This morning had my breakfast watching the new documentary film of Scott Di Lalla and Zack Coffman (directors of “Choppertown”, “The Sinners” and “Brittown). If you can’t control your passion, I have a big warning for you. This motorcycle fabrication adventure will make you want to go out back, fire up your welder and start spinning wrenches. Huh, it is the objective…Order online at: The Harbortown Bobber.
Archive Page 324
The Harbortown Bobber. A Motorcycle Fabrication Adventure.
Published by December 12th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.
During motorcycle events Custom builders are, like you, strolling the vendor’s alleys hoping to discover a new part or a new talent. 3 weeks ago I was a guest at the “Art Of The Chopper” exhibition party and discovered a local painter who surprised me because his range of “know how” is wider than most painters. As fabulous some painters may be, my experience is that they usually excel at one technique much better than the others, whatever it may be, mural, graphics, pinstripping, lettering etc. Since the mot frequent question I get from non-clients is by far “can you recommend a painter?”, I will from time to time publish a short intro to a painter I know. As for today the painter is Dwane Olson, based in Ocala, FL (yes, he works for clients all over the country) is a recipient of the coveted House Of Kolor Painter Of The Year 2006, and can handle all the body work paint preparation (molding, priming) if requested. Viking Cycle Art. Tel: 352.236.0045
Breaking News. Big Dog Motorcycles Looking For Additional Capital, Merger Or Investment.
Published by December 11th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Yesterday Big Dog Motorcycles contacted me to share their intention to look for additional capital to face the current financial realities. To avoid any misinterpretation of President Sheldon Coleman’s intentions, I agreed not to release the information until an official press release would be issued. You can now read it first in my Blog.
Big Dog Motorcycles Announces Engagement Of William Blair & Company To Evaluate Merger, Sale Of, Or Additional Equity Investment In The Company.
Big Dog Motorcycles® announced today that its principal owner had hired the investment banking firm of William Blair & Company to assist in evaluating a possible merger, strategic partnership or sale of Big Dog or its assets. Big Dog and its shareholders will also consider selling additional equity to add capital, other financing options or a recapitalization of the company. Continue reading ‘Breaking News. Big Dog Motorcycles Looking For Additional Capital, Merger Or Investment.’
Custom Personalized Leather And Steel Motorcycle Bracelets
Published by December 11th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
To express your love for riding in leather and steel, another affordable unusual unisex Christmas gift idea. Moto artist Sasha Mullins (Chrome Cowgirl, Inc.), and master leather artists, Randy and Claudia Lister, have teamed up to create unisex bracelets that express your love for riding. Handcrafted using vintage letterpress equipment and handcut quality bullhide leather and solid brass eyelets and snaps. Available in your choice of brown or black leather. Choose from these words: “Ride Free,” “Freedom,” “Rollin…” , “Nomad,” “Bikerlady,” “Lone Wolf,” “Road Rat,” “Bad Girl,” “Ridelicious,” “RevZone,” “RockNRoll,” “Live to Ride,” “Biker Girl.” They will also create your custom name at no extra charge. Wear your heart on your wrist. Handmade in Nashville, TN, USA. $25 with free shipping in the United States. International shipping available, too. To order, jump HERE
Roehr American Superbike Now EPA Approved In All US States
Published by December 11th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
After getting a 49-state certification earlier this year, Roehr Motorcycles LLC got certified by the California Air Research Board for sale in California. A big achievement for the company President Walter Roehrich. “It’s been a long process but we are now finally able to deliver bikes to our California customers. I’m sure they will agree with our 49 state customers, that it was well worth the wait.” ROEHR Motorcycles is extending it’s successful $44,995, introductory special pricing program on its 1250sc model. The American Supercharged superbike is powered by a special version of the Harley Revolution engine (V-Rod) producing 180 hp. Roehr Motorcycles.
Daytona Bike Week 2010. Let’s Kick Start.
Published by December 11th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Events.
Under the correct assumption that more of you would own, ride and maintain an old or antique motorcycle if you knew how to kick start it, the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America), for the second year in a row, will host an Antique Bike Show on Wednesday of Bike Week (March 3 this year) at the Limpnickie Lot. Rally goers (men, women, teens) will not only have the opportunity to admire some old machinery but will also be offered the opportunity to learn how to kick start a 1946 Harley Knucklehead and a 1945 Indian Chief.
