Who need a reverse gear? Trikes, sidecars and surprisingly, for whatever reason, quite a few of 2-wheel riders. AIM Corp. (Advanced Innovational Machinery Corporation) the US affiliate of Tamachi Industries in Tokyo, Japan, made its reputation with great clutch systems. And I mention them because they improved and were able to lower the price of their reverse gear kit. Their system is operated by engine power with clutch gear housing and not using electrical motor. The 2-piece kit doesn’t require to remove the transmission from the frame, is available for both cable and hydraulic clutch and the shifter knob is now provided already chromed. Fits 07 to 10 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/6-speed models, (including ’06 Dyna). No exhaust pipe modification required for ’09 to ’10 Touring models stock exhaust pipes All necessary parts provided for an easy installation. AIM Mamba Reverse Gear Kit. Tel. 714-848-3030.
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Improved Mamba Reverse Gear Kit
Published by November 28th, 2009 in Customs, Driveline and Editorial.
I would not be able to stay awake blogging the latest news when you are already sleeping or still not awake if I would not use some legal help from my Nespresso Citiz machine. It just happen that like all Europeens born I have a passion for good coffee and that with the help of the right dark beans prepared correctly you can have many enjoyable breaks and work later, much later…You don’t need to spend over $1000 to get a good machine. Nor do you need to go to your local Starbucks Threebucks for multiple coffee fix. For about the price of 100 trips to the coffee shop you can get, like me, the Nespresso Citiz ($350). Intuitive and user friendly, CitiZ&milk prepares an infinite number of coffee recipes at the touch of a button. Automatic and programmable coffee quantity (Espresso and Lungo) Dedicated space for coffee preparation Integrated milk frothing device for Cappuccino and Latte. Small footprint on your counter or desk. Nespresso Citiz.
A friend of the industry was telling me that among my readers some may still don’t know the origin of the nickname HOG to describe a Harley motorcycle and much later the factory Harley Owners Group.
So, here a famous vintage picture and the abbreviated story. There was a Harley-Davidson board track racing crew. The little animal sitting on the gas tank became the racer then the team mascot…
Custom Norton Best Of Show At Britain’s NEC Show
Published by November 27th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Events.
The Birmingham UK show opened yesterday November 26th and although the annual extravaganza is smaller than usual, a lot of interesting custom bikes are present. One of the highlights of the show is a competition where 12 finalists picked from 470 entrants compete in the “Britain’s Got Biking Talent” to win the prestigious Carole Nash trophy. And this year’s winner is this stunning JPS Norton one-off rotary engine powered replica. It was built by Tony Haywood from Kent who explained that it took him 5 years to build it because he had to save money to buy each part one after each other. I would be Robin Bradley (the owner and organizer of the AMD World Championship Of Bike Building and also an Englishman), I would bring Tony and his Norton to Sturgis 2010. We all want to see it up close.
An Above Average Website To Show You Above Average Bikes Built For The Average Joe.
Published by November 27th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
Among the small custom motorcycle manufacturers, I can say that Dar Holdsworth was one of the first to understand that to survive our economic downturn the only way was to propose value bikes, meaning highest quality and coolest looking bikes possible for the money. And Dar proved with his first 3 models that it is possible to market custom bikes under $20,000 and still equipping them with reputable brand name components for engine, driveline, wheels, brakes and electrical. Continue reading ‘An Above Average Website To Show You Above Average Bikes Built For The Average Joe.’
Wisconsin To Add Harley-Davidson And Cheese Microbe As State Symbols
Published by November 27th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Big Twins and cheese may soon become official Wisconsin symbols. Bills to honor Harley-Davidson and Lactococcus lactis (the bacteria used in the making of cheese) with the state symbol designation were introduced in the Legislature last week. To take effect they must pass both the Senate and Assembly and be signed by Gov. Jim Doyle. I guess it’s an honor, and I love both cheese (of course…) and Harleys. But I smiled when I read that supporters of the bills state that such approval “will promote the dairy and motorcycle industries in lean times”. Really? How? I wish it would be so simple. But as we all know, politicians are always ready to score a few more points by showing to their electors that they support the local industries.
