This year will be the the 70th anniversary Sturgis Bike Week. And traditionally, all Sturgis 10th year anniversaries attract a bigger crowd. The Broken Spoke Campground just informed me that every cabin and RV location has already been filled! So, Jay Allen has decided to double the campground capacity and ordered his staff to work feverishly to reach this objective before this year’s rally.
Each lockable cabin will be furnished with A/C, small fridge and a microwave. Cabins fit up to four people comfortably and can set be up single or double beds….as you like! The Broken Spoke provides fresh linens, pillows and comforters. You can park your bike and vehicles around your cabin. Each cabin has a small front porch to grill and enjoy South Dakota life!. Campers enjoy the luxury of clean hot showers, the biggest biker pool in the state and the hottest bikini clad bartenders to help quench your thirst after a “hard day” of riding the Black Hills. Free beer hour that takes place pool side, every day from 4 to 5. The daily and nightly concerts and contests will keep you well entertained. Reservations open at Broken Spoke Campground.
In this video, Dennis Goodson explains the 1940 Bobber he built for painter artist David Uhl. Now everybody will be able to associate a face with the name Dennis Goodson. He deserves it. This video clip is part of the DVD The Harbortown Bobber.
Harley-davidson Electra Glide, Ultra Classic, Street Glide, Electra Glide Classic and Electra Glide Standard Fairings have a known weakness. Sooner or later, because of normal vibrations and/or those created by a lose motor mount, your upper fairing bracket may break. Hard to see in your mirrors or unusual fairing vibrations may tell you that the top mount is already broken. Instead of spending at least 1 hour replacing it, Bagger Parts offer a simple repair kit at a fraction of the replacement cost of the complete support bracket and taking only 10 minutes to install. It is designed to repair both the left and right side so that you will never experience this problem again. Price: $39.95. Call 888-775-7547 or read the simple installation instructions online at Bagger Parts.
You are looking at KCosmodrive, probably the most radical custom motorcycle built in 2010.
Pushing the technical boundaries of what a custom build is, this bike already won top honors in all bike shows where it was entered and was recently sacred European Champion during the AMD Championship Of Bike Building held one month ago in Germany. Continue reading ‘European Champion Of Custom Bike Building’
Starting a project? Don’t do anything until you check out as many custom part catalogs as you can. Or you may regret later the cool idea/part just tucked in the corner of one of those catalogs. And you should start, but not necessarily finish, by reading the big distributor catalogs. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome 40th Anniversary 2010 Catalog. From $0.00 To $9.99.’
One day, riding a Harley FL to test his company 7-speed transmission Bert Baker noticed how hot it was running, especially in traffic. Then he found out that the 4-quart oil capacity was unchanged on touring models since 1993 at a time when the bikes were equipped with only a 80 cubic inch motor.
Taking a closer look at the stock oil pan he also discovered that the oil pickup and return in the front of the pan were within 2 inch of each other. So, he designed a wider new oil pan with a 5-quart capacity instead of 4, and improved oil circulation by installing the pickup in the rear and the return in the front. The Baker “Plus One Oil Pan” was born. With it installed testing showed that engine oil temperature went down 10 F on a 80 F day. This oil pan is a 2-piece aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum with multiple integral baffles eliminating the Harley plastic baffle. It is designed to accept the True-Track or Alloy Art TXR stabilizer systems. Fit 1993-2008 FLH applications. Info and sales at Baker Drivetrain Online Store.
I still see some readers sharing my stories by copying ad pasting the full articles (or the links to them) inside their social network website pages. Very time consuming…and a copyright violation! I just remind you that there is a much easier and legal way allowing you to easily share news and comments with your online friends. See one of my stories that you want to share? You can recommend it directly with one click. (You will also be able to see the stories your friends have recommended, commented on or shared.) Just go to the bottom right of this post or any post I wrote. Then mouse over “Share” and click. Pick the social network where you want to share the story. That’s it! In one click. Try it.
