The main reason I feature this bike is because you rarely see a full custom Harley WLA, and even less one BMX theme inspired. This one was born in 1942 and was rebuilt by a you shop located in Bern, Switzerland, always ranked among the world’s top ten cities for the best quality of life, and where all population speaks both German and French and seems now to embrace the vintage Harley culture. Continue reading ‘Custom Harley-Davidson WLA’
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Motorcycle Seat Of The Month. Only in Texas
Published by June 13th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Seats.
Y’all. You must understand Texas. It’s like a whole other country. When you are born there, you are first a Texan and only second an American.
Don’t mess with this “Texican” biker. He got the Lone Star State Of Mind.
Do I see a bullet hole in the rear fender?
By the way, great upholstery work.
(thanks Mike)
Original Vincent To Headline Bonhams Classic Motorcycles Auction.
Published by June 13th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
This stunningly original 1952 Vincent Rapide in Chinese Red has been untouched for nearly half a century. Discovered in Fresno, California where it had been sold new by the local Fresno Indian dealer, this time capsule machine has 8500 original miles, matching numbers and California black license plate. Its auction estimate is $85,000-$100,000.
It will lead the list of over 200 classic motorcycles at the Bonhams Auction to be held January 6th at the Las Vegas Imperial Palace Hotel. Continue reading ‘Original Vincent To Headline Bonhams Classic Motorcycles Auction.’
Second Of Six New Glenndyne Wheel Designs
Published by June 12th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
As promised, at the scheduled pace of one model every week, this the second new design of Aaron Glenn “conventional” forged wheel line up.
The GD-4 model features a modern mesh design with a European feel and speed dashes (As Glenndyne calls them) machined into the rim. Speed Dashes or a machined pinstripe available on every style if one desires.
All sizes and finishes available Available in Glenndyne’s High Definition black/ platinum and High Definition Black/Anthracite finishes. Prices starting at 859.00. Glenndyne Design.
Glad That You Asked. Why Do motorcycles Backfire?
Published by June 12th, 2010 in Editorial, Engines and Exhaust.
A backfire is caused by the buildup of un-burned gasoline in the exhaust header and pipe system. Once the gas has built up to the right mixture with air, it explodes, making a loud bang. A visible flame may momentarily shoot out of the exhaust pipe.
It can happen when you start your motorcycle, for example if you stopped the bike with high rpm’s and extra gas was left in the carburetor, when you accelerate or let off the throttle. Typically backfiring results from various malfunctions related to the air to fuel ratio. Continue reading ‘Glad That You Asked. Why Do motorcycles Backfire?’
Lady Liberty By Sucker Punch Sally’s Can Be Yours
Published by June 11th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Sucker Punch Sally’s teamed up with premium cigar manufacturer CAO International to produce a one-off bike and the new owner will be randomly drawn from the finalists on July 17th at the CAO headquarters in Nashville. The bike named “Lady Liberty” has already made stops all over the United States to numerous cigar shops where a few lucky customers have qualified as finalists. To qualify or just to get a behind the scenes video look (6 episodes) at this custom motorcycle during the build process, just visit CAO Sucker Punch before June 15th, 2010. Finalists will be announced on June 21st and will be flown to CAO headquarters in Nashville for a weekend of festivities and the final drawn. Continue reading ‘Lady Liberty By Sucker Punch Sally’s Can Be Yours’
Klock Werks Kustom Cycles In Muddy Waters
Published by June 11th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
In the early morning hours of June 11, Mitchell, South Dakota had over four inches of rain and the Klock Werks Kustom Cycles motorcycle shop building experienced extensive flooding. At the current time, their phone systems and computer systems are down.
So, while they focus on the clean up and drying out, you are more than welcome to go on their website to place an order or email in with any questions. Any orders placed on the website June 11-13 will be shipped on Monday June 14, subject to inventory availability.
Old School 48 Style Conversion For Your Softail Swingarm
Published by June 11th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
I already introduced you to the old school custom rigid frames, casting frame parts and to the Swift-Kick motorcycle kicker arm and pedals made by John Grant at his Hardtail Choppers shop. And now, for those favoring the Softail style but looking for the WWII era look John is introducing 1948 style casting axle plates.
John can convert in house your existing swingarm by removing the current axle plates and replacing the rear tubes and plates with his own for $475 (parts & labor. Or sell you the axle plates for $275 if installed at his shop. And if you want to preserve your existing swingarm John can supply a Harley take-off swingarm for $175.00 (powdercoating is your color is $100.00). All parts are USA made by John Grant. Call on my behalf 360-750-6780 or visit Hartail Choppers.
