James Parker tells you that he invented a motorcycle front suspension much better than the traditional forks. It’s called the RADD system. Below is the video demonstration at the shop and on the track…(sent to me from Canada by Arlene The Biker Queen).
Archive Page 322
A New Type Of Motorcycle Front Suspension. No Forks!
Published by December 26th, 2009 in Chassis, Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
What did you get for Christmas?
Tell other readers. They want to know.
For one, I got great clothing and good wine, and I was surrounded my all family.
Motorcycle Engines Gallery
Published by December 25th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Engines.
Here a link to a beautiful collection of “photoshopped” motorcycle engines by Gordon Calder. Jump HERE (thanks John Adams for pointing it out to me).
Rigidaire Seat Suspension System For Rigid Frame Motorcycles.
Published by December 25th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Seats.
Just to remind you that you can ride a rigid frame bike and still be comfortable for many more miles than what you thought. Yes, bumps can be very cruel to your butt, and spring seats have their limitations. So, stop the spanking now. Continue reading ‘Rigidaire Seat Suspension System For Rigid Frame Motorcycles.’
The World’s Coolest Hot Rod Stroller
Published by December 25th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
One again, another example of hot rod influence, this time for the very lucky toddlers…and fortunate parents Featuring vintage tins and fins and rolling, under parents supervision, on two rear and one front chrome wheels with white wall tires. Other hot rod inspired details are colored brakes, fin-shaped fenders, chrome grips, ultra suede seat insert for comfort, vinyl leatherette top for added durability and stainless steel hardware. Also available is a trike kit to transform the stroller into a bitchin’ trike when your kid is ready to take the wheel. The Roddler will set you back a cool $2,000. More of this type at Kid Kustoms.
Precision Engine Cylinder Work With Torque Plates
Published by December 24th, 2009 in Editorial and Engines.
Just released by George’s Garage, these new Torque Plates is a must own for every shop and serious garage builder. They are used to simulate running conditions for aluminum cylinders while checking cylinder run out, deglazing, honing and boring. Machined from 4140 heat treated steel and finished in black oxide. Sold in sets, each includes upper and lower cylinder plates, mounting plate and hardware. Available for 1999 to present Twin Cam models, 3.750” – 3.938”, and retail for $385.95. George’s Garage.
2010 Harley-Davidson Ford F-150 Truck
Published by December 24th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Each time I published about the Harley Ford F-150, some of you took a shot at it qualifying it as not biker truck, just a vehicle for yuppies who just want to show off. So, as an introduction to the description of the new 2010 model, let me say first that 1- This signature truck is built at the Dearborn, Michigan plant and that its manufacturing supports the US automobile industry. 2- This is the 14th year of collaboration between Ford and Harley-Davidson and none of them would continue releasing new series if the vehicle would not sell well. Continue reading ‘2010 Harley-Davidson Ford F-150 Truck’
This product inventor found himself in the stressful situation of having a frosty beer in his hand but having trouble locating a bottle opener. Because he must know that all bikers are beer lovers and that a lot of them own a dog, and under the assumption that it’s easier to locate your dog than a bottle opener (!?!) he integrated a retractable bottle opener into a dog collar. Your bottle opener is always a whistle away. A kind of “four legged bootle opener” for all party animals! It’s called the Bark4Beer (who is barking for beer? The dog owner?) and if you are dumb enough to order one it will cost you $15.
From Combustion Powered To Electric Motorcycles
Published by December 23rd, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
How to conciliate our love for the combustion powered motorcycle with the strong evidence that the future of motorcycling is electric? Is it possible for you to imagine an automotive world where all new vehicles are electric with the remaining gas powered ones turned into oddities authorized to ride in our streets but under stringent regulations created by new EPA rules. Something like a very limited number of miles every year, or only off-road? Continue reading ‘From Combustion Powered To Electric Motorcycles’
Is It Really The World’s First Motorcycle?
Published by December 23rd, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
In 1885 the German inventors Wilhelm Maybach and Gottlieb Daimler called it the “Reitwagen” or “Riding Car”.
