels and able to accommodate single or dual disc brakes. Available in chrome, polished copper or black powder coat these Leaf Spring Front Ends retail starting at just $2099.95. Call 775-246-5738 or visit Paughco
About 1000 riders left Key West, Florida this Sunday morning June 20, 2010, for the challenge (another one) of their lifetime, a 7000-mile trip to Homer, Alaska. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is about endurance, grit and determination.
Each rider set his or her own schedule, while driving within the posted speed limits on all roads traveled. Participants must arrive at the final checkpoint not more than 14 days from the start date in order to be recognized by the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Organizers.
The Smoke Out XI is this year a weekly event starting this weekend in santa Rosa, New Mexico and ending June 25/26 in Rockigham, North Carolina. The long road will stop by in Oklahoma where Bryan from Brass balls Bobbers will join the party on this chop that he built for himself with Tim’s help. “El Flaco” (The Skinny) is a fully rebuilt Sportster Ironhead using now a Led Sled frame, a Knuckle Dragger front end, a Detroit Bros gas tank, Nash bars, Bare Knuckle foot controls, a set of Ride Wright wheels equipped with Beringer brakes, an embossed Kyle Hix seat and a nice paint job by Manny. Brass Balls Bobbers.
It’s a long time that the Apple iPod white earphones don’t mean cool anymore. But are you ready to pay the price to put 18K gold bullet authentic casings etched with an eagle in your ears? And if somebody tells you that you just want to show off, tell him about the following features.
9mm speaker drivers with earth neodymium magnets for superior dynamic range and quick recovery; Machined copper alloy housing, plated in 18k gold providing unmatched sound purity, natural noise cancellation and durability; Continue reading ‘Gold Bullet Casing Earphones. Macho Chic.’
In July 2007, I was the first to inform you of the acquisition by S&S Cycle of Flathead Power, a Swedish Company that moved to Louisiana to service classic/vintage engine lines and components dating back to 1936. It was a perfect complement for the S&S brand and products line. Since 2008 the acquisition of Flathead Power’s assets and trade-name allowed S&S to begin to sell engine components from 1936 and up. And because the classic/old school style continues to inspire pro and backyard builders with retail clients approving and ordering this style of bikes, S&S Cycle had a great marketing opportunity to preempt the market of new old style engines offering coolness of the past and today’s reliability. And now, you read it here first, the company is launching the KN-Kone Engine with the look of a Knucklehead and a displacement of 93″.
One of the reasons many have continued to order old school type bikes equipped with non period correct engines was the justified fear of a lack of reliability and excessive maintenance required by pre-Shovelhead engines. Memory can be selective and the truth is that the good old days weren’t always as good as some remember. Cool engines? Yes, but cranky and temperamental… Continue reading ‘Exclusive. S&S Launching the KN-Kone Engine. Vintage Vibe With Modern Muscle And Reliability.’
Myrtle Beach Rally. Will the South Carolina Supreme Court’s ruling overturning the Myrtle Beach’s helmet law be enough to have bikers return in greater numbers next year? Some local businesses are optimistic for a motorcycle rally rebirth in 2011. Harley-Davidson of North Myrtle Beach is already betting on it and has already chosen the dates for the 7 day rally: May 13-21. But many bikers still think that the Myrtle Beach City still need to be “punished” for its actions, and that local police will be after them for any reason or pretext. For now, and waiting to know how much the US economy will fare in one year, most are convinced that the helmet-law ruling isn’t going to make a big difference – Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Indian Motorcycle Co. will be in Sturgis and would love to have your vintage motorcycle on display. They have a VIP space downtown Sturgis to exhibit your Springfield era motorcycle. The proof again and again of the irresistable appeal of Classic Indians… To reserve your spot, just email pictures to Erin Tracy etracy@indianmotorcycle.com.