Bill Davidson has been named vice president of Harley-Davidson Museum and factory tours. He was previously vice president in core customer marketing for the motor company. The museum’s current leader, Stacey Watson, is going to leading marketing for all Harley-Davidson customer segments across North America. She helped open the museum in July 2008. Bill Davidson is the great-grandson of Harley-Davidson Motor Company co-founder, William A. Davidson – Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson has officially been “Sucker Punched”. The world’s largest Harley-Davidson dealership has partnered with the Old School bike builder Sucker Punch Sally’s to distribute its models. The line up is featured on the second floor showroom of Daytona Harley-Davidson in Ormond Beach, Florida. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
D&D Exhaust just completed development of the Boss Slip-ons for the 2008-2010 high tech touring Victory Vision. After tests in the Dyno room, the company states that the slip-ons increase power and torque across the power band. Installation takes less time than your lunch break. Only a few hand tools are need to get the job done. These slip-ons use stock heat shields and come in show-quality chrome or in midnight black. 3 different tip designs are available: Slant cut, Straight cut or 45-Degree cut. D&D Exhaust.
How not to find charm and appeal in these one century old motorcycles getting prepped for the 3300 mile Cannonball coast to coast endurance run. After introducing you to Cris Sommers Simmons, the only American woman participating to this grueling cross country journey, a video of another participant: Bill Rodencal, Harley-Davidson Museum Archives Restorer And Conservator. Introduction to his 1914 Harley 10-B motorcycle that he will be riding in September.
If you belong to the army, are a Vet, love guns, hunting, or just want to show how tough you are, or none of the above. you may like this A-Box with a wartime box design. Not really bullet proof, and maybe not the easiest thing to carry through airport security, but you may want to differentiate yourself from the iPod crowd. (you can plug and listen to your iPod, too). Available in two models. One light with a 2 x 25 Watts amp and woven glass speakers, and a heavier-duty one with a 2 x 70 Watts amp and woven kevlar speakers. This sonic machine comes equipped with an integrated rechargeable battery like you would expect from such an outdoor ready product, produces a clear sound even at high volume. Indication lights in orange, white and red (battery charge, distortion risk) gives the A-box an explosive effect while playing. Not cheap (from $335 to $475) but made of thick steel plate and Kevlar for you to pass it on to your grand children. Thodio A-Box.
Want a more industrial look? Show your transmission and clutch at work with this see-through cover for Sportster 1991 to 2003 and Buell S1 And X1.
Cut in a block of solid aluminum with plexiglass covers, as soon as you install it (without modification, and accepting your stock controls), you will realize that everybody is a voyeur…
Order online at Dub Performance (website in English & French).
Calendar Show producer and photographer Jim Gianatsis announces that the 19th edition of of his Custom, Sportbike, Performace, Music annual event will return at the beautiful Queen Mary Event Park of Long Beach the weekend of July 17/18th.
Last December, I published an email that Big Dog Motorcycles owner and CEO Sheldon Coleman sent me. In it. he announced that he was looking for additional capital, or equity investment, or merger or outright sale. For this purpose he hired the firm Of William Blair & Company. So, what happened during these last 5 months? Continue reading ‘Big Dog Motorcycles Company. And Now?’
Was just advised that there is a brand new job opportunity at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. They are looking to fill a newly-created position of Marketing and Membership Coordinator at the museum. It’s a great opportunity for someone who’s interested in motorcycling and preserving its great history to get in on the ground floor with us. It’s also a chance to work and live in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. If you know anyone who might be interested, please pass the word on. This position has to be filled as quickly as possible. Full description of job at Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
New from Belt Drives LTD, a series of ultra light transmission pulleys weighing in at just 2 ¼ pounds, or 1/3rd the weight of OEM pulleys. They are high performance, fit stock applications and BDL states that they help your bike reclaim horsepower. They are machined to aircraft quality tolerances from super tough 7075 aluminum with hard anodize finish to assure years of extended trouble free operation with less wear on bearings. They are available for 4-speed Big Twins from 1979 to 1983, 5-speed 1986 to present and 5-speed Sportsters from 1992 up. These pulleys retail for just $115.00. Info at 714-685-3333 or visit Belt Drives LTD.
A: Because it was originally played on grass. Louis XI from France was the 1st one to order a pool table in 1470.
Recent studies show that ‘green’ is actually easier on the eye which allows you to play longer without eye strain, and some claim it helps with your depth of vision (needed for long shots).
The most recent development by DuPont shows that a light blue color gives the best vision of the balls on the table.
