This article written and sent by Horst Roesler from Monte-Carlo where he is enjoying a stroll along the gorgeous Monaco harbor…
You heard this slogan: “Age of the boys is determined by the size of their toys” Combining custom motorcycles with custom high-end yachts is a new concept. During the 2009 Monaco Yacht Show Turkey-based Yacht manufacturer Sunrise Yachts introduced the first-ever 45 meter ship with a rear garage housing a rescue-boat, two jet skis and a custom-build Harley-Davidson built and painted to match with the boat. Continue reading ‘Big Boys Toys In Monaco…’
I wish it would have happened while I was in Bonneville. Yesterday during a private Meet, Chris Carr aboard the Bub #7 of Denis Manning broke a new Land Speed Record. This new absolute record is pending ratification by FIM. The speed reached by Bub # 7 was as follow. Entry: 362.742 mph. Mile: 367.809. Km: 367.953 mph. Exit: 372.534 mph. Congrats Chris, Denis and all the Bub # 7 Crew.
Daytona Biketobefest 2009 edition is from October 15 to 18th. Of course, many parties will be going on, but one of the best places because of its volume and quality of entertainment will be again on Main Street at the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse housed at the Doghouse Bar and Grill and the Irongate Biker Bar located right next door. In keeping with The Doghouses’ reputation as “the place to party in Daytona,” this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse line-up will feature some of the best music, industry’s best custom bikes, builders, and special events. For music, southern rock bands Rebel Son and DB Bryant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. For entertainment Betty Bangs will bring a crew of the hottest models from South Beach and adorns them with her limited edition bikinis. On Friday and Saturday night, show up to watch the Betty Bangs bikini contest. Also on Friday night there will be a Military Tribute for active duty service members and veterans. For builders and bikes, Dave Perewitz and Eddie Trotta along with relative new-comer Lefty Brother Cycles will all have motorcycles on display during the full Biketoberfest weekend. Try to catch me there (bike by Lefty Brother Cycles).
Paughco recently added 3 new handlebar styles to give you more options matching your bike style and your preferred riding position. On top, the 1-The Mini Z is a traditional style 1” “Z” bar, but with just 1 ½” rise, 2” pullback, 10” center section with 4” drop and 29 ½” overall width. Mini-Z’s go for just $118.95. 2- The “Boardtrack” Springer Bars feature 1 ¼” diameter tubing going down to 1” at controls and grips placement. The design integrates .675” diameter hollow mounting studs that exit below the tree and allow you to route your bike’s wiring through the mounting studs. Supplied with extra large I.D. polymere bushings and washers. Available in 8” and 11” rises with 7” pullback and 31 ½” width. Retailing for $229.95. 3- The Springer Bars has just been re-introduced. These nostalgic bars are identical, in looks, to low slung handlebars found on early factory boardtrack race machines. Paughco’s version is 1” diameter with heavy and mounting applications to both Paughco and early OEM in-line springers. These bars are HOT and go for just $255.95. Call on my behalf 775-246-5738 or visit Paughco.
Gavin Walker, owner of Harley-Davidson Victoria in Australia is a faithful reader who just informed me that his son Jack, only 20 years old, in an unofficial attempt, just smashed the longest distance jump ever made on a Harley. In February 1971, Evel Knievel set a new world record by jumping 19 cars on his Harley-Davidson XR-750. He held that record for 27 years until Bubba Blackwell jumped 20 cars in 1998, also on an XR- 750. Evel’s record distance was 151 feet (46m) and Bubba managed to jump 157 feet (47.8m). Continue reading ‘Longest Jump Ever On A Harley-Davidson’
On a bike with rear suspension, you can always go lower and lower (clearance to fender permits) for a bad ass attitude. But by sacrifying shock travel you end up most of the time with a rougher ride. Shorter shocks should not be simply conceived as shortened ones but as specific shocks capable to handle both the rider and passenger weight if any, with a specific spring load and rebound for a smooth ride and correct reactions of your suspension when absorbing the bumps of the road. Licks Cycles claim that their new second generation or 2G-Shorty Shocks have unmatched handling characteristics for shocks measuring only 10″ eye to eye. They are adjustable and can be fine-tuned from stiffer to softer to match your riding preference for riders from 150 to 325 pounds. Spanner wrench included. Sold in brushed, chrome or black finish. Dealers welcome. Call on my behalf Todd at 888-522-8191 or visit Licks Cycles
Husband and wife were having dinner at a very fine restaurant when this absolutely stunning young woman comes over to their table, gives the husband a big open-mouthed kiss, says she’ll see him later and walks away. His wife glares at him and says, “Who the hell was that?” “Oh,” replies the husband, “She’s my mistress.” “Well, that’s the last straw,” says the wife. “I’ve had enough, I want a divorce.”