The Harley-Davidson trike manufacturing line and a frame welding operation are used by Harley-Davidson as pilots for testing new work structures. The goal is to produce the best possible quality motorcycles with the least amount of waste of any kind, time, energy and money. The systems are an empowerment movement of the workforce to find better ways to make bikes. It’s called the “Harley Continuous Improvement System”. Some diagrams looking like football plays are used to show who and what goes where and at what times in the process. The best diagrams are compact, with little wasted energy around the bike. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Experimenting With New Motorcycle Manufacturing Methods’
Brand new and from the mind of Greg Westbury these little gems to cover nicely your wheel valve stems. They are called “Lost My Head” because they look like an engine barrel with a piston. With a W logo as in Westbury machined in the top of the piston.
Made in the USA and ready to join your wheels at a price of $19.95 per pair + a standard $4.50 shipping in the continental US. Also a cool and unexpected gift idea for your buddies who helped you when your bike was stranded by the side of the road. Online at Westbury Motor Cycles Parts.
“You meet the nicest people on a Honda” was the 1962 advertising campaign launched to elevate the public perception of those who rode motorcycles. Ads depicted housewives, a parent and child, young couples and other respectable members of society-referred to as “the nicest people” riding Hondas for a variety of purposes. Continue reading ‘Rat Motorcycle Of The Month’
Cicero deGuzman Jr. is a Design Director at Time Inc., a Time Warner company, one of the largest publishing companies with a portfolio of more than 120 magazines. He is also the owner of Godspeed 45/06 where he photographs and documents motorcycle builders, their work and workspaces. Continue reading ‘Kustom Kulture. Godspeed 45/06. Volume NO. 3’
On July 1st, 2010 Custom Chrome is going to open a new South America sales office located in Manzanillo, Mexico. California based Custom chrome has already an international presence with Custom Chrome Europe, Custom Chrome Japan and six satellite sales offices around the world including Australia.
The new office will be headed by Manuel Moreno and will offer V Twin dealers in South America the opportunity to receive regular visits from a Custom Chrome Road Force Representative, receive product quickly and efficiently and will allow them to learn about the latest in V-Twin parts and accessories. Opening this new office also shows the commitment Custom Chrome brings in giving dealers the best in service and support, regardless of where on the map they happen to be.” Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome Goes South Of The Border’
There are hundred of chrome and aluminum polishers, hundreds of paint waxers and hundreds of skincare products to protect your skin and your lips from the sun UVA/UBV and rays. So, how do you choose? I already wrote about metal and paint protection. Never did about your skin before, during and after riding.
I am not an expert but living under the almost permanent sun of South Florida, I know that what I hate the most are colored and/or greasy lotions or creams. So, when Robert Wallace, owner of All Sport Blok told me that his Biker Blok SPF 45 sunscreen spray and his SPF15 Lip Balm dries in seconds to the touch but keep for hours their great barrier against a broad spectrum of rays, I was interested. Easy to apply, oil-free and and water resistant. There are no excuse for arriving all red, oily, over wrinkled and looking older than the time of your trip when you hit Sturgis. Spray bottle $12.50. Lip balm $2.50. Order online at Biker Blok™
Last year, I introduced you to this electric motorcycle prototype. Now that it has been clocked at 150 mph on the Bonneville Salts, the company behind it, Mission Motors in san Francisco, is selling it in limited number for a MSRP price of $68,995. Like most of you, I am not a fanatic of the design and of “silent speed” with no sound, no shifting, no exhaust. Still, I am convinced that electric motorcycles will represent in a few years a significant share of the 2 and 3-wheel market. So a few facts to know. Continue reading ‘Silent Speed. World’s Fastest Production Electric Motorcycle. 150 MPH.’
If you own a bagger, these adjustable 3-position control arms from Supreme Legends USA are an excellent and stylish conversion for Harley-Davidson FLH models. Made out of billet aluminum, sold in pair (brake & shifter sides), they are 1” longer than the factory ones and are easily set to any of 3 positions, stock, and down 10° or 20° to accommodate most bikers preferred legs and feet position.
Shown here with “Hammerhead” pegs featuring a double grooved surface with flat rubber inserts for slip free operation. Available in show quality chrome and rugged Bright Dip black anodize, each kit includes stainless hardware and full instructions for quick and simple fitting. As shown, the chrome 3-BAGGER control arms retail at $564.99 and the black goes for $574.99. Available from J&P CYCLE by calling 800-397-4844 or on line at J&P Cycles.
