If you ride beyond your city limits and are tripping for more than one day, reality is that you probably need to have your bike equipped with at least one bag. Others will get one for good old school look.
For appearance and or functionality, the market for detachable solo leather bags is growing with many upholstery shops and bag manufacturers producing their own designs. Paughco’s La Rosa Design Bag is conceived for mounting to the left side frame rails on both rigid and Softail motorcycles. It is hand cut and stitched from a fine heavyweight leather, measuring 10” W x 7”-14” T x 4” D and is quickly attached via rugged straps with buckle closures.
Retail price is $179.95. Online at Paughco or call 775-246-5738
Always loved the ingeniosity of those conceiving multi-tools and know that many bikers love to carry one. Useful and playful these multi-tools exist in so many configurations that the difficult task is to choose the one pleasing your man.
Up to you to decide the profile he belongs to: handyman, warrior, hunter, electrician, mechanic, bomb defusing badass, etc? So, because Father Day is coming (June 20 in the USA, Canada & UK) I suggest The Leatherman website offering all the options he may want, from the common tools like screwdrivers, knife, saw, hammer, pliers, bottle opener to fuse-wire crimpers! The Leatherman Muli-Tools website offers a handy-dandy product finder to decide which everyday carry tool is right for his needs. Ladies, time to do your homework.
You will not find many good looking exhaust systems with trumpet tips. But you can buy this type of tips and clamp them on an existing set if your pipes are 1 1/2″.
Of course, custom builders will not clamp tips but probably strip the chrome out of them, then weld and chrome again or give the full exhaust a black treatment.
These Trumpet exhaust tips are NOS Superior brand, are sold per pair with clamps included, measure 8.5″ (overall length) and 4″ at trumpet end. $48.00 the set. For sale online at Lowbrow Customs.
Many new custom motorcycles are being built in the old style of today using modern technology, but not many trikes and sidecars. Why not? I was looking at the new Ural Patrol T sidecar featured here and wondered if it is feasible to build from the ground up something similar for a better price than its 2010 MSRP of $12,400. My answer is no. Continue reading ‘Ural Patrol T Sidecar’
Time to prepare your trip to Sturgis, and if it’s not already done, book your tent/RV/cabin spot. Sleep at the Broken Spoke Campground (600 acres, largest biker pool, bars, bands, etc) and get free money to party during all Bike Week. For the 1st time, the Broken Spoke is issuing its own currency – the Spoke Bucks – that you can use inside the campground and at the saloon on Lazelle street in Sturgis. Continue reading ‘Broken Spoke Offering Free Money To Party In Sturgis’
As you remember the Sportster XR 1200 was introduced last year as a 2010 model for export markets only. Today June 3rd, Harley-Davidson announced the launch in the US of the XR 1200X as a 2011 model.
A performance improved version of the XR1200, it is equipped with a Showa front and rear fully adjustable suspension that can be dialed in to match rider weight, riding style and road conditions. It is also features improved front brakes using full floating rotors.
The new XR1200X has a blacked-out powertrain and exhaust, revised tank graphics, and black wheels with an orange rim pinstripe. It is positioned as the modern version of the legendary XR750 and is supposed to attract bikers looking for performance in the spirit of the gritty American flat-track. It will be offered in two colors: Black Denim and White Hot Denim. Starting at $10,799. Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200X.
Flash back to 1967. The Beatles release of “Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band”, their 9th official album, the 1st ever with no gap between the songs and the 1st using the run-out groove therefore leaving the stylus on the record, chattering away endlessly. A music “Revlution”. It was qualified as a “concept” album that influenced an international now baby-boomer generation. It is still in the top 10 most sold albums worldwide (without the help of iTunes where you can’t still buy it). So, it had to happen: somebody built a theme bike to honor this record from the Fab Four. Continue reading ‘Beatles Tribute Custom Motorcycle’
Just tinkering on your bike or being a professional, you should know that installing main seals on all 6-Speed Cruise Drive Transmissions (Harley years 2006 to present) is a delicate process. H-D’s new 6-speed transmission is a very stout piece of engineering, incorporating some of the best bearings made. These main case bearings are of such high precision that you must be very gentle when working in or around them. JIMS® has just developed a driver style seal installer (not a pushing or pulling type, which could damage these bearings) to install the main seal to the correct depth, without applying any stress to the new precision bearings or new seals. JIMS® Cruise Drive Seal Installer is manufactured from high grade steel and 6061 grade aluminum with a precision CNC machine, and then finished with JIMS® black oxide coating and JIMS® famous blue anodizing. More info at JIMS USA® or call 805-482-6913.
