New and interesting. A new technology called Atomic-Forged process (exotic metal ions bombarded on components) to create unprecedented levels of hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance on your motorcycle brake rotors. Which bike doesn’t want to stay pretty all its riding life? Watch the video then jump to Ray Gun Technology to see the special brake rotors and pads this company is offering.
Archive Page 302
Custom Brake Rotors Looking Beautiful For The Life Of Your Motorcycle
Published by May 28th, 2010 in Builders, Controls, Customs, Editorial, Videos and Wheels.
Started in 1987 by 4 Vietnam Veterans to bring awareness to the POWs and MIAs, the Rolling Thunder event has become a monumental patriotic gathering of all soldiers from all American wars.
It is held in Washington DC over Memorial Day weekend and each year several thousands of motorcycles ride from the Pentagon to the Lincoln Memorial. Continue reading ‘Rolling Thunder Veteran Memorial Day Weekend’
Harley-Davidson Dealers Getting More Confident. Customers Too.
Published by May 27th, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.
Harley-Davidson expects to ship 201,000 to 212,000 motorcycles to dealers this year and the belt-tightening moves and inventory reduction may already produce the expected positive effects. In an interview to the Milwauke-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel 2 analysts in charge of a Harley Dealers Study by Robert W. Baird & Co list their main observations.
1- U.S. Harley-Davidson Dealers expect to sell 44,000 to 46,000 motorcycles in the second quarter, based on April and May trends. The trend is 18% below last year’s sales, but an improvement from the 24% decline in the first quarter. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Dealers Getting More Confident. Customers Too.’
Progressive Suspension New Technology 1″ Lowering Touring Shocks
Published by May 27th, 2010 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
There are many lowering shocks for touring bikes on the market. Unfortunately many are sacrifying the suspension travel, so the ride comfort. These new “940 Ultra Touring Series Shocks” from Progressive Suspension are specifically designed to deliver a comfortable ride at a 1″ lowered stance. They sit lower than full length shocks (13″ eye to eye) but retain all travel for an ultra smooth ride while offering a 1″ lowered ride height. Built around Progressive IAS technology, a Secondary Spring allows both full droop travel AND lowered stance. For all Harley-davidson models from 1980 to 2010. Progressive suspension.
From Stock Harley-Davidson Night Train To Bolt-On Custom
Published by May 27th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Let’s not forget all those individuals – the majority – who are not custom builders, but just want to easily customize their ride by bolting-on after-market parts without spending a fortune. Custom Chrome Line Manager Rich Fulk used a 2004 Night Train to demonstrate what can be done to give this stock Harley an “old school” vibe using only catalog parts and without breaking the bank. About anyone can accomplish the same result working in a private garage with very simple tools. Of course, all parts were picked from the CCI Catalog with the SKU numbers indicated below for easy ordering from your local motorcycle dealer. Continue reading ‘From Stock Harley-Davidson Night Train To Bolt-On Custom’
Rat’s Hole Custom Chopper Show Got A New Home In Sturgis
Published by May 27th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
The 2010 Sturgis edition of the Rat’s Hole Custom Chopper Show will be held at the legendary Buffalo Chip. Ted Smith, son of late Karl Smith a.k.a. Big daddy, and owner of the world famous bike show, continues the tradition started in 1973 of gathering premier custom motorcycles in a fun family-oriented atmosphere at an array of large motorcycle events in the world. Continue reading ‘Rat’s Hole Custom Chopper Show Got A New Home In Sturgis’
Some motorcycle brands have acquired a legendary status and have influenced, more than others, what we ride today. Vincent, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Triumph, etc…and Brough Superior. During the 20 years of handmade production between WWI and WWII, about 3000 Brough motorcycles (each had to be commissioned and none of the same model was exactly the same) were produced in the small Nottingham, England facility. Continue reading ‘The Legendary Brough Superior Motorcycles’
World’s Fastest Motorcycle Is For Sale. $10 Million Or Best Offer.
Published by May 26th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial, Events and Exhaust.