Matt Olsen and Rocky Halter will be on hand to guide visitors through the process of setting throttle, spark advance and choke controls before kicking the V-twin engines to life. Continue reading ‘Daytona Bike Week 2010. Let’s Kick Start.’
ACCEL New Charging System Components For Metric Motorcycles
Published by December 11th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Electrical.
Many of you are working on metric bikes. So you will be please to know that ACCEL, since 30 years one of the best companies in the motorcycle biz (already offering premium electrical components for use on American V-Twin Motorcycles), is launching more and more products to equip your foreign bike (Cruiser, Sport Bike) and off-road machines (Duirt, ATV and UTV). First in the line for 200, a series of stators and regulators and very soon SLM Fuel Injection Modules, starter motors, tools, etc. Info at ACCEL.
Devils & Angels. A Cool DVD About Our Kustom Kulture
Published by December 10th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.A gift that your partner, friend, whatever will not want to exchange. A cool DVD to demonstrate, if necessary, that the Kustom Kulture is alive and well. In it, very cool people that you should know like Japan’s masters of pinstriping Makoto, Mr. G and Grimb. A visit to the studio of the amazing Doug Dorr, a peek inside the twisted mind of Jeral Tidwell, an interview with Art Legend Damian Fulton, a lot of artists at work and play with their toys. What about a ride with the Straight Jacket Kustoms car club to the Grand National Roadster Show? then wandering through the alleys of the California Screamin’ Art & Rod Show. I was about to forget the pinups! Enrich his/her Kustom Kulture knowledge by offering this DVD. $25 At Lowbrow Customs
Special 6. A Very Special Custom Bike Blurring Past And Present.
Published by December 10th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
If you want to really appreciate a custom motorcycle, learn about its builder. To learn about the builder, just read his bio. Understanding where he or she comes from, his or her personal and professional experiences will make you look at his work from his own perspective. In a few words, Chris Fletcher of Speed Shop Design is born with the gene of speed and started his fast lane life by racing remote controlled cars, then bicycles that he built, then a Honda CB350 that he customized and logically became a Gearhead tinkering with everything that he could make go faster. Continue reading ‘Special 6. A Very Special Custom Bike Blurring Past And Present.’
Harley-Davidson Recalls 111,569 Touring Motorcycles And Trikes Years 2009-2010
Published by December 10th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Summary: Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 Touring family motorcycles, including CVO Touring and Trike Products manufactured from June 6, 2008 through November 19, 2009. The front fuel tank mounts may distort in reaction to severe frame damage from a frontal collision. This condition may cause a fuel leak at the weld of the front bracket to the tunnel. Consequences: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, which could lead to injury or death of the rider. Remedy: Dealers will install a left and right brace, which is intended to reduce front mount distortion during certain crash conditions. This repair will be performed free of charge. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 414-343-4056 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236
Realizing that very few bikers know that Harley-Davidson Dealers accept trade-ins from all brands of motorcycles, not only their used bikes, the Motor Co. is about to announce (unofficial) that from January1st through Jan. 31, 10 Harley-Davidson will add $500 to the value of any brand traded-in (if not a Harley or a Buell) when you buy a new 2008, 2009 or 2010 motorcycle. (still new 2008 bikes for sale?). Minimum accepted bike cc’s not yet determined – Brass Balls Bobbers will soon propose a new model called the “Brawler” based on an FXR type rubber mounted frame. Price should be around $22,000 and the” Brawler” will feature premium components still to be disclosed. You can see a drawing of this bike to be unveiled at the V-Twin Expo (February 6-8, 2010) by jumping HERE –
West Coast Choppers Europe In Full Gear
Published by December 10th, 2009 in Accessories, Builders, Customs, Editorial and Merchandise.
All Americans rushing to sell in Europe to take advantage of the very weak US dollar, and more and more readers of the Old Continent taking a daily subscription to my Blog. I love it! So, for all those on the other side of the big pond, you may be interested to know that there is now a West Coast Choppers Europe based in Barcelona selling online directly the full line of apparel and accessories to you Jesses James fans. The site is run and maintained by Global License and Jr Sportpromotions, who in turn are European licensees of West Coast Choppers apparel to manufacture locally its line of apparel. West Coast Choppers Europe.