“I can understand that’, replies her husband, “but remember, if we get a divorce it will mean no more shopping trips to Paris, no more wintering in Barbados , no more summers in Tuscany, no more Mercedes and Porsches’s in the garage and no more yacht club. But the decision is yours.”
Just then, a mutual friend enters the restaurant with a gorgeous babe on his arm. “Who’s that woman with Jim?” asks the wife. “That’s his mistress”” says her husband.. “Ours is prettier” she replies…(sent by Alan Bernard)
For the 9th annual Las Vegas BikeFest, organizer Harry Schwartz tells me that he expects to have more than 30,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to roll into the city for the four-day rally October 1st to 4th. As always, it will be an action-packed weekend that keeps guests entertained with a variety of activities, including daily concerts and of course “Artistry in Iron” where 20 well known builders compete in an invitation-only, peer-judged competition. BikeFest will also feature the 6th annual Build-Off, sponsored by American Cycle magazine and the Classic Bike Show at the Cashman Center where the “Radical Class” winner will receive not only a trophy and a $3,000 cash prize and, but also the right to participate in next year “Artistry in Iron” competition. General admission is only $15 for the entire four-day event. Watch the 2008 edition video, then make your admission/hotel reservation at Las Vegas Bikefest
New old school style custom bikes have invaded the custom motorcycle scene, but many builders and bikers still favor low stretched-out bikes equipped with a fat rear tire. Continue reading ‘El Segundo By Three-Two Choppers’
Not much has happened during these last years in terms of light design. So, I like this new line of Martini lights, headlight, taillight/brake light/ turn signals just released by Todd’s Cycle. They are aluminum CNC machined quality lights and equipped with the the brightest LED’s available on the market (LED’s resist to vibrations, not like filament bulbs). Headlight is 5.75″ or 4.5″ (my preference) and brake/taillight is 2″ all with 3 wires for easy installation. Available in raw, chrome or black finish starting at $365.95 for headlight and $110.95 for taillight/brake light. Call on my behalf at 714-901-4516 or visit Todd’s Cycle.
For evident reason, Customs Builders usually don’t wear Harley-Davidson stuff. They promote their brand! But still, I often hear that Genuine Harley men’s and women’s wear have a good quality reputation, especially the footwear. Continue reading ‘Harley-Davidson Footwear You Can Wear’
Since the tragic disparition of Bruce Rossmeyer in a motorcycle accident last July, I was aware that the Bruce Rossmeyer’s family and other shareholders of his Harley-Davidson empire decided to put all his dealerships on the auction block (Destination Daytona and 7 other dealerships). Rumor is that a transaction would have been concluded or at least a letter of intent signed by Roger Penske or via another company to acquire all Rossmeyer’s businesses. Continue reading ‘Is Roger Penske The New Owner Of Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson Businesses?’
You are looking at “Bender”, a Russian custom bike built by Dmitry Motkov who made the trip to Sturgis to participate in the AMD world Championship Of Bike Building and by the same token demonstrating that East European countries know how to do it…the US way! Looking at the tech sheet, most parts come from US vendors, reason why Moscow shop Fine Custom Mechanics deserves a little blurb in my Blog (HRF photography).
These CNC Twin Cam Heads allow your Twin Cam® to easily break the 100 horsepower mark. Ideal for 95-103″ conversions, with the flow rate and combustion chamber machining (91cc) designed for this engine size. Zippers Performance stock these heads on an exchange basis for all year,s but of course your parts must be in nearly perfect cosmetic condition. To know more about how to unlock your Twin Cam Engine full potential, jump to Zippers Performance Products.
Only gadget or best business idea of this just past Summer? If you travel the show tour, how often are you setup outside under a tent in a rally? A lot. During a rally, how often do you need to use a laptop computer to check your inventory, your prices, do your on-site bookkeeping …and check my daily posts? All the time. How often do you compute at the office with open windows or at home on your terrace or patio? As much as you can (I live ad work in South Florida). So, a smart guy invented the mosquito repellent USB stick. At $5.69, it’s cheaper than a couple of possibly toxic chemical sprays. When plugged to your computer the powered USB stick emits a sonic repellent frequency. Plug it and Voila, gone the mosquitoes. Warning, this USB stick is so popular that there is a waiting list. Ultra Sonic USB Mosquito Repellent.
Sometimes I think that I know all vendors in the business. Until I discover a new company that I never heard of although in business longer than I have been. Kalin has made custom seats in Connecticut during the last 30 years! And when you look at their online portfolio you can even see how custom seats have evolved during 3 decades. They have done everything in leather and exotic skins, from smooth to embroidered to embossed. Starting from your seat pan, they even accept to modify your existing seat, something that few upholstery shops accept to do. Kalin Motorcycle Seats.