Sad news again with the disparition of promising but always struggling French manufacturer Voxan Motorcycles. Founded in 1995, the company has always used the same proprietary and unique engine, a 72-degree V-Twin with a displacement of 996 cc. Voxan delivered its first prototype in 1997 with the first 50 Roadster models delivered in 1999. Continue reading ‘Bankrupt Voxan Motorcycles Bought By Venturi’
After launching in February at the V-Twin Expo the “Internal Brake 3-piece Forged Wheels” (brakes and rotor assembly housed inside the 2 wheel faces) , Aaron Glenn is launching a series of 6 more conventional forged wheels. You are looking at the 1st design with the 5 others being featured in exclusivity one per one in my Blog during the coming weeks. All of them will have a simple design (doesn’t mean unsophisticated) in reaction to the “over designed” and “over machined” motorcycle wheels from some manufacturers. Shown here in “Ano-Accent” finish, this first model features a graduated machined pinstripe bordering a bold 5-spoke layout. All popular and custom sizes available up to the extreme 30”. Offered in classic chrome, black chrome, “ano-accent”and Glenndyne’s own High Definition black and platinum or black and anthracite custom finishes. Glenndyne Design.
Tomorrow’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle? If you ask Harley owners what they want, most reply that they just want what they have now. An answer in the style of “10 % faster, 20% percent cheaper with 15 percent more features.” They can only use the present as a reference to describe the future. These answers come from the current Harley riders demographics.
And if you ask what to do to attract young people, a lot will suggest that Harley use more high tech designs. After all, they are the laser etched computer/smart phones generation. Illustration of such a family of thoughts? This futuristic series of designs by Jonathan Russell are pleasant to look at, can easily make you think they represent tomorrow because they look out of space…
I disagree because a “high tech repackaging” of what is already in existence is not a new idea or concept. If futurism would always describe the future, how come the last 10 years saw a resurgence of the retro motorcycle design with the youngest current Harley riders having a special affinity for them? Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Futurism. Not Harley Future.’
Last year the J&P Cycles Open House drew a record 22,000 people at the Iowa headquarters. Because it’s now much more than the original Appreciation Day it may be time to rename this event. Most products in the showroom will be 10 percent off (15 percent for Gold Club members) and a portion of the one-acre warehouse will be devoted to drastically reduced clearance items (up to 50 percent off). John & Jill Parham will try again to beat last year attendance numbers by offering even more activities and entertainment. Already on the program, Circus Una, a new high flying act performed on a thin wire by 2 women with a motorcycle. The “ILL Conduct Motorcycle Stunt Show” will also perform the Teresi Dyno Drag will be on hand. Arlen & Cory Ness will be present showing their bikes in an “AwesomeNess” exhibit. A silent auction will be held to benefit the National Motorcycle Museum. J&P Cycles® is the World’s largest catalog retailer of aftermarket parts and accessories for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. More info at J&P Cycles.
With a direct filiation to the Dropper frame also fabricated by old school frame expert John Grant (also creator of the clever Swift Kick) the new Sancho rigid frame is a good base for a very nostalgic custom built, whatever the powerplant you intend to ise: Sportster, Evo or Shovel (same engine mounts), Knucklehead or Panhead. Sold in the following geometry: 32-degree rake, with 2 versions accepting 90 to 160 mm or 160 to 200 mm rear tire, and a very low drop seat position at 18″ from ground. Conceived and distributed by Nash Motorcycles.
A new concept vehicle from an Indian designer named Ramesh Gound whose idea is to offer a vehicle with a “plural use”. This high tech sport car is the result of the fusion of 2 motorcycles functioning independently. This project was financed by Renault Design India and if it is launched I guess the advertising slogan will be “Buy one car, Get A Free Motorcycle”. The concept and ingeniously are interesting, but I don’t feel like riding a motorcycle looking a chick!
I hope it’s not necessary to explain what was the inspiration for this Glass Cap. I know quite a few bikers and custom builders who will want one. Guaranteed to attract attention at the gas station. Doesn’t conserve gas.
Just for the pleasure of “differentiating” your gas tank and the thrill of watching through the top glass your gas money disappearing with each ridden mile. Silver Wire Frame Snap Closure and leather gasket(!). Crafted in the USA from DOM tubing, 1.750 diameter, .250 wall thickness, 3.00 length (3.50″ overall). Steel or aluminum. $50.00. At Spider Racing.
From time to time, pro or garage builders, we all have to do it. Cleaning the shop or garage because of a lack of space and/or change of taste. This morning Jesse James asked me if I could help expedite the clean up and I know that many of you would love to get their hands on quite a few of Jesse’s rare items. It goes from the custom coffin couch out of Jesses’ office at West Coast Choppers to a custom built Springer bagger, from Indian Chief Cast Aluminum tanks to an antique Flying Merkel bike, to a vintage Stewart from a Warner Police motorcycle speedo to one of Jesse’s welding helmets to prototype parts and even boots…See 38 items of his personal collection (and more coming) after you make the jump to Jesse James At eBay
French born Georges Martin is a name that very few among you have ever heard. In the 70’s he was the man to go to if you wanted to turn your plain vanilla factory Japanese or English motorcycle into a horse bred Cafe Racer. Georges racing custom part offerings: gas tanks, handlebars, rear fender/reservoirs, wheels, brakes and a famous sturdy chrome rigid frame where all welds were brazed. I am not going to re-write the story of the Rockers and Cafe Racers movement (jump HERE if you were too young or need a refreshing course), but the Cafe Racer craze died at the end of the 70’s to be reborn, starting from Europe and just reaching our US shores, during these last 5 years. Continue reading ‘Cafe Racer Love Affair’
Your tires are all black and you dream they would get a white wall for a gangster/hot rod/retro look. Or your tire white walls are yellow and cracked and you wish you could come back to a new fresh look without buying a new set. Or your tire sizes are not sold by the manufacturer in a white wall version.