Confederate Motors Reports $1M Net Loss in 3rd Quarter
Published by November 26th, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
According to Securities and Exchange Commission filings, Confederate Motors Inc. posted third quarter net losses of $1 million after a drop in shipments of its handcrafted motorcycles. The Birmingham-based motorcycle manufacturer reported $333,108 in losses from operations and $757,500 in stock-based compensation for the three months ended Sept. 30. Continue reading ‘Confederate Motors Reports $1M Net Loss in 3rd Quarter’
D&D Low Cat Exhaust System For Harley-Davidson Softails
Published by November 26th, 2009 in Customs, Editorial and Exhaust.I know they perform well and sound good.
So, I offer D&D Exhaust Systems this free infomercial…
Lorenzo Lamas Opens His Custom Everything Store And You Are Invited
Published by November 25th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
You wondered, you guessed, you commented. How a celebrity with a long time addiction to motorcycles associated to a well known builder would introduce themselves to our custom culture world. Some of you knew a little bit because they got a chance to meet the team Lorenzo Lamas and Eddie Trotta during the last Sturgis and Daytona Biketoberfest. At least, you saw the very 1st limited edition model called “Icon” here in my Blog. Continue reading ‘Lorenzo Lamas Opens His Custom Everything Store And You Are Invited’
Indian Motorcycle Apparel. Free Cap. Free Shipping. Limited Time.
Published by November 25th, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Merchandise.
For all Indian motorcycle lovers the new mother factory wants you to know that they just released a new line of apparel and that from today Wednesday November 25th until Monday November 30th , you get a free cap with all orders and that if you spend more $100.00 shipping is free. At least, I told you on time. Order online using the code “Turkeyship”. Indian Motorcycle Online Store.
Big Bear Choppers “Bear Bones” New 2010 Model
Published by November 25th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
Rethinking, revising and reinventing the custom factory chopper to continue to attract enthusiasts. A big challenge to all small manufacturers who learned at their expense during these last 4 years that semi-custom production bikes in the $35,000 to $45,000 range don’t sell very well anymore. Continue reading ‘Big Bear Choppers “Bear Bones” New 2010 Model’
When I was a kid in Indiana, we thought it would be fun to get a turkey a year ahead of time and feed it and so on for the following Thanksgiving.
But by the time Thanksgiving came around, we sort of thought of the turkey as a pet, so we ate the dog.
Only kidding. It was the cat. David Letterman
State Of Arizona Seeks Motorcycle Emissions Exemption
Published by November 25th, 2009 in Editorial and Events.
The state says Phoenix is the only US major metro area where motorcycles are required to be tested for emissions. Arizona lawmakers are asking EPA (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) to exempt the Phoenix metro area from emissions testing requirements for motorcycles. The ADEQ (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) petitioned to exempt motorcycles from such testing arguing that motorcycles make up only 3.5 percent of vehicles tested in the Phoenix Valley, that emissions failure rates among motorcycles are down and that when repairs are required they do little to improve air quality. EPA would need to approve an exemption before next July for it to take effect (via Phoenix Business Journal)
The Most Beautiful Antique Motorcycles. $12.00.
Published by November 24th, 2009 in Editorial and Merchandise.
The Antique Motorcycle Club of America is the nation’s largest organization for vintage-bike enthusiasts (AMCA) is rolling out its 2010 calendar, featuring some of the world’s most beautiful, and historic, motorcycles.
The annual AMCA calendar always focuses on gorgeous machines of the past, but this year’s edition highlights a particularly choice selection of vintage iron, ranging from a restored 1919 Henderson Four to a perfectly preserved, all-original 1954 Harley-Davidson FLH. Continue reading ‘The Most Beautiful Antique Motorcycles. $12.00.’
A good address for those, like me, who obsess with the right hardware in the right material…and in the right color to complement your motorcycle paint job. Pro-Bolt, an English company, is now present in the USA with a fantastic range of bolt and fastener kits in different colors in stainless steel, aluminum and titanium. And if you are confused about hardware grades, UNC and metric, Pro-Bolt technical and sales support is able to tell you the exact specifications you need if you call with the model and year of your factory bike, American or foreign. Pro-Bolt USA.
