If you are a fan of Rolling Stones co-founder and guitarist Keith Richards (no, it’s not Keef Richards), you know that his skull ring has an iconic status and is a Rock and Roll powerful symbol. He wears it since he received it in 1978 as a birthday present. The original was created in their workshop by famous London Goldsmiths David Courts and Bill Hackett and until now they never reproduced it. So, forget the multiple bad copies of this ring. Soo you will be able to get the real silver one with immaculately carved bone structure, individual teeth and finely engraved cranium. Price to be announced. And if you play electric guitar, it may help improve your riffs. Courts And Hackett
Archive Page 310
A well known Austrian builder and restorer and also Triumph dealer named Jürgen Schnaller slightly modded a Thruxton model, added flat side Keihin carb, high compression pistons, ported and polished heads and completed the engine work with a Raask exhaust system. And all this for a reasonable Euros budget. Same can be done here in the US for less in dollars than a comparable stock Harley. Which bike the young crotch rocket crowd would choose? I asked around me to a few less than 30 year-old youngsters. And the answer is unanimous: if they had to ride retro…they would prefer a Triumph.
Motorcycle Windshields. Material, Shapes And Sizes.
Published by March 26th, 2010 in Accessories, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
While at the Custom Chrome Dealer Expo in California, met with an old friend of the industry (Paul Gomez), now working for National Cycle, since 1937 a worldwide leader in motorcycle windshields. Gave me the 411 on windscreen technology, and I share with you one important aspect that buyers should know. Cheap windshields use Acrylic, a material not scratch and impact resistant. Have you ever been bothered into the sun or at night looking through the glare of fine scratches? Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Windshields. Material, Shapes And Sizes.’
Arnold Schwarzenegger Still Riding A Harley
Published by March 26th, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.
It was a beautiful day last Sunday in California. So Arnold (Strong) Schwarzenegger, the 38th Governor of California went for a ride with a few buddies. Knowing that people like to mimmic celebrities, it reminded me your recent comments regretting that no celebrity (except Brad Pitt) is seen anymore riding a Harley or at least a V-twin motorcycle. Problem is that Arnie is now 62 years old, that the 1st Terminator movie was shot in 1984, and that some appearances on a baby-boomer looking Dresser is not going to rush any member of generation X & Y into buying a Harley. At least these shots of him in full safe gear will please the mother factory. So, which young celebrity seen riding a motorcycle would create a blimp in Harley sales? I hope the executives in Milwaukee are working on this subject. Any idea? (photo copyright Fame Pictures).
You asked me what’s going on with the sale of MV Agusta by Harley-Davidson? Well, only rumors that Harley is talking with 2 potential buyers. One would be BMW. The other one would be Paul Berlusconi and a group of investors. Paul is the brother of Silvio Berlusconi, the very controversial Italian Prime Minister involved in a series of corruption lawsuits, sex scandals and a high profile divorce. My opinion is that Harley should keep MV Agusta and uses the Italian manufacturer experience – design and performance skills – to improve its own lineup aimed at the young crowd – Was Harley-Davidson Museum unsafe for children? 42-year-old David Salsbury, a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Captain, was arrested by police at the museum last Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault of a child. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Salsbury was officially charged yesterday with 18 counts of sexual misconduct. Included in the 18 counts were, repeated sexual assaults of children as well as possession of child pornography – Although the overall number is down, Horry County in South Carolina where Myrtle Beach is located tops State list for fatal motorcycle crashes and injuries. Horry County has topped the list since 2005.
Added 03/25/10 at 10.07 AM EST. For those near Daytona. Just learned that “Destination Daytona” fired a mailing explaining that they have a lot of 2010 Harleys available, will give you a gift certificate of $20.00 if you show up to have your current bike appraised (of course hoping that you will sign for a brand new one.)
This post is not an encouragement to buy this very special remote control featuring 9 components, one of them being a bottle opener!.
Not that I am against having a good beer front of the TV. But don’t you think that Mc Do, KFC, etc and your current remote control did already enough damage on the waist of people around you, maybe including yours. Hope that you didn’t already teach your dog to bring your preferred beer to the couch.
