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An old Pilot sat down at the Starbucks and ordered a cup of coffee. As he sat sipping his coffee, a young woman sat down next to him…She turned to the pilot and asked, ‘Are you a real pilot?” He replied, “Well, I’ve spent my whole life flying biplanes, Cubs, Aeronca’s, flew in WWII in a B-29, and later in the Korean conflict, taught 50 people to fly and gave rides to hundreds, so I guess I am a pilot.” She said, “I’m a lesbian.. I spend my whole day thinking about naked women. As soon as I get up in the morning, I think about naked women. When I shower. I think about naked women. When I watch TV I think about naked women. It seems everything makes me think of naked women.” The two sat sipping in silence. A little while later, a young man sat down on the other side of the old pilot and asked: “Are you a real pilot?.” He replied, “I always thought I was, but I just found out I’m a lesbian.”
Archive Page 311
Headbanger Motorcycles Hollister Bobber
Published by March 18th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If you doubted that the new Old School Bobber interpretation was also built everywhere beyond our US borders, just look at this example built by the Italian team of Giorgio Sandi and Luciano Andreoli from Headbanger Motorcycles. Continue reading ‘Headbanger Motorcycles Hollister Bobber’
Of course I am aware of rumors of a potential leverage buyout of Harley-Davidson (HOG) reportedly by private-equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR). True or not, we will know very soon. But in any case, we can wonder about what can be the new strategy for the Milwaukee factory. Will a better economy stop the Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales decline? Maybe slow it down if many get back a job or feel confident they will keep it. But in my opinion, it’s not enough because Harley problems, although hidden, like those of many other companies, were present before the economy turned sour. I know that many of you think that the strategy of lower prices is the magic pill. Is it? Let’s look at the past. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson. Caught In A Trap?’
Jesse James Versus Sandra Bullock. No comment.
Published by March 18th, 2010 in Builders and Editorial.I have an account on Twitter where I tweet on a regular basis for my followers to know what I am doing or about some blog posts I think they should be aware of. Last Monday, I was in Los Angeles about to have lunch with Jesse James, tweeted about it, when on a short notice Jesse sent me a message canceling our meeting for unforseen personal reasons. No issue with me and we will meet later. Since then, the reason of Jesse canceling our appointment and canceling his Tweeter account have already been published online and in print by all People Magazines & Gossip Tabloids. Since my scheduled appointment with Jesse was known by many through Twitter, I received a flow of emails and calls asking me what I know and to comment in my Blog. I know nothing and if I knew I would not comment because I don’t write about gossips or private lives of people belonging to the industry. So, please don’t ask me anymore. Thank you.
Custom Motorcycles Book. Choppers Bobbers Baggers.
Published by March 18th, 2010 in Books, Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Under a very uninspiring cover layout, this book is a gorgeous and very useful 160-page display of the best custom motorcycles of these last years. Even better, the book goes beyond stacking pages of rolling art.
It is divided in sections showing you the best of frames, fenders, gas & oil tanks, front ends, seats, suspension, seats, wheels, paint etc. and all this in 4 main categories: chopper, bobber, bagger & cruiser. The idea is of course to inspire you if you intend to start a bike project or if you are stuck out of ideas in the middle of one. Continue reading ‘Custom Motorcycles Book. Choppers Bobbers Baggers.’
Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson Pompano, Florida Is Closed.
Published by March 17th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
It was well known that Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson in Pompano Beach, Florida was never profitable.
Not far from me, on Monday, the doors were locked and all the employees let go. The close-by South Florida Rossmeyer’s dealerships of Fort-Lauderdale and Sunrise are still open.
Custom Chrome Europe Dealer Show Is March 27-28th
Published by March 17th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Since 2010 is also Custom Chrome 40th Anniversary, expect special festivities and a bigger Custom Chrome Europe Show in Mainz, Germany. Both March 27th and 28th are Dealer Days for registered authorized CCE dealers. Only on Sunday the 28th, the show is open to the general public.
Major builders present at the show are Cory Ness, Cole Foster, Kirk Taylor, Jim Thiessen and Marcus Walz. The two “40th Anniversary” custom built bikes by Cole Foster and Kirk Taylor will be in exhibition, lots of new custom and tuning parts for the new generation of Harley-Davidson models will be presented on the Custom Chrome “Bolt On And Ride Bikes“, and the AMD European Championship Of Bike Building will be going on with the participation of over 100 custom bikes already registered. Information and entry information for the competition is still open at: at AMD Championship or contact Neil ‘ShowMaster’ Blaber” at neil@amdchampionship.com.