Victory Motorcycles CORE Concept Making First Appearance Outside The USA
Published by November 24th, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
This post for my European readers and first for those living in the UK. The Victory CORE, a concept motorcycle that I featured when it was introduced to the US press, was designed and built to show what a performance cruiser of the future could look. The Core will be on display at the up & coming UK NEC Show (Nov. 27th to December 6th) and I guess it’s the beginning of a European tour to test the reaction of potential consumers. Continue reading ‘Victory Motorcycles CORE Concept Making First Appearance Outside The USA’
Who doesn’t buy holiday cards? For this coming holiday season why not to choose to order them now from the AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame. Three reasons 1- they offer a choice of 12 different very cool nostalgic motorcycle-themed ones 2- You have the possibility to personalize them with a greeting of your choice on the inside of all card designs, or upload a photo and a custom caption that can be displayed within two templates on the card cover. 3- you will participate to a fund raising program helping the AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame. Convinced? To view the card selection and to purchase a box today, Hall of Fame supporters and motorcycle enthusiasts go to Motorcycle Cards
Harley-davidson touring model riders know very well about this small but annoying problem. The constant rattle of their shifter rod. The solution offered by Softbrakes are 2 spring loaded spacers. The longer model replaces the stock rubber spacer while filling the gap left when removing the inner arm. The short spacer is also spring loaded and simply replaces the rubber bushing on touring models while retaining the inner shift arm. Springs are not visible when spacers are in place. Respectively $19 and $16. At Softbrake.
New Harley-Davidson Low Profile Razor-Pak Luggage
Published by November 23rd, 2009 in Accessories, Chassis, Customs and Editorial.
I like everything you can imagine with a low profile. So, I like this new lean profile “Razor-Pack” luggage with a slim profile that won’t detract from the look of a custom bagger. To be precise it has a 1,900-cubic-inch capacity with dimensions of 22 inches wide by 16 inches long by 5.5 inches high. Not enough volume for many, but still enough volume for a briefcase, laptop computer, a half-helmet, a change of clothes. Can be mounted to rigid or detachable Tour-Pak mounting racks, and accepts many of the lid racks, trim, spoilers and other accessories available from Harley. Fits 1997-later Touring models, and available painted in one of 30 original-equipment colors, and in primer for custom painting. $649.00 primed, $749.95 to $1,199.95 color-matched. As a complement a Razor-Pak Smooth Backrest Pad is also available for $129.95. At your Harley-Davidson Dealer.
A Thank You Letter From The Bernice MacNaughto High School Bike Klub
Published by November 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
“In this economic climate it’s hard to find help. Help from the government, help from banks, help from big industry. This is not true in the motorcycle and custom motorcycle industry. When I asked Cyril if I could write a blog entry to thank my sponsors he was naturally concerned. This blog was intended to be a valuable and news worthy place for industry people and enthusiasts to go. This was not a place to shamelessly “plug” my sponsors, this letter’s purpose is not to “plug” my sponsors, rather to give credit, where credit is due. I would like to start out by saying this, the size of a contribution or donation to an after school program like mine is not what I am thanking anybody for. Continue reading ‘A Thank You Letter From The Bernice MacNaughto High School Bike Klub’
The One Million Dollars Chicara Traveling Art
Published by November 23rd, 2009 in Builders, Customs and Editorial.
All of us make daily decisions with the choice of either a small reward in a short span of time, or a more valuable reward after a long period of time. But in our society delayed rewards are most often viewed as less than the value of immediate rewards. 7500 hours to build a custom motorcycle means religiously persevering in the face of fabrication and mechanical problems, ignoring delays, not becoming annoyed and upset. Japanese patience is legendary and custom builder Chicara Nagata, with each of his creations, demonstrates his exceptional endurance as facing the challenges of building “Traveling Art”. Former graphic designer, 46 years old, having built only 14 motorcycles in his life, Chicara creations brought him a legendary status. I don’t care if some are saying that this “mobike” built a couple of years ago is now worth 1 million dollars. All what I know is that his style is not old school, nor it is new school. Just Chicara Art. To be recognized as a true original is the greatest reward that a custom builder can ever get. Chicara Nagata.