Wrench Monkees Wrench A Yamaha 500 R.
Published by December 9th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
While the United Nations Climate Conference is taking place in the beautiful Danish city of Copenhagen, not too far away from the politicians and scientists arguing over the warming of our planet, there is a crew of builders calling themselves the Wrench Monkees rebuilding and customize old bikes without any concern about the green house gas emissions they could produce. And why they would be? Restoring 5 bikes a year, they can’t be responsible for anything debated on the other side of the city. Please look somewhere else… Anyway, I already introduced you to these “Wrench Monkees” but since they have a new website and new cool pictures of their work, you should also go to Copenhagen to look at their interesting work like this restored/refreshed/customized Yamaha SR 500 very representative of the European old school riding scene. Wrench Monkees Copenhagen.
Harley-Davidson Declares March 2010 Garage Party Time For Women Riders
Published by December 9th, 2009 in Builders and Editorial.
In 1990, women represented just 3% of riders, but according to recent data from the Motorcycle Industry Council, women riders now represent 12% of new motorcycle purchasers and 23% of all motorcyclists (Among the 12% of women purchasers I am convinced, and I know of several cases, that some are made by women for a man with a bad credit report). In March 2010 Harley dealerships across the US will host Garage Party events to provide a fun, social environment for women to learn about the sport of motorcycling, as well as meet other women who are interested in riding. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Declares March 2010 Garage Party Time For Women Riders’
Vanillazilla Fairings For Harley-Davidson Sportster And Dyna Models
Published by December 9th, 2009 in Accessories, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
Because of proportion, narrow Harley-Davidson models like Sportsters and Dynas equipped with 39 mm front ends can be disfigured by the installation of a traditional fairing. Who wants to look like a Giant-Bat-On-Tiny-Wheels running down the highway or worse, your city streets.
At the same time, many riders of these models would like some wind protection and some entertainment while on the road. Continue reading ‘Vanillazilla Fairings For Harley-Davidson Sportster And Dyna Models’
Coming Soon. Reading Cyril Huze Blog On Your Microwave.
Published by December 9th, 2009 in Accessories and Editorial.
Many of you told me that their morning routine includes reading my daily news while having breakfast. Thanks to all. And soon you may be able to read my Blog while you prepare your breakfast, lunch or dinner, or whenever you use your microwave.
If you don’t know, researchers all over the world are working to integrate a computer screen to all your home appliances. Continue reading ‘Coming Soon. Reading Cyril Huze Blog On Your Microwave.’
Motorcycle Wheel. Height Matters.
Published by December 8th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Wheels.
If you don’t already know, a 21″ front wheel on a bagger looks very cool. Have you tried a 26″ donut? (check clearance first).
You can even add more “dimension” to your ride with a 2D or 3D design. Metal Sport Wheels is offering all their wheel designs up to 26″ because they know pretty well that the new trend is not to go wider, but taller… Metal Sport Wheels. (bike by John Shope’s Sinister Industries)
Speed Demon 435 MPH Run On The Bonneville Salts
Published by December 8th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Videos.On September 21, 2009 on the Salts of Bonneville, Utah The Speed Demon (a 4-wheeler), driven by George Poteet and powered by a 5 liter motor, suprised spectators and officials at the Cook Land Speed Shootout with an astonishing 435 mph pass. Love the sound of this machine. Speakers up…
New and interesting.
Santa, also known as Santa Klaus or Santa Claus or Father Christmas, knows how to do a burn out!
Heard he has enough spare tires to arrive on time to your home
(picture Horst Roesler)
Complaining About Registering A Custom Motorcycle In The US? Read About Irish Nonsense
Published by December 8th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
A rant for Custom Builder Ger Conlon at C&C Choppers Ireland.
“Hi, Cyril. Just to let you know the trouble we have in registering Custom Bikes in Ireland thanks to a very incompetent government. What is needed to register a bike from outside the EU, or a newly built bike is a certificate of compliance. Basically it is a test to see if the bike meets the EU standards. The Irish government passed the new law a few years back but never set up any test centers! Hopefully next year there might be something set up. Imported Custom Bikes from America that were already registered in the country before this law was passed have already a statistic number in the Register Office. So, the likes of Big Dog, Big Bear Choppers, and Pro One bikes that are imported now can be registered. Continue reading ‘Complaining About Registering A Custom Motorcycle In The US? Read About Irish Nonsense’
Maybe An Alternative Braking Method
Published by December 8th, 2009 in Brakes, Customs and Editorial.