So, does the machine qualify as the 1st ever motorcycle? Notice the helping small wheels. At least we know that the motorcycle was born from a motorized bicycle. The Daimler “Riding Car” is the 1st petroleum-powered vehicle in this category. Comfort was not the objective…
The Kind Of Emails A Custom Builder Receives In His E-Mailbox
Published by December 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Maybe from time to time I will publish some emails a Custom Builder and Online Publisher like me receives in his e-mailbox. I must say that they are extremely kind, some are quite funny, some are very weird, etc…A sweet one from a native of China visiting New-York. Still looking to complete my answers. Huh…Yes, because Custom Builders always answer all questions sent to them!…
On December 13, 2009, at 4:05 PM, Lloyd Hoo wrote: “Dear Cyril, Lloyd Hoo arriving in New York. i just read your writeup on the bmw r7. I have questions. What was the best motorcycle France made in the 20s and 30s? Are any designed in the art deco style? If you could, give me your top 5 motorcycles of the Art Deco era, that would be great. Also, if you are living in Shanghai today, what would the top 5 current production motorcycles you would want to own and ride there? Thanks in advance for your opinions” Lloyd.
This Motorcycle Chassis Is Not For Sale
Published by December 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Joe Cree, the boss of California Customs, is not selling this chassis. He just want you to know that what you see here is what he is using right now as a starting point for a new limited production bike series (29 units) called Maverick.
Joe tells me that in recent months he has noticed a market change, mostly due to the economic times we’re living in. That the market has shifted away from cheap, low budget Bobber style bikes, always in rigid frames, and often built with lower quality parts, and that it is time again for daily riders capable of comfortable long highway rides equipped with high quality parts and retailing below the $20,000 mark. Continue reading ‘This Motorcycle Chassis Is Not For Sale’
2009 BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials Yearbook
Published by December 22nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Last September met with Scooter Grubb on the Salts of Bonneville. Easy to notice him. He is the photographer equipped with the longest (most expensive?) camera lens to catch glimpses of all the men & women racing at the BUB Speed Trials, an event sponsored by Denis Manning of BUB Exhaust Enterprises. Continue reading ‘2009 BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials Yearbook’
Custom Chrome 40th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Bagger By Kirk Taylor
Published by December 22nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
As you already know by my post on December 7th, 2009, Kirk Taylor is with Cole Foster one of the 2 builders chosen by Custom Chrome Inc. to design and build a show-stopping custom in celebration of the distributor 40th anniversary.
Kirk’s crew at Custom Design Studios started from a Harley-Davidson Bagger, modifying the engine and of course using the wide range of CCI parts catalog to turn the bike into a full blown custom. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome 40th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Bagger By Kirk Taylor’
Harley-Davidson Offering Special Extension On Its Two-year Warranty
Published by December 22nd, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson is offering customers extended warranty coverage on new, previously untitled 2009 and 2010 model-year motorcycles purchased and delivered between November 20, 2009 and March 16, 2010 (with the exception of COV’s – Company Owned Vehicles – FLHP and FLHTP police units, and rental or leased motorcycles). Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Offering Special Extension On Its Two-year Warranty’
Durfee Wide-Classic Girder Front End
Published by December 21st, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Suspension.
Here is a variation of the Classic Durfee front end allowing the use of “wide-glide” width wheels. By shaping the 4130 chrome-molly, seamless aircraft grade tubing to add width to the Classic Girder you now have the choice to use any mid or wide-glide wheel & tire combo. Other features include Upper Triple-Trees that have countersunk, bolt holes on 3.5″ centers for a clean-hidden mount for risers and/or handlebars. A unique feature on all Durfee Girders is the ability to adjust 4 points to eliminate any bounce or pogo when riding on less than perfect pavement. Each Wide-Classic is available with upper or lower headlight mounts, along with a 3/4″ axle kit with matching nuts and stainless-steel spacers. Everything you need to pull this out of the box and mount it. Prices start at $1995.00. Shown is the chrome plated-powder coated combination finish. Durfee Girder Front Ends. 800-971-1008.
Indian Motorcycle 1953 Commercial
Published by December 21st, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Videos.1953. The same year Indian Motorcycle went out of business. Tearing up….
New Euro Standard For Guard Rails To Protect Motorcyclists.
Published by December 21st, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
Very good initiative. The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) just set a European-wide standard for roadside barriers which will take into account bikers’ safety. Crash-barrier standards have always included impact tests for autobobiles but not motorcycles. The new standard would require road barriers to protect motorcyclists, for example with an additional lower guardrail to prevent riders colliding with upright supporting posts. The standard should be established as early as summer 2010. FEMA has been campaigning for 20 years for this and is feeling very confident about a positive outcome.