On September 24, 2009, Chris Carr piloted on the Bonneville Salt Flats the BUB Seven Streamliner to a new land speed record of 367.382 mph (average time for the 2 required passes to get certification.)
Denis Manning, owner of BUB Enterprises (a leader in exhaust systems for American & Metric motorcycles) and of the BUB Seven Streamliner, needs to raise money for his company to go through the economic downturn. Denis just announced that he is ready to sell the fastest motorcycle in the world for $10 million or best offer.
So, who can be interested to buy this unique machine? Somebody who want to race it, and Denis states that the Streamliner is ready with a new methanol burning turbo charged 3.0 liter 90-degee V4 engine more powerful than the one used for the current world’s record. Or a museum to exhibit it as unique piece of history that, no doubt, will attract a lot of visitors for many, many years to come . Interested parties contact Denis Manning at: 530-477-7490 (Pictures copyright Cyril Huze & Horst Roesler. Denis Manning & Chris Carr In Bonneville Sept. 2009 checking wind speed before world record tentative)
On April 3rd Alystar Mckenneh left Glendale Harley-Davidson in California to ride 10,000 miles around America with her cross country trip ending in Sturgis during Bike week. Last week she hooked up with the participants of “The North Carolina Big Mountain Run” organized by Cycle Source Magazine. She sent me these lines about her experience.
”I was at Woodstock this past weekend. I stepped back in time and found Woodstock. There was no Janice Jopin, Jimi Hendrix or acid dropping but… the amazing music of Rob Keller and the Knuckleheads, the sound of motorcycles echoing in the mountains and the camaraderie of biker brothers and sisters was more than enough to make up for it. Forget the outrageous ticket prices, charity’s with their hands out, $200 dollar a night motels and a police presence that would make you think the president was in town. Continue reading ‘Riding And Partying The Way It Used To Be’
A good example of building new on an old Harley frame. An untouched original 1949 Harley-Davidson FL frame (even unused stock brackets have been kept) is the cradle for a very reliable brand new S&S Knucklehead 1523 cc engine linked to a 5-speed Harley transmission. Add a very twisted chrome Springer front end and sissy bar, a pair of 80-spoke wheels (21″x 2.15″ front, 16″ x 4.5″ rear), a deafening very short one-off exhaust to wake up a small city, a plethora of custom made parts and you get a very compact, so very easy to handle, Sporty bloody Knuckle. 2 Die 4 was built by Germany based Bike Farm. (photography H. Roesler, F. Sander)
You never saw them if you don’t live in these countries. On the left: In Brazil “Bike Fall” by Giovanni FCB Agency (after the spill, witnesses check the Harley, not the rider). On right: In Europe “Shackles” by Euro RSCG (prisoner in your cage)
On Demand Custom Sportster Gas Tanks
Published by May 25th, 2010 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Vision Design Studios created a web page to choose the way you want your Sportster gas tank to be custom (re) built. You choose your style, mounting position and configuration right down to the position of your fuel petcock (if your bike is carburated). Frisco mount tunnel? Dished in tank sides? Sight glass? Relocated gas cap? etc.
This service is offered only for has tanks for years 2004 to 2010, but more styles coming soon. You can even choose your painted logo like on this picture. Starting At $199.00. At Vision Design Studios.
Easy To Build Custom Chopper Chassis
Published by May 25th, 2010 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
This nice chopper chassis is a collaboration between well known frame manufacturer Kraft/Tech and manufacturer/distributor Kustomwerks. Conceived to offer a simple and affordable solution to those who want to assemble a nice rigid bike without to worry about custom fabrication and fitment. Continue reading ‘Easy To Build Custom Chopper Chassis’
Most Insane Hemi V8 Motorcycle Trike
Published by May 24th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.A bodywork out of a Sci-Fi movie for a trike powered by a blown V8 Hemi engine. The concept comes from a guy called Tim Cotterill (made his money selling bronze frogs!) assisted by engine builder John Arruzza and Michael Leeds for fabrication & assembly. Well over powered, ugly or brilliant? I let you decide (but why did the cute girl riding behind Tim disappear as soon as he entered the tunnel with his Rocket II trike? Fell over?) Thanks Troy
The riding season is in full swing. Pre-ride inspection should be routine and automatic. It doesn’t have to take more than a few minutes and should be done before every ride. T-CLOCS is an acronym used to remind motorcycle riders of the pre-ride inspection essentials. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Safety. What Is T-CLOCS?’