So, stand up and walk to your kitchen to grab and open a cold one. And if you are lazy to the point of being tempted to order this clicker, at least I warned you of the consequence. My Clicker.
Rush New 2 Into 1 Bagger Exhaust System
Published by March 25th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.
Rush Racing Products just released an all new 2 into 1 complete exhaust system for Harley Davidson® Dressers and Road Kings. The company states that Dynamometer reports show that this system is building a significant increases in low and mid range torque and adding to top end horsepower. Continue reading ‘Rush New 2 Into 1 Bagger Exhaust System’
Harley-Davidson Renews Sponsorship For AMD World Championship Of Custom Bike Building
Published by March 24th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Because of environment and legal regulations here in the US and abroad, more custom jobs are done on a Harley-Davidson platform already registered and titled, so street legal (at least before customization). Consequently, more custom Harley-Davidson bikes compete in shows against (or with, if in different classes) with full-blown customs built from the ground up (and titled, depending of your State, something like “New Motorcycle Assembled From Parts”). Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Renews Sponsorship For AMD World Championship Of Custom Bike Building’
Lorenzo Lamas Gives Money And Offers Discounts To Our US Military Troops
Published by March 24th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Lorenzo Lamas and his company Lorenzo Cycles have partnered with Operation Homefront, a non-profit emergency assistance program for our US soldiers, to raise funds by donating $10,000 from the sale of his personal #1 Lorenzo Cycles Icon model to the organization. With this charitable association Lorenzo is also making its premium custom motorcycles more affordable to those who serve by offering a $2000 discount to any active duty or retired personnel on any purchase of one of its signature motorcycle designs (2 models, the Icon Chopper and the Badlander Dresser). Continue reading ‘Lorenzo Lamas Gives Money And Offers Discounts To Our US Military Troops’
Your Custom Motorcycle Can Be Performance Machine Bike Of The Month And Of Year 2010
Published by March 24th, 2010 in Controls, Customs, Driveline, Editorial and Wheels.
Did you trick out your custom motorcycle with Performance Machine products? Wheels, air cleaner, grips, disc brakes, mirrors, foot & hand controls? If it is, would you like to see how fellow motorcycle enthusiasts rank your build compared to your peers? Continue reading ‘Your Custom Motorcycle Can Be Performance Machine Bike Of The Month And Of Year 2010’
Vintage Air Cleaners Breathing A New Life
Published by March 24th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
When you have been working in the motorcycle business during 40 years as a painter, certified mechanic, parts designer, custom builder, Harley-Davidson dealer and more, you have seen the best and the worst of everything. So, you know what works or not. And when you look at what has worked before you can’t avoid to wonder if it can be improved. Continue reading ‘Vintage Air Cleaners Breathing A New Life’
You never know when you will need it. It fits in your pocket. You can use several times. Then throw it away without any guilt because it is made of an environmentally-friendly material and it costs only $5.90.
No, it’s not for your protection but the one of your bike. Chance of rain? You don’t carry your full bike cover with you, right? Bike Condom is a new type of cover that protects the top half of motorcycles or scooters from sun, rain, snow, dirt, dust. It’s a single size designed to fit on most bikes (of course with a different fit on bikes with windshield or fairing). Comes in a re-closeable package and is produced and sold by a serious motorcycle covers manufacturer. Bike Condom is a winner in the Kickstart New Product Contest at the 2010 Dealer Expo. There is a long waiting list to get this baby. The name must have something to do with it! Bike Condoms And Motorcycle Covers.
Leslie Poterfield Has Made It Into The Guinness World Records Book
Published by March 23rd, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Since March 12, Leslie Poterfield is now listed as the Fastest Woman in the World on a Motorcycle. She won the honor for reaching 232.522 mph during the last BUB Bonneville Salt Flats trials, riding a 2000 cc turbo-charged Suzuki Hayabusa. It takes time for the FIM (International Federation Of Motorcycling) to officialize a record, and even more so for the Guinness Book to publish. And now, Leslie has for new objective to be the fastest person in the world and is already preparing for it. She will be in May at El Mirage, California and of course on the Salts of Utah in August for a new world record tentative. I will be in Bonneville and hope to witness it. Leslie operates a motorcycle dealership in Texas called High Five Cycles where she is also a Foremost Insurance agent.