A new aviation masterpiece by artist David Uhl.
Harriet Quimby became the first woman to get a pilot license in the U.S. She followed that up with becoming the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel in the spring of 1912. Later that year, she tragically died during an aviation exhibition in Massachusetts.
In David’s words, “I spend quite a bit of time roaming the archival photographs to get my inspiration and I seldom come across someone as intriguing as Harriet Quimby. Not only was she a complete anomaly of her time flying rickety old cloth machines but she was absolutely stunning to look at. They even named her the “Green-eyed Beauty”. She literally jumped right out of the photographs and screamed to be painted.” Continue reading ‘Tribute To Harriet Quimby’
Fast Motorcycle Industry News
Published by June 11th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
1- New rumors on Wall Street that private equity firms are eying Harley-Davidson as a takeover target. Last time such rumors surfaced was on March 16, 2010 when private equity firm KKR was named as being interested in buying the company. A growing confidence in a US recovery is feeding a frenzy of many unsubstantiated rumors creating spikes in the price of many companies. Harley stock (HOG) closed yesterday Thursday June 10, 2010 at $26.57. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
New Covington Ignition Switch Cover
Published by June 10th, 2010 in Accessories, Controls, Editorial and Electrical.
Now available from Covingtons Customs this Ignition Switch Cover for 05 & earlier and 03 and later international touring models, except Road King. This is a great addition to the Covington line of finned billet parts.
Machined from billet aluminum with your choice of finish in chrome, black or black with diamond edged as featured here.
Machined at Covingtons right here in the USA. For more information on these & other parts go to Covingtons Cycle City, or call 580-256-2939.
Custom Motorcycle Builder Shinya Kimura To Ride A 1915 Indian In Motorcycle Cannonball
Published by June 10th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Shinya Kimura will participate in the Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Coast to Coast Run from September 10 to 26, 2010. During these last 5 years Shinya Kimura gained fame for his handcrafted motorcycles always featuring vintage or classic engines mounted in one-of-a-kind frames with intricate bodywork often requiring over 1000 of labor hours. Shinya decided to ride the vintage endurance run after being convinced by other participant, Bronze Artist Jeff Decker. He chose a 1915 stock model Indian because this particular bike has special meaning to him. Continue reading ‘Custom Motorcycle Builder Shinya Kimura To Ride A 1915 Indian In Motorcycle Cannonball’
Between the garage builders and professional custom builders, there is a category of semi-pros whose main business is not to build motorcycles. They all chose their business because they love to ride, and don’t miss an opportunity to wrench their own one-off bikes. With the advantage that they know the latest trends, the newest parts long before the retail clientele has any knowledge of them and that they have built a network of industry friends able to help them on any project. Behind this “Para La Vida” Chopper (do I really need to translate from Spanish?), somebody whose face is familiar here in the US during our main professional events like the Dealers V-Twin Expo. Continue reading ‘Chopper Para La Vida’
The Legends Ride is a must do during the Sturgis Rally. Celebrities, the nation’s top bike builders, motorcycle industry personalities and riders looking to ride for charity will converge in Deadwood August 9 to take part in the 3rd annual Legends Ride. The Legends Ride takes riders from Historic Deadwood to the Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis through the Black Hills of South Dakota. Riders’ contributions from the Ride benefit the Children’s Home of the Black Hills and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. In just two years, the Legends Ride has raised nearly $100,000 for these charities. Special guests confirmed to participate on the 2010 Legends Ride include actor Lorenzo Lamas, reality television star Rupert Boneham, comedian Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) Continue reading ‘3rd Annual Sturgis Rally Legends Ride’
Another very fine example of a “new” 1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead designed the way the factory should have produced it at that time and could manufacture it today? (after adding all DOT and EPA requirements) Continue reading ‘Harley Panhead Forever’
Arlen Ness Cafe Fairing for Harley-Davidson Sportster™
Published by June 9th, 2010 in Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Harley-Davidson is pushing the sales of its Sportster line (of course Nightster models included), the Cafe Racer look is making a come back, and of course Arlen Ness noticed. The company just started offering a direct bolt-on fairing kit to fit any Sportster equipped with a 39 mm front end, top mount headlight and Nighster handlebars and all Nighsters from 2004 to present. The fairing itself is heavy ABS while the windshield is smoked plexiglass. The complete bolt-on kit is available with fairing either in paintable ($319.95) or gloss black finish ($349.95). At Arlen Ness.
