Doc Robinson is the Associate & Technical Editor of Heavy Duty Magazine the leader Harley print publication in Australia, is a familiar face in major US rallies and one of my faithful readers. He sent me the request below. So, if anyone knows or want to jump on a bagger part business opportunity…email to me at editor@cyrilhuzeblog.com.
“Hi Cyril. Let me say again how much I enjoy your blog. I rise, brew a coffee and sit down to enjoy what is happening in the custom bike world. It must be a lot of work for you but I am sure you have many thousands of happy fans. Cyril, I am hunting around for some type of covers for Harley Tourers that allow the removal of the bags and cover up the ugly underside as does this one-off custom made one in the attached picture. It was fabricated at Klock Werks and made from aluminum, but I imagine that someone, somewhere makes something like this from fiberglass or some composite material. If no-one does, there’s a business opportunity going begging for sure! Hope you can help. Cheers”. Doc Robinson
You need good news and the introduction of the second generation Diamondback cruiser from Viper Motorcycle Company shows that a manufacturer with a conservative approach, good marketing sense and a niche market (the performance cruising market) can still be viable in the worst economic climate we have ever experienced during our lifetime. The 2010 Diamondback is a joint venture with Ilmor Engineering, the sick 152″ V-Twin requiring to be massaged by the best engine specialists in the business to become the main sales pitch for this custom cruiser. Continue reading ‘The 2010 Viper Diamondback’
But where do I hide my battery, my relays, my wiring, etc? n my saddlebag, of course. It has been done before by many builders, including this writer. Now Nash Motorcycle company offers what they call the “Juice Bag”. Not only find a place to hold all your electrical essentials (your rain gear will go on the other bag if you run duo saddlebags), but save a lot of time on the tedious process of hiding, soldering, connecting your wiring.
The “Juice Bag” includes an EtX 14 Deka Battery pumping out 200 cold cranking amps. The battery measures 5 7/8″ Long X 3 7/16″ Wide X 5 3/4″ Long. 3.5 feet of both positive and negative battery cable is included so you can cut it to whatever length is needed. A water proof key start is mounted on the outside of the bag. Continue reading ‘Nash Motorcycle Electric Juice Saddlebag’
The 2009 West Coast Choppers “No Love Party” is tomorrow Saturday November 14h at Jesse’s shop in Long Beach, CA.. And you are supposed to know your direction to go there. If you don’t know, don’t go….
Party slogan is “No thrills, no details, no kidding”. You can register at West Coast Choppers.
For all my readers in Europe but also for all of you (if you are not afraid of a sticker shock because of the non-favorable Euro/dollar exchange rate), HogTech Swedish true chopper frames are now available through Custom Chrome Europe (and direct if you are in the US). HogTech has been manufacturing Swedish Style Custom frames for Harley-Davidson engines since 1982, with landmark bikes build that were both innovative and rideable, and also show well known show bike winners. Continue reading ‘True Swedish Chopper Frame From HogTech’
A reliable source tells me that Big Dog Motorcycles had a new large layoff on Monday. As you remember the company stopped production of new bikes back in August, then started again production in October for two weeks then stopped for the undetermined future. I also learned that the company attorney has left – This coming week Harley-Davidson will begin the process of selling MV Agusta the Italian manufacturer that they bought for 70 million euros only 14 months ago. The 2 interesting parts of the story are: 1- that Claudio Castiglioni, MV Agusta former owner, wants to give his opinion on the potential buyers. And current MV Augusta Chairman supports his request. Does it mean that Castiglioni would like to buy the company with the help of new investors? I think so. 2- It seems that there is already a line-up of investors and manufacturers ready to bid to acquire the Italian manufacturer. Will Harley make a profit on the sale? I think so, too. And the dollar being lower against the euro than 1 year ago it will boost the potential profit –
Zippers Performance offers a kit to help you turn your “Sleepy” 96 Inch engine Into a 103 Incher. New cylinders are supplied on an exchange basis, are precision bored and honed on torque plates from 3-3/4″ to 3-7/8″ and fitted with forged pistons. Red Shift cams and adjustable pushrods let the engine breathe for a substantial increase in useable torque and horsepower. A complete top end and cam change gasket set included. Two versions are available. One for lighter FX-style bikes (Dynas® and Softails®), and one for heavier Touring applications. Only $1,029.95 with exchange cylinders. Expert installation of this kit is available at Zipper’s facility in Elkridge, Maryland. Transportation of your motorcycle to and from Zipper’s can be arranged if desired. Please contact Zipper’s Performance Products for details
100% of the population knows the Harley-Davidson brand, but only 3 percent of U.S. consumers own a motorcycle. So, Harley-Davidson is starting a new communication strategy using entertainment to – as Dino Bernacchi, Director of Advertising, Promotions and Entertainment for Harley-Davison states – “sensationalize the excitement and thrill of riding to the point of moving people to check the brand out”. Harley, like many other major brands, has used in the past “product placement” in movies, a technique consisting of paying a production company to use/show your products in a film. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Soon On The Big And Small Screen… And On Your Smart Phone…And In Video Games.’