Today, Polaris reported its 1st quarter 2010 results. Total Company retail sales to consumers in North America grew 9% percent during the first quarter, as Polaris saw strong demand for both their Off-Road vehicles and Victory motorcycles. Specifically, sales of the On-Road division (which primarily consists of Victory motorcycles), increased 83 percent during the first quarter of 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009. This marks the 2nd straight quarter of market share gains and retail sales growth for Victory and reflects the acceptance of the new 2010 models including the new Cross Country(TM) and Cross Roads(TM) touring models. Sales grew 16% to $361.7 million from last year’s first quarter. International sales to customers outside of North America grew 41 percent in the quarter, with strength in Europe and several developing markets. For the second quarter of 2010, the Company expects total sales to increase in the range of 14 to 17 percent.
American Rider Magazine. Ventura, California-based Affinity Group has ceased publication of the bi-monthly title American Rider, which targeted Harley- Davidson enthusiasts. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Bearing the name of one of greatest brands ever known in the world of motorcycling will be four important and highly collectible pre-production Vincent revival concept bikes taking center stage at Bonhams’ upcoming motorcycle sale in early May. Story of these unique motorcycles is quite interesting. The late California entrepreneur Bernard Li made his fortune with a line of car-care products, but his passion was motorcycles, in particular bringing back to life the legendary and mighty Vincent V-twin, out of production since 1955. Starting in 1994, Li rounded up U.S. Vincent trade rights and then commissioned an updated “Phase I” prototype using a modernized version of the old Vincent motor. When that proved impractical to mass-produce, Li embarked upon an ambitious clean-sheet redesign. Continue reading ‘Four Vincent Concept Models To Be Auctioned At Bonhams’ Quail Lodge Motorcycle Auction.’
Every year, several thousands of Sturgis rally goers come to visit Michael Lichter’s exhibition of “Motorcycles As Art“. This year, from August 7th to 13th, the exhibit is named ” “Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind” and will focus on the explosion of interest and passion for custom motorcycles over the last thirty years. It is intended to show the public at large how passion is passed on through time. 30 custom motorcycles recently built by 15 pairs of builders tied together by family, respect, friendship or apprenticeship will be on display at the impressive 6500 square feet Lichter Exhibition Hall located on the grounds of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.
Builder teams highlighted within the show include: Arlen Ness & Paul Yaffe, Carl & Matt Olsen, Dave & Jody Perewitz, Donnie Smith & Brian Klock, Eddie Trotta & Todd Silicato, Kevin Baas & his Kennedy High School Chopper Class, Gard Hollinger & Satya Kraus, James & Dave Kaye, Jerry & David Covington, Kirk Taylor & Brian Schimke, Roland Sands & Drake McElroy, Ron Finch & Gary Maurer, Ron & Hunter Simms, Sugarbear & Counts Customs, Laura Klock and Athena Ransom. Continue reading ‘Announcing Michael Lichter’s 10th Annual Sturgis Mororcycles Exhibit’
Brass throttle housings for single or dual cables are difficult to source. To find them for both 1 inch (25,4 mm) and 7/8 inch (22 mm) handlebars is very rare. And to have the option to choose them in 3 different finishes – polish, satin and raw finish – is completely new. So, now you can match your throttle housing to your brass grips and look a little bit more old school than everybody else. Matching controls available. Order online in Italy (website in English) at KustomTech.
During a Conference Call this morning just before Wall Street opening, Harley-Davidson announced its first quarter 2010 financial results. Although Keith Wandell, the company’s President and Chief Executive stated again that market conditions remain challenging, operating profit per share was $0.29 vs $0.22 Wall-Street estimate.
You all know now that Roland Sands has a GP Motorcycle racing background. And his sport bike pedigree continues to show in all his creations. This machine is of particular interest for all Harley-Davidson enthusiasts because its base is a stock 2003 Softail and Roland demonstrates that starting from a legally titled and registered motorcycle it’s possible to create a top of the line motorcycle looking like a pure one-off built from the ground up.
The Sport stance comes, like often on his projects, from the stock Harley front end replaced by one coming from a Suzuki GSX-R and from PM/RSD Platinum Cut Diesel wheels wrapped with a Dunlop Elite 3 tire front tire and a Dunlop Sportman GP rear tire and using radial brakes. Continue reading ‘A Black Beauty Born From A Stock Softail Harley-Davidson’
This year will be the the 70th anniversary Sturgis Bike Week. And traditionally, all Sturgis 10th year anniversaries attract a bigger crowd. The Broken Spoke Campground just informed me that every cabin and RV location has already been filled! So, Jay Allen has decided to double the campground capacity and ordered his staff to work feverishly to reach this objective before this year’s rally.
