New from fellow German Custom Builder Fred Kodlin, a series of new sleek and dark parts for Dyna models, including the raw looking “Street Bob”.
Wide tire rear tire still being popular with the Harley crowd, Fred designed this smooth lines 240 mm fender with integrated fender struts (delivered in raw finish). It’s a bolt-on piece on your stock frame and will work well for both a retro or performance look, the distinction of style coming from other custom parts on your bike. And of course there is a matching 240 mm swingarm kit fitting all Harley Dyna from 2006 and up, the Street Bob model , and all those wheels with 25 mm axle. Doesn’t require any offset and you can keep your stock Harley belt guard. Continue reading ‘Customizing Your Harley-Davidson Dyna With A Little Help From Fred Kodlin’
More than 100 years on and thrill seekers still venture to the Isle of Man every summer for the same reason the gentlemen of 1907 did, the Tourist Trophy, more commonly known as the Isle of Man TT. Current lap record on the roads of the Britain island is a staggering 131.578 mph…
To honor the brave TT racers of one the world’s most dangerous competitions, Italian motor clothes maker Dainese released this beautiful retro looking and very light (just above 2 pounds) helmet. Even if you don’t wear a helmet, a beautiful object to keep on a shelf front of your desk. In back order, but you can still put your name on the waiting list by jumping to: Dainese Black Isle Helmet.
It has a futuristic John Deere design, including a tractor style seat. And I see nothing in it making it eco-friendly. Conceived by designer by Michael Smolyanov somewhere in Russia, the author states that the materials to be used will not be toxic or unnatural. Really? And how the wheels turn? I can tell you for sure, not the type of ‘organic” motorcycle susceptible to give a lift to our custom motorcycle industry. Just worth 1 minute of entertainment. Next…
Can’t find an original 60’s iconic Bates seat, even on eBay? Dislike the cheap copies sold everywhere? Finally a Bates style seat looking like the original but of better quality? A couple in Australia have been obsessed with producing an accurate reproduction in all the same original configurations from the small size 9″ x 13″, in a pleated or plain top, in a 1″ and 2″ thickness, in black or white full grain leather, or in color of your choice if you don’t care about being faithful to the past. The upholstery screws used on the original seats were not easy to find, but this upholstery shop even managed to find the original manufacturer. $315 to $345. Each seat is numbered. Best Parts Co.
Since it’s quite a few years that I abandoned the use of any desktop type computers for the use of laptops (only MacBook Pros), I no more use a mouse and don’t need any mousepad. Still, when I found out about these 1/8″ rolled burnished steel pads, I thought that they were looking very cool and discovered that steel is the best surface for laser-based computer mice. Continue reading ‘Solid Steel Custom Mousepads’
A Maryland man now faces up to five years in prison after he recorded his traffic stop last month in Harford County. Graber was speeding with his motorcycle with a camera attached to his helmet recording his ride. A State trooper in an unmarked car pulled over Graber for reckless driving. The trooper is seen in this YouTube video that Graber posted, jumping out of the car and telling Graber “Get off the motorcycle, get off the motorcycle! Get off the motor cycle, State Police.” The trooper is seen pulling his gun immediately after getting out of the unmarked car. It’s not until five seconds after he exits the car that he identifies himself as a Maryland State trooper.
Maryland is a two-party consent state. That means you can’t record somebody without telling them. It’s a felony to break that law. That’s exactly what state police told the motorcyclist when they came to his house more than a month after he’d been pulled over. “I don’t want to go to jail. I haven’t really done anything wrong. It wasn’t a violent crime. No one was injured. No one was hurt,” said Graber. That ultimately is to be decided by a judge.
My personal opinion is that Graber was recording before he was stopped. If I saw somebody in plain clothes stopping me and pulling out a gun, I would have thought I was getting robbed. Graber stopped recording after the state trooper identified himself.
Have you ever been guilty of looking at and comparing yourself to others your own age? Well you will love this one…
“My name is Alice, and I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma on the wall which bore his full name. Suddenly I remembered a tall, handsome, dark haired boy with the same name in my high school class some 30 years ago. Could it be the same guy I had a secret crush on, way back then? However, upon seeing him I quickly discarded any such thought. Continue reading ‘Story Of The Week. How Old Do You Look Now?’