Getting rid of your rear brake pedal? No more lifting and extending your foot to push a pedal? Tempting. The principle of this “braking floorboard” is very easy to understand. The floorboard mechanism work by pushing down on its front part. Ok, but if I understand the ergonomic value of this system I am a little bit suspicious of what’s happening when your body shift forward for whatever reason like braking hard with your front brake, riding a pothole, etc. If somebody uses it, please feed me with your experience. Anyway, the manufacturer states that it is easy to install in 20 minutes. It can be installed on Touring Harley-Davidson models 97 and up. WhitBrake.
Ridley Will Not Manufacture 2010 Models But Launches Certified Pre-Owned Motorcycles Program
Published by December 7th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
As I reported in October in my article “Ridley Motorcycle Company At Idle Speed” The Ridley Motorcycle Company confirmed that it will not manufacture any 2010 models, and instead is launching a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program via “2 Wheel Ventures” (Jay Ridley President), the parent company of Ridley Genuine Parts. Ridley’s production is stopped waiting for the economic conditions to improve. Ridley began building motorcycles in 1999 with its most popular model family, the Auto-Glide introduced in 2003. The Ridley CPO program will start nationwide in January 2010 through several participating Ridley Dealers and Service Centers. You can get more info by going to Ridley Certified Pre-Owned Motorcycles.
Another cheap gift idea from J&P Cycles. A 2010 12-month calendar featuring beautifully reproduced antique photos of motorcycling from the early 20th century. Each month shows a selected scene of motorcycles and the people who rode them in days gone by.
The Vintage Wind Calendar is now available for $8.99 plus $3.00 shipping in the continental United States. You can order by calling 319-462-4817 or faxing at 319-462-4283, or online at J&P Cycles.
Custom Chrome® 40th Anniversary. From Custom Chopper To Custom Bagger And Everything Between.
Published by December 7th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
In 2010 Custom Chrome Inc. will celebrate its 40th Anniversary (save the date March 12 to 14 for a big celebration). Very few companies in the custom motorcycle business have the privilege to have survived 4 decades through a constant change of the US and international economy and of the taste of bikers regarding the type of bikes they want to customize and ride. (Wish Custom Chrome would send me a copy of their 1st catalog. It’s an open request…). Such a celebration deserves a very special 2010 Parts Catalog and President Holger Mohr had the good idea to commission 2 custom motorcycles, one representative of his company in its early days in the 70’s when they first started out (of course a Chopper) and one reflective of one of today’s stronger trends (a Custom Bagger), both bikes evidently using custom parts out of the Custom Chrome catalog. Continue reading ‘Custom Chrome® 40th Anniversary. From Custom Chopper To Custom Bagger And Everything Between.’
Confederate At The LA Auto Show. A New Strategy?
Published by December 6th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Since Thursday December 4th and until the 13th the major automakers are at the Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil more than 30 models making their World or North American Debuts. Are also featured alternative fuel/electric vehicles, concept models and race cars. Among all these auto manufacturers the only motorcycle presence that I know of is the Confederate Motors crew with a display of the new P120 Fighter and of the B120 Wraith. The business model of Confederate has always been to sell direct retail. But I was informed that in Los Angeles, for the 1st time, the manufacturer will propose a dealer program, and that Confederate is evaluating the same mix strategy (sales to both dealers & direct retail) to enter the European market. During the show Confederate is also introducing a very stylish line of helmets developed by French company “Ateliers Ruby” and also a new line of apparel. If you visit, send me an update. Confederate Motors.
Everywhere you look it’s a buyer’s market. And a lot of sellers are desperate to sell. And of course it’s true for “pre-loved” motorcycles traded online. With so many bikes and parts listed on so many websites ( eBay & Cycle Trader are the 2 largest), don’t expect these sites to disclose frauds commited daily. They want your business and don’t carry any responsibility or liability.
It is amazing to observe that most of these scams are repeated over and over and that traders continue to fall for them again and again. Of course there are always new fraudulent tactics to steal your dollars, but at least know the basic rules you must absolutely follow when buying or selling online a used motorcycle. Continue reading ‘Used Motorcycles Online Scams’