Allstate Motorcycle Insurance has always produced with its Ad Agency Leo Burnett superb TV commercials. And this one is one of the best, if not the best ever. What I think about motorcycle insurance companies (all) is another story, but I can guarantee you that this commercial is going to get a lot of Addy Awards. Short, Simple & Original Concept: nobody wants to see bikers crash, but bikes never crash alone…
A young man in Bavaria who reportedly forgot to take his medication taunted a group of Hells Angels at their clubhouse over the weekend by dropping his pants, throwing a puppy at the bikers, and then making his getaway in a stolen front loader. The 26-year-old drove onto the biker clubhouse grounds on Sunday afternoon in Allershausen, a town just north of Munich. Continue reading ‘Man Moons And Throws Puppy At Hells Angels Bikers’
Ride your motorcycle or scooter on this day to demonstrate the number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians, the diversity of those riding them, and that it can reduce traffic and parking congestion in big cities. Continue reading ‘Ride To Work Day Announced For June 21st, 2010’
Despite a 1964 US Federal law prohibiting sex discrimination, breaking into jobs in non-traditional fields, like being a Harley-Davidson mechanic, seems to continue to be a challenge for many women. A lawsuit brought by Bowen Dean alleged that The Dudley Perkins Company, a Harley-davidson dealer in San Francisco since 1914, denied her a job as a mechanic while less qualified men were hired. Further, the lawsuit said that she was fired as soon as she complained to the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Agency.) Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Dealer Settles Sex Discrimination Lawsuit’
Kenji Nagai is another, but less known for now, Japanese motorcycle builder installed in the US (Torrance, California) to practice his art. His latest custom called “One Eyed King” is modern chopper based on a modified after-market rigid frame with no stretch but a 40-degree rake and a modified 93″ S&S engine by Ken’s Factory (fuel injection system with a 52 mm billet throttle body twin injector) Gas tank, rear fender and oil tank are massaged aluminum. Driveline uses a Baker left side 6-speed transmission, front end is provided by a one-off machined Cycle Kraft 27″ Girder type front end. with rollers provided by Renegade wheels (23″ front with, 20″ rear) and wrapped with Avon tires (130/23″ front, 220/20″ rear), Cycle Kraft. (HRF Photos)
The driveline parts business is all about multiplying torque. At Baker, they master the art and science of optimizing the transmission gear sizes to the desired RPM versus-Speed performance. And you? Do you know how to decide and order the right combo motor sprocket, transmission pulley/sprocket gearset, the wheel pulley/sprocket and your rear wheel size to obtain the best riding range for the long haul? Hey, you just need to know about 2 equations to calculate expected RPM and Speed. In its website, Baker offers an easy to use calculator tool where, just by filling the blanks, you can finesse, massage, and work the numbers up and down until you reach the desired result you are looking for. Try it and become the best Gearhead in your town. Baker Drivetrain Speed And RPM Calculator. or call one of the Baker Tech Guys at: 877-640-2004.
Rikki Battistini sent a few pros of the industry, including myself, a few pictures of his new fork boots whose design is conceived to complete its already extended line of “hole” parts.
He wants our honest opinion. So why not also ask yours?
Keep in mind that these fork boots are raw aluminum prototypes, just off the CNC machine, without any polishing or chroming or powdercoating, etc. Rikki welcome your comments. Battistinis USA
Soccer World Cup fever is hitting our shores. You can almost hear from here the ten of thousands of South African Vuvuzelas used by spectators during all matches (straight motorcycle pipes scream less decibels). America is still in the competition after a very lucky 1st round against England! (who paid England’s keeper for letting USA score?). It doesn’t matter if you are a soccer fan or not (I know many of you are…). You must support your colors and anyway this 1950 USA soccer jersey looks as good while riding your real or new old school motorcycle than when you are on the couch watching the American Soccer team play on TV. Order a couple just on time for Father’s Day this coming Sunday June 20th. $20.00 (in navy blue, too) Online at TwoEightNine Design
In 2009 the Hollister City Council canceled the popular Hollister Independence Rally over concerns on the potential cost to the city. Unfazed, bikers still came in big numbers.
The Smoke Out XI 