Although I will never challenge the quality of BMW mechanical engineering, I never been a fan of their motorcycles. Durable, yes, but with designs that I dislike and a riding position which will never be mine (rode a police one in Germany and felt like I was sitting in a small SUV). But I like very much the sexy line of this BMW Motorrad concept six-cylinder with new Cafe Racer lines. Continue reading ‘BMW Sexy Concept Six-Cylinder Cafe Racer’
Passing by the weather channel I was thinking of all of you living upnorth already or close to be in freezing rain & snow. Because of icy winter roads many among you have to prepare your bike for a few months of storage . Time to think about conditioning and stabilizing your tank fuel. If not, don’t wonder later why your bike will crank but not start, or at best will start but will ride very roughly. Your carb will for sure have varnish build-up, reason why the fuel delivery system is not working properly. Very few bikers know that fuel stabilizers also provide lubricity and prevent ethanol fuel-accelerated corrosion problems. Personally, I am still surprised that so many that I consider experienced don’t take a simple and cheap measure to protect their rides. Cleaning a carburetor is not necessarily fun …and it’s time lost on the road. Spectro Fuel Conditioner And Stabilizer.
I am happy to announce this because Daytona was beginning to look very dull during Bike Week. The Cycle World International Motorcycle Show will be in Daytona Beach from Wednesday March 3 to Saturday March 6 during the 69th Annual Bike Week. The Cycle World Motorcycle Show Tour didn’t stop in Daytona during the last five years. The show will be setup at the Ocean Center and admission will be free to all attendees during the 4-day event. The show is looking for more custom bikes to participate. For more info, call 800-331-5706 or visit International Motorcycle Shows.
In more than 3 years it never happened. But it had to! Overwhelmed by morning traffic (US eastern standard time), our server started to smoke (just a way to talk) and went down this Wednesday at 10.30 am, explaining why you could not access your favorite Motorcycle Daily News Source.. My Blog getting too popular for its own good? Huh… Frustrating for you and me. Well, thank me, you worked a little bit more today…. Let’s pray now that it will not happen during the next 3 years. at 2.19 pm, back online for more news. (by the way, all articles written since day one are all kept online for people to find them by web searches. At this day, my Blog has 11303 pages online!).
Added at 5.00 pm. As soon as I finished the post above, the Blog went down again, then up, then down, then up at 5pm. My IT guy tells me “he got a fix”, whatever he means, Hmmm. I guess it’s an introduction to “we need urgently a bigger server”. Now you can shoot an extra amount of comments, just to test the server.
You know that winter is coming when Easyriders Events begin to flash its ads and posters announcing the new V-Twin Bike Show Tour schedule. For many custom shops and backyard builders each date is an impossible deadline that they still will meet at the last minute because these events are probably some of the most important to promote your talent and your business. As a matter of fact I don’t know if there are any household name builders who didn’t participate at least one time (me, several times) to these big custom motorcycle meetings/exhibitions/entertainment.
So, follow the deadlines you must meet to show your custom work . Pomona, CA January 9-10, Sacramento, CA January 16-17, Charlotte, NC January 23-24 (a very big one), Knoxville, TN February 6, Columbus, OH (Invitational where the top winner for the year will be crowned) February 12, 13, 14. More info/registration by calling 800-962-9857.
Buy a set of wheels for your Harley-Davidson Bagger and don’t pay for the tires or even for their mounting (100% no scratch warranty). Pro One proposes a very good deal called “Bagger Stimulus Package” where you get a complete set of their wheels with a free set of Avon Tires and 2 front rotors at the factory direct price of $1995.00. These Pro-One packages are for Harley 1990 to 2010 Street Glide, Road Glide, and Road King Baggers and are available in 4 styles; Goldfinger, Tight-18, P-51, and the all new “Twisted Sister. They are in stock and ready to ship as soon as you call your order. Continue reading ‘Pro-One Stimulus Package For Your Harley Bagger’
I can’t report on all Toys Runs going to happen all over the country during the month of December, but warm weather helping, the one held in South Florida is considered the world’s most important in in terms of participants and donations. The festivities and charitable contributions are going to last 3 days from december 3rd to 6th. Continue reading ‘World’s Largest Christmas Toys Run Is Coming’
In the never ending saga of manufacturer American IronHorse Motorcycles, a new chapter is being written. The last? The company is trying to recover some money by having its intellectual property sold as the business is liquidated through bankruptcy proceedings. American IronHorse filed a petition for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings on April 30. It had assets of $1 million and liabilities of $10 million. Continue reading ‘American IronHorse Motorcycles Trying To Sell Its Intellectual Property.’