The story of this new V-Rod based custom motorcycle by well known French Custom Builder Bertrand “Pikasso” Dubet is an odyssey started with a vision of what could be a modern 2 wheeler born from the indefinite design options calculated by a CAD software program. And of course, it’s not about producing beautiful and colorful digital renderings to hang on your office wall, or even about winning the most sought after show bike trophy (although it doesn’t hurt), but about materializing basic concepts into a feasible, reliable machine pleasing both the eye and the rider. As a matter of fact, Bertrand Dubet intends to sell the full rolling chassis and a complete limited edition of this new and just completed X-Rod Custom Sport model. Lots of options are available. Continue reading ‘X-Rod Custom Sport.’
Over time, difficult to beat the success of the classic Sparto. Probably the most sold taillight with a look…that never gets old. Especially when the Sparto is “rejuvenated” with a coat of antique copper plating.
It’s a die-cast construction for a smooth, non-porous surface with an universal mount to fit on all rear fenders. To complement your other copper finish accessories.
Excellent price at $39.99. Online at Mr. Lucky.
Formula One Engine Break-In. Music To My Ears.
Published by May 23rd, 2010 in Editorial, Engines and Videos.If you didn’t know, I am a big Formula One fan. Watch to the end this video of an F1 engine break-in. It’s music to my ears, especially at 18,000 rpm (idle at 6000 rpm). Several times had the opportunity to be a spectator of the F1 Monte-Carlo Grand Prix (it was last weekend). What you hear is amplified by noise reverberation on the walls of the city tall buildings x 25 cars. Better wear ear plugs. Watch the exhaust turn red and notice the mechanic standing on the right. If he is not deaf, he is going to be very soon…(thanks Mike)
Sturgis Rally 70th Anniversary Custom Motorcycle. Get It For $25.00.
Published by May 22nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Dirico Motorcycles, the venture between Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler and Mark Dirico, just completed this custom Pro-Street bike to commemorate the Black Hills Rally 70th Anniversary. I have been assured that all parts, frame, motor and components are USA made. So, as a a proud American I am certain you would be happy to ride this one. Your chance to own it costs $25 because the Sturgis Area Chamber Of Commerce is going to raffle it in August during the rally. You can increase your chances to win it by buying 4 tickets and one will be free. All proceeds go to the SACCF and its beneficiaries (Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation), an organization to help children and local Sturgis charities. The bike will be on display at the Dirico Motorcycles display on Sturgis Main Street. Buy tickets by jumping to: Sturgis Rally Raffle.
LA Choppers Raising The Bars
Published by May 22nd, 2010 in Accessories, Controls, Customs and Editorial.
During these last years LA Choppers has moved away from the custom bike building business and turned its focus to make what was one-off parts available to the public. As an extension of their existing line of handlebars was just added the “High Club” and “Mid Club” bars.
Nothing revolutionary, but these bars mimic the high-rising, aggressive looks popularized by the outlaw bike clubs, in an all inclusive one piece design. Available in Chrome or Black, they come drilled and slotted to work with stock Harley-Davidson and most after-market hand controls. The “High Club Bar” features a 13” rise, 5 ½” pullback and 29” width. The “Mid Club Bar” posts a 9.5″ rise. Looking good especially on Harley Dyna models but also fitting Sportsters and Softails. Tel: 714-274-4065. Online at: LA Choppers.
Breaking News. Polaris To Move Some Manufacturing Operations To Mexico.