Pickard USA tells me that they designed the “High Rolla” wheel with the Bagger client in mind (I think they work well with other types of bikes…). Baggers being more popular than ever, the company is stocking this popular model reducing delivery time from an standard industry lead time of 4/6 weeks to only 1 week for the popular sizes 21 x 3.25″, 18 x 4.25″ and 18 x 5″.
Design is quite classy with 15 angular 3D machined spokes. In chrome or polish or black contrast on request. Call 972-231-1298 or visit Pickard USA for other models.
1937, the year Harley-davidson decided to modernize the Flathead with the adoption of the recirculating oiling system introduced on the Knucklehead the year before. Continue reading ‘Leroy-Thompson Ol’ 37 Chopper’
Fast, the picture of the most recent seat completed by Adam Croft at Last Ride Customs. Great hand-tooled job.
His work and those of other airbrush, tattoo and skateboard artists are exhibited until September 29 at Street Art Exhibition in Decatur, Illinois. Decatur Arts.
Some of the finest motorcycles available for sale from the US and imported from England, Italy and Japan. About 150 very rare bikes like Ariel, Velocette, D.O.T., Indian, and many other brands from around the world. As a seller, buyer or vintage motorcycle enthusiast, a very interesting event in Birmingham, Alabama during the 5th annual Barber Vintage Festival October 9-11th. The event is held in conjunction with an air show, racing activities and a swap meet. Auction preview day is Friday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Details at Bator Auctions. Check also the Barber Museum
Ever wondered what’s going on with Jesse James and West Coast Choppers? Hey, I know. In addition to his own TV show and many guest appearances, Jesse is multi-tasking, multi-designing, multi-welding, etc… between WCC in Long Beach, CA and Austin Speed Shop in Austin, Texas. Jesse has always had very nice looking websites, rich of content, frequently updated and reflective of his current activities and passions. Continue reading ‘What’s Going On With Jesse James?’
A husband and wife were sitting watching a TV program about psychology and explaining the phenomenon of “mixed emotions”.
The husband turned to his wife and said, “Honey, that’s a bunch of crap. I bet you can’t tell me anything that will make me happy and sad at the same time.”
She said: “Out of all your friends, you have the biggest penis… “
Harley-Davidson, Inc. has named John Olin Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Olin, 48, has served as interim CFO of Harley-Davidson, Inc. since May 1, 2009, and as Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s Vice President and Controller since joining the organization in May 2003. As CFO, Olin will report to Keith Wandell President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and have responsibility for all Harley-Davidson financial and treasury operations, as well as for investor relations and information systems.
You didn’t win it last year? Here is your new chance. Once again Brass Balls Bobbers has teamed up with IronWorks to create a very unique giveaway bike, a Model 1 Bobber. To enter, simply subscribe or renew your Iron Works subscription. That’s it! Just for $19.95! The Model 1 comes with Baker 5 speed transmission, Harley-Davidson EVO engine, D&D Exhaust with reverse megaphone pipe, S&S carburetor, Willwood brakes, Tauer Machine clutch and Warlord primary. This year, Metzeler is contributing by providing premium tires for the build. One of the benefits of these tires is that they are “no-growth” tires, meaning not expanding when hot, the advantage being to be able to run fenders closer to them without clearance issues. Brass Balls Giveaway.
As a Custom Builder I never been and can’t be a big fan of any 3rd party software programs supposed to help a retail client customize his ride. The reason being that these softwares limit the individual to very few options like paint job, wheels, bags, etc…and that they induce the idea that customization has a limited potential. Now, things are a little bit different when the “Customizer” is offered by a giant brand manufacturer like Harley-Davidson. Continue reading ‘The Genuine Harley-Davidson Motor Accessories Customizer’
Previously Editor of Hot Bike Magazine from 1996 to 2004, then Communications Manager at S&S Cycle until December 2008, he left the company not a long time after President Brett Smith departure.
Howard never expressed the reason why he abandoned his position with engine manufacturer S&S Cycle. Since 10 months Howard Kelly is the new Marketing Director of Multistack inc., an industry leader in high tech air chiller manufacturer based in Wisconsin. Nothing to do from close or far with the motorcycle industry. But he still reads my Blog…
This article written and sent by Horst Roesler from Monte-Carlo where he is enjoying a stroll along the gorgeous Monaco harbor…
Paughco
Gavin Walker, owner of 
On a bike with rear suspension, you can always go lower and lower (clearance to fender permits) for a bad ass attitude. But by sacrifying shock travel you end up most of the time with a rougher ride. Shorter shocks should not be simply conceived as shortened ones but as specific shocks capable to handle both the rider and passenger weight if any, with a specific spring load and rebound for a smooth ride and correct reactions of your suspension when absorbing the bumps of the road. 