Here a good address you may need if you work on a vintage Harley-Davidson and you are stuck with a damaged cast frame or want to turn it into something more radical. This shop offers reproduction Harley cast steel frame necks, side car loops for wishbone frames, and rear rigid frame axle plates for years 1948 to 1968. Necks can be special ordered in any rake. On special request they are also offered in stainless steel. Orders take an average of 4 to 6 weeks, but owner John Grant always keep a small quantity in stock. At the same time you visit his site don’t miss his smart “Swift Kick” motorcycle kicker and his “Big Dukes” handlebars. All made in the USA. Call John on my behalf at 360-735-0630. Hardtail Choppers.
2010 is a year of big celebrations around the world for the 40th anniversary of Custom Chrome. Expect high class events with big bucks entertainment and mega bike shows full of top bikes by the best custom builders in the world. For my European readers and builder friends, write down the dates of March27-28th, 2010 in Germany for visiting or participating to CCE Dealer Show and to the AMD European Championship Of Custom Bike Building.where more than 100 superb customs will compete for free trips to Sturgis, big special trophies and cash awards. Continue reading ‘Celebrating Custom Chrome 40th Anniversary At The 2010 European Dealer Show’
Under the influence of Roland Sands, Performance Machine founder Perry Sands’ son, the company has diversified its line its line up of parts and designs. The Performance Machine “Super Gas Air Cleaner System” is one example. It features a versatile design that accepts interchangeable faceplate designs (I counted 15) matched to the company wheels, but of course they will also complement many other designs. CNC machined from billet aluminum, it includes a universal face place design that covers K&N filter, a stainless steel wire mesh screen to allow high volume air flow, built-in crank case breathers and chrome mounting hardware. It;s a simple bolt-on part fitting a wide range of Bagger, Softail, and Dyna models. Chrome and Contrast Cut finishes. Performance Machine.
Personally I would have loved to see what a collaboration between Harley-davidson and MV Augusta would have produced. We will never know, but this just released F4 Superbike shows again and again that the Italian manufacturer is at the top of its game. Serious money issues, for sure. But I place MV Agusta well above all sport bike manufacturers for design and technology. Continue reading ‘New MV Agusta F4. Can Perfection Be Improved Upon?’
When you call a custom motorcycle Salt Flat you better off making it look like it could race in Utah. Although it was not built to beat one of the AMA or FIM records, this bike built by Leroy Thompson Choppers has already the stance and some of the basis to make it a machine able to line up on one of the Bonneville tracks in September 2010. Will builder Scott Webster prepare it to make the transition from show bike winner to land speed record holder? I don’t know, but if I was him, I would…Rigid frame got a 27-degree rake with 3″ stretch, an inverted front end from Meanstreet, and for now holds a 96″ Harley engine with turbo begging to be tweaked even more. Two 23″ Leroy Thompson wheels roll the bike and Scott will have no change to make on his Brembo brakes to decelerate this bike after the speeding mile. To follow…Leroy Thompson Choppers(pictures HRF)
Not only David Uhl is the best motorcycle inspired painter I have ever known but he must be one of the most prolific. Yes hard work is as good as talent and David has both exceptional skills and the obsessive desire to express on canvas as many motorcycles as he has ever seen in the street, in museums and in the Harley-Davidson secret photo archives. Continue reading ‘Brought Back To Life From An Archival Harley-Davidson Black & White Photo’
Like me you probably never had a thought about these tattooed ladies living in a time when it was scandalous just to show a bit of ankle. Amelia Klem Osterud is a tattooed academic librarian from Wisconsin who decided to pay homage to these courageous women with bodies covered with tattoos and traveling the USA performing nearly nude on carnival stages. Quite an intriguing book where you will discover a world that most would decide not to talk about. The book tells the amazing life of these women and contains some horrific stories of abductions and forced tattooing at the hands of savages. Today, it is estimated that about 25% of the US population wear at least one tattoo. Could it be that these women that nobody talk about have a large responsibility in this cultural movement? For sure. So, all tattooed people, male or female should know about them. Hardcover, 160 pages. The Tattooed Lady
Doc Robinson is the Associate & Technical Editor of Heavy Duty Magazine the leader Harley print publication in Australia, is a familiar face in major US rallies and one of my faithful readers. He sent me the request below. So, if anyone knows or want to jump on a bagger part business opportunity…email to me at editor@cyrilhuzeblog.com.