Published by May 21st, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Be ready for this kind of news to repeated in the next months for other motorcycle companies. To cut its production costs, Polaris Industries plans to relocate the manufacturing operations of its Osceola, Wis., plant to a new facility in Monterrey, Mexico. The move should be completed in 18 to 24 months. The Osceola operation includes three buildings totaling more than 300,000 square feet. About 500 people are now employed at the Wisconsin plant and will be affected by this decision. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. Polaris To Move Some Manufacturing Operations To Mexico.’
See You At The 2010 BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials?
Published by May 21st, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
One of the most amazing places on earth. True bikers and pure friendship. Motorcycle history being written every day. If you never been, it’s a must do at the top on your priority list. Pre-registration for the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials 2010 (August 28- September 2) closes on June 1st at midnight. You can save yourself time and money and pre-register before this date.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? Whether you are shooting for a national or world record, or just want to see how fast your daily rider can go in the Run Watcha Brung, the Bonneville Salt Flats is the place to do it. Imagine sitting around with your friends and being able to brag about how you raced on the same Salt that legendary greats such as Burt Monroe, Cal Rayborn and Chris Carr did. Get up close and personal in the open-pit setting with hundreds of motorcycle speed enthusiasts like yourself. This isn’t just racing…it’s history. Don’t just dream about it- do it! For more information check Bub Speed Trials website or contact Linnea Johnston at linneaj@bubracing.com. I will be there. So, see you on the Salts. (picture: Chris Carr, world’s fastest man on land. Denis Mannig owner of Bub Enterprises, Cyril Huze)
Hot wheels for those wanting to express speed even when idling. Can even discourage bikers next to you to race your bike when the light turns green. Will work well with powerhouse muscle type bikes but will also look hot on slower hot rod designed sleds. These wheels are painted, available in all popular stock and custom sizes up to 11″ wide. Of course, also available in raw, polished (do your own color paint or powder coating) and chrome. At Bike Builders Bible.
1- Twenty Harley Davidson police motorcycles, outfitted with specialized police equipment including enhanced steering and braking capabilities and lights and sirens with mounted microphones and speakers were delivered to Lebanon for handover to the ISF (Lebanese National Police). 24 Harley Davidson motorcycles are already in the ISF fleet. Since 2007, the U.S. Government has committed over $104 million for training and equipment to the ISF to strengthen and build its professional capacity, according to a State Department statement. 2- Seems that Big Dog Motorcycle, like many companies, keeps a very low inventory to try to boost its cash flow. Consequently, many Big Dog Motorcycle Dealers having to do warranty work and many owners who need to replace BDM parts are very frustrated with the unavailability of these parts. Catch 22 situation. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Batman Fan? Get This Motorcycle Replica For $100,000.
Published by May 20th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Do you feel like Batman, are obsessed with the Dark Knight movie, want a running but non-street legal motorcycle and have 100 Grand to spend just for the pleasure of terrorizing your neighbors with your urban assault vehicle parked on your driveway?
If yes, jump to eBay to learn more about this Custom Batpod, then make an offer. If not, go to my next post.
Added Sunday May 23, 2010. The listing has been removed before ad expiration. The BatPod is now listed as a raffle at $20.00 the ticket. See it there on eBay by clicking Here.
Baker Drivetrain Bringing Mayhem Again To Sturgis Broken Spoke County Line
Published by May 20th, 2010 in Customs, Driveline, Editorial and Events.
Who knows more about burnouts than Baker a.k.a. the Drivetrain Authority? After two successful years of the BAKER Burnout Drags Competition in Sturgis, BAKER is making this year competition fresh and new (bring replacement fresh new tires, too!)
First, the event is moved across town to The Broken Spoke County Line with no entry fee and no cover charge. So, no excuse for missing this kind of party organized by Bert Baker and Broken Spoke Chief Entertainment Officer Jay Allen. Due to its success, this year’s burnout chaos will spread on several days. Continue reading ‘Baker Drivetrain Bringing Mayhem Again To Sturgis Broken Spoke County Line’