Fell in love at first glance with these souped-up rat rod bikes. Doesn’t matter if some don’t have an engine, are pedal pushed or not, I rarely have seen something looking as cool as these machines.
Although not necessarily built for speed, don’t you think they look like ready to beat a record on the Bonneville Salts? Gaskill’s Hop (not Rod) Shop isn’t really a bicycle shop. Much more. A shop dedicated to art bike projects with mods to give them the flair of vintage Rat Rods of the 50’s era. 2-wheel art at its best. Check out their other bikes at Gaskill’s Hop Shop.
A Reservoir With Split Personality. Gas And Oil.
Published by March 23rd, 2010 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Want something different and an easy way to clean the look of your bike without to worry about where to install your oil tank? This custom reservoir holds 3 quarts of oil on the left side and 2 gallons of gas on the right side.
Tunnel is 2 1/2″ high with in front a universal horseshoe mount and a straight tab at the bottom. Oil tank has 3/8″ NPT threads for oil feed, return and vent line connections. Gas tank has 1/4″ NPT petcock threads. Including with the tank are steel straps with ubber grommets, a cam lock style chrome gas cap and a chrome oil fill cap (Does not include brass fittings).
To avoid a bad surprise when you are filling up at the gas station, just remember where is your right and left… MSRP $649.00. For sale at Deville Cycles.
The Annual Daytona Biker Fusion Party held at the Dog House during Bike Week is not only an opportunity for the public to mingle with a A list of personalities of the motorcycle industry – custom builders, manufacturers, medias – but also a wonderful fundraising effort orchestrated by Carrie Repp (R&R Promotion) with the help of sponsors like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Baker, Spectro Oils, Hot Leathers, Rise Above Consulting, etc.
Bert Baker of Baker Drivetrain and custom bike builder Brian Fuller served as hosts and auctioned thousand of dollars of items to benefit the Post 911 Foundation (honoring and assisting first responders and veterans who have served our nation in the aftermath of 9/11) and Soldiers’ Angels (providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the US Armed Services). Continue reading ‘Daytona Fusion Fundraiser Party’
Toyota finally has the answer.
Brand: Toyota
Model: Cow Rolla.
Speed: Slow
Acceleration: sometimes, but not without specific verbal instruction.
A Stripped Down Harley-Davidson Deuce Reborn As Pure Evil
Published by March 22nd, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
When Harley-Davidson released the Softail Deuce model, they described it as a factory custom. Well, you are looking at a superb example of what can be done to finish the factory customization job. I always thought that the Harley CVO Division (Custom Vehicle Operation) would be more successful if it would invest in more design and in less bling, and for this purpose hire on a freelance basis a couple of custom builders for each of their limited edition projects. Maybe I will develop this thought in an another post… Anyway, this true custom Harley Deuce belongs to TJ Carlini from Carlini Design, since 1969 a leader in after-market handlebars. It was a side project that he initially started in 2004, originally modifying the gas tank and doing minor modifications with the help of of Rusty Coones and Rod at Illusion Motorsports. Continue reading ‘A Stripped Down Harley-Davidson Deuce Reborn As Pure Evil’
Harley-Davidson Celebrates Women Riders In Milwaukee May 22-23rd
Published by March 21st, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.
In terms of number of participants, this May weekend event in Milwaukee will probably be the largest women riders rally in the world. A lot of group rides, demo rides, artist exhibitions, fashion shows, live band performances are planned, but the most interesting activities may be those specifically aimed at women not yet riders.
For example the opportunity to straddle a running stationary motorcycle, shift a couple of gears, and get a small feel of what it is to handle a bike on the road. All activities are exclusively for women, but at downtown partying time this rule will not apply. Single guys may love this special weekend organized by the Milwaukee factory and will benefit when part of these women will hit the road on their own motorcycles. More info at Harley Women Riders.
A Pin Up Getting Her Skirt Caught On A Harley-Davidson Flathead
Published by March 21st, 2010 in Editorial and Painters.