You need good news and the introduction of the second generation Diamondback cruiser from 
The
For all my readers in Europe but also for all of you (if you are not afraid of a sticker shock because of the non-favorable Euro/dollar exchange rate), ![fastnewscyrilhuzeblog2[1]](http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/fastnewscyrilhuzeblog21.jpg "fastnewscyrilhuzeblog2[1]")
A reliable source tells me that Big Dog Motorcycles had a new large layoff on Monday. As you remember the company stopped production of new bikes back in August, then started again production in October for two weeks then stopped for the undetermined future. I also learned that the company attorney has left – This coming week Harley-Davidson will begin the process of selling MV Agusta the Italian manufacturer that they bought for 70 million euros only 14 months ago. The 2 interesting parts of the story are: 1- that Claudio Castiglioni, MV Agusta former owner, wants to give his opinion on the potential buyers. And current MV Augusta Chairman supports his request. Does it mean that Castiglioni would like to buy the company with the help of new investors? I think so. 2- It seems that there is already a line-up of investors and manufacturers ready to bid to acquire the Italian manufacturer. Will Harley make a profit on the sale? I think so, too. And the dollar being lower against the euro than 1 year ago it will boost the potential profit –
100% of the population knows the 
Although I will never challenge the quality of BMW mechanical engineering, I never been a fan of their motorcycles. Durable, yes, but with designs that I dislike and a riding position which will never be mine (rode a police one in Germany and felt like I was sitting in a small SUV). But I like very much the sexy line of this
Passing by the weather channel I was thinking of all of you living upnorth already or close to be in freezing rain & snow. Because of icy winter roads many among you have to prepare your bike for a few months of storage . Time to think about conditioning and stabilizing your tank fuel. If not, don’t wonder later why your bike will crank but not start, or at best will start but will ride very roughly. Your carb will for sure have varnish build-up, reason why the fuel delivery system is not working properly. Very few bikers know that fuel stabilizers also provide lubricity and prevent ethanol fuel-accelerated corrosion problems. Personally, I am still surprised that so many that I consider experienced don’t take a simple and cheap measure to protect their rides. Cleaning a carburetor is not necessarily fun …and it’s time lost on the road. 
In more than 3 years it never happened. But it had to! Overwhelmed by morning traffic (US eastern standard time), our server started to smoke (just a way to talk) and went down this Wednesday at 10.30 am, explaining why you could not access your favorite Motorcycle Daily News Source.. My Blog getting too popular for its own good? Huh… Frustrating for you and me. Well, thank me, you worked a little bit more today…. Let’s pray now that it will not happen during the next 3 years. at 2.19 pm, back online for more news. (by the way, all articles written since day one are all kept online for people to find them by web searches. At this day, my Blog has 11303 pages online!).
You know that winter is coming when Easyriders Events begin to flash its ads and posters announcing the new V-Twin Bike Show Tour schedule. For many custom shops and backyard builders each date is an impossible deadline that they still will meet at the last minute because these events are probably some of the most important to promote your talent and your business. As a matter of fact I don’t know if there are any household name builders who didn’t participate at least one time (me, several times) to these big custom motorcycle meetings/exhibitions/entertainment.
Buy a set of wheels for your Harley-Davidson Bagger and don’t pay for the tires or even for their mounting (100% no scratch warranty). 
I can’t report on all Toys Runs going to happen all over the country during the month of December, but warm weather helping, the one held in South Florida is considered the world’s most important in in terms of participants and donations. The festivities and charitable contributions are going to last 3 days from december 3rd to 6th. 
In the never ending saga of manufacturer American IronHorse Motorcycles, a new chapter is being written. The last? The company is trying to recover some money by having its intellectual property sold as the business is liquidated through bankruptcy proceedings. American IronHorse filed a petition for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings on April 30. It had assets of $1 million and liabilities of $10 million. 
Based on my former post, apology to those who, last, Monday were waiting for the 
Here a good address you may need if you work on a vintage Harley-Davidson and you are stuck with a damaged cast frame or want to turn it into something more radical. This shop offers reproduction Harley cast steel frame necks, side car loops for wishbone frames, and rear rigid frame axle plates for years 1948 to 1968. Necks can be special ordered in any rake. On special request they are also offered in stainless steel. Orders take an average of 4 to 6 weeks, but owner John Grant always keep a small quantity in stock. At the same time you visit his site don’t miss his smart “Swift Kick” motorcycle kicker and his “Big Dukes” handlebars. All made in the USA. Call John on my behalf at 360-735-0630. 
2010 is a year of big celebrations around the world for the 40th anniversary of 
Under the influence of Roland Sands, 
Personally I would have loved to see what a collaboration between Harley-davidson and MV Augusta would have produced. We will never know, but this just released F4 Superbike shows again and again that the Italian manufacturer is at the top of its game. Serious money issues, for sure. But I place MV Agusta well above all sport bike manufacturers for design and technology. 
When you call a custom motorcycle Salt Flat you better off making it look like it could race in Utah. Although it was not built to beat one of the AMA or FIM records, this bike built by 
Not only 