Question: I am still getting questions about multi-weight lubricants, so here’s an explanation in one short paragraph.
Answer: A multi-weight oil is an oil formulation that acts as if it has two different viscosities, depending on the temperature. At the lower test temperature 40C, it flows as the first number would indicate, and at the higher test temperature 100C, it flows as the second number would indicate. This multi-weight nature is made possible by the addition of long-chain polymers to the oil, which are coiled up when cold, but straighten out when hot, and thus change the flow characteristics of the oil. Thus a 10w50 oil will flow like a 10 weight oil when at 50C fairly thin, but will not thin out more than a 50 weight oil would when hot 100C. Provided By Spectro Oils
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Returning from the CCI Dealer Show and 40th Anniversary Celebrations in San Jose, CA, made a stop in Los Angeles. Had to switch from a Cisco Burger lunch with Jesse James to one with dear friend Brenda Fox (after a 2-year absence, she is back full time in our biz). Took me on a very short notice to visit Legendary George Barris from Barris Kustom City in North Hollywood (story in a next post) and then to Jay Leno’s Garage in Burbank (Jay not present because at show taping.) Although bitching at the slow pace of the LA freeways and at the “direction little lies” given by the car GPS lady voice, finally arrived on time at the gate protecting the 4 buildings where is housed one of the most beautiful and valuable collection of vintage cars and motorcycles. Warning, don’t even think rushing there. Leno’s Garage is not open to the public, and you must have some credentials to be admitted for a personal tour with Big Dog Garage General Manager Bernard Juchli. (Qtip, Brenda’s movie star Maltese dog, as you can see, got all the credentials…) Continue reading ‘A Visit To Jay Leno’s Garage’
Nash Motorcycle Improved Juice Bags. More Punch.
Published by March 16th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
I wrote before about these bags conceived to hold the battery of your motorcycle, starter relay & circuit breakers and all what you need to wire your bike and hide all the clutter. Nash Motorcycle release a new version of these bags (models Ol Bag, Sancho Bag, or Half & Half Bag) to turn the 2-day job of wiring a bike into a 2-hour job. Continue reading ‘Nash Motorcycle Improved Juice Bags. More Punch.’
Rockers Versus Mods In Dallas, Texas
Published by March 16th, 2010 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The 4th edition of “Rockers Versus Mods” is scheduled March 26-28th in Dallas, Texas There is enough of a rivalry between the scoots and the bikes to be fun, but there are no fights. Just taking the piss out of each other and talking a bunch of trash. Last year’s event drew 150 wild scooters, over 200 cool european cafe racer style bikes roaming together the city streets. There will be a legendary Rockers versus Mods photo opportunity/stand-off over the Trinity River. Jacqui Van Ham of The Vintage Advantage with a film crew in tow will represent Café Racer Magazine interviewing people, featuring rides for a documentary. The weekend will end up with a big party at the legendary Dallas Longhorn Ballroom. More info at Rockers Versus Mods.
Custom Motorcycle. Built It First. Have It Sketched After.
Published by March 16th, 2010 in Customs and Editorial.
As it should be Jeff Carr in PA is proud of his custom motorcycle. So, last Christmas his wife gave him a commissioned drawing of his bike by Jamie D. Boyd, an artist from Ontario, Canada. Jeff tells me that the drawing from this photo took the artist 4 months of work and re-work. Worth a blurb in my Blog. Need a drawing of your prize possession? Jamie Boyd 705-645-1661
Lorenzo Lamas Cycles Unveils The Badlander
Published by March 15th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
During Daytona Bike Week, the team of Lorenzo Cycles (Lorenzo Lamas/Eddie Trotta) unveiled a new Bagger named The Badlander. It’s the first time Eddie Trotta ventures into the custom Bagger world, and this model is the second one after the release of the Icon Chopper during Daytona Biketoberfest 2009. Continue reading ‘Lorenzo Lamas Cycles Unveils The Badlander’
Custom Chrome. Dealer Show And 40th Anniversary (Part2)
Published by March 14th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Yesterday, got a private tour of the new Custom Chrome facility in Morgan Hill, CA. As expected in the Silicon Valley, a beautiful high tech glass and steal building housing 80 collaborators belonging to the purchasing, marketing, tele-marketing (inbound and outbounds calls), international (Japan, Australia, South America), technical support and warranty & repair departments. Got a chance to put faces (and smiles) on the voices I hear on the phone while placing orders, saw how they work to get your parts delivered on time or to resolve your technical issues. I also enjoyed hearing (please don’t read this Holger & Steve) that they all daily read my Blog at work (must be during break time…huh). Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome. Dealer Show And 40th Anniversary (Part2)’
You can pre-order an Apple iPad, but you will not be able to hold it in your hands before April 3rd. Already considered a magical & revolutionary product at a unbelievable price (starting at $499), some can’t wait to touch it! So, here a good temporary business idea (until April 2nd), if you can get hold of only one iPad (bribe an Apple employee at the Cupertino headquarters?). Apple iPad.