Merry Christmas To All Custom Motorcycle Fans Around The World
Published by December 21st, 2009 in Editorial.
Soon 2009 will be behind us…with new hopes for our motorcycle industry in 2010. I wish you all a joyous holiday season forgetting about the bad things of this year, thinking only about the good ones, and recharging your mind with a new energy spirit. It can be done by spending quality time with your family and friends.
Although the flow of news may be a little slow during the next 2 weeks I will not abandon my keyboard, will keep in touch with all people of the custom motorcycle scene and keep reporting as usual. In 2009 traffic numbers show that this Blog is again by far the #1 source in the world for Custom Motorcycle News, and I take this opportunity to thank you again for being so supportive, reading me on a daily basis and actively participating with your comments.
Detroit Bros TV Show Motor City Motors Premiers December 28th On Discovery Channel
Published by December 20th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
A new TV show about our Kustom Kulture is something that all members of the industry will support without any reserve. So, I am excited to announce that the new TV show “Motor City Motors” featuring Detroit Brothers Dave & James Kaye, with father John will premier Monday, December 28th at 9:00pm, on the Discovery Channel. Continue reading ‘Detroit Bros TV Show Motor City Motors Premiers December 28th On Discovery Channel’
New Yukon Model From Renegade Wheels
Published by December 20th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
Another nice precision crafted custom one piece billet wheel from Renegade Wheels. It’s called the Yukon and it features a unique slotted 5-spoke spoke pattern making it very distinctive when stopped and probably quite visually impressive when spinning.
As with the company’s other wheels the “Yukon” is offered in diameters ranging from 16” to 26” and widths from 2.15” up to a massive 14”! Finishes include Chrome, Black Ebony, Black Powder Coat and a wide variety of custom colors on special request. With prices starting at $1150.00. Renegade Wheels.
How ThunderMax Works. Demonstration Setup.
Published by December 20th, 2009 in Editorial, Electrical and Engines.In this ThunderMax AutoTune video, the company demonstrates how the AutoTune works to correct a grossly mis-tuned map. Watch in real-time as the AutoTune goes to work and corrects the featured map page …
Robbie Knievel To Recreate Double-Decker Bus Jump
Published by December 19th, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
The son of stuntman Evel Knievel plans to complete a double-decker bus jump that nearly ended his father’s career. Robbie Knievel, 47, will try to jump over 16 buses at Wembley, West London, in May 2010, riding a Harley Davidson XR-750 machine. Evel Knievel did the stunt in 1975, jumping 13 buses, but fell and broke his pelvis after his motorcycle clipped the last bus. A few months later, he eventually succeeded to jump 14 buses in Ohio. Son Robbie gained fame in 1989 when he successfully jumped 150ft (45m) over the fountains of the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and hold 20 world records. Evel Knievel in November 2007 at the age of 69.
In this ThunderMax AutoTune video, the company demonstrates how the AutoTune works to correct a grossly mis-tuned map. Watch in real-time as the AutoTune goes to work and corrects the featured map page.
Most Expensive Custom Motorcycle Helmets In The world
Published by December 19th, 2009 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Do you need a limited edition helmet? Something like 1 out of 12. A head protector signed from fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, Eley kishimoto or a Sponge Bob one? Or your own one-off protector? (yes, they will measure your head). Covered with black and white tweed, red wool embroidered with pearls or totally in black mink and white rex rabbit fur. And to go with it what about a couple of matching silk scarves? They are manufactured by “Les Ateliers Ruby” in France, also providers of the signature Confederate helmets. From $1380 to whatever you are ready to pay for looking…like nobody else. Ateliers Ruby.
Legislation To Create Wisconsin Harley-Davidson Automobile License Plate
Published by December 19th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
Newly proposed legislation would create a special license plate commemorating Harley-Davidson Inc., iconic Milwaukee heavyweight motorcycle manufacturer. A bill has been proposed by State Senator Jim Sullivan (D-Wauwatosa) and state Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore), to create an automobile license plate for registered Wisconsin cars and trucks. Continue reading ‘Legislation To Create Wisconsin Harley-Davidson Automobile License Plate’