Never heard before of James Hammarhead, so I guess nor most of you. He founded Hammarhead Industries (HHI) and his niche market is, starting from recent major brand models like Triumph & Royal Enfield, to re-design rugged machines in the spirit of the 50’s. Continue reading ‘Hammarhead Motorcycles.’
Breaking News. City Of Myrtle Beach Helmet And Eyewear Ordinances Declared Invalid.
Published by June 8th, 2010 in Editorial and Events.
During the last 2 years a lot has been said and written in this Blog about the City Of Myrtle Beach trying to discourage motorcycle rallies in the City and around. For this purpose Myrtle Beach passed a number of ordinances and amendments dealing with rallies and motorcycles, one of them being the Helmet And Eyewear Ordinance. A group of individuals cited by the City Of Myrtle Beach police for not wearing the requisite helmet and/or eyewear while traversing the city filed lawsuit against the city, petitioning for having these ordinances declared invalid. The Supreme Court Of South Carolina heard both parties argument on February 3rd, 2010 and published its judgment today June 8, 2010. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. City Of Myrtle Beach Helmet And Eyewear Ordinances
Declared Invalid.’
Lehman Launching Cimarron Custom Trike
Published by June 8th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Lehman Trikes, the leader of the three (not a typo) world announced that it’s new custom model called the “Cimarron” is now available through its dealers network.
Unique styling and two-tone paint to complement the lines of of the Vision Victory powered Crossbow model. Comes standard with Reverse and John Lehman Signature billet wheels.
More info toll fee at 1-888-3Wheels or visit Lehman Trikes Website.
Need Some Help With Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Published by June 8th, 2010 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Brendon Thompson was mentored in the techniques of forming sheet metal by Don Baumunk the owner of Fat Katz. During 13 years he has been building all of their custom gas tanks and now just started his own company named Elite Metal Designs (Fat Katz is still producing stamped fenders Trendsetter, Troubadour and the Cool 7 bagger tank.) So, for all your custom sheet metal needs, from scratch or from an existing gas tank/fender/oil bag etc, you have a new address that I strongly recommend to you. Brendon has done some work for me and I have no problem telling you that he deserves your business. Call on my behalf(530) 559-4631 or visit Elite Metal Designs.
You remember that I posted the disturbing story of Anthony John Graber pulled over for speeding on his motorcycle, then arrested 10 days later for posting on YouTube the video of his own traffic stop he recorded on his helmet mounted camera. Police Officers in most cases will consider your camera as a gun pointed at them…and will file criminal charges against you if you film them without their consent. This article was transmitted to me by Freedom Fighter “Rogue” and was written by Wendy McElroy, author of several books and maintaining the blog at wendymcelroy.com. You should all read the following and take notice. Continue reading ‘Are Cameras The New Guns?’
As I wrote before, heavily modified Harleys regain ground over one-off custom motorcycles built from the ground up. And for this purpose, old genuine Harleys or at least their main parts (frame, engine, transmission) are getting more desirable by the day. How modified do you want to go and how much time/energy/money are you ready to spend to conceive and re-fabricate to your taste the perfect Harley? Swedish Ola Stenegard from UCC Cycles went for the total makeover with his raw looking and at the same time very sophisticated 1972 Shovelhead. Continue reading ‘Forsaken Custom Harley Shovelhead’
Motorcycle Paint Job. Sick Pinstriping And 23 K Gold Leafing
Published by June 6th, 2010 in Customs, Painters and Videos.Looking for a great painter who mastered the art of pinstriping and of gold (or silver) leafing? Watch Tommy Reed from Reed Bros Custom Painting doing his thing. Gorgeous work…
Renegade Cinci Wheel For A Lot Of Bling
Published by June 6th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
For those looking for some extra bling on their motorcycle, this wheel design features a curved, swept back and contoured spokes to produce an appearance of 3D motion and enough reflecting light to get you blind.
As with the company’s other precision crafted one piece billet wheels, the CINCI Wheel is offered in diameters ranging from 16” to 26” and widths from 2.15” up to a massive 14”.
Finishes include mirror like Chrome, Black Ebony, Black Powder Coat and a wide variety of custom colors on special request. For a lot of Bling, prices are starting at $1150.00. Ccall Renegade at 714-998-7241 or visit Renegade Wheels.
Not for everyone, but if you are a new Indian Motorcycle fan and wish a unique machine, just know that there are only 2 of these one-of-a-kind signature Indian Chiefs. They are available for immediate delivery only from the Indian Motorcycle flagship store in Charlotte NC. But I understand that you can also order your very own custom-spec Signature Edition built following your wish list. For sure, owning one will make you and your bike stand out from the crowd. Indian Motorcycle Charlotte in Lowell, NC