During his first 8 months on the new job as Harley-Davidson new CEO, Keith E. Wandell’s pay package was $6.4 million. It included a base salary of $650,025 from his start day of May 1 through the end of 2009, a bonus of $780,030 and stock and option awards valued at $4.9 million. During the last quarter of 2009 has its 1st quarterly loss in 16 years with a loss of 218.7 million – A group of Harley Davidson fans based in Orlando plan to set a world record in Myrtle Beach this year. The group is called Rally for the Rugrats. According to their press release, the group plans to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by having the most Harley Davidson motorcycles in a single ride. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Toys for Tots Foundation and the Freedom Alliance Scholarship fund . The ride will take place during the Myrtle Beach Spring Harley rally and the start and end points will be announced soon. Continue reading ‘Fast Motorcycle Industry News’
Paughco Sportster Rubber Mounted Rigid Chopper Frames
Published by March 13th, 2010 in Builders, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Own an Evo Sportster and want to turn it into a rigid chopper? Paughco has 2 new options to help you make the metamorphosis. The Single Loop Rigid Bobber frame is designed for 1986-2003 Sportster engines and features a distinctive 1 1/2” single loop downtube and 1 1/8” lower frame rails. A variety of rake, leg and stretch dimensions are available starting at just $986.95. For year 2004 and later Rubber Mount engines Paughco offers a no hassle chopper chassis that accepts all of the OEM mounting hardware. Available in a number of popular rakes and stretches, this frame has a 1 ½” backbone and 1 ¼” downt ubes. Prices on the Rubber Mount Chopper Chassis start at $1,295.95 For complete details call 775-246-5738 or visit Paughco. www.paughco.com.
The performance cruiser and custom market are evolving very fast, pushing manufacturers to offer better handling, more stable & durable tires with improve aesthetics. Avon’s answer is the new Cobra line integrating a technology called “Advance Variable Density Belt” that the company is using for its sport bike tires. It gives the Cobra the nimbleness once reserved for agile race bikes. For the experts, Avon’s technology utilizes a jointless belt of ultra-strong material. Around the carcass, strands are wound closely at the tire’s centre for stability and wear resistance. On the shoulders, fibers are progressively spaced, giving a compliant contact at lean. 20 sizes available. Fit power cruisers, tourers, customs. Info at: 800-624-7470. Avon Motorcycle.
Custom Chrome. Dealer Show And 1970-2010 Anniversary. A Short Retrospective (Part 1)
Published by March 13th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
This weekend, Custom Chrome Inc. CEO Holger Mohr and Marketing Director Steve Vieltri are welcoming about 250 motorcycle dealers, VIP’s and industry friends at the historic Dolce Hayes Mansion of San Jose, CA for the return of the legendary Custom Chrome Dealer Show and to celebrate with them the company 40th Anniversary.
We are in the Silicon Valley and like most technology companies CCI had humble beginnings in 1970 in a very humble backyard garage. What were you doing at this time? Hey, most of today’s top customizers were not even born! At that time, nothing was “Silicon” in the San Jose Valley, but the San Francisco Bay Area was the epicenter of the Kustom Kulture for both cars and motorcycles. As you probably know, the largest motorcycle clubs were also born here.