This one coming from Italy by a company called Brakko. Better than a long speech, and although titles are in Italian, this very good video animation clearly explains how it is conceived, installed and disassembled. Your thoughts? (I know, music sucks)
During the last 20 years, Harley-Davidson did a magnificent job at fullfilling the needs and wants of the rebel inside all of us. In the mid 80’s, with a brand symbolizing the American dream of independence and freedom, Harley-davidson was able to seduce a still young generation of “Baby Boomers” who embraced their image and bought in droves a lot of their bikes. In the 90’s, until 2006, Harley was able to constantly redefine its image to fit in the lifestyle of the aging rebels and had an easy job at adapting its models just by observing the popularity of new design trends (stretch, rake, 6-speed transmissions, wide tires, etc). imposed by a vibrant custom motorcycle industry
Dealers went from motorcycle shops to luxurious “Harley Dream Department Stores” which became one of the entertainment places for the MWTK’s (married With 2 kids) and older EN’s (Empty Nesters) to spend part of the money of their peak income years. A booming economy financed by too easy borrowing at very low rates amplified the success of many companies, and you can put Harley Davidson motorcycles in the top list of discretionary purchases that many could not really afford if not extracted through credit card charges and equity lines of credit . It was way too easy for Harley-Davidson and the custom motorcycle industry. The Milwaukee company started to lose track of who were their loyal consumers. For me, the symbol of this disconnect is when Harley-Davidson was ridiculed for having Elton John headline its massive anniversary party, not exactly the music of choice for those more inclined to wear black leather and jeans than beige Dockers and Ralph Lauren polo shirts. Continue reading ‘Are We Ready For The Inevitable Motorcycle Industry Rebound?’
Myrtle Beach Rally. The number of vendor permits was down last year from previous years, dropping from 394 in 2008 to 146 in 2009. For 2010 expectations are again much lower for permit applications and attendance is predicted to be about 50% lower. Attendance started to drop in 2009 after the first year for strict noise ordinances and a helmet law inside Myrtle Beach. Several pro-motorcycle candidates ran for mayor and City Council in Myrtle Beach with promises to overturn the rally restrictions. All but one incumbent was re-elected when voters went to the polls last November. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
These beautifully engraved wheels are one of the four new styles introduced by Ness for 2010. All new Ness wheels are supplied with hubs, sealed bearings, properly sized bearing spacer, races, seals and necessary hardware. To make the buying process even easier, Ness has included the proper hub adapter for every application with each wheel so you receive everything you need in one box. Arlen Ness.
When I received a pre-release of Let’s Ride and began to look at the main chapters, I was quite surprised to find out that the legendary founder of the Hells Angel’s Oakland Chapter took the time to write a very serious guide to motorcycling and riding safety.
I was so teased that I read his book right away, and going through pages I was quick to realize that Sonny Barger, the “baddest man on two wheels”, because of his lifetime of experience as a motorcycle rider, may be one of the most qualified persons to tell you how to ride the right way…for life. The “leader of the pack” has half of century of experience riding a million miles and you should read what he has to say from how to choose a motorcycle, to good preparation for yourself and your ride before heading to the highway, to excellent tips to develop the skills and good habits necessary for survival on the road to advanced riding techniques.
What makes this book even more interesting is that you will discover a little bit more than you know about Sonny Barger. For example his bike preferences (he doesn’t like Harleys anymore and rides a Victory), his take about motorcycle safety (since years he rides with a full face helmet although he agrees that it’s your decision and and that nobody should impose a rule) and a few other revelations that I let you discover. As a bonus, Sonny illustrates his book with some never before seen photographs from his vast archives. You can pre-order now (release is June 8, 2010) . Let’s Ride By Sonny Barger.
Is it the rarest vintage motorcycle? At least, I will say it’s the most mysterious. It’s the Traub 1917, and at this day, nobody knows exactly its origin and no documentation has ever surfaced. It was discovered in 1967 by bicycle shop owner Torillo Tacchi during the renovation of a Chicago apartment building, the motorcycle hidden behind a brick wall. Continue reading ‘Most Mysterious Vintage Motorcycle’
It’s a biker life reality. New Noise regulations in many states require lower sound levels from motorcycles. In many cities new noise ordinances are already in effect and are being enforced. Rocky Mountain Performance thinks that they have resolved (part) of the issue by allowing your aftermarket pipes to produce noise levels that will quiet down your bike at typical around-town cruising speeds to make you less of a target of your police officers. Continue reading ‘Auto Sensing Motorcycle Exhaust Baffles. What’s That?’
Motorbooks is looking for a new logo for their 30th anniversary “Wheels and Wings” Car, truck and Motorcycle Show to be held on september 11th in Wisconsin. winning design will be printed on dash plaques, and t-shirts, and in a variety of web and print ads. Design work must easily adaptable to suit these purposes. One entry per person. All entrants welcome. Logo design should be 1 color. Two-color options will be considered only if submitted along with a 1-color version. All entries must be uploaded or mailed by May 3, 2010. Submissions must be received by May 7, 2010. E-mail electronic submissions to Logo Motorbooks. Please put Wheels & Wings Logo in the subject line. Mailing Address: Wheels & Wings, Quayside Publishing Group, 400 First Avenue North, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55401. Submission guidelines at Motorbooks.