Here come the Mooneyes Tire Toppers also called Port-O-Walls and Whitewall Tire Toppers. They are a simple and quite economical alternative to full priced white wall new tires. They just hold in place by air pressure between the tire and the rim bead, the inside edge of these white ribbons pressing on the rim lip causing it to lay on the tire. Never used them, but certainly worth a try. Different sizes from 8″ to 19″ and in several widths are available. Sold each at $14.00 a piece for example for a 16″ tire. Jump to Mooneyes Motorcycle Parts.
John Adams is a faithful daily reader whose photographic work has been published in many magazines around the world (2009 EasyRiders and V-Twin magazines motorcycle artist of the year). Continue reading ‘Riding Into History’
Dennis Hopper, the “Bad Boy Of Hollywood”, died today May 29, 2010 at the age of 74. Director, Painter, Actor, Artist, Screenwriter and Photographer, few people will remain as present in bikers collective memory than Dennis Hopper. With friends Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson in front of the camera, Hopper decided to direct his own movie, and secured over $400,000 in financing to begin filming a screenplay written by novelist Terry Southern. The result was 1969’s “Easy Rider“, a drug-fueled journey through an America torn apart by the conflict in Vietnam. The film became a countercultural touchstone, grossing millions at the box office. Hopper defined a generation, documenting the shining hopes and bitter disappointments of the hippie counterculture
It will happen June 4th & 5th, 2010 at the Pasadena Convention center. A new great opportunity to sell or buy a classic motorcycle. There will be well over 150 world class collector motorcycles on the auction block along with a select group of classic and collector automobiles with many being offered at no reserve. Continue reading ‘California Classic Motorcycle Auction June 4th-5th’
Like others in the industry, Ron Loynds, the man behind the wild MetalSport 3-D Wheels, has quite a few ideas to improve the style of Harley-Davidson touring bikes. Example is this new Tour-Pak Set machined out of a single piece of billet aircraft aluminum and then formed to the contour of the trunk lid.
It’s a beautiful and easy to install bolt-on part to replace the factory rack on all Harley-Davidson FLH from 1986 to present. Additional saddlebag rack is available to complete the stylish look. Available in chrome, black and raw. MSRP is $325.00. To rack miles in style contact Metalsport Inc. at 562-775-9594 or visit MetalSport Wheels.
At the beginning of the 80’s Harley-davidson was in financial distress with about 4% of the market it dominated in the 70’s. In 1981, Harley was in 5th position for market share behind Honda (38%), Yamaha (25%), Kawasaki (16%), and Suzuki (14%). At the request of Harley-Davidson (the same request was denied a few years before) and to protect the last remaining US motorcycle manufacturer against Japanese imports, the Ronald Reagan administration accepted to impose “Safeguards” by which imported motorcycles were “tariffed” and heavily taxed for the years 1983 to 1988 (starting at 49.4% the 1st year to 14.4% the last year).
After receiving temporary import relief starting in 1983, Harley-Davidson came back stronger than ever and even asked the Reagan administration to lift the importation tariffs during the 5th year of the program. Its sales increased dramatically at an annual rate of 10% from 1983 to 1990. The Harley-Davidson case is now heralded as a great success of safeguard protection, although many economists have challenged Tariffs as the reason for the spectacular recovery. Continue reading ‘Glad That You Asked. Did The Reagan Administration US Safeguards Save Harley-Davidson in the 1980s?’
Usually, you launch a website to support a product or service, but there are no Excelsior-Henderson motorcycles being produced since 1999. Henderson produced 4-cylinder motorcycles from 1912 to 1931 with a brief brand revival in 1994 when the Hanlon brothers Dan & Dave (no relation with the Hanlon Brothers from Mean Street Products) secured the rights to the defunct trademark. The Hanlon’s were able to raise a capital of $100 million to launch the company, but ran out of cash ($30 million to be precise) in 1999 and the company filed for bankruptcy. It was the last chapter of the Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles story. Continue reading ‘Launch Of Official Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles Website’
If you ride beyond your city limits and are tripping for more than one day, reality is that you probably need to have your bike equipped with at least one bag. Others will get one for good old school look.