Husband and wife were having dinner at a very fine restaurant when this absolutely stunning young woman comes over to their table, gives the husband a big open-mouthed kiss, says she’ll see him later and walks away. His wife glares at him and says, “Who the hell was that?” “Oh,” replies the husband, “She’s my mistress.” “Well, that’s the last straw,” says the wife. “I’ve had enough, I want a divorce.”
New old school style custom bikes have invaded the custom motorcycle scene, but many builders and bikers still favor low stretched-out bikes equipped with a fat rear tire. 
Not much has happened during these last years in terms of light design. So, I like this new line of Martini lights, headlight, taillight/brake light/ turn signals just released by Todd’s Cycle. They are aluminum CNC machined quality lights and equipped with the the brightest LED’s available on the market (LED’s resist to vibrations, not like filament bulbs). Headlight is 5.75″ or 4.5″ (my preference) and brake/taillight is 2″ all with 3 wires for easy installation. Available in raw, chrome or black finish starting at $365.95 for headlight and $110.95 for taillight/brake light. Call on my behalf at 714-901-4516 or visit 
For evident reason, Customs Builders usually don’t wear Harley-Davidson stuff. They promote their brand! But still, I often hear that Genuine Harley men’s and women’s wear have a good quality reputation, especially the footwear. 
Since the tragic disparition of Bruce Rossmeyer in a motorcycle accident last July, I was aware that the Bruce Rossmeyer’s family and other shareholders of his Harley-Davidson empire decided to put all his dealerships on the auction block (Destination Daytona and 7 other dealerships). Rumor is that a transaction would have been concluded or at least a letter of intent signed by Roger Penske or via another company to acquire all Rossmeyer’s businesses. 
You are looking at “Bender”, a Russian custom bike built by Dmitry Motkov who made the trip to Sturgis to participate in the AMD world Championship Of Bike Building and by the same token demonstrating that East European countries know how to do it…the US way! Looking at the tech sheet, most parts come from US vendors, reason why Moscow shop 
These CNC Twin Cam Heads allow your Twin Cam® to easily break the 100 horsepower mark. Ideal for 95-103″ conversions, with the flow rate and combustion chamber machining (91cc) designed for this engine size. Zippers Performance stock these heads on an exchange basis for all year,s but of course your parts must be in nearly perfect cosmetic condition. To know more about how to unlock your Twin Cam Engine full potential, jump to 
Only gadget or best business idea of this just past Summer? If you travel the show tour, how often are you setup outside under a tent in a rally? A lot. During a rally, how often do you need to use a laptop computer to check your inventory, your prices, do your on-site bookkeeping …and check my daily posts? All the time. How often do you compute at the office with open windows or at home on your terrace or patio? As much as you can (I live ad work in South Florida). So, a smart guy invented the mosquito repellent USB stick. At $5.69, it’s cheaper than a couple of possibly toxic chemical sprays. When plugged to your computer the powered USB stick emits a sonic repellent frequency. Plug it and Voila, gone the mosquitoes. Warning, this USB stick is so popular that there is a waiting list.
Sometimes I think that I know all vendors in the business. Until I discover a new company that I never heard of although in business longer than I have been. Kalin has made custom seats in Connecticut during the last 30 years! And when you look at their online portfolio you can even see how custom seats have evolved during 3 decades. They have done everything in leather and exotic skins, from smooth to embroidered to embossed. Starting from your seat pan, they even accept to modify your existing seat, something that few upholstery shops accept to do. 
1937, the year Harley-davidson decided to modernize the Flathead with the adoption of the recirculating oiling system introduced on the Knucklehead the year before. 
Fast, the picture of the most recent seat completed by Adam Croft at 
Some of the finest motorcycles available for sale from the US and imported from England, Italy and Japan. About 150 very rare bikes like Ariel, Velocette, D.O.T., Indian, and many other brands from around the world. As a seller, buyer or vintage motorcycle enthusiast, a very interesting event in Birmingham, Alabama during the 5th annual Barber Vintage Festival October 9-11th. The event is held in conjunction with an air show, racing activities and a swap meet. Auction preview day is Friday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Details at 
A husband and wife were sitting watching a TV program about psychology and explaining the phenomenon of “mixed emotions”.
Harley-Davidson, Inc
As a Custom Builder I never been and can’t be a big fan of any 3rd party software programs supposed to help a retail client customize his ride. The reason being that these softwares limit the individual to very few options like paint job, wheels, bags, etc…and that they induce the idea that customization has a limited potential. Now, things are a little bit different when the “
Previously Editor of Hot Bike Magazine from 1996 to 2004, then Communications Manager at S&S Cycle until December 2008, he left the company not a long time after President Brett Smith departure.