SEMA 2009. Less Exhibitors. More Custom Motorcycles. Hooray.
Published by November 22nd, 2009 in Builders, Customs, Editorial and Events.
JoAnn Bortles is a custom motorcycle and hot rod painter. She visited and worked at the recent Las Vegas SEMA (the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world) and confirmed to me that our motorcycle industry is still increasing its representation. Below what she has to say..
“People do not normally associate the SEMA Automotive Trade Show with motorcycles. But I’ve been going to SEMA since 2004, always bringing some samples of my work to display and usually a couple of motorcycles to exhibit. In fact, in 2004 Chip Foose, who is known for his wild custom hot rods, also started to display elegant custom vtwins. For the 1st time this year SEMA set aside a section dedicated to custom motorcycles. This year, companies like Johnny Pag Motorcycles, Roland Sands, and Spyke/Compufire set up display booths. Continue reading ‘SEMA 2009. Less Exhibitors. More Custom Motorcycles. Hooray.’
Holiday Gift. Storm LED Watch.
Published by November 22nd, 2009 in Accessories, Customs and Editorial.
Christmas is in less than 5 weeks. Ready to start your holiday shopping? As I did last year, I am going to publish a few gift ideas in a wide range of price from $20 to $???. Gifts that you may like to receive or give. Let’s start with this Circuit MK2 LED watch integrated into a stainless steel brush or polished bracelet. You will get only the time and date, but do you really need a chronograph? Not too bling, very sleek and a nice conversation piece. It is created by London Storm a fashion brand renowned for its funky edginess line of watches. You can order it in the USA (and 45 other countries) via their online store. $220. Storm USA.
Erik Buell Starts His Own Racing Company
Published by November 21st, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
The news came yesterday via a press release sent by Harley-Davidson, Erik Buell, ex-Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company, is launching Erik Buell Racing, an independent motorcycle race shop. The info was released by Harley-Davidson because the Milwaukee company is going to assist Erik in establishing this new business. Erik Buell Racing will specialize in the supply of race-use-only Buell motorcycle parts and race preparation services for engines and motorcycles, and the building and sale of Buell® 1125R-based race-use-only motorcycles under license from Harley-Davidson, as well as providing technical support to racers of Buell motorcycles. You know the saying “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday”. So my question is, is it possible that if Erik Buell is successful with his racing endeavors he gets tempted later to produce and sell a limited production of street legal racing bikes? Erik Buell Racing will be based in East Troy, Wisconsin. Erik Buell Racing (Website in construction).
No kidding. It is proven over and over that fashion, music, art, trends, etc reflect the economic times we are living. Must be the reason why so many newly built bikes are black (a nightmare for magazine editors all desperately looking for bikes with some colors..).
So now everybody the biz has his Dark, Somber, Sinister or simply called Black line of parts. Chrome is so 90’s, and polished aluminum in contrast is acceptable only to emphasize how black your bike is. Here comes the “Classic Black Face” Round Digital Instrument Panel from Wire Plus Powersports Electronics. Featuring a vast array of features including speedometer, tachometer, trip odometer, all indicator light functions and new flat panel construction that measures 2.5” round with all electronics onboard. (No external brain box) The unit features super bright display technology for “true daylight” readability with a light sensor for auto-dimming at night. On all Wire Plus round digital speedos, there are various riser and T-bar mounting options available…1”, 1 ¼”, 1 ½” T-Bars and between 1” Risers. MSRP: $399.99. Wire Plus.
Harley-Davidson To Keep Its York Plant Open. But Cut Half The Jobs.
Published by November 21st, 2009 in Builders, Editorial and Events.
Harley-Davidson Inc. reached a tentative labor agreement that would keep open its York, Pennsylvania, factory while reducing the number of union workers by almost half. It’s a 7-year accord by which the assembly, metal fabrication and paint operations will be managed by an hourly workforce reduced from 1950 to 1100 employees (700 to 800 full-time and 200 to 300 used as needed). Harley said yesterday that “The proposed agreement provides a competitive wage and benefits package that is among the best in the area while at the same time meeting the company’s need for significantly greater cost competitiveness, flexibility and efficiency”