It’s one of the objectives of all motorcycle manufacturers. Removing some of the risk that comes with riding on 2 wheels. A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that motorcycles with anti locks versus without are 37 percent less likely to be in fatal crashes per 10,000 registered vehicle years. Insurance claims filed for damage to motorcycles equipped with ABS are 22 percent fewer than the same models without antilock brakes. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Antilock Brakes Significantly Reduce Crashes’
If there is somebody who has complained a lot to manufacturers about the lack of choice for sizes of white wall tires, it’s me. Coming from Vee Rubber, the giant manufacturer from Thailand, expect to see the arrival of new white wall tires in sizes we need since a too long time.
For sure, a 130/70/18, 150/60/18, 180/50/18, 120/70/21, and a 130/50/23. And because these new tires will have the load rating to handle heavy motorcycles, it means that even touring bikes will be able to roll with white stripes. Wheels manufacturer MetalSport is involved with Vee Rubber in this project, and will be the exclusive US distributor. Availability should be around August of this year.
Yesterday Monday April 5, 2010, Harley-Davidson stock (HOG) settled the day up $2.99 to $31.37, its highest level in almost 2 1/2 years. Volume was unusually high (3 times the daily average) and several Wall-Street analysts raised Harley stock target price in the $36 range. Is Harley-Davidson close to a rebound with anticipation that spring and summer selling season is going to be much better than last year? There was a very harsh winter in the US and dealers are expected to have sold between 28,000 and 30,000 bikes for the first three months of this year, most dealers selling new bikes below MSRP, for a total volume down about 30% from the same period in 2009. The company has had to adjust its cost structure so it can be profitable at a much lower sales level. Consequently some dealers seem worried about a shortage of new models and are looking for used models. For the last 52-week period HOG price is up 86.65%.
Based on a 1969 Triumph TR6R (650 cm3), I love this minimalist bike built by Jeremy Heuer, a mechanic usually working on dirt racer bikes. Another proof that Triumph is probably the easiest and most affordable platform to go from stock to a beautiful custom hardball (3″ frame extension, 2.5″ drop) using only a few fabrication mods and cosmetic tricks (advice: old Triumph values are going up and up…). Via BikeExif
The Harley-Davidson MotorClothes casting crew is looking for honest-to-goodness motorcycle enthusiasts for their upcoming photo shoot. You do not need to show up dressed like a biker…just the way you are. It ill happen Saturday April 10th from 10am to 3 pm in Los Angeles at the HD of Anaheim Fullerton. Fullerton HD, Baldwin Park and Orange County HD Irvine. Then on Sunday April 11th also from 10 am to 3 pm at Los Angeles HD in South Gate.
We all agree that all organizations fighting for biker rights are accountable to their members for the money they receive and spend. In the following open letter to ABATE Florida (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education) Rogue, a Sturgis Freedom Fighter also member of the Motorcycle Hall Of Fame and Florida resident, tries to get an official answer from this organization.
How is it possible that a private group receiving dues from its members also receive money from the taxpayer and at the same time refuse to disclose how the money was spent? ABATE stating to be a “Brotherwood Against Totalitarian Enactments”, Rogue expects a clear answer in my Blog.
It’s ok to do your oil changes in the garage, but the lady in your life hates that you mess up the garage floor. Here comes Harley saving your personal life with 2 new funnels each specifically shaped to make it easier and more convenient to service your motorcycle without dripping oil all over the place. The patent-pending design of the Primary Oil Fill Funnel ($9.95) allows the funnel to simply snap into the derby cover opening to permit hands-free filling of the primary drive cavity. The Transmission/Crankcase Fill Funnel ($4.95) is shaped to reach the fill points for each of these cavities. Its anti-burp design insures smooth oil flow. Don’t forget to wipe clean after use…Of course, only at your local Harley-Davidson dealer.
I love This beautiful chopper named “Walton”, one of the last weekend’s top 5 winners in the “Freestyle Class” Of the AMD European Championship Of Bike Building in Mainz. Continue reading ‘European Norton Chopper’
It seems that cameras could very soon roll again, this time simultaneously in 2 places, Paul Junior & Paul Senior respective shops from where they would face each other. Building bikes?
Can it be that TLC realized that the lawsuit opposing father and son could be the plot they needed to reactivate viewers interest? Anyway, since a new series would bring equal income to each of them, it would be a good way for Paul Junior & Senior to resolve amicably most of their conflicting financial issues . Continue reading ‘Paul Teutul Jr. Facing Paul Teutul Sr. In A New TV Series?’
On April 17 & 18th, it will be a west coast premiere for Indian Motorcycle Company. Its return to California with the Indian Motorcycle Los Angeles grand opening.
The new dealership is located under the same roof as California Harley-Davidson at 1521 Pacific Coast Highway in Harbor City. Using a “team built” concept (the same 2 people build the bike from scratch to finish), in 2009 Indian Motorcycles produced fewer than 500 bikes. For this year they project they project in the neighborhood of 600 motorcycles. Continue reading ‘The Return Of Indian Motorcycle Company On The West Coast’