CCI, led by Nace Panzica and a group of friends, did most of their business polishing and chroming parts and started selling parts mainly for Japanese bikes since during this decade most choppers were Honda based. CCI then diversified with after-market Harley parts since the Milwaukee bikes were suffering of serious quality and reliability problems. First catalog was produced in 1973 and in 1975, the company reached the milestone of 1 million dollars of sales. Expanding its line of parts, custom Chrome then offered kit bikes, and its business expanded dramatically supported by the Harley boom of the late 80’s and 90’s. The company became the 1st distributor able to serve its US customers on both coasts with one-day shipping. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome. Dealer Show And 1970-2010 Anniversary. A Short Retrospective (Part 1)’
Paul Teutul Sr Lawsuit Against Paul Teutul Jr. Judge Gives Them 60 Days To Settle Out Of Court.
Published by March 12th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Regarding the lawsuit opposing father & son, Justice Lewis Lubell gave yesterday both parties 60 days to resolve themselves all conflicting issues out of court. He asked them “if they want to continue draining money on lawyers or work out their differences like gentlemen?”
Paul Teutul Junior was fired by his father and the agreement signed at the time appears to the judge to be very ambiguous and subject to multiple interpretations (lawyers fault?). The different is about the real value of Orange County Choppers and the financial share going to each party. Continue reading ‘Paul Teutul Sr Lawsuit Against Paul Teutul Jr. Judge Gives Them 60 Days To Settle Out Of Court.’
“Hi Cyril – First, I want to thank you for helping put the word out about Ironspirit backrest plates over the past few years. Great blog! Unfortunately, with the current economic climate, we find running two businesses difficult at best.
Therefore, after 5 years, we have closed Ironspirit. To all our customers and friends in the industry, thanks for your past support. We still have some inventory and shirts available. Appreciate posting our alternate number 805.630.8793 for your other readers. Watch for Ironspirit to emerge again in a different form, like a Phoenix reborn from its ashes”. Jim & Dixie Van Landingham, Ironspirit
New Phantom Custom Wheel By Renegade Starts At Only $899.00
Published by March 11th, 2010 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
In the custom motorcycle wheel beauty contest, a new entrant is this new design by Renegade Wheels. It’s called “Phantom Racine” (don’t ask me why?), and looks very light with its 9 fluted spokes in black anodizing with machined highlights.
Don’t forget that a slender spoke pattern provides a significant weight reduction and less rotating mass. If this “Black Is Bad” finish isn’t your look, you can also order these wheels in Renegade’s mirror like chrome and a wide variety of powder coated color.
Rims are available in 16” to 26” diameters and widths from 2.15” up to a massive 14”s. And the good surprise is that pricing for the new Phantom starts at just $899.00!.Info and order at 714-998-7241. Renegade Wheels.
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New Harley-Davidson Serialized Dark Edition Ultra Classic Electra Glide
Published by March 11th, 2010 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If you are touring a lot, have more pesos than the average, can pay cash and want to ride to the dark side, Harley-Davidson has added a new CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) flavor to its Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® models line. The CVO Ultra is powered by a black and chrome Screamin’ Eagle® Twin Cam 110™ engine and a 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission, which is the largest-displacement V-Twin engine offered from the factory by Harley-Davidson. Continue reading ‘New Harley-Davidson Serialized Dark Edition Ultra Classic Electra Glide’
Custom Ape Hanger Handlebars For All Fists In The Wind
Published by March 11th, 2010 in Controls, Customs and Editorial.
They are called “Dukes” (in 1″ tube) or “Big Dukes” (in 1 1/4″ tube), have a slight forward bend for some extra chopper attitude, are available in 6″ to 16″ high, drilled or un-drilled, for mounting on risers or directly on your triple tree (those with 3.5″ center to center holes) and sold raw, chrome or black powder-coated. I know, many types of ape-hangers are available on the market, but John Grant will make them to your exact custom dimensions at no extra charge! Worth mentioning. No? Call him on my behalf at 360-750-6780 or visit Hardtail Choppers (also worth checking: the smart Swift Kick Motorcycle Kicker Arm & Pedal).
Woke up at 4 am EST to catch a plane at 6.20 am From West Palm Beach, FL to San Francisco, CA for the Custom Chrome Dealer Show and 40th Anniversary celebrations. I am certain that pretty soon we will be able to go Wi Fi while flying at an altitude of 30,000 ft. But for most of today I will be silent. Great, I am going to zzzzzzzzz… and wonder how much you miss reading me (Be nice. Please say it in “comments” while I fly.) TTYL (talk to you later)