David Uhl was painting “The Liberator” while in Daytona for Bike Week. This new masterpiece is David Uhl’s 5th addition to his “Vintage Pin Up” series, and for your greatest pleasure I added a close up. Continue reading ‘A Pin Up Getting Her Skirt Caught On A Harley-Davidson Flathead’
Breaking News. Harley-Davidson Withdrawing From North Myrtle Beach Rally
Published by March 20th, 2010 in Editorial and Events.
As of last week, Harley-Davidson Corporate still didn’t apply for a business license to hold its event during the North Myrtle Beach Rally. City leaders wanted people who live there to understand why there should be a bike rally in their town and issued a flier explaining what’s happening with a proposed bike event and distributed it explaining what would and would not be permitted. When Harley-Davidson got knowledge of this flyer and realizing that they were not really welcome, that the number of outside vendors would probably be low, implying weak rally attendance, the company along with the local Myrtle Beach Harley dealer decided yesterday Friday March 19 to pull out from this event. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. Harley-Davidson Withdrawing From North Myrtle Beach Rally’
If you are in the vintage brass look, don’t forget the final touch. This one can be ordered with chrome plated Swivel Stud” or “Ball” rod ends.
You can install this one without modification on all Softails from 86 to 09 and even on touring models. It’s the 1st brass linkage I see, and you can expect to see many more brass designs in the coming months. For sale at Deville Cycles.
Which part I need? Is it in stock? Does it fit my bike? How to install it? etc. Online shopping is great, but you still have plenty of questions before typing your address and entering your credit card number. Even after sales you may need technical assistance, and you want it right away. So, J&P Cycles is now offering one-on-one assistance when needed via a new Live Chat Service. Continue reading ‘J&P Cycles® New Customers Live Chat’
Royal Enfield New Retro Motorcycles For 2010
Published by March 20th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Royal Enfield, like Triumph, is doing very well in this bad economy. And the reasons are 1- a line-up of models faithful to the simplicity of classic lines of the original 1950’s motorcycles but reworked with today’s technological innovations. 2- Very competitive prices.
And 2010 may be another banner year for Royal Enfield Motors with the introduction 3 “Bullet” models all equipped with the new “Unit Construction Engine” becoming the norm in the USA. The Bullet Classic, the Bullet Electra and Bullet Electra Deluxe and a new version of the Bullet Military offer an authentic vintage appearance of the classic big single engine along with modern technology for very reliable and very low maintenance operation. Continue reading ‘Royal Enfield New Retro Motorcycles For 2010’
Dave Cook 3-Wheeler Donut Front Of The Cops
Published by March 19th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.The story: So you just built the 2009 AMD World Champion Bike and it took nearly all of your energy to get it done… what do you do? Dave Cook has had this little project hanging around the shop for nearly 2 years and he spent some time working the bugs out of it. It still doesn’t have the cosmetics on it yet, but this 3 wheeled vehicle is completely fabricated by Dave Cook of Cook Customs and his buddy Matt Drew.
It all started with a hood scavenged from Jay Allen’s property at the Broken Spoke in Sturgis SD. It was a 40’s era Packard and it was given to Dave if he promised to make something out of it. A Honda 954RR power plant, and swing arm that was Widened 7″ to accommodate the rear rim that was widened from 8″ to 13″ utilizing 2 separate rims. The rear wheel is a 295-35×17 rear wheel, Hand made spindle mount hubs with spokes to English car rims with Cook Custom perimeter brakes. The body was reverse-molded, taking pink house foam, sandwiching it, shaping it and using that to create molds for the one-off fiberglass body (thanks Colleen)
Engines are bigger and performance motors require a lot of air flow to create serious power. The purpose of a velocity stack is to increase it into the throttle body/ carb’s throat for optimized fuel delivery.
Roland Sands state that his Nostalgia Velocity Stack even smooths this air flow. CNC-Machined From Billet Aluminum with a RSD Logo Laser Engraved, and featuring a backing plate drilled for the breathers sold separately.
Provided with an included stainless steel wire mesh screen and necessary chrome hardware. Chrome or black anodized. For Big Twin Evos or Twin Cam Harley type engines with CV and S&S Carburetors. At your Drag specialties dealer. Roland Sands Design.
